Proteomic analysis of the esophageal epithelium reveals key features of eosinophilic esophagitis pathophysiology.

BACKGROUND: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic non-IgE-mediated allergic disease of the esophagus. An unbiased proteomics approach was performed to investigate pathophysiological changes in esophageal epithelium. Additionally, an RNAseq-based transcriptomic analysis in paired samples was also carried out. METHODS: Total proteins were purified from esophageal endoscopic biopsies in a cohort of adult EoE patients (n = 25) and healthy esophagus controls (n = 10). Differentially accumulated (DA) proteins in EoE patients compared to control tissues were characterized to identify altered biological processes and signaling pathways. Results were also compared with a quantitative proteome dataset of the human esophageal mucosa. Next, results were contrasted with those obtained after RNAseq analysis in paired samples. Finally, we matched up protein expression with two EoE-specific mRNA panels (EDP and Eso-EoE panel). RESULTS: A total of 1667 proteins were identified, of which 363 were DA in EoE. RNA sequencing in paired samples identified 1993 differentially expressed (DE) genes. Total RNA and protein levels positively correlated, especially in DE mRNA-proteins pairs. Pathway analysis of these proteins in EoE showed alterations in immune and inflammatory responses for the upregulated proteins, and in epithelial differentiation, cornification and keratinization in those downregulated. Interestingly, a set of DA proteins, including eosinophil-related and secreted proteins, were not detected at the mRNA level. Protein expression positively correlated with EDP and Eso-EoE, and corresponded with the most abundant proteins of the human esophageal proteome. CONCLUSIONS: We unraveled for the first time key proteomic features involved in EoE pathogenesis. An integrative analysis of transcriptomic and proteomic datasets provides a deeper insight than transcriptomic alone into understanding complex disease mechanisms.

Case-control study of Clostridioides difficile in a rural health care area. / Estudio de casos-controles de la infección por Clostridioides difficile en un área sanitaria rural.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the risk and prognostic factors for Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prospective, case-control study with 61 cases and 64 controls, aged ≥2 years with diarrhoea, carried out in Castilla-La Mancha Health Care Area for 14 months. The diagnosis was made by immunochromatography technics (glutamate dehydrogenase and toxin A/B), confirming discordant cases by isothermal amplification. Demographic variables, comorbidities, type of acquisition, previous administration of antibiotics, antacids and immunosuppressants, and evolution were collected. The data were analysed using the chi-square test and the effect of risk and prognostic factors was quantified using an odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: Hospital admission 4 weeks prior to infection, hypoalbuminemia, and previous administration of antibiotics were identified as independent risk factors for CDI. Presenting these 3 factors constitutes nearly 3-fold increase in the risk of becoming infected. A greater number of hospital admissions in the 4-12 weeks prior to CDI were found in the group of nosocomial acquisition. Although there was a greater tendency to recurrence and an unfavourable prognosis among nosocomial cases, these differences were not significant. We found that fever and hospital admission in the 4 weeks prior to infection were unfavourable prognostic factors of CDI. CONCLUSIONS: The independent risk factors for CDI were: Hospital admission in the 4 weeks prior to infection, hypoalbuminemia, and previous administration of antibiotics. Fever and hospitalisation in the previous 4 weeks were also identified as prognostic factors of unfavourable evolution.

Anthropometric assessment of schoolchildren from the La Mancha-Centro health area. Comparison with the Spanish Cross-Sectional Growth Study 2010.

OBJECTIVES: To determine weight, height and body mass index (BMI) of schoolchildren from the La Mancha-Centro health area and compare them with those determined by the Spanish Cross-sectional Growth Study 2010 (SCGS-2010). METHODS: Cross-sectional study of 954 schoolchildren aged 6-12 years. Mean, standard deviation, and percentile distributions of weight, height, and BMI by gender and age were obtained. Differences in each 6-month age group were analyzed. RESULTS: There was a progressive increase in BMI with age, which was significant in girls from nine years of age on and in boys from 8.5 years on. From age 10, average BMI was 2.3 kg/m2 higher than at younger ages (p < 0.001). The biggest difference between genders occurred at age 12: 2 ± 0.98 kg/m2 higher in boys (p = 0.042). Overall, no significant differences were found in weight, height and BMI vs. SCGS-2010, although mean weight of male children from La Mancha-Centro aged between 8.5 and 11.5 years was 3.9 kg higher than that of the rest of Spanish male children. CONCLUSIONS: Anthropometric parameters of schoolchildren from La Mancha-Centro do not significantly differ from national standards; however, preadolescent males from La Mancha-Centro weigh almost 4 kg more.

OBJETIVOS: Determinar peso, talla e índice de masa corporal (IMC) de escolares del área de salud La Mancha-Centro y compararlos con los definidos en el Estudio Transversal Español de Crecimiento 2010 (ETEC-2010). MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal de 954 escolares entre 6 y 12 años. Se obtuvieron media, desviación estándar y distribuciones percentilares de peso, talla e IMC por sexo y edad. Se analizaron las diferencias en cada grupo semestral de edad. RESULTADOS: Existió incremento progresivo del IMC con la edad, significativo en las niñas a partir de los nueve años y en los niños desde los 8.5 años. Desde los 10 años, el IMC promedio resultó 2.3 kg/m2 superior al de edades menores (p < 0.001); la mayor diferencia entre los sexos ocurrió a los 12 años: 2 ± 0.98 kg/m2 más en los varones (p = 0.042). Globalmente no se hallaron diferencias significativas de peso, talla e IMC con el ETEC-2010, aunque el peso medio de los niños manchegos de 8.5 a 11.5 años fue 3.9 kg mayor que el del resto de los niños españoles. CONCLUSIONES: Los parámetros antropométricos de los escolares manchegos no difieren de los estándares nacionales; sin embargo, los varones preadolescentes manchegos pesan casi 4 kg más.

Validation of the Ramsay scale for invasive procedures under deep sedation in pediatrics.

BACKGROUND: The Ramsay scale is the most widely used scale during pediatric procedures although it has not been formally validated. OBJECTIVE: To validate the Ramsay scale during invasive procedures under sedation in pediatrics. METHODS: A prospective analytic study was conducted in two hospitals. All patients ≥6 months that were undergoing invasive procedures under sedation were enrolled. All were recorded, and these videos were edited and randomized. 150 videos were scored by four observers (a pediatrician, a pediatric intensive care unit nurse, an anesthetist, and an operating room nurse). All videos were scored with the Ramsay scale and University of Michigan Sedation Scale. Observers were blinded to drug administration. Construct validity was measured through Wilcoxon test paired samples after administration of sedatives. Criterion validity, intra-observer reliability, and interobserver correlation were evaluated by comparing the scores of the scales using Spearman's correlation coefficient. Interobserver agreement was measured using the intraclass correlation coefficient. To assess test-retest reliability, 50 videos were randomly selected and reevaluated. RESULTS: Sixty-five patients were included. Construct validity was demonstrated through changes in the Ramsay scale scoring after administration of sedatives (p < .0001). Regarding criterion validity, the Ramsay scale had a high correlation with the UMSS (ρ = 0.621). Intra-observer agreement was ρ = 0.884. The Ramsay scale showed interobserver reliability with an intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.94 when comparing it with the University of Michigan Sedation Scale. Internal consistency was α = 0.91. Regarding applicability, in our study, it was applied in two hospitals in different areas by four professionals from distinct categories. CONCLUSIONS: The Ramsay scale is valid, reliable, and applicable to monitoring sedation for invasive procedures under deep sedation in pediatrics.

Effects of cord milking in late preterm infants and full-term infants: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Umbilical cord milking (UCM) consists of performing several milkings of the cord from the placenta to the newborn. The objective was to evaluate the effects of UCM on newborns ≥34 weeks' gestation. METHODS: Searches were conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, the Cochrane Database of Clinical Trials, and the clinicaltrails.gov database for randomized clinical trials (RCT), with no time or language restrictions, and for articles that compared UCM with other strategies. The main results were initial hemoglobin and hemoglobin after 6 weeks. The data were collected by two reviewers and the quality of the studies was assessed using the Cochrane Manual methodology. RESULTS: The sample included 1845 newborns in 10 RCTs. The use of UCM in ≥34 weeks' gestation newborns was not related to initial hemoglobin levels (pooled weighted mean difference: (PWMD = 0.40 g/L [-0.16 to 0.95]) or after 6 weeks (PWMD = 0.07 g/L [-0.29 to 0.27]). A reduction in hemoglobin levels was also observed at 6 weeks when the control group had undergone late clamping (PWDM = 0.16g/L [-0.26 to -0.06]). CONCLUSIONS: UCM produced no differences in hematologic variables for newborns with ≥34 weeks of gestation relative to controls. However, a slight decrease in hemoglobin levels is observed at 6 weeks when the control group is made up of newborns with late clamping.

Response to Symptoms and Prehospital Delay in Stroke Patients. Is It Time to Reconsider Stroke Awareness Campaigns?

BACKGROUND: Despite recent advances in acute stroke care, reperfusion therapies are given to only 1%-8% of patients. Previous studies have focused on prehospital or decision delay. We aim to give a more comprehensive view by addressing different time delays and decisions. METHODS: A total of 382 patients with either acute stroke or transient ischemic attack were prospectively included. Sociodemographic and clinical parameters and data on decision delay, prehospital delay, and first medical contact were recorded. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify factors related to decision delay of 15 minutes or shorter, calling the Extrahospital Emergency Services, and prehospital delay of 60 minutes or shorter and 180 minutes or shorter. RESULTS: Prehospital delay was 60 minutes or shorter in 11.3% of our patients and 180 minutes or shorter in 48.7%. Major vascular risk factors were present in 89.8% of patients. Severity was associated with decision delay of 15 minutes or shorter (odds ratio [OR] 1.08; confidence interval [CI] 1.04-1.13), calling the Extrahospital Emergency Services (OR 1.17; CI 1.12-1.23), and prehospital delay of 180 minutes or shorter (OR 1.08; CI 1.01-1.15). Adult children as witnesses favored a decision delay of 15 minutes or shorter (OR 3.44; CI 95% 1.88-6.27; P < .001) and calling the Extrahospital Emergency Services (OR 2.24; IC 95% 1.20-4.22; P = .012). Calling the Extrahospital Emergency Services favored prehospital delay of 60 minutes or shorter (OR 5.69; CI 95% 2.41-13.45; P < .001) and prehospital delay of 180 minutes or shorter (OR 3.86; CI 95% 1.47-10.11; P = .006). CONCLUSIONS: Severity and the bystander play a critical role in the response to stroke. Calling the Extrahospital Emergency Services promotes shorter delays. Future interventions should encourage immediately calling the Extrahospital Emergency Services, but the target should be redirected to those with known risk factors and their caregivers.

Association between medication and intestinal intussusception in children: a case-crossover study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the association between the appearance of intussusception in children and medication intake in the immediately preceding period (2-15 days). METHODS: A case-crossover design was used. We selected cases of children admitted with a diagnosis of intussusception (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, 860) to the major hospitals in the city of Valencia, Spain, from 2006 to 2009. We then estimated the association between the episode of intussusception and the intake of prescription medication during the preceding 2, 7, and 15 days (case period) and for the same time window 1, 2, 3, and 4 months prior (control period). Data on previous drug administration were obtained from the Pharmaceutical Service Manager System. RESULTS: A total of 95 cases (65.3% boys and 34.7% girls) were selected; 76.6% were younger than the age of 2 years. The association between intussusception and prior drug use varied depending on the exposure window: 15-day odds ratio (OR), 1.45 (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.86-2.43); 7-day OR, 1.46 (95% CI, 0.80-2.67); and 2-day OR, 2.26 (95% CI, 1.10-4.64). These associations were greater for children aged younger than 2 years and were usually due to the recent administration (preceding 2 days) of antibiotics (OR, 8.00; 95% CI, 1.47-43.7). CONCLUSIONS: Intussusception was more common among boys aged younger than 2 years. A positive and significant association was observed when drugs were administered 2 to 7 days before the onset of symptoms in children younger than the age of 2 years.

[Survey to know the perception of sexual education in adolescents]. / Encuesta para conocer la percepción sobre la educación sexual en adolescentes.

OBJECTIVE: Sex education is essential for an accurate approach of sexuality in adolescents, being more effective when it is carried out at early ages. This study aimed to estimate the sexual health knowledge and the information in this regard perceived by adolescents, as well as where it came from. METHODS: A cross-sectional observational study was performed in students from two public high schools in Castilla-La Mancha who were surveyed about sexual knowledge. Comparisons were made by using the Student's t test or Mann Whitney U test, the Chi-square test (or Fisher's exact test) depending on the variables. RESULTS: 248 students were included (68.1% from Madridejos and 31.9% from Herencia) with a mean age of 14.67±1.1 years. The 47.2% were women. Only 4.8% of the participants affirm to talk about sexuality with their parents. The 56% declared had consumed pornographic content, with a mean first access age of 12.8±1 years. Significant statistically differences were found between the information received in schools and in the familiar surroundings, being alcohol and drug intake, sexually transmitted infections (STI), and contraceptive methods more frequently treated at the educational centers. A 25% of the surveyed students who reported having performed sexual relations stated not having used condom. Approximately, half of the participants did not perceive a high risk of getting STIs (HIV, herpes and chlamydia) in the case of having sex without condom. CONCLUSIONS: There is a lack of sexual knowledge in adolescents, perceiving a noteworthy heterogeneity in the offered information depending on it is received in high school or in familiar surroundings.

OBJECTIVE: La educación sexual es un pilar fundamental para un correcto enfoque de la sexualidad en los adolescentes, siendo más efectiva si se realiza en edades tempranas. El objetivo de este trabajo se fundamentó en estimar los conocimientos de salud sexual y la información percibida por los adolescentes, así como de dónde provenía. METHODS: Se realizó un estudio observacional transversal en estudiantes de dos centros educativos públicos de Castilla-La Mancha a los que se les realizó una encuesta sobre conocimientos de sexualidad. Se hicieron comparaciones mediante t de student o U de Mann Whitney, o test de Chi-cuadrado (o test exacto de Fisher), según variables. RESULTS: Se incluyeron 248 encuestados/as (68,1% de Madridejos y 31,9% de Herencia) con una edad media de 14,67±1,1 años. El 47,2% fueron mujeres. Solo un 4,8% de los/as encuestados/as afirmaron hablar sobre sexualidad con sus progenitores. Un 56% afirmaron haber consumido contenido pornográfico, siendo la edad media de la primera visualización de 12,8±1 años. Se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre la información recibida en los centros educativos y el ámbito familiar, tratándose más frecuentemente el consumo de alcohol y drogas, las infecciones de transmisión sexual (ITS) y los métodos anticonceptivos en los centros. Un cuarto de los/as encuestados/as que afirmaron haber tenido relaciones sexuales no habían utilizado preservativo. Aproximadamente, la mitad de los/as participantes no percibieron un riesgo alto de contraer ITS (VIH, herpes y clamidia) en el caso de mantener relaciones sexuales sin preservativo. CONCLUSIONS: Existe una falta de educación sexual en los/as adolescentes, percibiendo gran heterogeneidad en los conocimientos ofrecidos en los centros educativos y el ámbito familiar.

[Telerehabilitación: evolución de la capacidad funcional, calidad de vida y salud mental en pacientes con covid-19 tras un programa de rehabilitación respiratoria.] / Telerehabilitation: Evolution of functional capacity, quality of life and mental health in COVID-19 patients after a Respiratory Rehabilitation program.

OBJECTIVE: The healthcare approach to rehabilitation has undergone important changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective of the study was to assess the role of a home respiratory telerehabilitation program based on exercises and education in patients admitted to COVID-19. METHODS: An observational cohort study of COVID-19 patients admitted to General Hospital La Mancha Centro from March to June 2020 was carried out, who were assessed and treated by the rehabilitation, physiotherapy and occupational therapy service. After hospital discharge, the functional capacity, quality of life, mental health and happiness of the patients were assessed by telephone consultation at two, fifteen and thirty days. A descriptive analysis was carried out and for follow-up the McNemar test was used for qualitative variables and Student's t or Wilcoxon paired samples test for quantitative variables. RESULTS: Thirty patients were included in the study. The mean age was 60.9 years, with 50% male and 50% female. 80% of the patients were admitted to the ICU, with a mean of thirty four days. 73.3% of the patients developed ICU-acquired weakness. There are statistically significant changes in functional capacity (Barthel from 57.5 to 90), quality of life (EQ-VAS from 60 to 70), mental health (MHI-5 from 23 to 27) and happiness (Lyubomirsky from 4 to 4.5) of patients at thirty days after discharge. CONCLUSIONS: Patients admitted for COVID-19 and included in the home respiratory rehabilitation program through telerehabilitation significantly improve their functional capacity, quality of life, mental health, and happiness during follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: El abordaje asistencial de la rehabilitación ha sufrido cambios importantes con motivo de la pandemia de la COVID-19. El objetivo del estudio fue valorar el papel de un programa de telerehabilitación respiratoria domiciliaria basada en ejercicios y educación en pacientes ingresados con COVID-19. METHODS: Se realizó un estudio observacional de una cohorte de pacientes con COVID-19 ingresados en el Hospital General La Mancha Centro desde marzo a junio de 2020, que fueron valorados y tratados por el servicio de rehabilitación, fisioterapia y terapia ocupacional. Tras el alta hospitalaria, se valoró mediante consulta telefónica a los dos, quince y treinta días, la capacidad funcional, la calidad de vida, la salud mental y la felicidad de los pacientes. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo y para el seguimiento se utilizó los test de McNemar para variables cualitativas y t de student o Wilcoxon de muestras apareados para las cuantitativas. RESULTS: Treinta pacientes fueron incluidos en el estudio. La edad media fue de 60,9 años, siendo un 50% hombres y un 50% mujeres. El 80% de los pacientes ingresaron en UCI, con una media de treinta y cuatro días. El 73,3% de los pacientes desarrollaron debilidad adquirida en UCI. Existen cambios estadísticamente significativos sobre capacidad funcional (Barthel de 57,5 a 90), calidad de vida (EVA de 60 a 70), salud mental (MHI5 de 23 a 27) y felicidad (Lyubomirsky de 4 a 4,5) de los pacientes a los treinta días tras el alta hospitalaria. CONCLUSIONS: Los pacientes ingresados por COVID-19 e incluidos en el programa de rehabilitación respiratoria domiciliaria mediante telerehabilitación mejoran de forma significativa su capacidad funcional, calidad de vida, salud mental y felicidad durante su seguimiento.

[Evolución de marcadores de laboratorio en pacientes con detección persistente de SARS-CoV-2.] / Laboratory markers evolution in patients with persistent detection of SARS-CoV-2.

OBJECTIVE: The study of the evolution of certain biomarkers in patients with persistent detection of SARS-CoV-2 could determine the profile of the pathology that these patients may suffer. The objective of this study was to describe the evolution of different laboratory markers in patients with persistent detection of SARS-CoV-2, and determining these parameters were into reference values. METHODS: Patients were divided into two groups: the control group (G0) included patients with a positive direct test for SARS-CoV-2 followed by 2 negative, while the problem group (G1) included patients with at least 3 consecutive positive tests. The time between consecutive samples was five to twenty days, and only patients with negative serology were included. Demographic data, comorbidities, symptoms, radiology and hospitalization were collected, as well as data from analytic and blood gases. The comparison between the study groups was realized using the t-student and U Mann-Whitney test for quantitative variables, and the χ2 test for qualitative variables. Results with p<0.05 were taken as significant. RESULTS: Ninety patients were included, thirty-eight in G0 and fifty-two in G1. D-dimer decreased 10.20 times more in G0 patients, and normal levels of this parameter at t1 were 1.46 times more frequent in these patients. The percentage of lymphocytes increased sixteen times more in G0, and the normal values in t1 were 10.40 times more common in these patients. C-reactive protein decreased significantly in both groups, and lactate increased more in G1 patients. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study suggest that some biomarkers evolve differently in patients with persistent detection of SARS-CoV-2, which may have significant clinical impact. This information could help to determine the main organs or systems affected, allowing to anticipate socio-sanitary measures to prevent or compensate these alterations.

OBJETIVO: El estudio de la evolución de algunos biomarcadores en pacientes con detección persistente de SARS-CoV-2 permitiría determinar el perfil de las patologías que podrían padecer. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir la evolución de distintos marcadores de laboratorio en pacientes con detección persistente de SARS-CoV-2 y estudiar los cambios en la proporción de pacientes con valores considerados como normales. METODOS: Los pacientes se dividieron en dos grupos: el grupo control (G0) incluyó pacientes con una prueba de detección de infección activa positiva para SARS-CoV-2 seguida de dos negativas, mientras que el grupo problema (G1) incluyó pacientes con al menos tres pruebas positivas consecutivas. El tiempo entre muestras consecutivas fue de cinco a veinte días, y se incluyeron solamente pacientes con serología negativa. Se recogieron datos demográficos, comorbilidades, sintomatología, radiología y hospitalización, así como los datos de las analíticas y las gasometrías. La comparación entre los grupos de estudio se realizó mediante el test t-student y U Mann-Whitney para variables cuantitativas, y el test de χ2 para variables cualitativas. Se tomaron como significativos resultados con p<0,05. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron noventa pacientes, treinta y ocho en G0 y cincuenta y dos en G1. El dímero D descendió 10,20 veces más en pacientes G0, y los niveles normales de este parámetro en t1 fueron 1,46 veces más frecuentes en estos pacientes. El porcentaje de linfocitos se elevó dieciséis veces más en G0, y los valores normales en t1 fueron 10,40 veces más habituales en estos pacientes. La proteína C reactiva descendió de manera importante en ambos grupos, y el lactato aumentó más en pacientes G1. CONCLUSIONES: Los resultados del estudio sugieren que algunos biomarcadores evolucionan de manera diferente en pacientes con detección persistente de SARS-CoV-2, lo que podría tener importantes repercusiones clínicas. Esta información podría ayudar a determinar los principales órganos o sistemas afectados, permitiendo anticipar medidas sociosanitarias para prevenir o compensar estas alteraciones.

Concordance between expectations and preferences of patients and evaluation criteria of the European Medicines Agency.

OBJECTIVE: The European Medicines Agency's marketing authorisation criteria  for drugs are reflected in the European Public Assessment Reports. The  objective is to describe the expectations and preferences of our  oncohematological outpatients with respect to their oral treatments, and to  evaluate the concordance with the results of European Public Assessment Reports. METHOD: A survey of onco-hematological patients' expectations and preferences about overall survival and quality of life was developed, with three items: expectations on treatment, preferences of benefit and  willingness to receive novel treatments with non-definitive results. European  Public Assessment Reports of the indicated drugs were reviewed. Kappa index  (κ) was used to assess the agreement between patients' expectations  and preferences respect to the benefit in overall survival and quality of life  described in the corresponding European Public Assessment Report.  Concordance between willingness of patients to receive novel treatments and European Public Assessment Reports results was evaluated by absolute  agreement (Ao). RESULTS: There were 29 participants, and 19 different European Public Assessment Reports were consulted. Patients' expectations about their  treatment: 82.1% expected improvement in overall survival and quality of life; the κ value between expectations and results of European Public Assessment Reports was 0.091 (confidence interval 95%: -0.025 to 0.207). Patients' preferences about benefit of their treatment: 92.6%  preferred quality of life; the κ value was 0.016 (confidence interval 95%: - 0.127 to 0.160). Willingness to receive novel treatments: 82.1% participants demanded benefit in overall survival or quality of life; exigences were met in Ao = 53.6% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Little agreement was observed between expectations and  preferences of our onco-hematological patients and European Public Assessment Reports, according to overall survival and quality of life.  Most patients preferred an improvement in quality of life, but also expected  an  increase in overall survival with their treatment. Almost half of  patients would not meet their requirements to receive their drug when it was  authorized.

OBJETIVO: Los criterios de autorización de comercialización de medicamentos de la Agencia Europea del Medicamento se reflejan en los European Public Assessment Reports. El objetivo es describir las  expectativas y preferencias de nuestros pacientes externos oncohematológicos con respecto a sus tratamientos orales, y evaluar la  concordancia con los resultados de los European Public Assessment Reports. Método: Se elaboró una encuesta sobre las expectativas y preferencias de los  pacientes oncohematológicos respecto a la supervivencia global y calidad de  vida, con tres ítems: expectativas sobre el tratamiento, preferencias de  beneficio y disposición a recibir tratamientos novedosos con resultados  inmaduros. Se revisaron los European Public Assessment Reports de los  fármacos indicados. Se utilizó el índice kappa (κ) para evaluar la concordancia  entre las expectativas y preferencias de los pacientes respecto al beneficio en  supervivencia global y calidad de vida descrito en el European Public  Assessment Report correspondiente. La concordancia entre la disposición de  los pacientes a recibir nuevos tratamientos y los resultados de los European  Public Assessment Reports se evaluó mediante la concordancia absoluta (Ao). RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 29 participantes y se consultaron 19 European Public Assessment Reports diferentes. Expectativas de los pacientes sobre su tratamiento: el 82,1% esperaba una mejora de la  supervivencia global y calidad de vida; el valor κ entre las expectativas y los  resultados de los European Public Assessment Reports fue de 0,091 (intervalo  de confianza 95%: ­0,025 a 0,207). Preferencias de los pacientes sobre el beneficio de su tratamiento: el 92,6% prefirió la calidad de vida; el valor κ fue de 0,016 (intervalo de confianza 95%: ­0,127 a 0,160). Disposición a  recibir tratamientos novedosos: el 82,1% de los participantes exigió un beneficio en la supervivencia global o en la calidad de vida; las exigencias se cumplieron en Ao = 53,6% de los pacientes. CONCLUSIONES: Se observó poca concordancia entre las expectativas y  preferencias de nuestros pacientes oncohematológicos y los European Public  Assessment Reports, según la supervivencia global y la calidad de vida. La  mayoría de los pacientes preferían una mejora de la calidad de vida, pero  también esperaban un aumento de la supervivencia global con su tratamiento.  Casi la mitad de los pacientes no cumpliría con sus requisitos para recibir su  medicación cuando ésta fuera autorizada.

Predicting the response to methylprednisolone pulses in patients with SARS-COV-2 infection.

INTRODUCTION: Treating systemic inflammation caused by SARS-COV 2 (COVID-19) has become a challenge for the clinician. Corticosteroids have been the turning point in the treatment of this disease. Preliminary data from Recovery clinical trial raises hope by showing that treatment with dexamethasone at doses of 6mg/day shows a reduction on morbidity in patients requiring added oxygen therapy. However, both the start day or what kind of corticosteroid, are still questions to be clarified. Since the pandemic beginning, we have observed large differences in the type of corticosteroid, dose and initiation of treatment. Our objective is to assess the predictive capacity of the characteristics of patients treated with methylprednisolone pulses to predict hospital discharge. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We presented a one-center observational study of a retrospective cohort. We included all patients admitted between 03/06/2020 and 05/15/2020 because of COVID-19. We have a total number of 1469 patients, of whom 322 received pulses of methylprednisolone. Previous analytical, radiographic, previous disease data were analyzed on these patients. The univariant analysis was performed using Chi-squared and the T test of Student according to the qualitative or quantitative nature of the variables respectively. For multivariate analysis, we have used binary logistic regression and ROC curves. RESULTS: The analysis resulted statistically significant in dyspnea, high blood pressure, dyslipidemia, stroke, ischemic heart disease, cognitive impairment, solid tumor, C-reactive protein (CRP), lymphopenia and d-dimer within 5 days of admission. Radiological progression and FIO2 input are factors that are associated with a worst prognosis in COVID-19 that receive pulses of methylprednisolone. Multivariate analysis shows that age, dyspnea and C-reactive protein are markers of hospital discharge with an area below the curve of 0.816. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with methylprednisolone pulses, the capacity of the predictive model for hospital discharge including variables collected at 5 days was (area under the curve) 0.816.

Predicting the response to methylprednisolone pulses in patients with SARS-COV-2 infection.

Introduction: Treating systemic inflammation caused by SARS-COV 2 (COVID-19) has become a challenge for the clinician. Corticosteroids have been the turning point in the treatment of this disease. Preliminary data from Recovery clinical trial raises hope by showing that treatment with dexamethasone at doses of 6 mg/day shows a reduction on morbidity in patients requiring added oxygen therapy. However, both the start day or what kind of corticosteroid, are still questions to be clarified. Since the pandemic beginning, we have observed large differences in the type of corticosteroid, dose and initiation of treatment.Our objective is to assess the predictive capacity of the characteristics of patients treated with methylprednisolone pulses to predict hospital discharge. Materials and methods: We presented a one-center observational study of a retrospective cohort. We included all patients admitted between 03/06/2020 and 05/15/2020 because of COVID-19. We have a total number of 1469 patients, of whom 322 received pulses of methylprednisolone. Previous analytical, radiographic, previous disease data were analyzed on these patients. The univariant analysis was performed using Chi-squared and the T test of Student according to the qualitative or quantitative nature of the variables respectively. For multivariate analysis, we have used binary logistic regression and ROC curves. Results: The analysis resulted statistically significant in dyspnea, high blood pressure, dyslipidemia, stroke, ischemic heart disease, cognitive impairment, solid tumor, C-reactive protein (CRP), lymphopenia and d-dimer within 5 days of admission. Radiological progression and FIO2 input are factors that are associated with a worst prognosis in COVID-19 that receive pulses of methylprednisolone. Multivariate analysis shows that age, dyspnea and C-reactive protein are markers of hospital discharge with an area below the curve of 0.816. Conclusions: In patients with methylprednisolone pulses, the capacity of the predictive model for hospital discharge including variables collected at 5 days was (area under the curve) 0.816.

Introducción: Tratar la inflamación sistémica producida por el SARS-COV 2 (COVID-19) se ha convertido en un reto para el clínico. Los corticoides han sido el punto de inflexión en el tratamiento de esta enfermedad. Los datos preliminares del ensayo clínico Recovery alentan esperanza mostrando que con el tratamiento con dexametasona a dosis de 6 mg/día hay una disminución de la morbimortalidad en pacientes que requieren oxigenoterapia añadida. Sin embargo, tanto el día de inicio, o qué tipo de corticosteroide, son todavía preguntas por aclarar. Desde el inicio de la pandemia hemos observado grandes diferencias en cuanto al tipo de corticoide, dosis e inicio de tratamiento.Nuestro objetivo es valorar la capacidad predictiva de las características de los pacientes tratados con bolos de metilprednisolona para predecir el alta hospitalaria. Materiales y métodos: Presentamos un estudio unicéntrico observacional de cohorte retrospectiva. Incluimos a todos los pacientes ingresados entre el 06/03/2020 y el 15/05/2020 por COVID-19. Contamos con un número total de 1469 pacientes, de los cuales 322 recibieron pulsos de metilprednisolona. De estos pacientes se analizaron los datos clínicos, analíticos, radiográficos, enfermedades previas. El análisis univariante se realizó mediante Chi cuadrado y el test t de Student según la naturaleza cualitativa o cuantitativa de las variables respectivamente. Para el análisis multivariante hemos empleado la regresión logística binaria y las curvas ROC. Resultados: En el análisis resultó estadísticamente significativo la disnea, hipertensión arterial, dislipemia, accidente cerebrovascular, cardiopatía isquémica, deterioro cognitivo, tumor sólido, la proteína C reactiva (PCR), linfopenia y d-dímero a los 5 días de ingreso. La progresión radiológica y de aporte de FIO2 son factores que se asocian a peor pronóstico en la COVID-19 que reciben pulsos de metilprednisolona. En el análisis multivariante se observa que la edad, disnea y la proteína C reactiva son marcadores de alta hospitalaria con un área bajo la curva de 0,816. Conclusión: En pacientes con bolos de metilprednisolona, la capacidad del modelo predictivo del alta hospitalaria incluyendo variables recogidas a los 5 días ha sido (Área Bajo la Curva) de 0.816.

[Potential usefulness of CT as a marker of persistence of positive PCR in patients with COVID-19.] / Potencial utilidad del CT como marcador de persistencia de PCR positiva en pacientes con COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: One of the problems associated to SARS-CoV-2 was its persistence in nasopharyngeal tract. The existence of markers that help to predict this situation could be useful to management of the patients. The objective of this paper was to determine the relationship between the CT value from the initial PCR of patients with COVID-19 and the persistence of the infection. METHODS: It was performed an observational retrospective study of patients with positive PCR to SARS-CoV-2 attended in emergency department of a general hospital. Data about compatible symptoms, radiological findings and the CT value obtained with each PCR kit were collected. The control group (G0) included patients with a positive PCR followed by two negative PCR results (P-N-N), while problem group (G1) included patients with at least three consecutive positive PCR results (P-P-P). Chronic infections were discarded selecting only patients with negative serology, and only were included those whose PCR were separated by a minimum of five and maximum of twenty days. The comparison between the study groups was carried out using the t-student test for quantitative variables and the χ2 test for qualitative variables. RESULTS: The mean CT value were 30.8 and 21.5 (p<0.001) on G0 and G1, respectively. G0 reported higher CT values than G1, regardless of symptoms, radiological pattern and the PCR kit utilized. CONCLUSIONS: The CT value from the SARS-CoV-2 initial PCR is related to the persistence of its positivity, regardless of the patient´s symptoms or radiological pattern. Thus, low CT values could be related to persistent infections.

OBJETIVO: Uno de los problemas asociados al SARS-CoV-2 es su persistencia en el tracto nasofaríngeo. La existencia de marcadores que ayuden a predecir este fenómeno podría ser útil en el manejo del paciente. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar la relación entre el valor CT (umbral de ciclo) de la PCR inicial de pacientes con COVID-19 y la persistencia de la infección. METODOS: Se realizó un estudio observacional retrospectivo de pacientes con PCR positiva para SARS-CoV-2 atendidos en las Urgencias de un hospital general. Se recogieron datos sobre sintomatología compatible y patrón radiológico de cada paciente, así como el CT obtenido en la PCR con cada equipo utilizado. El grupo control (G0) incluyó pacientes con una PCR positiva seguida de dos negativas (patrón P-N-N), mientras que el grupo problema (G1) incluyó pacientes con al menos tres PCR positivas consecutivas (patrón P-P-P). Se descartaron las infecciones crónicas, considerando únicamente a pacientes con serología negativa, y solo se incluyeron aquellos cuyas tres PCR estuvieron separadas un mínimo de cinco días y un máximo de veinte. La comparación entre los grupos de estudio se realizó mediante el test t-student para variables cuantitativas y el test de χ2 para variables cualitativas. RESULTADOS: La media del valor CT fue de 30,8 en G0 y 21,5 en G1 (p<0,001). G0 reportó CT superiores a G1, independientemente de la sintomatología, el patrón radiológico o el equipo de PCR utilizado. CONCLUSIONES: El valor CT de la PCR inicial de SARS-CoV-2 podría relacionase con la persistencia de su positividad, independientemente de la sintomatología o el patrón radiológico del paciente. Valores bajos de CT en la primera PCR podrían relacionarse con infecciones persistentes.

Influence of influenza vaccine and comorbidity on the evolution of hospitalized COVID-19 patients⋆.

Background and objective: The COVID-19 coronavirus disease outbreak is evolving around the world. Objective: To evaluate the associations between influenza vaccination and other factors and the risk of mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Materials and methods: Retrospective observational study. This study was conducted among hospitalized patients with COVID-19 at Hospital La Mancha Centro between March 5 and 25, 2020. Information on influenza vaccination was extracted from electronic medical records. We used a multivariate logistic regression to explore the association between influenza vaccination and mortality from COVID and other risk factors. Results: 410 patients were included. Influenza vaccine had no effect among COVID-19 hospitalized patients [OR: 1.55 (95%CI: 0.96-2.48; p = 0.071)]. Increasing hospital mortality was associated with older age [OR: 1.05 (95% CI 1.02-1.07), per year increase; p < 0.001)], Charlson ≥3 [OR: 1.84 (95%CI: 1.07-3.15, p = 0.027)] and heart failure on admission [OR: 6 (IC95%: 1.6-21.7; p = 0.007)]. Conclusions: Influenza vaccine had no effect among COVID-19 hospitalized patients. The risk factors identified were older age, higher comorbidity and heart failure on admission.

Antecedentes y objetivo: El brote de la enfermedad COVID-19 está evolucionando en todo el mundo. Objetivo: Evaluar la asociación de la vacunación antigripal y otros factores y el riesgo de mortalidad en pacientes con COVID-19 hospitalizados. Materiales y métodos: Estudio observacional retrospectivo. Se realizó entre pacientes hospitalizados con COVID-19 del Hospital La Mancha Centro entre el 5 y el 25 de marzo de 2020. Utilizamos una regresión logística multivariable para explorar la asociación entre la vacunación antigripal y la mortalidad por COVID y otros factores de riesgo. Resultados: Se incluyeron 410 pacientes. La vacunación antigripal no tuvo efecto entre los pacientes hospitalizados por COVID-19 [OR: 1,55 (IC95%: 0,96­2,48; p = 0,071)]. El aumento de la mortalidad intrahospitalaria se asoció con edad avanzada [OR: 1,05, (IC95%: 1,02­1,07), por cada aumento de año; p < 0.001)], Charlson ≥ 3 [OR: 1,84 (IC95%: 1,07­3,15, p = 0,027)] e insuficiencia cardíaca al ingreso [OR: 6 (IC95%: 1,6­21,7; p = 0,007)]. Conclusiones: La vacuna antigripal no tuvo efecto en la evolución de pacientes hospitalizados por COVID-19. Los factores de riesgo identificados fueron la edad avanzada, mayor comorbilidad e insuficiencia cardíaca al ingreso.

Influence of influenza vaccine and comorbidity on the evolution of hospitalized COVID-19 patients. / Influencia de la vacunación antigripal y la comorbilidad en la evolución de los pacientes hospitalizados por COVID-19.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The COVID-19 coronavirus disease outbreak is evolving around the world. The aim of this study is to evaluate the association between influenza vaccination and the risk of mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, as well as other risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective observational study. This study was conducted among hospitalized patients with COVID-19 at Hospital La Mancha Centro between March 5 and 25, 2020. Information on influenza vaccination was extracted from electronic medical records. We used a multivariate logistic regression to explore the association between influenza vaccination and mortality from COVID and other risk factors. RESULTS: 410 patients were included. Influenza vaccine had no effect among COVID-19 hospitalized patients [OR: 1.55 (95%CI: 0.96 - 2.48; p=0.071)]. Increasing hospital mortality was associated with older age [OR: 1.05 (95% CI 1.02-1.07), per year increase; p<0.001)], Charlson ≥3 [OR: 1.84 (95%CI: 1.07-3.15, p=0.027)] and heart failure on admission [OR: 6 (IC95%: 1.6 - 21.7; p=0.007)] CONCLUSIONS: Influenza vaccine had no effect among COVID-19 hospitalized patients. The risk factors identified were older age, higher comorbidity and heart failure on admission.

[Risk factors for mortality in patients over 65 years old hospitalized by COVID-19]. / Factores de riesgo de mortalidad en pacientes mayores de 65 años hospitalizados por COVID-19.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: COVID-19 is a disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and has caused a global pandemic that we are currently suffering from. OBJECTIVE: to identify factors associated with the death of patients aged 65 years or older hospitalized for COVID-19. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective cohort study. We included patients aged 65 years or older who were hospitalized for COVID-19 and dead o discharged between March 5 and 25, 2020. We used univariable and multivariable logistic regression methods to explore the risk factors associated with in-hospital death. RESULTS: 277 patients were included in this study. The bivariate analysis showed significant differences (p<0.05) between survivors and non survivors: age, increased dependence and comorbidity, history of ischemic heart disease, renal failure and non-hematological neoplasms, heart failure during admission, leukocytosis, elevated creatinine, PCR, GOT and troponin Ic values, lymphopenia, and decreased blood pH and SatO2. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that age ≥65 years (OR: 4.23 (95% CI: 1.43-12.52; p=0.009), lymphopenia <1000/µL (OR: 2.36 (95% CI: 1.07-5.20; p=0.033), creatinine>1.2mg/dL (OR: 3.08 (95% CI: 1.37-6.92; p=0.006), SatO2 <90% (OR: 2.29 (95% CI: 1.01-5.21; p=0.049) and troponin Ic>11ng/mL (OR: 2.32 (95% CI: 1.04-5.16; p=0.040) were independently associated with higher hospital mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Older age, lymphopenia, SatO2 <90%, elevated creatinine and troponin Ic values were independently associated with higher mortality in hospitalized patients with COVID-19, these factors could help clinicians to identify patients with poor prognosis.

[Validity and reliability of the Niño Jesús Hospital procedural sedation-analgesia scale of the under deep sedation-analgesia]. / Validez y fiabilidad de la escala de sedación para procedimientos del Hospital Niño Jesús bajo sedoanalgesia profunda.

INTRODUCTION: The procedural sedation scale of the Niño Jesús Hospital (Madrid) (SSPNJH) has not been validated. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective analytical study was conducted in 2 hospitals on patients ≥ 6 months undergoing invasive procedures using sedation-analgesia with propofol or midazolam and fentanyl. All were monitored using the bispectral index (BIS). Videos were made of each procedure, which were then edited and randomised. A total of 150 videos were rated by four observers using the SSPNJH, the sedation scale of the University of Michigan (UMSS), and the Ramsay Scale (SR). These observers were blinded to the BIS, and at the time of drug administration. To assess test-retest reliability, 50 of the initial 150 randomly selected videos were re-assessed. RESULTS: The study included a total of 65 patients. The within-observer agreement was high (ρ = 0.793). The SSPNJH gave a good interobserver reliability when compared with the UMSS (ICC = 0.88) and the SR (ICC = 0.86), and there was none with the BIS. Internal consistency was moderate (α = 0.68). Construct validity was demonstrated by changes in scores after administering sedatives (p < 0.0001). The SSPNJH had a very low correlation with the BIS (r = -0.166), and a moderate correlation with the UMSS (r = 0.497) and the SR (r = 0.405). As regards the applicability, this scale has been used in two hospitals in five different areas by four professionals of different categories. CONCLUSIONS: The SSPNJH is valid, reliable and applicable for sedation monitoring in invasive procedures under deep sedation-analgesia in paediatric patients. The SSPNJH has worse properties than the UMSS and the SR.

Relationship Between Prolonged Second Stage of Labor and Short-Term Neonatal Morbidity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

To evaluate the association between prolonged second stage of labor and the risk of adverse neonatal outcomes with a systematic review and meta-analysis. PubMed, Scopus and EMBASE were searched using the search strategy "Labor Stage, Second" AND (length OR duration OR prolonged OR abnormal OR excessive). Observational studies that examine the relationship between prolonged second stage of labor and neonatal outcomes were selected. Prolonged second stage of labor was defined as 4 h or more in nulliparous women and 3 h or more in multiparous women. The main neonatal outcomes were 5 min Apgar score <7, admission to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, neonatal sepsis and neonatal death. Data collection and quality assessment were carried out independently by the three reviewers. Twelve studies were selected including 266,479 women. In nulliparous women, a second stage duration greater than 4 h increased the risk of 5 min Apgar score <7, admission to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and neonatal sepsis and intubation. In multiparous women, a second stage of labor greater than 3 h was related to 5 min Apgar score <7, admission to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, meconium staining and composite neonatal morbidity. Prolonged second stage of labor increased the risk of 5 min Apgar score <7 and admission to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in nulliparous and multiparous women, without increasing the risk of neonatal death. This review demonstrates that prolonged second stage of labor increases the risk of neonatal complications in nulliparous and multiparous women.

Umbilical Cord Milking in Infants Born at <37 Weeks of Gestation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Umbilical cord milking (UCM) could be an alternative in cases where delayed umbilical cord clamping cannot be performed, therefore our objective was to evaluate the effects of UCM in newborns <37 weeks' gestation. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, the Cochrane Database of Clinical Trials, the clinicaltrails.gov database for randomized UCM clinical trials with no language restrictions, which we then compared with other strategies. The sample included 2083 preterm infants. The results of our meta-analysis suggest that UCM in premature infants can reduce the risk of transfusion (relative risk (RR)= 0.78 [95% confidence interval (CI),0.67-0.90]) and increase hemoglobin(pooled weighted mean difference (PWMD)= 0.89 g/L[95%CI 0.55-1.22]) and mean blood pressure (PWMD=1.92 mmHg [95% CI 0.55-3.25]). Conversely, UCM seems to increase the risk of respiratory distress syndrome (RR = 1.54 [95% CI 1.03-2.29]), compared to the control groups. In infants born at <33 weeks, UCM was associated with a reduced risk of transfusion (RR= 0.81 [95%CI 0.66-0.99]), as well as higher quantities of hemoglobin (PWMD= 0.91 g/L[95%CI 0.50-1.32]). UCM reduces the risk of transfusion in preterm infants, and increases initial hemoglobin, hematocrit, and mean blood pressure levels with respect to controls.