Fifteen years of continuous improvement of quality care of type 2 diabetes mellitus in primary care in Catalonia, Spain.

AIMS: To assess the evolution of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) quality indicators in primary care centers (PCC) as part of the Group for the Study of Diabetes in Primary Care (GEDAPS) Continuous Quality Improvement (GCQI) programme in Catalonia. METHODS: Sequential cross-sectional studies were performed during 1993-2007. Process and outcome indicators in random samples of patients from each centre were collected. The results of each evaluation were returned to each centre to encourage the implementation of correcting interventions. Sixty-four different educational activities were performed during the study period with the participation of 2041 professionals. RESULTS: Clinical records of 23,501 patients were evaluated. A significant improvement was observed in the determination of some annual process indicators: HbA(1c) (51.7% vs. 88.9%); total cholesterol (75.9% vs. 90.9%); albuminuria screening (33.9% vs. 59.4%) and foot examination (48.9% vs. 64.2%). The intermediate outcome indicators also showed significant improvements: glycemic control [HbA(1c) ≤ 7% (< 57 mmol/mol); (41.5% vs. 64.2%)]; total cholesterol [≤ 200 mg/dl (5.17 mmol/l); (25.5% vs. 65.6%)]; blood pressure [≤ 140/90 mmHg; (45.4% vs. 66.1%)]. In addition, a significant improvement in some final outcome indicators such as prevalence of foot ulcers (7.6% vs. 2.6%); amputations (1.9% vs. 0.6%) and retinopathy (18.8% vs. 8.6%) was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Although those changes should not be strictly attributed to the GCQI programme, significant improvements in some process indicators, parameters of control and complications were observed in a network of primary care centres in Catalonia.

Cerebral salt wasting syndrome: review.

Hyponatremia is the most frequent electrolyte disorder in critically neurological patients. Cerebral salt wasting syndrome (CSW) is defined as a renal loss of sodium during intracranial disease leading to hyponatremia and a decrease in extracellular fluid volume. The pathogenesis of this disorder is still not completely understood. Sympathetic responses as well as some natriuretic factors play a role in this syndrome. Distinction between SIADH and CSW might be difficult. The essential point is the volemic state. It is necessary to rule out other intermediate causes. Treatment requires volume replacement and maintenance of a positive salt balance. Mineral corticoids may be useful in complicated cases.

[Graves Basedow disease following treatment with magistral formulae for obesity. Jod-Basedow phenomenon?]. / Enfermedad de Graves Basedow tras tratamiento con fórmulas magistrales para la obesidad. Fenómeno de Jod-Basedow?

Two cases are reported of women aged 18 and 36 years respectively who developed a typical picture of hyperthyroidism by Graves Basedow disease (primary hyperthyroidism, diffuse goiter with increased uptake, positive stimulating thyroid antibodies, exophthalmos). These women had taken drugs for obesity which were prepared by magistral formula and acquired by mail 8 and 9 months prior to diagnosis of the disease. The differential diagnosis is discussed which should be considered in a women with hyperthyroidism and the antecedent of ingestion of weight-reducer drugs as well as the orientative data of the different causes. Also, the possible role of these drugs as triggering factor for the autoimmune thyroid disease is discussed.