Development of prognostic models to estimate the probability of lung injury one year after COVID-19-related hospitalization-a prospective study.

Background: Long-term effects of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) infection still under study. The objectives of this study were to identify persistent pulmonary lesions 1 year after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) hospitalization and assess whether it is possible to estimate the probability that a patient develops these complications in the future. Methods: A prospective study of ≥18 years old patients hospitalized for SARS-COV-2 infection who develop persistent respiratory symptoms, lung function abnormalities or have radiological findings 6-8 weeks after hospital discharge. Logistic regression models were used to identify prognostic factors associated with a higher risk of developing respiratory problems. Models performance was assessed in terms of calibration and discrimination. Results: A total of 233 patients [median age 66 years [interquartile range (IQR): 56, 74]; 138 (59.2%) male] were categorized into two groups based on whether they stayed in the critical care unit (79 cases) or not (154). At the end of follow-up, 179 patients (76.8%) developed persistent respiratory symptoms, and 22 patients (9.4%) showed radiological fibrotic lesions with pulmonary function abnormalities (post-COVID-19 fibrotic pulmonary lesions). Our prognostic models created to predict persistent respiratory symptoms [post-COVID-19 functional status at initial visit (the higher the score, the higher the risk), and history of bronchial asthma] and post-COVID-19 fibrotic pulmonary lesions [female; FVC% (the higher the FVC%, the lower the probability); and critical care unit stay] one year after infection showed good (AUC 0.857; 95% CI: 0.799-0.915) and excellent performance (AUC 0.901; 95% CI: 0.837-0.964), respectively. Conclusions: Constructed models show good performance in identifying patients at risk of developing lung injury one year after COVID-19-related hospitalization.

Effect of high versus low dose of dexamethasone on clinical worsening in patients hospitalised with moderate or severe COVID-19 pneumonia: an open-label, randomised clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Low-dose dexamethasone demonstrated clinical improvement in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) needing oxygen therapy; however, evidence on the efficacy of high-dose dexamethasone is limited. METHODS: We performed a randomised, open-label, controlled trial involving hospitalised patients with confirmed COVID-19 pneumonia needing oxygen therapy. Patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive low-dose dexamethasone (6 mg once daily for 10 days) or high-dose dexamethasone (20 mg once daily for 5 days, followed by 10 mg once daily for an additional 5 days). The primary outcome was clinical worsening within 11 days since randomisation. Secondary outcomes included 28-day mortality, time to recovery and clinical status at day 5, 11, 14 and 28 on an ordinal scale ranging from 1 (discharged) to 7 (death). RESULTS: A total of 200 patients (mean±sd age 64±14 years; 62% male) were enrolled. 32 (31.4%) out of 102 patients enrolled in the low-dose group and 16 (16.3%) out of 98 in the high-dose group showed clinical worsening within 11 days since randomisation (rate ratio 0.427, 95% CI 0.216-0.842; p=0.014). The 28-day mortality was 5.9% in the low-dose group and 6.1% in the high-dose group (p=0.844). There was no significant difference in time to recovery, and in the seven-point ordinal scale at days 5, 11, 14 and 28. CONCLUSIONS: Among hospitalised COVID-19 patients needing oxygen therapy, high dose of dexamethasone reduced clinical worsening within 11 days after randomisation, compared with low dose.

Development and validation of a clinical score to estimate progression to severe or critical state in COVID-19 pneumonia hospitalized patients.

The prognosis of a patient with COVID-19 pneumonia is uncertain. Our objective was to establish a predictive model of disease progression to facilitate early decision-making. A retrospective study was performed of patients admitted with COVID-19 pneumonia, classified as severe (admission to the intensive care unit, mechanic invasive ventilation, or death) or non-severe. A predictive model based on clinical, laboratory, and radiological parameters was built. The probability of progression to severe disease was estimated by logistic regression analysis. Calibration and discrimination (receiver operating characteristics curves and AUC) were assessed to determine model performance. During the study period 1152 patients presented with SARS-CoV-2 infection, of whom 229 (19.9%) were admitted for pneumonia. During hospitalization, 51 (22.3%) progressed to severe disease, of whom 26 required ICU care (11.4); 17 (7.4%) underwent invasive mechanical ventilation, and 32 (14%) died of any cause. Five predictors determined within 24 h of admission were identified: Diabetes, Age, Lymphocyte count, SaO2, and pH (DALSH score). The prediction model showed a good clinical performance, including discrimination (AUC 0.87 CI 0.81, 0.92) and calibration (Brier score = 0.11). In total, 0%, 12%, and 50% of patients with severity risk scores ≤ 5%, 6-25%, and > 25% exhibited disease progression, respectively. A risk score based on five factors predicts disease progression and facilitates early decision-making according to prognosis.

Correction to: Influence of frailty on anticoagulant prescription and clinical outcomes after 1­year follow­up in hospitalised older patients with atrial fibrillation.

In the original publication, all the collaborator names were incorrectly tagged and published online. The correct given and family names for the collaborators names should list as follows.

Influence of frailty on anticoagulant prescription and clinical outcomes after 1-year follow-up in hospitalised older patients with atrial fibrillation.

Frailty is an important prognostic factor in older adults with cardiovascular diseases. We aim to describe the characteristics of elderly hospitalised frail patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) and to assess the influence of frailty, along with other functional and health status variables on anticoagulation prescription, 1-year all-cause mortality, and the incidence of ischemic and bleeding complications. An observational, prospective multicentre study was carried out on patients with NVAF over the age of 75, who were admitted to the Internal Medicine departments in Spain. A total of 615 patients were evaluated (mean age 85.23 ± 5.16 years, 54.3% females, 48.3% frail). Frail patients had higher CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores, more comorbidities and worse functional status and cognitive impairment compared to non-frail. During hospitalisation, 58 (9.4%) patients died (12.5% frail, 6.6% non-frail, p = 0.01). Among the participants discharged, 69.8% received anticoagulants, 13% anti-platelets only and 16.9% no anti-thrombotics, with no difference by frailty status. Frailty is not a predictor of anticoagulant prescription at discharge (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.55-1.57), while functional dependency remains significantly associated (OR for severe dependency 0.44, 95% CI 0.23-0.82). After the 1-year follow-up, frail patients have a higher risk of death (HR 1.99, 95% CI 1.43-2.76). Among patients taking anticoagulants, the incidence of stroke and major bleeding is similar between frailty groups. In our study, frailty is related to worse global health status. It has no impact on antithrombotic prescription, nor is a predictor of AF complications, even though frail subjects have a higher mortality during hospitalisation and after 1-year follow-up.

Factors associated with discontinuing or not starting oral anticoagulant therapy in older hospitalized patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation.

AIM: To determine the factors associated with discontinuing or not starting oral anticoagulation (OA) therapy in older patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). METHODS: A prospective, multicenter cohort study was carried out of patients aged >75 years with NVAF hospitalized in internal medicine departments in Spain. For each patient, we recorded creatinine, hemoglobin and platelets levels, as well as CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores and the Charlson Comorbidity Index. We measured the ability to carry out basic activities of daily life with the Barthel Index, and the cognitive state with the Short Portable Mental Status questionnaire. RESULTS: We included 723 patients with NVAF, with a mean age of 84.8 years (SD 5.2 years); 390 (53.9%) of the patients were women. Before admission, 375 (51.9%) patients were treated with OA. Previously diagnosed NVAF (OR 4.099, 95% CI 1.824-9.211, P = 0.001), the number of errors in the Short Portable Mental Status questionnaire (OR 1.180, 95% CI 1.020-1.365, P = 0.026), peripheral arterial disease (OR 0.285, 95% CI 0.114-0.711, P = 0.007) and hemoglobin levels (OR 0.812, 95% CI 0.682-0.966, P = 0.019) were independently associated with not starting OA therapy at discharge. Of the 375 patients treated with OA at admission, 87 (23.2%) had their OA discontinued at discharge. The HAS-BLED score (OR 1.516, 95% CI 1.211-1.897, P < 0.001) and previous acute myocardial infarction (OR 0.327, 95% CI 0.121-0.883, P = 0.027) were associated with the discontinuation of OA. CONCLUSIONS: There are factors associated with discontinuing or not starting OA in older patients with NVAF, which often have no clinical justification. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 1219-1224.

Satisfaction with oral anticoagulants in patients with atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Although, by itself, atrial fibrillation is associated with an impairment of quality of life antithrombotic therapy may play a role. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the satisfaction with anticoagulant treatment in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation who attended internal medicine departments in Spain. METHODS: Patients from two different cross-sectional studies were combined. To measure the satisfaction with anticoagulant treatment, the Anti-Clot-Treatment Scale (ACTS) questionnaire was completed by every patient. A multivariate analysis was performed to determine the variables associated with satisfaction of patients receiving oral anticoagulants. RESULTS: A total of 1,309 patients (mean age 78.5±8.4 years; 49.3% men; CHA2DS2VASC 4.9±1.5; HAS-BLED 2.0±0.9) were included in the study, of whom 902 (68.9%) were taking vitamin K antagonists (VKA) and 407 (31.1%) direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). Overall, satisfaction with oral anticoagulation was high (ACTS Burdens scale 49.69±9.45; ACTS Benefits scale 11.35±2.61). The perceived burdens with anticoagulant treatment were lower in men, as well as in patients with no dependency, normal renal function, who were not polymedicated, or who had moderate bleeding risk. Among patients taking VKA, those subjects with a lower number of International Normalized Ratio (INR) determinations in the last 6 months or with an optimal time in the therapeutic range exhibited a lower perceived burden. Patients taking DOACs (vs VKA) showed a lower perceived burden with anticoagulation. Benefits with anti-coagulation were higher in men, younger patients, those with no dependency, or low bleeding risk. Perceived benefits were higher in patients taking DOACs (vs VKA). CONCLUSION: Satisfaction with oral anticoagulation was high in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, who were attending internal medicine departments daily in Spain. Among patients taking VKA, those subjects with a lower number of INR determinations in the last 6 months or with an optimal time in the therapeutic range exhibited a lower perceived burden with anticoagulant therapy. Patients taking DOACs (vs VKA) showed lower perceived burdens and higher perceived benefits with anticoagulation.

Benefit of tolvaptan in the management of hyponatraemia in patients with diuretic-refractory congestive heart failure: the SEMI-SEC project.

AIMS: Hyponatraemia is an electrolyte disorder that occurs in advanced congestive heart failure (HF) and worsens prognosis. We explored the usefulness of tolvaptan, which has shown promising results in the treatment of this condition. METHODS AND RESULTS: This study is based on a retrospective national registry (2011-15) of patients hospitalized with refractory HF and hyponatraemia who agreed to receive tolvaptan when standard treatment was ineffective. The benefit of tolvaptan was analysed according to the following criteria: normalization ([Na+] ≥ 135 mmol/L) or increased sodium levels [Na+] ≥ 4 mEq/L on completion of treatment, and increase in urine output by 300 or 500 mL at 48 h. Factors associated with tolvaptan benefit were explored. A total of 241 patients were included, 53.9% of whom had ejection fraction <40%. All patients received concomitant loop diuretics. Initial tolvaptan dose was 17.2 ± 6.1 mg, and end dose was 26.4 ± 23.2 mg (duration 7.8 ± 8.6 days). Serum sodium concentrations increased significantly at 24-48 h, from 126.5 ± 6.2 mEq/L at baseline to 134.1 ± 6.1 mEq/L at the end of treatment (P < 0.0001). Weight fell by ~5 kg before discharge (P < 0.0001) and urine output increased 1.3-fold (P < 0.0001). Normal sodium levels and/or increases of 500 mL in urine output were achieved by 90.8% of patients (35.7% achieved both) and 94.8% increased to [Na+] ≥ 4 mEq/L and/or +300 mL in urine output (54.4% both). CONCLUSIONS: An increase in sodium levels and/or improvement in urine output was observed in patients admitted for HF and refractory hyponatraemia under tolvaptan treatment. Tolvaptan may be useful in this setting, in which no effective proven alternatives are available.

Características y tratamiento antitrombótico de los pacientes ancianos con fibrilación auricular no valvular hospitalizados en Medicina Interna. Registro NONAVASC / Antithrombotic treatment and characteristics of elderly patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation hospitalized at Internal Medicine departments. NONAVASC registry

Introducción y objetivos. La prevalencia de fibrilación auricular no valvular (FANV) aumenta con la edad y se asocia a alta morbimortalidad. El objetivo principal fue conocer las características de los pacientes ancianos con FANV hospitalizados y los factores clínico-funcionales que determinan la estrategia antitrombótica utilizada. Pacientes y métodos. Estudio observacional, prospectivo, multicéntrico realizado en pacientes mayores de 75 años con FANV, hospitalizados por cualquier causa en Medicina Interna. Resultados. Se evaluaron 804 pacientes con una edad media de 85 años (rango: 75-101); el 53,9% fueron mujeres. La prevalencia de factores de riesgo y enfermedades vasculares fue elevada: hipertensión (87,6%), insuficiencia cardíaca (65,4%), cardiopatía isquémica (24,4%), enfermedad cerebrovascular (22,4%) e insuficiencia renal (45%). Entre los pacientes con diagnóstico previo al ingreso de FANV el 86,2% recibía tratamiento antitrombótico: anticoagulantes (59,7%), antiagregantes (AAG) (17,8%) y doble terapia (8,7%). Los factores asociados con la utilización del mismo fueron el antecedente de síndrome coronario agudo y la FANV de más de un año de evolución. Se asociaron con el uso de antiagregación la edad avanzada, la FANV de menos de un año de evolución, las puntuaciones superiores de HAS-BLED y el deterioro cognitivo grave. La fibrilación auricular permanente favorecía la prescripción de anticoagulantes. Conclusiones. Los pacientes mayores de 75 años con FANV hospitalizados en Medicina Interna tienen numerosas comorbilidades. El porcentaje de anticoagulación es escaso y un 18% recibe solo antiagregación, influyendo en su selección la edad, el tiempo de evolución de la fibrilación auricular y la gravedad del deterioro cognitivo (AU)

Background and objetives. The prevalence of non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) increases with the patient's age and is associated with high morbi-mortality rates. The main goal of this study was to describe the characteristics of hospitalized elderly patients with NVAF and to identify the clinical and functional factors which determine the use of different antithrombotic strategies. Patients and methods. Observational, prospective, multicentre study carried out on patients with NVAF over the age of 75, who had been admitted for any medical condition to Internal Medicine departments. Results. We evaluated 804 patients with a mean age of 85 years (range 75-101), of which 53.9% were females. The prevalence of risk factors and cardiovascular disease was high: hypertension (87.6%), heart failure (65.4%), ischemic cardiomyopathy (24.4%), cerebrovascular disease (22.4%) and chronic kidney disease (45%). Among those cases with previous diagnoses of NVAF, antithrombotic treatment was prescribed in 86.2% of patients: anticoagulants (59.7%), antiplatelet medication (17.8%) and double therapy (8.7%). The factors associated with the use of antithrombotic treatment were history of acute coronary syndrome and atrial fibrillation progression longer than one year. Older age, atrial fibrillation for less than one year, higher HAS-BLED scores and severe cognitive impairment were associated with the use of anti-platelet drugs. Permanent atrial fibrillation favoured the use of anticoagulants. Conclusions. Hospitalized patients older than 75 years old with NVAF showed numerous comorbidities. The percentage of anticoagulation was small and 18% received only anti-platelet therapy. The patient's age, atrial fibrillation's progression time and the severity of the cognitive impairment influenced this therapy choice (AU)

Antithrombotic treatment and characteristics of elderly patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation hospitalized at Internal Medicine departments. NONAVASC registry. / Características y tratamiento antitrombótico de los pacientes ancianos con fibrilación auricular no valvular hospitalizados en Medicina Interna. Registro NONAVASC.

BACKGROUND AND OBJETIVES: The prevalence of non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) increases with the patient's age and is associated with high morbi-mortality rates. The main goal of this study was to describe the characteristics of hospitalized elderly patients with NVAF and to identify the clinical and functional factors which determine the use of different antithrombotic strategies. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Observational, prospective, multicentre study carried out on patients with NVAF over the age of 75, who had been admitted for any medical condition to Internal Medicine departments. RESULTS: We evaluated 804 patients with a mean age of 85 years (range 75-101), of which 53.9% were females. The prevalence of risk factors and cardiovascular disease was high: hypertension (87.6%), heart failure (65.4%), ischemic cardiomyopathy (24.4%), cerebrovascular disease (22.4%) and chronic kidney disease (45%). Among those cases with previous diagnoses of NVAF, antithrombotic treatment was prescribed in 86.2% of patients: anticoagulants (59.7%), antiplatelet medication (17.8%) and double therapy (8.7%). The factors associated with the use of antithrombotic treatment were history of acute coronary syndrome and atrial fibrillation progression longer than one year. Older age, atrial fibrillation for less than one year, higher HAS-BLED scores and severe cognitive impairment were associated with the use of anti-platelet drugs. Permanent atrial fibrillation favoured the use of anticoagulants. CONCLUSIONS: Hospitalized patients older than 75 years old with NVAF showed numerous comorbidities. The percentage of anticoagulation was small and 18% received only anti-platelet therapy. The patient's age, atrial fibrillation's progression time and the severity of the cognitive impairment influenced this therapy choice.

Validación del cuestionario de satisfacción ACTS en pacientes con fibrilación auricular tratados con anticoagulantes orales en España. Estudio ALADIN / Validation of satisfaction questionnaire ACTS in outpatients with atrial fibrillation treated with oral anticoagulants in Spain. ALADIN Study

Fundamento y objetivo: Validar el cuestionario de satisfacción Anti-Clot Treatment Scale (ACTS) en pacientes con fibrilación auricular no valvular (FANV) en tratamiento con anticoagulantes orales atendidos en consultas de Medicina Interna y Neurología de España. Métodos: Estudio transversal, multicéntrico, en el que se incluyeron 1.337 sujetos ≥ 18 años con FANV, en tratamiento con anticoagulantes orales ≥ 3 meses, atendidos en consultas de Medicina Interna o Neurología en España. Los pacientes completaron los cuestionarios ACTS, Self-Assessment of Treatment Questionnaire (SAT-Q) y EuroQol-5 dimensions (5Q-5D). La escala ACTS es un instrumento de satisfacción específico para la evaluación de la carga (mayor puntuación, menor carga) y beneficios (mayor puntuación, mayor beneficio) con el tratamiento anticoagulante. Se evaluaron las propiedades psicométricas del cuestionario de acuerdo con la teoría clásica de los test. Resultados: El tiempo medio en cumplimentar el cuestionario fue 8,99 ± 6,06min y el 63,70% de los pacientes precisaron ayuda para la cumplimentación del mismo. Existió una elevada concordancia entre las puntuaciones del test y el retest. La fiabilidad total (alfa de Cronbach) fue 0,95 en la escala Carga y 0,82 en la escala Beneficio. El modelo factorial resultó pertinente. Todas las correlaciones con el cuestionario SAT-Q fueron positivas, moderadas y estadísticamente significativas. Con respecto al cuestionario EQ-5D-3L, estas fueron positivas, bajas y estadísticamente significativas. La satisfacción de los pacientes fue mayor cuando estaban siendo tratados con anticoagulantes orales de acción directa. Conclusiones: En pacientes con FANV en tratamiento con anticoagulantes orales, la versión en español del cuestionario ACTS fue fiable, válida y factible (AU)

Background and objective: To validate the satisfaction questionnaire Anti-Clot-Treatment Scale (ACTS) in outpatients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) treated with oral anticoagulants attended in Internal Medicine and Neurology departments in Spain. Methods: In this cross-sectional and multicentrer study, 1,337 outpatients aged ≥ 18 years, with NVAF, treated with oral anticoagulants ≥ 3 months, attended in Internal Medicine and Neurology departments in Spain were analyzed. The patients completed ACTS, Self-Assessment of Treatment Questionnaire (SAT-Q) and EuroQol-5 dimensions (EQ-5D) questionnaires. ACTS is a satisfaction tool that specifically analyzes burdens (higher score, lesser burden) and benefits (higher score, higher benefit) with anticoagulant treatment. The psychometric properties of the questionnaire were evaluated according to the classical test theory. Results: The average time to complete the questionnaire was 8.99 ± 6.06min and 63.70% of patients needed assistance to complete it. There was a high concordance between test and retest scores. Total reliability (Cronbach's alpha) was 0.95 in the ACTS Burdens scale and 0.82 in the ACTS Benefits scale. The factorial model was pertinent. All correlations with the SAT-Q questionnaire were positive, moderate and statistically significant. With regard to the EQ-5D-3L questionnaire, correlations were positive, low and statistically significant. Patient satisfaction was higher in the individuals being treated with new direct oral anticoagulants. Conclusions: In patients with NVAF treated with oral anticoagulants, the Spanish version of ACTS questionnaire was reliable, valid and feasible (AU)

[Validation of satisfaction questionnaire ACTS in outpatients with atrial fibrillation treated with oral anticoagulants in Spain. ALADIN Study]. / Validación del cuestionario de satisfacción ACTS en pacientes con fibrilación auricular tratados con anticoagulantes orales en España. Estudio ALADIN.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To validate the satisfaction questionnaire Anti-Clot-Treatment Scale (ACTS) in outpatients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) treated with oral anticoagulants attended in Internal Medicine and Neurology departments in Spain. METHODS: In this cross-sectional and multicentrer study, 1,337 outpatients aged≥18 years, with NVAF, treated with oral anticoagulants≥3 months, attended in Internal Medicine and Neurology departments in Spain were analyzed. The patients completed ACTS, Self-Assessment of Treatment Questionnaire (SAT-Q) and EuroQol-5 dimensions (EQ-5D) questionnaires. ACTS is a satisfaction tool that specifically analyzes burdens (higher score, lesser burden) and benefits (higher score, higher benefit) with anticoagulant treatment. The psychometric properties of the questionnaire were evaluated according to the classical test theory. RESULTS: The average time to complete the questionnaire was 8.99±6.06min and 63.70% of patients needed assistance to complete it. There was a high concordance between test and retest scores. Total reliability (Cronbach's alpha) was 0.95 in the ACTS Burdens scale and 0.82 in the ACTS Benefits scale. The factorial model was pertinent. All correlations with the SAT-Q questionnaire were positive, moderate and statistically significant. With regard to the EQ-5D-3L questionnaire, correlations were positive, low and statistically significant. Patient satisfaction was higher in the individuals being treated with new direct oral anticoagulants. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with NVAF treated with oral anticoagulants, the Spanish version of ACTS questionnaire was reliable, valid and feasible.

Tratamiento de la hiponatremia secundaria al síndrome de secreción inadecuada de la hormona antidiurética: algoritmo multidisciplinar / Treatment of hyponatremia induced by the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion: a multidisciplinary algorithm

Introducción: El síndrome de secreción inadecuada de la hormona antidiurética (SIADH) es la causa más frecuente de hiponatremia en el paciente hospitalizado. Sin embargo, faltan protocolos y algoritmos concretos que faciliten su abordaje terapéutico. Nuestro objetivo fue el desarrollo de dos algoritmos de tratamiento de la hiponatremia secundaria al SIADH en el paciente ingresado. Material y método: Un grupo multidisciplinar español compuesto por 2 especialistas en Endocrinología, 1 en Farmacia Hospitalaria, 2 en Medicina Interna y 2 en Nefrología se reunieron durante un año, bajo la tutela del grupo español del European Hyponatremia Network, y de las respectivas sociedades científicas españolas. Las pautas terapéuticas propuestas fueron basadas en recomendaciones ampliamente aceptadas, la práctica de expertos, guías de consenso, así como en la experiencia clínica de los autores. Resultados: Se elaboraron dos algoritmos de tratamiento. El Algoritmo 1 se dirige al tratamiento de la hiponatremia aguda como urgencia médica de abordaje inmediato, y es de aplicación al tratamiento de la hiponatremia grave tanto de tipo euvolémico como hipovolémico. Se basa en el uso de sueros salinos hipertónicos al 3 % i.v., con pautas de infusión y monitorización. Se expone cómo evitar la hipercorrección de la natremia y cómo corregirla en su caso. El Algoritmo 2 aborda el tratamiento de la hiponatremia no aguda leve o moderada asociada al SIADH. Expone cómo y cuándo usar la restricción hídrica, solutos, furosemida y tolvaptán, para alcanzar eunatremia en el paciente con SIADH. Conclusiones: Se han elaborado dos estrategias complementarias para el tratamiento de la hiponatremia inducida por SIADH, en un intento de fomentar la toma de conciencia acerca de esa patología, simplificar su abordaje y su tratamiento y, así, mejorar su pronóstico (AU)

Introduction: The syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) is the most frequent cause of hyponatremia in a hospital setting. However, detailed protocols and algorithms for its management are lacking. Our objective was to develop 2 consensus algorithms for the therapy of hyponatremia due to SIADH in hospitalized patients. Material and methods: A multidisciplinary group made up of 2 endocrinologists, 2 nephrologists, 2 internists, and one hospital pharmacist held meetings over the period of a year. The group worked under the auspices of the European Hyponatremia Network and the corresponding Spanish medical societies. Therapeutic proposals were based on widely-accepted recommendations, expert opinion and consensus guidelines, as well as on the authors' personal experience. Results: Two algorithms were developed. Algorithm 1 addresses acute correction of hyponatremia posing as a medical emergency, and is applicable to both severe euvolemic and hypovolemic hyponatremia. The mainstay of this algorithm is the iv use of 3% hypertonic saline solution. Specific infusion rates are proposed, as are steps to avoid or reverse overcorrection of serum sodium levels. Algorithm 2 is directed to the therapy of SIADH-induced mild or moderate, non-acute hyponatremia. It addresses when and how to use fluid restriction, solute, furosemide, and tolvaptan to achieve eunatremia in patients with SIADH. Conclusions: Two complementary strategies were elaborated to treat SIADH-induced hyponatremia in an attempt to increase awareness of its importance, simplify its therapy, and improve prognosis (AU)

Symptoms and reason for a medical visit in lung cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: Patients with lung cancer usually present with symptoms at the time of diagnosis, but it is common that neither the doctor nor the patient initially associate them with the possibility of a malignant tumour. OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study is to analyse the symptoms of patients with lung cancer and the relationship with the personal characteristics or the oncological disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on all patients diagnosed with lung cancer in the Pontevedra Health Area over a period of three years. The symptoms presented by the patient, the reason for the consultation and the agreement between both or any factors associated with either of the two are analysed. RESULTS: A total of 358 patients, with a mean age of 68.7 years, and of whom 87% males, were included in the study. The most common initial symptoms were, constitutional in 30.4% of the cases, cough in 20.9% of cases, and in third place was chest pain, which was referred to by 12% of the patients. The most frequent reason for the consultation was dyspnea in 22.1% of patients, an incidental finding in 15.4%, and haemoptysis in 12.8%. There was a moderate association (correlation coefficient = 0.495) between the initial symptoms and the consulting symptom. CONCLUSIONS: A high percentage of patients with lung cancer had symptoms associated with the tumour at the time of diagnosis, even in early stage disease.

Contexto: A Os doentes com o diagnóstico de cancro do pulmão estão habitualmente sintomáticos no momento do diagnóstico, sendo comum que o médico ou o doente não associem essa sintomatologia com a eventualidade de um tumor maligno. Objectivos: Este estudo teve como objectivo a análise dos sintomas de doentes com cancro do pulmão e sua relação com as características pessoais ou com a doença oncológica. Material e Métodos: Foi levado a cabo um estudo retrospectivo englobando todos os doentes com o diagnóstico de cancro do pulmão na Região de Saúde de Pontevedra (Espanha) ao longo de um período de três anos. São analisados os sintomas de apresentação do doente, o motivo de consulta e a concordância entre ambos ou com quaisquer factores correlacionados. Resultados: Foram incluídos no estudo 358 doentes, com uma média etária de 68,7 anos, sendo 87% dos doentes do sexo masculino. Os sintomas iniciais mais comuns foram sintomas constitucionais em 30,4% dos casos, tosse em 20,9% e dor torácica, descrita por 12% dos doentes. O motivo de consulta mais frequente foi dispneia em 22,1% dos doentes, um achado acidental em 15,4% dos doentes e hemoptise em 12,8%. Observou-se uma associação moderada (coeficiente de correlação = 0,495) entre os sintomas iniciais e o motivo de consulta. Conclusões: Uma elevada percentagem de doentes com um diagnóstico de cancro do pulmão apresentou sintomas associados com o tumor no momento do diagnóstico, mesmo num estadio inicial da doença.

Treatment of hyponatremia induced by the syndrome of Inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion: a multidisciplinary spanish algorithm.

INTRODUCTION: The syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) is the most frequent cause of hyponatremia in a hospital setting. However, detailed protocols and algorithms for its management are lacking. Our objective was to develop 2 consensus algorithms for the therapy of hyponatremia due to SIADH in hospitalized patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A multidisciplinary group made up of 2 endocrinologists, 2 nephrologists, 2 internists, and one hospital pharmacist held meetings over the period of a year. The group worked under the auspices of the European Hyponatremia Network and the corresponding Spanish medical societies. Therapeutic proposals were based on widely-accepted recommendations, expert opinion and consensus guidelines, as well as on the authors' personal experience. RESULTS: Two algorithms were developed. Algorithm 1 addresses acute correction of hyponatremia posing as a medical emergency, and is applicable to both severe euvolemic and hypovolemic hyponatremia. The mainstay of this algorithm is the iv use of 3% hypertonic saline solution. Specific infusion rates are proposed, as are steps to avoid or reverse overcorrection of serum sodium levels. Algorithm 2 is directed to the therapy of SIADH-induced mild or moderate, non-acute hyponatremia. It addresses when and how to use fluid restriction, solute, furosemide, and tolvaptan to achieve eunatremia in patients with SIADH. CONCLUSIONS: Two complementary strategies were elaborated to treat SIADH-induced hyponatremia in an attempt to increase awareness of its importance, simplify its therapy, and improve prognosis.