Psychometric Validation of the Patient-Reported Experience Measure (PREM) Questionnaire "HowRwe" in Patients With Respiratory Disease Receiving Home Respiratory Therapies.

Introduction: The patient experience is defined as all the interactions that occur between patients and the healthcare system. The experience of patients with respiratory disease with home respiratory treatments (HRT) is not captured in currently available Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROM). We present the psychometric validation of the Patient-Reported Experience Measure (PREM) 'HowRwe' in Spanish and for respiratory patients with HRT. Methods: After translation following ISPOR guidelines (International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research), the questionnaire was administered to adult respiratory patients who were receiving treatment at Hospital Universitario de La Princesa. The administration was done in two stages with 6 months of difference between the pre- and post-test. Results: We studied 228 respiratory patients, with a mean (SD) age of 64.1 (13.2) years, 52.2% were men, 68.0% were married or coupled, and 56.6% were retired. Reliability coefficients of the scale were adequate, with α = .921 and Ω = .929 for pre-test, and α = .940 and Ω = .958 for post. The confirmatory factor analysis tested for pre- and post-intervention, showed an excellent overall fit: χ2(2) = 49.380 (p < .001), CFI = .941 and SRMR = .072; and χ2(2) = 37.579 (p < .001), CFI = .982 and SRMR = .046, respectively. No statistically significant associations were observed for neither age, adherence nor quality of life, except between HowRwe post-test and quality of life pre-test (r = .14 [.01,.26]; p = .035). No significant differences were found in sociodemographic variables. No differences in pre-test or post-test were found in effect of HRT. 85.6% of patients found the content of HowRwe "Useful", and the preferred channel to respond it were paper, app and email. Conclusions: The Spanish version of the 'HowRwe' questionnaire to measure the experience in respiratory patients with home respiratory treatments (HRT), has adequate psychometric properties and conceptual and semantic equivalence with the original English version.

Introducción: La experiencia del paciente se define como todas las interacciones que ocurren entre los pacientes y el sistema de salud. La experiencia de los pacientes con enfermedades respiratorias con terapias respiratorias domiciliarios (TRD) no se refleja en las Medidas de resultados informados por el paciente (PROM) disponibles actualmente. Presentamos la validación psicométrica de la Medida de Experiencia Reportada por el Paciente (PREM por sus siglas en inglés) 'HowRwe' en español y para pacientes respiratorios con TRD. Métodos: Después de la traducción siguiendo las pautas de ISPOR (Sociedad Internacional de Farmacoeconomía e Investigación de Resultados), el cuestionario se administró a pacientes respiratorios adultos que estaban recibiendo tratamiento en el Hospital Universitario de La Princesa. La administración se realizó en dos etapas con 6 meses de diferencia entre el pre y post test. Resultados: Se estudiaron 228 pacientes respiratorios, con una edad media (DE) de 64,1 ± 13,2 años, el 52,2% eran hombres, el 68,0% estaban casados o en pareja y el 56,6% eran jubilados. Los coeficientes de confiabilidad de la escala fueron adecuados, con α = .921 y Ω = .929 para el pretest, y α = .940 y Ω = .958 para el post. El análisis factorial confirmatorio testado para pre y postintervención, mostró un ajuste global excelente: χ2(2) = 49.380 (p < .001), CFI = .941 y SRMR = .072; y χ2(2) = 37,579 (p < .001), CFI = .982 y SRMR = .046, respectivamente. No se observaron asociaciones estadísticamente significativas ni para la edad, la adherencia ni para la calidad de vida, excepto entre HowRwe postest y calidad de vida pretest (r = .14 [.01,.26];p = .035). No se encontraron diferencias significativas en las variables sociodemográficas. No se encontraron diferencias en el efecto de la TRH en el pretest o postest. El 85,6% de los pacientes encontró "útil" el contenido de HowRwe y el canal preferido para responder fue el papel, la aplicación y el correo electrónico. Conclusiones: La versión española del cuestionario 'HowRwe' para medir la experiencia en pacientes respiratorios con tratamientos respiratorios domiciliarios (TRH), tiene adecuadas propiedades psicométricas y equivalencia conceptual y semántica con la versión original en inglés.

Obstructive sleep apnea: The key for a better asthma control?

INTRODUCTION: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is an important risk factor for poor asthma control. The objective of this study is to analyze the symptomatic control in asthmatic patients with OSA after using continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). METHODS: Patients were collected in a monographic asthma consult and a polygraphy was performed due to clinical suspicion or poor disease control. Asthma associated pathologies, as well as clinical and patient-perceived asthma control parameters were evaluated before and after the initiation of CPAP. RESULTS: A hundred patients were included, 59% were women and 41% men. From them, 54% had severe OSA, 33% moderate OSA and 13% mild OSA, and 10% could not tolerate CPAP. Eighty four percent had a moderate or severe degree of asthma with fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) 32 ± 24.6 ppm and an asthma control test (ACT) before CPAP of 19 ± 4. Asthma control before CPAP was good in 41% of patients, partial in 29%, and bad in 30%. After three or more months of CPAP, clinical asthma control was good in 70% (p < 0.001), perceived control by ACT after CPAP was 21 ± 4 (p < 0.001). When asked for their opinion, 51.5% referred clinical improvement after CPAP, no change in 46.5%. CONCLUSIONS: The use of CPAP in asthmatic patients with OSA improves both clinical and perceived asthma control in a statistically significant way. Most patients had good adaptation to CPAP (90%) and 51.5% had clinical improvement.

Comparative Analysis of the Efficiency of Two Treatment Protocols for Posterior Canal Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common vertigo of labyrinthine origin, its social and healthcare impact is remarkable. It has recently been shown that single session treatment is as safe and effective as weekly treatment, which could have impact on direct and indirect costs related to the disease. The objective of this study is to determine whether single session treatment of unilateral posterior canal BPPV canalolithiasis is more efficient than conventional treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective randomized controlled trial was performed in 53 consecutive patients diagnosed with unilateral posterior canal BPPV canalolithiasis previously untreated: 26 patients were assigned to single session treatment and 27 patients to weekly treatment. Average and total cost of care, consultation time and the impact in terms of temporary disability and loss of productivity for the company due to patients' medical visits were compared. RESULTS: Average and total cost of care and loss of productivity for the company due to patients' medical visits were significantly lower in the single session group. Consultation time was also better in this group when travelling time was considered. CONCLUSIONS: The single session protocol is fast, effective and reduces direct and indirect cost of care related to disease justifying high resolution consultations.

Is Skull Vibration-Induced Nystagmus Useful in Vestibular Neuritis Follow Up?

The aim of this study was to evaluate the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) gain and the saccade regrouping pattern PR score of the Video Head Impulse Test (vHIT) and its relationship with the slow-phase velocity (SPV) of skull vibration-induced nystagmus (SVIN) in recovery after a unilateral vestibular loss (UVL). A total of 36 patients suffering from vestibular neuritis (VN) were recruited and followed up for twelve months. In every visit, horizontal vHIT and an SVIN were performed, as well as VOR gain; PR score and the SPV of SVIN were measured. We observed a positive association between the VOR gain difference and the SPV of SVIN over time (probability greater than 0.86). Additionally, we obtained a positive association between the SPV of SVIN and the PR score in successive visits (odds ratio (OR) = -0.048; CI [0.898, 1.01]), with a probability of 0.95. Our results confirm that SPV of SVIN; VOR gain difference; and PR score decrease over time after a UVL. Both tests are useful in the follow-up of VN, as they could reflect its clinical compensation or partial recovery.

Development and Validation of the OSA-CPAP Perceived Competence Evaluation Interview.

INTRODUCTION: Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is one of the most common therapies for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). We present a brief, patient-reported outcome measure used to assess patients' levels of adherence with CPAP treatment. METHODS: A questionnaire was developed based on academic literature. We qualitatively tested a pool of 18 items. It was tested in a sample of 174 patients from the Hospital La Princesa. Next, 1021 patients from Catalonia were evaluated. RESULTS: 5 items were removed. Nominal groups referred to three areas: general knowledge about OSA and its risks; CPAP treatment information and expectations; CPAP use, monitoring, and confidence with its use. The 13 retained items maintained the same meaning as the original questionnaire (r=.986; p<.001) and the three proposed dimensions detected a significant increase in general knowledge of OSA (t[173]=8.097, p<.001); CPAP treatment information (t[173]=15.170, p<.001); and CPAP use (t[173]=14.642, p<.001). The final 12-item version was reliable (CRI=.793) and its internal structure was adequate (χ2[51]=72.073; p=.027, CFI=.967, RMSEA=.020 [.000, .030]). Women had a better general knowledge of OSA (t[1,018]=2.190, p=.029), CPAP treatment information (t[1,018]=2.920, p=.004), and higher overall OSA-CPAP scores (t[1,018]=3.093, p=.002). Scores were positively related to quality of life and motivation, adherence was positively related to CPAP use and monitoring, and the total score was negatively related to daytime sleepiness. CONCLUSIONS: The interview could help clinicians prevent some dropouts by targeting patients with lower adherence. It's a tool for assessing patient adherence to CPAP and to promote strategies through education and external motivational stimuli.

Comparative analysis of the efficiency of two treatment protocols for posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. / Análisis comparativo de la eficiencia de dos protocolos de tratamiento del vértigo posicional paroxístico benigno del conducto semicircular posterior.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common vertigo of labyrinthine origin, its social and healthcare impact is remarkable. It has recently been shown that single session treatment is as safe and effective as weekly treatment, which could have impact on direct and indirect costs related to the disease. The objective of this study is to determine whether single session treatment of unilateral posterior canal BPPV canalolithiasis is more efficient than conventional treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective randomized controlled trial was performed in 53 consecutive patients diagnosed with unilateral posterior canal BPPV canalolithiasis previously untreated: 26 patients were assigned to single session treatment and 27 patients to weekly treatment. Average and total cost of care, consultation time and the impact in terms of temporary disability and loss of productivity for the company due to patients' medical visits were compared. RESULTS: Average and total cost of care and loss of productivity for the company due to patients' medical visits were significantly lower in the single session group. Consultation time was also better in this group when travelling time was considered. CONCLUSIONS: The single session protocol is fast, effective and reduces direct and indirect cost of care related to disease justifying high resolution consultations.

MEntA Program Based on Motivational Interview to Improve Adherence to Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea With Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Introduction: The first-line treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea is (OSA) continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, which achieves a high level of efficacy with continuous use. However, daily application of this therapy requires a motivated patient profile, as lack of adherence is the main problem with this therapy. The aim of this study was to determine whether an educational and training program based on motivational interviewing and proper feedback, improved adherence. Methods: A randomized, controlled, single-center trial design was performed. The interventions were standard of care vs MEntA Program based on motivational interview for adherence. The main outcome was the adherence with the CPAP therapy after 90 days of treatment. Secondary outcomes were the motivation, perceived competence, quality of life, sleepiness, emotional state, activities and social relations. Results: For adherence, statistically significant results were obtained in favor of the interventional arm with the MEntA (p < 0.01), with a mean difference of 1.60 h (95% CI, 0.60 to 2.61). The Questionnaire of Evaluation of Perceived Competence in Adherence to CPAP in OSA show also a statistically significant change in favor of the MEntA intervention with a mean difference of 4.61 (95% CI, 3.49 to 5.72) (p < 0.001), as well as quality of life p < 0.001. Conclusions: The MEntA intervention included as part of an educational and training program for patients with OSA with CPAP therapy shows solid results in terms of its efficacy.

Introducción: El tratamiento de primera línea para la apnea obstructiva del sueño (AOS) es la terapia de presión positiva continua en las vías respiratorias (CPAP), que alcanza un alto nivel de eficacia con el uso continuo. Sin embargo, la aplicación diaria de esta terapia requiere un perfil de paciente motivado, ya que la falta de adherencia es el principal problema de esta terapia. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar si un programa educativo y de capacitación basado en entrevistas motivacionales y una adecuada retroalimentación, mejoró la adherencia. Métodos: Se realizó un diseño de ensayo aleatorizado, controlado y de un solo centro. Las intervenciones fueron el estándar de atención frente al programa MEntA basado en la entrevista motivacional para la adherencia. El outcome principal fue la adherencia a la terapia CPAP después de 90 días de tratamiento. Los outcomes secundarios fueron la motivación, la competencia percibida, la calidad de vida, la somnolencia, el estado emocional, las actividades y las relaciones sociales. Resultados: Para la adherencia se obtuvieron resultados estadísticamente significativos a favor de la intervención con MEntA (p < 0.01), con una diferencia media de 1.60 horas (IC95%, 0.60 a 2.61). El Cuestionario de Evaluación de la Competencia Percibida en Adherencia a CPAP en SAHOS muestra también un cambio estadísticamente significativo a favor de la intervención MEntA con una diferencia media de 4,61 (IC95%, 3,49 a 5,72) (p < 0,001), así como calidad de vida p < 0,001. Conclusiones: La intervención MEntA incluida como parte de un programa educativo y formativo para pacientes con AOS con terapia CPAP muestra sólidos resultados en cuanto a su eficacia.

Clinical features and radiological manifestations of COVID-19 disease.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was discovered after unusual cases of severe pneumonia emerged in December 2019 in Wuhan Province (China). Coronavirus is a family of single-stranded RNA viruses. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is transmitted from person to person. Although asymptomatic individuals can transmit the virus, symptomatic patients are more contagious. The incubation period ranges from 3-7 d and symptoms are mainly respiratory, including pneumonia or pulmonary embolism in severe cases. Elevated serum levels of interleukins (IL)-2, IL-6, IL-7 indicate the presence of cytokine release syndrome, which is associated with disease severity. The disease has three main phases: Viral infection, pulmonary involvement, and hyperinflammation. To date, no treatment has proved to be safe or effective. Chest X-ray and computed tomography (CT) are the primary imaging tests for diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia, follow-up, and detection of complications. The main radiological findings are ground-glass opacification and areas of consolidation. The long-term clinical course is unknown, although some patients may develop pulmonary fibrosis. Positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) is useful to assess pulmonary involvement, to define the affected areas, and to assess treatment response. The pathophysiology and clinical course of COVID-19 infection remain poorly understood. However, patterns detected on CT and PET-CT may help to diagnose and guide treatment. In this mini review, we analyze the clinical manifestations and radiological findings of COVID-19 infection.

Obstructive sleep apnea in adults with Down syndrome.

Patients with Down syndrome (DS) often have a high occurrence of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea (OSA) syndrome. We studied a large cohort of adults with DS attended due to clinical suspicion of OSA. A standardized questionnaire and full medical assessment were conducted, including a sleep study. One hundred and fifty-seven DS individuals were studied, with a mean ± SD age of 36 ± 10 years, 40.7% women, BMI 29.4 ± 5.6 kg/m2 . The main clinical symptom was daytime sleepiness (64.9%). A sleep study was conducted in 114 patients. All 114 DS patients were diagnosed with OSA, with a predominance of obstructive and hypopnea events, (apnea-hypopnoea index, AHI, 35.0 ± 26.6), with an oxygen desaturation index of 32.9, and a Tc90% of 24.7%. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment was implemented in 75 (65.8%) of subjects. Tolerance was considered good in 75% of them, with a high compliance of 79.2% >4 hr/day (mean 7.1 hr/day), resulting in a symptomatic improvement in 58.7% of them. Obstructive sleep apnea is frequently confirmed in patients with DS when it clinically suspected. Treatment with CPAP in DS is feasible, and with higher adherence than in adults with normal cognitive functioning.

Can Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo Be Treated in a One Session?

OBJECTIVE: To determine the reliability and safety of posterior canal BPPV (pc-BPPV) treatment with subsequent assessment of the effectiveness of the maneuver in a single session, compared to the classic weekly procedure. METHOD: A prospective study of two randomized groups of unilateral pc-BPPV was performed: a weekly management group (27 patients) and single-session treatment group (26 patients). The number of maneuvers required to clear pc-BPPV, incidence of side effects (re-entries and canal conversions), and recurrence rates were compared. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in the number of maneuvers needed to resolve pc-BPPV, the incidence of side effects, or the recurrence rate between the two groups. Two re-entries were diagnosed in the single-session group, and both were easily and successfully treated. Three early recurrences were found in the single-session group and one spontaneous recovery was encountered in the weekly group. Time required to discharge patients to follow-up was significantly reduced in the single-session group. CONCLUSION: Managing pc-BPPV in one session is safe and reliable, resulting in fewer visits to outpatient clinics and optimization of treatment strategies.

Desaturations During 6-Minute Walk Test and Predicting Nocturnal Desaturations in Adult Subjects With Cystic Fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: Nocturnal desaturation in cystic fibrosis (CF) may have prognostic implications because a significant and maintained nocturnal desaturation can contribute to the development and progression of pulmonary hypertension with cor pulmonale. Its relation with the desaturation in exercise has not been sufficiently studied. We aimed to determine whether desaturation during 6MWT can be an indicator of nocturnal desaturation in adult subjects with CF. METHODS: 57 subjects were included: 50.9% male, 27.5 ± 7.7 y old, mean FEV1 = 2.37 ± 0.74 L, and %FEV1 67 ± 18.1%. Desaturation during 6MWT was defined as oxygen saturation (SpO2 ) ≤ 90% or a decline of > 4 points in SpO2 from baseline, and nocturnal desaturation as a desaturation index > 4 or > 5% of sleep time with SpO2 ≤ 90%. RESULTS: Desaturation observed during 6MWT in adult subjects with CF did not correlate with nocturnal desaturation (P = .27). Subjects with %FEV1 ≤ 55% and diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide (DLCO) ≤ 50 mmol/min/mm Hg were at higher risk of 6MWT desaturation. Nocturnal desaturation was more frequent in males, with PaO2 ≤ 71 mm Hg in blood gas analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Desaturation observed in 6MWT cannot predict desaturation at night in adults with CF. Other parameters were identified as predictors of desaturation.

Parameters of skull vibration-induced nystagmus in normal subjects.

HYPOTHESIS: The knowledge of vibration-induced nystagmus test (SVINT) values in the normal population is highly relevant to provide a rapid orientation on the diagnosis attitude in a patient with vertigo. BACKGROUND: Although mastoid bone vibration should only induce nystagmus in the presence of vestibular asymmetry, it has also been reported in normal individuals raising doubts as to how to interpret the SVINT. To date, no population studies involving the use of the SVINT and that establish normative values have been published. METHODS: This study was carried out at two tertiary healthcare centres on a total of 122 subjects. We stimulated at three frequencies (30, 60 and 100 Hz), in increasing order, first stimulating the right mastoid and then the left mastoid, and waiting for 30 s between each stimulus. The response was recorded with a videonystagmography system. The following variables were evaluated in each subject: the mean and maximum speed of the slow phase of nystagmus, the frequency of the nystagmatic response (NR) and the component and direction of the rapid phase of nystagmus. RESULTS: Only 26 subjects (20.5%) of the subjects studied here (122 subjects) developed any kind of nystagmatic response and 96 subjects (79.5%) did not display any response. Stimulation at 100 Hz provoked the largest number of responses (p = 0.04), while there was no difference in the number of responses induced by 30 and 60 Hz stimulations (p = 0.85). The frequency of nystagmus was ≤ 0.7 n/s in 80.8% of the positive responses. The mean velocity of the horizontal component of the NR was 2.2°/s (SD 1.6) and that of the vertical component was 1.3°/s (SD 1.2). CONCLUSIONS: Healthy subjects do not generally develop to NR upon vibratory stimulation and only 20% of the subjects studied here developed any kind of NR, this being a slow and inconsistent response of low frequency. The establishment of normal values contributes to improve the orientation in clinical practice in the pathological population and this opens possibilities for tackling more reliable studies in this population.

Noninvasive ventilation for severely acidotic patients in respiratory intermediate care units : Precision medicine in intermediate care units.

BACKGROUND: Severe acidosis can cause noninvasive ventilation (NIV) failure in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients with acute hypercapnic respiratory failure (AHRF). NIV is therefore contraindicated outside of intensive care units (ICUs) in these patients. Less is known about NIV failure in patients with acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema (ACPE) and obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS). Therefore, the objective of the present study was to compare NIV failure rates between patients with severe and non-severe acidosis admitted to a respiratory intermediate care unit (RICU) with AHRF resulting from ACPE, COPD or OHS. METHODS: We prospectively included acidotic patients admitted to seven RICUs, where they were provided NIV as an initial ventilatory support measure. The clinical characteristics, pH evolutions, hospitalization or RICU stay durations and NIV failure rates were compared between patients with a pH ≥ 7.25 and a pH < 7.25. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the independent risk factors contributing to NIV failure. RESULTS: We included 969 patients (240 with ACPE, 540 with COPD and 189 with OHS). The baseline rates of severe acidosis were similar among the groups (45 % in the ACPE group, 41 % in the COPD group, and 38 % in the OHS group). Most of the patients with severe acidosis had increased disease severity compared with those with non-severe acidosis: the APACHE II scores were 21 ± 7.2 and 19 ± 5.8 for the ACPE patients (p < 0.05), 20 ± 5.7 and 19 ± 5.1 for the COPD patients (p < 0.01) and 18 ± 5.9 and 17 ± 4.7 for the OHS patients, respectively (NS). The patients with severe acidosis also exhibited worse arterial blood gas parameters: the PaCO2 levels were 87 ± 22 and 70 ± 15 in the ACPE patients (p < 0.001), 87 ± 21 and 76 ± 14 in the COPD patients, and 83 ± 17 and 74 ± 14 in the OHS patients (NS)., respectively Further, the patients with severe acidosis required a longer duration to achieve pH normalization than those with non-severe acidosis (patients with a normalized pH after the first hour: ACPE, 8 % vs. 43 %, p < 0.001; COPD, 11 % vs. 43 %, p < 0.001; and OHS, 13 % vs. 51 %, p < 0.001), and they had longer RICU stays, particularly those in the COPD group (ACPE, 4 ± 3.1 vs. 3.6 ± 2.5, NS; COPD, 5.1 ± 3 vs. 3.6 ± 2.1, p < 0.001; and OHS, 4.3 ± 2.6 vs. 3.7 ± 3.2, NS). The NIV failure rates were similar between the patients with severe and non-severe acidosis in the three disease groups (ACPE, 16 % vs. 12 %; COPD, 7 % vs. 7 %; and OHS, 11 % vs. 4 %). No common predictive factor for NIV failure was identified among the groups. CONCLUSIONS: ACPE, COPD and OHS patients with AHRF and severe acidosis (pH ≤ 7.25) who are admitted to an RICU can be successfully treated with NIV in these units. These results may be used to determine precise RICU admission criteria.

Noninvasive ventilation during the weaning process in chronically critically ill patients.

Chronically critically ill patients often undergo prolonged mechanical ventilation. The role of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) during weaning of these patients remains unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the value of NIV and whether a parameter can predict the need for NIV in chronically critically ill patients during the weaning process. We conducted a prospective study that included chronically critically ill patients admitted to Spanish respiratory care units. The weaning method used consisted of progressive periods of spontaneous breathing trials. Patients were transferred to NIV when it proved impossible to increase the duration of spontaneous breathing trials beyond 18 h. 231 chronically critically ill patients were included in the study. 198 (85.71%) patients achieved weaning success (mean weaning time 25.45±16.71 days), of whom 40 (21.4%) needed NIV during the weaning process. The variable which predicted the need for NIV was arterial carbon dioxide tension at respiratory care unit admission (OR 1.08 (95% CI 1.01-1.15), p=0.013), with a cut-off point of 45.5 mmHg (sensitivity 0.76, specificity 0.67, positive predictive value 0.76, negative predictive value 0.97). NIV is a useful tool during weaning in chronically critically ill patients. Hypercapnia despite mechanical ventilation at respiratory care unit admission is the main predictor of the need for NIV during weaning.

Long-term safety and efficacy of tobramycin in the management of cystic fibrosis.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a fatal inherited disease caused by mutations in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene whose mortality is conditioned by a progressive decline in lung function. Bacterial infections play a key role in this decline. Chronic bacterial infection in CF patients varies over time and the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in sputum is a marker of poor prognosis. P. aeruginosa is eradicated from the airways using inhaled antibiotics administered in various formulations and devices. Antipseudomonal antibiotics have extended the survival of CF patients to 40 years. Tobramycin is a bactericidal aminoglycoside antibiotic with demonstrated activity against gram-negative microorganisms. Initially, the drug was administered as an inhaled parenteral solution. Subsequently, a specific tobramycin inhalation solution was developed. PulmoSphere™ technology enables dry tobramycin powder to be formulated for inhalation (tobramycin inhalation powder) using a small and portable capsule-based breath-activated device (T-326). Chronic colonization by P. aeruginosa is the main indication for aerosol antibiotic therapy. The American Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, European guidelines, and Spanish consensus guidelines provide different recommendations for eradication.

[Sleep apnoea in patients of elderly: care activity in Spain (2002-2008)]. / Apnea del sueño en individuos de edad avanzada. Actividad asistencial (2002-2008) en España.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: There is a significant lack of scientific evidence on the role of SAHS in the elderly despite the increasing ageing of the population. The objective of the present study is to analyse the current healthcare situation in Spain on the diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea in the population ≥65 years and its progress over the last few years. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Cross-sectional study. Healthcare information was collected on the diagnosis and treatment of patients of both sexes and ≥65 years suspected with having SAHS and referred to sleep units (SU) between 2002 and 2008. RESULTS: There were 51,229 sleep studies performed in 16 SU. Of these, 24.3% were performed on subjects ≥ 65 years (64.9% males), of which 71.5% had an AHI (apnoea-hypopnoea index) >10 (68.6% treated with CPAP). There were no differences over time as regards mean age, mean AHI or percentage of studies done. A significant decrease was observed in the number of CPAP prescribed to males ≥65 years from 2002 to 2005 (p=0.01) which subsequently increased up to 2008 (p=0.01). This phenomenon was not observed in women ≥65 years. CONCLUSION: Despite the lack of evidence on the subject, healthcare activity due to suspected SAHS in the elderly population is intense, therefore it should be a priority to start clinical studies that may be able to answer key questions on the diagnosis and treatment of SAHS in this age group.