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AIM: To understand the perceptions of National Health System nurses who have been working on the frontline of the psychological impact of caring for people with COVID-19 during the first and second waves. METHODS: A qualitative study, the design and analysis of which was based on phenomenology. For data collection, a semi-structured interview was administered to a sample of nurses who worked on the frontline in public hospitals in Extremadura and Madrid, Spain. The interviews, which followed a script including various topics, were conducted between May and November 2020 so as to include the experiences of the first and second waves of the pandemic. Sample collection continued until data saturation. The data were analysed following the phenomenological method of Giorgi with the help of the Atlas-Ti software. RESULTS: Two main themes emerged from the data analysis that explained the nurses' perceptions: (i) the main psychological repercussions of being frontline carers (anxiety, fear, stress, impotence, frustration, and an increase in obsessions and obsessive behaviours) and (ii) psychological coping strategies (collapse in the face of the situation, dissociative amnesia, leaning on colleagues and working as a team, resigning oneself, perceiving the situation as a war, and being aware of psychological repercussions). DISCUSSION: Caring as the first line causes great psychological repercussions for nurses. It is necessary to implement psychological and emotional support programmes to address the post-traumatic stress that nurses can suffer.
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COVID-19 , Masculino , Humanos , España , Pandemias , Ansiedad , Trastornos de AnsiedadRESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: The pandemic caused by the new coronavirus (COVID-19) has changed care activities of health professionals. We analysed the possible association between the appearance of 'de novo' headache according to the type of mask used, the related factors and the impact of the cephalalgia on health professionals. METHODS: Cross-sectional study in a tertiary hospital in Extremadura, Spain. We provided an online questionnaire to healthcare workers during the period of maximum incidence of COVID-19 in our setting. RESULTS: The subjects are n=306, 244 women (79.7%), with an average age of 43 years (range 23-65). Of the total, 129 (42.2%) were physicians, 112 (36.6%) nurses and 65 (21.2%) other health workers. 208 (79.7%) used surgical masks and 53 (20.3%) used filter masks. Of all those surveyed, 158 (51.6%) presented 'de novo' headache. The occurrence of a headache was independently associated with the use of a filter mask, OR 2.14 (95% CI 1.07 to 4.32); being a nurse, OR 2.09 (95% CI 1.18 to 3.72) or another health worker, OR 6.94 (95% CI 3.01 to 16.04); or having a history of asthma, OR 0.29 (95% CI 0.09 to 0.89). According to the type of mask used, there were differences in headache intensity, and the impact of a headache in the subjects who used a filter mask was worse in all the aspects evaluated. CONCLUSION: The appearance of 'de novo' headache is associated with the use of filter masks and is more frequent in certain healthcare workers, causing a greater occupational, family, personal and social impact.
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BACKGROUND: This article surveys a representative sample of adults to assess their knowledge of stroke, its vascular risk factors and warning symptoms, illness perception, and attitude toward strokes. METHODS: A representative sample of the region population was selected using a double randomization design. Previously trained medical students carried out face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire with open- and closed-ended questions. RESULTS: In all, 2411 subjects were interviewed. Seventy-three percent reported at least 1 correct warning sign of stroke, whereas only 12.2% reported 3. The most frequently mentioned were sudden weakness, dizziness, and headache. Only 59.2% named at least 1 correct risk factor for stroke. Smoking and hypertension were mainly named. Forty percent of the respondents demonstrated adequate knowledge of stroke. Tellingly, prevalence of adequate knowledge was significantly lower in subjects with previous stroke (29.3% [95% confidence interval {CI}, 19.7-40.3], P = .049), hypertension (35.0% [95% CI, 31.1-39.1], P = .009), diabetes (31.9% [95% CI, 25.9-38.3], P = .011), hypercholesterolemia (35.8% [95% CI, 31.8-39.9], P = .03), and obesity (28.2% [95% CI, 23.8-33.0], P < .001). Illness perception was generally correct. In the final logistic regression model, younger age, urban area of residence, higher educational level, higher family income, normal pressure, normal weight, and family history of stroke were associated with adequate knowledge of stroke. CONCLUSIONS: Basic knowledge of stroke is insufficient among the general population of Extremadura. There is a discrepancy between theoretical stroke knowledge and illness perception. These findings have implications for public health initiatives for stroke.
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Envejecimiento/psicología , Concienciación , Escolaridad , Accidente Cerebrovascular/epidemiología , Accidente Cerebrovascular/psicología , Anciano , Planificación en Salud Comunitaria , Femenino , Conocimientos, Actitudes y Práctica en Salud , Encuestas Epidemiológicas , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Evaluación de Resultado en la Atención de Salud , Salud Pública , Factores de Riesgo , EspañaRESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: Intrapulmonary vascular dilatations (IPVD) are considered a complication of cirrhosis. The technique of choice for their diagnosis is contrast-enhanced echocardiography (CEE). The aim of this study was to determine the usefulness of contrast-enhanced transcranial Doppler (CETD) in the diagnosis of IPVD. METHOD: We consecutively included patients evaluated for liver transplantation. A cross-sectional study was conducted. The investigator interpreting CETD was blind to the results of the gold standard (CEE). The accuracy of the diagnostic test was evaluated through sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and likelihood ratio. RESULTS: CETD (n=43) showed a right-to-left shunt in 23 patients (62.2%): 4 early, 2 indeterminate and 17 late. Nineteen (51,4%) cases were classified as IPVD. With CEE (n=37), 10 procedures (27%) were negative for shunt, 27 (73%) were positive, and 21 (56.8%) were compatible with IPVD. Patients with and without IPVD showed no differences in age, sex, etiology, severity, or MELD score, independently of the diagnostic test. In the diagnostic validity study (n=37) of CETD versus CEE, the AUC for diagnostic yield was 0.813% (95%CI: 0.666-0.959; P=.001), sensitivity was 76.2% (95%CI: 54.9-89.4) and specificity was 90% (95%CI: 63.9-96.5). The positive likelihood ratio was 6.095. CONCLUSIONS: We found a high prevalence of IPVD in candidates for liver transplantation. When a late right-to-left shunt with recirculation is observed, CETD has a high probability of detecting IPVD, with few false-positive results. Because this technique has not previously been described in this indication, similar studies are needed for comparison.
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Capilares/diagnóstico por imagen , Síndrome Hepatopulmonar/diagnóstico por imagen , Cirrosis Hepática/complicaciones , Circulación Pulmonar , Ultrasonografía Doppler Transcraneal , Anciano , Área Bajo la Curva , Capilares/patología , Medios de Contraste , Estudios Transversales , Dilatación Patológica , Ecocardiografía , Femenino , Síndrome Hepatopulmonar/epidemiología , Síndrome Hepatopulmonar/etiología , Humanos , Masculino , Microburbujas , Persona de Mediana Edad , Valor Predictivo de las Pruebas , Prevalencia , Estudios Prospectivos , Sensibilidad y Especificidad , Método Simple Ciego , Maniobra de ValsalvaRESUMEN
RATIONALE: In-stent reocclusion after endovascular therapy has a negative impact on outcomes in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to tandem lesions (TL). Optimal antiplatelet therapy approach in these patients to avoid in-stent reocclusion is yet to be elucidated. AIMS: To assess efficacy and safety of intravenous tirofiban versus intravenous aspirin in patients undergoing MT plus carotid stenting in the setting of AIS due to TL. SAMPLE SIZE ESTIMATES: Two hundred forty patients will be enrolled, 120 in every treatment arm. METHODS AND DESIGN: A multicenter, prospective, randomized, controlled (aspirin group), assessor-blinded clinical trial will be conducted. Patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria will be randomized at MT onset to the experimental or control group (1:1). Intravenous aspirin will be administered at a 500-mg single dose and tirofiban at a 500-mcg bolus followed by a 200-mcg/h infusion during the first 24 h. All patients will be followed for up to 3 months. STUDY OUTCOMES: Primary efficacy outcome will be the proportion of patients with carotid in-stent thrombosis within the first 24 h after MT. Primary safety outcome will be the rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. DISCUSSION: This will be the first clinical trial to assess the best antiplatelet therapy to avoid in-stent thrombosis after MT in patients with TL. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial is registered as NCT05225961. February, 7th, 2022.
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Aspirina , Accidente Cerebrovascular Isquémico , Trombosis , Tirofibán , Humanos , Aspirina/efectos adversos , Aspirina/uso terapéutico , Inhibidores de Agregación Plaquetaria/efectos adversos , Inhibidores de Agregación Plaquetaria/uso terapéutico , Estudios Prospectivos , Tirofibán/efectos adversos , Tirofibán/uso terapéutico , Ensayos Clínicos Controlados Aleatorios como Asunto , Estudios Multicéntricos como AsuntoRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: The Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) is commonly used in outcome and mortality studies. Our aim was to investigate the association between CCI score and the functional outcome and mortality 6 months after ischemic stroke (IS) or intracerebral hemorrhage. METHODS: This was a prospective observational cohort of patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage and IS admitted to the stroke unit during 18 months. The modified Rankin scale (mRS) score was obtained for subjects 6 months after event. The CCI score was dichotomized (low comorbidity 0 or 1 versus high ≥ 2) for analysis. The mRS score was also dichotomized (good outcome, mRS score 0 or 1 versus poor outcome, mRS score ≥ 2). RESULTS: In all, 175 patients were enrolled in the study. Logistic regression showed that those with a high CCI score (≥ 2) had 37.3% increased odds of having a poor outcome (≥ 2) at 6 months and 68.4% greater odds of death at 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Comorbid medical conditions independently influence outcome after IS or intracerebral hemorrhage.
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Isquemia Encefálica/epidemiología , Hemorragia Cerebral/epidemiología , Accidente Cerebrovascular/epidemiología , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Isquemia Encefálica/mortalidad , Hemorragia Cerebral/mortalidad , Comorbilidad , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Pronóstico , Estudios Prospectivos , Accidente Cerebrovascular/mortalidadRESUMEN
Background: In-stent thrombosis after mechanical thrombectomy (MT) worsen outcomes in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to tandem lesions (TL). Although an optimal antiplatelet therapy is needed, the best approach to avoid in-stent thrombosis is yet to be elucidated. Hypothesis: Low-dose intravenous tirofiban is superior to intravenous aspirin in avoiding in-stent thrombosis in patients undergoing MT plus carotid stenting in the setting of AIS due to TL. Methods: The ATILA-trial is a multicenter, prospective, phase IV, randomized, controlled (aspirin group as control), assessor-blinded clinical trial. Patients fulfilling inclusion criteria (AIS due to TL, ASPECTS ⩾ 6, pre-stroke modified Rankin Scale ⩽2 and onset <24 h) will be randomized (1:1) at MT onset to experimental (intravenous tirofiban) or control group (intravenous aspirin). Intravenous aspirin will be administered at a 500 mg single dose and tirofiban at a 500 µg bolus followed by a 200 µg/h infusion during first 22 h. All patients will be followed up to 3 months. Sample size estimated is 240 patients. Outcomes: The primary efficacy outcome is the proportion of patients with carotid in-stent thrombosis within the first 24 h after MT. The primary safety outcome is the rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. Secondary outcomes include functional independence defined as modified Rankin Scale 0-2, proportion of patients undergoing rescue therapy due to in-stent aggregation during MT and carotid reocclusion at 30 days. Discussion: ATILA-trial will be the first clinical trial regarding the best antiplatelet therapy to avoid in-stent thrombosis after MT in patients with TL. Trial registration: NCT0522596.
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Isquemia Encefálica , Accidente Cerebrovascular Isquémico , Trombosis , Humanos , Tirofibán/uso terapéutico , Accidente Cerebrovascular Isquémico/tratamiento farmacológico , Inhibidores de Agregación Plaquetaria/efectos adversos , Estudios Prospectivos , Isquemia Encefálica/inducido químicamente , Resultado del Tratamiento , Aspirina/efectos adversos , Trombectomía/efectos adversos , Trombosis/tratamiento farmacológico , Ensayos Clínicos Controlados Aleatorios como Asunto , Estudios Multicéntricos como Asunto , Ensayos Clínicos Fase IV como AsuntoRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: The clinical consequences and factors related to the progression from a carotid near-occlusion (CNO) to a complete occlusion are not well established. Our aim is to describe the rate, predictive factors and clinical implications of the progression to complete carotid occlusion (PCCO) in a population of patients with symptomatic CNO. METHODS: We conducted a multicenter, nationwide, prospective study from January 2010 to May 2016. Patients with angiography-confirmed CNO were included. We collected information on demographic data, clinical manifestations, radiological and hemodynamic findings, and treatment modalities. A 24 month carotid-imaging follow-up of the CNO was performed. RESULTS: 141 patients were included in the study, and carotid-imaging follow-up was performed in 122 patients. PCCO occurred in 40 patients (32.8%), and was more frequent in medically-treated patients (34 out of 61; 55.7%) compared with patients treated with revascularization (6 out of 61; 9.8%) (p<0.001). 7 of the 40 patients with PCCO (17.5%) suffered ipsilateral symptoms. Factors independently related with PCCO in the multivariate analysis were: age ≥75 years (OR 2.93, 95% CI 1.05 to 8.13), revascularization (OR 0.07, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.20), and collateral circulation through the ipsilateral ophthalmic artery (OR 3.25, 95% CI 1.01 to 10.48). CONCLUSIONS: PCCO occurred within 24 months in more than half of the patients under medical treatment. Most episodes of PCCO were not associated with ipsilateral symptoms. Revascularization reduces the risk of PCCO.
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Arterias Carótidas/diagnóstico por imagen , Estenosis Carotídea/diagnóstico por imagen , Estenosis Carotídea/terapia , Circulación Colateral/fisiología , Progresión de la Enfermedad , Anciano , Enfermedades de las Arterias Carótidas/diagnóstico por imagen , Enfermedades de las Arterias Carótidas/epidemiología , Enfermedades de las Arterias Carótidas/terapia , Arteria Carótida Interna/diagnóstico por imagen , Estenosis Carotídea/epidemiología , Femenino , Estudios de Seguimiento , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Arteria Oftálmica/diagnóstico por imagen , Estudios ProspectivosRESUMEN
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Prognostic significance of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is unclear. The objective of this study was to determine the association between LDL-C and mortality in ICH. METHODS: Consecutive patients (n=88) presenting with ICH were included in the study. Lipid profile was obtained during the first hours after admission. We analyzed the impact of LDL-C on 90-day mortality using the Hazard Rate (HR) crude, analysis crude for trend by Mantel-Haenszel Test, Multiple Cox Proportional Hazards model, and analysis of survival curves. Association between LDL-C and severity markers of ICH were explored using Spearman correlation coefficient. RESULTS: Low LDL-C levels were independently associated with death after intracranial hemorrhage (HR=3.07 (95% CI:1.04 to 9.02; P=0.042) in multivariable analysis after controlling for confounding factors. Analysis for trend showed a significant association (Xt=-2.144; P=0.032) by Mantel-Haenszel Test. Spearman analysis showed no correlation between LDL-C and variables that are markers of ICH severity: NIH score (r=-0.091; P=0.400), GCS score (r=0.136; P=0.207), ICH volume (r=0.140; P=0.192), and length of stay (r=-0.111; P=0.308). CONCLUSIONS: Low levels of LDL-C are independently associated with an increased risk of death in patients with brain hemorrhage. We have not found evidences that the levels of LDL-C can act as a biological marker of severity.
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Hemorragia Cerebral/sangre , Hemorragia Cerebral/mortalidad , LDL-Colesterol/sangre , Anciano , Análisis de Varianza , Hemorragia Cerebral/diagnóstico por imagen , HDL-Colesterol/sangre , Interpretación Estadística de Datos , Femenino , Estudios de Seguimiento , Humanos , Masculino , Modelos de Riesgos Proporcionales , Estudios Prospectivos , Radiografía , Factores de Riesgo , Sobrevida , Resultado del TratamientoRESUMEN
Progressive population aging is determining that the spectrum of clinical manifestations of cognitive deterioration reaches epidemic proportions. At the present time, there are not available treatments that can modify the natural history of the different nosologies that determine a progressive lost of cognitive functions. In the last years, several vascular risk factors have been established as risk factors for cognitive deterioration. Arterial hypertension, by its prevalence, possibility of treatment, and control, emerges as a potentially modifiable risk factor for the deterioration of cognitive function. This review updates the knowledge of the impact of arterial hypertension in cognitive function, analyzing its physiopathological consequences in tissues and cerebral vessels with implications in cognitive function.
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Trastornos del Conocimiento/epidemiología , Hipertensión/epidemiología , Encéfalo/irrigación sanguínea , Encéfalo/fisiopatología , Circulación Cerebrovascular/fisiología , Trastornos del Conocimiento/diagnóstico , Trastornos del Conocimiento/fisiopatología , Humanos , LongevidadAsunto(s)
Proteínas de Membrana de los Lisosomas/genética , Mutación/genética , Epilepsias Mioclónicas Progresivas/genética , Mioclonía/genética , Receptores Depuradores/genética , Insuficiencia Renal/complicaciones , Adulto , Ataxia/genética , Femenino , Humanos , Mioclonía/diagnóstico , Insuficiencia Renal/genética , Análisis de Secuencia de ADN/métodosRESUMEN
Background The risk of recurrent stroke among patients with symptomatic carotid near-occlusion is not well established, and management of the condition remains controversial. Symptomatic carotid near-occlusion with full collapse has been identified as a strong predictor of early recurrence. We aimed to analyze the 90-day risk of recurrent ipsilateral ischemic stroke in medically treated patients with symptomatic carotid near-occlusion. Methods We performed a multicenter, nationwide, prospective study from January 2010 to May 2016. Patients with angiography-confirmed symptomatic carotid near-occlusion were included. The primary endpoint was ipsilateral ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) within 90 days after the presenting event. For this analysis, patients who underwent revascularization within 90 days after stroke were excluded. Results The study population comprised 141 patients from 17 Spanish centers; 83 patients were treated medically. Primary endpoint occurred in eight patients, resulting in a cumulative rate of 10.6% (95% CI, 3.7-17.5). Previous history of stroke or transient ischemic attack was identified as an independent predictor for recurrence in the multivariate Cox regression analysis (HR, 4.37 [95% CI, 1.05-18.18]; p = 0.043), while the presence of full collapse was not associated with an increased risk (HR, 0.81 [95% CI, 0.17-3.92]; p = 0.793). The risk of recurrence was also not affected by the presence of significant stenosis or occlusion of the contralateral carotid artery, or by the collateral circulation. Conclusions Patients with symptomatic carotid near-occlusion seem to have an increased risk of early ipsilateral recurrent stroke. Our results contrast with the low risk of symptomatic carotid near-occlusion reported to date. Full collapse did not increase the risk of recurrent stroke in our study.
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Arterias Carótidas/patología , Revascularización Cerebral , Sistema de Registros , Accidente Cerebrovascular/epidemiología , Accidente Cerebrovascular/cirugía , Anciano , Arterias Carótidas/cirugía , Trastornos Cerebrovasculares , Constricción Patológica , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Grupos de Población , Estudios Prospectivos , Recurrencia , Riesgo , Choque , España/epidemiología , Resultado del TratamientoAsunto(s)
Accidente Cerebrovascular/tratamiento farmacológico , Terapia Trombolítica/estadística & datos numéricos , Activador de Tejido Plasminógeno/uso terapéutico , Adulto , Anciano , Isquemia Encefálica/complicaciones , Isquemia Encefálica/tratamiento farmacológico , Humanos , Infusiones Intravenosas/efectos adversos , Masculino , Neoplasias/complicaciones , Neoplasias/tratamiento farmacológico , Accidente Cerebrovascular/complicaciones , Terapia Trombolítica/efectos adversos , Terapia Trombolítica/métodos , Activador de Tejido Plasminógeno/administración & dosificación , Activador de Tejido Plasminógeno/efectos adversosRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Stroke is a major public health problem. OBJECTIVE: To use the Barthel Index to evaluate basic activities of daily living in stroke survivors and detect any predictors of functional outcome at 6 months after stroke. METHODS: In an observational longitudinal study, data were gathered on consecutive patients admitted to the comprehensive stroke unit at Hospital San Pedro de Alcantara, Cáceres, Spain. Sociodemographic and clinical data were obtained prospectively at hospital admission and during follow-up 6 months later. Information on type of stroke, score on the Barthel Index, findings from the neurological evaluation, and other relevant data were collected. RESULTS: Of 236 patients admitted, 175 participated in the study. Mean age was 69.60 (SD, 12.52) years, 64.6% were men, and mortality was 12.8%. Six months after experiencing a stroke, 84.8% of patients had returned to their own homes, 8.0% were institutionalized, and the others were residing at a family member's home. Scores on the Barthel Index 6 months after stroke correlated with baseline scores on the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (r = -0.424; P < .001) and with depressive mood 6 months after stroke (r = -0.318; P < .001). Age was negatively associated with Barthel Index scores at the time of hospital discharge and 6 months after stroke. CONCLUSIONS: Functional status 6 months after stroke was influenced by age, sex, stroke severity, type of stroke, baseline status, mood, and social risk. Comorbid conditions, socioeconomic level, and area of residence did not affect patients' functional status.
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Actividades Cotidianas , Recuperación de la Función/fisiología , Accidente Cerebrovascular/fisiopatología , Factores de Edad , Anciano , Femenino , Estudios de Seguimiento , Humanos , Estudios Longitudinales , Masculino , Índice de Severidad de la Enfermedad , Factores Sexuales , Factores Socioeconómicos , EspañaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: In the social model of stroke, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is the result of interplay among stroke severity, social support, and health-promoting behaviors. Our objective was to identify determinants of HRQoL in stroke survivors. METHODS: Ischemic stroke patients were evaluated at 6 months with the Short Form 12 Health Survey, including physical component survey (PCS) and mental health component survey (MCS) summary scores. Multivariate stepwise regression analyses determined independent predictors of scores. Models included age, gender, socioeconomic class, education, residential environment, social support, previous comorbidity (Charlson Index), previous stroke, side of stroke, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score at admission, Barthel Index (BI) and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores at discharge, and length of stay. RESULTS: A total of 131 patients participated (mean age 70.1, SD = 12.5; 62.6% males). In all, 33.6% had a BI score <90 and an mRS score >2 (poor outcome). The mean (SD) PCS score was 39.46 (9.3) and mean (SD) MCS score was 34.86 (10.1). Lower PCS score was associated with female sex (ß = 0.204, p = .009), poor social support (ß = -0.225, p = .003), and poor Charlson Index (ß = -0.162, p = .032) and BI scores (ß = 0.384, p < .0001). Lower MCS score was associated with female sex (ß = 0.162, p = .062) and poor NIHSS (ß = -0.265, p = .019) and BI scores (ß = 0.203, p < .071). CONCLUSION: Stroke severity, disability, gender, social support, and previous stroke have significant impacts on the physical and mental domains of generic HRQoL.
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Calidad de Vida/psicología , Rehabilitación de Accidente Cerebrovascular/psicología , Accidente Cerebrovascular/psicología , Sobrevivientes/psicología , Adulto , Anciano , Femenino , Encuestas Epidemiológicas , Humanos , Estudios Longitudinales , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Estados UnidosRESUMEN
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Current evidence shows that numerous classic vascular risk factors (VRF) contribute to mild cognitive impairment (MCI), but the effects of emerging VRFs are less well-known. Using a comprehensive approach, we assessed the frequency and strength of association between MCI and classic VRFs, subclinical markers of atherosclerosis (cystatin C, lipoprotein(a), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and intima-media thickness) and white matter hyperintensities (WMH). METHODS: In this case-control study of consecutive MCI patients and cognitively normal controls, subjects underwent clinical and neuropsychological examinations, laboratory analyses, a carotid duplex scan, and a brain magnetic resonance imaging scan. RESULTS: The study included 105 patients with amnestic MCI (aMCI): 24 with single domain amnestic MCI, 81 with multiple domain amnestic MCI, and 76 controls. Compared to controls, patients with aMCI were significantly older and had higher rates of arterial hypertension, atrial fibrillation, and depression. They also had a larger intima-media thickness and higher load of WMHs, both periventricular (WMHpv) and subcortical (WMHsc). In the adjusted analysis, all variables except WMHsc displayed a significant association with aMCI. Body mass index exerted a protective effect. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest a direct association between aMCI and age, hypertension, atrial fibrillation depression, intima-media thickness, and WMHpv. Body mass index has a protective effect on this MCI subtype.