How Far Are We From Achieving Delabeling of False Penicillin/ß-Lactam Allergy Alerts? A Population Problem.

BACKGROUND: Interest in finding efficient ways to remove penicillin allergy alerts has grown as a result of awareness of the considerable excess of false-negative diagnoses in patients with penicillin allergy labels (90%-95%), the poorer course with non-ß-lactam antibiotics, the increase in bacterial resistance, and the fact that these problems can affect up to 20% of the population in some countries. The strategies proposed have generated many publications in countries where the number of allergists to conduct such studies is low. In many cases where delabeling is performed, the risk of ß-lactam allergy is low, and a single penicillin challenge is sufficient to delabel the alert. However, other less "ultrarapid" strategies can be used to administer a ß-lactam during an admission for infection and thus postpone delabeling until traditional drug allergy consultations. However, the definitive withdrawal of ß-lactam alerts is threatened by nonremoval of alerts in electronic health records and by the reactivation or nonsynchronization of alerts between electronic systems at different levels of care. Allergy departments need to reflect on how to implement practices that enable rapid and efficient delabeling of drug allergy alerts, especially in patients with major comorbidities.

Real-life analysis on safety and efficacy of asciminib for ponatinib pretreated patients with chronic myeloid leukemia.

Failure of second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (2GTKI) is a challenging situation in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Asciminib, recently approved by the US Federal Drug Administration, has demonstrated in clinical trials a good efficacy and safety profile after failure of 2GTKI. However, no study has specifically addressed response rates to asciminib in ponatinib pretreated patients (PPT). Here, we present data on responses to asciminib from 52 patients in clinical practice, 20 of them (38%) with prior ponatinib exposure. We analyzed retrospectively responses and toxicities under asciminib and compared results between PPT and non-PPT patients.After a median follow-up of 30 months, 34 patients (65%) switched to asciminib due to intolerance and 18 (35%) due to resistance to prior TKIs. Forty-six patients (88%) had received at least 3 prior TKIs. Regarding responses, complete cytogenetic response was achieved or maintained in 74% and 53% for non-PPT and PPT patients, respectively. Deeper responses such as major molecular response and molecular response 4.5 were achieved in 65% and 19% in non-PPT versus 32% and 11% in PPT, respectively. Two patients (4%) harbored the T315I mutation, both PPT.In terms of toxicities, non-PPT displayed 22% grade 3-4 TEAE versus 20% in PPT. Four patients (20% of PPT) suffered from cross-intolerance with asciminib as they did under ponatinib.Our data supports asciminib as a promising alternative in resistant and intolerant non-PPT patients, as well as in intolerant PPT patients; the resistant PPT subset remains as a challenging group in need of further therapeutic options.

Current opinion and consensus statement regarding the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of patients with essential thrombocythemia: a survey of the Spanish Group of Ph-negative Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (GEMFIN) using the Delphi method.

The current consensus on the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of essential thrombocythemia (ET) is based on experts' recommendations. However, several aspects of the diagnosis of, prognosis of, and therapy for ET are still controversial. The Delphi method was employed with an expert panel of members of the Spanish Group of Ph-negative Myeloproliferative Neoplasms in order to identify the degree of agreement on the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of ET. Nine leading experts selected a total of 41 clinical hematologists with well-known expertise in ET. An electronic questionnaire was used to collect the questions rated in a four-step scale. The questions were grouped into four blocks: diagnosis, risk stratification, goals of therapy, and treatment strategy. After the first round consisting of 80 questions, a second round including 14 additional questions focused on the recommendations advocated by experts of the European LeukemiaNet in 2011 was analyzed. The median and mean values for the first and second rounds were calculated. A summary of the conclusions considered as the most representative of each block of questions is presented. The Delphi method is a powerful instrument to address the current approaches and controversies surrounding ET.

[Assessment of safety practices for medication-use systems in Spanish hospitals (2007)]. / Evaluación de las prácticas de seguridad de los sistemas de utilización de medicamentos en los hospitales españoles (2007).

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To examine the current status of safety practices for medication-use systems in Spanish hospitals and to identify major areas of risk. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Those hospitals that completed the "Medication use-system safety self-assessment for hospitals" between June 1 and July 15, 2007, were included in the study. The survey contained 232 items for evaluation grouped into 20 core characteristics. RESULTS: A total of 105 hospitals from the 17 autonomous communities in Spain participated in the study. The average aggregate score for the survey of all the participating hospitals was 612.7 (39.7% of the maximum possible score) and there were no differences found with regard to number of beds, training activity or type of hospital. When core characteristics were analyzed, there were 3 criteria with the lowest values (< 25%), associated with professional training, skills, and the establishment of a system for reporting errors. Another 9 criteria, with percentages between 25% and 50%, reflected practices related to: access to information regarding patients and medications; communication of medication orders; prevention of errors due to naming, labeling, and packaging problems; standardization of medication delivery devices; restriction of medications in patient care units; and safety culture and double-checking procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Many opportunities for improvement have been identified, particularly in areas related to training, risk management, incorporating new technologies and patient participation. The information obtained may prove useful for prioritizing practices when establishing patient safety strategies, and as a baseline for successfully monitoring the effectiveness of the initiatives and programs consequently set into motion.

[Orbital lymphomas. Presentation of nine cases]. / Linfomas orbitarios. Presentación de nueve casos.

PURPOSE: To report nine cases of orbital lymphomas. METHODS: We reviewed the clinical records of nine patients diagnosed with orbital lymphoma and performed a literature search related to this condition. RESULTS: We present a series of five women and four males with orbital lymphoma involving the orbital region. In our cases, most patients presented concurrent extraorbital lymphoma when the orbital disease was first noticed (seven out of nine patients). We found three MALT lymphomas, two follicular lymphomas, two non-Hodgkin large B cell lymphomas, one low grade B cell lymphoma, and one mantle cell lymphoma. Eight patients were alive and one had died as a consequence of his lymphoma at the time this report was written. CONCLUSIONS: An increase in the incidence of non-Hodgkin orbital lymphomas has been observed over the last three decades. The most common type in the orbital region is the MALT lymphoma. The clinical features observed in our series are similar to those reported in the literature. Since lymphomas are the most frequent malignant tumours in the orbit, usually with extraorbital involvement, and can be successfully treated in many cases, it is important for the ophthalmologist to be aware of this condition.

[Updated classification for medication errors by the Ruiz-Jarabo 2000 Group]. / Actualización de la clasificación de errores de medicación del grupo Ruiz-Jarabo 2000.

OBJECTIVE: To update the classification system created by the Ruiz-Jarabo 2000 group to standardize detection, analysis, and recording of medication errors, with the aim of improving its capacity and functionality. METHOD: The classification update was carried out by the Ruiz-Jarabo 2000 working group considering: a) other classifications used by incident reporting systems initiated after the original version had been created; b) suggestions offered by healthcare professionals with respect to the original version; and c) the experiences of the working group itself based on analyses of medication errors gathered in hospitals, and on analyses of reports notified to the ISMP-Spain medication error reporting and learning program. RESULTS: This article presents the updated version of the medication error classification system and describes the main changes made on to the different sections and categories. CONCLUSIONS: The new version may prove to be a useful tool for analyzing and reporting errors with regard to those detected within the framework of activities for improving safety in hospitals and primary care, as well as for those detected as a direct result of patient safety research. Thus, this document is expected to improve medication safety information management in such a way as to allow data to be used ever more efficiently for making medication use systems safer for patients.

Long-term outcome of older patients with newly diagnosed de novo acute promyelocytic leukemia treated with ATRA plus anthracycline-based therapy.

Treatment outcome in older patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is lower compared with younger patients, mainly because of a higher induction death rate and postremission non-relapse mortality (NRM). This prompted us to design a risk- and age-adapted protocol (Programa Español de Tratamientos en Hematología (PETHEMA)/HOVON LPA2005), with dose reduction of consolidation chemotherapy. Patients aged ⩾60 years reported to the PETHEMA registry and were treated with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) plus anthracycline-based regimens according to three consecutive PETHEMA trials that were included. We compared the long-term outcomes of the LPA2005 trial with the preceding PETHEMA trials using non-age-adapted schedules (LPA96&LPA99). From 1996 to 2012, 389 older patients were registered, of whom 268 patients (69%) were eligible. Causes of ineligibility were secondary APL (19%), and unfit for chemotherapy (11%). Median age was 67 years, without relevant differences between LPA2005 and LPA96&LPA99 cohorts. Overall, 216 patients (81%) achieved complete remission with no differences between trials. The 5-year NRM, cumulative incidence of relapse, disease-free survival and overall survival in the LPA2005 vs the LPA96&99 were 5 vs 18% (P=0.15), 7 vs 12% (P=0.23), 87 vs 69% (P=0.04) and 74 vs 60% (P=0.06). A less intensive front-line regimen with ATRA and anthracycline monochemotherapy resulted in improved outcomes in older APL patients.

Comparison of the traditional pharmaceutical validation method versus an assisted pharmaceutical validation in hospitalized patients.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze pharmaceutical interventions that have been carried out with the support of an automated system for validation of treatments vs. the traditional method without computer support. METHOD: The automated program, ALTOMEDICAMENTOS® version 0, has 925 052 data with information regarding approximately 20 000 medicines, analyzing doses, administration routes, number of days with such a treatment, dosing in renal and liver failure, interactions control, similar drugs, and enteral medicines. During eight days, in four different hospitals (high complexity with over 1 000 beds, 400-bed intermediate, geriatric and monographic), the same patients and treatments were analyzed using both systems. RESULTS: 3,490 patients were analyzed, with 42 155 different treatments. 238 interventions were performed using the traditional system (interventions 0.56% / possible interventions) vs. 580 (1.38%) with the automated one. Very significant pharmaceutical interventions were 0.14% vs. 0.46%; significant was 0.38% vs. 0.90%; non-significant was 0.05% vs. 0.01%, respectively. If both systems are simultaneously used, interventions are performed in 1.85% vs. 0.56% with just the traditional system. Using only the traditional model, 30.5% of the possible interventions are detected, whereas without manual review and only the automated one, 84% of the possible interventions are detected. CONCLUSIONS: The automated system increases pharmaceutical interventions between 2.43 to 3.64 times. According to the results of this study the traditional validation system needs to be revised relying on automated systems. The automated program works correctly in different hospitals.

Objetivo: Analizar las intervenciones farmacéuticas realizadas con el apoyo de un sistema automático de validación de tratamientos vs. el método tradicional sin apoyo informático. Metodos: El programa automatizado, ALTOMEDICAMENTOS ® version 0, cuenta con 925.052 celdas con información de aproximadamente 20.000 medicamentos, analizando dosis, vías de administración, días de tratamiento, dosificación en insuficiencia renal y hepática, control de interacciones, de medicamentos semejantes y de medicamentos por vía enteral. Durante ocho días distribuidos en cuatro hospitales diferentes (alta complejidad con más de 1.000 camas, intermedio de 400 camas, geriátrico y monográfico), los mismos pacientes y tratamientos se analizaron mediante los dos sistemas. Resultados: Se han analizado 3.490 pacientes diferentes con 42.155 tratamientos. Por el sistema tradicional se han realizado 238 intervenciones (0,56% intervenciones/posibles intervenciones) vs. 580 (1,38%) con el automatizado. Las intervenciones farmacéuticas muy significativas fueron 0,14 vs. 0,46%, las significativas 0,38 vs. 0,90%, las no significativas 0,05 vs. 0,01%. Las intervenciones fueron del 1,85% al utilizar los dos sistemas vs. 0.56% usando solo el sistema tradicional. El sistema tradicional detectó el 30,5% de las posibles intervenciones, sin embargo con el sistema automático se detectaron el 84% de dichas intervenciones. Conclusiones: La automatización multiplica entre 2,43 a 3,64 veces las intervenciones farmacéuticas. En base a los resultados de este estudio el sistema tradicional de validación debería ser modificado, apoyándose en sistemas automatizados. El programa automático funciona en diferentes hospitales.

Splenectomy for poor graft function after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia.

We report four patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) that showed poor graft function after a non-T-depleted bone marrow transplantation (BMT) from an HLA-compatible sibling donor and who were successfully treated with splenectomy. Conditioning was done with cyclophosphamide (CY) and total body irradiation (TBI) without additional splenic irradiation. Three patients had enlarged spleens before BMT. The nucleated cell dose infused ranged from 2.3-3.2 x 10(8)/kg. Bone marrow (BM) examination prior to splenectomy showed BM aplasia (three cases) or hypocellularity (one case). At splenectomy no patient had evidence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection or severe acute GVHD; and three patients had moderately enlarged spleens. All patients were transfusion dependent. Complete hematological recovery was obtained in all patients. BM cellularity was normal 1 month after splenectomy. Complete chimerism of donor origin was documented. The four patients are alive (+16 to +58 months after BMT). Thus, in patients with CML, a poor graft function may be successfully corrected by splenectomy.

A randomized study of intermediate as compared with high doses of interferon-alpha for chronic myeloid leukemia: no differences in cytogenetic responses.

Interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) is a therapy of unquestionable efficacy in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients. The best dose of IFN-alpha in the treatment of CML still remains controversial. Our primary objective was to compare cytogenetic responses in patients treated with intermediate versus high doses of IFN-alpha. A multicenter randomized controlled trial was conducted involving 109 patients with untreated CML in chronic phase from 26 Spanish hospitals. Patients were assigned to receive either an intermediate (2.5 MU/m(2) per day) or high (5 MU/m(2) per day) target dose of IFN-alpha. Hydroxyurea was allowed in both groups. In total, 108 patients were analyzed, 53 in the intermediate- and 55 in the high-dose group. Median follow-up was 47.5 months. The dose of IFN-alpha actually given was lower in the intermediate-dose group (3.83 MU/day) than in the high-dose group (6.6 MU/day) ( p<0.001). The rate of complete cytogenetic response was 24.5% in the intermediate- and 12.7% in the high-dose group (NS). A partial cytogenetic response was obtained in 7.5% and 10.9%, respectively. Cox analysis did not reveal any influence of the randomization arm on cytogenetic response rate. Ten patients in each group discontinued IFN-alpha because of toxicity. Albeit not our primary objective, no differences were found in terms of survival or transformation rate between both groups. Median survival was 73 months; 64% of patients remained free of transformation at 5 years. In terms of cytogenetic response, intermediate doses of IFN-alpha are as effective as high doses in the treatment of CML.

Correlation and prognostic value of serum soluble ICAM-1, beta-2 microglobulin, and IL-2alphaR levels in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Serum levels of sICAM-1, sIL-2alphaR, and beta-2 microglobulin were measured in 63 patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). The correlation between these serum markers as well as their relationship with NHL features and disease outcome were analyzed. Although in high-grade NHL sICAM-1 levels correlated with tumor mass, no correlation was found between sICAM-1 levels and tumor burden in low-grade NHL. When compared with sICAM-1 and beta-2 microglobulin, sIL-2alphaR showed the strongest correlation with the tumor burden. However, in multivariate analysis, including serum markers employed as continuous variables, the only parameteres which entered the regression model were beta-2 microglobulin (p=0.012) and sICAM-1 (p=0.019). In a dichotomized model, beta-2 microglobulin, aggressive histology, sICAM-1, age and number of nodal involved sites were found to be prognostically significant. Finally, by combining sICAM-1 and beta-2 microglobulin serum levels, a simple prognostic model useful for NHL was obtained.

Multicriteria decision analysis for determining drug therapy for intermittent claudication.

Drugs of various classes are prescribed for intermittent claudication. However, there is some discrepancy between medical practice and the scientific basis for drug selection. We have developed a quantitative criteria-based decision analysis to evaluate all implications of drug treatment choices for intermittent claudication. Pentoxifylline, buflomedil, naftidrofuryl and ticlopidine were the drugs selected for analysis. The evaluation criteria were 1) therapeutic efficacy, 2) safety, 3) patient acceptance and 4) cost. A review panel of experts determined the relative importance of each criterion by assigning points (or utility values) to each one. The points were 48, 20, 14 and 18, respectively, for criteria 1, 2, 3 and 4. A probability value, or numerical estimate of how well a drug meets a criterion, was assigned to each drug for each of the 4 criteria. The probability value was multiplied by the utility value to determine the score for each drug and criterion. The criteria points for each drug were added for a total score for the drug. The drug with the highest overall score was pentoxifylline, with 69 points out of an ideal score of 100. The rank order for the other drugs was buflomedil, ticlopidine and naftidrofuryl. A sensitive analysis showed that the relative ranking of the drugs remained unchanged over a series of data modifications.

[Histiocytic lymphoma and pulmonary fibrosis in a female patient with essential thrombocythemia]. / Linfoma histiocítico y fibrosis pulmonar en una paciente con trombocitemia esencial.

The case of a patient with the diagnosis of essential thrombocythemia is presented. Following treatment with melphalan during three years the patient presented clinical and radiologic data of pulmonary fibrosis. Thoracotomy with lung biopsy histologically proving fibrosis was performed. The patient developed a true histiocytic lymphoma afterwards. The rarity of pulmonary fibrosis induced by melphalan and the exceptional association of essential thrombocythemia and histiocytic lymphoma is emphasized. The characteristics of the latter disease, diagnostic difficulties and possible treatment are commented upon.

[C-reactive protein in differential diagnosis of primary thrombocytosis]. / La proteína C reactiva en el diagnóstico diferencial de la trombocitosis primaria.

BACKGROUND: The most potent stimulator for the hepatic synthesis of C-reactive protein is the interleukin-6. Also interleukin-6 is endowed with thrombopoietic activity, and its seric levels increases in most of secondary thrombocytosis whereas they remain normal in chronic myeloproliferative diseases or primary thrombocytosis. The aims of the study were verify the ability of quantitation of serum C-reactive protein in the differential diagnosis of primary thrombocytosis. METHODS: Serum samples from 89 patients with thrombocytosis (> 400 x 10(9)/1) and 54 normal controls were assayed for C-reactive protein. Patients with thrombocytosis were classified in primary thrombocytosis with 27 patients (chronic myeloproliferative disease with thrombocytosis) and secondary thrombocytosis (62 cases). RESULTS: The mean C-reactive protein serum levels observed in the 27 patients with primary thrombocytosis were 13 +/- 10 mg/l, superior to normal controls (7 +/- 5 mg/l; p < 0.01). In the secondary thrombocytosis group, C-reactive protein serum levels reached a mean value of 59 +/- 34 mg/l, clearly superior to control group and the primary thrombocytosis group (p < 0.0001). No patients in primary thrombocytosis group reached a C-reactive protein value > 40 mg/l, versus 65% of patients in secondary thrombocytosis group. A normal value occurred in 67% cases of primary thrombocytosis group, but also in 17% cases of secondary thrombocytosis group. CONCLUSIONS: Quantitation of C-reactive protein could thus prove useful in the differential diagnosis between primary and secondary thrombocytosis.

[Detection of soluble interleukin-2 receptor in the serum of patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma]. / Determinación del receptor soluble de la interleucina 2 en el suero de pacientes con linfoma no hodgkiniano.

BACKGROUND: Patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) have increased serum levels of soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sCD25). In this study the authors investigate: a) the value of sCD25, compared to other serum markers, as tumor marker, and b) the relationship of the sCD25 with the response to therapy and prognosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Serum interleukin-2 receptor (sCD25) levels were measured at diagnosis in 63 patients with NHL (low-grade lymphoma 30 and high-grade lymphoma 33). RESULTS: High levels of sCD25 were found in these patients compared to a control group (median 1,757 U/ml vs 385 U/ml; p < 0.0001). Significant differences were also found between the high-grade group and the low-grade group, as a whole and within the same Ann Arbor stage. sCD25 showed a correlation coefficient higher than other serum parameters (albumin, LDH, beta 2-microglobulin, uric acid, C-reactive protein) with Ann Arbor stage and with the number of involved lymph nodes or extralymphatic organs. In the high-grade NHL, the median of sCD25 (3,000 U/ml) separates patients with differences in the overall survival (p = 0.0138) and in percentage of complete remisions (p = 0.0079). All the patients with sCD25 < or = 3,000 U/ml reached the remision. The association sCD25 > 3,000 U/ml and albumin < 3.5 g/dl selected to 5 out of 6 patients who failed induction chemotherapy, and only 2 out of 22 who reached the remision. CONCLUSIONS: The sCD25 is the best serum factor for estimating tumor burden in NHL. sCD25 level isolates or associated with albumin provides prognostic information.

[Bone marrow autotransplantation in patients with acute myeloblastic leukemia in primary remission]. / Autotrasplante de medula ósea en pacientes con leucemia mieloblástica aguda en primera remisión.

Fifteen bone marrow autotransplants (BMAT) in patients with acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML) were performed after the first remission. The mean age was 37 years (range 12 to 60 years). According to the morphological classification FAB, 8 patients had monocytic leukemia (M4, M5) and 7 myeloid leukemia (M1, M2, M3). The mean interval elapsed between the date of complete remission and the BMAT was 3.9 months (range 1 to 5-9 months). In 8 patients this interval was longer than 6 months and in 7 cases it was shorter than 6 months. After achievement of the complete remission all patients underwent certain cycles of intensification before the BMAT. Eight patients received only a cycle whereas 7 patients received more than one cycle (between 2 and 4). The conditioning protocol consisted of cyclophosphamide (CP) (60 mg/kg x 2) and total body radiotherapy (TBR) (10 Gy) in 9 patients; CP and busulfan in five; and CP, cytarabine at high doses and melphalan in one case. Marrow extraction was performed after completion of chemotherapy of intensification. In 5 cases the bone marrow was depleted of leukemic cells by previous in vitro treatment with ASTA-Z. There are at present 8 alive patients. The survival free of illness was 51.8%. Seven patients died: 3 cases because relapse of the leukemia, 3 due to attachment failure of the transplantation, and one patient suffered a viral myocarditis. The survival free of illness was significantly longer in those patients transplanted after 6 months of the complete remission.

[Infectious complications in bone marrow transplantation]. / Complicaciones infecciosas en el trasplante de medula ósea.

BACKGROUND: Initially, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the incidence and implicated organisms in the infections in patients receiving a bone marrow transplants (BMT). METHODS: 194 febrile episodes (FE) were evaluated in 115 patients having received a BMT between 1980 and 1987. The analysis was carried out at three different moments: during the period of most marked neutropenia (period I) to the 100th day after BMT (period II) and beyond the 100th day (period III). RESULTS: The unequivocal confirmation that FE was infective was found in 62% of cases (confirmation was microbiological in 46% and clinical in 16%), while 31% of FE were considered as possible infections and the remaining 7% as doubtful infections. The causative organisms were bacteria (73%), viruses (10%), fungi (8%), and combinations of them (polymicrobial infections) (9%). Gram negative and Gram positive organisms were more common, respectively, in period I and in periods II and III (p = 0.02). Bacteremia was the commonest cause of confirmed infection. The overall mortality rate due to infection was 18%. There was a remarkably high mortality from pneumonia (54%) and a low mortality in patients with sepsis (6%) (p less than 0.0001). The number of FE was lower in patients with autografts than those with allografts (p = 0.08). 33% of the FE in patients with allografts were coincident with acute or chronic graft-versus-host disease, and in two thirds of them infections was confirmed. CONCLUSIONS: Infection represents a major complication of BMT. The different antimicrobial treatments used in association with bone marrow grafting allowed us to control most FEs. Pneumonia was the most severe infective localization and the leading cause of death. Mortality rate due to sepsis was small.

[Cost-effectiveness of individualized enteral nutrition by a nutrition support team in laryngectomized cancer patients]. / Coste-efectividad de la nutrición enteral individualizada por un equipo de soporte nutricional en pacientes laringectomizados por neoplasia.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a Nutritional Support Team (NST) in the control and follow-up of enteral nutrition (EN) in patients subjected to laryngectomy as a result of neoplasia. The study was performed on two groups of patients (A and B) who had been admitted into the Otorhinolaryngological Department, and who required EN by nasogastric tube during the postoperative period. Group A consisted of 20 patients in whom EN was based on standard guidelines, with a daily intake of 11.1 g of Nitrogen and 2.000 kcals. Group B included 23 patients who received EN individually, using NST with a daily intake of Nitrogen of between 8 and 21 g, and energy intake of between 2.000 and 3.000 kcals. The total cost of nutrition was calculated using the following partial costs: diet, administration, laboratory analysis and NST head responsible for follow-up of Group B. Individualized EN was more effective in nutritional terms than a standard diet in all patients. Using this form of treatment, positive Nitrogen balance were achieved, levels of seric albumin were maintained as well as weight, and complications were reduced. The average cost of nutrition per patient in Group B was 46.258 pesetas and in Group A, 43.963 pesetas. However, in the latter Group, there was an average additional weight loss of 4 kg per patient, and an increase in cost effectiveness ratio of 573 pesetas in weight gained in Group B compared to Group A.

[Medication errors: standarizing the terminology and taxomany. Ruiz Jarabo 2000 grand results]. / Errores de medicación: estandarización de la terminología y clasificación. Resultados de la beca Ruiz Jarabo 2000.

OBJECTIVE: To make available a consistent terminology and taxonomy that permits standardization in medication error detection, analysis, classification, and recording. METHODS: A working group consisting of healthcare professionals from four hospitals of varying characteristics was established to develop the terminology and the taxonomy, which was validated through a qualitative analysis of 423 medication errors registered in the participating hospitals. RESULTS: A document with a terminology and a taxonomy for classifying medication errors is presented. CONCLUSIONS: This document will facilitate analysis of the information collected on incidents caused by medication, and will allow comparisons to be made among data gathered in different kinds of settings. In addition, it will be a useful tool for medication safety committees in hospitals in their efforts to set up internal reporting programs designed to identify shortcomings in their medication use systems and to adopt effective measures to reduce the incidence of medication errors.