Prevalence of orthostatic hypotension in non-institutionalised elderly aged 80 and over. A diagnostic study using an oscillometric device.

BACKGROUND: Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is a common disorder, and possibly underdiagnosed. In the elderly, OH has been considered a common cause of falls, fractures, and fear of falling. Its prevalence increases with age, probably related to the number of drug treatments, decreased fluid intake, and the progressive dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the prevalence of OH in a non-institutionalised population ≥80 years, according to different criteria based on sequential measurements taken at minute 0, 1, 3 and 5 of standing. METHODS DESIGN: A diagnostic accuracy study using an oscillometric device. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Convenience sampling of 176 people ≥80 years attended in an urban Primary Health Care Centre. MEASUREMENTS: Supine and standing blood pressure (BP) measurements, at minutes 0, 1, 3 and 5 using the OMRON 705-CP blood pressure device. OH definition: decrease ≥20mmHg in systolic BP (SBP) and/or ≥10mmHg in diastolic BP (DBP). RESULTS: Mean age (Standard Deviation) was 85.2 (3.7) years, and 60.2% were women. Prevalence of OH: 30.7% at minute 0; 19.3% at minute 1; 18.2% at minute 3; and 20.5% at minute 5. Age, sedentary life, smoking, diabetes and SBP values were significantly associated with a greater BP decrease at minute 0. CONCLUSION: A third of the sample had OH, with a maximum prevalence at minute 0. From a clinical point of view, it is suggested that the definition of OH is prioritized according to the BP at minute 0.

[Efficacy of a multistep strategy for Helicobacter pylori eradication: quadruple therapy with omeprazole, metronidazole, tetracycline and bismuth after failure of a combination of omeprazole, clarithromycin and amoxycillin]. / Eficacia de una terapia secuencial en la erradicación de Helicobacter pylori: cuádruple terapia con omeprazol, metronidazol, tetraciclina y bismuto tras el fracaso de la combinación de omeprazol, claritromicina y amoxicilina.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the efficacy of a multistep strategy for Helicobacter pylori (HP) eradication. PATIENTS AND METHOD: 151 patients, with peptic ulcer or chronic gastritis, infected by HP, treated (first-step) with omeprazole (20 mg/12 h), clarithromycin (500 mg/12 h) and amoxycillin (1 g/12 h) for a week (OCA) and second-step (first-step failures) with omeprazole (20 mg/12 h), metronidazole (500 mg/12 h), tetracyclin (500 mg/6 h) and bismuth (120 mg/6 h) for two weeks. RESULTS: Intention-to-treat analysis, eradication was achieved with OCA in 78.1% (CI 95%: 71.6-84.7) and OMTB in 90.3% (CI 95%: 74.2-98), with an cumulative eradication rate of 96.7% (CI 95%: 92.4-98.9). CONCLUSIONS: The efficacy of multistep strategy is high. Therapy with OMTB its a good option after failure with OCA.

[Perception of medical advice: in all cases and to all patients equally?]. / Percepción del consejo médico: inverted question marken todos los casos y a todos los pacientes por igual?

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the perception of counseling in population depending of a Primary Care Centre with pathologies susceptible of receiving it. To identify variable associated to absence of medical advice. METHODS: A cross-sectional, descriptive study, accomplished in a urban Primary Care Centre is performed. 320 subjects between 15-75 years-old were randomly selected among all patients visited in our centre during the last two years. Clinical chart were reviewed and age, sex, physician, studies, profession, frequency of the visits, previous pathologies and toxic habits susceptible of medical advice (obesity/overweight, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking , excessive alcohol consumption) were recorded. Afterwards, a standardized telephone questionnaire was accomplished, valuing the perception of counseling. Variable associated to absence of medical advice were studied by means of logistic regression. RESULTS: Mean age of the patients was 43.2 years-old (SD 17.4), and 53.1% were women. The survey was completed in 85% of the cases. 64.1% of the cases presented with pathologies susceptible of counseling. When it was indicated patients reminded to had received medical advice about physical exercise in 66.2% of the cases, about smoking in 50.9%, about fiber consumption in 44.3% and about alcohol abuse in 27.8%. A frequency of the visits inferior to 3 call/year was associated to lack of advice about physical exercise (OR = 3.5; IC 95%: 2.0-6.0), fiber consume (OR = 2.4; IC 95%: 1.3-4.5) and smoking (OR = 3.3; CI 95%: 1.4-8.0) Age under 26 years-old was associated to lack of counseling about physical exercise (OR = 3.5; IC 95%: 1.6-7.7) and fiber consume (OR = 3.6; CI 95%: 1.3-9.2). CONCLUSIONS: Perception of medical advice in our area is low and therefore susceptible to be improved, specially with respect to alcohol abuse. Low frequenters (with respect to physical exercise, fiber consume and tobacco) and young patients (with respect to physical exercise and fiber consume) are the least advised by their physician.

[Association between ischemic heart disease and peptic ulcer. A case-control study]. / Asociación entre cardiopatía isquémica y ulcus péptico. Estudio de casos y controles.

AIM: To determine whether patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD) are at higher risk for peptic ulcer (PU). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a case-control study. The patients were selected by simple random sampling of clinical histories. CASES: 310 patients with IHD (angina pectoris, myocardial infarct or both). CONTROLS: 310 patients without IHD, paired by age, sex and tobacco consumption. Data were obtained by review of the patients' clinical histories. Response variable: diagnosis of peptic ulcer by endoscopy, esophagogastroduodenal transit or surgery. The odds ratio (OR) was determined by logistic regression, adjusting for the effect of confounding variables and risk for PU. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 72.7 years (SD 8.6) and 70% were men. PU was found in 18.7% of the patients and in 12.3% of the controls with an adjusted OR of 1.77 (95% CI: 1.12-2.77; p = 0.01). This effect was produced at the expense of duodenal ulcer with an adjusted OR of 2.22 (95% CI: 1.29-3.74; p = 0.003). The adjusted OR of gastric ulcer was 1.13 (95% CI: 0.45-2.82; p = 0.8). CONCLUSIONS: After adjusting for the effect of confounding variables and risk factors for the development of PU, this disease was more frequent in the group of patients with IHD.

[Modifiable risk factors for non-cardioembolic transient ischemic attacks. Case control studies in the general population]. / Factores de riesgo modificables para el accidente isquémico transitorio no cardioembólico. Estudio de casos y controles en población general.

INTRODUCTION: Transient ischemic attacks (TIA) often precede a stroke. AIMS: The purpose of this study is to examine the modifiable cardiovascular risk factors for non-cardioembolic TIA. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A population based case control study was conducted in a district within the city of Barcelona. The cases were 103 patients with non-cardioembolic TIA, who had been diagnosed by a neurologist, and with normal CAT or MRI scans. Subjects were paired by age and sex with 193 controls without TIA or stroke, who were selected by simple random sampling from the clinical records file at the centre. The risk factors were studied using a standardized questionnaire that included the following factors which were codified in a dichotomous manner: smoking, arterial hypertension (AHT), hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, obesity, impaired fasting glucose and diabetes mellitus (DM). RESULTS: The average age was 74.6 years and 52.3% of the subjects were females. All the modifiable cardiovascular risk factors were associated to a higher risk of TIA, although only AHT (OR: 1.9; CI 95%: 1.1-3.3) and obesity (OR: 2.1; CI 95%: 1.2-3.6) were associated in a significant way in the univariate analysis. In the multivariate analysis by logistic regression, the modifiable cardiovascular risk factors that were associated in a significant manner were AHT (OR: 1.9; CI 95%: 1.0-3.6), obesity (OR: 2.8; CI 95%: 1.4-12.3) and DM (OR: 1.7; CI 95%: 1.0-2.9). CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, AHT, obesity and DM were seen to be modifiable risk factors for non-cardioembolic TIA.

Prevalence of atrial fibrillation and its associated factors in Spain: An analysis of 6 population-based studies. DARIOS Study. / Prevalencia de fibrilación auricular y factores asociados en España, análisis de seis estudios de base poblacional. Estudio DARIOS.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common type of arrhythmia. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of atrial fibrillation and its relationship with cardiovascular risk factors in Spain. METHODOLOGY: Cross-sectional study based on a grouped analysis of 17,291 randomized individuals recruited in 6 population studies. RESULTS: The prevalence of atrial fibrillation was 1.5% (95% CI:1.3-1.7%). Men had a greater prevalence of the disease than women (1.9 vs. 1.1%, respectively). The prevalence of atrial fibrillation progressively increased with age: 0.05% for patients younger than 45 years, 0.5% for those between 45-59 years of age, 2.3% for those between 60-74 years of age and 6.3% for those older than 75 years. The percentage of individuals who were underwent anticoagulant treatment was 74.3%. The risk factors significantly associated with arrhythmia were an age older than 60 years (odds ratio [OR]: 7.6; 95% CI: 5.1-11.2), the male sex (OR:1.8; 95% CI: 1.4-2.4), arterial hypertension (OR:1.6; 95% CI: 1.2-2.1), obesity (OR:1.5; 95% CI:1.2-2.1) and a history of coronary artery disease (OR:1.9; 95% CI: 1.3-3.0). CONCLUSION: Atrial fibrillation is a common disease in elderly individuals, while its prevalence is low in individuals younger than 60 years. Most individuals with atrial fibrillation were on anticoagulant treatment. The risk factors for this type of arrhythmia are age, the male sex, hypertension, obesity and a history of coronary artery disease.

Validity of a short diet-quality index to predict changes in anthropometric and cardiovascular risk factors: a simulation study.

Coronary heart disease prevention in the primary care setting, where time is extremely limited, requires valid instruments that efficiently screen for unhealthy lifestyle habits. Identification of the individuals who would most benefit from dietary intervention is particularly important in this context. We used dietary intake data derived from a full-length food frequency questionnaire to simulate responses to our previously validated short dietary quality screener. We determined the prospective association of the resulting diet-quality index (DQI) with changes in anthropometric and cardiometabolic risk variables in 2181 men and women in a 10-year follow-up. Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that a higher DQI score at baseline related directly (P=0.002) to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and inversely (P<0.016) to waist circumference (WC), triacylglycerides (TG), the TG to HDL-C ratio and the total cholesterol to HDL-C ratio at follow-up. A low DQI score is predictive for an increase in WC and the development of an unfavourable cardiometabolic profile.

[Impaired fasting glucose as a risk factor for atherothrombotic or lacunar cerebral infarction. A case-control study]. / La glucemia basal alterada es un factor de riesgo para el infarto cerebral aterotrombótico o lacunar. Estudio de casos y controles.

INTRODUCTION: Modifiable vascular risk factors (MVRF) for atherotrombotic or lacunar cerebral infarction have been clearly established, even though only a few population studies have been conducted and we do not know the risk of glycemic status prior to the diabetes mellitus (DM). This study has aimed to determine the relationship between impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and others MVRF with atherothrombotic or lacunar cerebral infarctions. METHODS: A population based case-control study was conducted in two urban health care centers. CASES: 236 patients with atherothrombotic or lacunar CI, diagnosed by computed tomography scan magnetic resonance imaging. Unusual, indeterminate and cardioembolic cerebral infarction and cerebral hemorrhage were excluded. CONTROLS: 441 patients without cerebral infarction, matched by age and gender, selected by means of simple random sampling. The odds ratios (OR) of IFG, DM, smoking, high blood pressure, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and obesity were measured with logistic regression. RESULTS: Mean age was 71.1 years old, 62 % being male. Prevalence in cases of MVRF was: IFG, 32.9%; DM, 49.6 %; smoking, 26.3%; high blood pressure, 78.8%; hypercholesterolemia, 29.3%; hypertriglyceridemia, 18.2%, and obesity, 63.5%. All MVRFs were associated in the crude analysis with increased risk of cerebral infarction. In the multivariate analysis, significant associations were found for IFG (OR: 3.2; 95 % confidence interval [CI]:1.1-7.9), DM (OR: 4.5; 95 % CI: 1.4-14.9), high blood pressure (OR: 2.6; 95 % CI: 1.5-4.5), hypercholesterolemia (OR: 2.3; 95 % CI: 1.4-3.9), and obesity (OR: 1.7; 95% CI: 1.0-2.9). CONCLUSIONS: Alterations of the glucose metabolism IFG and DM are important MVRF for atherothrombotic or lacunar cerebral infarction as seen by the high rate of OR and high prevalence in the population with cerebral infarction.

[Analysis of the new active principles sold in Spain (1992-2002)]. / Análisis de los nuevos principios activos comercializados en España (1992-2002).

OBJECTIVES: To describe the active principles (AP) marketed in Spain from 1992 to 2002, to determine their characteristics, and to find whether they supposed genuine therapeutic advances (TA). DESIGN: Transversal, descriptive study. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: The degree of TA in the AP analysed was studied with the classification used by the FDA (A*: exceptional therapeutic novelty; A: important therapeutic novelty; B: modest therapeutic improvement; C: null or very little therapeutic improvement, corresponding to "me-too" drugs; and D: not classified), the context of use and the price. RESULTS: 369 new AP were marketed. 3.5% were in group A*, 11.9% in A, 30.1% in B, 49.3% in C, and 5.1% in D. 42.3% corresponded to AP used in hospitals for therapy or diagnosis. Significant differences were found (P<.05) on comparing the degree of TA and the context of use, such that more AP in the A/A* (32.6%) and B (44.0%) groups were found in AP used in hospital therapy and diagnosis than in AP used in primary care and generally (5.3% in the A/A* groups and 23.4% in group B). Only 11 AP of the A/A* groups were used in primary care. The cost per defined daily dose was 17.6 euros; and the new AP in group C were dearer than already existing alternatives in 93.4% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: Real TA are few in number and preferentially used in hospitals. Almost all the new AP are "me-too" drugs and are dearer than already existing alternatives.

[Validity of alcohol consumption records: comparison of clinical history and telephone survey]. / Validez del registro del consumo de alcohol: comparación entre historia clínica y encuesta telefónica.

OBJECTIVES: To compare primary care clinical records (PCCRs) and a telephone survey of the population group seeking health care, for the prevalence of alcohol consumption. To determine factors linked to screening and observation of alcohol consumption, and to analyse the perception and recording of medical counselling on alcohol and tobacco consumption. DESIGN: Descriptive, crossover study. SETTING: Urban Health Centre. PARTICIPANTS: Random sample of 320 patients with PCCRs, aged between 15 and 75. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The PCCR was reviewed for age, sex, educational level, profession, frequency of attendance, chronic illnesses, alcohol and tobacco consumption, pathologies linked to alcohol consumption, screening and observance of this consumption as recommended by the preventive activities and health promotion programme (PAHPP), and the recording of counselling to smokers and at-risk drinkers. Later a standard questionnaire on the patients' alcohol and tobacco consumption and their perception of medical counselling was filled in by phone, 36.1% of patients consumed alcohol, according to the PCCR, which rose to 51.1% in the questionnaire (95% CI variation, 6.2-23.8). Initial screening of alcohol consumption was recorded in 67.4% of the PCCRs, with a significant association to age of 20 or over (OR = 20.5; CI, 2.9-142.6), and to education beyond primary level (OR = 8; CI, 1.7-38.5). The observation recommended by the PAHPP was correctly followed for 24.8% of patients, and was associated with being a smoker (OR = 2; CI, 1.2-3.4) and male (OR = 1.9; CI, 1.1-3.3). No significant differences were found when the under-recording in the PCCRs of alcohol counselling to at-risk drinkers (27.8% PCCRs and 35.7% questionnaire) was studied: but there were significant differences for tobacco dependency (20.7% PCCRs and 55.7% questionnaire; CI of variance: 23.6-46.4). CONCLUSIONS: We found considerable under-recording of alcohol consumption in the clinical records, along with little medical counselling. Preventive activities should be given priority, especially among young people, since consumption starts in adolescence, and young people, along with women and patients of low educational level, are more susceptible to medical counselling.

[Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in primary care: sero-epidemiological study]. / Prevalencia de la infección por Helicobacter pylori en atención primaria: estudio seroepidemiológico.

OBJECTIVES: To find the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection in primary care in our area and to study factors associated with this infection. DESIGN: Descriptive and prospective study.Setting. Urban health district with 30 765 people registered. PARTICIPANTS: 267 patients, selected by quota sampling from the census of age and sex groups, as a function of an alpha of 0.05, 0.06 accuracy, and expected prevalence of 50%. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: HP infection was studied through validated IgG serology (ELISA Wampole(R)). The following were studied as associated factors: age, sex, education, profession, alcohol and tobacco consumption, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs taken. RESULTS: Mean age was 38.4, and 51.3% were women. Prevalence of HP infection was 52.4% (95% CI, 46.4-58.4). This proportion increased steadily with age, with a minimum of 11.5% in the 0-9 years-old range and a maximum of 87.5% in the 60-69 years-old group. There was more HP in men (56.9%) than in women (48.2%). In univariate analysis a linear tendency was found between HP infection and increased age (P<.0001) and the consumption of alcohol (P=.003), with no relationship to other variables studied. In the multivariate analysis, only age maintained statistical significance (P=.001). CONCLUSIONS: In our area the prevalence of HP infection is similar to that in other studies: it increases steadily with age and shows en epidemiological pattern that is half-way between countries of high and low prevalence.

[Cardiovascular events linked to the new diagnostic categories of diabetes mellitus]. / Episodios cardiovasculares asociados a las nuevas categorías diagnósticas de la diabetes mellitus propuestas por la Asociación Americana de Diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: To study the cardiovascular events linked to the new diagnostic categories of diabetes mellitus proposed by the American Diabetes Association. DESIGN: Descriptive cross-sectional study.Setting. Urban health district.Participants. 2248 patients > 14, selected by simple random sampling from the medical records archive. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Through the medical records review, patients were classified into those with normal glucaemia, those intolerant to glucose when fasting (IGF) and those with type-2 diabetes mellitus (DM2). Patients were studied for cardiovascular events, ischaemic cardiopathy, cerebrovascular disease and peripheral arteriopathy. The likelihood of such events in patients with IGF and DM2 was compared with normal-glucose patients through logistical regression, adjustment for age, gender, hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia, hypertriglyceridaemia and tobacco dependency. RESULTS: 1677 patients were classified: 1237 with normal glucaemia, 175 with IGF and 265 with DM2. The DM2 patients were more likely to have at least one cardiovascular event (OR, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.7-4.4), ischaemic cardiopathy (OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.1-3.6), cerebrovascular disease (OR, 3.0; 95% CI, 1.4-6.6) or peripheral arteriopathy (OR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.2-7.7). Results reached no statistical significance in patients with IGF, though these were more likely to suffer a cardiovascular event (OR, 1.1; 95% CI, 0.6-2.1), ischaemic cardiopathy (OR, 1.1; 95% CI, 0.3-4.4), cerebrovascular disease (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 0.5-4.1) or peripheral arteriopathy (OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 0.3-4.6). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with DM2 are more likely to present cardiovascular events, a phenomenon not seen in the case of IGF.

[Good morning, Mr. Representative. Anything new to tell us about? Analysis of the pharmacological products introduced by the drugs industry into a health district]. / Buenos días, señor Visitador. ¿Algo nuevo que contar? Análisis de las especialidades farmacológicas presentadas por la industria farmacéutica en un área básica de salud.

OBJECTIVE: To study whether the visits of technical health representatives (ITS) mean that new drugs are introduced. Design. Prospective, descriptive study. SETTING: Urban health centre. PARTICIPANTS: The products presented by 137 ITS from 83 drug laboratories in weekly sessions for a year were studied. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: The products presented, the year they were first marketed, intrinsic value (IV), newness and use potential, cost per package and defined daily dose and material handed over were studied. RESULTS: 472 drug products were introduced. The most common ones belonged to the cardiovascular group (27.3%), digestion and metabolism (14.8%) and anti-infection drugs (13.3%). 65.5% had been on the market for <5 years. 84.3% had a high IV. Only 31 products (6.6%) were new (95% CI, 4.5-9.2). 71% of these supposed no or very slight therapeutic improvement, 25.8% a modest improvement and 3.2% a major improvement. Mean cost was 19.3 euros per package and 2 euros per DDD, with significant differences found (P<.006) on stratifying by date of marketing (more recently marketed products cost more). 61% of the products were presented with additional material (leaflets, monographs, journals), 21.6% with gifts of symbolic value, and 19.9% with samples of the product. There were significant differences (P<.03) between the new drugs and the normal prescriptions issued at the centre. In the new drugs, there were fewer products with high IV and cost per package and per DDD was higher. CONCLUSIONS: The products introduced by the reps do not include any important new drugs. They are presented with abundant back-up and are more expensive than those normally prescribed.

[Comorbidity, hospitalization, and drug use for non-exacerbated chronic disease in the elderly population]. / Comorbilidad, ingreso hospitalario y consumo de fármacos por enfermedad crónica no reagudizada en población anciana.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the prevalence of comorbidity among elderly hospitalized patients and its influence on discharge diagnosis and medication due to non-exacerbated chronic disease (NECD). To evaluate the impact of hospital admission on the use of drugs due to NECD since admission to the month of discharge. METHODS: A study was made of 85 patients aged 65 years or older collected during two consecutive months. The study protocol consisted of a questionnaire on comorbidity, study of drug consume, discharge diagnosis and follow-up for one month post discharge. RESULTS: Patients had a mean of 6.4 chronic diseases; significant differences were observed regarding discharge report (mean: 2.1). The number of drugs due to NECD prior to admission (mean: 2.9), at discharge (1.5) and one month after discharge (1.9) showed significant differences between those prior to admission, at discharge, and one month after discharge (p < 0.0001). Hospital admission involved a decrease (p < 0.0001) in the number of patients with polypharmacy criteria (more than four drugs), which persisted one month after discharge (p < 0.01), and in the prescription of polyvitaminic compounds, nonsteroid antiinflammatory drugs, antiaggregants, peripheral vasodilators and antacids (p < 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: A relevant under-reporting of chronic diseases in the discharge report, particularly of those without exacerbations, as well as quantitative (decrease) and qualitative changes in the prescription due to NECD, maintained by the general practitioner one month after discharge. A higher awareness regarding chronic disease is necessary, as well as chronic disease is necessary, as well as establishing communication channels between Primary and Specialized Care.

[Impact of the new diagnostic criteria proposed by the American Diabetes Association (ADA-97) on the diagnostic prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus]. / Impacto de los nuevos criterios diagnósticos propuestos por la Asociación Americana de Diabetes (ADA-97) sobre la prevalencia diagnóstica de diabetes mellitus tipo 2.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the diagnostic prevalence of type-2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM2) according to the criteria of the American Diabetes Association (ADA-97) and the WHO. DESIGN: Crossover descriptive study. SETTING: Urban Health Centre, with a total of 34,234 clinical histories (CH). PATIENTS: 782 patients, selected through simple random sampling from medical records, aged 45 or over, with a minimum of 5 attendances recorded in their CH and at least 3 attendances in the previous 2 years, were studied. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Through review of the CH, the variables age, sex and presence of obesity (BMI3 30) were collected. DM2 patients were classified according to WHO criteria, in the three ADA-97 categories: DM2, basal glucaemia altered (BGA) and normal glucaemia (NG) and other situations with altered glucaemia. Mean age was 62.6 (SD 10.8), with 56.4% women. 95 patients (12.1%) had no glucaemia recorded. 15.6% of the patients with WHO criteria (10.7% through oral overload) were diagnosed with DM2, proportion that went up to 18.3% (CI 95% of difference: -1 to 6.4%) on application of the ADA-97 criteria. 12.8% had BGA, 54.1% NG and 2.7% other situations. Additional DM2 cases diagnosed with ADA-97 criteria had a greater proportion of obese people (p = 0.03), with no differences for age and sex found. CONCLUSIONS: We found a 2.7% increase in the prevalence of DM2 diagnosis in the 45 or over population on applying the ADA-97 criteria. These criteria simplify the diagnosis and will enable an appreciable number of patients not diagnosed under WHO criteria (since oral overload is little used) to be diagnosed. This will foment early action to retard micro and macrovascular complications caused by the disease.

[Treatment with omeprazole, clarithromycin and amoxicillin for one week. Their efficacy and tolerance in eradicating Helicobacter pylori in primary care]. / Tratamiento con omeprazol, claritromicina y amoxicilina durante una semana. Efectividad y tolerancia en la erradicación de Helicobacter pylori en atención primaria.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effectiveness and tolerance of the combination of omeprazole, clarithromycin and amoxycillin taken for a week on the eradication of Helicobacter pylori (HP) in patients with peptic ulcer and symptomatic chronic gastritis. DESIGN: Intervention study. SETTING: Urban health centre. PATIENTS: 121 patients, diagnosed by fiber gastroscopy and with an HP infection demonstrated by the urease test, breath test, serology or biopsy, were studied prospectively. 13 suffered from a gastric ulcer, 54 from duodenal ulcer and 54 from chronic gastritis. Two patients stopped treatment because of side-effects, but were included in the study (analysis by treatment intention). INTERVENTIONS: The combination of omeprazole (20 mg/12 hours), amoxycillin (1 gr/12 hours) and clarithromycin (500 mg/12 hours) was administered for a week. No medication was prescribed afterwards. Therapeutic compliance (count of tablets and interview) and side-effects were systematically evaluated. Four to eight weeks later patients took a breath test with Urea C14 to confirm eradication. RESULTS: Average age was 47 (SD 14.5); 54% were women. Eradication was confirmed in 80.2% of cases (CI 95%; 73.1-87.3). Side-effects were light or moderate in all cases: the most common were dysgeusia (67%), nausea (18%) and diarrhoea (17%). CONCLUSIONS: The triple therapy of omeprazole, amoxycillin and clarithromycin for a week is efficacious in eradicating HP. It is extremely easy to apply, and there are few relevant side-effects.

[Cardiovascular risk and the new diagnostic categories for diabetes mellitus proposed by the American Diabetes Association]. / Riesgo cardiovascular asociado a las nuevas categorías diagnósticas de la diabetes mellitus propuestas por la Asociación Americana de Diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: To study the cardiovascular risk (CVR) associated with the diagnostic criteria for diabetes proposed by the American Diabetes Association. DESIGN: Cross-sectional, descriptive study. SETTING: Urban health district. PATIENTS: 1840 patients > 14 years old, selected by simple randomised sampling from the clinical records (CR) archive, were studied. METHOD: Through review of the CR, the patients were classified as having: normal glycaemia, disturbed basal glycaemia (DBG) and type-2 diabetes mellitus (DM2). CVR was studied through the simplified Framingham method and the CVR factors of obesity, tobacco dependency, hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia and hypertriglyceridaemia. The likelihood of having high or very high CVR and the CVR factors described in the patients with DBG or DM2 were compared with the same in those with normal glycaemia, through logistical regression with the odds ratio adjusted for age and sex. RESULTS: 1351 patients were classified: 995 with normal glycaemia, 146 with DBG and 210 with DM2. Patients with DBG or DM2 had greater likelihood of high or very high CVR, with some OR at 2.26 (95% CI, 1.39-3.69) and 2.74 (95% CI, 1.81-4.15), respectively. They also had differences (p < 0.05) for obesity (OR, 1.76 and 1.58), hypertension (OR, 1.75 and 2.15) and hypertriglyceridaemia (OR, 1.73 and 2.70), respectively. There were no differences (p > 0.05) for tobacco dependency and hypercholesterolaemia. No differences were found (p > 0.05) between DBG and DM2 for CVR and the CVR factors studied. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with DBG and DM2 are at high CVR.

Un método de detección de gammapatías monoclonales de IgM en un analizador / A method for detect Ig M monoclonal gammopathies in an autoanalyzer

Introducción. Frecuentemente el mieloma múltiple es precedido de una gammapatía monoclonal de significado incierto. Este estudio analiza la utilidad de una lipidemia falsamente positiva como un método rutinario y barato de detección de gammapatías monoclonales de IgM. Material y métodos. Se examinaron los sueros de 244 pacientes consecutivos con un índice lipidémico falso positivo (n=34) o negativo (n=210) y triglicéridos < 1,7mmol/L. Las concentraciones de inmunoglobulinas se estudiaron mediante un autoanalizador AU-5430. Los test de lipidemia fueron realizados con una concentración salina de 0,038M y los proteinogramas mediante una electroforesis capilar de la zona. Resultados. Con el diagnóstico de banda monoclonal la lipidemia falsa positiva tuvo una sensibilidad del 97% (95% CI: 91-100) y especificidad del 94% (95% CI: 91-97). El valor predictivo positivo y negativo fue de 72% (95% CI: 59-85) y 99% (95% CI: 99-100), respectivamente. Para el diagnóstico de IgM elevada la sensibilidad fue del 71% (95% CI: 55-86), la especificidad del 99% (95% CI: 98-100) y el valor predictivo positivo y negativo del 92% (95% CI: 82-103) y 95% (95% CI: 93-98), respectivamente. El OR ajustado por edad y sexo de la lipidemia falso positivo fue de 768,0 (95% CI: 75,8-7.799,3) para la IgM elevada y de 219,4 (95% CI: 42,9-1.120,5) para la banda monoclonal. Conclusiones. La lipidemia falsamente positiva se asoció a la IgM elevada y particularmente a la gammapatía monoclonal. Es una herramienta barata, sensible y específica para detectar una gammapatía monoclonal de IgM en los índices de interferencia rutinarios en analizadores (AU)

Introduction. Most patients with multiple myeloma have a previous monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance. This study analyzes the possible clinical usefulness of a false positive lipemia as a routine, inexpensive screening tool for IgM monoclonal gammopathies. Material and methods. Serum samples from 244 consecutive patients with a false positive (n=34) or negative lipemia test (n=210), with triglycerides <1.7mmol/L were studied. Immunoglobulin levels were quantified in an AU-5430 autoanalyzer. Lipemia tests were performed in a final saline concentration of 0,038M, and proteins by capillary-zone electrophoresis. Results. Sensitivity for monoclonal band detection was 97% (95% CI 91-100) for false lipemia, with 94% (95% CI: 91-97) specificity. The positive and negative predictive values were 72% (95% CI: 59-85) and 99% (95% CI: 99-100), respectively. Its sensitivity for elevated IgM detection was 71% (95% CI: 55-86) and 99% (95% CI: 98-100) specificity, positive and negative predictive values of 92% (95% CI: 82-100) and 95% (95% CI: 93-98), respectively. Age and sex-adjusted odds ratio of elevated IgM for false lipemic serum patients was 768.0 (95% CI: 75.8-7799.3), and 219.4 (95% CI: 42.9-1120.5) for the monoclonal band. Conclusions. A false positive lipemic test was associated with elevated IgM, and particularly with monoclonal gammopathy. This finding offers an inexpensive, sensitive and specific screening tool to detect IgM monoclonal gammopathy processes in routine autoanalyzer interference tests (AU)