Hygiene with wet wipes in bedridden patients to prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infection in cardiac surgery: A randomized controlled trial.

We assessed hygiene with wet wipes in bedridden patients with urinary catheters for catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) prevention. CAUTIs occurred in 16.5% of the control group compared to 5.9% of the intervention group (P = .035). Hygiene with wet wipes can substitute for conventional hygiene for preventing CAUTI.

Análisis de la calidad de vida relacionada con salud oral en adultos con maloclusión / Analysis of the Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in Adults with Malocclusion / Análise da qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde bucal em adultos com má oclusão

aquellos pacientes que requirieron tratamiento de ortodoncia informaron impactos negativos en su calidad de vida relacionada con salud oral, en comparación con aquellos pacientes conclusión normal. El objetivo fue analizar la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud oral en pacientes con diferentes niveles de severidad de maloclusión que acudieron a consultorios odontológicos públicos de Paraguay durante el 2017. Materiales y métodos: estudio transversal. Se midieron variables sociodemográficas (como sexo, edad, residencia y nivel de estudios) y variables clínicas (como diastema, máxima irregularidad anterior maxilar y mandibular, resalte incisal y mordida cruzada anterior). Se utilizó el cuestionario Perfil de Impacto de Salud Oral en su versión paraguaya (ohip-14Py) y el Índice de Estética Dental (IED). Resultados: formaron parte del estudio 269 pacientes, la mayoría mujeres (75.1 %). El puntaje IED fue de 31.6 ± 11.6. Se observó resalte incisal aumentado (>2 mm) en poco más de la mitad (52.4 %) y una baja frecuencia de mordida cruzada anterior (5.9 %) y mordida abierta (10.0 %). Al evaluar por dimensiones, la incapacidad psicológica (p = 0.028), social (p = 0.034) y la minusvalía (p = 0.552) aumentaron conforme el nivel de severidad de maloclusión, por lo que fueron estadísticamente significativas las dos primeras. Conclusión: conforme aumenta la gravedad de la maloclusión, disminuye significativamente la calidad de vida oral para las dimensiones incapacidad psicológica e incapacidad social.

Patients requiring orthodontic treatment reported negative impacts on oral health-related qual-ity of life compared to patients with normal occlusion. Objective: To analyze the oral health-related quality of life in patients with different levels of severity of malocclusion attending public dental offices in Paraguay in 2017. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study. Both, the sociodemographic variables, like sex, age, res-idence, and educational level, and the clinical variables, like diastema, maximum anterior maxillary, and mandibular irregularity, incisal overhang, and anterior crossbite were measured. The Oral Health Impact Profile questionnaire was used in its Paraguayan version (ohip-14Py) and the Dental Aesthetic Index (ied) scale. Results: A total of 269 patients were a part of the study. Moreover, 75.1 % of them were women. The ied score was 31.4 ± 11.6. An increase in the incisal protrusion (>2 mm) was seen in 52.4 % of the patients. Whereas a low frequency of anterior crossbite and open bite were seen in 5.9 % and 10.0 % of the population, respec-tively. While conducting an evaluation based on the dimensions, the psychological disability (p = 0.028), social disability (p = 0.034), and handicap (p = 0.552) increased according to the level of severity of malocclusion, being statistically significant in the first two. Conclusion: As the severity of the level of malocclusion increases, the oral quality of life decreases for the psychological disability and social disability dimensions.

os pacientes que necessitaram de tratamento ortodôntico relataram impactos negativos na qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde bucal em comparação aos pacientes com oclusão normal. Objetivo:analisar a qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde bucal em pacientes com diferentes graus de severi-dade da má oclusão que compareceram a consultórios odontológicos públicos no Paraguai durante o ano de 2017. Metodologia: estudo transversal. Foram mensuradas variáveis sociodemográficas como sexo, idade, residência e escolaridade e variáveis clínicas como diastema, irregularidade anterior maxilar e mandibular máxima, sobressaliência incisal e mordida cruzada anterior. Foram utilizados o questioná-rio Perfil de Impacto em Saúde Bucal em sua versão paraguaia (ohip-14Py) e o Índice de Estética Dental (ied). Resultados: fizeram parte do estudo 269 pacientes, sendo a maioria mulheres (75,1 %). A pontuação do ied foi de 31,6 ± 11,6. Observou-se aumento da saliência incisal (>2 mm) em pouco mais da metade (52,4 %) dos pacientes, além de baixa frequência de mordida cruzada anterior (5,9 %) e mordida aberta (10,0 %). Ao avaliar por dimensões, a incapacidade psicológica (p = 0,028), incapacidade social (p = 0,034) e desvantagem (p = 0,552) aumentaram de acordo com o grau de severidade da má oclusão, sendo as duas primeiras estatisticamente significativas. Conclusão: à medida que a gravidade da má oclusão aumenta, a qualidade de vida oral diminui significativamente para as dimensões de incapacidade psicológica e incapacidade social.

Correlation between Clinical and Immunological Variables and Humoral Response to SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination in Adult Patients with Antibody Deficiency Disorders.

BACKGROUND: Prophylactic vaccination has proven to be the most effective strategy to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This was a prospective observational cohort study involving 30 predominantly antibody deficiency disorders (ADD)-afflicted adult patients on immunoglobulin replacement therapy vaccinated with three doses of the mRNA-1273 COVID-19 vaccine, and 10 healthy controls. Anti-RBD IgG antibodies were determined in plasma samples collected just before the first dose of mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine and on weeks 4, 8, 24, and 28 following the first vaccination. Patients were categorized based on the levels of anti-RBD antibodies determined on w8 as non-, low-, and responders. Chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to see if any variables correlated with humoral response levels. Any adverse effects of the mRNA-based vaccine were also noted. RESULTS: The COVID-19 vaccine was safe and well-tolerated. The humoral response elicited at w8 after vaccination depended on the type of ADD, the type of immunoglobulin deficiency, the presence of granulomatous lymphocytic interstitial lung disease, recent use of immunosuppressive drugs, and the switched memory B cells counts. The third vaccine dose boosted humoral response in previous responders to second dose but seldom in non-responders. CONCLUSIONS: The humoral response of patients with predominant ADD depends mostly on the type of immunodeficiency and on the frequency of B and T cell populations.

Impact of the Introduction of a Two-Step Laboratory Diagnostic Algorithm in the Incidence and Earlier Diagnosis of Clostridioides difficile Infection.

Our aim was to determine changes in the incidence of CD infection (CDI) following the introduction of a two-step diagnostic algorithm and to analyze CDI cases diagnosed in the study period. We retrospectively studied CDI (January 2009 to July 2018) in adults diagnosed by toxin enzyme immunoassay (EIA) (2009−2012) or toxin-EIA + polymerase chain reaction (PCR) algorithm (2013 onwards). A total of 443 patients with a first episode of CDI were included, 297 (67.1%) toxin-EIA-positive and 146 (32.9%) toxin-EIA-negative/PCR-positive were only identified through the two-step algorithm including the PCR test. The incidence of CDI increased from 0.9 to 4.7/10,000 patient-days (p < 0.01) and 146 (32.9%) toxin-negative CDI were diagnosed. Testing rate increased from 24.4 to 59.5/10,000 patient-days (p < 0.01) and the percentage of positive stools rose from 3.9% to 12.5% (p < 0.01). CD toxin-positive patients had a higher frequency of severe presentation and a lower rate of immunosuppressive drugs and inflammatory bowel disease. Mortality (16.3%) was significantly higher in patients with hematological neoplasm, intensive care unit admission and complicated disease. Recurrences (14.9%) were significantly higher with proton pump inhibitor exposure. The two-step diagnostic algorithm facilitates earlier diagnosis, potentially impacting patient outcomes and nosocomial spread. CD-toxin-positive patients had a more severe clinical presentation, probably due to increased CD bacterial load with higher toxin concentration. This early and easy marker should alert clinicians of potentially more severe outcomes.

Autopercepción en salud y calidad de vida relacionada con salud oral

RESUMEN Las enfermedades bucales están asociadas con factores de riesgo que son comunes a enfermedades no transmisibles. La salud bucal tiene implicaciones sistémicas potencialmente multiorgánicas, que van desde una resistencia a la insulina producida por la presencia de enfermedad periodontal hasta complicaciones sistémicas multiorgánicas más complejas que involucran al sistema cardiovascular o incluso patología neurodegenerativa. El objetivo fue correlacionar la calidad de vida relacionada con salud oral y la calidad de vida relacionada con salud general en un grupo de adultos paraguayos. Estudio transversal donde participaron adultos paraguayos de ambos sexos. Se utilizaron los cuestionarios de la EuroQol (EQ-5D-3L) para medir la autopercepción en salud y el Perfil de Impacto de la Salud Oral (OHIP-14Py) para medir la calidad de vida relacionada con salud oral. Se utilizó el análisis de correlación de Pearson con un nivel de confianza del 95%. La muestra quedó conformada por 333 adultos, siendo 77,48% mujeres. El promedio del OHIP-14Py fue de 5,53±5,19. El EQ EVA promedio fue de 78,25±19,74. El 21,62% presentó angustia y/o depresión moderada y el 16,52% presentó dolor y/o malestar moderado. El 11111 correspondió al 56,46% y en el 33333 se encontró el 0,30% de la muestra. La correlación entre OHIP-14Py y EQ EVA fue negativo (Rho=-0,29; p<0,01), mientras que con el EQ-5D-3L fue positiva (Rho=0,21; p<0,01). Se reportaron niveles moderados y severos de angustia/depresión, dolor/malestar y alteración de actividades diarias por problemas con su salud. El OHIP-14Py se correlacionó significativamente con el EQ-5D-3L.

ABSTRACT Oral diseases are associated with risk factors that are common to non-transmissible diseases. Oral health has potentially multi-organ systemic implications, ranging from insulin resistance produced by the presence of periodontal disease to more complex multi-organ systemic complications involving the cardiovascular system or even neurodegenerative pathology. The objective was to correlate the quality of life related to oral health and the quality of life related to general health in a group of Paraguayan adults. Cross-sectional study in which Paraguayan adult men and women participated. The EuroQol questionnaires (EQ-5D-3L) were used to measure self-perception of health and the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14Py) to measure the quality of life related to oral health. Pearson's correlation analysis was used with a confidence level of 95%. The sample consisted of 333 adults and 77.48% of them were women. The mean OHIP-14Py was 5.53±5.19. The mean EQ EVA was 78.25±19-74. The 21.62% showed moderate distress and/or depression and 16.52% showed moderate pain and/or discomfort. The 11111 corresponded to 56.46% and the 0.30% of the sample was in the 33333. The correlation between OHIP-14Py and EQ EVA was negative (Rho=-0.29; p<0.01), while it was positive with EQ-5D-3L (Rho=0.21; p<0.01). Moderate and severe levels of distress/depression, pain/discomfort, and disruption of daily activities due to health problems were reported. The OHIP-14Py correlated meaningfully with the EQ-5D-3L.

Influenza vaccination coverage and factors associated with severe laboratory-confirmed influenza-related illness in patients receiving care at a tertiary hospital in Catalonia (Spain) during the 2018-2019 epidemic season.

INTRODUCTION: Influenza vaccination rates in risk groups remain suboptimal. Evidence supporting a significant association between influenza vaccination and severe illness is limited. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the epidemiological characteristics of out- and inpatients with laboratory-confirmed influenza infection attended during the 2018-19 epidemic season. Influenza vaccination coverage by indication was analyzed. Logistic regression was used to compare the odds of vaccination between severe and non-severe influenza-positive patients. Severe cases were defined as presenting pneumonia, admission to critical care units and/or death. RESULTS: The overall vaccination coverage among influenza-positive patients was 30.4%. In subjects with ≥ 1 indication for vaccination, the vaccination coverage was 42.4%. By indication, coverage rates were: 52.5% in patients aged ≥ 59 years, 42.2% in obese patients, 29.2% in immunosuppressed subjects and 6.5% in pregnant women. In patients with underlying chronic diseases, a higher coverage was found in patients with cognitive impairment (77%), muscular dystrophy (63.6%) and renal disease (60.4%). The multivariate logistic regression model showed severe influenza-related illness was associated with a lack of influenza vaccination before seeking care during the 2018-2019 season [0.59 (95%CI 0.36-0.97); p = 0.038], older age [1.01 (95%CI 1.00-1.02); p = 0.009] and current or former smoking status [1.63 (95%CI 0.84-3.18) and 2.03 (95%CI 1.16-3.57); p = 0.031], adjusted by underlying disease. CONCLUSION: Adjusting by age, smoking status and underlying disease, a moderate association between the influenza vaccine and severe laboratory-confirmed influenza-related illness was found in an epidemic season in which there was matching between the vaccine and circulating strains. Protection against complications, especially in older subjects and in those with underlying disease is postulated as one of the strengths of annual influenza vaccination. However, influenza vaccination is a pending issue in these groups, especially in pregnant women and obese people. To avoid suboptimal vaccination coverages, health professionals should recommend the seasonal influenza vaccination according to the annual instructions of the health authorities.

Effect of an awareness campaign on the diagnosis and clinical impact of primary immunodeficiency. / Efecto de una campaña de concienciación en el diagnóstico e impacto clínico de la inmunodeficiencia primaria.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Predominantly antibody deficiencies are the most prevalent primary immunodeficiency (PID) in adults. These are rare diseases difficult to diagnose. Therefore, they are diagnosed late. This study aims to evaluate whether an awareness campaign of PIDs among physicians is associated with an increase in number of diagnoses, a reduction in diagnostic delay and diagnosis at earlier stages. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A single centre, interventional, quasi-experimental study was designed that included 2 periods, period 1 pre-intervention (1986-2008) and period 2 post-intervention (2009-2018). A descriptive comparative study of variables was carried out in both periods. RESULTS: 116 patients were included [27 (23.3%) in period 1 and 89 (76.7%) in period 2]. The incidence rate increased significantly (0.204 and 1.236/100,000habs./year; P < 0.05), the diagnosis delay tended to be lower (4 vs. 3.73 years). The reasons for diagnostic suspicion were diverse and the burden disease at diagnosis (expressed by bronchiectasis, altered spirometry, ability to generate antibodies by thymus-independent mechanism and need for substitute treatment) tended to decrease in period 2. CONCLUSIONS: Given the potentially serious complications of patients with late diagnosis of PIDs, it is necessary to create specialized multidisciplinary units, to unify assistance protocols and to design interventions to increase the knowledge of these entities.

Serial testing of health care workers for tuberculosis infection: A prospective cohort study.

Health Care Workers (HCW) may have an occupational risk of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) and TB disease. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of the 2-step strategy: tuberculin skin test (TST) followed by confirmation with Interferon (IFN)-γ- release assays (IGRAs) in HCW. A secondary objective was to determine the factors related to conversions and reversions. HCW at risk of occupational exposure who attended the Occupational Department of the Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol were included during the study period (2013-2016). All professionals testing negative for LTBI were included in a cohort study. These workers were followed up with the administration of a TST and an IGRA quantification at least one year after inclusion in the study. Workers with positive TST, regardless of the results of the IGRA tests, were followed-up with an IGRA. 255 workers were enrolled in the study and 108 workers from the same cohort were followed up. During the follow-up period, seven workers presented TST test conversion. One of these conversions was also confirmed by an IGRA test. There were 2 conversions of cases only testing positive with the IGRA. There have been only 2 reversions of cases testing negative with the IGRA. In this study, not all TST conversions were confirmed when using the IGRA test, which highlights the importance of the 2-step strategy. We have detected a low number of conversions and reversions. Our conclusions should be confirmed in studies with a longer follow-up time.

[HOSPITALS AS PROMOTERS OF SMOKELESS SPACES: STRATEGIES AIMED AT SMOKING CONTROL] / El hospital como centro promotor de espacios sin humo: estrategias dirigidas al control del tabaquismo.

The objective of this study was to describe the measures introduced at the Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Barcelona, aimed at achieving a smoke-free environment, and encouraging research, training, and clinical approaches with respect to smoking. The experience gained as a center attached to the Catalan Network of Smokeless Hospitals since 2002 shows that preventing and controlling smoking requires a specific agenda developed by a competent committee comprising workers from all hospital areas. Likewise, coordination with other centers in the network is essential as it permits the sharing of experiences. The involvement of hospital management is critical for the effective introduction of health protection and promotion strategies, both in workers and in users. The raising of awareness and the ongoing training of all health workers and coordination with other health care providers in the Health network are the main aspects that require strengthening in the future.

El objetivo de este trabajo fue describir las medidas llevadas a cabo en el Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol de Barcelona, destinadas a conseguir un entorno libre de humo, así como al desarrollo de actividades de investigación, formación y abordaje clínico en relación al tabaquismo. La experiencia como centro adherido a la Red Catalana de Hospitales Sin Humo desde 2002 nos revela que para la prevención y control del tabaquismo es necesaria una agenda específica desarrollada por un Comité competente, compuesto por trabajadores de diferentes estamentos y servicios del centro. Del mismo modo, consideramos fundamental la coordinación con otros centros de la Red que permita compartir experiencias, así como la implicación de la Dirección del Centro para la implementación efectiva de las estrategias de promoción y protección de la salud, tanto en los trabajadores como en los usuarios. La sensibilización y formación continuada de todo el personal sanitario y la coordinación con otros servicios proveedores de salud de la red sanitaria se perfilan como los principales puntos a reforzar en el futuro.

Intervention to reduce the incidence of surgical site infection in spine surgery.

BACKGROUND: This study examines the incidence, characteristics, and risk factors of surgical site infections (SSIs) after spine surgery and evaluates the efficacy of a preventive intervention. METHODS: This was a quasi-experimental pretest/posttest study in patients undergoing spinal surgery in an orthopedic surgery department from December 2014 to November 2016. Based on the results of the study, we revised the preventive protocol with modification of wound dressing, staff training, and feedback. SSI rates were compared between the pre-intervention (December 2014 to November 2015) and post-intervention (December 2015 to November 2016) periods. The risk factors were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Of the 139 patients included, 14 cases of SSI were diagnosed, with a significant decrease in the incidence of SSIs from the pre-intervention period to the post-intervention period (19.4% vs 2.6%; P = .001). The etiology was known in 13 cases, with enteric flora being predominant in the pre-intervention group. Univariate analysis showed that age, body mass index, days until sitting and ambulation, and incontinence were statistically significant risk factors. After multivariate analysis, only body mass index and days until ambulation remained significant. When the effect of intervention was adjusted with other risk factors, this variable remained statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: An intervention that includes modification of wound dressing and early mobilization, as well as staff awareness training, monitoring, and feedback, allowed a significant reduction in the incidence of SSI following spinal surgery, particularly infections caused by enteric flora.

Executive Summary of the Guidelines for the Use of interferon-gamma Release Assays in the Diagnosis of Tuberculosis Infection. / Sumario ejecutivo de la guía de práctica clínica sobre el uso de las pruebas de liberación de interferón-gamma para el diagnóstico de infección tuberculosa.

Interferon-gamma release assays are widely used for the diagnosis of tuberculosis infection in Spain. However, there is no consensus on their application in specific clinical scenarios. To develop a guide-line for their use, a panel of experts comprising specialists in infectious diseases, respiratory diseases, microbiology, pediatrics and preventive medicine, together with a methodologist, conducted a systematic literature search, summarized the findings, rated the quality of the evidence, and formulated recommendations following the Grading of Recommendations of Assessment Development and Evaluations methodology. This document provides evidence-based guidance on the use of interferon-gamma release assays for the diagnosis of tuberculosis infection in patients at risk of tuberculosis or suspected of having active disease. The guidelines will be applicable to specialist and primary care, and public health.

Risk factors for hospital-acquired pneumonia outside the intensive care unit: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) is one of the leading nosocomial infections and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Numerous studies on HAP have been performed in intensive care units (ICUs), whereas very few have focused on patients in general wards. This study examined the incidence of, risk factors for, and outcomes of HAP outside the ICU. METHODS: An incident case-control study was conducted in a 600-bed hospital between January 2006 and April 2008. Each case of HAP was randomly matched with 2 paired controls. Data on risk factors, patient characteristics, and outcomes were collected. RESULTS: The study group comprised 119 patients with HAP and 238 controls. The incidence of HAP outside the ICU was 2.45 cases per 1,000 discharges. Multivariate analysis identified malnutrition, chronic renal failure, anemia, depression of consciousness, Charlson comorbidity index ≥3, previous hospitalization, and thoracic surgery as significant risk factors for HAP. Complications occurred in 57.1% patients. The mortality attributed to HAP was 27.7%. CONCLUSIONS: HAP outside the ICU prevailed in patients with malnutrition, chronic renal failure, anemia, depression of consciousness, comorbidity, recent hospitalization, and thoracic surgery. HAP in general wards carries an elevated morbidity and mortality and is associated with increased length of hospital stay and increased rate of discharge to a skilled nursing facility.

Hepatitis C virus transmission during colonoscopy evidenced by phylogenetic analysis.

BACKGROUND: Nosocomial transmission events still play an important role in hepatitis C virus (HCV) spreading. Among most reported medical procedures involved in nosocomial transmission, endoscopy procedures remain controversial and might be underestimated. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate a case of nosocomial person-to-person transmission of HCV in an endoscopy unit. STUDY DESIGN: An acute HCV infection was detected in a person that had undergone a colonoscopy after an HCV-infected patient. Serum samples from both persons were subjected to a molecular epidemiology study. The HCV NS5B genetic region was amplified and directly sequenced and the E1-E2 region was amplified, cloned and sequenced (20 clones per specimen). All sequences were subjected to phylogenetic analyses. A conventional epidemiological investigation was performed to determine the most likely cause of HCV transmission. RESULTS: NS5B sequence analysis revealed that both persons were infected with closely related HCV-1b strains. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis of E1-E2 sequences evidenced a direct transmission between patients. The epidemiological investigation pointed out to anesthetic procedures as the most likely source of HCV transmission. The index case, not having spontaneously cleared the infection 10 months after infection, required antiviral treatment, which resulted in a sustained virological response. CONCLUSIONS: The molecular epidemiology study performed provided evidence of a person-to-person transmission of HCV during a colonoscopy procedure, and the anesthetic procedure was the most likely source of HCV transmission. This study highlights the importance of strictly following standard precautions by healthcare workers in order to prevent nosocomial HCV transmission.

[Cancer diagnosis in hospital workers]. / Diagnóstico de cáncer en los trabajadores de un centro sanitario.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: We aimed to identify cases of cancer diagnosis in hospital workers and to establish if an excess of cases exist. MATERIAL AND METHOD: For cases occurring during 1990-2005 the following data about workers were checked: birth date, sex, location of the neoplasm, date of diagnosis of the neoplasm, working category, hospital service/unit and work duration at the hospital. The standard incidence ratio (SIR) was calculated for each type of cancer. RESULTS: Fifty one neoplasms were registered (21 male and 30 women) Most frequent types of cancer were breast (19 cases), leukemia-lymphoma (7 cases), lung (4 cases) and prostate (4 cases). At the time of diagnosis the average age was 47,3 years (DE 9,2). 22 cases were detected in doctors, 18 in nurses and assistant nurses and 4 in assistants. An excess of cases was not found. Comparing data with cancer cases in the whole population, the prevalence of colon cancer was lower than the average (SIR: 0,25; CI 95%: 0,03-0,89) as well as the prevalence of gastric cancer (SIR: 0,19; CI 95%: 0,02-0,69). CONCLUSIONS: An excess of cancer risk was not found in the studied group. Difficulties in obtaining information about people at risk and cancer incidence reveal the need to improve the sources of information for this kind of studies in Spain.

[Usefulness of the MASCC scale in the management of neutropenic fever induced by chemotherapy in patients with solid neoplasm]. / Utilidad de la escala de MASCC en el tratamiento de la neutropenia febril inducida por quimioterapia en pacientes con neoplasia sólida.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: We aimed to describe chemotherapy-induced neutropenic fever (NF) in patients with solid neoplasms (SN), to validate the Multinational Association of Support Treatment in Cancer (MASCC) scale, and to evaluate whether the use of the MASCC scale was useful for reducing hospital costs for this oncologic emergency and improving the quality of life. PATIENTS AND METHOD: We performed a prospective study on the incidence of chemotherapy-induced NF from December 2005 to November 2006 and calculated the sensitivity and specificity of the MASCC scale. We compared different parameters before and after (periods 1 and 2) the inclusion of the MASCC scale. RESULTS: We included 80 episodes of NF, 48.8% being of low risk. The sensitivity and the specificity of the MASCC scale were 86.3% (19/22) and 62% (26/58), respectively. 16 patients were discharged early (<3 days). Hospital costs were significantly lower during period 2. CONCLUSIONS: The MASCC scale is a safe tool for stratifying the risk of cancer patients and chemotherapy-induced NF. However, greater specificity would allow a greater reduction in hospital costs and improve the quality of life of these patients.