Superficial vein thrombosis and its relationship with malignancies: a prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: The interrelation of cancer with venous thromboembolism is established, yet the specific impact on the incidence and progression of superficial vein thrombosis (SVT) remains unclear. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association between SVT and malignancies, focusing on risk factors, presentation, course and complications. METHODS: A single-center prospective observational study of patients diagnosed with DVT or SVT referred to a venous thromboembolism clinic between January 2013 and April 2018. RESULTS: Of the 632 patients, 205 presented with SVT at referral, 16.6% having active cancer. Significant associations were found between active cancer and the risk of developing proximal SVT (RR 1.54 [1.18-2.03] p < 0.01), SVT within 3 cm from junction (RR 2.01 [1.13-3.72] p = 0.019), bilateral SVT (RR 8.38 [2.10-33.43] p < 0.01) and SVT affecting multiple veins (RR 2.42 [1.40-4.20] p < 0.01), with a higher risk of persistence (RR 1.51 [1.18-1.95] p < 0.01) and progression (RR 5.75 [2.23-14.79] p < 0.01) at initial assessment. Patients with SVT and no malignancy history demonstrated an elevated risk for new-onset cancer during follow-up (RR 1.43 [1.13-1.18] p = 0.022), especially in cases of proximal or bilateral SVT, initial progression or subsequent DVT or PE. No significant differences were observed in persistence, recurrence or complications during initial evaluation or follow-up across different pharmacological treatments. CONCLUSIONS: Research suggests a probable link between cancer history and the development of SVT. SVT presented more severely in cancer patients. SVT, especially in its more complex forms, could serve as a predictive marker for the future development of cancer. Treatment approaches varied, no significant differences in outcomes were noted.

[Causes for consultation in the emergency room among patients with systemic autoimmune diseases]. / Motivos de consulta de pacientes con enfermedades autoinmunes sistémicas en el servicio de urgencias de un hospital terciario.

BACKGROUND: The causes of acute decompensations of patients with systemic autoimmune diseases are not well known. AIM: To describe the causes for consultation in an emergency room of patients with systemic autoimmune diseases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Review of medical records of patients with systemic autoimmune diseases, aged over 14 years, consulting in an emergency room of a general hospital during three months. RESULTS: In the study period, 166 patients with systemic autoimmune diseases consulted in the emergency room, of a total of 18,153 consultations (0.9%). Patients with rheumatoid arthritis were those that consulted with higher frequency (37%) followed by patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (21%). The most common causes for consultation were cardiovascular diseases in 25%, followed by digestive disorders in 15%. The most common diagnosis was chest pain with suspected ischemic heart disease in 36%. No differences in cardiovascular risk factors were observed between those patients consulting for cardiovascular diseases and those consulting for other causes. CONCLUSIONS: The most common cause of consultation in the emergency room of patients with systemic autoimmune diseases is cardiovascular.

Point-of-care ultrasonography in the initial characterization of patients with COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: There is growing evidence regarding the imaging findings of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in chest X-rays and computed tomography scans; however, their availability during this pandemic outbreak might be compromised. Currently, the role of point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) has yet to be explored. OBJECTIVES: To describe the POCUS findings of COVID-19 in patients with the disease admitted to the emergency department (ED), correlating them with vital signs, laboratory and radiologic results, therapeutic decisions, and the prognosis. METHODS: Prospective study performed in the ED of 2 academic hospitals. Patients with highly suspected or confirmed COVID-19 underwent a lung ultrasonography (lung POCUS), focused cardiac ultrasound (FOCUS), and inferior vena cava (IVC) exam. RESULTS: Between March and April 2020, 96 patients were enrolled. The mean age was 68.2 years (SD 17.5). The most common findings in the lung POCUS were an irregular pleural line (63.2%), bilateral confluence (55.2%), and isolated B-lines (53.1%), which were associated with a positive RT-PCR (odds ratio 4.327; 95% CI 1.216-15.401; p < .001), and correlated with IL-6 levels (rho = 0.622; p = .002). The IVC negatively correlated with levels of expiratory pO2 (rho = -0.539; p = .014) and inspiratory pO2 (rho = -0.527; p = 0.017), and expiratory diameter positively correlated with troponin I (rho = 0.509; p = .03). After the POCUS exam, almost 20% of the patients had an associated condition that required a change in their treatment or management. CONCLUSIONS: POCUS parameters have the potential to impact the diagnosis, management, and prognosis of patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19.

ANTECEDENTES: Existe una evidencia creciente con respecto a los hallazgos por imagen de la COVID-19, tanto en radiografías de tórax como en tomografía computarizada; sin embargo, la disponibilidad de estas técnicas durante la pandemia podría verse comprometida. OBJETIVOS: Describir los hallazgos en la ecografía en el punto de atención (POCUS) en pacientes con COVID-19 que consultaron en el servicio de urgencias (SU), correlacionándolos con signos vitales, resultados analíticos y radiológicos, decisiones terapéuticas y pronóstico. MÉTODOS: Estudio prospectivo realizado en los SU de dos hospitales académicos. Los pacientes con COVID-19 con alta sospecha o confirmada se sometieron a una ecografía pulmonar (POCUS pulmonar), una ecocardioscopia y una ecografía de la vena cava inferior (VCI). RESULTADOS: Entre marzo y abril del 2020, se reclutaron 96 pacientes. La edad media fue de 68,2 años (DE 17,5). Los hallazgos más comunes en el POCUS pulmonar fueron la línea pleural irregular (63,2%), las líneas B confluyentes bilateral (55,2%) y aisladas (53,1%), que se vincularon con una RT-PCR (odds ratio 4,327; IC 95% 1,216 a 15,401; p < 0,001), y se asoció con los niveles de interleucina-6 (IL-6) (ρ = 0,622; p = 0,002). La VCI se correlacionó negativamente con los niveles de pO2 espiratorio (ρ = − 0,539; p = 0,014) y pO2 inspiratorio (ρ = − 0,527; p = 0,017), y el diámetro espiratorio se relacionó positivamente con la troponina I (ρ = 0,509; p = 0, 03). Después del examen POCUS, casi el 20% de los pacientes tenían una condición asociada que requería un cambio en el tratamiento o manejo previo. CONCLUSIONES: Los parámetros POCUS tienen el potencial de afectar el diagnóstico, manejo y pronóstico de pacientes con sospecha o confirmación de COVID-19.

[Point-of-care ultrasonography in the initial characterization of patients with COVID-19]. / La ecografía clínica en la caracterización inicial de los pacientes con COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: There is growing evidence regarding the imaging findings of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in chest X-rays and computed tomography scans; however, their availability during this pandemic outbreak might be compromised. Currently, the role of point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) has yet to be explored. OBJECTIVES: To describe the POCUS findings of COVID-19 in patients with the disease admitted to the emergency department (ED), correlating them with vital signs, laboratory and radiologic results, therapeutic decisions, and the prognosis. METHODS: Prospective study performed in the ED of 2 academic hospitals. Patients with highly suspected or confirmed COVID-19 underwent a lung ultrasonography (lung POCUS), focused cardiac ultrasound (FOCUS), and inferior vena cava (IVC) exam. RESULTS: Between March and April 2020, 96 patients were enrolled. The mean age was 68.2 years (SD 17.5). The most common findings in the lung POCUS were an irregular pleural line (63.2%), bilateral confluence (55.2%), and isolated B-lines (53.1%), which were associated with a positive RT-PCR (odds ratio 4.327; 95% CI 1.216-15.401; p<.001), and correlated with IL-6 levels (rho=0.622; p=.002). The IVC negatively correlated with levels of expiratory pO2 (rho=-0.539; p=.014) and inspiratory pO2 (rho=-0.527; p=0.017), and expiratory diameter positively correlated with troponin I (rho=0.509; p=.03). After the POCUS exam, almost 20% of the patients had an associated condition that required a change in their treatment or management. CONCLUSIONS: POCUS parameters have the potential to impact the diagnosis, management, and prognosis of patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19.

Point-of-care ultrasonography in the initial characterization of patients with COVID-19

Background: There is growing evidence regarding the imaging findings of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in chest X-rays and computed tomography scans; however, their availability during this pandemic outbreak might be compromised. Currently, the role of point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) has yet to be explored.ObjectivesTo describe the POCUS findings of COVID-19 in patients with the disease admitted to the emergency department (ED), correlating them with vital signs, laboratory and radiologic results, therapeutic decisions, and the prognosis.MethodsProspective study performed in the ED of 2 academic hospitals. Patients with highly suspected or confirmed COVID-19 underwent a lung ultrasonography (lung POCUS), focused cardiac ultrasound (FOCUS), and inferior vena cava (IVC) exam.ResultsBetween March and April 2020, 96 patients were enrolled. The mean age was 68.2 years (SD 17.5). The most common findings in the lung POCUS were an irregular pleural line (63.2%), bilateral confluence (55.2%), and isolated B-lines (53.1%), which were associated with a positive RT-PCR (odds ratio 4.327; 95% CI 1.216–15.401; p<.001), and correlated with IL-6 levels (rho=0.622; p=.002). The IVC negatively correlated with levels of expiratory pO2 (rho=−0.539; p=.014) and inspiratory pO2 (rho=−0.527; p=0.017), and expiratory diameter positively correlated with troponin I (rho=0.509; p=.03). After the POCUS exam, almost 20% of the patients had an associated condition that required a change in their treatment or management.ConclusionsPOCUS parameters have the potential to impact the diagnosis, management, and prognosis of patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19. (AU)

Antecedentes: Existe una evidencia creciente con respecto a los hallazgos por imagen de la COVID-19, tanto en radiografías de tórax como en tomografía computarizada; sin embargo, la disponibilidad de estas técnicas durante la pandemia podría verse comprometida.ObjetivosDescribir los hallazgos en la ecografía en el punto de atención (POCUS) en pacientes con COVID-19 que consultaron en el servicio de urgencias (SU), correlacionándolos con signos vitales, resultados analíticos y radiológicos, decisiones terapéuticas y pronóstico.MétodosEstudio prospectivo realizado en los SU de dos hospitales académicos. Los pacientes con COVID-19 con alta sospecha o confirmada se sometieron a una ecografía pulmonar (POCUS pulmonar), una ecocardioscopia y una ecografía de la vena cava inferior (VCI).ResultadosEntre marzo y abril del 2020, se reclutaron 96 pacientes. La edad media fue de 68,2 años (DE 17,5). Los hallazgos más comunes en el POCUS pulmonar fueron la línea pleural irregular (63,2%), las líneas B confluyentes bilateral (55,2%) y aisladas (53,1%), que se vincularon con una RT-PCR (odds ratio 4,327; IC 95% 1,216 a 15,401; p < 0,001), y se asoció con los niveles de interleucina-6 (IL-6) (ρ = 0,622; p = 0,002). La VCI se correlacionó negativamente con los niveles de pO2 espiratorio (ρ = − 0,539; p = 0,014) y pO2 inspiratorio (ρ = − 0,527; p = 0,017), y el diámetro espiratorio se relacionó positivamente con la troponina I (ρ = 0,509; p = 0, 03). Después del examen POCUS, casi el 20% de los pacientes tenían una condición asociada que requería un cambio en el tratamiento o manejo previo.ConclusionesLos parámetros POCUS tienen el potencial de afectar el diagnóstico, manejo y pronóstico de pacientes con sospecha o confirmación de COVID-19. (AU)

Estudio prospectivo de la adecuación en la tromboprofilaxis en pacientes que ingresan en una unidad de corta estancia / A prospective study of the adequacy in the tromboprofilaxis in patients admitted in a short-stay unit

INTRODUCCIÓN: numerosos estudios avalan el uso de la tromboprofilaxis en pacientes con riesgo de enfermedad tromboembólica (ETV) que requieren de ingreso hospitalario. Existe escasa evidencia sobre las indicaciones de tromboprofilaxis en la población de pacientes agudos ingresados en una unidad de corta estancia. OBJETIVOS: estudiar el uso de la tromboprofilaxis en pacientes ingresados en una unidad de corta estancia del servicio de urgencias de un hospital terciario. Se evaluaron variables clínicas (desarrollo de un evento de ETV a tres meses) y bioquímicas (niveles de actividad anti-Xa). MÉTODOS: se incluyeron aquellos pacientes con patología médica aguda con indicación de tromboprofilaxis según la guía PRETEMED. Se determinó la actividad anti-Xa de cada paciente que cumplió los criterios de inclusión. Se identificaron los casos de ETV sintomática durante el ingreso hospitalario y durante los tres meses posteriores al alta del servicio de urgencias. RESULTADOS: se incluyeron un total de 100 pacientes. Los factores de riesgo de ETV predisponentes más frecuentes fueron la edad (80 % > 60 años y 66 % > 70 años), neoplasia (28 %), EPOC (28 %) y obesidad (29 %). Los factores de riesgo desencadenantes más frecuentes fueron la presencia de una infección aguda (58 %), inmovilidad (33 %) y quimioterapia (17 %). Según la Guía PRETEMED, se clasificaron como de bajo riesgo (0 %), medio (20 %) y alto (80 %). Durante los tres meses de seguimiento, se observó un 3 % de episodios de ETV sintomáticos (ninguno de estos se produjo durante el ingreso). Un 48 % de los pacientes estaba fuera del rango de actividad anti-Xa tromboprofiláctica. Los factores asociados a esta situación fueron ser mujer y tratamiento con enoxaparina 20 mg al día. No hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la aparición de complicaciones tromboembólicas en relación a los niveles de actividad anti-Xa. CONCLUSIONES: es necesario estratificar el riesgo de ETV en todos los pacientes, también en aquellos ingresados en unidades de corta estancia, y se abre la necesidad de evaluar las dosis recomendadas de tromboprofilaxis. Observamos una ausencia de correlación entre criterios de eficacia clínica y bioquímica con las pautas habituales de tromboprofilaxis, por lo que resulta cuestionable recomendar su monitorización

INTRODUCTION: numerous studies support the use of thromboprophylaxis in patients at risk of thromboembolic disease (VTE) that require hospitalization. There is little evidence in the indications of thromboprophylaxis in the population of acute patients admitted to a Short Stay Unit. OBJECTIVES: to study the use of thromboprophylaxis in patients admitted to a Short Stay Unit of the Emergency Department of a tertiary hospital. Clinical variables (development of a three-month VTE event) and biochemical (anti-Xa activity levels) were evaluated. METHODS: those patients with acute medical pathology with indication of thromboprophylaxis were included according to the PRETEMED guideline. The anti-Xa activity of each patient that met the inclusion criteria was determined. Cases of symptomatic VTE were identified, during hospital admission and later, in the three-month follow-up of the Emergency Department. RESULTS: a total of 100 patients were included. The most frequent predisposing VTE risk factors were age (80 % > 60 years and 66 % > 70 years), neoplasia (28 %), COPD (28 %) and obesity (29 %). The most frequent risk factors were the presence of an acute infection (58 %), immobility (33 %) and chemotherapy (17 %). According to the PRETEMED Guide, they were classified as low risk (0 %), medium (20 %) and high (80 %). In the 3 months of follow-up, 3 % of symptomatic VTE episodes were observed, none of these occurred during admission. 48 % of the patients were outside the range of anti-Xa thromboprophylactic activity. The factors associated with this situation were being a woman, treatment with enoxaparin 20mg a day and greater weight. There were no statistically significant differences in the occurrence of thromboembolic complications in relation to anti-Xa activity levels. CONCLUSIONS: it is necessary to stratify the risk of VTE in all patients, also in those admitted to short stay units and opens the need to evaluate the recommended thromboprophylaxis doses. We observed an absence of correlation between clinical and biochemical efficacy criteria with the usual thromboprophylaxis guidelines, and it is questionable to recommend their monitoring

Lung ultrasound in the frontline diagnosis of COVID-19 infection / Ecografía pulmonar en primera línea del diagnóstico de la infección por COVID-19

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Motivos de consulta de pacientes con enfermedades autoinmunes sistémicas en el servicio de urgencias de un hospital terciario / Causes for consultation in the emergency room among patients with systemic autoimmune diseases

Background: The causes of acute decompensations of patients with systemic autoimmune diseases are not well known. Aim: To describe the causes for consultation in an emergency room of patients with systemic autoimmune diseases. Material and Methods: Review of medical records of patients with systemic autoimmune diseases, aged over 14 years, consulting in an emergency room of a general hospital during three months. Results: In the study period, 166 patients with systemic autoimmune diseases consulted in the emergency room, of a total of 18,153 consultations (0.9%). Patients with rheumatoid arthritis were those that consulted with higher frequency (37%) followed by patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (21%). The most common causes for consultation were cardiovascular diseases in 25%, followed by digestive disorders in 15%. The most common diagnosis was chest pain with suspected ischemic heart disease in 36%. No differences in cardiovascular risk factors were observed between those patients consulting for cardiovascular diseases and those consulting for other causes. Conclusions: The most common cause of consultation in the emergency room of patients with systemic autoimmune diseases is cardiovascular.