RESUMO
The soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) is a marker of tissue iron status, which could indicate an increased iron demand at the tissue level. The impact of sTfR levels on functional capacity and quality of life (QoL) in non-anemic heart failure (HF) patients with otherwise normal systemic iron status has not been evaluated. We conducted an observational, prospective, cohort study of 1236 patients with chronic HF. We selected patients with normal hemoglobin levels and normal systemic iron status. Tissue iron deficiency (ID) was defined as levels of sTfR > 75th percentile (1.63 mg per L). The primary endpoints were the distance walked in the 6 min walking test (6MWT) and the overall summary score (OSS) of the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ). The final study cohort consisted of 215 patients. Overall QoL was significantly worse (51 ± 27 vs. 39 ± 20, p-value = 0.006, respectively), and the 6 MWT distance was significantly worse in patients with tissue ID when compared to patients without tissue ID (206 ± 179 m vs. 314 ± 155, p-value < 0.0001, respectively). Higher sTfR levels, indicating increased iron demand, were associated with a shorter distance in the 6 MWT (standardized ß = -0.249, p < 0.001) and a higher MLHFQ OSS (standardized ß = 0.183, p-value = 0.008). In this study, we show that in patients with normal systemic iron parameters, higher levels of sTfR are strongly associated with an impaired submaximal exercise capacity and with worse QoL.
RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To describe a strategy designed to avoid pressure-related skin lesions related to the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). METHODS: This was a prospective descriptive observational study. STUDY POPULATION: healthcare professionals at the Parc Salut Mar (Barcelona) who used PPE for protection against COVID-19 between March 30 and June 15, 2020. INTERVENTION: Each professional was provided with an individual kit to prevent PPE-induced lesions, friction, or moisture. A multidisciplinary surveillance team was deployed for the early detection of these adverse events. RESULTS: Individual kits were provided to 1044 professionals, 32 of whom were scheduled for in-person medical assessments. Six participants (0.57%) developed Stage III or IV pressure ulcers, 24 (2.3%) had dermatitis, folliculitis, eczema and two participants did not show for their appointments. The overall rate of pressure ulcers was 0.57%; for dermatitis it was 2.3%. CONCLUSIONS: The use of preventive measures appears to be effective in preventing facial pressure ulcers induced by EPIs among healthcare professionals. Our resultsalso underscore the importance of expanding preventive measures to include not only pressure ulcers but also dermatitis.
Objetivos: Describir los resultados de una estrategia diseñada para evitar lesiones cutáneas por presión relacionadas con la utilización de los equipos de protección individual (EPIs). Metodología: Estudio descriptivo observacional prospectivo realizado entre marzo y junio de 2020 en profesionales del Parc de Salut Mar (PSMAR) que utilizaron EPIs en áreas de pacientes diagnosticados de COVID-19. Un servicio de vigilancia multidisciplinar se activó con el fin de realizar una detección precoz. Se suministró de forma individualizada a 1044 profesionales materiales para prevención de lesiones por presión, fricción y humedad de los EPIs sobre la piel de la cara. Resultados: De todos los profesionales, 32 fueron citados para una valoración presencial por lesiones: 6 presentaron úlceras por presión en estadios III y IV, 24 dermatitis, foliculitis y eczemas. La tasa de presentación de úlceras fue del 0,57% y la de dermatitis del 2,30% de la población de estudio. Conclusión: Los resultados de la aplicación de las medidas especificadas indican que han sido eficaces para prevenir úlceras por presión en la región de la cara provocadas por los EPIs. La adopción de medidas de prevención no solo para prevenir ulceras por presión sino para la prevención de dermatitis se hacen imprescindibles en situaciones en las que se requiere el uso continuado de EPIs en la región de la cara.