Cost-benefit analysis of funding smoking cessation before surgery.

BACKGROUND: Smoking at the time of surgery is associated with postoperative complications. Quitting smoking before surgery is linked to fewer complications during the hospital stay. This work analysed whether a smoking cessation intervention before surgery is economically worthwhile when funded by the National Health System (NHS) in Spain. METHODS: The economic analysis considered costs and benefits of the intervention to the NHS for the year 2016. The population who would benefit comprised adult smokers who were ready to quit and for whom surgery requiring admission to hospital was planned. The intervention, a combination of medical counselling and use of a smoking cessation drug which should occur 12 weeks before surgery, considered one attempt only to quit smoking. Benefits were costs avoided by averting postoperative complications if cessation was successful. The analysis compared the net economic outcome (benefit minus cost of intervention) and the return on investment, for intervention funded by the NHS versus the current situation without funding. RESULTS: Smoking cessation increased by 21·7 per cent with funding; the rate was 32·5 per cent when funded versus 10·7 per cent without funding, producing 9611 extra quitters. The cost per averted smoker was €1753 with a benefit of €503, achieving a net economic benefit of €4·8 million per year. Given the annual cost of the intervention (€17·4 million, of which €5·6 million (32·5 per cent) represents drugs), the return on investment was 28·7 per cent annually, equivalent to €1·29 per €1 of investment. CONCLUSION: From the perspective of the Spanish NHS, the benefit of funding smoking cessation before surgery, in terms of healthcare cost savings, appears to greatly outweigh the costs.

ANTECEDENTES: Ser fumador activo hasta el momento de la cirugía se asocia con complicaciones postoperatorias. Se ha descrito una disminución de las complicaciones durante la hospitalización al abandonar el hábito de fumar antes de la cirugía. Este trabajo analizó si una intervención preoperatoria para dejar de fumar es económicamente beneficiosa cuando se financia por el Sistema Nacional de Salud (SNS) en España. MÉTODOS: En el análisis económico se consideraron tantos los costes como los beneficios de la intervención para el SNS, en euros, correspondientes al año 2016. La población que se beneficiaría eran fumadores adultos dispuestos a dejar de fumar, en los que se programase una intervención quirúrgica con hospitalización. La intervención, una combinación de asesoramiento médico y tratamiento farmacológico para dejar de fumar, se llevó a cabo a las 12 semanas antes de la cirugía, considerando únicamente un intento para dejar de fumar. Los beneficios fueron los costes evitados por una reducción en la tasa de complicaciones postoperatorias en los casos en los que se hubiese conseguido la eliminación del hábito. El análisis comparó el resultado económico neto (beneficio menos coste de la intervención) y el retorno de la inversión (return on investment, ROI), cuando la intervención era financiada por el SNS en comparación con la situación actual sin financiamiento público. RESULTADOS: La tasa de abandono del hábito tabáquico aumentó en un 21,8%; 32,5% cuando se financiaba frente al 10,7% sin financiación, consiguiendo un extra de 9.611 personas que dejaron de fumar. El coste por fumador rescatado fue de €1753 con un beneficio de €503, por lo que el beneficio económico neto conseguido fue de €4,8 millones por año. Dado que el coste anual de la intervención (€17,4 millones, de los cuales €5,6 millones corresponden a fármacos (32%)), el ROI anual fue del 28,7% con un beneficio de €1,29 por cada €1 de inversión. CONCLUSIÓN: Desde la perspectiva del SNS español, los beneficios de financiar el abandono del hábito de fumar en el preoperatorio de los pacientes, en términos de ahorro de costes parecen ser muy superiores a los costes de la intervención.

Topical Vitamin D Prevents Bone Loss and Inflammation in a Mouse Model.

There is a strong association between vitamin D levels and periodontal disease based on numerous epidemiological studies. We have previously shown that experimental deficiency of serum vitamin D in mice leads to gingival inflammation and alveolar bone loss. Treatment of cultured oral epithelial cells with the active form of vitamin D, 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3), inhibits the extracellular growth and intracellular invasion of bacteria associated with periodontal disease. Maintenance of periodontal health may be due in part to the anti-inflammatory activities of vitamin D. Furthermore, this hormone can induce the expression of an antimicrobial peptide in cultured oral epithelial cells. We have shown that oral epithelial cells are capable of converting inactive vitamin D to the active form, suggesting that topical treatment of the oral epithelium with inactive vitamin D could prevent the development of periodontitis. We subjected mice to ligature-induced periodontitis (LIP), followed by daily treatment with inactive vitamin D or 1,25(OH)2D3. Treatment with both forms led to a reduction in ligature-induced bone loss and inflammation. Gingival tissues obtained from vitamin D-treated LIP showed production of specialized proresolving mediators (SPM) of inflammation. To examine the mechanism, we demonstrated that apical treatment of 3-dimensional cultures of primary gingival epithelial cells with vitamin D prevented lipopolysaccharide-induced secretion of proinflammatory cytokines and led to a similar production of SPM. Analysis of the oral microbiome of the mice treated with vitamin D showed significant changes in resident bacteria, which reflects a shift toward health-associated species. Together, our results show that topical treatment of oral tissues with inactive vitamin D can lead to the maintenance of periodontal health through the regulation of a healthy microbiome and the stimulation of resolution of inflammation. This strongly supports the development of a safe and effective vitamin D-based topical treatment or preventive agent for periodontal inflammation and disease.

Nutritional status and prevalence of dysphagia in cerebral palsy: usefulness of the Eating and Drinking Ability Classification System scale and correlation with the degree of motor impairment according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Digestive disorders are one of the most common comorbidities among children with cerebral palsy (CP). The aim of this study is to examine the nutritional status of patients with CP, the prevalence of dysphagia by degree of motor impairment, and the impact of digestive disorders on quality of life. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a descriptive, cross-sectional, open-label study of out-patients with CP from a tertiary hospital in the Region of Madrid using a structured interview, classifying dysphagia using the Eating and Drinking Ability Classification System (EDACS). We gathered demographical and anthropometric data, and analysed the correlation between severity of dysphagia and functional status as measured with the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). RESULTS: Our sample included 44 patients (65.9% boys), with a mean (standard deviation) age of 9.34 (5) years and a mean BMI of 18.5 (4.9). Forty-three percent presented safety and efficiency limitations (EDACS level > II). Safety and efficiency limitations were associated with more extensive motor involvement (60% had tetraparesis), more varied clinical manifestations (87% had mixed forms) and poorer functional capacity (100% on GMFCS V). The impact on nutritional status increased with higher EDACS and GMFCS scores. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study into the usefulness of the EDACS scale in a representative sample of Spanish children and adolescents with CP. Our findings underscore the importance of screening for dysphagia in these patients, regardless of the level of motor impairment, and the need for early treatment to prevent the potential consequences: malnutrition (impaired growth, micronutrient deficiencies, osteopaenia, etc.), microaspiration, or recurrent infections that may worsen patients' neurological status.

Response to intravenous lidocaine in a patient with SUNCT syndrome.

Short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT) syndrome represents a serious therapeutic and diagnostic challenge, since it is usually refractory to most drugs and lacks biological markers. Response to intravenous lidocaine administration has been reported in some patients while it has failed in others. We report a patient with SUNCT syndrome who showed a clear-cut and consistent response to intravenous lidocaine therapy, which proved superior to placebo in a single-blinded fashion. Intravenous lidocaine should be considered in all patients with SUNCT syndrome. Response to this therapy could represent a diagnostic tool.

Nutritional status and prevalence of dysphagia in cerebral palsy: Usefulness of the Eating and Drinking Ability Classification System scale and correlation with the degree of motor impairment according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System. / Estado nutricional y prevalencia de disfagia en parálisis cerebral infantil. Utilidad del cribado mediante la escala Eating and Drinking Ability Classification System y su relación con el grado de afectación funcional según el Gross Motor Function Classification System.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Digestive disorders are one of the most common comorbidities among children with cerebral palsy (CP). The aim of this study is to examine the nutritional status of patients with CP, the prevalence of dysphagia by degree of motor impairment, and the impact of digestive disorders on quality of life. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a descriptive, cross-sectional, open-label study of outpatients with CP from a tertiary hospital in the Region of Madrid using a structured interview, classifying dysphagia using the Eating and Drinking Ability Classification System (EDACS). We gathered demographical and anthropometric data, and analysed the correlation between severity of dysphagia and functional status as measured with the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). RESULTS: Our sample included 44 patients (65.9% boys), with a mean (standard deviation) age of 9.34 (5) years and a mean BMI of 18.5 (4.9). Forty-three percent presented safety and efficiency limitations (EDACS level>II). Safety and efficiency limitations were associated with more extensive motor involvement (60% had tetraparesis), more varied clinical manifestations (87% had mixed forms) and poorer functional capacity (100% on GMFCS V). The impact on nutritional status increased with higher EDACS and GMFCS scores. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study into the usefulness of the EDACS scale in a representative sample of Spanish children and adolescents with CP. Our findings underscore the importance of screening for dysphagia in these patients, regardless of the level of motor impairment, and the need for early treatment to prevent the potential consequences: malnutrition (impaired growth, micronutrient deficiencies, osteopaenia, etc.), microaspiration, or recurrent infections that may worsen patients' neurological status.

[Distribution of patterns of sensitivity and associated phenotypes of resistance in nosocomial and community acquired Escherichia coli during 2005]. / Distribución de los patrones de sensibilidad de Escherichia coli intrahospitalario y extrahospitalario y los fenotipos de resistencia asociados durante el año 2005.

INTRODUCTION: The increase of resistances to Escherichia coli over recent years has made it necessary to know the patterns of sensitivity in a certain area in order to be able to orient adequate empirical treatment with this knowledge. METHOD: Prospective longitudinal study using E. coli isolations obtained during year 2005 in the University Hospital Virgen de la Victoria was performed. Sensitivity identification and study were made according to standardized laboratory protocols. RESULTS: A total of 2,612 strains of E. coli were isolated from 2,098 patients with an average age of 52 years who had urinary infection as the most frequent sign. E. coli sensitivity was: ampicillin (AMP) (35.4%), ciprofloxacin (QUIN) (67.3 %), trimethoprim-sulfametoxazole (SXT) (63.4 %), phosphomycin (97.2 %) and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (89%). The percentage of E. coli extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producers was 8.2%. In general, nosocomial isolations were more resistant, this difference being significant for third generation cephalosporins, gentamicin and piperacillin/tazobactam (p < 0.005). Resistance in men was greater than in women and also in adults compared to children, with significant differences to ciprofloxacin and gentamicin (p < 0.005). A total of 27.5% of the strains were multiresistant, the most frequent phenotype being the one to AMP/SXT (11.9%), followed by AMP/QUIN/SXT (10.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Resistances to E. coli are very elevated in out setting, above all, in quinolones, that even appear in children, so that up to half of the multiresistant phenotypes present resistance to this family. Furthermore, during the last year, an increase in the isolations of E. coli ESBL producers has been observed.

Transmission between HIV-infected patients of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium bovis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate outbreaks of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) by using DNA fingerprint databases. DESIGN: Investigation of two outbreaks of multidrug-resistant TB in separate hospitals in Spain by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and spoligotyping. Outbreak strains were compared with more than 1500 RFLPs of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex strains isolated in Spain and 6000 RFLPs from 30 different countries. METHODS: Standardized IS6110 DNA fingerprinting and 'spoligotyping' was used to type multidrug-resistant isolates belonging to the M. tuberculosis complex amongst the outbreak cases. The DNA types were matched against DNA fingerprint databases in Spain and The Netherlands. RESULTS: The DNA typing analysis indicated that a single multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium bovis strain was responsible for a nosocomial outbreak in a hospital in Spain involving at least 16 HIV-infected patients with non-treatable to multidrug-resistant TB. Introduction of the fingerprint type of this strain to the international database revealed a single matching strain. This strain was also isolated from an HIV-infected patient in The Netherlands who had died from multidrug-resistant TB. This patient had previously been hospitalized in Spain, where a multidrug-resistant TB nosocomial outbreak involving 20 HIV-infected patients was ongoing. The strains causing this outbreak were also identified as M. bovis with an identical DNA pattern to those strains isolated in the Spanish hospital and the patient in The Netherlands. CONCLUSIONS: The use of centralized DNA databases can help to identify rapidly the origin and transmission routes of multidrug-resistant TB across international boundaries and the potential use of such an early warning surveillance system for investigation of nosocomial multidrug-resistant TB outbreaks between HIV-infected patients. To our knowledge this is the first report of transmission of multidrug-resistant M. bovis between hospitals.

Primary and acquired resistance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Western Mexico.

Resistance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to antimycobacterial agents is a worldwide problem. The proposite of this study was to analyze the current resistance patterns of patients with initial episodes, as well as relapses, due to M. tuberculosis in western Mexico. From January 1993 to February 1999 a total of 237 strains of M. tuberculosis (120 from initial cases and 117 from relapse cases) were analyzed. Two hundred and four (86%) strains were isolated from the lower respiratory tract, and 33 strains (14%) from extrapulmonary sites. Twenty-three percent of M. tuberculosis isolated from patients with initial episodes were resistant to both isoniazid and rifampin, and 52% of M. tuberculosis isolated from relapse cases were also resistant to both isoniazid and rifampin.

Analysis of risk factors associated with nosocomial bacteraemias.

A prospective study of 2676 blood cultures was performed to identify the factors associated with clinically, significant nosocomial bacteraemia that occurred during a one year period in the Malaga University Clinical Hospital. Three hundred and fifty-five episodes of bacteraemia were considered clinically significant. The overall incidence of bacteraemia was 19.5/1000 admissions, of which 46% were hospital-acquired. A multivariate model showed that only six factors were significantly, and independently, responsible for nosocomial bacteraemias: intravascular catheterization (P < 0.0001, OR = 18.37), invasive procedures (P < 0.0001, OR = 10.38), malignancy (P = 0.035, OR = 3.11), indwelling devices (P = 0.005, OR = 3.05), stay in intensive care or surgical departments (P = 0.05, OR = 2.63) and length of hospital stay (P = 0.051, OR = 1.02). These results show that the factors which had most influence on the development of nosocomial bacteraemias were those factors associated with the treatment received by patients during their hospital stay.

Regioselective Monoalkylation of Calixarenes. Synthesis of Homodimer Calixarenes.

The selective monoalkylation at the smaller (lower) rim of the p-tert-butylcalix[4]- and -[6]arenes using bis(butyltin)oxide and different alkylating agents is described. The procedure is remarkable for the mild conditions used allowing an efficiently access to monoalkylated calixarene derivatives in moderate to good yields. Monoalkynylcalix[4]arene and monoalkynylcalix[6]arene have been synthetically exploited for the synthesis of bis-calix[n]arenes (n = 4, 6) with a diyne bridge by oxidative coupling of alkynes. In addition, intermolecular methathesis of the obtained monoalkenyl-calix[4]arene allowed the preparation of bis-calix[4]arene that are single bridged at the smaller (lower) rim with a 2-butenyl moiety.

[Pancreatitis: review of our casuistics in the last 10 years]. / Pancreatitis: revisión de nuestra casuística en los últimos 10 años.

OBJECTIVE: Pancreatitis is a rare cause of abdominal pain in childhood. Advances in imaging techniques for pancreatic disease have enabled earlier clinical and etiological diagnosis, thus improving treatment possibilities. The aim of this study was to analyze the etiology, diagnostic methods, and management in patients with pancreatitis diagnosed in our hospital in the last 10 years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We reviewed the children aged 0-16 years with a diagnosis of pancreatitis admitted to our hospital between 1990 and 2000. Diagnostic criteria were symptoms suggestive of pancreatitis and hyperamylasemia. RESULTS: There were 8 females and 1 male. The median age was 11.5 years (range: 7-16 years). Laboratory findings were as follows: mean amylase level was 1601 U/l and mean lipase level was 506 U/l. Imaging tests: ultrasonography, abdominal computed tomography (CT), and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) were performed in 1 patient, and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) was performed in 2. Etiology was cholelithiasis (2 patients), secondary to anti-oncological therapy (3 patients), hypercholesterolemia (1 patient), and idiopathic (3 patients). Medical treatment consisted of diet, analgesia, and octreotide in 1 patient, and antioxidants in 1 patient. Surgery was required in 2 patients. Complications consisted of pancreatic pseudocyst in 2 patients. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of childhood pancreatitis is low. In our series, mainly teenage girls were affected. The main causes were idiopathic and toxic. Diagnosis was given by elevated amylase and lipase levels in blood and by imaging tests (ultrasonography, abdominal CT, ERCP, MRCP, depending on the patient). Basic treatment consisted of support measures (fasting and analgesia) together with octreotide, antioxidants or surgical treatment, depending on etiology.

[A pleuropulmonary tuberculosis study in a pneumology service]. / Estudio de la tuberculosis pleuropulmonar en un servicio de Neumología.

We reviewed the records of 125 patients admitted in our Service of Pneumology from January 1985 to December 1992, which were diagnosed of pleural or pulmonary tuberculosis. Several characteristics are described, with the following findings: 1) Higher incidence among men. 2) Relevant incidence among young people. 3) Frequent association with risk factors or concomitant diseases, mainly tobacco and alcohol consumption. 4) Delay in the diagnosis, probably due to the unspecific symptoms observed; fever, cough, constitutional syndrome. 5) The must frequent radiological findings were pleural leakage and cavitated infiltrations affecting the upper lobes. 6) Sputum microbiological exam still has a high diagnostic profitability.

[Gastrointestinal bleeding following ingestion of low-dose ibuprofen]. / Gastropatía hemorrágica tras dosis bajas de ibuprofeno.

INTRODUCTION: Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug frequently used in children for fever and pain. It is usually considered to be safe and of low risk at low doses and short-term use. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The aim of our study was to review the cases of gastrointestinal bleeding and assessment of gastrointestinal bleeding after recommended doses of ibuprofen. RESULTS: We describe 9 previously healthy patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding after receiving weight-related doses of ibuprofen for fever.

Recurrent stroke associated with cannabis use.

Drug misuse represents a risk factor for cerebrovascular disease, especially among young people. Despite the fact that cannabis is the most widely used illicit drug, there are only a few reports associating its use with cerebrovascular disease. We describe a patient who suffered three ischaemic strokes immediately after cannabis consumption. Other stroke aetiologies were ruled out, and neuroimaging revealed infarcts in different arterial areas as well as evidence of non-atherosclerotic arterial disease, which suggests an underlying vasculopathy of uncertain (toxic or inflammatory) origin. Cannabis use may be associated with ischaemic stroke in young patients, but its mechanism is unclear.

[Acute confusional state secondary to transient headache and neurological deficits with cerebrospinal fluid lymphocytosis]. / Estado confusional agudo secundario a síndrome de cefalea y déficit neurológicos transitorios con linfocitosis en líquido cefalorraquídeo.

Pseudomigraine with pleocytosis (now referred to as syndrome of transient headache and neurological deficits with cerebrospinal fluid lymphocytosis, IHS ICHD-II code 7.8) is only infrequently accompanied by a confusional state and no cases have been described so far in association with severe agitation. We report on a patient who suffered from two episodes of headache with transient focal neurological deficits that were consistent with pseudomigraine with pleocytosis but that were followed by an intense confusional, agitated state that required admission in the intensive care unit. This possibility should be included in the differential diagnosis of confusional, agitated states.

[Factors affecting the clinical course of bacteremia. Prospective study at a university hospital]. / Factores que influyen en la evolución de la bacteriemia. Estudio prospectivo en un hospital universitario.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors mainly influencing the mortality of a series of bacteremic patients. METHODS: A prospective study of the clinically significant bacteremias detected in the Hospital Clínico Universitario in Malaga (Spain) over the period from June 1994 to May 1995 was performed. Univariate analysis of the results was carried out with the chi 2 test and multivariate analysis was undertaken by logistic regression (Stepwise backward). RESULTS: The incidence of bacteremia was of 19.5 cases/1,000 admissions and the mortality was of 21.9%. According to the univariate analysis, 11 variables were significantly associated with greater risk death: age > 60 years, stay in the intensive care unit, respiratory diseases as the main diagnosis, etiology by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, absence of fever, septic shock, presence of chronic renal insufficiency, cirrhosis or heart disease with underlying diseases, performance of invasive procedures prior to and hospital stay of less than 10 days. Logistic regression analysis determined the factors which mainly influenced in the prognosis of bacteremia: septic shock (p < 0.0001, odds ratio [OR]: 17.97), cardiovascular diseases (p = 0.004, OR: 9.86), AIDS (p = 0.03; OR: 1.02). CONCLUSIONS: Although the prognosis of bacteremia is strongly influenced by determined conditions of the patient, it may be improved, overall through the control of possible hemodynamic complications of the patients and to a lesser extent by antibiotic treatment.