[XVI Post-ECTRIMS Meeting: review of the new developments presented at the 2023 ECTRIMS Congress (I)]. / XVI Reunión Post-ECTRIMS: revisión de las novedades presentadas en el Congreso ECTRIMS 2023 (I).

The XVI Post-ECTRIMS meeting took place in Seville on 20 and 21 October 2023. This meeting was attended by neurologists specialising in multiple sclerosis (MS) from Spain, who shared a summary of the most interesting innovations at the ECTRIMS congress, which had taken place in Milan the previous week. The aim of this article is to summarise new developments related to the pathogenesis, diagnosis and prognosis of MS. The contributions of innate immunity and central nervous system resident cells, including macrophages and microglia in MS pathophysiology and as therapeutic targets were discussed. Compartmentalised intrathecal inflammation was recognised as central to understanding the progression of MS, and the relationship between inflammatory infiltrates and disease progression was highlighted. Perspectives in demyelinating pathologies were reviewed, focusing on neuromyelitis optica and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease, highlighting their pathophysiological and diagnostic differences compared to MS. Advances in neuroimaging were also discussed, and especially the analysis of active chronic lesions, such as paramagnetic rim lesions. In the absence of clinical improvements in trials of remyelinating treatments, methodological strategies to optimise the design of future studies were proposed. Breakthroughs in detecting the prodromal phase of MS, the use of biomarkers in body fluids to assess activity, progression and treatment response, and research on progression independent of flares were addressed. The need to define criteria for radiologically isolated syndrome and to clarify the concept was also discussed.

TITLE: XVI Reunión Post-ECTRIMS: revisión de las novedades presentadas en el Congreso ECTRIMS 2023 (I).La XVI edición de la reunión Post-ECTRIMS se celebró los días 20 y 21 de octubre de 2023 en Sevilla. Este encuentro reunió a neurólogos especialistas en esclerosis múltiple (EM) de España, quienes compartieron un resumen de las innovaciones más destacables del congreso ECTRIMS, acontecido en Milán la semana anterior. El objetivo de este artículo es sintetizar las novedades relativas a la patogenia, el diagnóstico y el pronóstico de la EM. Se destacaron las contribuciones de la inmunidad innata y las células residentes del sistema nervioso central, incluyendo macrófagos y microglía, en la patofisiología de la EM y como objetivos terapéuticos. La inflamación intratecal compartimentada se reconoció como fundamental para entender la progresión de la EM, y destaca la relación entre infiltrados inflamatorios y la evolución de la enfermedad. Se revisaron perspectivas en patologías desmielinizantes, enfocadas en la neuromielitis óptica y la enfermedad asociada a anticuerpos contra la glucoproteína de mielina de oligodendrocitos, subrayando sus distinciones patofisiológicas y diagnósticas con la EM. También se abordaron los avances en neuroimagen, especialmente en el análisis de las lesiones crónicas activas, como las lesiones con borde paramagnético. Ante la ausencia de mejoras clínicas en ensayos de tratamientos remielinizantes, se propusieron estrategias metodológicas para optimizar el diseño de futuros estudios. Se abordaron los avances en la detección de la fase prodrómica de la EM, el uso de biomarcadores en fluidos corporales para evaluar la actividad, la progresión y la respuesta al tratamiento, y la investigación sobre la progresión independiente de la actividad de brote. Además, se debatió sobre la necesidad de definir criterios para el síndrome radiológico aislado o precisar su concepto.

Nadir prostate-specific antigen after salvage cryotherapy as a potential prognostic factor for oncologic outcomes.

PURPOSE: To report oncologic outcomes of patients undergoing salvage cryotherapy (SCT) for local recurrence of prostate cancer (PCa) and to establish a nadir PSA (nPSA) value that best defines long-term oncologic success. METHODS: Retrospective study of men who underwent SCT for local recurrence of PCa between 2008 and 2020. SCT was performed in men with biochemical recurrence (BCR), after primary treatment and with biopsy-proven PCa local recurrence. Survival analysis with Kaplan-Meier and Cox models was performed. We determined the optimal cutoff nPSA value after SCT that best classifies patients depending on prognosis. RESULTS: Seventy-seven men who underwent SCT were included. Survival analysis showed a 5-year biochemical recurrence-free survival (BRFS), androgen deprivation therapy-free survival (AFS), and metastasis-free survival (MFS) after SCT of 48.4%, 62% and 81.3% respectively. On multivariable analysis for perioperative variables associated with BCR, initial ISUP, pre-SCT PSA, pre-SCT prostate volume and post-SCT nPSA emerged as variables associated with BCR. The cutoff analysis revealed an nPSA < 0.5 ng/ml to be the optimal threshold that best defines success after SCT. 5-year BRFS for patients achieving an nPSA < 0.5 vs nPSA ≥ 0.5 was 64% and 9.5% respectively (p < 0.001). 5-year AFS for men with nPSA < 0.5 vs ≥ 0.5 was 81.2% and 12.2% (p < 0.001). Improved 5-year MFS for patients who achieved nPSA < 0.5 was also obtained (89.6% vs 60%, p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: SCT is a feasible rescue alternative for the local recurrence of PCa. Achieving an nPSA < 0.5 ng/ml after SCT is associated with higher long-term BRFS, AFS and MFS rates.

Cáncer de próstata resistente a la castración no metastásico: recomendaciones de manejo / Non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: management recommendations

Introducción y objetivo: La supervivencia y calidad de vida (QoL) de los pacientes con cáncer de próstata resistente a la castración no metastásico (CPRCnm) se deteriora de forma muy significativa cuando llegan a desarrollar metástasis. Los antiandrógenos de nueva generación (apalutamida, enzalutamida y darolutamida) pueden prolongar la supervivencia libre de metástasis (SLM) y la supervivencia global (SG) en estos pacientes, manteniendo su QoL.Material y método: Tras una revisión sistemática de la literatura, un comité científico alcanzó un consenso sobre recomendaciones sencillas y prácticas que unifiquen y mejoren el manejo de los pacientes con CPRCnm en las consultas de urología.Resultados: Se dan recomendaciones sobre la frecuencia de determinación de antígeno prostático específico (PSA) y pruebas de imagen en pacientes con CPRCnm. También se destaca la importancia de las comorbilidades en el paciente con CPRCnm y se ofrecen recomendaciones sobre la valoración funcional y de la QoL que se pueden llevar a cabo en la consulta de urología. Se revisa la eficacia, seguridad y efectos sobre la QoL de los antiandrógenos de nueva generación.Conclusiones: Para la evaluación del tratamiento de pacientes con CPRCnm, es necesario tener en cuenta no solo la edad, sino también las comorbilidades y la QoL. Los antiandrógenos de nueva generación son una opción de tratamiento segura y eficaz en los pacientes con CPRCnm. Las recomendaciones de trabajo pueden servir de ayuda para optimizar su manejo de los pacientes con CPRCnm en las consultas de urología. (AU)

Introduction and objective: Survival and quality of life (QoL) of patients with non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC) deteriorate significantly when they develop metastases. New generation antiandrogens (apalutamide, enzalutamide and darolutamide) can prolong metastasis-free survival (MFS) and overall survival (OS) in these patients, maintaining their QoL.Material and methods: After the performance of a systematic review of the literature, a scientific committee reached a consensus on simple and practical recommendations to consolidate and improve the management of patients with nmCRPC in urology consultations.Results: Recommendations are made on the frequency of PSA determination and imaging tests in patients with nmCRPC. The importance of co-morbidities in patients with nmCRPC is also highlighted, and recommendations are also made on functional and QoL assessment that can be carried out during urology consultations. The efficacy, safety, and effects on QoL of new generation antiandrogens are reviewed.Conclusions: To evaluate treatment of patients with nmCRPC, it is necessary to consider co-morbidities and QoL, in addition to age. New generation antiandrogens are a safe and effective treatment option for patients with nmCRPC. The recommendations of this review can be helpful in optimizing the management of nmCRPC patients in urology consultations. (AU)

Non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: management recommendations.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Survival and quality of life (QoL) of patients with non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC) deteriorate significantly when they develop metastases. New generation antiandrogens (apalutamide, enzalutamide and darolutamide) can prolong metastasis-free survival (MFS) and overall survival (OS) in these patients, maintaining their QoL. MATERIAL AND METHODS: After the performance of a systematic review of the literature, a scientific committee reached a consensus on simple and practical recommendations to consolidate and improve the management of patients with nmCRPC in urology consultations. RESULTS: Recommendations are made on the frequency of PSA determination and imaging tests in patients with nmCRPC. The importance of co-morbidities in patients with nmCRPC is also highlighted, and recommendations are also made on functional and QoL assessment that can be carried out during urology consultations. The efficacy, safety, and effects on QoL of new generation antiandrogens are reviewed. CONCLUSIONS: To evaluate treatment of patients with nmCRPC, it is necessary to consider co-morbidities and QoL, in addition to age. New generation antiandrogens are a safe and effective treatment option for patients with nmCRPC. The recommendations of this review can be helpful in optimizing the management of nmCRPC patients in urology consultations.

Impacto de la anemia sobre la supervivencia de los pacientes intervenidos de cistectomía radical por tumor vesical / Impact of anemia on the survival of patients undergoing radical cystectomy for bladder cancer

OBJETIVO: Evaluar la prevalencia de anemia preoperatoria y su impacto sobre los resultados oncológicos de pacientes intervenidos de cistectomía radical (CR) por tumor vesical. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo de 176 CR realizadas entre mayo de 2008 y julio de 2018 en un mismo centro. La anemia fue definida según los criterios de la OMS (hemoglobina < 130 mg/dl en hombres y < 120 mg/dl en mujeres). Mediante el método de Kaplan-Meier analizamos la supervivencia global, la supervivencia específica de cáncer y la supervivencia libre de recurrencia. Utilizamos la regresión logística multivariante para identificar los factores pronósticos de mortalidad global. RESULTADOS: Del total, 89 (50,6%) pacientes eran anémicos preoperatoriamente y 44 de ellos (49,4%) recibieron quimioterapia neoadyuvante. Los pacientes anémicos tuvieron un ASA mayor (ASA > 2: 54,6 vs. 27,5%, p = 0,003), más ectasia prequirúrgica (41,6 vs. 19,5%; p = 0,002), peor estadio patológico (pT > 2: 49,4 vs. 33,3%; p = 0,03), realizaron más quimioterapia neoadyuvante (49,4 vs. 19,5%; p < 0,001) y requirieron más transfusiones sanguíneas (25,8 vs. 11,5%; p = 0,015). La mediana de seguimiento fue de 27,2 meses (RIC 11,12-72,28). La supervivencia global (105 vs. 34 meses; p = 0,001), la supervivencia específica de cáncer (89 vs. 61 meses; p = 0,004) y la supervivencia libre de recurrencia (85 vs. 57 meses; p = 0,002) fueron peores en las CR anémicas. En el estudio multivariante, la anemia, un estadio pT > 2 y tener afectación ganglionar fueron identificados como factores predictores independientes de mortalidad. CONCLUSIÓN: La anemia previa a CR es común y asocia un peor pronóstico oncológico. Siendo esta una variable modificable, la implementación de programas de Patient Blood Management durante la prehabilitación puede tener un papel importante para mejorar la supervivencia de estos pacientes

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of preoperative anemia and its effect on oncological outcomes in patients undergoing radical cystectomy (RC) due to bladder cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective single-center study with 176 RCs between May 2008 and July 2018. Anemia was defined according to the WHO classification (male < 130 mg/dL, female < 120 mg/dL). Kaplan-Meier test was used to estimate recurrence-free, cancer-specific and overall survival rates. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with overall mortality rates. RESULTS: Overall, 89 (50.6%) patients had preoperative anemia, and 44 of them (49.4%) received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Anemic patients resulted in higher rates of ASA (ASA > 2: 54.6 vs. 27.5%; P = .003), ectasia rate previous to RC (41.6 vs. 19.5%; P = .002), treatment with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (49.4 vs. 19.5%; P < .001), blood transfusion rate (25.8 vs. 11.5%; P = .015) and pathological stage (pT > 2: 49.4 vs. 33.3%; P = .03) compared to non-anemic patients. Median follow-up was 27.2 months (IQR 11.12-72.28). Median overall survival (105 vs. 34 months, log-rank; P = .001), cancer-specific survival (89 vs. 61 months; P = .004) and recurrence-free survival (85 vs. 57 months; P = .002) were significantly lower in anemic patients compared to the non-anemic group. In multivariable Cox analysis, preoperative anemia, pT > 2 and N ≥ 1 were independently associated with overall mortality. CONCLUSION: Preoperative anemia was common in patients undergoing RC for bladder cancer, and it is related with a worse cancer prognosis. Anemia is a preoperative modifiable factor; we believe that the implementation of Patient Blood Management programs during prehabilitation may have a relevant role in improving the oncological outcomes in these patients

Impact of anemia on the survival of patients undergoing radical cystectomy for bladder cancer. / Impacto de la anemia sobre la supervivencia de los pacientes intervenidos de cistectomía radical por tumor vesical.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of preoperative anemia and its effect on oncological outcomes in patients undergoing radical cystectomy (RC) due to bladder cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective single-center study with 176 RCs between May 2008 and July 2018. Anemia was defined according to the WHO classification (male<130mg/dL, female<120mg/dL). Kaplan-Meier test was used to estimate recurrence-free, cancer-specific and overall survival rates. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with overall mortality rates. RESULTS: Overall, 89 (50.6%) patients had preoperative anemia, and 44 of them (49.4%) received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Anemic patients resulted in higher rates of ASA (ASA>2: 54.6 vs. 27.5%; P=.003), ectasia rate previous to RC (41.6 vs. 19.5%; P=.002), treatment with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (49.4 vs. 19.5%; P<.001), blood transfusion rate (25.8 vs. 11.5%; P=.015) and pathological stage (pT>2: 49.4 vs. 33.3%; P=.03) compared to non-anemic patients. Median follow-up was 27.2 months (IQR 11.12-72.28). Median overall survival (105 vs. 34 months, log-rank; P=.001), cancer-specific survival (89 vs. 61 months; P=.004) and recurrence-free survival (85 vs. 57 months; P=.002) were significantly lower in anemic patients compared to the non-anemic group. In multivariable Cox analysis, preoperative anemia, pT>2 and N≥1 were independently associated with overall mortality. CONCLUSION: Preoperative anemia was common in patients undergoing RC for bladder cancer, and it is related with a worse cancer prognosis. Anemia is a preoperative modifiable factor; we believe that the implementation of Patient Blood Management programs during prehabilitation may have a relevant role in improving the oncological outcomes in these patients.

Incorporating posttransplant cyclophosphamide-based prophylaxis as standard-of-care outside the haploidentical setting: challenges and review of the literature.

Posttransplant high-dose cyclophosphamide (PTCy) effectively prevents GvHD after haploidentical SCT. However, its use in HLA-matched SCT has been less explored. Fifty-six consecutive patients who underwent allo-SCT for hematological malignancies have been included in this prospective single-center protocol. Donors have been HLA-identical siblings, fully-matched unrelated or 1-allele-mismatched unrelated donors in 30%, 32%, and 37% of cases, respectively. Nine patients have received a TBI-containing MAC regimen, while the remaining (84%) received RIC platforms based on Fludarabine plus Busulfan/Melphalan. Due to the high graft failure (GF) rate (21%) in a preliminary analysis in the allo-RIC cohort (n = 29), protocol amendments have been implemented, with no further cases of GF after the introduction of mini-thiotepa (0/18). The overall incidence of grade II-IV acute GvHD is 24% (95% CI: 17-31%) with four steroid-refractory cases. Severe chronic GvHD has occurred in only 1 of 43 evaluable cases. The 1-year NRM and relapse are 18% (95% CI: 12-26%) and 30% (18-42%) and the OS and DFS are 78% and 64%, respectively. These outcomes support the feasibility of using PTCy as a SOC outside the haplo-setting, albeit mini-thiotepa (3 mg/kg) was incorporated in the standard allo-RIC platforms to prevent GF. Despite the limitations of a single-center experience and the short follow-up, these protocols show promising results with particular benefit in reducing the occurrence of moderate-to-severe GvHD.

Prognostic significance of Fuhrman grade and age for cancer-specific and overall survival in patients with papillary renal cell carcinoma: results of an international multi-institutional study on 2189 patients.

PURPOSE: Because the prognostic impact of the clinical and pathological features on cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with papillary renal cell carcinoma (papRCC) is still controversial, we want to assess the impact of clinicopathological features, including Fuhrman grade and age, on survival in surgically treated papRCC patients in a large multi-institutional series. METHODS: We established a comprehensive multi-institutional database of surgically treated papRCC patients. Histopathological data collected from 2189 patients with papRCC after radical nephrectomy or nephron-sparing surgery were pooled from 18 centres in Europe and North America. OS and CSS probabilities were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Multivariable competing risks analyses were used to assess the impact of Fuhrman grade (FG1-FG4) and age groups (<50 years, 50-75 years, >75 years) on cancer-specific mortality (CSM). RESULTS: CSS and OS rates for patients were 89 and 81% at 3 years, 86 and 75% at 5 years and 78 and 41% at 10 years after surgery, respectively. CSM differed significantly between FG 3 (hazard ratio [HR] 4.22, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.17-8.22; p < 0.001) and FG 4 (HR 8.93, 95% CI 4.25-18.79; p < 0.001) in comparison to FG 1. CSM was significantly worse in patients aged >75 (HR 2.85, 95% CI 2.06-3.95; p < 0.001) compared to <50 years. CONCLUSIONS: FG is a strong prognostic factor for CSS in papRCC patients. In addition, patients older than 75 have worse CSM than patients younger than 50 years. These findings should be considered for clinical decision making.

Updated postoperative nomogram incorporating the number of positive lymph nodes to predict disease recurrence following radical prostatectomy.

BACKGROUND: A significant number of patients with minimal lymph node disease at radical prostatectomy (RP) and pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) have better than expected long-term outcomes. We explored whether stratification by number of positive nodes enhances our institutional prediction model for biochemical recurrence after RP. METHODS: A total of 7789 patients underwent RP and pelvic lymph node dissection from 1995 to 2012 at a tertiary referral center. We compared two recurrence prediction models: one incorporated lymph node invasion and the other tracked the number of positive nodes. Existing and updated models' discrimination was assessed using Harrell's c-index and calibration. The 10-fold cross-validation was performed to correct for model overfitting. RESULTS: Of the 491 patients (6.3%) harboring nodal disease, 387 (5.0%) had 1-2 positive nodes and 104 (1.3%) had ⩾3 positive nodes. Data on number of positive nodes did not improve the c-index for the cohort as a whole. When we assessed discrimination for node-positive patients only, c-index for the model with number of positive nodes was 0.01 (95% confidence interval 0.001-0.024) higher than the model with lymph node invasion. Illustrative examples were provided by reclassification tables using number of positive lymph nodes. For instance, 40 of 7789 patients would be reclassified with a cutoff point of 50% for biochemical recurrence at 1 year, and 36 of 7789 patients would be reclassified with a cutoff point of 40% for biochemical recurrence at 10 years. CONCLUSIONS: Stratification by number of positive lymph nodes provided additional discriminative ability for evaluating risk in node-positive patients. Pending external validation, this model could be used for patient counseling and clinical trial stratification in this subpopulation.

PO-38 - Young women with breast cancer and inferior vena cava thrombosis. Which is the best therapeutic option? And for how long?

INTRODUCTION: Thromboembolic disease (TED) is frequent, and, thromboembolic events are the second cause of death in active cancer patients Today we have knowledge of a lot of risk and predictor factors of thrombosis in cancer, although some mechanisms underlying this increased thromboembolic risk, still remains unclear. AIM: Knowing that cancer is today curable, we want to remark that not only old people but also young should be investigated about their personal burden of thromboembolic disease to improve prognosis, and at the same time remark the need to establish different therapeutic strategies in each stage of the disease to prevent or treat TED. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We present the case of a young 28 old, female, with breast nodule and axillaries lymphadenopathies, highly suspicious of breast cancer. She has an acute Inferior Vena Cava Thrombosis in her Scan Tomography with a 40% occlusion clinically asymptomatic. Personal history: 2008 splenectomy by a refractory autoimmune hemolytic anemia Directed Coombs Positive (DC) to corticosteroids, 2010 hypothyroidism, 2011 anti lupus antibodies(LA) during traditional pre surgical coagulation test, that persist along time. Family history positive for breast cancer, mother and grandmother and negative for thromboembolic disease In this scenario we decide to put her in low molecular weight heparin 1mg/kg bid a day until we have the oncology diagnosis and then re evaluate our therapeutic anticoagulant decision. RESULTS: After breast cancer diagnosis with the axillaries biopsy she continued with LMWH at full doses to perform the surgery and complete treatment. The diagnosis after surgery was high grade intraductal carcinoma N1 Pos of 21. She performs chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin and taxol and then radiotherapy. She has been controlled with doppler ultrasonography every three months, at month six shows vena cava recanalization. When she finished radiotherapy we stop HBPM one day and reevaluated for LA that persist positive. At this time we decided to change treatment to antivitamin K until today. The patient, two years later continues in cancer remission with LA and DC positive without hemolytic symptoms and also without new thromboembolic events. CONCLUSIONS: The careful evaluation of the personal risk factors for thromboembolic disease in young and old patients with active cancer not only are good to prevent but also probably make us more aggressive at the time to treat in the first stage of cancer and the TED.

Evolución de la técnica quirúrgica en el manejo de la masa renal / Changing patterns in the surgical management of renal masses

Objetivo: Describir la evolución de la técnica quirúrgica para el manejo de las masas renales en un centro español e identificar los factores asociados con la decisión de nefrectomía parcial (NP). Materiales y métodos: Un total de 646 pacientes fueron tratados quirúrgicamente por tumores renales localizados entre enero de 2004 y diciembre de 2012. Las técnicas quirúrgicas incluyeron la nefrectomía radical (NR) abierta, NP abierta, NR laparoscópica y NP laparoscópica. Se compararon las características basales y las proporciones de los pacientes tratados por diferentes técnicas mediante estadísticos descriptivos y se determinaron las tendencias anuales en la proporción de procedimientos realizados. Se calculó la proporción de probabilidades (OR) y los intervalos de confianza del 95% para evaluar variables clínicas predictivas de NP. Resultados: Durante el período de 9 años, la proporción de NP aumentó respecto a la NR, pasando del 21 al 55%. Los procedimientos abiertos disminuyeron gradualmente a favor de abordajes mínimamente invasivos (83% en 2004; 4% en 2011-2012). Aunque el tamaño tumoral medio no cambió significativamente durante el período de estudio, la NP laparoscópica se convirtió en el procedimiento más realizado en 2011-2012 (un 49% de todos los procedimientos). Las variables clínicas independientemente predictivas de NP fueron puntuación ASA, función renal basal y tamaño tumoral (todas las p < 0,05). Conclusiones: En nuestra institución, la evolución en el manejo de las masas renales ha establecido la NP como la opción quirúrgica más frecuente. Aunque la NP se utilizó cada vez más durante el período de estudio, se observó un aumento paralelo de los abordajes mínimamente invasivos tanto para NR como para NP

Objective: To describe the temporal trends in surgical techniques for the management of renal masses at a single Spanish academic institution and identify factors associated with partial nephrectomy (PN) decision. Materials and methods: A total of 646 patients were treated by surgery for clinically localised renal masses from January 2004 to December 2012 at a tertiary referral center. Surgical techniques included open radical nephrectomy (RN), open PN, laparoscopic RN, and laparoscopic PN. Descriptive statistics were used to compare baseline characteristics and proportions of patients treated by different surgical techniques. Annual trends in the proportion of procedures performed were determined. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated to evaluate clinical variables predictive of PN. Results: During the 9-year study period, the proportion of PN relative to RN increased from 21% to 55%. With regard to surgical approach, open procedures for both RN and PN decreased gradually in favor of minimally invasive approaches (83% in 2004 to 4% in 2011-2012). While median tumor size did not significantly change over the study period, laparoscopic PN became the most commonly performed kidney procedure in 2011-2012 (49% of all procedures). Clinical variables independently predictive of partial nephrectomy were ASA score, baseline renal function and tumor size (all P < .05). Conclusions: At our academic institution, temporal trends in the management of renal masses have established PN as the most common surgical option. Although PN was increasingly used over the study period, a parallel increase in minimally invasive approaches for RN and PN was seen

Changing patterns in the surgical management of renal masses.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the temporal trends in surgical techniques for the management of renal masses at a single Spanish academic institution and identify factors associated with partial nephrectomy (PN) decision. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 646 patients were treated by surgery for clinically localised renal masses from January 2004 to December 2012 at a tertiary referral center. Surgical techniques included open radical nephrectomy (RN), open PN, laparoscopic RN, and laparoscopic PN. Descriptive statistics were used to compare baseline characteristics and proportions of patients treated by different surgical techniques. Annual trends in the proportion of procedures performed were determined. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated to evaluate clinical variables predictive of PN. RESULTS: During the 9-year study period, the proportion of PN relative to RN increased from 21% to 55%. With regard to surgical approach, open procedures for both RN and PN decreased gradually in favor of minimally invasive approaches (83% in 2004 to 4% in 2011-2012). While median tumor size did not significantly change over the study period, laparoscopic PN became the most commonly performed kidney procedure in 2011-2012 (49% of all procedures). Clinical variables independently predictive of partial nephrectomy were ASA score, baseline renal function and tumor size (all P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: At our academic institution, temporal trends in the management of renal masses have established PN as the most common surgical option. Although PN was increasingly used over the study period, a parallel increase in minimally invasive approaches for RN and PN was seen.

Enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica: morbimortalidad e impacto sanitario / Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Morbimortality and healthcare burden

La enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) constituye un problema de salud pública de enorme y creciente importancia por su alta prevalencia, elevada morbimortalidad y costes socioeconómicos. Diversos estudios epidemiológicos españoles cifran la prevalencia en un 10% de la población adulta, pareciendo haberse estabilizado su crecimiento. Con todo, el infradiagnóstico sigue superando el 75%. El diagnóstico en fases de obstrucción leve y moderada se asocia a mayor supervivencia y menores costes (14 años y 9.730 D ), frente a los 10 años de supervivencia y 43.785 D de los pacientes diagnosticados en fases de obstrucción grave. La EPOC constituyó la cuarta causa de mortalidad en España en 2011, si bien las tasas de mortalidad ajustadas han disminuido en la última década más de un 20%, sobre todo en varones. Los pacientes con EPOC avanzada fallecen de la misma, pero los pacientes con EPOC leve o moderada lo hacen por enfermedades cardiovasculares o cáncer (sobre todo de pulmón). Se estima que el coste anual de la enfermedad alcanza los 3.000 millones de euros al año. Estos aumentan con la gravedad espirométrica y se asocian fundamentalmente con las agudizaciones (casi un 60% de los costes directos). La comorbilidad, entendida como la presencia de dolencias que coexisten con la enfermedad de estudio, es mayor en los pacientes con EPOC que en la población general, y condiciona resultados en salud (AU)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an enormous public health problem and of growing importance due to its high prevalence, elevated morbimortality, and socioeconomic costs. Many Spanish epidemiological studies report a prevalence of 10% of the adult population, with its growth appearing to have stabilised. Nevertheless, over 75% of cases are still underdiagnosed. The diagnosis of mild and moderate obstruction is associated with a higher survival and lower costs (14 years and D 9,730) compared to 10 years survival and D 43,785 of patients diagnosed in the severe obstruction phase. COPD was the fourth cause of death in Spain in 2011, although the adjusted mortality rates have decreased more than 20% in the last decade, particularly in males. Patients with advanced COPD die from it, but patients with mild or moderate COPD die due to cardiovascular diseases or cancer (mainly of the lung). It is estimated that the annual cost of the disease is around 3,000 million Euros. These increase with the spirometric severity, and is mainly associated with exacerbations (almost 60% of the direct costs). Comorbidity, that is the presence of diseases that coexist with the studied disease, is higher in patients with COPD than in the general population and affects health results. © 2013 Sociedad Española de Médicos de Atención Primaria (SEMERGEN). Published by Elsevier España, S.L. All rights reserved (AU)

[Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Morbimortality and healthcare burden]. / Enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica: morbimortalidad e impacto sanitario.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an enormous public health problem and of growing importance due to its high prevalence, elevated morbimortality, and socioeconomic costs. Many Spanish epidemiological studies report a prevalence of 10% of the adult population, with its growth appearing to have stabilised. Nevertheless, over 75% of cases are still underdiagnosed. The diagnosis of mild and moderate obstruction is associated with a higher survival and lower costs (14 years and €9,730) compared to 10 years survival and €43,785 of patients diagnosed in the severe obstruction phase. COPD was the fourth cause of death in Spain in 2011, although the adjusted mortality rates have decreased more than 20% in the last decade, particularly in males. Patients with advanced COPD die from it, but patients with mild or moderate COPD die due to cardiovascular diseases or cancer (mainly of the lung). It is estimated that the annual cost of the disease is around 3,000 million Euros. These increase with the spirometric severity, and is mainly associated with exacerbations (almost 60% of the direct costs). Comorbidity, that is the presence of diseases that coexist with the studied disease, is higher in patients with COPD than in the general population and affects health results.

Función eréctil después de cistectomía con preservación neurovascular / Erectile Function After Cystectomy With Neurovascular Preservation

Objetivos: Estudiar la utilidad de la preservación neurovascular para la erección postoperatoria en la cistectomía radical. Materiales y métodos: Análisis retrospectivo de 44 cistectomias realizadas en nuestro centro entre enero de 2006 y diciembre de 2009 en hombres menores de 65 años. En 11 casos se hizo preservación neurovascular. Hemos analizado la edad, el índice de masa corporal, la indicación quirúrgica, la derivación urinaria, el uso de i-PDE5 o alprostadil, y la continencia diurna y nocturna. La erección se midió con el Erection Hardness Score (EHS). Resultados: La erección postoperatoria espontánea en el grupo con preservación fue del 44,4% EHS 4, del 33,3% EHS 3 y del 22,3% EHS 1 (alcanzaron EHS 3 o 4 con alprostadil). En el grupo sin preservación el 4,5% alcanzó EHS 4 espontáneamente. El otro 95,5% tenía EHS 0 (el 4,5% alcanzó EHS 3 con tadalafilo 20 mg y el 9% con inyecciones intracavernosas). Las variables edad (p = 0,001) y preservación neurovascular (p < 0,001) se encontraron relacionadas con la erección postoperatoria. En el análisis multivariado la preservación mantuvo la significación estadística. Conclusiones: Los resultados funcionales con la preservación en la cistectomía son prometedores. La preservación debe ser considerada en pacientes jóvenes sin disfunción eréctil (AU)

Objectives: To study the utility of neurovascular preservation for postoperative erection in radical cystectomy. Materials and methods: Retrospective analysis of 44 cystectomies performed at our center between January 2006-December 2009 in men < 65 years. In 11 cases a neurovascular preservation was done. We analyzed age, BMI, indication for surgery, urinary diversion, use of i-PDE5 or alprostadil, and daytime and nighttime continence. Erection Hardness Score (EHS) was used to assess erectile function. Results: Spontaneous postoperative erectile function in preservation group was 44,4% EHS 4, 33,3% EHS 3 and 22,3% EHS 1 (achieving EHS 3 or 4 with alprostadil). In the non preservation group, 4,5% achieved EHS 4 spontaneously. The other 95,5% had EHS 0 (4,5% achieved EHS 3 with tadalafil 20 mg and 9% with intracavernous injections). Variables age (P = 0.001) and nerve-sparing surgery (P < 0.001) were related to postoperative erectile function recovery. In the multivariate analysis, nerve-sparing surgery remained statisticaly significant. Conclusions: The functional results in preserving cystectomy are promising. The preservation should be considered in young patients without erectile dysfunction (AU)

Erectile function after cystectomy with neurovascular preservation.

OBJECTIVES: To study the utility of neurovascular preservation for postoperative erection in radical cystectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 44 cystectomies performed at our center between January 2006-December 2009 in men <65 years. In 11 cases a neurovascular preservation was done. We analyzed age, BMI, indication for surgery, urinary diversion, use of i-PDE5 or alprostadil, and daytime and nighttime continence. Erection Hardness Score (EHS) was used to assess erectile function. RESULTS: Spontaneous postoperative erectile function in preservation group was 44,4% EHS 4, 33,3% EHS 3 and 22,3% EHS 1 (achieving EHS 3 or 4 with alprostadil). In the non preservation group, 4,5% achieved EHS 4 spontaneously. The other 95,5% had EHS 0 (4,5% achieved EHS 3 with tadalafil 20 mg and 9% with intracavernous injections). Variables age (P=.001) and nerve-sparing surgery (P<.001) were related to postoperative erectile function recovery. In the multivariate analysis, nerve-sparing surgery remained statisticaly significant. CONCLUSIONS: The functional results in preserving cystectomy are promising. The preservation should be considered in young patients without erectile dysfunction.

[Extraperitoneal laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. First 50 cases in a middle sized hospital. Evaluation of the learning curve]. / Prostatectomia radical laparoscópica extraperitoneal. Primeros 50 casos en un centro comarcal. Análisis de la curva de aprendizaje.

OBJECTIVE: Report our experience in the first 50 cases of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy performed in our Hospital. We describe the surgical technique and the modifications that we have applied. Time consumptions and technical difficulties are reviewed. METHODS: From January 2005 to September 2006 we indicated 52 extraperitoneal laparoscopic radical prostatectomies. Two of them were done with the advice of a master and won't be included in our series. We followed the Brussels technique with some modifications. RESULTS: We completed integrally by laparoscopy the 78% of the cases (39/50). The 11 converted cases were done within the 25 first ones. Mean operating time for the pure laparoscopic cases was 280 minutes. We divide surgery in six steps with the following mean times in minutes: Trocars placement (30), seminal vessels dissection (95), Santorini (25), specimen in endobag (55), anasthomosis (55) and final (15). After case 25, the results improve. The most challenging step was seminal vessels dissection. Transfusion rate has been 7%. The mean hospitalization time has been 4 days with a 30% of patients discharged 48 hours after surgery. Positive surgical margins were observed in 12%. Two of our patients presented major complications (4%). CONCLUSIONS: Extraperitoneal laparoscopic radical prostatectomy is feasible in an institution like ours if it has the aim of invest a big effort, especially regarding operating time. The most demanding steps are the dissection of the vesicoprostatic plane and the anasthomosis. There is a clear progression after case 25.

Prostatectomía radical laparoscópica extraperitoneal. Primeros 50 casos en un centro comarcal. Análisis de la curva de aprendizaje / Extraperitoneal laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. First 50 cases in a middle size hospital. Evaluation of the learning curve

Introducción y objetivos: Presentar nuestra experiencia en los cincuenta primeros casos de prostatectomía radical laparoscópica. Se describe la técnica quirúrgica y las modificaciones que hemos ido aplicando, se revisan - tanto globalmente como comparando la primera y la segunda mitad de la serie - los costes de tiempo, las dificultades técnicas y pasos limitantes así como las complicaciones. Métodos: Entre enero 2005 y septiembre 2006 hemos indicado 52 prostatectomías radicales laparoscópicas por vía extraperitoneal en nuestro centro. Dos de ellas se realizaron con ayuda de un maestro por lo que no entrarán en nuestro análisis. La técnica empleada es la de Bruselas con modificaciones. Resultados: Hemos completado por vía laparoscópica el 78% de los casos (39/50). Las 11 reconversiones se produjeron en los primeros 25 casos. El tiempo quirúrgico medio para los casos laparoscópicos puros ha sido 280 minutos. Hemos dividido la cirugía en seis pasos con los siguientes tiempos promedio expresados en minutos: Colocación de los puertos (30), disección de vesículas seminales (95), Santorini (25), colocación de pieza en bolsa (55), anastomosis (55) y finalización de la cirugía (15). Los tiempos se reducen y la técnica se afianza a partir del caso 25. El principal paso limitante ha sido la disección de las vesículas seminales. Se ha requerido transfusión de sangre en un 7% de los casos laparoscópicos. La mediana de estancias ha sido 4 días con un 30% de casos dados de alta a las 48 horas de la cirugía. Se han presentado márgenes positivos en el 12% de casos. Ha habido complicaciones mayores en un 4% de casos (2/50). Conclusiones: La prostatectomía radical laparoscópica extraperitoneal es factible en un centro de nuestras características dispuesto a invertir un considerable esfuerzo especialmente en lo que respecta al número de horas de quirófano. Los principales pasos limitantes son la disección del plano vésicoprostático y la anastomosis vésico-uretral. Hay una clara progresión a partir del caso 25

Objective: Report our experience in the first 50 cases of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy performed in our Hospital. We describe the surgical technique and the modifications that we have applied. Time consumptions and technical difficulties are reviewed. Methods: From January 2005 to September 2006 we indicated 52 extraperitoneal laparoscopic radical prostatectomies.Two of them were done with the advice of a master and won’t be included in our series. We followed the Brussels technique with some modifications. Results: We completed integrally by laparoscopy the 78% of the cases (39/50). The 11 converted cases were done within the 25 first ones. Mean operating time for the pure laparoscopic cases was 280 minutes. We divide surgery in sixsteps with the following mean times in minutes: Trocars placement (30), seminal vessels dissection (95), Santorini (25), specimen in endobag (55), anasthomosis (55) and final (15). After case 25, the results improve. The most challenging stepwas seminal vessels dissection. Transfusion rate has been 7%. The mean hospitalization time has been 4 days with a30% of patients discharged 48 hours after surgery. Positive surgical margins were observed in 12%. Two of our patients presented major complications (4%). Conclusions: Extraperitoneal laparoscopic radical prostatectomy is feasible in an institution like ours if it has the aim of invest a big effort, especially regarding operating time. The most demanding steps are the dissection of the vesicoprostatic plane and the anasthomosis. There is a clear progression after case 25