[Diabetes control and visits to the family doctor during the COVID-19 pandemic: a multicenter study in primary care]. / Control de diabetes y consultas al médico de familia durante la pandemia de COVID-19: estudio multicéntrico en atención primaria.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether in patients with type 2 diabetes (DM2) the changes in their relationship with family doctors during the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person (iPC) and telematic (TC) consultations, were associated with control of their disease. DESIGN: Multicentric study of retrospective follow-up. SETTING: Seven health centers in Tenerife, Spain. PARTICIPANTS: 3543 patients with DM2. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Sex, age, iPC, TC and DM2 control using glycosylated hemoglobin (A1c) during the period 2019-2021. Logistic regression models were fitted with DM2 control as an effect, and with the other measurements as independent variables. RESULTS: 50% were women. 38% were less than 65 years old. A1c was measured in 84% of patients in 2019, 68% in 2020, and 77% in 2021. 58.4% had good control in 2019, 46.1% in 2020, and 50.3% in 2021. Median iPC were 7 in 2019, 4 in 2020 and 5 in 2021 (p<0.001). The OR(95%CI) of good control in 2019 were 1.04(1.04-1.05) per year of age and 1.03(1.01-1.04) for each iPC; In 2020 they were 1.04 (1.03-1.05) per year of age, 1.05 (1.04-1.07) for each iPC and 1.04 (1.02-1.07) for each TC; in 2021 they were 1.04 (1.04-1.05) per year of age, 1.05 (1.03-1.06) for each iPC and 1.02 (1.00-1.04) for each TC. CONCLUSIONS: The control of patients with DM2 during the period 2019-2021 had a direct relationship with the change in the frequency of consultations at the health center, with differences depending on the type of consultation and the age of the patient.

The Impact of MRSA Colonization on Healthcare-Associated Infections in Long-Term Care Facility Residents: A Whole-Genome Sequencing-Based Study.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization has been considered a risk factor for the development of infection, however, there are no studies that have compared the colonizing and infecting strains using whole-genome sequencing (WGS). The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of and risk factors for MRSA colonization among long-term care facilities (LTCF) residents of Tenerife (Spain), and to analyze the epidemiological relationship between the colonizing and infecting strains using WGS. A point-prevalence study was carried out at 14 LTCFs in Tenerife from October 2020 to May 2021. Nasal swabs were cultured for MRSA. Colonized residents were followed up for two years. A phylogenetic comparison between colonization and infection strains was performed using WGS. A total of 764 residents were included. The prevalence of colonization by MRSA was 28.1% (n = 215), of which 12 (5.6%) subsequently developed infection. A close genetic relationship between colonization and infection isolates was found in three of the four (75%) residents studied. Our study confirms that colonized residents can develop serious MRSA infections from the same nasal colonization strain. Given the high prevalence of MRSA colonization in these centers, it is necessary to implement strategies with preventive measures to avoid the development of infection and the transmission of MRSA.

[Follow-up of patients with type 2 diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic: A multicentre study in Primary Care]. / Seguimiento de los pacientes con diabetes tipo 2 durante la pandemia por COVID-19: un estudio multicéntrico en Atención Primaria.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic meant measures had to be taken that implied the neglect of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). OBJECTIVES: to explore the impact of care discontinuity on patients with T2D in Primary Care (PC) centres, who did not have a specific action protocol for them, during 2020 and 2021. DESIGN: Multicenter retrospective observational study. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with T2D in Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Sex and age, follow-up variables of atherosclerotic vascular disease detection and control programme (pEVA), compliance with the control objectives and visits to the family practitioner and community nurse were extracted from their medical records. RESULTS: 3,543 participants took part in the study, 1,772 (50%) women, 2,204 (62%) of whom were older than 65 years of age. The vast majority of registered activities and control objectives decreased in 2020, recovering in 2021 without reaching 2019 levels. In 2020, telephone consultations increased and in-person consultations decreased, a trend that remained unchanged in 2021 for telephone consultations. Women and those over 65 years of age presented higher frequentation, more activity records and achievement of control objectives in most of the parameters. CONCLUSIONS: The pandemic caused an overload in the PCs that affected the care of patients with T2D, which has not returned to pre-pandemic levels. Young men are the target for prioritization of this care. Anti-pandemic measures have led to an increase in telephone consultations, a resource that should be strengthened.

Cross-mapping medical records to NANDA-I to identify nursing diagnoses in a vulnerable population.

PURPOSE: To assess the association between vulnerable populations and nursing care needs, using NANDA-I diagnostics, in the population of the Canary Islands, Spain. METHODS: Nursing social epidemiology study. Cross Mapping of Medical Records to NANDA-I to Identify Nursing Diagnoses in a Population usinga medical, epidemiological follow-up study of a cohort of 7,190 people. The level of vulnerability of the participants was assigned, among those who were also assigned nursing diagnoses, using the "ICE index" to calculate the expected associations. FINDINGS: The most prevalent nursing diagnosis in our sample was Sedentary lifestyle (60.5%), followed by Ineffective health self-management (33.8%) and Risk-prone health behaviour (28.7%). Significant differences were found by sex, age group and social class, with the nursing diagnoses included in the study being more prevalent among the most socio-economically disadvantaged social class. CONCLUSIONS: The cross-mapping method is useful to generate diagnostic information in terms of care needs, using the NANDA-I classification. The expected associations between high social vulnerability and care needs have been verified in a comprehensive and representative sample of the Canarian population (Spain). IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: From an epidemiological perspective, identifying nursing diagnoses at the population level allows us to find the most prevalent needs in the different community groups and to focus appropriate nursing interventions for their implementation and impact assessment.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar la asociación entre las poblaciones vulnerables y las necesidades de cuidados de enfermería, utilizando la clasificación diagnóstica NANDA-I, en la población de las Islas Canarias, España. MÉTODOS: Estudio de epidemiología social enfermera. Mapeo cruzado de registros médicos con la clasificación NANDA-I para identificar los diagnósticos de enfermería en una población mediante un estudio de seguimiento médico y epidemiológico de una cohorte de 7.190 personas. Se asignó el nivel de vulnerabilidad de los participantes, entre los que también se asignaron diagnósticos de enfermería, utilizando el "índice REI" para calcular las asociaciones esperadas. RESULTADOS: El diagnóstico de enfermería más prevalente en nuestra muestra fue Estilo de vida sedentario (60,5%), seguido de Autogestión ineficaz de la salud (33,8%) y Tendencia a adoptar conductas de riesgo para la salud (28,7%). Se encontraron diferencias significativas por sexo, grupo de edad y clase social, siendo los diagnósticos de enfermería incluidos en el estudio más prevalentes entre la clase social más desfavorecida socioeconómicamente. CONCLUSIONES: El método de mapeo cruzado es útil para generar información diagnóstica en términos de necesidades de cuidados, utilizando la clasificación NANDA-I. Se han verificado las asociaciones esperadas entre alta vulnerabilidad social y necesidades de cuidados en una muestra amplia y representativa de la población canaria (España). IMPLICACIONES PARA LA PRÁCTICA ENFERMERA: Desde una perspectiva epidemiológica, la identificación de los diagnósticos de enfermería a nivel poblacional permite encontrar las necesidades más prevalentes en los diferentes grupos de la comunidad y focalizar las intervenciones enfermeras adecuadas para su implementación y evaluación de impacto.

Risk factors for colonization by carbapenemase-producing bacteria in Spanish long-term care facilities: a multicentre point-prevalence study.

BACKGROUND: The emergence of carbapenemase-producing bacteria (CPB) has become a major public health concern. Long-term care facilities (LTCF) are potential reservoirs for multidrug-resistant micro-organisms (MDRO). However, data on CPB is limited. The study aims to determine the prevalence of MDRO and risk factors for CPB colonization among residents of LTCFs. METHODS: A point-prevalence study was conducted at 14 LTCFs in Tenerife (Spain) between October 2020 and May 2021. Nasal and rectal swabs were cultured for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales, MDR Acinetobacter baumannii (MDR-Ab) and MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing and molecular detection of resistance genes were performed. Risk factors for colonization by carbapenemase-producing bacteria (CPB) were determined by univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: A total of 760 LTCF residents were recruited. The prevalence of colonization by CPB was 9.3% (n = 71) with the following distribution: 35 (49.3%) K. pneumoniae, 26 (36.6%) MDR-Ab, 17 (23.9%) E. coli, and 1 (1.4%) C. koseri. In addition, the prevalence of colonization by MRSA was 28.1% (n = 215) and only one case of VRE was isolated. Multivariate analysis identified male sex (odds ratio [OR], 1.86; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.86-3.11; P = 0.01), having a high health requirement (OR, 6.32; 95% CI, 1.91-20.92; P = 0.003) and previous hospitalization (OR, 3.60; 95% CI, 1.59-8.15 P = 0.002) as independent risk factors for CPB rectal carriage. CONCLUSIONS: LTCFs are an important reservoir for MDRO, including CPB. We have identified some predictors of colonization by CPB, which enable a more targeted management of high-risk residents. Antimicrobial stewardship programmes and infection control preventive measures are needed to stop acquisition and transmission of MDRO.

Humoral response to SARS-CoV-2 after vaccination and booster effect in patients undergoing dialysis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine and evaluate the postvaccination variation in immunoglobulin G (IgG) receptor-binding domain (RBD) produced in non-SARS-CoV-2-infected patients with nephropathy and renal replacement therapy. METHODS: This is a follow-up study of the humoral response to the BNT162b2 messenger ribonucleic acid COVID-19 vaccine in patients with nephropathy, comparing it with itself at different times and with the healthy population. RESULTS: In patients with nephropathy, a very striking decrease in IgG RBD was observed compared with the healthy population (P<0.001) at three months after the second dose. In patients with nephropathy, the response rate ≥590 binding antibody units/ml (4154 AU/ml) was detected in 45% of patients, 15 days after the second dose, whereas at 3 months, this decreased to 9% (P<0.05) and then increased to 86% after the third dose (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: In patients with nephropathy and renal replacement therapy, it is necessary to administer a third-dose vaccination within 3 months after the second dose. It is important to continue monitoring the humoral response to obtain a better SARS-CoV-2 vaccination schedule.

Decreased Consumption of Added Fructose Reduces Waist Circumference and Blood Glucose Concentration in Patients with Overweight and Obesity. The DISFRUTE Study: A Randomised Trial in Primary Care.

The relationship between fructose intake and insulin resistance remains controversial. Our purpose was to determine whether a reduction in dietary fructose is effective in decreasing insulin resistance (HOMA2-IR). This field trial was conducted on 438 adults with overweight and obese status, without diabetes. A total of 121 patients in a low fructose diet (LFD) group and 118 in a standard diet (SD) group completed the 24-week study. Both diets were prescribed with 30-40% of energy intake restriction. There were no between-group differences in HOMA2-IR. However, larger decreases were seen in the LFD group in waist circumference (-7.0 vs. -4.8 = -2.2 cms, 95% CI: -3.7, -0.7) and fasting blood glucose -0.25 vs. -0.11 = -0.14 mmol/L, 95% CI: -0.028, -0.02). The percentage of reduction in calorie intake was similar. Only were differences observed in the % energy intake for some nutrients: total fructose (-2 vs. -0.6 = -1.4, 95% CI: -2.6, -0.3), MUFA (-1.7 vs. -0.4 = -1.3, 95% CI: -2.4, -0.2), protein (5.1 vs. 3.6 = 1.4, 95% CI: 0.1, 2.7). The decrease in fructose consumption originated mainly from the reduction in added fructose (-2.8 vs. -1.9 = -0.9, 95% CI: -1.6, -0.03). These results were corroborated after multivariate adjustments. The low fructose diet did not reduce insulin resistance. However, it reduced waist circumference and fasting blood glucose concentration, which suggests a decrease in hepatic insulin resistance.

[Evolution of Smoking According to Social Class in the Adult Population of the Canary Islands During 2000-2015: Follow-up of the CDC-Canary Cohort]. / Evolución del tabaquismo según clase social en la población adulta de las Islas Canarias durante el periodo 2000-2015: seguimiento de la cohorte CDC-Canarias.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the status of tobacco consumption in the Canary Islands during 2000-2015, according to social class. LOCATION: Canary Islands. PARTICIPANTS: General population cohort, with contacts in 2000 (n=6,729), 2008 (n=6,171) and 2015 (n=4,705). MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Smoking, gender, age, and social class. RESULTS: Consumption decreased by 6% (5-7%, P<.001) in general, being more accentuated in the period 2000-2008 (5%). The decrease was greater in men, although they continued to smoke more than women, with a prevalence of 25% (24-26%) compared to 18% (17-19%, P<.001). A decrease in consumption was only observed in the younger groups (6% [3-5%], P=.011) and intermediate ages (7% [6-8%], P<.001). A similar decrease was observed in all the social classes, but there was a higher prevalence of smoking in the upper class: 24% (23-25%) in 2015 (P<.001). By jointly assessing gender, age, and social class, younger and middle age men had the greatest decreases in consumption: 8% (7-9%) low and upper classes, 10% (9-11%) middle class. In the lower social class, younger women continue to smoke more (27%) although more of them quit smoking (14%), a phenomenon that occurred in the middle class at intermediate ages. CONCLUSIONS: The evolution of tobacco consumption in the Canary Islands follows a pattern similar to that of mainland Spain. The abandonment of tobacco consumption has slowed down in the period 2008-2015, especially in men, and middle and upper social classes.

Evaluation of the risk of diabetic peripheral neuropathy: Design and validation of the NeuDiaCan nursing screening procedure. / Valoración del riesgo de neuropatía periférica diabética: diseño y validación del procedimiento para cribado enfermero NeuDiaCan.

OBJECTIVE: To design and validate a nursing screening procedure for diabetic peripheral neuropathy in primary care. METHODS: The study was carried out in three phases. 1)Construction of an item bank to form the procedure with an exit score describing the patient's clinical situation. 2)Test and reduction of the initial tentative procedure on a sample of 50 patients using community nurse consultations, eliminating the components with low inter-intra nurse reliability. 3)Validation of the version of the procedure obtained in the previous step on a sample of 106 patients. Calculation of validity and reliability by eliminating components with low criterion validity with respect to the results of the diagnostic electromyography used as a reference standard. Cut-off points were estimated for the use of the procedure as a screening tool, predictive values, performance, internal consistency and inter-nurse reliability. RESULTS: The initial tentative procedure consisted of 12 components that were reduced to 10. In the process of validation of this second version the procedure was simplified again, eventually comprising 6 components, with a cut-off point of 2.5 in its output scale, the point at which it reaches adequate values of sensitivity and negative predictors to be used as a screening instrument. For this cut-off point the inter-intra nurse reliability, criterion validity and predictive validity reached acceptable values. CONCLUSIONS: NeuDiaCan as a nursing screening procedure for diabetic peripheral neuropathy in primary care is valid, reliable and easy to use.

Validity and Reliability of the Emergency Severity Index in a Spanish Hospital.

Saturation in hospital emergency departments is one of the main safety problems for the patient, which can generate negative consequences for their health. In response to this issue, triage systems are developed to organize the flow of patients in order to allow the most urgent ones to be treated first. The Emergency Severity Index (ESI) is the most used triage system in the USA and it has been implemented in the General Hospital of La Palma since 2010. The objective of this study is the validation of the ESI adapted to our hospital through the study of its degree of reliability, as well as the criterion validity. The sample consisted of 240 randomly selected cases, with proportional representation of emergencies attended in 2015 and their fraction of urgent ones (Levels 1 and 2). Criterion validity was estimated by sensitivity, specificity, and predictive result values. For reliability, the degree of agreement among the nurses was studied by means of the adapted kappa index kc2. Criterion validity showed a sensitivity of 89% (85-93%) and a specificity of 97% (94-99%), with a positive predictive value of 68% (62-74%) and a negative predictive value of 99% (98-100%) for the discrimination of urgent cases. The reliability analysis showed a kc2 = 0.94 (0.84-0.99) index, a very good agreement according to Landis-Koch criteria. The results of our study have shown adequate validity and reliability in the adaptation and implementation of an ESI triage system suited to the specific conditions of a hospital emergency service in Spain.

Prevalence and characteristics of methicillin-resistant staphylococci in goats on the island of Tenerife, Spain.

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus (MRS) in healthy goats on the Island of Tenerife, Spain, as well as to identify the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of the strains found. A cross-sectional prevalence study was conducted. A total of 158 goats from 15 different farms were sampled between September 2017 and January 2018. The percentage of positive samples of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was 15.8% (25/158) and that of methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci (MRCoNS) was 6.9% (11/158). All MRSA isolates from goats belonged to one clonal group showing Multi-Locus Sequence type 398. All strains studied (n = 36) were resistant to non-carbapenem beta-lactam antibiotics and susceptible to teicoplanin, linezolid, vancomycin, rifampicin, quinupristin-dalfospristin and mupirocine. In MRSA isolates, the highest percentage of resistance obtained, besides beta-lactam non-carbapenem antibiotics, was to trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole and, in the case of MRCoNS isolates, to phosphomycin and erythromycin. A total of 12 resistance patterns were obtained, presenting differences between patterns obtained for MRSA and MRCoNS, with 7 different patterns for MRSA and 5 for MRCoNS. We therefore consider it essential to expand the epidemiological study of these strains of animal origin, as well as to increase surveillance and control measures at all stages of the food chain.

Functional physiotherapy method results for the treatment of idiopathic clubfoot.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic clubfoot is a congenital deformity of multifactorial etiology. The initial treatment is eminently conservative; one of the methods applied is the Functional physiotherapy method (FPM), which includes different approaches: Robert Debré (RD) and Saint-Vincent-de-Paul (SVP) among them. This method is based on manipulations of the foot, bandages, splints and exercises adapted to the motor development of the child aimed to achieve a plantigrade and functional foot. Our hypothesis was that the SVP method could be more efficient than the RD method in correcting deformities, and would decrease the rate of surgeries. AIM: To compare the RD and SVP methods, specifically regarding the improvement accomplished and the frequency of surgery needed to achieve a plantigrade foot. METHODS: Retrospective study of 71 idiopathic clubfeet of 46 children born between February 2004 and January 2012, who were evaluated and classified in our hospital according to severity by the Dimeglio-Bensahel scale. We included moderate, severe and very severe feet. Thirty-four feet were treated with the RD method and 37 feet with the SVP method. The outcomes at a minimum of two years were considered as very good (by physiotherapy), good (by percutaneous heel-cord tenotomy), fair (by limited surgery), and poor (by complete surgery). RESULTS: Complete release was not required in any case; limited posterior release was done in 23 cases (74%) with the RD method and 9 (25%) with the SVP method (P < 0.001). The percutaneous heel-cord tenotomy was done in 2 feet treated with the RD method (7%) and 6 feet (17%) treated with the SVP method (P < 0.001). Six feet in the RD group (19%) and twenty-one feet (58%) in the SVP group did not require any surgery (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our study provides evidence of the superiority of the SVP method over the RD method, as a variation of the FPM, for the treatment of idiopathic clubfoot.

Impact of the Case Management Model through Community Liaison Nurses.

The objective of the present study is to assess the model's impact on patients and their families in terms of outcomes and the efficiency results for the health system in Tenerife, Canary Islands, selecting a period of eight years from the time interval 2002-2018. The employed indicators were collected on a monthly basis. They referred to home care and its impact on clinical outcomes and on the use of resources. The comparison between the indicators' tendencies with and without the liaison nurse model was done with the F-test by Snedecor. All these tests are bilateral, with a level of significance of p < 0.05. In those areas with community liaison nurse (CLN), improvements have been found in indicators that describe: (1) the management of the clinical status of patients, (2) the efficiency of the use of resources, and (3) the quality and compliance with the process that also includes home visits and social risk detection and management. It can be said that in the basic areas of primary health care where the work of the CLN develops there are improvements in the management of the patients' clinical condition as well as in the quality and efficiency of care.

Effect of conscious sedation with midazolam and fentanyl on the overall quality of colonoscopy: a prospective and randomized study.

INTRODUCTION: a prospective, randomized study was performed to assess the influence of conscious sedation on the overall quality of colonoscopy, simultaneously quantifying its effect on the scientific quality, perceived quality and patient safety. METHODS: patients referred for a colonoscopy were included in the study and were randomized to receive or not receive sedation. Demographic data, indication for colonoscopy, cecal intubation, introduction and withdrawal time, resected adenomas and complications during the exploration were collected. Thirty days later, a satisfaction questionnaire was performed (GHAA 9-me) and patients were asked about complications after the examination. RESULTS: a total of 5,328 patients were included, the average age was 62 ± 15.22 years, 47% were male, 3,734 were sedated and 1,594 were not sedated. The sedated patients had a shorter endoscope insertion time (7'20 ± 2'15 min vs 6'15 ± 3'12 min, p < 0.019), a higher rate of cecal intubations (96% vs 88%, p < 0.05), longer withdrawal time (7'20 ± 2'15 min vs 6'15 ± 3'12 min, p < 0.01) and higher adenoma detection rates (22% vs 17%, p < 0.05). The use of sedation reduced discomfort during and after the exploration, without increasing the complications. The satisfaction questionnaire score was higher (23.6 ± 1.5 vs 16.6 ± 4.8, p < 0.001) in the sedated patients. CONCLUSIONS: superficial sedation not only reduces patient discomfort but also improves the overall quality of the colonoscopy. Therefore, we must consider the use of sedation as an essential part of colonoscopy.

Increased Antimicrobial Resistance of MRSA Strains Isolated from Pigs in Spain between 2009 and 2018.

The problem of emerging resistant microorganisms such as Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) associated to livestock is closely linked to improper use of antimicrobial agents. The aim of this study is to find out the prevalence and characteristics of these strains, as well as their evolution in healthy pigs on the Island of Tenerife, Spain. Between October 2009 and December 2010, 300 pigs from 15 wean-to-finishing farms were screened. Between 1 September 2017 and 31 March 2018, a new sampling was performed collecting 125 nasal swabs from pigs belonging to the same farms and under the same conditions as the previous study. MRSA antibiotic resistant patterns were studied. Results: Prevalence of MRSA isolates was 89.6%. All isolates belonged to Sequence Type 398 (ST398), a livestock related strain. All strains studied were resistant to beta-lactamic non-carbapenemic antibiotics and sensitive to teicoplanin, linezolid, vancomycin, rifampicin, quinupristin-dalfospristin, and mupirocine. Between 2009/2010-2017/2018 a significant increase in resistance to gentamicin, tobramycin, trimethoprim-sulfomethoxazole, clindamycin, Fosfomycin, and tigecycline antibiotics was observed in isolated MRSA strains compared to the previous period. We consider a major control and surveillance program of antibiotic use in veterinary care is needed in order to reduce the presence of MRSA strains in livestock and control this significant multi-resistance increase.

[Prevalence and profile of the frail population in La Palma, Canary Islands]. / Prevalencia y perfil de la persona frágil en la isla de La Palma.

INTRODUCTION: Population ageing requires that health and social systems focus their attention on identifying frailty in the elderly. In the Canary Islands, there are no studies to determine the prevalence of frailty among its population. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence and profile of frailty in the island of La Palma, Canary Islands, Spain. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the prevalence and the profile of frailty. The sample were residents over 70 years old, valued by the Fried criteria, and taking into account other related factors. The prevalence is offered with a confidence interval of 95% and is compared with that of other Spanish populations. To determine the profile, a simple comparison of variables was made, followed by using them in logistic regression models. All the tests were bilateral at a P≤0.05 level. RESULTS: The prevalence of frailty in people over 70 years was estimated at 20% (17-23%). This prevalence shows differences with those of other Spanish populations. The factors that showed a relationship with frailty were, being female, widowed, living alone, low physical activity, cognitive impairment, depression, polymedication, and adverse clinical history. Multivariate analysis identifies factors associated with the frailty variables related to marital status, co-existence, polypharmacy, depressive states, and lack of physical exercise. CONCLUSIONS: The elderly population of La Palma have greater frailty compared to that described in other regions of Spain, with their profile being that of a widowed person, with depression, polymedicated, living alone, and not exercising.

Clinical-economic impact of the change of protocol for use of basiliximab in liver transplant.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of the clinical and economic impact after the protocol  change of basiliximab use in orthohepatic transplant. METHOD: Retrospective study in which all liver transplant patients were included  during the years 2013, 2014 and until February 15, 2015. The study was divided into two stages according to the protocol used: 1) administration of basiliximab  only if factors of previous risk, and 2) administration of the first dose of  basiliximab to all transplant patients and the second dose if it had risk factors. RESULTS: 83 patients were included, 34 according to protocol 1 and 49 according  to protocol 2. No significant differences were found in the clinical  variables evaluated or in the variables related to health outcomes. Considering  that the percentage of patients without risk factors who received basiliximab was 43% and without differences in the stays, we could estimate an additional cost  for the universal use of basiliximab in orthohepatic transplant of € 21,400.00. CONCLUSIONS: In our population, the protocol change making universal the first  dose of basiliximab has not shown the expected benefits, but an increase in  costs, so the suitability of the new protocol in consensus with the medical team  must be reconsidered. The evidence regarding the use of basiliximab in  orthohepatic transplant remains limited and although its benefit seems clear in  patients with risk factors, especially renal failure, recommendations about its use universally remains controversial.

Objetivo: Evaluación del impacto clínico y económico tras el cambio de protocolo de uso de basiliximab en el trasplante ortohepático. Método: Estudio retrospectivo en el que se incluyó a todos los pacientes trasplantados de hígado durante los años 2013, 2014 y hasta el 15 de  febrero de 2015. El estudio se dividió en dos etapas según el protocolo  empleado: 1) administración de basiliximab solo si existían factores de riesgo  previos, y 2) administración de la primera dosis de basiliximab a todos los  pacientes trasplantados y de una segunda dosis si existían factores de riesgo. Resultados: Se incluyeron 83 pacientes, 34 según el protocolo 1 y 49 según el  protocolo 2. No se encontraron diferencias significativas en las variables clínicas  evaluadas ni en las variables relacionadas con los resultados en salud.  Considerando que el porcentaje de pacientes sin factores de riesgo que recibieron basiliximab fue del 43% y sin diferencias en las estancias,  podríamos estimar un coste adicional por el empleo universal de basiliximab en  el trasplante ortohepático de 21.400 €.Conclusiones: En nuestra población, el cambio de protocolo haciendo universal  la primera dosis de basiliximab no ha mostrado los beneficios esperados, pero sí  un aumento de los costes, por lo que debe replantearse la idoneidad del nuevo  protocolo en consenso con el equipo médico. La evidencia en relación con el  empleo de basiliximab en el trasplante ortohepático sigue siendo limitada y  aunque parece claro su beneficio en pacientes con factores de riesgo,  especialmente fallo renal, las recomendaciones acerca de su uso de forma  universal sigue siendo controvertido.

Epidemiological study of secondary bloodstream infections: The forgotten issue.

OBJECTIVE: Secondary bacteraemia infections (SBI) are poorly studied. We analyse the epidemiology of nosocomial SBI, potential risk factors and mortality of affected patients. METHODS: Prospective study of patients with bacteraemia from 2009 to 2014 in a tertiary hospital. For each SBI was recorded: primary source of infection, aetiological agent, demographic data, intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors and mortality during the episode. RESULTS: 429/1918 episodes of Nosocomial Bacteraemia (NB) (22%) were SBI (average Incidence Density: 0.41% days of admission). Onco-hematological services had the highest Incidence Density of SBI. Surgical Site Infection-SBI (SSI-BSI) was the most frequent SBI (27%), followed by Urinary Tract Infection-SBI (UTI-BSI) (24%). Gram-negative bacteria were the most prevalent microorganism (61.1%). The median interval between SBI episodes to discharge was 37±59days. Mortality rate was 29%. These patients had many intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors such as urinary catheterization (68%), CVC (69%), Arterial hypertension (48%) and hospitalization in the six previous months (45%). Mean age was significantly higher in patients with UTI-BSI and SSI-BSI. Average stay from admission to the development of bacteraemia was statistically lower in patients with Intra-abdominal Infection bacteraemia (IAB-BSI). Patient with SSI-BSI had oncologic processes and had undergone for more Mechanical ventilation than UTI-SSBI and Respiratory Tract Infections Bacteraemia (RTI-BSI). The use of CVC was significantly higher in RTI-BSI. CONCLUSIONS: SBI accounts for almost a quarter of all NB. Patients has multiple comorbidities, increases hospital stay and mortality. It would be necessary to establish measures to rapidly diagnose and treat the primary infection, in order to prevent the onset of SBI.

Austerity Policies and Mortality in Spain After the Financial Crisis of 2008.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze mortality in Spain and the United States before and after these countries implemented divergent policies in response to the financial crisis of 2008. METHODS: We examined mortality statistics in both countries in the years 2000 to 2015. Spain started austerity policies in 2010. We compared differences in mortality ratios, on the basis of trends and effect size analysis. RESULTS: During 2000 to 2010, overall mortality rates (r = 0.98; P < .001; Cohen's d = -0.228) decreased in both countries. In 2011, this trend changed abruptly in Spain, where observed mortality surpassed expected mortality by 29% in 2011 and by 41% in 2015. By contrast, observed mortality surpassed expected mortality in the United States by only 8% in 2015. As the mortality statistics diverged, the effect size greatly increased (d = 7.531). During this 5-year period, there were 505 559 more deaths in Spain than the expected number, while in the United States the difference was 431 501 more deaths despite the 7-fold larger population in the United States compared with Spain. CONCLUSIONS: The marked excess mortality in 2011 to 2015 in Spain is attributable to austerity policies.

Shorter telomeres in non-smoking patients with airflow limitation.

BACKGROUND: Cross-sectional and longitudinal studies describe shorter telomeres in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) compared to matched non-COPD controls, but the relationship is confounded by tobacco consumption. We hypothesized that telomere shortening would be similar between non-smoking and smoking individuals with airflow limitation and shorter than non-obstructed controls. METHODS: Telomere length (T/S) was measured by qPCR in blood leukocytes of 80 non-smoking patients and 80 age-matched smokers with airflow limitation. Forty non-smoker healthy individuals served as controls. Anthropometrics, lung function, previous and current comorbidities were recorded in all individuals. Relationship between telomere length and clinical and functional variables were explored in the three groups. RESULTS: Telomeres length was similar in non-smokers and smoker individuals with airflow limitation (T/S = 0.61 ±â€¯0.19 vs. 0.60 ±â€¯0.23, p > 0.05) respectively. Telomere length was significantly shorter in both groups compared to healthy controls (T/S 0.79 ±â€¯0.40; p = 0.01) independent from age and sex. No significant association was found between the telomere length and clinical or lung function parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Telomere shortening is associated with airflow limitation independent of smoking status. Weather premature ageing or biologically determined shorter telomeres are responsible for this finding remain to be determined.