Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the diagnosis and treatment of onco-hematologic patients: a discussion paper.

We do not know the precise figure for solid organ tumors diagnosed each year in Spain and it is therefore difficult to calculate whether there has been a decrease in cancer diagnoses as a consequence of the pandemic. Some indirect data suggest that the pandemic has worsened the stage at which some non-hematological neoplasms are diagnosed. Despite the lack of robust evidence, oncology patients seem more likely to have a poor outcome when they contract COVID-19. The antibody response to infection in cancer patients will be fundamentally conditioned by the type of neoplasia present, the treatment received and the time of its administration. In patients with hematological malignancies, the incidence of infection is probably similar or lower than in the general population, due to the better protective measures adopted by the patients and their environment. The severity and mortality of COVID-19 in patients with hematologic malignancies is clearly higher than the general population. Since the immune response to vaccination in hematologic patients is generally worse than in comparable populations, alternative methods of prevention must be established in these patients, as well as actions for earlier diagnosis and treatment. Campaigns for the early diagnosis of malignant neoplasms must be urgently resumed, post-COVID manifestations should be monitored, collaboration with patient associations is indisputable and it is urgent to draw the right conclusions to improve our preparedness to fight against possible future catastrophes.

[Management of elective surgical activity in a tertiary hospital during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic]. / Gestión de la actividad quirúrgica electiva de un hospital terciario durante la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2.

INTRODUCTION: During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, elective surgical activity was reduced to a minimum. As both the number of cases and the hospitalization needs for this pathology decreased, we thought it appropriate to progressively recover scheduled surgical activity. This work describes how, even with the current alarm state, we were able to practically normalize this activity in a few weeks. METHODS: Two weeks before the intervention, the patients included in the waiting lists were contacted by telephone. After checking their health status and expressing their desire to undergo surgery, they were provided with recommendations to decrease the risk of coronavirus infection. Likewise, an exclusive circuit was established to carry out, 48 hours before the intervention, the detection of SARS-CoV-2 by means of exudates nasopharyngeal PCR. The results were evaluated by each surgical service and the anesthesiology service. In addition, asymptomatic Surgical Area professionals could undergo weekly screening for the early detection of coronavirus according to the recommendations of Occupational Health. RESULTS: In the midst of a pandemic, scheduled surgical activity was reduced by 85%. From the week of April 13, the operating rooms available were recovered, which allowed practically all surgical activity to be recovered the week of May 25. CONCLUSIONS: The creation of circuits and procedures to streamline surgical activity, still in full force of the state of alarm, has allowed us, in a few weeks, to recover almost all of it.

[Clinical safety and professional liability claims in Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology]. / Seguridad clínica y reclamaciones por responsabilidad profesional en Cirugía Ortopédica y Traumatología.

The specialist in orthopaedic and traumatological surgery, like any other doctor, is subject to the current legal provisions while exercising their profession. Mandatory training in the medical-legal aspects of health care is essential. Claims against doctors are a reality, and orthopaedic and traumatological surgery holds first place in terms of frequency of claims according to the data from the General Council of Official Colleges of Doctors of Catalonia. Professionals must be aware of the fundamental aspects of medical professional liability, as well as specific aspects, such as defensive medicine and clinical safety. The understanding of these medical-legal aspects in the routine clinical practice can help to pave the way towards a satisfactory and safe professional career. The aim of this review is to contribute to this training, for the benefit of professionals and patients.

[Quality standards of educational activities for patients and families in a university hospital]. / Estándares de calidad de actividades educativas dirigidas a pacientes y familiares en un hospital universitario.

OBJECTIVE: To identify groups of patients receiving hospital-based educational programs, to determine whether the education was structured or ad hoc, and to analyse information on the structure, process and results of the programs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study using a translated and adapted version of the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education. Information was collected on structure (resources, availability of a written program and professional training), the process followed by the patient (baseline assessment, methodology, training courses, support materials and record of activities), patient outcomes (post-intervention assessment, tools, record of evaluation and results) and program results (number of patients/relatives included, regular assessment). RESULTS: Patient groups receiving education were: patients with chronic diseases, patients with treatable psychiatric disorders and patients with oncological and haematological processes. Most educational activities involved informative activities and technical skills training, both on-demand and integrated in care activity. Structured therapeutic education programs were aimed at patients/relatives with: diabetes, obesity, musculoskeletal diseases, AIDS, splenectomy, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension and urinary incontinence. Not all programs had written guidelines or defined parameters with respect to structure, process and results. CONCLUSIONS: The application of quality standards to hospital educational programs is useful in detecting: patients receiving education and the quality, type and weaknesses of the programs studied. Software based on these standards may provide information on trends in patient education, identify opportunities for improvement and aid the evaluation of the impact of each educational activity on the quality indicators associated with each program.

[Institute for clinical management of nephro-urological diseases: the benefits of a quality care programme]. / Instituto de gestión clínica para las enfermedades nefrourológicas: utilidad de un programa de calidad asistencial.

The Clinic Institute of Nefro and Urology (ICNU) was formed in Clinic Hospital of Barcelona in 1999. It grouped together services of Nephrology, Urology and Renal Transplant. At the same time, in order to ensure Quality in this process of change, we designed a specific quality program. In this program, we defined objectives to improve the quality of these services in one year and we defined different quality indicators in order to maintain and monitor health quality. The indicators referred to technical quality and perceived quality and we periodically evaluated their evolution. The results of the last five years indicate that the majority of the indicators have improved, except those concerning infections surgery and the response to complaints. This has helped the consolidation and recognition of the work of this innovatory project in the health management of the nephrologic and urinary systems that locate the patient in the center of the organization and recognize the health professionals as the true managers of this model.

[Vancomycin and teicoplanin use as antibiotic prophylaxis in cardiac surgery: pharmacoeconomic study]. / Vancomicina y teicoplanina como profilaxis antibiótica en cirugía cardíaca: estudio farmacoeconómico.

BACKGROUND: To assess the economical impact of vancomycin use versus teicoplanin use as antibiotic prophylaxis for patients undergoing cardiac surgery for valve replacement (VR) and coronary artery by-pass (CABS) procedures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is an ancillary cost minimization analysis of a double blinded, parallel groups, randomised clinical trial (RCT), with the main objective of comparing the safety and efficacy of these antibiotics. 500 patients were included in the study; 267 in the CABS group and 233 in the VR group. The CABS patients received 1 g vancomicin or 400 mg teicoplanin, plus 150 mg netilmicin. The VR group received a second dose of each drug after extracorporeal circulation. In order to calculate the costs we considered the direct cost of the drug, the i.v. mix and the administration costs, together with personnel and structure costs. We considered two different situations: the administration of drugs within the surgical room theatre and in the medical ward. RESULTS: The demographic data of both groups were comparable. The frequency of severe adverse drug reactions (ADR) were similar (0.4%) in both groups, as well as the post-operative infection rates (8.6%). Differences were seen in the frequencies of low severity ADRs: 20.4% in the vancomycin group and 1.6% in the teicoplanin group. When the antibiotics were administered in the surgical room, among CABS patients the costs were 8,265 pts. for the teicoplanin group and 12,005 pts. for the vancomycin group; while among VR patients, costs were respectively 11,661 pts. and 14,528 pts. Administration costs of teicoplanin and vancomycin within a medical ward setting, however, the costs were 6,740 pts. and 2,809 pts. for CABS patients, and 5,308 pts. and 10,140 pts. for VR patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The costs of antibiotic prophylaxis among cardiac surgery patients heavily depends on the setting and circumstances of drug administration. The minimization cost analysis indicates that teicoplanin is the most cost-effective option if the drug is administered within the surgical area, while vancomycin is the less costly option when administered within the medical ward. However, if the second option is to be chosen, it is necessary to assure the right plasmatic drug levels of the antibiotic at the beginning of the surgical procedure.

[Comparative analysis of articles published by Spanish authors (1993-1997) in biomedical journals with high impact factor]. / Análisis comparativo de las publicaciones realizadas por autores españoles (1993-1997) en revistas clínicas con factor de impacto elevado.

BACKGROUND: To identify the Spanish scientific production amongst different areas of clinical knowledge, and to compare it with those of five other European Union countries. METHOD: Review of MEDLINE data base, for the period 1993-1997. Search limited to four journals, selected, for 10 different medical specialties (Cardiology, Endocrinology, Infectious Diseases, Gastroenterology-Hepatology, Haematology, Nephrology, Pneumology, Neurology, Oncology, Rheumatology). Articles published by authors from Germany, France, Italy, The Netherlands, Sweden and Spain. Journals included in the Internal Medicine subject classification were independently analysed. Data were also related with several econometric indexes. RESULTS: A total of 1,763 original articles published by Spanish authors were identified in the journal's sample over the analysed period (2.08 articles per 100 all published articles). Spain contributes to the total achieved by the six European countries analysed with 9.07 articles per 100 published articles. Gastroenterology-Hepatology was the medical specially which has more articles published by Spanish authors (total: 338 articles; 4.15 articles/100 published articles); and Oncology the one with less articles published (1.26 articles/100 published articles). The mean IF value per journal by article is highest for Gastroenterology-Hepatology (4.86 FI/article) and lowest for Pneumology (2.42 FI/article). Spain is the last amongst all six European countries analyzed in Endocrinology, Oncology and Haematology, and second to last in all others except for Gastroenterology-Hepatology (4th place). Mean cost for each article produced by Spanish authors in the analyzed sample was 0.49 US $ according the health expenditures per capita, and 0.07 US $ according the R+D expenditures per capita. Data from the independent analysis of Internal Medicine journals also showed that Gastroenterology and Hepatology is the subspecialty with a higher number of papers published in those journals. CONCLUSIONS: All efforts devoted to improve the quality of Spanish biomedical research, specially in clinical research, had produced positive, but uneven, results, measured by the number and impact factor of original articles published in top ranked biomedical journals. The overall distribution of high impact factor scientific production by specialties is poor when compared to the European Union countries included in the analysis. Those results showed several improvement opportunities. Besides increasing the overall budget for R+D, its is likely that the time has come for backing the highest quality Spanish biomedical research, the one that offers greater and better chances for achieving scientifically valid results, and is published in high impact factor biomedical journals.

Perceived quality of care of inguinal hernia repair: assessment before and after the procedure.

OBJECTIVE: Assessment of the perceived quality of care for inguinal hernia repair procedures. DESIGN: A two-step descriptive study using specific questionnaires. SETTING: A tertiary care University Hospital. SUBJECTS: Random sample of patients diagnosed of inguinal hernia in 1996. Group A, patients seen at the outpatient clinic before admission; group B, patients seen for follow-up after the surgical procedure. INTERVENTIONS: Two different questionnaires were used. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: validity of the questionnaire was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha value. Scores were measured using the z value. RESULTS: Total number of patients was 194. Both groups were comparable. The questionnaire was able to explain 66.3% of the variance. The Cronbach's alpha value was 0.90. Scores recorded were significantly different (P < 0.01) regarding the health care workers' attitude and hospital commodities' variables (rated as better than expected). Differences in scores for information supplied, overall results of the surgical procedure and food variables were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: (i) The study of several fields where the patient's expectations are higher or lower contributes to prioritizing efforts to improve quality in the Surgery Department. (ii) The differences seen strongly suggest the need for patient's satisfaction surveys to be specific by diagnosis/dimension and adapted to patients' expectations.

[Skin metastases of primary transitional cell carcinoma of the prostate. Apropos of a case]. / Metástasis cutánea de carcinoma transicional primario de próstata. A propósito de un caso.

OBJECTIVE: To report on a rare case of cutaneous metastasis from primary transitional cell carcinoma of the prostate. METHODS: A 70-year-old patient with transitional cell carcinoma of the prostate presented with cutaneous metastasis in the left leg. RESULTS: The cutaneous lesion was resected. Pathological analysis of the specimen demonstrated cutaneous metastasis from transitional cell carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: Primary transitional cell carcinoma of the prostate is an uncommon and aggressive tumor that can metastasize to distant, atypical sites, as in the case described herein.

Perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis in Spanish hospitals: results of a questionnaire survey. Hospital Pharmacy Antimicrobial Prophylaxis Study Group.

A questionnaire survey was sent to a random sample of the Spanish network of National Health System public acute-care hospitals. Of responding institutions (representing 25% of Spanish hospital beds), nearly 75% had active surveillance programs for the prevention and control of surgical-site infections (SSIs), but only 20% performed postdischarge surveillance. Overall, perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis (PAP) was used in 84% of all surgical procedures. For 77% of procedures, there were written guidelines for the choice and use of PAP. Cefazolin was the most commonly used antibiotic (38%). Duration of PAP was shorter than 24 hours in 75% of procedures, and only a single dose was given in 52% of procedures. PAP was commonly used in breast (52%) and inguinal hernia repair (69%) procedures, as well as in laparoscopic abdominal surgery (86%). In summary, the use of PAP in Spanish hospitals is adequate, but improvements can be made in the frequency of prolonged PAP and in the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics. Surveillance systems for SSI, including postdischarge follow-up, also should be improved.

[Synchronous bilateral renal adenocarcinoma. Our experience with conservative kidney surgery]. / Adenocarcinoma renal bilateral sincrónico. Nuestra experiencia con la cirugía conservadora renal.

OBJECTIVE: To present our experience with synchronous bilateral renal adenocarcinoma. The indications for conservative surgery, the different types and the controversies are discussed. METHODS: 5 patients with bilateral renal adenocarcinoma from our series of 320 renal adenocarcinomas were analyzed for gender, age at presentation, tumor location, size, presenting features and type of surgery performed. RESULTS: Bilateral renal adenocarcinoma accounted for 1.56% in our series. Mean age at presentation was 57.8 years (range 43-69 years). All 5 patients were male. All patients underwent conservative surgery by tumor excision or partial nephrectomy of the side with less involvement followed by delayed radical surgery of the contralateral side. Follow-up ranged from 19 months to 14 years. To date all patients are disease-free and only one is on dialysis 14 years postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral renal adenocarcinoma has been reported to account for 1.4%-5% of all renal masses. The incidence in our series was 1.56%. Conservative renal surgery is indicated in patients like those described herein to prevent the need for dialysis. In our view, conservative renal surgery is a good therapeutic option that carries a small risk of tumor multicentricity and future recurrence.

[Castleman's disease in the retroperitoneal region]. / Enfermedad de Castleman de localización retroperitoneal.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of Castleman's disease presenting as a retroperitoneal mass, with special reference to the differential diagnosis from other retroperitoneal lesions. The histological features, variants, clinical manifestations, etiopathogenesis and treatment of Castleman's disease are reviewed. METHODS: A 64-year-old male presented with voiding symptoms and hypogastric pain. An ultrasound scan showed a 5 x 6 cm mass located behind the bladder and above the prostate, which was confirmed by an abdomino-pelvic CT scan. RESULTS: Retroperitoneal sarcoma was suspected and the mass was resected. The histopathological analysis showed giant lymphoid hyperplasia (vascular hyaline variant of Castleman's disease). CONCLUSIONS: Retroperitoneal Castleman's disease is a lymphoproliferative disorder with two well-defined histological types and a mixed variant. Although this lesion is frequently localized to the mediastinum (71%), extrathoracic lesions have been described. Definitive diagnosis is based on the postoperative pathological findings.

Identifying high risk patients for Staphylococcus aureus infections: skin and soft tissue infections.

Staphylococcus aureus is the causative organism for many skin and soft tissue (SST) infections. Some SST infections have severe systemic complications, such as bacteraemia and sepsis. S. aureus is the cause of 75% of primary pyodermas. Pre-existing conditions, like tissue injury (ulcers, wounds) or tissue inflammation (exudative dermatitis), and also underlying disorders (such as poorly controlled insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus or cancer) are some of the risk factors for secondary infection with S. aureus. In S. aureus-infected primary skin disorders (impetigo, recurrent eczema), 2% mupirocin ointment has proved effective in several clinical trials. S. aureus is responsible for 25% of all burn-wound infections, and burn units could be the point of entry and source of spread of methicillin-resistant S. aureus infection outbreaks. Mupirocin (2% ointment) has also proven effective for topical treatment of these infections. Pressure sores develop in 6% of all patients admitted to acute and chronic health care institutions. An average of three aerobic species (including S. aureus) plus one anaerobic species are isolated when infected. Infectious complications are responsible for 60-80% of all intravenous drug user (IVDU) hospital admissions, 5-20% being due to S. aureus infective endocarditis (IE). The origin of IE in IVDUs is probably the skin. Data from a Collaborative Spanish Study of IVDU infectious complications (including more than 10,000 episodes) are discussed.

A cluster of fever and hypotension on a surgical intensive care unit related to the contamination of plasma expanders by cell wall products of Bacillus stearothermophilus.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate an outbreak of fever and hypotension after cardiac surgical procedures and the role of polygeline, a plasma expander. DESIGN: Unmatched case-control study. SETTING: A six-bed cardiac surgery intensive care unit (SICU) of the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona (Spain), a 940-bed public teaching hospital. PATIENTS: Eight cases and 25 control patients admitted to the SICU over a 4-week epidemic period. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Development of hypotension (systolic blood pressure < or = 90 mm Hg or a drop of 40 mm Hg from baseline systolic blood pressure) and fever (axillary temperature > 38.5 degrees C) within 24 hours of a cardiac surgical procedure. RESULTS: The single risk factor significantly different between cases and controls was the total volume of polygeline used throughout the surgical procedure for extracorporeal circulation: a median of 1,250 mL (mean, 1,312.5 +/- 842.5 mL) in cases versus 500 mL (mean, 566.0 +/- 159.9 mL) in controls (P = .0029). By multiple logistic regression analysis, polygeline use was the single risk factor significantly related to the outcome (odds ratio, 8.75; CI95, 1.36 to 56.2; P = .01). Neither blood cultures from patients nor cultures of the polygeline used yielded growth of any microorganism. Stopping use of the implicated polygeline lot controlled the outbreak. CONCLUSIONS: Use of polygeline was associated with an outbreak of fever and hypotension in a SICU. Information from the manufacturer indicated the likelihood of contamination of the product with Bacillus stearothermophilus components. The manufacturer has since changed the production and control processes, and no further adverse events have been seen.

[Assessment of the performance of sabbatical leave: Hospital Clínic i Provincial of Barcelona (1990-1991). Research Committee of the Hospital Clínic i Provincial of Barcelona]. / Evaluación del rendimiento de los permisos sabáticos: Hospital Clínic i Provincial de Barcelona (1980-1991). Comité de Investigación del Hospital Clínic i Provincial de Barcelona.

BACKGROUND: The development of an evaluation protocol for assessing the scientific contribution and the impact on medical care of the sabbatical leaves granted in a large Spanish teaching hospital. METHODS: The sabbatical leaves for all faculty staff of the Hospital Clínic i Provincial of Barcelona (HCPB) were analyzed since 1980 trough 1991. The scientific production analysis was done according to the impact factor (IF) score of the Science Citation Index. Descriptive statistical techniques as well as parametric and non-parametric tests were used for comparisons. RESULTS: A total of 52 sabbatical leaves was analyzed of all 60 leaves granted (87%). Mean duration of the leave was 7.94 +/- 3.86 months. The scientific production includes 89 original articles published in peer-reviewed medical journals, with a total score of 300.82 IF points (mean score: 5.78 +/- 7.12 IF points by leave). There were significant differences in the mean duration, number of papers published and IF points score by sabbatical leave between the Medicine, Surgery and Other Departments. In 16 cases (31%) there was a professional promotion following the sabbatical leave and in 20 cases (39%) an academic promotion. In 27 cases (60%) there was no promotion after the leave. Most of the faculty staff physicians (96%) are still employed in the same institution, and believe that the sabbatical leave has significantly contributed to their promotion (67%). A high percentage (94%) has also been able to develop afterwards the methods and techniques learned during the sabbatical leave. CONCLUSIONS: The experience of the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona in granting sabbatical leaves has been highly positive. The scientific performance of the individuals on leave is high. Our institution has been able to add and develop most of the techniques and methods learned overseas. The future of the sabbatical leaves in other Spanish Universities and Hospitals should be regarded as a high priority target. The performance of these leaves is supported by its scientific results, that could be quantified.

Analysis of factors influencing the outcome and development of septic metastasis or relapse in Salmonella bacteremia.

One-hundred seventy-two consecutive adult patients with salmonella bacteremia documented by at least one positive blood culture were prospectively evaluated over a 10-year period. Salmonella enteritidis was isolated in 121 cases (70.3%), Salmonella typhimurium in 29 (16.9%), and other Salmonella species in 22 (12.8%). Twenty-seven patients (15.7%) developed septic metastasis; 21 patients (12.2%) died of bacteremia, and 24 (16.7%) of the 144 patients who survived had at least one relapse. A logistic regression analysis selected three variables as independently influencing outcome: septic shock (P = .005), coma (P = .029), and immunosuppression (P = .04). By means of the same statistical analysis, leukopenia (a white blood cell count of < 4 x 10(9)/L) was identified as an independent risk factor for relapse (P < .0001). The possibility of salmonella bacteremia must be considered when immunosuppressed patients have fever and no obvious source of infection. Treatment with a drug active against Salmonella species is essential in this population. Patients with leukopenia should be considered as recipients of prophylaxis for relapse.

[Mitral endocarditis caused by Staphylococcus aureus resistant to methicillin, aminoglucosides and rifampicin: description of 2 cases with fatal course]. / Endocarditis mitral por Staphylococcus aureus resistente a meticilina, aminoglucósidos y rifampicina: descripción de 2 casos de evolución fatal.

Two patients with infectious endocarditis (IE) by Staphylococcus aureus resistant to methicillin, aminoglucosides and rifampicin (SARMAR) acquired in hospital during the course of an epidemic outbreak of this microorganism in the Hospital Clínic i Provincial of Barcelona. Both patients had undergone surgery of the lower limbs. The entrance of the microorganism was the infection of the surgical wound, with bacteriemia, followed by mitral IE after a short time interval (20 days). Despite adequate treatment with vancomycin both patients died. The culture of mitral vegetation was positive for SARMAR in one. Analysis of the chromosomic DNA of all the isolations from the patients was identical and coincided with that of the SARMAR strains isolated in the epidemic outbreak of the hospital. The current situation of IE by SARMAR is reviewed and the therapeutic implications commented upon suggesting that treatment of this entity should simultaneously include the administration of vancomycin and phosphomycin or cotrimoxazole, with surgery being considered if infection persists.

[Paragonimiasis and pulmonary tuberculosis]. / Paragonimiasis y tuberculosis pulmonar.

Paragonimiasis (infestation by the Paragonimus species) in Spain is a very infrequent entity within the group of imported infectious diseases. A native, resident of Equatorial Guinea who was affected by pulmonary and probably extrapulmonary paragonimiasis together with active pulmonary tuberculosis is described. This association is relatively common and may complicate the diagnostic process. The identification of the parasite was established from samples of pulmonary secretion obtained by natural expulsion and by fiber bronchoscopy in which Kinyoun carbonfucsine dye, Giemsa dye and argentic impregnation were used. The possibility of neurological disease existing (medullar and cerebral) produced by the same parasite is also discussed. Antituberculous treatment and the use of praziquantel satisfactorily control both infections.