[Clinical characteristics of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in Spain: Results from the SEMI-COVID-19 Registry]. / Características clínicas de los pacientes hospitalizados con COVID-19 en España: resultados del Registro SEMI-COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Spain has been one of the countries most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. OBJECTIVE: To create a registry of patients with COVID-19 hospitalized in Spain, in order to improve our knowledge of the clinical, diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic aspects of this disease. METHODS: A multicentre retrospective cohort study, including consecutive patients hospitalized with confirmed COVID-19 throughout Spain. Epidemiological and clinical data, additional tests at admission and at seven days, treatments administered, and progress at 30 days of hospitalization were collected from electronic medical records. RESULTS: Up to June 30th 2020, 15,111 patients from 150 hospitals were included. Their median age was 69.4 years (range: 18-102 years) and 57.2% were male. Prevalences of hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes mellitus were 50.9%, 39.7%, and 19.4%, respectively. The most frequent symptoms were fever (84.2%) and cough (73.5%). High values of ferritin (73.5%), lactate dehydrogenase (73.9%), and D-dimer (63.8%), as well as lymphopenia (52.8%), were frequent. The most used antiviral drugs were hydroxychloroquine (85.6%) and lopinavir/ritonavir (61.4%); 33.1% developed respiratory distress. Overall mortality rate was 21.0%, with a marked increase with age (50-59 years: 4.7%, 60-69 years: 10.5%, 70-79 years: 26.9%, ≥ 80 years: 46.0%). CONCLUSIONS: The SEMI-COVID-19 Network provides data on the clinical characteristics of patients with COVID-19 hospitalized in Spain. Patients with COVID-19 hospitalized in Spain are mostly severe cases, as one in three patients developed respiratory distress and one in five patients died. These findings confirm a close relationship between advanced age and mortality.

RECALMIN IV. Evolution in the activity of internal medicine units of the National Health System (2008-2021).

AIMS: This work aims to analyze the structure, activity, and outcomes of internal medicine units and departments (IMU) of the Spanish National Health System (SNHS) and to analyze the challenges for the specialty and propose policies for improvement. It also aims to compare the results from the 2021 RECALMIN survey with IMU surveys from previous years (2008, 2015, 2017, 2019). METHODS: This work is a cross-sectional, descriptive study of IMUs in acute care general hospitals of the SNHS that compares data from 2020 with previous studies. The study variables were collected through an ad hoc questionnaire. RESULTS: Between 2014 and 2020, hospital occupancy and discharges by IMU increased (annual mean of 4% and 3.8%, respectively), as did hospital cross-consultation and initial consultation rates (2.1% in both cases). E-consultations increased notably in 2020. Risk-adjusted mortality and length of hospital stay did not show significant changes from 2013-2020. Progress in the implementation of good practices and systematic care for complex chronic patients was limited. A consistent finding in RECALMIN surveys was the variability among IMUs in terms of resources and activity, though no statistically significant differences were found in regard to outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: There is considerable room for improvement in the operation of IMUs. The reduction in unjustified variability in clinical practice and inequities in health outcomes are a challenge for IMU managers and the Spanish Society of Internal Medicine.

Clinical characteristics of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in Spain: Results from the SEMI-COVID-19 Registry. / Características clínicas de los pacientes hospitalizados con COVID-19 en España: resultados del Registro SEMI-COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Spain has been one of the countries most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. OBJECTIVE: To create a registry of patients with COVID-19 hospitalized in Spain, in order to improve our knowledge of the clinical, diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic aspects of this disease. METHODS: A multicentre retrospective cohort study, including consecutive patients hospitalized with confirmed COVID-19 throughout Spain. Epidemiological and clinical data, additional tests at admission and at seven days, treatments administered, and progress at 30 days of hospitalization were collected from electronic medical records. RESULTS: Up to June 30th 2020, 15,111 patients from 150 hospitals were included. Their median age was 69.4 years (range: 18-102 years) and 57.2% were male. Prevalences of hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes mellitus were 50.9%, 39.7%, and 19.4%, respectively. The most frequent symptoms were fever (84.2%) and cough (73.5%). High values of ferritin (73.5%), lactate dehydrogenase (73.9%), and D-dimer (63.8%), as well as lymphopenia (52.8%), were frequent. The most used antiviral drugs were hydroxychloroquine (85.6%) and lopinavir/ritonavir (61.4%); 33.1% developed respiratory distress. Overall mortality rate was 21.0%, with a marked increase with age (50-59 years: 4.7%, 60-69 years: 10.5%, 70-79 years: 26.9%, ≥80 years: 46.0%). CONCLUSIONS: The SEMI-COVID-19 Network provides data on the clinical characteristics of patients with COVID-19 hospitalized in Spain. Patients with COVID-19 hospitalized in Spain are mostly severe cases, as one in three patients developed respiratory distress and one in five patients died. These findings confirm a close relationship between advanced age and mortality.

External validation of the CACE-HF risk score for mortality in patients with heart failure.

AIMS: To validate externally the CACE-HF clinical prediction rule, which predicts 1-year mortality in patients with heart failure (HF). METHODS: We performed an external validation of the CACE-HF risk score in patients included in the RICA heart failure registry who had completed 1 year of follow-up, comparing the characteristics of the derivation and validation cohorts. The performance of the risk score was evaluated in terms of calibration, using calibration-in-the-large (a), calibration slope (b), and the Hosmer-Lemeshow test, and in terms of discrimination, using the area under the ROC curve. RESULTS: In total, 3337 patients were included in the validation cohort. There were no significant differences between the derivation and validation cohorts in 1-year mortality (24.63% vs. 22.98%) or in the risk score and risk classes. The discrimination capacity in the validation cohort was slightly lower, 0.67 (95% CI: 0.65, 0.69), compared to that of the derivation cohort. Calibration results were a -0.05 (95% CI: -0.14, 0.03), indicating that the average predictions did not differ from the average outcome frequency, and b = 0.75 (95% CI: 0.64, 0.86), indicating a modest inconsistency in predictor effects. Observed mortality versus predicted mortality according to the deciles and risk classes were very similar in both cases, indicating good calibration. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the external validation of the CACE-HF risk score show that although the capacity for discrimination was slightly lower than in the derivation cohort, the calibration was excellent. This tool, therefore, can assist in decision-making in the management of these patients.

Positioning document on incorporating point-of-care ultrasound in Internal Medicine departments. / Documento de posicionamiento sobre la incorporación de la ecografía clínica en los servicios de Medicina Interna.

This positioning document describes the most important aspects of clinical ultrasonography in the internal medicine setting, from its fundamental indications to the recommended training period. There is no question as to the considerable usefulness of this tool in the standard clinical practice of internists in numerous clinical scenarios and settings (emergencies, hospital ward, general and specific consultations and home care). Ultrasonography has a relevant impact on the practitioner's ability to resolve issues, increasing diagnostic reliability and safety and providing important information on the prognosis and progression. In recent years, ultrasonography has been incorporated as a tool in undergraduate teaching, with excellent results. The use of ultrasonography needs to be widespread. To accomplish this, we must encourage structured training and the acquisition of equipment. This document was developed by the Clinical Ultrasonography Workgroup and endorsed by the Spanish Society of Internal Medicine.

[Orthostatic hypotension; that great unknown]. / La hipotensión ortostática, esa gran desconocida.

Orthostatic hypotension is an anomaly of growing interest in scientific research. Although certain neurogenic diseases are associated with this phenomenon, it can also be associated with non-neurological causes. Although orthostatic hypotension is defined by consensus as a decrease in the systolic blood pressure of at least 20mmHg, or a decrease in diastolic blood pressure of at least 10mmHg, within 3min of standing, the studies differ on how to diagnose it. Orthostatic hypotension is associated with certain cardiovascular risk factors and with drug treatment, but the results are contradictory. The purpose of this review is to update the knowledge about orthostatic hypotension and its treatment, as well as to propose a method to standardise its diagnosis.

Healthcare resources and needs in anticoagulant therapy for patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. SAMOA Study. / Recursos y necesidades asistenciales en el tratamiento anticoagulante de los pacientes con fibrilación auricular no valvular. Estudio SAMOA.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: To determine, in the various medical specialties, the healthcare process for anticoagulated patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, to determine the available and necessary resources and to identify potential areas of improvement in the care of these patients. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional survey of primary care and specialised physicians involved in the care of anticoagulated patients. The questionnaires referred to the healthcare process, the indication and prescription of anticoagulant therapy and the barriers and deficiencies present for these patients. RESULTS: A total of 893 physicians participated in the study, 437 of whom worked in primary care and 456 of whom were specialists (mostly cardiologists). Forty-two percent of the family doctors indicated that they assessed and prescribed anticoagulant therapy, and 66% performed the regular follow-up of these patients. In both healthcare settings, the physicians noted the lack of standardised protocols. There was also a lack of quality control in the treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The role of primary care in managing anticoagulated patients has grown compared with previous reports. The responses of the participating physicians suggest marked gaps in the standardisation of the healthcare process and several areas for improvement in these patients' follow-up. The promotion of training in direct-acting anticoagulant drugs remains pivotal.

Consensus for improving the comprehensive care of patients with acute heart failure: summarised version.

The purpose of this consensus document was to reach an agreement among experts on the multidisciplinary care of patients with acute heart failure. Starting with a narrative review of the care provided to these patients and a critical analysis of the healthcare procedures, we identified potential shortcomings and improvements and formalised a document on recommendations for optimising the clinical and therapeutic approach for acute heart failure. This document was validated through an in-person group session guided using participatory techniques. The process resulted in a set of 36 recommendations formulated by experts of the Spanish Society of Cardiology, the Spanish Society of Internal Medicine and the Spanish Society of Urgent and Emergency Care. The recommendations are designed to optimise the healthcare challenge presented by the care of patients with acute heart failure in the context of Spain's current National Health System.

Gender related differences in clinical profile and outcome of patients with heart failure. Results of the RICA Registry. / Diferencias en función del sexo en el perfil clínico y pronóstico de pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca. Resultados del Registro RICA.

HISTORY AND OBJECTIVES: To analyze the differential clinical characteristics according to gender of patients with heart failure in terms of etiology, comorbidity, triggers, treatment, hospital stay and overall mortality at one year. PATIENTS AND METHOD: We employed data from the RICA registry, a multicenter prospective cohort of patients hospitalized in internal medicine departments for heart failure, with a follow-up of one year. We analyzed the differences between the gender in terms of the etiology of the heart disease, comorbidity, triggers, left ventricle ejection fraction, functional state, mental condition, treatment, length of stay and mortality at 1 year. RESULTS: A total of 1772 patients (47.2% men) were included. The women were older than the men (p<.001) and had a higher prevalence of hypertension, obesity, chronic kidney disease, atrial fibrillation and preserved left ventricle ejection fraction (p<.001). The men's medical history had a predominance of myocardial infarction, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, peripheral arteriopathy (p<.001) and anemia (p=.02). In the women, a hypertensive etiology was predominant, followed by valvular. The main triggers were hypertension and atrial fibrillation. Treatment with beta-blockers, ACEIs and/or ARBs did not differ by sex. The women had poorer functional capacity (p<.001), according to the Barthel index. After adjusting for age and other prognostic factors, the mortality at one year was lower among the women (RR: 0.69; 95% CI 0.53-0.89; p=.004). CONCLUSIONS: HF in women occurs at a later age and with different comorbidities. The hypertensive and valvular etiology is predominant, with preserved left ventricle ejection fraction, and the age-adjusted mortality is lower than in men.

[Cardiac myxoma: an analysis of 30 patients]. / Mixoma cardíaco: serie de 30 pacientes.

INTRODUCTION: Myxomas are the most common type of benign heart tumors. The aim of this study was to correlate the clinical forms of presentation of cardiac myxoma and complementary laboratory results with the morphological features of the tumor. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed retrospectively a total of 30 cardiac myxomas seen in 2 institutions after a period of 22 years. In the same period 5 cardiac sarcomas were identified. The Chi-Square test and Fischer's exact test were used to compare the variables. In one patient the IL-6 production by peripherals blood cells before and after surgical tumor resection was evaluated. RESULTS: The patients were evenly distributed between genders. The mean age of this group was 60 years. The most prevalent clinical manifestations were cardiac symptoms (73,3%), constitutional symptoms (30%) and embolisms (26,7%). All cases were diagnosed by transthoracic echocardiography and the most frequent location of the tumor was the left atrium. Larger-diameter myxomas were observed in older patients and correlated with cardiac symptoms, radiological and electrocardiographical abnormalities. Smaller-diameter myxomas presented more frequently embolic phenomenons. There were no deaths during the postoperative period and the principal postoperative complication was transient arrhytmias. There was no evidence of recurrence of the disease. In one patient with systemic manifestations monocytes were observed to contribute to the increased serum levels of IL-6. CONCLUSIONS: Myxomas are the most frequent tumors of the heart. The most common initial manifestations were cardiac symptoms. Diagnosis was achieved in all patients by transthoracic echocardiography. The size and macroscopic appearance of the tumor correlated with the age of the patients and some clinical symptoms and laboratory RESULTS: Surgical excision was a safe and effective procedure. (c) 2009 Elsevier España, S.L. All rights reserved.

[Role of angiotensin II receptor antagonists in the treatment of metabolic syndrome]. / Papel de los antagonistas de los receptores de la angiotensina II en el tratamiento del síndrome metabólico.

The metabolic syndrome, defined as the association of abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and hypertension, is a very prevalent disorder. Moreover, it identifies patients with a high cardiovascular risk, and when diagnosed, life style modifications and/or drug therapy can be initiated in these patients with the aim to reduce their cardiovascular risk. In the last few years, there has been much interest on drugs that lower insulin resistance, a central component of the metabolic syndrome as well as drugs that interrupt the renin-angiotensin system (achieved by angiotensive converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers), due to their beneficial metabolic effects. Of special interest are the so-called selective PPARg modulators, such as telmisartan or the nTZDpa compound. In the future, they may show important benefits in the treatment of patients with the metabolic syndrome.