IBD-PODCAST Spain: A Close Look at Current Daily Clinical Practice in IBD Management.

BACKGROUND: Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) that contributes in part to irreversible bowel damage and long-term complications, reduced quality of life, invalidity, and economic burden. Suboptimal control of IBD is associated with higher healthcare resource utilization (HCRU), impaired quality of life (QoL), and reduced work productivity. AIMS: The IBD-PODCAST study aimed to assess the proportion of IBD patients with suboptimal control and its associated impact. METHODS: IBD-PODCAST is a cross-sectional, multicenter study that aimed to characterize the CD and UC population with optimal or suboptimal control according to the STRIDE-II criteria and patient- and physician-reported measures. Here we present the results of the Spanish cohort (n = 396). RESULTS: A total of 104/196 (53.1%) CD and 83/200 (41.5%) UC patients were found to have suboptimal disease control. Long-term treatment targets according to STRIDE-II were applied in 172 (87.8%) CD and 181 (90.5%) UC patients. 125 of 172 (72.7%) CD and 74 of 181 (40.9%) UC patients were currently treated with targeted immunomodulators. Patients with CD and UC and suboptimal disease control showed impaired QoL, higher HCRU and direct costs, and also loss of work productivity compared to those with optimal control. CONCLUSION: Despite a high rate of targeted immunomodulator therapy, a substantial proportion of IBD patients show suboptimal disease control according to the STRIDE II criteria. Those patients with suboptimal disease control exhibit impaired QoL, less work productivity, and higher HCRU, suggesting that there is considerable need for better treatment approaches in IBD.

Corneal endothelial validation in the eye bank: differences in automated methods and repeatability.

PURPOSE: To evaluate reproducibility of endothelial cell density (ECD) measurements using the Konan Cell Check D in donor corneas by two different ophthalmologists and to compare the two automated cell count methods (center and flex-center) available in the software of this specular microscope. METHODS: ECD values were quantified in 54 donor corneas by two independent investigators using the Cell Check D (Konan Medical USA Inc) with both automated cell count methods. In the center method, at least 30 contiguous cells are marked. For the flex-center method, an area is delineated and only the cells within the designated area are counted. RESULTS: The mean ECD was 2473.81±378.22 cells/mm2. Good ECD intergrader reproducibility for the center (ICC=0.821) and the flex-center method (ICC=0.784) were noted. Poor reliability was observed for coefficient of variation and hexagonality (ICC≤0.265). When both methods for ECD analysis were compared, a moderate correlation for the two independent graders using the two manual (center and flex-center) methods was detected (correlation coefficient of 0.678 and 0.745 for each of the investigators). Comparison between methods yielded significantly higher ECD with the flex-center method (P=0.013). When corneas were divided by ECD, those under 2200 cells/mm2 and those between 2200 and 2700 cells/mm2 also had significantly higher ECD with the flex-center method (P<0.022). CONCLUSIONS: ECD values are reproducible with both methods, although the flex-center method ECDs tend to be higher, particularly in cases of low ECD. Eye banks and surgeons should exercise caution in making decisions based only on small differences in ECD.

First-Pass Effect in M1-Occlusion Stroke Patients Treated with Combined Stent-Retriever/Large-Bore Distal Aspiration Catheter Thrombectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Combined stent-retriever/large-bore distal aspiration catheter (LB-DAC) thrombectomy was recently introduced to treat large-vessel occlusion; however, it is unclear whether larger inner diameters improve outcomes. We compared angiographic and clinical outcomes in patients with occlusions of the M1 segment of the middle cerebral artery treated with mechanical thrombectomy using extra-LB-DAC versus LB-DAC in combination with stent-retrievers. METHODS: We analyzed consecutive patients with M1 occlusion included in the ROSSETTI registry treated with non-balloon guide catheter combined LB-DAC/stent-retriever thrombectomy between June 2019 and April 2022. We compared demographics, baseline clinical variables, procedural variables, angiographic outcomes, and clinical outcomes [National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score at 24 h (24h-NIHSS) and modified Rankin scale score at 3 months] between patients treated with extra-LB-DAC (Sofia Plus, MIVI Q6, Catalyst7; inner diameter, 0.068″-0.070″) versus LB-DAC (Sofia 5F, MIVI Q5, Catalyst 6; inner diameter, 0.055″-0.064″). Primary outcome was the first-pass effect (FPE) rate, defined as near-complete/complete reperfusion (mTICI 2c-3) after a single pass of the device. RESULTS: We included 324 patients (extra-LB-DAC, 185, 57.1% patients). Demographics, clinical data, and clinical outcomes were similar between the two groups; however, there was a trend towards improvement in National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score at 24 h (24h-NIHSS) in the cohort treated with extra-LB-DAC 9 points (IQR 4;16 points) vs. 12 points (IQR 4;18 points, P = 0.083). Patients treated with extra-LB-DAC had higher FPE rate (47% vs. 30.9%; P = 0.003) and higher modified FPE (mTICI ≥ 2b after a single pass) rate (65.9% vs 46.8%; P = 0.001). The use of extra-LB-DAC was an independent factor in predicting FPE (odds ratio 1.982, 95% confidence interval 1.250-3.143, P = 0.004). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that in combined LB-DAC/stent-retriever thrombectomy, a larger aspiration catheter inner diameter is associated with higher rates of FPE and mFPE.

COVID-19 in donation and transplant.

SARS-CoV-2 infection has had a major impact on donation and transplantation. Since the cessation of activity two years ago, the international medical community has rapidly generated evidence capable of sustaining and increasing this neccesary activity. This paper analyses the epidemiology and burden of COVID-19 in donation and transplantation, the pathogenesis of the infection and its relationship with graft-mediated transmission, the impact of vaccination on donation and transplantation, the evolution of donation in Spain throughout the pandemic, some lessons learned in SARS-CoV-2 infected donor recipients with positive PCR and the applicability of the main therapeutic tools recently approved for treatment among transplant recipients.

Screening for cognitive impairment with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment in Spanish patients with minor stroke or transient ischaemic attack.

OBJECTIVE: The symptoms of minor stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA) are temporary and mild. Despite the transient nature of the focal symptoms and the absence of visible brain lesions in some patients, many experience persistent cognitive problems subsequently. We aimed to establish the discriminant capacity of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) in screening for cognitive impairment (CI) within 90 days of TIA. METHODS: A total of 50 patients with minor stroke or TIA were recruited. Patients were administered the MoCA test and a formal neuropsychological test battery. CI was defined clinically according to neuropsychological test findings. RESULTS: The average age of recruited patients was 57.7±8.0 years; 70.0% were men; all patients had completed at least primary education. Thirty-seven patients (74.0%) presented CI. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis obtained an optimal MoCA cut-off point of 25 for discriminating between patients with CI and those without, with an area under the curve of 0.835 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.720-0.949), sensitivity of 78.4% (95% CI, 62.8%-88.6%), specificity of 76.9% (95% CI, 49.7%-91.8%), positive predictive value of 90.6% (95% CI, 81.0%-95.6%), and negative predictive value of 55.6% (95% CI, 39.5%-70.4%). CONCLUSIONS: More than half of the patients presented CI as determined by the formal battery of neuropsychological tests. A MoCA cut-off point of 25 is sufficiently sensitive and specific for detecting CI after minor stroke or TIA, and may be implemented as a screening technique in routine clinical practice.

Screening for cognitive impairment with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment in Spanish patients with minor stroke or transient ischaemic attack. / Detección del deterioro cognitivo con la Evaluación Cognitiva de Montreal en pacientes españoles con ictus minor o ataque isquémico transitorio.

OBJECTIVE: The symptoms of minor stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA) are temporary and mild. Despite the transient nature of the focal symptoms and the absence of visible brain lesions in some patients, many experience persistent cognitive problems subsequently. We aimed to establish the discriminant capacity of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) in screening for cognitive impairment (CI) within 90 days of TIA. METHOD: A total of 50 patients with minor stroke or TIA were recruited. Patients were administered the MoCA test and a formal neuropsychological test battery. CI was defined clinically according to neuropsychological test findings. RESULTS: The average age of recruited patients was 57.7±8.0 years; 70.0% were men; all patients had completed at least primary education. Thirty-seven patients (74.0%) presented CI. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis obtained an optimal MoCA cut-off point of 25 for discriminating between patients with CI and those without, with an area under the curve of 0.835 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.720-0.949), sensitivity of 78.4% (95% CI 62.8-88.6%), specificity of 76.9% (95% CI 49.7-91.8%), positive predictive value of 90.6% (95% CI 81.0-95.6%), and negative predictive value of 55.6% (95% CI 39.5-70.4%). CONCLUSIONS: More than half of the patients presented CI as determined by the formal battery of neuropsychological tests. A MoCA cut-off point of 25 is sufficiently sensitive and specific for detecting CI after minor stroke or TIA, and may be implemented as a screening technique in routine clinical practice.

Postsurgical Prosthetic Rehabilitation after Mandibular Ameloblastoma Resection: A 7-Year Follow-Up Case Report.

Ameloblastomas are benign but locally invasive odontogenic tumors most frequently located in the mandible. The gold standard of treatment is the surgical resection of the tumor with safety margins. Postsurgical defects generate a significant morbidity that needs reconstruction and oral rehabilitation to restore the oral functions. This case report describes the prosthetic rehabilitation of a 42-year-old male after resection of a mandibular ameloblastoma. Excision of the lesion by segmental mandibulectomy and mandibular reconstruction by microvascularized fibula flap was performed. After placement of 6 dental implants, the patient was rehabilitated with a lower hybrid prosthesis fabricated using computer-aided design-computer-aided manufacturing. During a 7-year and 5-month follow-up, some clinical complications were observed.

Consideraciones en pacientes con dolor crónico sometidos a cirugía / Considerations in chronic pain patients that will undergo surgery

Resumen El dolor crónico es una condición cada vez más prevalente, que afecta aproximadamente a un 32% de la población nacional. Estos pacientes poseen características particulares que complejizan un óptimo cuidado perioperatorio, sobre todo en términos de analgesia, efectos adversos de los distintos fármacos y complicaciones postquirúrgicas. El objetivo de esta revisión es exponer el creciente problema que involucra el manejo de los pacientes con dolor crónico no oncológico sometidos a una cirugía, y destacar algunas consideraciones que se deben tener en su cuidado. Dentro de los aspectos más relevantes están una adecuada caracterización del dolor y un buen esquema analgésico a ser utilizado en el perioperatorio, prefiriendo un enfoque multimodal ajustado acorde a las necesidades del paciente. Se debe tener especial consideración en pacientes usuarios crónicos de opioides, aquellos con dolor neuropático y aquellos con fibromialgia. Un adecuado seguimiento de estos grupos permitirá ajustar los esquemas de acuerdo con sus necesidades y lograr un mejor manejo analgésico perioperatorio.

Chronic pain is an increasingly prevalent condition, estimated in approximately 32% of the Chilean population. These patients have characteristics that make optimal perioperative care more complex, especially in terms of analgesia, adverse effects of the different drugs, and post-surgical complications. The aim of this publication is to expose the growing problem involved in the management of patients with chronic pain undergoing surgery, and to highlight some considerations that must be taken. Among the most relevant aspects are an adequate characterization of pain and a good analgesic scheme to be used in the perioperative period, preferring a multimodal analgesia approach adjusted according to the patient's needs. Special consideration should be given to patients with chronic opioids use, those with neuropathic pain and those with fibromyalgia. An adequate follow-up of these groups will allow adjusting the schemes according to their needs and achieve a better perioperative analgesic management.

Overwhelming genetic heterogeneity and exhausting molecular diagnostic process in chronic and progressive ataxias: facing it up with an algorithm, a gene, a panel at a time.

Ataxias are one of the most frequent complaints in Neurogenetics units worldwide. Currently, more than 50 subtypes of spinocerebellar ataxias and more than 60 recessive ataxias are recognized. We conducted an 11-year prospective, observational, analytical study in order to estimate the frequency of pediatric and adult genetic ataxias in Argentina, to describe the phenotypes of this cohort and evaluate the diagnostic yield of the algorithm used in our unit. We included 334 ataxic patients. Our diagnostic approach was successful in one-third of the cohort. A final molecular diagnosis was reached in 113 subjects. This rate is significantly higher in the subgroup of patients with a positive family history, where the diagnostic yield increased to 55%. The most prevalent dominant and recessive ataxias in Argentina were SCA-2 (36% of dominant ataxias) and FA (62% of recessive ataxias), respectively. Next generation sequencing-based assays were diagnostic in the 65% of the patients requiring these tests. These results provide relevant epidemiological information, bringing a comprehensive knowledge of the most prevalent subtypes of genetic ataxias and their phenotypes in our territory and laying the groundwork for rationally implementing genetic diagnostic programs for these disorders in our country.

Marital Status and Survival in Patients Diagnosed with Melanoma.

INTRODUCTION: Previous research suggests the presence of a spouse may considerably affect melanoma detection rates through more frequent examinations, better access to healthcare, and improved social support. Yet, the role of marital status on melanoma survival is currently unknown. The aim of this study is to assess whether marital status is associated with survival following melanoma diagnosis. METHODS: We performed secondary analysis of data from all participants of the Florida Cancer Data System (FCDS) and included adult melanoma patients diagnosed between 2001 and 2009 with follow-up information available until 2015. Marital status was categorized as single, married, divorced, or widowed. The primary outcome was survival interval after melanoma diagnosis, which was assessed according to the time from the date of diagnosis to the time of death or last contact. Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the independent association between marital status and survival. RESULTS: We assessed data from 36,578 melanoma patients. Married patients were significantly more likely to survive than single patients (Hazard ratio (HR) = 0.65; 99% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.57-0.74; P < 0.001) after adjusting for age, sex, race, ethnicity, geographic location, insurance status, tobacco use, primary site, stage, and histology. There was no evidence of effect modification by gender (P=0.189). CONCLUSIONS: Married patients, including both men and women, had a 35% reduction in the risk of death after melanoma diagnosis compared with single patients, and mechanisms independent of earlier detection, such as social support, may play a role in survival in patients with melanoma.

¿Tienes lo que hay que tener?: un análisis de los factores asociados con la intención de optar por una carrera en cirugía entre estudiantes de medicina / Do you have what it takes? An analysis of the factors associated with the intention to choose a surgical career among medical undergraduates

Resumen Introducción Los cambios en la práctica profesional han transformado la intención de los estudiantes de medicina de optar por una carrera en cirugía. Objetivo Evaluar los factores asociados con esta intención en un contexto de acelerada dinámica educativa y sanitaria. Materiales y Método Evaluamos la intención de los estudiantes de diez facultades de medicina en Colombia, y los factores asociados, mediante un cuestionario (escala de Likert) desarrollado a partir de la revisión de la literatura. Identificamos la asociación entre los factores y la intención mediante un análisis de regresión lineal. Los resultados de la regresión se presentan mediante coeficientes β (p < 0,05). Resultados Un total de 252 estudiantes (65,87% mujeres) fueron incluidos en el análisis. El promedio de la intención fue 3,15 ± 1,34 (1-5). Los factores significativamente asociados fueron: identificación con el estilo de vida quirúrgico (β = 0,25); identificación con modelos (β = 0,18); atributos personales (β = 0,25) e identificación con la práctica profesional del cirujano (β = 0,16). No encontramos asociación significativa con el género (mujeres en la especialidad), prestigio, dinámica del posgrado ni recompensa futura. Conclusión Existe una intención moderada de elegir una carrera de cirugía entre estudiantes de medicina colombianos. Optar por esta carrera requiere atributos personales, modelos e identificación con el estilo de vida y práctica profesional del cirujano. Se requieren estudios cualitativos que exploren en profundidad estos resultados e intervenciones focalizadas a estimular esta intención entre los estudiantes.

Introduction The changes in the professional practice have transformed the intention of medical students to choose a surgical career. Aim Evaluate the factors associated with this intention in a context of accelerated educational and health dynamics. Materials and Method We evaluated the intention of the students of ten medical schools in Colombia, and the associated factors, through a questionnaire (Likert scale) settled from a literature review. We identify the association between the factors and the intention by using linear regression analysis. The results of the regression are presented by β coefficients (p < 0.05). Results A total of 252 students (65.87% women) were included in the analysis. The average of the intention was 3.15 ± 1.34 (1-5). The factors significantly associated were: identification with the surgical lifestyle (β = 0.25); identification with models (β = 0.18); personal attributes (β = 0.25) and identification with the professional practice of the surgeon (β = 0.16). We did not find significant associations with gender (women in the specialty), prestige, postgraduate dynamics and future rewards. Conclusion There is a moderate intention to choose a career in surgery among Colombian medical undergraduates. Choosing this career requires personal attributes, models and identification with the lifestyle and professional practice of the surgeon. Further qualitative studies are necessary to explore these results in depth, as well as interventions to stimulate this intention among students.

Association between self-perceived psychological stress and transitory ischaemic attack and minor stroke: A case-control study. / La autopercepción del estrés psicológico se asocia con el ataque isquémico transitorio e ictus minor. Un estudio de casos y controles.

INTRODUCTION: Stroke has a complex aetiopathogenesis influenced by numerous risk factors. There is growing interest in the study of the pathophysiological changes associated with stress and their potential relationship with cerebrovascular disease. The purpose of this paper is to assess the strength of association between exposure to stress and stroke. METHODS: We conducted a case-control study (1:1) to compare exposure to stress in a group of patients with a history of a first transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or minor stroke and in a control group. Participants were asked a subjective question about their perception of stress in the previous months and completed the standardised Effort-Reward Imbalance (ERI) questionnaire. Logistic regression models were used for data analysis. RESULTS: The study included data on 50 cases and 50 controls. There were no significant differences in demographic variables and economic, social, and employment status between cases and controls. Fifty percent of the cases reported moderate to severe stress, compared to 30% of controls (OR: 2.33; 95% CI: 1.02-5.30; P=.041). ERI questionnaire results found that greater effort at work (OR: 1.48; 95% CI: 1.19-1.83) and greater commitment is associated with stroke (OR: 1.34; 95% CI: 1.17-1.54), while higher reward constitutes a protective factor against the disease (OR: 0.71; 95% CI: 0.61-0.82). CONCLUSIONS: There is a strong association between self-perceived psychological stress and TIA. The imbalance between effort and reward at work is also clearly related to TIA.

Factores asociados al ataque cerebrovascular isquémico entre los años 2013 a 2016, un estudio de casos y controles / Factors associated with ischaemic cerebrovascular accidents between the years 2013 and 2016: A case-control study

Resumen Objetivo: Determinar los factores asociados al ataque cerebrovascular isquémico en el servicio de urgencias de la Clínica Especializada Los Andes, de la ciudad de Tunja, entre los años 2013 a 2016. Pacientes y métodos: Estudio de casos y controles; los casos correspondieron a 97 pacientes con ataque cerebrovascular isquémico (infarto cerebral isquémico y accidente isquémico transitorio) y los controles a 291 pacientes sin ataque cerebrovascular isquémico que ingresaron a urgencias entre los años 2013 a 2016. Resultados: El sexo femenino correspondió al 56,7% (55) de los casos y al 54,6% de los controles (154) (p = 0,069). La media de edad en el grupo caso fue de 73,7 años ENT#091;DE: 10,5 añosENT#093; y en los controles de 64,5 años ENT#091;DE: 11,3 añosENT#093;. Los factores asociados al ataque cerebrovascular isquémico fueron: antecedente de ataque cerebrovascular isquémico ENT#091;OR 7,7 IC 95% 3,2; 18 p= 0,000ENT#093;, tabaquismo ENT#091;OR 4,4 IC 95% 1,1; 18 p= 0,022ENT#093;, dislipidemia ENT#091;OR 3 IC 95% 1,2; 7,5 p= 0,017ENT#093;, edad igual o mayor a 70 años ENT#091;OR 2,3 IC 95% 1,3; 4,1 p= 0,002ENT#093; e hipertensión arterial ENT#091;OR 1,8 IC 95% 1,06; 3,3 p= 0,029ENT#093;. Conclusiones: Los factores asociados al ataque cerebrovascular isquémico fueron, en orden de importancia, antecedente de ataque cerebrovascular isquémico, tabaquismo, dislipidemia, edad igual o mayor a 70 años E hipertensión arterial.

Abstract Objective: To determine the factors associated with ischaemic cerebrovascular accidents (ICVA) in the Emergency Department of the Andes Specialist Clinic of the city of Tunja, between the years 2013 and 2016. Patients and methods: A case-control study was conducted in which the cases consisted of 97 patients with ICVA (ischaemic cerebral infarction and transient ischaemic accident), and the controls were 291 patients with no ICVA, who were admitted to the Emergency Department between the years 2013 and 2016. Results: There were 56.7% (55) females in the cases, and 54.6% (154) in the controls (P=.069). The mean age of the cases was 73.7 years ENT#091;SD: 10.5 yearsENT#093;, and 64.5 years ENT#091;SD: 11.3 yearsENT#093; in the controls. The factors associated with ICVA were: a history of ICVA ENT#091;OR; 7.7, 95% CI; 3.2-18, P=.000ENT#093;, smoking ENT#091;OR; 4.4, 95% CI; 1.1-18, P=.022ENT#093;, dyslipidaemia ENT#091;OR; 3, 95% CI; 1.2-7.5, P=.017ENT#093;, age equal to or greater than 70 years ENT#091;OR; 2.3, 95% CI; 1.3-4.1, P=.002ENT#093;, and arterial hypertension ENT#091;OR; 1.8, 95% CI; 1.06-3.3, P=.029ENT#093;. Conclusions: The factors associated with ischaemic cerebrovascular accident were, in order of importance, a history of ischaemic cerebrovascular accident, smoking, dyslipidaemia, age equal to or greater than 70 years, and arterial hypertension.

Macitentan in daily clinical practice: A single centre, 1-year experience.

The effectiveness and safety of macitentan, a dual endothelin-receptor antagonist (ERA) approved for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), were shown in an extensive clinical trial oriented towards morbidity and mortality events. Our aim was to describe a single centre's experience of the utilization of macitentan in patients with PAH in clinical practice settings. Thirteen patients with different aetiologies and previous PAH treatments were studied. After 12 months of macitentan treatment, 11 patients improved their functional class (FC), all patients improved their 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) test, and 10 patients lowered their NT-proBNP plasma levels. Additionally, cardiac imaging parameters were also improved. No cases resulted in hospitalization, septostomy, transplant or death.

Clinical and color Doppler ultrasound evaluation of polyacrylamide injection in HIV patients with severe facial lipoatrophy secondary to antiretroviral therapy.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Facial lipoatrophy in HIV patients, secondary to antiretroviral therapy (ART) with thymidine analogs, has been related to important psychosocial alterations and poor adherence to treatment. Polyacrylamide gel (PAAG) is a filler that has been used for treating facial lipoatrophy in HIV patients. The aim was to assess the clinical and sonographic anatomical changes after injection of PAAG in HIV patients with facial lipoatrophy secondary to ART. METHODS: HIV patients receiving ART and suffering from severe facial lipoatrophy were recruited and underwent clinical and color Doppler ultrasound evaluation prior to PAAG application (AQUAMID® ) and sonographically monitored at 18 months and clinically followed up for 36 months after the procedure. Adverse effects were recorded based on occurrence and complexity. RESULTS: A total of 33 patients were evaluated, 30 men (91%) and 3 women (9%) with an average age of 49.6 years (±8.4). Clinical improvement assessed by a dermatologist had an average score of 5.9 (±0.7) on a scale of 1-7. On color Doppler ultrasound there was a significant increase of the thickness of the subcutaneous tissue (SCT) in both nasofold lines when comparing before and after PAAG injection (P < 0.01) and no signs of inflammation (hypervascularity). User satisfaction was qualified as excellent or good in all cases. Only two patients experienced adverse effects (hematoma and puncture site infection), which was successfully managed without consequences. CONCLUSION: Treatment of facial lipoatrophy with PAAG seems to be effective in HIV patients and no signs of complications were observed in the monitoring at 36 months after injection. Color Doppler ultrasound can identify the filler deposits and the anatomical changes of the SCT non-invasively.

Endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms using the Pipeline Flex embolization device: a case series of 30 consecutive patients.

BACKGROUND: The Pipeline Flex embolization device has some peculiarities in comparison with the previous generation device. Despite recent reports of the modified delivery system, its safety is still unknown. OBJECTIVE: To illustrate the intraprocedural and periprocedural complication rate with this new device in 30 consecutive patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Clinical, procedural, and angiographic data, including aneurysm size and location, device or devices used, angiographic and clinical data were analyzed. RESULTS: 30 patients harboring 30 aneurysms were analyzed. 39 devices were placed properly. Multiple Pipeline embolization devices (PEDs) were used in 7 cases. In 28 devices the distal end opened fully from the beginning with a complete wall apposition. In the remaining 11 devices, distal-end opening of the devices was instant but partial, but fully opened easily after recapture. Among the 30 procedures, recapture and reposition of the Pipeline Flex was performed four times owing to proximal migration/malposition of the device during delivery. Four intraprocedural/periprocedural complications occurred, of which 2 resulted in major complications, with neurologic deficits persisting for longer than 7 days. The 30-day morbidity rate was 6.6%, with no deaths. No aneurysm rupture or parenchymal hemorrhage was seen. CONCLUSIONS: The Pipeline Flex embolization device allows more precise and controlled deployment than the first-generation device. The number of devices and the complication rate during the learning curve are lower than reported with the first-generation PED. The new delivery system and the resheathing maneuvers do not seem to increase the intraprocedural complication rate in comparison with the first-generation PED.

Code stroke in Asturias.

BACKGROUND: Intravenous thrombolysis with alteplase is an effective treatment for ischaemic stroke when applied during the first 4.5 hours, but less than 15% of patients have access to this technique. Mechanical thrombectomy is more frequently able to recanalise proximal occlusions in large vessels, but the infrastructure it requires makes it even less available. METHODS: We describe the implementation of code stroke in Asturias, as well as the process of adapting various existing resources for urgent stroke care in the region. By considering these resources, and the demographic and geographic circumstances of our region, we examine ways of reorganising the code stroke protocol that would optimise treatment times and provide the most appropriate treatment for each patient. RESULTS: We distributed the 8 health districts in Asturias so as to permit referral of candidates for reperfusion therapies to either of the 2 hospitals with 24-hour stroke units and on-call neurologists and providing IV fibrinolysis. Hospitals were assigned according to proximity and stroke severity; the most severe cases were immediately referred to the hospital with on-call interventional neurology care. Patient triage was provided by pre-hospital emergency services according to the NIHSS score. CONCLUSIONS: Modifications to code stroke in Asturias have allowed us to apply reperfusion therapies with good results, while emphasising equitable care and managing the severity-time ratio to offer the best and safest treatment for each patient as soon as possible.

Simplified risk stratification criteria for identification of patients with MRSA bacteremia at low risk of infective endocarditis: implications for avoiding routine transesophageal echocardiography in MRSA bacteremia.

The aim of this study was to identify patients with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteremia with low risk of infective endocarditis (IE) who might not require routine trans-esophageal echocardiography (TEE). We retrospectively evaluated 398 patients presenting with MRSA bacteremia for the presence of the following clinical criteria: intravenous drug abuse (IVDA), long-term catheter, prolonged bacteremia, intra-cardiac device, prosthetic valve, hemodialysis dependency, vertebral/nonvertebral osteomyelitis, cardio-structural abnormality. IE was diagnosed using the modified Duke criteria. Of 398 patients with MRSA bacteremia, 26.4 % of cases were community-acquired, 56.3 % were health-care-associated, and 17.3 % were hospital-acquired. Of the group, 44 patients had definite IE, 119 had possible IE, and 235 had a rejected diagnosis. Out of 398 patients, 231 were evaluated with transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) or TEE. All 44 patients with definite IE fulfilled at least one criterion (sensitivity 100 %). Finally, a receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve was obtained to evaluate the total risk score of our proposed criteria as a predictor of the presence of IE, and this was compared to the ROC curve of a previously proposed criteria. The area under the ROC curve for our criteria was 0.710, while the area under the ROC curve for the criteria previously proposed was 0.537 (p < 0.001). The p-value for comparing those 2 areas was less than 0.001, indicating statistical significance. Patients with MRSA bacteremia without any of our proposed clinical criteria have very low risk of developing IE and may not require routine TEE.