SARS-CoV-2 transmission in teenagers and young adults in Fútbol Club Barcelona's Multidisciplinary Sports Training Academy.

Most studies, aimed at determining the incidence and transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in children and teenagers, have been developed in school settings. Our study conducted surveillance and inferred attack rates focusing on the practice of sports. Prospective and observational study of those attending the sports facilities of Fútbol Club Barcelona (FCB), in Barcelona, Spain, throughout the 2020-2021 season. Participants were young players (from five different sports) and adult workers, who belonged to stable teams (shared routines and were involved in same quarantine rules). Biweekly health questionnaires and SARS-CoV-2 screening were conducted. From the 234 participants included, 70 (30%) both lived and trained in the FCB facilities (Recruitment Pathway 1;RP1) and 164 (70%) lived at their own household and just came to the facilities to train (RP2). During the study, 38 positive cases were identified; none had severe symptoms or needed hospitalization. The overall weekly incidence in the cohorts did not differ compared to the one expected in the community, except for 2 weeks when an outbreak occurred. The attack rate (AR) was three times higher for the participants from RP1, in comparison to those from RP2 (p < 0.01). A Basketball team showed a significant higher AR.  Conclusion: Physical activities in stable teams are not related to an increased risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2, since there were the same observed cases than expected in the community. The risk is higher in indoor sports (Basketball vs. Football), and in closed cohort living settings (RP1 vs. RP2). The fulfilment of preventive measures is essential. What is Known: • Despite the low numerical impact caused in paediatric hospitalizations during COVID-19 pandemic, the social impact has been maximum. • The transmission potential in children and teenagers is limited, and it had been widely demonstrated in school settings. What is New: • Group physical activities in children and teenagers are not also related to an increased risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2, when preventive measures, such as washing hands, and screening protocols are applied. • Routine and semi-professional sports activities seem safe environments to promote during this pandemic.

Aortic root remodelling in competitive athletes.

BACKGROUND: Controversy remains about the cut-off limits for detecting aortic dilatation in athletes, particularly in large-sized individuals. The allometric scaling model has been used to obtain size-independent measurements in cardiovascular structures in the general population. AIM: The purpose of this study was to validate the use of allometric scaling in the measurement of the aortic root for competitive athletes and to offer reference values. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study that analyses the dimensions of aortic root found in the echocardiogram performed as part of pre-participation sports screening in competitive athletes between 2012-2015. Beta exponents were calculated for height and body surface area in the whole cohort. In order to establish whether a common exponent could be used in both genders the following model was assessed y = axb*exp(c*sex). If a common exponent could not be applied then sex-specific beta exponents were calculated. RESULTS: Two thousand and eighty-three athletes (64% men) were included, from a broad spectrum of 44 different sports disciplines, including basketball, volleyball and handball. The mean age was 18.2 ± 5.1 years (range 12-35 years) and all athletes were Caucasian, with a training load of 12.5 ± 5.4 h per week. Indexed aortic root dimension showed a correlation with ratiometric scaling by body surface area (r: -0.419) and generated size independence values with a very light correlation with height (r: -0.084); and with the allometric scaling by body surface area (r: -0.063) and height (r: -0.070). The absolute value of aortic root was higher in men than in women (p < 0.001). These differences were maintained with allometric scaling. CONCLUSION: Size-independent aortic root dimension values are provided using allometric scaling by body surface area and height in a large cohort of competitive athletes. Aortic root values were larger in men than in women, both in absolute values and after allometric scaling. The use of these indexed aortic reference ranges can be useful for the early detection of aortic pathologies.

Exaggerated blood pressure response to exercise and late-onset hypertension in young adults.

INTRODUCTION: Exaggerated blood pressure response (EBPR) during exercise has been associated with an increased risk of incidental systemic hypertension and cardiovascular morbidity; however, there is no consensus definition of EBPR. We aimed to determine which marker best defines EBPR during exercise and to predict the long-term development of hypertension in individuals younger than 50 years. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reviewed 107 exercise tests performed in 1992, applied several reported methods to define EBPR at moderate and maximum exercise, and contacted the patients by telephone 20 years after the test to verify hypertension status. Finally, we determined which definition best predicted incidental hypertension at 20-year follow-up. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants at the time of exercise testing was 25.7±11.1 years. Logistic regression showed a significant association of diastolic blood pressure of more than 95 mmHg at peak exercise and systolic pressure more than 180 mmHg at moderate exercise with new-onset hypertension at 20-year follow-up [odds ratio: 6.3 (2.09-18.9) and odds ratio: 7.09 (2.31-21.7), respectively]. If EBPR was present, as defined by at least one of these parameters, the probability of incidental later onset hypertension was 70%. CONCLUSION: In our population, diastolic blood pressure of more than 95 mmHg at maximum exercise or systolic blood pressure more than 180 mmHg at moderate-intensity exercise (100 W) were the best predictors of new-onset hypertension at long-term follow-up. Individuals with EBPR according to these criteria should be monitored closely to detect the early development of hypertension.

Prevention of sudden death in adolescent athletes: Incremental diagnostic value and cost-effectiveness of diagnostic tests.

Introduction Pre-participation screening in athletes attempts to reduce the incidence of sudden death during sports by identifying susceptible individuals. The objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic capacity of the different pre-participation screening points in adolescent athletes and the cost effectiveness of the programme. Methods Athletes were studied between 12-18 years old. Pre-participation screening included the American Heart Association questionnaire, electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, and stress test. The cost of test was established by the Catalan public health system. Results Of 1650 athletes included, 57% were men and mean age was 15.09 ± 1.82 years. Positive findings were identified as follows: in American Heart Association questionnaire 5.09% of subjects, in electrocardiogram 3.78%, in echocardiogram 4.96%, and in exercise test 1.75%. Six athletes (0.36%) were disqualified from participation and 10 (0.60%) were referred for interventional treatment. Diagnostic capacity was assessed by the area under the curve for detection of diseases that motivated disqualification for sport practice (American Heart Association questionnaire, 0.55; electrocardiogram, 0.72; echocardiogram, 0.88; stress test, 0.57). The cost for each athlete disqualified from the sport for a disease causing sudden death was €45,578. Conclusion The electrocardiogram and echocardiogram were the most useful studies to detect athletes susceptible to sudden death, and the stress test best diagnosed arrhythmias with specific treatment. In our country, pre-participatory screening was cost effective to detect athletes who might experience sudden death in sports.

Usefulness of echocardiography in preparticipation screening of competitive athletes.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Despite the established diagnostic value of the electrocardiogram in preparticipation screening of athletes, some cardiac structural changes can be missed, particularly in early disease stages. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of cardiac structural changes via the systematic use of echocardiography in preparticipation screening of competitive athletes. METHODS: Professional athletes or participants in a competitive athletic program underwent a screening that included family and personal medical history, physical examination, electrocardiography, exercise testing, and Doppler echocardiography. RESULTS: A total of 2688 athletes (67% men; mean age [standard deviation], 21 [10] years) were included. Most of the echocardiographic evaluations (92.5%) were normal and only 203 (7.5%) showed changes; the most frequent change was left ventricular hypertrophy, seen in 50 athletes (1.8%). Cessation of athletic activity was indicated in 4 athletes (0.14%): 2 for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (electrocardiography had shown changes that did not meet diagnostic criteria), 1 pectus excavatum with compression of the right ventricle, and 1 significant pulmonary valve stenosis; the rest of the changes did not entail cessation of athletic activity and only indicated periodic monitoring. CONCLUSIONS: Although rare, some cardiac structural changes can be missed on physical examination and electrocardiography; in contrast, they are easily recognized with echocardiography. These findings suggest the use of echocardiography in at least the first preparticipation screening of competitive athletes to improve the effectiveness of programs aimed at preventing sudden death in athletes.

Contraindicaciones cardiológicas para la práctica deportiva / Cardiological contraindications in sports

La muerte súbita en el deporte está causada en la mayoría de ocasiones por enfermedades cardiacas. El objetivo del cribado pre-participativo es poder identificar a los individuos que requieran un tratamiento específico para continuar el deporte o el cese de la práctica deportiva. La evidencia científica actual se basa en recomendaciones de expertos que en algunos casos son controvertidas y en ocasiones poco prácticas. Esta revisión tiene como objetivo dar un enfoque actualizado y pragmático de las recomendaciones en los deportistas con cardiopatía

In most cases, sudden death in sports is caused by heart disease. The aim of preparticipation screening is to identify individuals who require specific treatment to continue the sport or stop practicing it. Current scientific evidence is based on expert recommendations that in some cases are controversial and sometimes impractical. This review aims to present an updated and pragmatic approach to the recommendations in athletes with heart disease

Púrpura trombocitopénica trombótica puerperal / Postpartum thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

La púrpura trombocitopénica trombótica es una enfermedad multisistémica de etiología desconocida. Se han observado diversas circunstancias que pueden actuar como factores predisponentes: la gestación, un proceso infeccioso, los anticonceptivos orales y la cirugía. Las mujeres embarazadas o en el período posparto representan un 10% de los casos de púrpura trombocitopénica trombótica, con una incidencia aproximada de un caso de cada 25.000 partos. Presentamos un caso clínico de una mujer que desarrolló púrpura trombocitopénica trombótica a los 6 días de habérsele realizado una cesárea, sin otros hallazgos significativos, enfatizando la importancia de reconocer esta afección en vista de la similitud con otras enfermedades durante el embarazo (AU)

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura is a multisystem disease of unknown etiology. There are various predisposing factors, such as pregnancy, an infectious process, oral contraceptives, and surgery. Pregnant or postpartum women represent 10% of cases of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, with an approximate incidence of one in 25,000 births. We report the case of a woman who developed thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura 6 days after undergoing a caesarean section without other significant findings, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing this disease from other, highly similar illnesses during pregnancy (AU)

Embolización de las arterias uterinas en hematoma disecante de la episiotomía / Uterine artery embolization in dissecting hematoma after episiotomy

Antecedentes. La hemorrragia posparto es una complicación potencialmente grave, siendo de vital importancia que el diagnóstico y el tratamiento tengan lugar de forma precoz. Dentro de los sangrados posparto cabe mencionar los hematomas del canal del parto. Caso. Presentamos un caso grave de hematoma del canal del parto que requirió técnica de embolización selectiva tras el fracaso del tratamiento quirúrgico local, con shock hipovolémico y coagulación intravascular diseminada. Conclusión. Hay que tener en cuenta que la embolización precisa de una infraestuctura y tecnología que se encuentran en hospitales de tercer nivel; la premura en el diagnóstico y una paciente estable hemodinámicamente permitirán el abordaje mediante técnicas de embolización. La embolización de las arterias uterinas en manos expertas permitirá preservar la fertilidad futura de la paciente con escasas complicaciones (AU)

Background. Postpartum hemorrhage is a potentially serious complication and includes bruising of the birth canal. It is vitally important that the diagnosis and treatment take place at an early stage. Case. We report a serious case of bruising of the birth canal that required selective embolization after unsuccessful local surgical treatment, with hypovolemic shock and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Conclusion. Embolization requires an infrastructure and technology that are available in tertiary care hospitals. Early diagnosis allows embolization to be performed in hemodynamically stable patients. Uterine artery embolization in expert hands enables future fertility to be preserved with few complications (AU)

Utilidad del ecocardiograma en la revisión preparticipativa de deportistas de competición / Usefulness of Echocardiography in Preparticipation Screening of Competitive Athletes

Introducción y objetivos A pesar del establecido valor diagnóstico del electrocardiograma en la revisión preparticipativa de sujetos deportistas, algunas alteraciones estructurales cardiacas podrían pasar inadvertidas, en especial en fases precoces de la enfermedad. El objetivo de este estudio es valorar la prevalencia de alteraciones estructurales cardiacas mediante el uso sistemático de la ecocardiografía en la revisión preparticipativa de deportistas de competición. Métodos Se estudió a los deportistas incluidos en un programa de competición o profesionales. Se realizó a todos los deportistas una revisión que incluyó historia familiar y personal, examen físico, electrocardiograma, prueba de esfuerzo y ecocardiograma Doppler. Resultados Se incluyó a 2.688 deportistas (el 67% varones; media de edad, 21 ± 10 años). La mayoría de los estudios ecocardiográficos (92,5%) fueron estrictamente normales y solo 203 (7,5%) tenían alteraciones; la más frecuente de ellas fue la hipertrofia ventricular izquierda, en 50 deportistas (1,8%). En 4 casos (0,14%) se indicó el cese de la práctica deportiva: 2 por miocardiopatía hipertrófica (el electrocardiograma mostraba alteraciones pero no cumplía criterios diagnósticos), 1 pectus excavatum con compresión del ventrículo derecho y 1 estenosis valvular pulmonar significativa; el resto de las alteraciones no implicaron el cese de la práctica deportiva y solo requirieron seguimiento periódico. Conclusiones: Algunas alteraciones estructurales cardiacas, aunque poco frecuentes, pueden pasar inadvertidas al examen físico y en el electrocardiograma; en cambio, son fácilmente reconocibles con un ecocardiograma. Estas observaciones indican introducir el ecocardiograma al menos en la primera valoración preparticipativa de deportistas de competición para mejorar la eficacia de los programas de prevención de la muerte súbita del deportista (AU)

Introduction and objectives Despite the established diagnostic value of the electrocardiogram in preparticipation screening of athletes, some cardiac structural changes can be missed, particularly in early disease stages. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of cardiac structural changes via the systematic use of echocardiography in preparticipation screening of competitive athletes. Methods Professional athletes or participants in a competitive athletic program underwent a screening that included family and personal medical history, physical examination, electrocardiography, exercise testing, and Doppler echocardiography. Results A total of 2688 athletes (67% men; mean age [standard deviation], 21 [10] years) were included. Most of the echocardiographic evaluations (92.5%) were normal and only 203 (7.5%) showed changes; the most frequent change was left ventricular hypertrophy, seen in 50 athletes (1.8%). Cessation of athletic activity was indicated in 4 athletes (0.14%): 2 for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (electrocardiography had shown changes that did not meet diagnostic criteria), 1 pectus excavatum with compression of the right ventricle, and 1 significant pulmonary valve stenosis; the rest of the changes did not entail cessation of athletic activity and only indicated periodic monitoring. Conclusions Although rare, some cardiac structural changes can be missed on physical examination and electrocardiography; in contrast, they are easily recognized with echocardiography. These findings suggest the use of echocardiography in at least the first preparticipation screening of competitive athletes to improve the effectiveness of programs aimed at preventing sudden death in athletes (AU)