Prognostic factors for deterioration of quality of life one year after admission to ICU for severe SARS-COV2 infection.

PURPOSE: Patients with COVID-19 present long-term symptoms collectively known as "post-COVID syndrome". Long-term manifestations are more frequent in patients requiring admission to Intensive Care Units (ICU), but the risk factors for their development are still unknown. This study explores the quality of life of patients with severe COVID-19 one year after their discharge from ICU. METHODS: Prospective observational study including 106 patients admitted to the ICU of a tertiary care hospital between March and August 2020. We analysed quality of life using the EuroQol-5D index (EQ-5D). We evaluated as possible risk factors associated with a worse value of the EQ-5D index the medical record, the clinical situation at hospital admission, the clinical situation at ICU admission and evolution in the ICU. As a secondary objective, we explored the presence of other frequent symptoms. RESULTS: Most patients (55.4%) reported that their quality of life worsened one year after admission. The mean perceived health status, on the EQ-VAS scale (0-100), was 70.4, with a median of 70 (RI 60-90). The median EQ-5D index was 0.91 (RI 0.76-1). The factors independently related to lower quality of life were female sex and duration of mechanical ventilation. Almost all (91%) of the patients had sequelae one year after discharge from the ICU. The most frequent manifestations were neuropsychiatric (71%). CONCLUSIONS: Critically ill COVID-19 patients worsen their quality of life more than one year after discharge. Female sex and duration of mechanical ventilation predict a lower quality of life assessed by the EQ-5D index.

Postoperative pulmonary complications, pulmonary and systemic inflammatory responses after lung resection surgery with prolonged one-lung ventilation. Randomized controlled trial comparing intravenous and inhalational anaesthesia.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies report the immunomodulatory lung-protective role of halogenated anaesthetics during lung resection surgery (LRS) but have not investigated differences in clinical postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs). The main goal of the present study was to compare the effect of sevoflurane and propofol on the incidence of PPCs in patients undergoing LRS. The second aim was to compare pulmonary and systemic inflammatory responses to LRS. METHODS: Of 180 patients undergoing LRS recruited, data from 174 patients were analysed. Patients were randomized to two groups (propofol or sevoflurane) and were managed otherwise using the same anaesthetic protocol. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed in both lungs before and after one-lung ventilation for analysis of cytokines. Arterial blood was drawn for measurement of the cytokines analysed in the BAL fluid at five time points. Intraoperative haemodynamic and respiratory parameters, PPCs (defined following the ARISCAT study), and mortality during the first month and yr were recorded. RESULTS: More PPCs were detected in the propofol group (28.4% vs 14%, OR 2.44 [95% CI, 1.14-5.26]). First-yr mortality was significantly higher in the propofol group (12.5% vs 2.3%, OR 5.37 [95% CI, 1.23-23.54]). Expression of lung and systemic pro-inflammatory cytokines was greater in the propofol group than in the sevoflurane group. Pulmonary and systemic IL-10 release was less in the propofol group. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that administration of sevoflurane during LRS reduces the frequency of the PPCs recorded in our study and attenuates the pulmonary and systemic inflammatory response. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT 02168751; EudraCT 2011-002294-29.

Appropriateness of colonoscopy requests according to EPAGE-II in the Spanish region of Catalonia.

BACKGROUND: In a context of increasing demand and pressure on the public health expenditure, appropriateness of colonoscopy indications is a topic of discussion. The objective of this study is to evaluate the appropriateness of colonoscopy requests performed in a primary care (PC) setting in Catalonia. METHODS: Cross-sectional descriptive study. Out-patients >14 years of age, referred by their reference physicians from PC or hospital care settings to the endoscopy units in their reference hospitals, to undergo a colonoscopy. Evaluation of the appropriateness of 1440 colonoscopy requests issued from January to July 2011, according to the EPAGE-II guidelines (European Panel on the Appropriateness of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy). RESULTS: The most frequent indications of diagnostic suspicion requests were: rectal bleeding (37.46 %), abdominal pain (26.54 %), and anaemia study (16.78 %). The most frequent indications of disease follow-up were adenomas (58.1 %), and CRC (31.16 %). Colonoscopy was appropriate in 73.68 % of the cases, uncertain in 16.57 %, and inappropriate in 9.74 %. In multivariate analysis, performed colonoscopies reached an OR of 9.9 (CI 95 % 1.16-84.08) for qualifying as appropriate for colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnosis, 1.49 (CI 95 % 1.1-2.02) when requested by a general practitioner, and 1.09 (CI 95 % 1.07-1.1) when performed on women. CONCLUSIONS: Appropriateness of colonoscopy requests in our setting shows a suitable situation in accordance with recognized standards. General practitioners contribute positively to this appropriateness level. It is necessary to provide physicians with simple and updated guidelines, which stress recommendations for avoiding colonoscopy requests in the most prevalent conditions in PC.

Cohort study to assess the prevalence of prolonged QT and arrhythmias in critically ill patients during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection may present cardiovascular involvement including myocarditis, arrhythmias and QT interval prolongation. Our objective was to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 and its treatment on ventricular repolarization and development of arrhythmias in critically ill patients. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of critically ill COVID-19 patients during a 3-month period in whom at least one ECG was available. Relevant clinical data and specific treatment administered for COVID-19 were recorded. Prolonged QTc was considered prolonged when it measured ≥ 460 ms in women and ≥450 ms in men. The incidence and type of arrhythmias during the same period were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 77 patients with a mean age of 62 ±â€¯13 years, 20 women and 57 men, were evaluated. Sixty percent of the patients were hypertensive, 52% had a BMI > 30, and 70% developed acute renal failure during admission. Some 56% of the patients presented QTc prolongation. Forty-four percent presented some type of arrhythmia during their stay in the ICU, 21% of which were atrial arrhythmias. Overall mortality was 53%, with no differences between patients with or without prolonged QTc. CONCLUSIONS: In our series, a high proportion of critical patients with COVID-19 presented prolonged QTc and arrhythmias. The factors involved have been related to the elevation of cardiac biomarkers, the myocardial involvement of the virus and concomitant medication received in the ICU.

Recommendations of the Society of Thoracic Surgery and the Section of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery of the Spanish Society of Anesthesia, Resuscitation and Pain Therapy, for patients undergoing lung surgery included in an intensified recovery program.

In recent years, multidisciplinary programs have been implemented that include different actions during the pre, intra and postoperative period, aimed at reducing perioperative stress and therefore improving the results of patients undergoing surgical interventions. Initially, these programs were developed for colorectal surgery and from there they have been extended to other surgeries. Thoracic surgery, considered highly complex, like other surgeries with a high postoperative morbidity and mortality rate, may be one of the specialties that most benefit from the implementation of these programs. This review presents the recommendations made by different specialties involved in the perioperative care of patients who require resection of a lung tumor. Meta-analyzes, systematic reviews, randomized and non-randomized controlled studies, and retrospective studies conducted in patients undergoing this type of intervention have been taken into account in preparing the recommendations presented in this guide. The GRADE scale has been used to classify the recommendations, assessing on the one hand the level of evidence published on each specific aspect and, on the other hand, the strength of the recommendation with which the authors propose its application. The recommendations considered most important for this type of surgery are those that refer to pre-habilitation, minimization of surgical aggression, excellence in the management of perioperative pain and postoperative care aimed at providing rapid postoperative rehabilitation.

Recommendations of the Society of Thoracic Surgery and the Section of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery of the Spanish Society of Anesthesia, Resuscitation and Pain Therapy, for patients undergoing lung surgery included in an intensified recovery program. / Recomendaciones de la Sociedad Española de Cirugía Torácica y de la Sección de Cardiotorácica y Cirugía Vascular de la Sociedad Española de Anestesiología, Reanimación y Terapéutica del Dolor, para los pacientes sometidos a cirugía pulmonar incluidos en un programa de recuperación intensificada.

In recent years, multidisciplinary programs have been implemented that include different actions during the pre, intra and postoperative period, aimed at reducing perioperative stress and therefore improving the results of patients undergoing surgical interventions. Initially, these programs were developed for colorectal surgery and from there they have been extended to other surgeries. Thoracic surgery, considered highly complex, like other surgeries with a high postoperative morbidity and mortality rate, may be one of the specialties that most benefit from the implementation of these programs. This review presents the recommendations made by different specialties involved in the perioperative care of patients who require resection of a lung tumor. Meta-analyses, systematic reviews, randomized and non-randomized controlled studies, and retrospective studies conducted in patients undergoing this type of intervention have been taken into account in preparing the recommendations presented in this guide. The GRADE scale has been used to classify the recommendations, assessing on the one hand the level of evidence published on each specific aspect and, on the other hand, the strength of the recommendation with which the authors propose its application. The recommendations considered most important for this type of surgery are those that refer to pre-habilitation, minimization of surgical aggression, excellence in the management of perioperative pain and postoperative care aimed at providing rapid postoperative rehabilitation.

[Bilateral paravertebral block anesthesia for thymectomy by video-assisted thoracoscopy in patients with myasthenia gravis]. / Timectomía por videotoracoscopia asistida con bloqueo anestésico paravertebral bilateral en pacientes miasténicos.

Thymectomy continues to be the treatment of choice for certain patients with myasthenia gravis. As surgical techniques have developed, anesthesiologists have considered the need to adapt anesthetic techniques to improve care of patients undergoing this procedure. We describe the anesthetic management of 2 patients undergoing thymectomy performed with a bilateral thoracoscopic approach. Because it is best to avoid the use of opiates during and after surgery, we performed a bilateral paravertebral thoracic block, inserting the catheters into the paravertebral space on each side to infuse local anesthetics on either side as needed as the operation progressed. Surgery was completed without adverse events and tubes were removed from the tracheas of both patients at the end of the procedures. Bilateral continuous infusion of local anesthetics provided satisfactory analgesia on the following days.

[Recombinant activated factor VII used in a man with refractory bleeding from a stab wound injuring the liver and kidney]. / Factor VII activado recombinante en un paciente con hemorragia incoercible por lesión traumática hepatorrenal.

A 30-year-old man bled massively from a stab wound that injured his liver and right kidney and entered a life-threatening cycle of transfusion, hypothermia, coagulopathy, and rebleeding in spite of surgery and aggressive resuscitation. He was given a single dose of recombinant activated factor VII (rVIIa; NovoSeven, Novo Nordisk, Denmark) in a final attempt to save his life. The patient responded favorably, as bleeding stopped almost immediately and coagulation markers became normal. Clinical course following rVIIa administration was good. Severe bleeding in the trauma patient needing massive transfusion can become complicated by dilutional coagulopathy and hypothermia. Therapy with rVIIa is a promising aid to controlling bleeding in the repeatedly transfused patient who does not respond to standard replacement of blood products.

Estudio de cohortes para evaluar la prevalencia de QT prolongado y arritmias en pacientes críticos durante la primera fase de la pandemia por COVID-19 / Cohort study to assess the prevalence of prolonged QT and arrhythmias in critically ill patients during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic

Antecedentes y objetivo: Los pacientes con infección por SARS-CoV-2 pueden presentar afectación cardiovascular, incluyendo miocarditis, arritmias y prolongación del intervalo QT. Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar el impacto de la COVID-19 y su tratamiento en la repolarización ventricular y el desarrollo de arritmias en pacientes críticos. Material y métodos: Estudio de cohortes retrospectivo de pacientes críticos con infección confirmada por SARS-CoV-2 durante un periodo de 3meses. Se registraron los datos clínicos relevantes y el tratamiento específico administrado para la COVID-19. Se consideró QTc prolongado cuando medía ≥460ms en mujeres y ≥450ms en hombres. Se registró la incidencia y el tipo de arritmias durante el mismo periodo. Resultados: Se evaluaron 77 pacientes con una edad media de 62±13años: 20 mujeres y 57 hombres. El 60% de los pacientes eran hipertensos, el 52% presentaban un IMC>30 y el 70% desarrollaron fracaso renal agudo durante el ingreso. El 56% de los pacientes presentaron prolongación del QTc. El 44% presentaron algún tipo de arritmia durante su estancia en la UCI, siendo en el 21% arritmias auriculares. La mortalidad global fue del 53%, sin diferencias entre los pacientes con o sin QTc prolongado. Conclusiones: En nuestra serie, una elevada proporción de pacientes críticos con COVID-19 han presentado QTc prolongado y arritmias. Los factores implicados se han relacionado con la elevación de biomarcadores cardiacos, la propia afectación miocárdica del virus y la medicación concomitante recibida en la UCI.(AU)

Introduction and objective: Patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection may present cardiovascular involvement including myocarditis, arrhythmias and QT interval prolongation. Our objective was to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 and its treatment on ventricular repolarization and development of arrhythmias in critically ill patients. Material and methods: Retrospective cohort study of critically ill COVID-19 patients during a 3-month period in whom at least one ECG was available. Relevant clinical data and specific treatment administered for COVID-19 were recorded. Prolonged QTc was considered prolonged when it measured ≥460ms in women and ≥450ms in men. The incidence and type of arrhythmias during the same period were recorded. Results: A total of 77 patients with a mean age of 62±13years, 20 women and 57 men, were evaluated. Sixty percent of the patients were hypertensive, 52% had a BMI>30, and 70% developed acute renal failure during admission. Some 56% of the patients presented QTc prolongation. Forty-four percent presented some type of arrhythmia during their stay in the ICU, 21% of which were atrial arrhythmias. Overall mortality was 53%, with no differences between patients with or without prolonged QTc. Conclusions: In our series, a high proportion of critical patients with COVID-19 presented prolonged QTc and arrhythmias. The factors involved have been related to the elevation of cardiac biomarkers, the myocardial involvement of the virus and concomitant medication received in the ICU.(AU)

Relationship between exposure to Fasciola hepatica in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and cattle extensively reared in an endemic area.

The aim of this work is to know the prevalence of Fasciola hepatica in 301 roe deer and in 676 beef cattle kept in an endemic area. Detection of antibodies was determined in roe deer using a homemade ELISA with excretory/secretory antigens (FhES) and a recombinant protein (FhrAPS). None of the deer passed eggs by faeces and none flukes in their livers were found. The seroprevalence of F. hepatica was 29% using FhES, with significantly higher values in the oldest ones (36%). Twenty-eight percent of the samples were positive to FhrAPS. Twenty-three percent of the cows eliminated eggs of F. hepatica and the seroprevalence was 67% using FhrAPS. No relationship between the seropositivity values of deer and cattle was demonstrated. The role of wild ruminants as reservoirs of F. hepatica is discussed. We encourage the use of ELISA to know the possibility of exposure to trematodes in wild ruminants.

Infection by Paramphistomidae trematodes in cattle from two agricultural regions in NW Uruguay and NW Spain.

The analysis of infection by Paramphistomidae trematodes was conducted in two agricultural regions with different knowledge on this parasitosis. Faecal and blood samples were collected from 374 cattle in Salto (NW Uruguay) where there is a lack of information about paramphistomosis. A total of 429 cattle from Galicia (NW Spain), an area with previous records of infection by gastric flukes, were sampled. Diagnostics of trematodosis was developed by using a copromicroscopic probe and an ELISA with excretory/secretory antigens collected from adult Calicophoron daubneyi (Paramphistomidae) specimens. Results were evaluated according intrinsic and extrinsic factors. In the Uruguay, the percentage of cattle passing Paramphistomidae-eggs by faeces was 7% (95% Confidence Interval 5, 10). A significantly higher prevalence of paramphistomosis in the Hereford × Angus cattle (OR=3.5) was recorded, as observed for the oldest ruminants (>3.5 years). An overall seroprevalence of 29% (25, 34) was obtained by ELISA, with the highest values in the Friesians (OR=3), the youngest bovines (<2.5 years) and dairy cattle (Friesians). Twenty-six percent (22, 30) of the cattle from Spain passed eggs by faeces, and cattle aged 2.5-7 years reached significant highest prevalences. By means of the ELISA, a percentage of 55 cattle (50, 59) had antibodies against the gastric fluke, and the highest seroprevalence was observed among the bovines under 6 years. It is concluded that paramphistomosis is on the increase in cattle from NW Spain, partly due to the absence of an effective treatment against the trematode. There is a need for reducing the risk of infection by Paramhistomidae spp. in cattle from Uruguay, especially by improving their management to avoid exposure to the gastric trematode. Further studies are in progress for identifying the species of Paramphistomidae affecting ruminants in Uruguay.

The efficacy of four anthelmintics against Calicophoron daubneyi in naturally infected dairy cattle.

The paramphistomicidal activity of four anthelmintics in dairy cattle naturally infected by Calicophoron (Paramphistomum) daubneyi was evaluated. Seventy Friesian adult cows were treated at drying-off (19 albendazole; 23 netobimin; 13 closantel and 15 oxyclozanide), and 21 remained untreated as controls. The anthelmintic efficacy was determined by estimating the faecal egg count reduction (FECR) values for each of the anthelmintics. The reduction in the number of cows shedding eggs in the faeces was also estimated. The C. daubneyi egg-output was not fully suppressed following the administration of any of the parasiticides. The FECR values ranged from 0% to 26% in the cows receiving albendazole or netobimin, with 11-39% of cattle becoming negative after therapy. Better results were achieved with closantel and oxyclozanide, with FECR values of 97-99% and CPCR (cattle positive by coprology reduction) percentages of 85-93%. The observation of a similar efficacy with closantel and oxyclozanide against C. daubneyi led us to recommend the administration of closantel in those countries where oxyclozanide is not available.

Prevalence of mixed trematode infections in an abattoir receiving cattle from northern Portugal and north-west Spain.

Between February 2007 and January 2009, a total of 776 slaughtered animals were examined for the presence of Trematoda in the liver, gall bladder, oesophagus and stomach (rumen and reticulum). Data collected were analysed by the age and breed of the animals. The percentage of cattle from which Trematoda were found was 38 per cent (95 per cent confidence interval [CI] 35 to 41 per cent); 28 per cent (95 per cent CI 25 to 31 per cent) had Fasciola hepatica, 12 per cent (95 per cent CI 10 to 14 per cent) Calicophoron daubneyi and 6 per cent (95 per cent CI 4 to 8 per cent) Dicrocoelium species. A significantly high prevalence of fasciolosis and dicrocoeliosis was observed in cattle over 10 years of age. Autochthonous Rubia Gallega cattle had the highest prevalence of fasciolosis and crossbred cattle had the highest prevalence of dicrocoeliosis (P<0.05). Twenty per cent (95 per cent CI 15 to 25 per cent) of the cattle positive for Fasciola also had Calicophoron species; 10 per cent (95 per cent CI 6 to 14 per cent) also had small liver flukes (Dicrocoelium species).

An approach of the laboratory to the field: assessment of the influence of cattle management on the seroprevalence of fascioliasis by using polyclonal- and recombinant-based ELISAs.

A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the seroprevalence of fascioliasis by immunoenzymatic probes in an endemic area (northwestern Spain). Blood samples were collected from 1,034 cattle (crossbred, Rubia Gallega, and Friesian breeds), and the diagnosis of fascioliasis was carried out by determining both the occurrence of antigenemia and the presence of specific IgG antibodies against a Fasciola hepatica recombinant protein (FhrAPS). The IgG seroprevalence was 65% (95% CI, 62-68) by the FhrAPS-ELISA, and 32% (29-35) exhibited antigenemia; the lowest percentages occurred in the Friesians, and the highest percentages were found in the crossbreds. These results confirm an elevated seroprevalence of fascioliasis that is unexpected considering that most of the cattle livestock (Friesian and Rubia Gallega) receive fasciolicide treatment. The lack of adequate measures on the environment and erratic chemotherapy seem to be responsible for the fact that control of fascioliasis has not improved in the last 10 yr in the area of study.

Timectomía por videotoracoscopia asistida con bloqueo anestésico paravertebral bilateral en pacientes miasténicos / Bilateral paravertebral block anesthesia for thymectomy by video-assisted thoracoscopy in patients with myasthenia gravis

La timectomía para el tratamiento de la miasteniagravis sigue siendo el tratamiento de elección en determinadospacientes. Dado el desarrollo de las técnicasquirúrgicas, a los anestesiólogos se nos plantea la necesidadde variar la técnica anestésica para adaptar mejornuestros cuidados a las nuevas técnicas quirúrgicasempleadas para resecar el timo. Presentamos el manejoperioperatorio de 2 pacientes en los que se realizó latimectomía fundamentalmente a través de un abordajetoracoscópico bilateral. La idoneidad de evitar en lamedida de lo posible el uso de opiáceos para el intra ypostoperatorio nos condujo a realizar un bloqueo paravertebraltorácico bilateral (mediante cateterización dedicho espacio paravertebral utilizando anestésicos localesa través de cada catéter paravertebral de formaalternante dependiendo del lado en el que en esemomento progresará la intervención quirúrgica). Laoperación transcurrió sin incidencias y a las 2 pacientesse les retiró el tubo endotraqueal al final de la misma.Los días subsiguientes recibieron exitosamente analgesiaparavertebral bilateral a través de sendas perfusionescontinuas de anestésicos locales

Thymectomy continues to be the treatment of choicefor certain patients with myasthenia gravis. As surgicaltechniques have developed, anesthesiologists have consideredthe need to adapt anesthetic techniques toimprove care of patients undergoing this procedure. Wedescribe the anesthetic management of 2 patients undergoingthymectomy performed with a bilateral thoracoscopicapproach. Because it is best to avoid the use ofopiates during and after surgery, we performed a bilateralparavertebral thoracic block, inserting the cathetersinto the paravertebral space on each side to infuse localanesthetics on either side as needed as the operation progressed.Surgery was completed without adverse eventsand tubes were removed from the tracheas of bothpatients at the end of the procedures. Bilateral continuousinfusion of local anesthetics provided satisfactoryanalgesia on the following days

Estudo da glicemia em criancas submetidas e adenoamigdalectomia e anestesiadas com quetamina. / Study of glicemia in children subjected to adenotonsilectomy and anesthetized with ketamine

Os autores estudaram as variacoes da glicemia em criancas submetidas a adenoamigdalectomia, anestesiadas com quetamina. Um grupo recebeu solucao de glicose a 5% no periodo pos-anestesico imediato.Observaram que nao houve diferenca estatisticamente significante entre o grupo que recebeu glicose e o outro, quanto aos valores da glicemia, colhidos antes do inicio da cirurgia, imediatamente apos o termino e no momento da alta (entre 5 e 6 horas apos).Verificaram que os valores sao maiores, estatisticamente significantes ao final da cirurgia, em relacao aos valores iniciais e finais, em ambos os grupos

Tumor trofoblástico del lecho placentario de útero reporte de un caso / Placental site trophoblastic tumor of the uterus: report of the case

Describimos un caso de tumor trofoblástico del lecho placentario del útero haciendo énfasis en su patrón histopatológico, el cual fue diagnosticado en una paciente de veintiocho años, histerectimizada por hemorragia genital en su puerperio inmediato de un parto quirúrgico. Así mismo, hacemos comentario acerca del diagnóstico y manejo de esta entidad, luego de revisar bibliografia nacional e internacional