Effects of oral iodine supplementation in very low birth weight preterm infants for the prevention of thyroid function alterations during the neonatal period: results of a randomised assessor-blinded pilot trial and neurodevelopmental outcomes at 24 months.

The trace element iodine (I) is essential for the synthesis of thyroid hormones. Parenteral nutrition solutions, formula milk, and human breast milk contain insufficient iodine to meet recommended intake for preterm infants. Iodine deficiency may affect thyroid function and may be associated with morbidity or neurological outcomes. The primary objective is to assess the evidence that dietary supplementation with iodine affects thyroid function during the neonatal period. The design was a randomised controlled pilot trial. Infants who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled through consecutive sampling and assigned to two different groups. The setting was a Spanish university hospital. Ninety-four patients with very low birth weight (under 1500 g) were included. Intervention group: 30 µg I/kg/day of iodine in oral drops given to 47 infants from their first day of life until hospital discharge. Control group: 47 infants without supplements. Formula and maternal milk samples for the determination of iodine content were collected at 1, 7, 15, 21, 30 days, and at discharge. Blood samples were collected for thyroid hormones. Neurological development was assessed at 2 years of age (Bayley III Test). Infants in the supplemented group reached the recommended levels from the first days of life. The researchers detected the effects of iodine balance on the plasma levels of thyroid hormones measured during the first 12 weeks of age. The trial assessed the impact of the intervention on neurodevelopmental morbidity.Conclusion: Thyroid function is related to iodine intake in preterm infants. Therefore, supplements should be added if iodine intake is found to be inadequate. The analyses found no effects of iodine supplementation on the composite scores for Bayley-III assessments in all major domains. The study results indicate potentially important effects on language development related to low iodine excretion during the first 4 weeks of life What is Known: • Thyroid function is related to iodine intake in preterm infants. • Preterm babies on formula preparations and with exclusive parenteral nutrition are at high risk of iodine deficiency. What is New: • Iodine intake should be monitored during the neonatal period. • Iodine supplements should be added if iodine intake is found to be inadequate.

Parathyroid hormone response to two levels of vitamin D deficiency is associated with high risk of medical problems during hospitalization in patients with hip fracture.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D and the parathyroid hormone (PTH) response play an important role in hip fracture patients. This study was carried out to determine the factors associated with the PTH response to different levels of vitamin D deficiency during hospitalization. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of patients over 64 years of age admitted with an acute fragility hip fracture between March 1st 2009 and November 30th 2012. Demographic, clinical, functional, and cognitive function were evaluated at admission and during hospitalization. Levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) and PTH were analyzed. Two 25-OHD cut-off points were considered, <12 ng/ml and 12-20 ng/ml. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used. RESULTS: Mean age of the 607 patients included was 84.7 years (SD 7.10), and 81.9 % were women. The mean 25-OHD level in the total sample was 13.2 (SD 11.1) ng/ml. Levels of 25-OHD <12 ng/ml were present in 347 patients (57.2 %), of whom 158 (45.5 %) had secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) (PTH >65 pg/ml). 25-OHD levels of 12-20 ng/ml were present in 168 (27.7 %) patients, of whom 47 (28 %) had SHPT. Following logistic regression, SHPT was associated in both groups (25-OHD <12 and 12-20 ng/ml) with a greater number of medical problems during hospitalization. In the 25-OHD group <12 ng/ml, SHPT was also associated with poorer glomerular filtration rates. CONCLUSION: The PTH response to vitamin D deficiency in hip fracture patients may be a marker for patients with higher risk of developing multiple medical problems, both when considering severe (<12 ng/ml) and moderate (12-20 ng/ml) vitamin D deficiency.

[Translated article] The efficacy of topical tranexamic acid in reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

INTRODUCTION: Topical tranexamic acid (TXA) has been shown to decrease blood loss in knee and hip arthroplasty. Despite there is evidence about its effectiveness when administered intravenous, its effectiveness and optimal dose when used topically have not been established. We hypothesised that the use of 1.5g (30mL) of topical TXA could decrease the amount of blood loss in patients after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA). MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and seventy-seven patients receiving a RSTA for arthropathy or fracture were retrospectively reviewed. Preoperative-to-postoperative change in haemoglobin (ΔHb) and hematocrit (ΔHct) level drain volume output, length of stay and complications were evaluated for each patient. RESULTS: Patients receiving TXA has significant less drain output in both for arthropathy (ARSA) (104 vs. 195mL, p=0.004) and fracture (FRSA) (47 vs. 79mL, p=0.01). Systemic blood loss was slightly lower in TXA group, but this was not statistically significant (ARSA, ΔHb 1.67 vs. 1.90mg/dL, FRSA 2.61 vs. 2.7mg/dL, p=0.79). This was also observed in hospital length of stay (ARSA 2.0 vs. 2.3 days, p=0.34; 2.3 vs. 2.5, p=0.56) and need of transfusion (0% AIHE; AIHF 5% vs. 7%, p=0.66). Patients operated for a fracture had a higher rate of complications (7% vs. 15.6%, p=0.04). There were no adverse events related to TXA administration. CONCLUSION: Topical use of 1.5g of TXA decreases blood loss, especially on the surgical site without associated complications. Thus, haematoma decrease could avoid the systematic use of postoperative drains after reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

The efficacy of topical tranexamic acid in reverse shoulder arthroplasty. / Eficacia del ácido tranexámico tópico en la artroplastia invertida de hombro.

INTRODUCTION: Topical tranexamic acid (TXA) has been shown to decrease blood loss in knee and hip arthroplasty. Despite there is evidence about its effectiveness when administered intravenous, its effectiveness and optimal dose when used topically has not been established. We hypothesized that the use of 1.5g (30mL) of topical TXA could decrease the amount of blood loss in patients after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA). MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and seventy-seven patients receiving a RSTA for arthropathy or fracture were retrospectively reviewed. Preoperative-to-postoperative change in hemoglobin (ΔHb) and hematocrit (ΔHct) level drain volume output, length of stay and complications were evaluated for each patient. RESULTS: Patients receiving TXA has significant less drain output in both for arthropathy (ARSA) (104 vs. 195mL, p=0.004) and fracture (FRSA) (47 vs. 79mL, p=0.01). Systemic blood loss was slightly lower in TXA group, but this was not statistically significant (ARSA, ΔHb 1.67 vs. 1.90mg/dL, FRSA 2.61 vs. 2.7mg/dL, p=0.79). This was also observed in hospital length of stay (ARSA 2.0 vs. 2.3 days, p=0.34; 2.3 vs. 2.5, p=0.56) and need of transfusion (0% AIHE; AIHF 5% vs. 7%, p=0.66). Patients operated for a fracture had a higher rate of complications (7% vs. 15.6%, p=0.04). There were no adverse events related to TXA administration. CONCLUSION: Topical use of 1.5g of TXA decreases blood loss, especially on the surgical site without associated complications. Thus, hematoma decrease could avoid the systematic use of postoperative drains after reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

Beyond hyperglycemia: glycaemic variability as a prognostic factor after acute ischemic stroke.

INTRODUCTION: Glycaemic variability (GV) refers to variations in blood glucose levels, and may affect stroke outcomes. This study aims to assess the effect of GV on acute ischaemic stroke progression. METHODS: We performed an exploratory analysis of the multicentre, prospective, observational GLIAS-II study. Capillary glucose levels were measured every 4 hours during the first 48 hours after stroke, and GV was defined as the standard deviation of the mean glucose values. The primary outcomes were mortality and death or dependency at 3 months. Secondary outcomes were in-hospital complications, stroke recurrence, and the impact of the route of insulin administration on GV. RESULTS: A total of 213 patients were included. Higher GV values were observed in patients who died (n = 16; 7.8%; 30.9 mg/dL vs 23.3 mg/dL; p = 0.05). In a logistic regression analysis adjusted for age and comorbidity, both GV (OR = 1.03; 95% CI, 1.003-1.06; p = 0.03) and stroke severity (OR = 1.12; 95% CI, 1.04-1.2; p = 0.004) were independently associated with mortality at 3 months. No association was found between GV and the other outcomes. Patients receiving subcutaneous insulin showed higher GV than those treated with intravenous insulin (38.95 mg/dL vs 21.34 mg/dL; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: High GV values during the first 48 hours after ischaemic stroke were independently associated with mortality. Subcutaneous insulin may be associated with higher VG levels than intravenous administration.

[Satisfaction survey of patients with sequels of peripheral facial palsy treated with botulinum toxin A]. / Encuesta de satisfacción del paciente con secuelas de parálisis facial periférica en tratamiento con toxina botulínica A.

INTRODUCTION: Treatment of peripheral facial palsy with botulinum toxin A is safe and effective. Although its beneficial impact on patients' quality of life is known, to date, there have been no studies specifically analysing patients' subjective perceptions. PATIENTS AND METHOD: We performed a prospective study in a random sample of patients with sequels of peripheral facial palsy treated with botulinum toxin in the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service of our hospital. We created a simple questionnaire to assess both patient satisfaction and subjective perception of improvement after botulinum toxin treatment. RESULTS: After infiltration, 95% of the patients felt good or very good. More than 80% noted improvement in the sensation of tightness in the cheek and neck. Around 75% of patients perceived an improvement in the range of voluntary movement and approximately 80% reported improvement in synkinesis. Almost all the patients would repeat the treatment, if proposed, and 100% would recommend botulinum toxin infiltration to other patients with facial palsy. CONCLUSIONS: Patients treated with botulinum toxin experience substantial subjective improvement in the sequels of peripheral facial palsy, both in repose and in the control of synkinesis. Satisfaction was higher than 8/10 in 99% of patients in this study.

Beyond hyperglycemia: glycaemic variability as a prognostic factor after acute ischemic stroke. / Más allá de la hiperglucemia: la variabilidad glucémica como factor pronóstico en el infarto cerebral agudo.

INTRODUCTION: Glycaemic variability (GV) refers to variations in blood glucose levels, and may affect stroke outcomes. This study aims to assess the effect of GV on acute ischaemic stroke progression. METHODS: We performed an exploratory analysis of the multicentre, prospective, observational GLIAS-II study. Capillary glucose levels were measured every 4 hours during the first 48 hours after stroke, and GV was defined as the standard deviation of the mean glucose values. The primary outcomes were mortality and death or dependency at 3 months. Secondary outcomes were in-hospital complications, stroke recurrence, and the impact of the route of insulin administration on GV. RESULTS: A total of 213 patients were included. Higher GV values were observed in patients who died (n = 16; 7.8%; 30.9 mg/dL vs 23.3 mg/dL; p = 0.05). In a logistic regression analysis adjusted for age and comorbidity, both GV (OR = 1.03; 95% CI, 1.003-1.06; p = 0.03) and stroke severity (OR = 1.12; 95% CI, 1.04-1.2; p = 0.004) were independently associated with mortality at 3 months. No association was found between GV and the other outcomes. Patients receiving subcutaneous insulin showed higher GV than those treated with intravenous insulin (38.95 mg/dL vs 21.34 mg/dL; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: High GV values during the first 48 hours after ischaemic stroke were independently associated with mortality. Subcutaneous insulin may be associated with higher VG levels than intravenous administration.

Urological surgery during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Descriptive analysis of the experience in a Urology Department across the pandemic phases. / Cirugía urológica durante la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2. Análisis descriptivo de la experiencia en un Servicio de Urología durante distintas fases epidemiológicas.

INTRODUCTION: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has changed the urological practice around the world. Our objective is to describe the outcomes presented by patients undergoing surgery in the urology department of a tertiary hospital, across the pandemic phases. METHODS: Observational, cohort study including all patients undergoing surgery from March 1 to May 14. According to the hospital organization, we identified three periods: there were no changes during the first two weeks (1st. period), the following seven weeks, when only urgent interventions were carried out after performance of nasopharyngeal swab test (2nd. period), and finally, elective surgery was resumed on May 4, after the implementation of a multidisciplinary screening protocol (3rd. period). Demographic, baseline, surgical and perioperative variables, as well as postoperative outcomes, were obtained in a retrospective (periods 1 and 2) and prospective (period 3) manner. Telephone follow-up was initiated at least 3 weeks after hospital discharge. RESULTS: 103 urological surgeries were performed, and 11 patients were diagnosed with COVID-19, 8 of them within the 1st. PERIOD: The diagnosis was already known in 1 patient, while the other 10 developed the disease in an average of 25 days after the intervention and 16,6 days after discharge. Of seven transplant patients, four got the infection. Three deaths were recorded due to the disease: a 69-year-old woman transplanted and two men over 80 with comorbidities and high anesthetic risk who underwent drainage of retroperitoneal abscess and retrograde intrarenal surgery, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: SARS-CoV-2 infection mainly affected renal transplant recipients or elderly patients with high anesthetic risk, during the first 2 weeks of the pandemic. After implementing preoperative PCR tests and a comprehensive screening protocol, cases were substantially reduced, and safe surgical procedures were achieved.

Maintenance fluid therapy in a tertiary hospital: A prevalence study. / Fluidoterapia de mantenimiento administrada en un hospital terciario: estudio de prevalencia.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the types of maintenance fluids used in our hospital, comparing their volume and composition to the standards recommended by the guidelines. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational, cross-sectional study. Volume and type of fluid therapy administered during 24h to patients admitted to various hospital departments were recorded. Patients receiving fluid therapy because of water-electrolyte imbalance were excluded. RESULTS: Out of 198 patients registered, 74 (37.4%) were excluded because they did not meet the criteria for inclusion. Mean administered volume was 2,500cc/day. Mean daily glucose dose was 36g per 24h (SD: 31.4). The most frequent combination included normal saline solution (NSS) and glucose 5% (64.4%). Mean daily dose of sodium and chlorine was, respectively, 173mEq (SD: 74.8) and 168mEq (SD: 75), representing a surplus daily dose of +87.4mEq and +85mEq. Potassium, magnesium and calcium daily deficit was, respectively, -50mEq, -22mEq and -21mEq per day. Buffer administration was exceptional, bicarbonate (2.29%), acetate (1.29%), lactate (1.15%) and gluconate (1.10%) being the buffering agents most frequently used. CONCLUSION: NNS is the most frequently used solution. In contrast to excess doses of sodium and chlorine, there is a great deficit of other ions, buffering agents and caloric intake in the fluid therapy regimens that are usually prescribed.

[Study of the diversity in treatment of community-acquired pneumonia]. / Estudio de la diversidad en el tratamiento de la neumonía adquirida en la comunidad.

There are a great number of protocols or recommendations focused on clinical-radiological criteria for the antibiotic treatment of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). This report assesses the diversity found in the treatment of CAP in the Internal Medicine and Pneumology Services of our hospital. Seventy-one patients referred from the Emergency Department were treated in both services, and clinical, microbiological and therapeutic variables were collected. It was shown that there are significant differences between the therapeutic guidelines used in each service (antibiotics chosen, their length and form of administration) which could not be explained by the patients' clinical profile. Greater homogeneity in the guidelines was found only for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In relation to the adherence to recommendations of scientific societies, we found that 7% of the guidelines were not recommended; there was an average of 2.5 changes (in the antibiotic, dose or administration form) per patient; and a larger period of intravenous administration (7.38 days) than recommended for sequential therapy

[Septicemia associated with central venous catheterization in a children's hospital. A multivariate study]. / Septicemias asociadas a la cateterización venosa central en un hospital infantil. Estudio multivariante.

BACKGROUND: The blood stream infections (BSI) are the principal nosocomial infection in the child hospitals. In this study we estimate the incidence of BSI associated with central venous catheterization, and estimate different risk and protective factors, through a multivariate study. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study have followed in a prospective way during 6 months all the children with central venous catheterization (489 catheters), from the moment of insertion until withdrawal, collecting various data previous to the development of the infection: place of insert, type of catheter, duration, clinic information, microbiology, and the treatments administered through the catheter. In was accomplished an multivariate analysis with logistic regression, for two principal effect variables, the catheter colonization and the catheter related BSI. RESULTS: The incidence of catheter related BSI was 5.5% and for local infection 11.2%. The density of incidence was 3.15 and 6.42 for each 1,000 catheters-day, respectively. The logistic regression model included: colonization of the skin in the insertion point > 15 colonies, days with antibiotics through catheter, use of lipidic parenteral solutions and fever, previous to the infection. The area under the ROC curve was 0.72. CONCLUSIONS: In children with septicemias associated with central catheterization the predictors or sentry criterion for the decision on when to withdraw a catheter are colonization (> 15 colonies) of the insert point, together with the use of lipidic parenteral solutions or extended antibiotic treatment.

Predicting motor outcome and death in term hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.

OBJECTIVES: Central gray matter damage, the hallmark of term acute perinatal hypoxia-ischemia, frequently leads to severe cerebral palsy and sometimes death. The precision with which these outcomes can be determined from neonatal imaging has not been fully explored. We evaluated the accuracy of early brain MRI for predicting death, the presence and severity of motor impairment, and ability to walk at 2 years in term infants with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) and basal ganglia-thalamic (BGT) lesions. METHODS: From 1993 to 2007, 175 term infants with evidence of perinatal asphyxia, HIE, and BGT injury seen on early MRI scans were studied. BGT, white matter, posterior limb of the internal capsule (PLIC), and cortex and brainstem abnormality were classified by severity. Motor impairment was staged using the Gross Motor Function Classification System. RESULTS: The severity of BGT lesions was strongly associated with the severity of motor impairment (Spearman rank correlation 0.77; p < 0.001). The association between white matter, cortical, and brainstem injury and motor impairment was less strong and only BGT injury correlated significantly in a logistic regression model. The predictive accuracy of severe BGT lesions for severe motor impairment was 0.89 (95% confidence interval 0.83-0.96). Abnormal PLIC signal intensity predicted the inability to walk independently by 2 years (sensitivity 0.92, specificity 0.77, positive predictive value 0.88, negative predictive value 0.85). Brainstem injury was the only factor with an independent association with death. CONCLUSION: We have shown that in term newborns with HIE and BGT injury, early MRI can be used to predict death and specific motor outcomes.

[Whooping cough: a retrospective study of the cases diagnosed over a period of 15 years]. / Tos ferina: estudio retrospectivo de los casos diagnosticados en un período de 15 años.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to study the whooping cough cases diagnosed in a 15-year period in our hospital, referring to its clinical features, epidemiology and analytical findings. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study based on 144 cases with a clinical diagnosis of whooping cough, from 1981 to 1995, was carried out. Special attention was paid to those cases with cultures positive for B. pertussis. RESULTS: Nasopharyngeal specimens for culture were taken in 119 cases. This was not carried-out in those with previous antibiotic therapy. Cultures were positive for B. pertussis in 46 patients (38.7%). The age varied between 20 days and 30 months. Twenty-one were female. The initial symptoms were: paroxysmal cough in 44 (95.7%), cyanosis in 34 (73.9%), inspiratory whoop in 27 (58.7%), respiratory distress in 12 (26.1%) and post-tussive vomiting in 10 (21.7%). Thirty-nine children (84.8%) of this group had not received any pertussis vaccine, the rest had received just the first dose. It had been contacted by persons having cough in 19 patients (41.3%). Leukocytosis (mean: 19,818/mm3), lymphocytosis (mean: 13,047/mm3) and high platelet count (mean 459,522/mm3) were common findings. CONCLUSIONS: Cultures were positive in 38.7% of the patients. There are similar findings by other authors. In this group, most of the children were unvaccinated, and less than 3 months of age. Typical symptoms of pertussis were observed in the majority of patients. In one forth of them respiratory distress was found, probably related to their young age. Vaccinated adults emerge as a contact group that should be studied.