EDUCA study: Psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale.

OBJECTIVES: The Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale, translated and validated into Spanish, is sensitive to the application of a Psychoeducational Intervention Program (PIP) for the prevention and reduction of burden in caregivers of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients (EDUCA study). The data obtained in EDUCA was used to reanalyse its psychometric properties and the cut-off points of the Zarit scale. METHODS: The scale was administered to 115 caregivers of patients with AD who were randomised to receive a PIP or standard care for four months. Internal reliability and a factorial analysis of principal components were assessed, and the impact of PIP on each of the subscales was evaluated. A cut-off point was defined for the Zarit scale to identify the caregivers most sensitive to receiving a PIP. RESULTS: A good internal reliability (Cronbach alpha coefficient of 0.92) was obtained, with three principal components (burden, competency and dependence) explaining 54.75% of the variance. The application of PIP showed statistically significant differences versus standard care for the dependence subscale (p = 0.0082) (p = 0.062 for the burden scale). The Zarit scale cut-off points which combine better sensitivity and specificity were 56/57 and 59/60, for the 5/6 and 6/7 cut-off points of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) scale, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms the good psychometric properties of the Zarit scale found in previous studies. The dependence component appeared to be most influenced by the application of a PIP in the clinical trial. Caregivers with a Zarit scale score of 60 or more benefit most from the PIP.

[Urachal cyst: an unusual cause of intestinal obstruction]. / Quiste de uraco: causa inusual de obstrucción intestinal.

Contribution of one case of urachal cyst in a patient initially diagnosed with intestinal obstruction due to a probable colon-sigma neoplasia. The patient underwent discharge colostomy after finding an extension of the likely tumour to abdominal wall, bladder and right ureter. Later, the patient was reassessed and the CT showed a mass in the bladder's anterior edge with disclosure of purulent material and inflammatory cytology through the PAAF. The treatment performed was partial cystectomy, closure of colostomy and rectum-sigma re-anastomosis. Histological diagnosis was urachal cyst, abscess and pyogenic membranes, with no evidence of tumoral tissue. The idiosyncrasy of this urachal cyst is the simulation of an intestinal obstructive process of tumoral origin. Differential diagnosis in these intestinal processes rarely includes urachal cyst.

[Inhibition of tumor cell growth by the action of high-energy sources]. / Inhibición del crecimento celular tumoral por acción de las fuentes de alta energía.

In vitro comparison of the cytotoxic action of high-energy shockwave and megavoltage radiotherapy on tumoral cells. The inhibitory action these two therapeutic approaches have on cell viability is determined both singly and jointly, through life staining exclusion and nucleoside uptake tests. High energy shockwaves have a cytotoxic action significantly greater than low- and medium-energy levels of megavoltage radiation. The cytotoxic effect from megavoltage radiation is significantly greater than that resulting from high levels of high-energy shockwave as shown by the life staining exclusion tests. However, the nucleoside uptake test shows that cytotoxicity from either type of energy is no significantly different. When measuring the cumulative cytotoxic action of high energy shockwaves plus megavoltage radiation, the level of cytotoxicity is greater than the individual inhibitory actions on cell viability, but the degree of cytotoxicity induced cannot be comparable to that produced by higher energy levels from both sources separately.

[Leiomyosarcoma of the vena cava: presentation of 2 clinical cases]. / Leiomiosarcoma de cava: presentación de dos casos clínicos.

Presentation of two cases of leiomyosarcoma of a cava vein, an infrequent retroperitoneal tumour. Both cases were treated by means of anatomical reconstruction by a PTFE prosthesis. Brief review of diagnostic and therapeutical choices.

[Primary adrenal carcinoma]. / Carcinoma suprarrenal primario.

A series of 17 patients with primary adrenal cortical carcinoma is presented. Of 14 patients without evidence of disseminated disease prior to radical surgery, 6 developed distant metastases during follow-up. The mean interval free of disease in these patients was 12 months (range 3-40) and the median survival 15 months. Of the six patients in whom adjuvant external beam radiotherapy was delivered, no evidence of local recurrence was observed. Of the patients treated without external beam radiotherapy, 3 local failures were observed. The projected 5 years survival was 35%, which is similar to that reported in the literature. To date, there is no evidence that chemotherapy nor radiotherapy could improve the survival, however, radiotherapy might increase the local control in selected cases.

[Errors in the clinical staging of prostatic cancer]. / Errores en el estadiaje clínico del cáncer de próstata.

The relationship between the clinical and pathological stages of clinically localized prostate cancer (PCa) was analyzed in 68 patients. All of then underwent ilio-obstructive lymphadenectomy and node affectation was found in 16 patients (23%). Out of 64 patients undergoing radical prostatectomy, 23 (36%) presented invasion of prostate capsule and/or seminal vesicle infiltration. Of the total 68 patients, 28 (41%) showed local dissemination and/or nodular affectation. A direct correlation was seen between clinical stage and both incidence of local dissemination and nodular affectation. Pre-operative PSA and tumoral grade were correlated to the pathological stage.

[Monotherapy of ureteral calculi with extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy]. / Monoterapia de los cálculos ureterales con litotricia extracorpórea por ondas de choque.

We reviewed our experience with ESWL in the treatment of 401 patients with ureteral stones in order to evaluate if a higher disintegration and clearance rates could be achieved without prior manipulation of ureteral calculi, i.e., ESWL used as "in situ" monotherapy. The global stone free rate were 83%, 85% and 91% at 15 days, 1 month and 3 months after ESWL. We also analyzed the results according to the efficiency quotient (EQ).

[Prognostic value of local vascular infiltration in infiltrating transitional carcinoma of the bladder]. / Valor pronóstico de la infiltración vascular local en el carcinoma transicional infiltrante de vejiga.

The present retrospective study analyzes the evolution and survival of 79 patients with bladder infiltrant transitional carcinoma (T2-T3), which were treated with radical cystectomy and bilateral ilio-obturating lymphadenectomy. Pre-operative radiotherapy (57/79) and neo-adjuvant chemotherapy (24/79) was used as supplementary therapy. The univariate analysis showed the relationship between tumour vascular infiltration (TVI) and presence of nodes micrometastasis (p = 0.002). The variables with greater forecast power in the multivariate analysis for survival were a decline in the post-radio and/or neo-adjuvant chemotherapy tumoral stage (p = 0.000) and TVI (p = 0.001). Survival decreased significantly in patients with TVI (p = 0.008), this finding denoting a worse prognosis than the presence of nodular micrometastasis (p = 0.01).

[Retroperitoneal ganglioneuroma: an infrequent tumor]. / Ganglioneuroma retroperitoneal: un tumor infrecuente.

Presentation of 2 cases of retroperitoneal ganglioneuroma (paravertebral and adrenal, respectively), accidentally diagnosed during ultrasound study. In none of these 2 cases diagnosis by thin-needle puncture-aspiration was possible, therefore, surgical exeresis of the lesion was performed. When diagnosis is made prior to surgery, management can be conservative with close follow-up, unless neuroblastoma is identified or there is other disease-derived pathologies present.

[Prognostic value of the tissue expression of human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-HCG) in infiltrating transitional carcinoma of the bladder]. / Valor pronóstico de la expresión tisular de gonadotrofina coriónica humana (beta-HCG) en el carcinoma transicional infiltrante de vejiga.

Study of the ectopic secretion of Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (beta-HCG) in the tumoral tissue of 62 patients diagnosed with infiltrant transitional carcinoma of the bladder. The inmunohistochemical tests showed specific stains in 15/62 patients. Bi-varied analysis showed that vesical tumours with beta-HCG ectopic expression present associated nodular disease with a significantly higher prevalence (p = 0.02). Survival of patients with beta-HCG+ tumours was overall lower that of patients with beta-HCG-tumours, but this difference did not reach statistical significance. Multivariate analysis of survival showed no prognostic value for the tissue expression of beta-HCG, when it is considered as an isolated variable. Complete local response was seen in 5/6 beta-HCG+ patients treated with pre-operative chemo and radiotherapy and in 1/4 patients treated with pre-operative radiotherapy. Tissular expression of beta-HCG is a poor prognostic factor due to its relationship with another 2 variables of larger predictive capability: the presence of metastatic nodular disease and the infiltration of venous and/or lymphatic structures of the vesical wall.

[Multivariate analysis of local response to preoperative treatment in patients with infiltrating carcinoma of the bladder]. / Análisis multivariado de la respuesta local al tratamiento preoperatorio en pacientes con carcinoma infiltrante de vejiga.

The article presents a multivariate study carried out by means of a logistic regression of local responses (reduction to stage p0, p1 or p 'in situ') in 82 patients with transitional infiltrant carcinoma of the bladder, undergoing 3 different types of radical therapy: 25 patients treated with TUR and radical cystectomy; 33 patients treated with TUR, pre-operative radiotherapy (45-60 Gy) and radical cystectomy; and 24 patients treated with TUR, intra-operative radiotherapy (15 Gy), external radiotherapy (46 Gy), neo-adjuvant chemotherapy and radical cystectomy. Local response increased with the intensity of pre-operative therapy, there being a better relationship with this approach than with the initial clinical stage of the tumour. The factors which better explain the prospect of an objective local response are the use of radiotherapy associated to chemotherapy and the absence of metastatic lymphatic nodes. These 2 variables can adequately predict the local response in 87% of patients.

[Shockwave cytotoxicity on neoplastic and non-neoplastic cells]. / Evaluación de la citotoxicidad de las ondas de choque sobre células tumorales y no tumorales.

Since initial application of high-energy shockwaves to treat renal lithiasis, their usefulness has been extended within both the clinical and experimental fields. Shockwaves cytotoxic action is determined by means of cell viability methods of vital staining exclusion and nucleoside uptake. Application of shockwaves on cell cultures is carried out by means of an electromagnetic lithotripter. High-energy shockwaves have had cytotoxic action both on non-tumoral and tumoral cells, during "in vitro" experiments. The cytotoxicity produced by the shockwaves, however, is different in tumoral and non-tumoral cells, the viability inhibition being higher in tumoral cells.

[Multivariate analysis of the factors influencing the occurrence of surgical complications in renal transplantation]. / Análisis multivariado de los factores influyentes en la aparición de las complicaciones quirúrgicas en el trasplante renal.

Study of 307 renal corpse transplants performed in our centre, gathered in two series according to the immunosuppressive approach used, with and without cyclosporin A (Current and Historic Series, respectively). The surgical complications encountered are assessed and divided into urinary, vascular and other. Using a multivariate analysis, the factors influencing the occurrence of each of them are examined. In the Historic Series, the prognostic factors for the occurrence of urinary complications are the type of extraction and the duration of cold ischaemia. Regarding vascular complications, these factors are the type of anastomosis and the receptor's age. With respect to all other complications, the single influential factor is the initial delayed function. In the Current Series, the prognostic factors relative to urinary complications are the receptor's age, the duration of cold ischaemia, and the donor's age. No multivariate analysis is made of vascular complications due to their small number. The remaining complications are related, as in the other series, to the initial delayed function.

["De novo" malignant tumors in kidney transplant receptors]. / Tumores malignos "de novo" en receptores de trasplante renal.

Presentation of the "de novo" tumours developed in two series of renal transplant receptors over the last 16 years. The first series, Historic, comprises the group of 178 patients who were given Azathioprin or Cyclophosphamide plus Prednisone for immunosuppression. The second series, Current, includes 129 patients who received immunosuppressive therapy with Cyclosporin A. Overall incidence of these "de novo" malignant tumours was 4% (13/307), 9 of which corresponded to the Historic Series (incidence, 5%) and 4 to the Current Series (incidence, 3%). Mean time interval from transplantation to diagnosis was 87.3 months (range, 9-177) in the Historic Series and 34.5 (range, 8-67) in the Current Series, the difference being statistically significant (p = 0.02). By locations, skin and lip tumours represent 38.5%, followed in frequency by lymphoma (23%) and lung carcinoma (15%). No urological tumours were recorded.

[Adjusted survival of the graft in renal transplantation. Multivariate analysis of prognostic factors]. / Supervivencia ajustada del injerto en el trasplante renal. Analisis multivariado de los factores pronóstico.

Three hundred and seven first corpse transplantations performed in the Clínica Universitaria of Navarra since 1976 are analyzed. The cases are divided in two series, Current and Historic, depending on whether the immunosuppressive protocol included cyclosporin A. First, actual survival curves from both series were compared, obtaining a significantly improved survival in the cyclosporin A series (p). Then, the most influential prognostic features in each series are analyzed for the various post-transplantation periods. With regard to adjusted graft survival in the Historic Series, both initial function and the number of rejections have influence during the first post-transplantation year. HLA A + B identities and the donor's age influence during the immediate one-to-three months period. In the Current Series, time of cold ischaemia and number of rejections act during the earliest (first month) and the latest (between one to three years) periods. The donor's cause of death and the recipient's age influence during the first month of evolution. The initial function and the presence of surgical complications influence between the first month and the first year.

[Potentiation of cytotoxicity of electromagnetic shock waves by suramin, "in vitro" study]. / Potenciación de la citotoxicidad de las ondas de choque electromagnéticas por la Suramina, estudio "in vitro".

The objective of this experimental study is to assess the inhibition of tumoral cells growth induced by electromagnetic shockwaves at different energy levels in PC-3, the human prostate adenocarcinoma cell line. Also, an assessment is made of the inhibition of cell growth caused by adding Suramin to the growth medium and the enhancement of cytotoxicity when associated to that produced by electromagnetic shockwaves. Cells viability is determined by life staining exclusion methods and nucleoside incorporation. Cytotoxic action of electromagnetical shockwaves in the PC-3 cell line is dose dependent (p < 0001). Suramin significantly inhibits cell viability (p < 0001). The association of both therapeutical approaches enhances significantly their individual cytotoxicities (p < 0001).

[Survival analysis in renal cell carcinoma with invasion of the vena cava]. / Análisis de la supervivencia en el carcioma de células renales con invasión de la vena cava.

Ninety-nine consecutive patients with renal cell carcinoma in stages pT1-4/N0-3/V0-2/M0 were analyzed. Overall 5 year survival was 61%. Factors with greater impact on survival were: 1) degree of anaplasia (DI 73%, DII 47%, DIII 27%; p = 0.0005), 2) pathological stage (pT1-2 87%, pT3 39%; p = 0.0000), 3) perirenal fat invasion (pT1-2 87%, pT3a 60%; p = 0.007), 4) node status (N0 72%, N1-3 17%; p = 0.0000) and 5) veins invasion (V0 74%, V1-2 35%; p = 0.005). No difference in survival between V1 and V2 (40% vs 33%; p0.05) tumours was found. A multivariable study showed that the degree of anaplasia and veins invasion have a significant and separate influence on survival (p = 0.0000). Among patients with vascular invasion, those with no perirenal fat invasion or node damage show better survival rates than patients with capsular infiltration (62% vs 40%; p) and perform significantly better than patients with capsular invasion and nodal implication (62% vs 30%; p). No survival differences were observed between pT3b stages with venous invasion only and pT1-2 stages (p0.05). Venous invasion is not in itself of prognostic relevance; the prognostic significance of vascular invasion is directly related to the presence of perirenal fat invasion and/or nodal implication.

[Urologic complications in 237 recipients of cadaveric kidney transplantation]. / Complicaciones urológicas en 237 receptores de trasplante renal cadavérico.

We describe the urological complications occurred in 237 patients undergoing cadaveric renal transplant in 13 years. Two techniques of extravesical ureterocystoneostomy were used. Thirty patients (13%) presented 35 (15%) urological complications: 23 (9.7%) urinary fistula and 12 (5.1%) ureteral stenosis. The vast majority (80%) were early complications (before 90 days): 82% fistulas and 18% stenosis. All early complications were identified as technical deficiencies; all late complications were obstructive in nature. A new ureteral reimplant was performed in 15 patients, with successful results in 14. Six patients underwent nephrectomy and pyelostomy, 2 of these required a second operation. Seven patients underwent endo-urological procedures with good results. Three patients undergoing conservative treatment for urinary fistula required surgical drainage of an infected urinoma. No statistical difference was observed in the survival rates of both the grafts and the patients presenting or not urinary complications.

[Bilateral synchronous adrenal metastasis of renal adenocarcinoma]. / Metástasis suprarrenales bilaterales sincrónicas de adenocarcinoma renal.

Contribution of one case of renal adenocarcinoma with synchronous metastasis in both adrenal glands. Treatment was radical surgery with palliative resolution and steroid replacement therapy. Brief comments on this uncommon clinical situation and review of other author's experience.

[Prophylactic antibiotic therapy in extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy: prospective, randomized study]. / Antibioterapia profiláctica en la litotricia extracorpórea por ondas de choque (LEOC): estudio prospectivo y randomizado.

Two hundred patients that underwent ESWL were randomized into 4 groups in order to determine the benefits of antibiotic prophylaxis. All comparisons among groups were not statistically significant. Neither cephalosporin nor quinolone prophylaxis impacted significantly on bacteriuria rate after ESWL. Thus, in patients without infected stones, urinary tract obstruction and ancillary procedures ESWL could be performed without prophylactic antibiotic regimes.