Modelling the seasonal impacts of a wastewater treatment plant on water quality in a Mediterranean stream using microbial indicators.

Faecal pollution modelling is a valuable tool to evaluate and improve water management strategies, especially in a context of water scarcity. The reduction dynamics of five faecal indicator organisms (E. coli, spores of sulphite-reducing clostridia, somatic coliphages, GA17 bacteriophages and a human-specific Bifidobacterium molecular marker) were assessed in an intermittent Mediterranean stream affected by a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). Using Bayesian inverse modelling, the decay rates of each indicator were correlated with two environmental drivers (temperature and streamflow downstream of the WWTP) and the generated model was used to evaluate the self-depuration distance (SDD) of the stream. A consistent increase of 1-2 log10 in the concentration of all indicators was detected after the discharge of the WWTP effluent. The decay rates showed seasonal variation, reaching a maximum in the dry season, when SDDs were also shorter and the stream had a higher capacity to self-depurate. High seasonality was observed for all faecal indicators except for the spores of sulphite-reducing clostridia. The maximum SDD ranged from 3 km for the spores of sulphite-reducing clostridia during the dry season and 15 km for the human-specific Bifidobacterium molecular marker during the wet season. The SDD provides a single standardized metric that integrates and compares different contamination indicators. It could be extended to other Mediterranean drainage basins and has the potential to integrate changes in land use and catchment water balance, a feature that will be especially useful in the transient climate conditions expected in the coming years.

Effect of aspirin in vascular surgery in patients from a randomized clinical trial (POISE-2).

BACKGROUND: In the POISE-2 (PeriOperative ISchemic Evaluation 2) trial, perioperative aspirin did not reduce cardiovascular events, but increased major bleeding. There remains uncertainty regarding the effect of perioperative aspirin in patients undergoing vascular surgery. The aim of this substudy was to determine whether there is a subgroup effect of initiating or continuing aspirin in patients undergoing vascular surgery. METHODS: POISE-2 was a blinded, randomized trial of patients having non-cardiac surgery. Patients were assigned to perioperative aspirin or placebo. The primary outcome was a composite of death or myocardial infarction at 30 days. Secondary outcomes included: vascular occlusive complications (a composite of amputation and peripheral arterial thrombosis) and major or life-threatening bleeding. RESULTS: Of 10 010 patients in POISE-2, 603 underwent vascular surgery, 319 in the continuation and 284 in the initiation stratum. Some 272 patients had vascular surgery for occlusive disease and 265 had aneurysm surgery. The primary outcome occurred in 13·7 per cent of patients having aneurysm repair allocated to aspirin and 9·0 per cent who had placebo (hazard ratio (HR) 1·48, 95 per cent c.i. 0·71 to 3·09). Among patients who had surgery for occlusive vascular disease, 15·8 per cent allocated to aspirin and 13·6 per cent on placebo had the primary outcome (HR 1·16, 0·62 to 2·17). There was no interaction with the primary outcome for type of surgery (P = 0·294) or aspirin stratum (P = 0·623). There was no interaction for vascular occlusive complications (P = 0·413) or bleeding (P = 0·900) for vascular compared with non-vascular surgery. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the overall POISE-2 results apply to vascular surgery. Perioperative withdrawal of chronic aspirin therapy did not increase cardiovascular or vascular occlusive complications. Registration number: NCT01082874 ( http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).

Balance between carbon gain and loss under long-term drought: impacts on foliar respiration and photosynthesis in Quercus ilex L.

Terrestrial carbon exchange is a key process of the global carbon cycle consisting of a delicate balance between photosynthetic carbon uptake and respiratory release. We have, however, a limited understanding how long-term decreases in precipitation induced by climate change affect the boundaries and mechanisms of photosynthesis and respiration. We examined the seasonality of photosynthetic and respiratory traits and evaluated the adaptive mechanism of the foliar carbon balance of Quercus ilex L. experiencing a long-term rainfall-exclusion experiment. Day respiration (Rd) but not night respiration (Rn) was generally higher in the drought treatment leading to an increased Rd/Rn ratio. The limitation of mesophyll conductance (gm) on photosynthesis was generally stronger than stomatal limitation (gs) in the drought treatment, reflected in a lower gm/gs ratio. The peak photosynthetic activity in the drought treatment occurred in an atypical favourable summer in parallel with lower Rd/Rn and higher gm/gs ratios. The plant carbon balance was thus strongly improved through: (i) higher photosynthetic rates induced by gm; and (ii) decreased carbon losses mediated by Rd. Interestingly, photosynthetic potentials (Vc,max, Jmax, and TPU) were not affected by the drought treatment, suggesting a dampening effect on the biochemical level in the long term. In summary, the trees experiencing a 14-year-long drought treatment adapted through higher plasticity in photosynthetic and respiratory traits, so that eventually the atypical favourable growth period was exploited more efficiently.

Preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate and the risk of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events in non-cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease is an independent predictor of perioperative cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. We analysed the preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) as a risk factor for perioperative major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) in non-cardiac surgery. METHODS: In a post hoc analysis of the ANESCARDIOCAT database, patients were classified into six stages of eGFR calculated with the abbreviated Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study and the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equations: >90 (1), 60-89.9 (2), 45-59.9 (3a), 30-44.9 (3b), 15-29.9 (4), and <15 (5) ml min(-1) 1.73 m(-2). We analysed differences in MACCE, length of hospital stay, and all-cause mortality between eGFR stages. RESULTS: The eGFR was available in 2323 patients. Perioperative MACCE occurred in 4.5% of patients and cardiac-related mortality was 0.5%. Five hundred and forty-three (23.4%) patients had an eGFR of <60 ml min(-1) 1.73 m(-2) and 127 (5.4%) had an eGFR below 45 ml min(-1) 1.73 m(-2). Logistic regression analysis showed that MACCE increased with eGFR impairment (P<0.001), with a marked increase from stage 3b onwards (odds ratio 1.8 vs 3.9 in 3a and 3b, respectively, P=0.047). All-cause mortality was not related to eGFR (P=0.071), but increased substantially between stages 3b and 4. The length of stay correlated with eGFR (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative MACCE increase with declining eGFR, primarily when <45 ml min(-1) 1.73 m(-2). We recommend the use of preoperative eGFR for cardiovascular risk assessment.

Two simultaneous botulism outbreaks in Barcelona: Clostridium baratii and Clostridium botulinum.

Botulism is a severe neuroparalytic disorder that can be potentially life-threatening. In Barcelona, Spain, no outbreaks had been reported in the past 25 years. However, in September 2011, two outbreaks occurred involving two different families. A rare case of Clostridium baratii which produced a neurotoxin F outbreak was detected in five family members who had shared lunch, and several days before that another family was affected by C. botulinum toxin A which was probably present in homemade pâté.

Prevalence of verotoxigenic Escherichia coli O157 (VTEC O157) and compliance with microbiological safety standards in bovine carcasses from an industrial beef slaughter plant.

UNLABELLED: The presence of Salmonella spp. and levels of Enterobacteriaceae and aerobic plate count were determined in 300 bovine carcasses randomly collected in an industrial cattle slaughterhouse in Catalonia (Spain) as part of a control programme to validate good slaughter practices according to Commission Regulation No 2073/2005. The verotoxigenic Escherichia coli O157 (VTEC O157), although not currently legislated, was also investigated in the same carcasses due to the importance of bovines as a reservoir for this micro-organism. Virulence genes (vtx1, vtx2 and eae), the presence of fliCH 7 and antimicrobial susceptibility were studied in E. coli O157 isolates. Levels of Enterobacteriaceae and aerobic colonies and the presence of Salmonella were within the admissible range stipulated by current legislation. However, VTEC O157 was detected in 14·7% of carcasses. Among the VTEC O157 strains tested for antimicrobial susceptibility, 65% were multiresistant. Overall, the results of this study indicate that even with good manufacturing practices, contamination with VTEC O157 can occur and cattle meat can pose a risk to human health. These results confirm the need for a review of the appropriateness of introducing antimicrobial treatments in the processing of cattle carcasses in Europe. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study describes the prevalence of verotoxigenic and multidrug-resistant E. coli O157 strains in bovine carcasses. These results suggest that despite the good manufacturing practices used in the slaughterhouse studied (the largest in Catalonia slaughtering over 81 000 cattle per year), the absence of verotoxigenic E. coli O157 in bovine carcasses cannot be guaranteed.

[CLINICAL IMPACT OF THE SUSPENSION OF THE ERAS PROTOCOL ON PATIENTS UNDERGOING RADICAL CYSTECTOMY DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.] / IMPACTO CLÍNICO DE NO APLICAR EL PROTOCOLO ERAS EN LOS PACIENTES SOMETIDOS A CISTECTOMÍA DURANTE LA PANDEMIA COVID-19.

INTRODUCTION: During the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in our center, neither prehabilitation nor multimodal rehabilitation could be applied due to the excessive patient load on the health system and to reduce SARS-CoV-2 transmission. The objective of our study was to analyze the evolution, complications, and survival up to one year of patients who underwent radical cystectomy in our hospital from March 1st to May 31st, 2020 (period of the first wave COVID-19 pandemic in Spain). We also compared the results with cystectomized patients outside the pandemic period and with application of the ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) protocol. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Single-center, retrospective cohort study of patients scheduled for radical cystectomy from March 1st,2020 to May 31st, 2020. They were matched with previously operated patients using a 1:2 propensity matching score. The matching variables were demographic data, preoperative and intraoperative clinical conditions. RESULTS: A total of 23 radical cystectomies with urinary diversion were performed in the period described. In none of the cases the prehabilitation or the follow-up of our ERAS protocol could be applied, and this was the only difference we found between the 2 groups. Although the minimally invasive approach was more frequent in the pandemic group, the difference was not statistically significant. Three patients were diagnosed with COVID-19 during their admission, presenting severe respiratory complications and high in-hospital mortality. Apart from respiratory complications secondary to SARS-CoV-2, we also found statistically significant differences in other postoperative complications. The hospital stay increased by 3 days in the pandemic group. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who underwent radical cystectomy at our center during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic had a higher number and severity of respiratory and non-respiratory complications. Discontinuation of the ERAS protocol was the main difference in treatment between groups.

Clinical impact of the suspension of the ERAS protocol on patients undergoing radical cystectomy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

INTRODUCTION: During the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in our center, neither prehabilitation nor multimodal rehabilitation could be applied due to the excessive patient load on the health system and to reduce SARS-CoV-2 transmission. The objective of our study was to analyze the evolution, complications, and survival up to one year of patients who underwent radical cystectomy in our hospital from March 1st to May 31st, 2020 (period of the first wave COVID-19 pandemic in Spain). We also compared the results with cystectomized patients outside the pandemic period and with application of the ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) protocol. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Single-center, retrospective cohort study of patients scheduled for radical cystectomy from March 1st, 2020 to May 31st, 2020. They were matched with previously operated patients using a 1:2 propensity matching score. The matching variables were demographic data, preoperative and intraoperative clinical conditions. RESULTS: A total of 23 radical cystectomies with urinary diversion were performed in the period described. In none of the cases the prehabilitation or the follow-up of our ERAS protocol could be applied, and this was the only difference we found between the 2 groups. Although the minimally invasive approach was more frequent in the pandemic group, the difference was not statistically significant. Three patients were diagnosed with COVID-19 during their admission, presenting severe respiratory complications and high in-hospital mortality. Apart from respiratory complications secondary to SARS-CoV-2, we also found statistically significant differences in other postoperative complications. The hospital stay increased by 3 days in the pandemic group. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who underwent radical cystectomy at our center during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic had a higher number and severity of respiratory and non-respiratory complications. Discontinuation of the ERAS protocol was the main difference in treatment between groups.

Incidence and predictors of major perioperative adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events in non-cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: Major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) represent the most common cause of serious perioperative morbidity and mortality. Our aim was to identify risk factors for MACCE in a broad surgical population with intermediate-to-high surgery-specific risk and to build and validate a model to predict the risk of MACCE. METHODS: A prospective, multicentre study of patients undergoing surgical procedures under general or regional anaesthesia in 23 hospitals. The main outcome was the occurrence of at least one perioperative MACCE, defined as any of the following complications from admittance to discharge: cardiac death, cerebrovascular death, non-fatal cardiac arrest, acute myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, new cardiac arrhythmia, angina, or stroke. The MACCE predictive index was based on ß-coefficients and validated in an external data set. RESULTS: Of 3387 patients recruited, 146 (4.3%) developed at least one MACCE. The regression model identified seven independent risk factors for MACCE: history of coronary artery disease, history of chronic congestive heart failure, chronic kidney disease, history of cerebrovascular disease, preoperative abnormal ECG, intraoperative hypotension, and blood transfusion. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve was 75.9% (95% confidence interval, 71.2-80.6%). CONCLUSIONS: The risk score based on seven objective and easily assessed factors can accurately predict MACCE occurrence after non-cardiac surgery in a population at intermediate-to-high surgery-specific risk.

[Risk factors for postoperative acute kidney injury in a cohort of 2378 patients from 59 hospitals]. / Factores de riesgo de insuficiencia renal aguda postoperatoria. Análisis en una cohorte de 2.378 pacientes de 59 hospitales.

OBJECTIVES: To assess risk factors for postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) in adults with normal renal function hospitalized for major surgery. To analyze mortality and length of hospital stay in patients who develop postoperative AKI. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data for analysis were drawn from the 2006 ARISCAT study. The dependent variable was postoperative AKI defined as a decline in renal function demonstrated by a rise in plasma creatinine level to twice the baseline measurement or a 50% reduction in the glomerular filtration rate. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify preoperative and intraoperative risk factors. RESULTS: We analyzed 2378 of the ARISCAT cases, which had been enrolled from 59 participating hospitals; 25 patients (1.1%) developed AKI. Analysis identified 5 risk factors: age, peripheral arterial disease, type of surgical incision, blood loss, and infusion of colloids. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.88% (95% confidence interval, 0.79%-0.69%). Duration of hospital stay was longer for patients with postoperative AKI (21.8 days, vs 5.5 days for other patients; P=.007). Mortality was higher in patients with AKI at 30 days (36% vs 0.9%) and at 3 months (48% vs 1.7%). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of postoperative AKI was slightly over 1%. Knowledge of postoperative AKI risk factors can facilitate the planning of surgical interventions and anesthesia to reduce subsequent morbidity and mortality and length of hospital stay.

[Neuromuscular block management during general anesthesia in a cohort of 1545 patients: a multicenter study]. / Estudio multicéntrico sobre el manejo del bloqueo neuromuscular durante la anestesia general en una cohorte de 1.545 pacientes.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Neuromuscular blockers (NMBs) have traditionally been thought to increase the risk of respiratory complications, although drawing conclusions in this respect would require complex studies in large patient samples. The aim of this study was to analyze data from the ARISCAT study to obtain an overall picture of how NMBs are being used and blocks are reversed in Catalonia, Spain. MATERIAL AND METHODS: NMB use as reflected in data from the ARISCAT study was analyzed. Case information from the database was organized into 4 groups: for patients not receiving a NMB (No-NMB), patients whose NMB block was performed with succinylcholine alone (SC), patients who received a single dose of a nondepolarizing NMB (SD-NMB), and patients who received additional doses of a nondepolarizing NMB or a continuous perfusion (AD-NMB). We analyzed patient characteristics, clinical and surgical characteristics, and complications during and after surgery in each of the groups. Variables were also analyzed according to whether the NMB effect had to be reversed. RESULTS: Of the 2991 patients included in the ARISCAT study, 1545 received general or combined anesthesia. Of the 1545 patients, 1267 (89%) received a NMB and the block was reversed with an anticholinesterase agent in 54%. The group distribution was as follows: No-NMB, 103 patients; SC, 31; SD-NMB, 527; and AD-NMB, 709. The highest rate of comorbidity, longest duration of surgery, highest rate of complications during and after surgery, and the longest hospital stays were observed in the last of the 4 groups (AD-NMB). Reversion was required significantly more often after cardiothoracic and upper abdominal surgical procedures; the complication rates after those 2 types of surgery were statistically similar. CONCLUSIONS: Nondepolarizing NMBs are used in combination with general anesthesia often in Catalonia; their use is associated with duration and type of surgery. A reversal drug is administered relatively more often in Catalonia than in other geographic areas.

Norovirus detection in environmental samples in norovirus outbreaks in closed and semi-closed settings.

BACKGROUND: Environmental surfaces are a potential vehicle for the transmission of norovirus outbreaks in closed and semi-closed settings. Testing of environmental samples may help control outbreaks. AIM: To assess the level of environmental contamination by norovirus in acute gastroenteritis outbreaks in closed or semi-closed settings (nursing homes, schools, kindergartens, youth accommodations, hospitals and social health centres) in the Barcelona region between January 2017 and March 2019. METHODS: A prospective surveillance study was carried out. Environmental samples (529) were collected in 46 of the 50 outbreaks of acute norovirus gastroenteritis from environmental surfaces of common areas, bathrooms and kitchens in closed and semi-closed settings when the outbreak was notified and 10 days later. Instructions for taking environmental samples were distributed to public health inspectors. Norovirus was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. FINDINGS: Environmental samples were positive for norovirus in 31 (67.4%) outbreaks. Norovirus was most frequently detected on elevator buttons (4/17, 24%), toilet handles (16/66, 24%) and handrail bars (7/34, 21%). Positive samples from the first sampling were mainly found in bathrooms and greater viral persistence in the second sampling was found on elevator buttons and TV remote controls. Nursing homes were the setting with the most types of environmental surfaces contaminated (82% in first samples and 55% in second samples). CONCLUSION: The probability of virus detection is independent of the time between notification of the outbreak or symptom onset and sample collection. Our results suggest possible defects in cleaning protocols and disinfection in closed and semi-closed settings.

Recommendations for the evaluation and management of the anticipated and non-anticipated difficult airway of the Societat Catalana d'Anestesiologia, Reanimació i Terapèutica del Dolor, based on the adaptation of clinical practice guidelines and expert consensus. / Recomendaciones para la evaluación y manejo de la vía aérea difícil prevista y no prevista de la Societat Catalana d'Anestesiologia, Reanimació i Terapèutica del Dolor, basadas en la adaptación de guías de práctica clínica y consenso de expertos.

The Airway Division of the Catalan Society of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Management (SCARTD) presents its latest guidelines for the evaluation and management of the difficult airway. This update includes the technical advances and changes observed in clinical practice since publication of the first edition of the guidelines in 2008. The recommendations were defined by a consensus of experts from the 19 participating hospitals, and were adapted from 5 recently published international guidelines following an in-depth analysis and systematic comparison of their recommendations. The final document was sent to the members of SCARTD for evaluation, and was reviewed by 11 independent experts. The recommendations, therefore, are supported by the latest scientific evidence and endorsed by professionals in the field. This edition develops the definition of the difficult airway, including all airway management techniques, and places emphasis on evaluating and classifying the airway into 3 categories according to the anticipated degree of difficulty and additional safety considerations in order to plan the management strategy. Pre-management planning, in terms of preparing patients and resources and optimising communication and interaction between all professionals involved, plays a pivotal role in all the scenarios addressed. The guidelines reflect the increased presence of video laryngoscopes and second-generation devices in our setting, and promotes their routine use in intubation and their prompt use in cases of unanticipated difficult airway. They also address the increased use of ultrasound imaging as an aid to evaluation and decision-making. New scenarios have also been included, such as the risk of bronchoaspiration and difficult extubation Finally, the document outlines the training and continuing professional development programmes required to guarantee effective and safe implementation of the guidelines.

[Hypertension and anesthesia: consensus statement of the Catalan Associations of Anesthesiology and Hypertension]. / Documento de Consenso sobre Hipertensión Arterial y Anestesia de las Sociedades Catalanas de Anestesiología e Hipertensión Arterial.

The prevalence of hypertension is high in the surgical population. Differing practices and the absence of consensus among physicians involved in caring for hypertensive patients has made it one of the most frequent reasons for cancelling scheduled surgery. The aim of this consensus statement is to outline a practical approach to managing the hypertensive surgical patient. Hypertension is associated with increased risk of perioperative complications, particularly those related to systemic effects and notable fluctuations in blood pressure during surgery. Preoperative assessment should center on a search for signs and symptoms of target organ damage. The anesthesiologist should seek to reduce perioperative fluctuations in arterial pressure, particularly guarding against sustained hypotension. After surgery, antihypertensive medication should be resumed as soon as possible.

Responses of photosynthesis and component processes to drought and temperature stress: are Mediterranean trees fit for climate change?

Global warming is raising concerns about the acclimatory capacity of trees and forests, especially in Mediterranean-type ecosystems. The sensitivity of photosynthesis to temperature is a key uncertainty for projecting the magnitude of terrestrial feedbacks on future climate change. While boreal, temperate and tropical species have been comparatively well investigated, our study provides the first comprehensive overview of the seasonal acclimatory responses of photosynthesis and its component processes to temperature in four Mediterranean climax species under natural conditions. We quantified seasonal changes in the responses of net photosynthesis (Anet), stomatal conductance (gs), mesophyllic conductance (gm) and electron-transport rate (Jcf), and investigated their sensitivity to drought and temperature stress in sunlit and shaded leaves of four Mediterranean tree species (Quercus ilex L., Pinus halepensis Mill., Arbutus unedo L. and Quercus pubescens Willd.). Sunlit leaves, but not shaded leaves, showed a pronounced seasonality in the temperature responses of Anet, gs, gm and Jcf. All four species and variables showed a remarkably dynamic and consistent acclimation of the thermal optimum (Topt), reaching peaks in summer ~29-32 °C. Changes in the shape of the response curves were, however, highly species-specific. Under severe drought, Topt of all variables were on average 22-29% lower. This was accompanied by narrower response curves above all in P. halepensis, reducing the optimal range for photosynthesis to the cooler morning or evening periods. Wider temperature-response curves and less strict stomatal control under severe drought were accompanied by wilting and drought-induced leaf shedding in Q. ilex and Q. pubescens and by additional branch dieback in A. unedo. Mild winter conditions led to a high Topt (~19.1-22.2 °C), benefitting the evergreen species, especially P. halepensis. Seasonal acclimation of Anet was explained better by gs and gm being less pronounced in Jcf. Drought was thus a key factor, in addition to growth temperature, to explain seasonal acclimation of photosynthesis. Severe drought periods may exceed more frequently the high acclimatory capacity of Mediterranean trees to high ambient temperatures, which could lead to reduced growth, increased leaf shedding and, for some species such as A. unedo, increased mortality risk.

[Survey of anesthetic techniques used in Catalonia: results of the analysis of 23,136 anesthesias (2003 ANESCAT study)]. / Encuesta sobre las técnicas anestésicas utilizadas en Cataluña: resultado del análisis de 23.136 anestesias (estudio ANESCAT 2003).

OBJECTIVE: To examine anesthesia practice in Catalonia in 2003 and to describe the specific characteristics and distribution of the anesthesia techniques used and the patient profiles. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We used the data from the ANESCAT epidemiological study that gathered information in questionnaire form on all anesthesias performed in Catalonia on 14 randomly selected days representative of practice in 2003. RESULTS: All 131 hospitals authorized to perform anesthesia participated in the study. We collected 23136 questionnaires, from which we extrapolated to estimate 603189 anesthesias for the year and a rate of 9.0 anesthesias per 100 inhabitants per year. Fifty-eight percent of the patients were women and the mean age was 52 years. The physical status of the patients was as follows: ASA 1 or 2, 73.3%; ASA 3, 213%; ASA 4 or 5, 5.4%. The mean duration of anesthesia was 60 minutes. The most common form of anesthesia was a regional block (41.4%) and spinal block was the one performed most often. General anesthesia was used in 33.5% of the cases, combined anesthesia in 3.5%, and sedation in 21.6%. In descending order, orthopedics/trauma, ophthalmology, general surgery, obstetrics, cataract surgery, vaginal delivery, inguinal hernia repair, and colonoscopy were the procedures for which anesthesia was most commonly administered. CONCLUSIONS: Almost 1 in 10 persons in Catalonia are given anesthesia each year and most of the procedures involve locoregional anesthesia or sedation. These data provide a picture of the current situation of anesthesiology and make it possible to forecast future anesthesia requirements.

[Incidence in Catalonia of spinal cord compression due to spinal hematoma secondary to neuraxial anesthesia]. / Incidencia de hematomas espinales con compresión medular relacionados con anestesias neuroaxiales en Cataluña.

OBJECTIVE: To study the incidence in Catalonia of spinal cord compression due to spinal hematoma secondary to neuraxial anesthesia. METHODS: The incidence of hematoma was based on published cases (MEDLINE, the Spanish Medical Index [Indice Medico Español], and Google) or cases reported at medical meetings or conferences by anesthesiologists from Catalan hospitals from 1996 to 2005, inclusive. The annual number of neuraxial anesthesias (spinal, epidural, and combined) was estimated based on the ANESCAT 2003 survey and the total number of anesthesias was calculated using the ANESCAT 2003 survey in conjunction with the surgical reports of Catalan hospitals. RESULTS: A total of 11 cases of spinal hematoma after neuraxial anesthesia (7 after spinal anesthesia and 4 after epidural anesthesia) were reported or published from 1996 to 2005, inclusive. A total of 194 154 neuraxial anesthesias were performed in 2003 (126 560 spinal anesthesias and 5926 combined spinal-epidural anesthesias) and it was estimated that somewhat over 1 700 000 neuraxial anesthesias were performed over the 10 years reviewed. The incidence (95% confidence interval [CI]) of hematoma was 0.6 (95% CI, 0.3-1.2) per 100 000 neuraxial anesthesias, 0.6 (95% CI, 0.3-1.3) per 100 000 spinal anesthesias, and 0.7 (95% CI, 0.2-1.9) per 100 000 epidural anesthesias. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of spinal hematoma after neuraxial anesthesia is slightly more than 1 per 150 000 anesthesias-a similar finding to that of other epidemiological studies. The incidence is slightly higher in epidural anesthesia. These data imply a risk of approximately 1 spinal hematoma per year in Catalonia.

Characterization of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli O157 Isolates from Bovine Carcasses.

The main purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of Escherichia coli O157 on bovine carcasses before and after chilling at a large slaughterhouse located in the city of Barcelona, Spain, to assess the effectiveness of dry chilling on reducing E. coli O157 contamination of carcasses. In addition, the study characterized the E. coli O157 strains isolated in terms of virulence factors, antibiotic susceptibility, and their genetic diversity. Individual bovine carcasses were sampled before (n = 300) and after (n = 300) chilling over an 8-month period. Positive samples for E. coli O157 were subjected to virulence screening by PCR (stx1, stx2, and eaeA genes and the fliCH7 gene), antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and molecular typing by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. A total of 9.7% (29 of 300) of the nonrefrigerated carcasses examined and 2.3% (7 of 300) of the refrigerated carcasses were positive for E. coli O157. All the isolates were serotype O157:H7, 92% (33 of 36) carried the stx1, stx2, and eaeA genes, and 8% (3 of 36) carried the stx2 and eaeA genes. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed a high degree of resistance: 29 strains (81%) were resistant to at least 1 antimicrobial of the 12 antimicrobials tested; 69% (25 of 36) were resistant to 4 or more antimicrobials. Molecular typing by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis found a high diversity of genetic types, implying little cross-contamination in the slaughterhouse. This study confirms that E. coli O157:H7 is present on the carcasses slaughtered in Spain, although its prevalence is reduced by the dry chilling process used. The recovered isolates showed potential pathogenesis and a high degree of multidrug resistance, confirming the importance of bovine meat monitoring.

Endourological management is better in early-onset ureteral stenosis in kidney transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of ureteral stenosis in kidney transplant recipients is 3%-8%. The treatment of ureteral stenosis has been traditionally operative reconstruction, although such intervention is associated with high rates of serious complications, including graft loss and even perioperative mortality. More recently, endourological treatment has been proposed due to its low morbidity. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the usefulness of balloon percutaneous dilatation as a treatment technique for ureteral stenosis in kidney transplant recipients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Among 1000 kidney transplantations performed between 1980 and 2004, the coexistence of high creatinine values and urinary tract dilatation in the postoperative period, after discarding concomitant causes, was managed with a percutaneous nephrostomy. Once renal function recovered, antegrade pyelography was performed to confirm the presence and determine the location of ureteral stenosis. Ureteral dilatation was performed using a 5-French balloon-fitted angioplasty catheter. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients were diagnosed with ureteral stenosis during follow-up, an incidence of 5.6%. Transluminal balloon dilatation was the first therapeutic option in 45 cases, whereas surgery was performed directly on 11 patients. Disappearance of the stenosis as well as maintenance of an improved creatinine level was verified in 45% of cases (20 patients). Two patients experienced graft loss. Both a short time to diagnosis after transplantation (P = .06) and the presence of a previous acute rejection episode (P < .05) were good prognosis factors for the endourologic solution of a ureteral stricture. CONCLUSIONS: Balloon dilatation may be considered the definitive procedure for treatment of ureteral stenosis in selected cases. Percutaneous nephrostomy should be used for initial diagnosis and improvement in the renal function before attempting an open procedure.

[Anaesthetic management of Stiff Man syndrome]. / Manejo anestésico del síndrome de Stiff Man.

Stiff Man syndrome or stiff-person syndrome is a rare autoimmune disorder. It is characterized by increased axial muscular tone and limb musculature, and painful spasms triggered by stimulus. The case is presented of a 44-year-old man with stiff-person syndrome undergoing an injection of botulinum toxin in the urethral sphincter under sedation. Before induction, all the surgical team were ready in order to minimise the anaesthetic time. The patient was monitored by continuous ECG, SpO2 and non-invasive blood pressure. He was induced with fractional dose of propofol 150 mg, fentanyl 50 µg and midazolam 1mg. Despite careful titration, the patient had an O2 saturation level of 90%,which was resolved by manual ventilation. There was no muscle rigidity or spasm during the operation. Post-operative recovery was uneventful and the patient was discharged 2 days later. A review of other cases is presented. The anaesthetic concern in patients with stiff-person syndrome is the interaction between the anaesthetic agents, the preoperative medication, and the GABA system. For a safe anaesthetic management, total intravenous anaesthesia is recommended instead of inhalation anaesthetics, as well as the close monitoring of the respiratory function and the application of the electrical nerve stimulator when neuromuscular blockers are used.