Association between preoperative anemia optimization and major complications after non-cardiac surgery: a retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: Anemia is common in the preoperative setting and associated with increased postoperative complications and mortality. However, it is unclear if preoperative anemia optimization reduces postoperative complications. We aimed to assess the association between preoperative anemia optimization and a composite endpoint of major cardiovascular, renal, and pulmonary complications and all-cause mortality within 30 days after noncardiac surgery in adult patients. METHODS: In this retrospective analysis preoperative anemia was defined as hemoglobin concentration below 12.0 g.dl-1 in women and 13.0 g.dl-1 in men within 6 months before surgery. A propensity score-based generalized estimating equation analysis was used to determine the association between preoperative anemia optimization and the primary outcome. Moreover, mediation analysis was conducted to investigate whether intraoperative red blood cell transfusion or duration of intraoperative hypotension were mediators of the relation between anemia optimization and the primary outcome. RESULTS: Fifty-seven hundred anemia optimized, and 8721 non-optimized patients met study criteria. The proportion of patients having any component of the composite of major complications and all-cause mortality was 21.5% in the anemia-optimized versus 18.0% in the non-optimized, with confounder-adjusted odds ratio estimate of 0.99 (95% CI 0.86‒1.15) for anemia optimization versus non-optimization, p = 0.90. Intraoperative red blood cell transfusion had a minor mediation effect on the relationship between preoperative anemia optimization and the primary outcome, whereas duration of intraoperative hypotension was not found to be a mediator. CONCLUSION: Preoperative anemia optimization did not appear to be associated with a composite outcome of major in-hospital postoperative cardiovascular, renal, and pulmonary complications and all-cause in-hospital mortality.

Clinical and pathological factors associated with Ehrlichia canis in companion dogs.

INTRODUCTION: Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME) is a disease caused by the Gram-negative bacteria Ehrlichia canis, a bacterium that affects domestic dogs but can also infect humans. The diagnosis implies a challenge due to its diversity in clinical manifestations. METHODOLOGY: The frequency of E. canis infection, risk factors, and clinical-pathological parameters associated with seropositivity were calculated with the PROC FREQ TABLES and PROC LOGISTIC procedures of the SAS statistical software. RESULTS: The study showed a seroprevalence of 26.62% (156/586). Association between seropositivity and risk factors was found. The age and the presence of ticks including clinical signs such as anorexia, seizures, cough, petechiae, epistaxis, and hematochezia, as well as multiple blood and biochemical alterations were analyzed. The logistic regression analysis showed a high predictive power (c = 0.98) for CME for thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, and anemia. CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence of E. canis in endemic areas makes its diagnosis difficult. Thus, clinical signs must be considered, along with blood and biochemical alterations, as a possible predictor of the disease.

Lower platelet count and metastatic tumor are associated with increased risk of spontaneous bleeding in critically ill patients with cancer: An observational study.

BACKGROUND: Thrombocytopenia is common in critically ill patients with cancer. However, the association of platelet count with spontaneous bleeding is controversial in critically ill patients and the association with cancer-related characteristics is unknown. METHODS: This observational study includes patients with active cancer and severe thrombocytopenia. A logistic regression model adjusted for confounders was used to evaluate the association of daily platelet count and cancer-related characteristics (type of cancer and presence of metastasis) with spontaneous bleeding. Confounders were identified using directed acyclic graphs. RESULTS: We screened 5822 patients, 255 (4.4%) met eligibility criteria resulting in 1401 daily observations. Fifty-three patients (20.8%) had spontaneous bleeding during the intensive care unit stay, 64% presenting minor, and 36% major bleeding. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) for spontaneous bleeding with platelet count between 49 and 20 × 109 /L was 4.6 (1.1-19.6), with platelet count between 19 and 10 × 109 /L was 14.2 (3.1-66.2), and with platelet count below 10 × 109 /L was 39.6 (6.9-228.5). The adjusted OR for spontaneous bleeding in patients with hematologic malignancies was 0.6 (0.4-1.2), and 4.3 (2.0-9.0) for patients with metastatic tumor. CONCLUSIONS: In critically ill patients with active cancer and severe thrombocytopenia, lower counts of platelets and presence of metastasis are associated with increased risk of spontaneous bleeding, while hematologic malignancy is not associated with increased risk of spontaneous bleeding.

Excess adiposity and iron-deficient status in Colombian women of reproductive age.

OBJECTIVE: Information about excess adiposity markers different from BMI and iron status is limited and more so about the shape of these associations. This study evaluated the relationship between three adiposity markers and iron-deficient status in reproductive-age women. METHODS: Cross-sectional analysis in 6357 non-pregnant women from the Colombian nutritional health survey (ENSIN) 2010. Exposures were the following: waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (W-HtR), BMI, and WC > 80 cm, W-HtR > 0.5, and BMI ≥ 25 and ≥30. Outcomes were the following: iron deficiency (ID) as serum ferritin <15 µg/L, ID as ferritin <30 µg/L, anemia, and continuous values of ferritin and hemoglobin. Logistic and linear regressions adjusted for sociodemographic/inflammation covariates were conducted. RESULTS: All the adiposity markers, continuous or categorical, were inversely and significantly associated with both ID thresholds in fully adjusted models (p < 0.05). W-HtR reported stronger effect estimates for ID (odds ratios < 0.5) and for prediction of log-ferritin levels (fully adjusted ß-coefficient [95% CI] 0.61 [0.39-0.82], p < 0.01) and was also inversely associated with anemia (p < 0.05). In cubic splines analyses, W-HtR, WC, and BMI were linearly associated with ID from values closer to international thresholds of general or central obesity, and the patterns of WC and BMI tended toward flatness. A significant decline in the likelihood of anemia was steeper by increasing W-HtR than by increasing BMI. After exclusion of women with C reactive protein > 5 mg/L or adjustment for C reactive protein, adiposity markers remained significantly related to ferritin levels and W-HtR with anemia. CONCLUSIONS: Women with higher adiposity were less likely to have an iron-deficient status. W-HtR was the strongest and most consistently associated marker. Inflammation would not be involved in the associations found.

A retrospective view of the relationship of soluble Fas with anemia and outcomes in chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND: Anemia is common in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is associated with outcomes. In addition, serum soluble Fas (sFas) levels are related to anemia and erythropoietin (EPO) resistance. OBJECTIVES: Firstly, to compare clinical data and serum levels of sFas, EPO, and pro-inflammatory markers between patients with non-dialytic CKD (NDD-CKD) and healthy subjects. Subsequently, to compare and evaluate the relationship of serum EPO, sFas levels with anemia, and outcomes in patients with NDD-CKD over a long follow-up period. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study in 58 NDD-CKD patients compared with 20 healthy subjects on complete blood count, kidney function, serum EPO, sFas, and inflammatory markers (CRP, IL- 6, and IFN-γ) at baseline. We then compared the same baseline data between patients with NDD-CKD who evolved to anemia and those who did not have anemia over the follow-up. We also evaluated the frequency of outcomes in patients with CKD with higher sFas levels. Finally, we performed a multivariate analysis of factors associated with CKD anemia. RESULTS: There were lower eGFR and Hb but higher serum inflammatory markers, sFas levels, sFas/eGFR, and EPO/Hb ratios in patients with NDD-CKD. Comparatively, on the other hand, NDD-CKD patients with anemia had lower eGFR but were older, had more diabetes, and had higher sFas/ eGFR, EPO/Hb ratios, and serum levels of IL-6 and sFas than NDD-CKD without anemia for an extended period. In addition, there was an association in a multivariate analysis of diabetes, age, and sFas levels with kidney anemia. Furthermore, there were higher frequencies of outcomes in increased serum sFas levels. CONCLUSION: As an elective risk factor, serum sFas levels, in addition to age and diabetes, were independently associated with kidney anemia for an extended period. Thus, more studies are necessary to analyze the proper relationship of sFas with kidney anemia and its outcomes and therapy in CKD.

Impact of valganciclovir therapy on severe IRIS-Kaposi Sarcoma mortality: An open-label, parallel, randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: High HHV-8 viral load (VL) in Kaposi Sarcoma (KS) has been associated with Severe Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome (Severe-IRIS-KS), which can occur after initiating cART, and leads to high mortality, particularly in patients with pulmonary involvement. We investigate if valganciclovir (as an anti-HHV-8 agent) initiated before cART reduces the mortality associated with Severe-IRIS-KS and the incidence of Severe-IRIS-KS. METHODS: Open-label parallel-group randomized clinical trial in AIDS cART naïve patients with disseminated KS (DKS) as defined by at least two of the following: pulmonary, lymph-node, or gastrointestinal involvement, lymphedema, or ≥30 skin lesions. In the experimental group (EG), patients received valganciclovir 900 mg BID four weeks before cART and continued until week 48; in the control group (CG), cART was initiated on week 0. Non-severe-IRIS-KS was defined as: an increase in the number of lesions plus a decrease of ≥one log10 HIV-VL, or an increase of ≥50cells/mm3 or ≥2-fold in baseline CD4+cells. Severe-IRIS-KS was defined as abrupt clinical worsening of KS lesions and/or fever after ruling out another infection following cART initiation, and at least three of the following: thrombocytopenia, anemia, hyponatremia, or hypoalbuminemia. RESULTS: 40 patients were randomized and 37 completed the study. In the ITT analysis, at 48 weeks, total mortality was the same in both groups (3/20), severe-IRIS-KS attributable mortality was 0/20 in the EG, compared with 3/20 in the CG (p = 0.09), similar to the per-protocol analysis: 0/18 in the EG, and 3/19 in the control group (p = 0.09). The crude incidence rate of severe-IRIS-KS was four patients developed a total of 12 episodes of Severe-IRIS-KS in the CG and two patients developed one episode each in the EG. Mortality in patients with pulmonary KS was nil in the EG (0/5) compared with 3/4 in the CG (P = 0.048). No difference was found between groups in the number of non-S-IRIS-KS events. Among survivors at week 48, 82% achieved >80% remission. CONCLUSIONS: Although mortality attributable to KS was lower in the EG the difference was not statistically significant.

Importance of assessing biomarkers and physiological parameters of anemia-induced tissue hypoxia in the perioperative period

Abstract Anemia is associated with increased risk of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), stroke and mortality in perioperative patients. We sought to understand the mechanism(s) by assessing the integrative physiological responses to anemia (kidney, brain), the degrees of anemia-induced tissue hypoxia, and associated biomarkers and physiological parameters. Experimental measurements demonstrate a linear relationship between blood Oxygen Content (CaO2) and renal microvascular PO2 (y = 0.30x + 6.9, r2= 0.75), demonstrating that renal hypoxia is proportional to the degree of anemia. This defines the kidney as a potential oxygen sensor during anemia. Further evidence of renal oxygen sensing is demonstrated by proportional increase in serum Erythropoietin (EPO) during anemia (y = 93.806*10−0.02, r2= 0.82). This data implicates systemic EPO levels as a biomarker of anemia-induced renal tissue hypoxia. By contrast, cerebral Oxygen Delivery (DO2) is defended by a profound proportional increase in Cerebral Blood Flow (CBF), minimizing tissue hypoxia in the brain, until more severe levels of anemia occur. We hypothesize that the kidney experiences profound early anemia-induced tissue hypoxia which contributes to adaptive mechanisms to preserve cerebral perfusion. At severe levels of anemia, renal hypoxia intensifies, and cerebral hypoxia occurs, possibly contributing to the mechanism(s) of AKI and stroke when adaptive mechanisms to preserve organ perfusion are overwhelmed. Clinical methods to detect renal tissue hypoxia (an early warning signal) and cerebral hypoxia (a later consequence of severe anemia) may inform clinical practice and support the assessment of clinical biomarkers (i.e., EPO) and physiological parameters (i.e., urinary PO2) of anemia-induced tissue hypoxia. This information may direct targeted treatment strategies to prevent adverse outcomes associated with anemia.

How Does Preoperative Anemia Impact Clinical Outcomes Following Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty?: Experience From Colombia.

BACKGROUND: Anemia is a common condition and a known risk factor for complications after primary total hip arthroplasty. Few studies have evaluated this topic in Latin American countries where this problem can be more important. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of preoperative anemia in 30-day complications after primary total hip arthroplasty. METHODS: This was a retrospective observational study involving patients who had a primary total hip arthroplasty aged more than 18 years and did not have any type of malignancy. Two hundred thirty six patients were divided into 2 groups: 58 who had anemia and 178 who did not have anemia. Multivariate logistic regressions were used to assess the relationship between anemia as a risk factor for blood transfusions, extended lengths of stay, and intensive care unit (ICU) admissions. RESULTS: A higher proportion of patients in the anemia group required blood transfusions (24.1% versus 7.3%, < 0.001), ICU admission (39.7% versus 11.2%, P ≤ .001), and a hospital stay of more than 5 days (37.9% versus 11.8%, < .001). Preoperative anemia was identified as a risk factor for requiring transfusions (Odds ratio 3.82, Confidence Interval 95%: 1.47-9.94, P = .006) and ICU admission (Odds ratio 2.48, Confidence interval 95%: 1.11-5.50, P = .026). CONCLUSION: Preoperative anemia proved to be a risk factor for requiring blood transfusions and ICU admission. Treating this potentially modifiable risk factor can improve patient morbidity and mortality, while positively impacting healthcare costs, reducing the need for postsurgical services such as ICU management, and extended hospitalizations.

Importance of assessing biomarkers and physiological parameters of anemia-induced tissue hypoxia in the perioperative period.

Anemia is associated with increased risk of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), stroke and mortality in perioperative patients. We sought to understand the mechanism(s) by assessing the integrative physiological responses to anemia (kidney, brain), the degrees of anemia-induced tissue hypoxia, and associated biomarkers and physiological parameters. Experimental measurements demonstrate a linear relationship between blood Oxygen Content (CaO2) and renal microvascular PO2 (y = 0.30x + 6.9, r2 = 0.75), demonstrating that renal hypoxia is proportional to the degree of anemia. This defines the kidney as a potential oxygen sensor during anemia. Further evidence of renal oxygen sensing is demonstrated by proportional increase in serum Erythropoietin (EPO) during anemia (y = 93.806*10-0.02, r2 = 0.82). This data implicates systemic EPO levels as a biomarker of anemia-induced renal tissue hypoxia. By contrast, cerebral Oxygen Delivery (DO2) is defended by a profound proportional increase in Cerebral Blood Flow (CBF), minimizing tissue hypoxia in the brain, until more severe levels of anemia occur. We hypothesize that the kidney experiences profound early anemia-induced tissue hypoxia which contributes to adaptive mechanisms to preserve cerebral perfusion. At severe levels of anemia, renal hypoxia intensifies, and cerebral hypoxia occurs, possibly contributing to the mechanism(s) of AKI and stroke when adaptive mechanisms to preserve organ perfusion are overwhelmed. Clinical methods to detect renal tissue hypoxia (an early warning signal) and cerebral hypoxia (a later consequence of severe anemia) may inform clinical practice and support the assessment of clinical biomarkers (i.e., EPO) and physiological parameters (i.e., urinary PO2) of anemia-induced tissue hypoxia. This information may direct targeted treatment strategies to prevent adverse outcomes associated with anemia.

Intrauterine transfusion of a hydropic fetus with anemia due to a giant chorioangioma: A case report.

Giant chorioangiomas are a potentially life-threatening condition that may require intrauterine therapy. We describe a case of a large chorioangioma (>4cm) diagnosed at 30 weeks of gestation causing severe fetal anemia and hydrops. An intrauterine blood transfusion was performed at 31 weeks with reversal of the anemia and hydrops. The neonate was born at 37 weeks showing respiratory distress syndrome that required neonatal intensive care unit admission but was discharged at 30 days of life. Further evaluation at two months of age showed no signs of abnormal neurodevelopment. When timely indicated, intrauterine transfusion of a hydropic fetus with anemia due to a giant chorioangioma is a potentially life-saving therapy that shows good neurodevelopment of the surviving fetus.

Anemia en la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal: un objetivo subestimado / Anemia in inflammatory bowel disease

Anemia is the most common extraintestinal manifestation of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Although there are several causes of anemia in IBD, the two most frequent etiologies are iron deficiency anemia and anemia of chronic disease. Despite the high prevalence of anemia in IBD and its significant impact on patient's quality of life, this complication is still underdiagnosed and undertreated by providers. Active screening for anemia, structured assessment, comprehensive management, and multidisciplinary collaboration are needed in IBD patients. The cornerstone of anemia management depends on the underlying etiology along with normalization of inflammatory activity. Although, oral iron is effective for the treatment of mild iron deficiency-related anemia, intravenous iron formulations have a good safety profile and can be used as first-line therapy in patients with active IBD, severe anemia and previous intolerance prior to oral iron. After proper treatment of anemia, careful monitoring is necessary to prevent its recurrence. Herein, we discuss the etiology, screening, diagnosis, therapy selection, and follow-up for anemia in IBD.

Morbilidad posoperatoria asociada a ferropenia y anemia no severa preoperatorias en cirugía cardíaca electiva / Postoperative morbidity associated with iron deficiency and preoperative non-severe anemia in elective cardiac surgery / Morbidade pós-operatória associada à deficiência de ferro e anemia pré-operatória não grave em cirurgia cardíaca eletiva

Introducción: la anemia y la ferropenia son frecuentes en candidatos a cirugía cardíaca y se asocian a peores resultados posoperatorios. Su manejo no está estandarizado. No existen datos locales sobre prevalencia y pronóstico. Objetivo: evaluar si la anemia no severa y la ferropenia se asocian en nuestro medio a peores resultados posoperatorios en cirugía cardíaca electiva. Método: estudio de cohorte prospectivo en dos centros. Se incluyeron pacientes mayores de 18 años sometidos a cirugía cardíaca electiva. Se conformaron tres grupos: 1) control, 2) ferropenia aislada y 3) anemia no severa. Se consignaron variables clínicas y paraclínicas preoperatorias, intraoperatorias y posoperatorias. Se realizaron análisis uni y multivariados para determinar significancia estadística (p < 0,05). Resultados: se incluyeron 167 pacientes, mediana y distancia IQ 68 años [60-74], 61,68% hombres. FEVI media 59% [45-60], EuroSCORE II 0,96 [0,76-1,35]. Se llevaron a cabo 96 revascularizaciones (57,49%), 39 sustituciones valvulares (23,35%) y 30 combinadas (17,96%), una trombectomía y un implante de tubo aórtico. La prevalencia de ferropenia aislada fue 15,57%, de anemia total 40,72% y de anemia y/o ferropenia 56,29%. El grupo control tuvo menos días de internación (p = 0,0018) y el grupo ferropenia necesitó más volúmenes de glóbulos rojos transfundidos (p = 0,045). En el análisis univariado los grupos 2 y 3 se asociaron a mayores eventos posoperatorios compuestos (OR 2,86, p = 0,03, y OR 2,11, p = 0,03, respectivamente). El grupo 3 se asoció a mayor probabilidad de infección posoperatoria (OR 8,63, 1,03-72,12, p = 0,049). En el análisis multivariado el hematocrito se asoció inversamente a insuficiencia renal (OR 0,61; IC 95% 0,38-0,99, p=0,04) y la edad en forma directa (OR 1,14; IC 95% 1,02-1,28, p=0,02). Conclusiones: la prevalencia de anemia no severa y ferropenia fue alta, se asoció a complicaciones en el posoperatorio y mayor estadía hospitalaria. Es necesario protocolizar su manejo.

Introduction: anemia and iron deficiency are frequent in candidates for cardiac surgery and are associated with poorer postoperative results. Its therapeutic approach is not standardized. There are no local data on prevalence and prognosis. Objective: to assess whether non-severe anemia and iron deficiency are associated with poorer postoperative results in elective cardiac surgery in our patients. Method: prospective cohort study in two centers. Patients > 18 years of age who underwent elective cardiac surgery were included. Three groups were formed: 1) control, 2) isolated iron deficiency and 3) non-severe anemia. Preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative clinical and paraclinical outcomes were recorded. Univariate and multivariate analyzes were performed to determine statistical significance (p < 0.05). Results: 167 patients were included, 68 years [60-74], 61.68% men. Mean LVEF 59% [45-60], EuroSCORE II 0.96 [0.76-1.35]. 96 revascularizations (57.49%), 39 valve replacements (23.35%) and 30 combined (17.96%), one thrombectomy and one aortic tube were carried out. The prevalence of isolated iron deficiency was 15.57%, total anemia 40.72% and anemia and/or iron deficiency 56.29%. The control group had fewer days of hospitalization (p = 0.0018) and the ferropenia group needed more red blood cells transfusions (p = 0.045). In the univariate analysis, groups 2 and 3 were associated with higher compound postoperative events (OR 2.86, p = 0.03, and OR 2.11, p = 0.03, respectively). Group 3 was associated with a higher probability of postoperative infection (OR 8.63, 1.03-72.12, p = 0.049). In the multivariate analysis, the hematocrit values ​​were associated with renal failure (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.02-1.28, p = 0.02). Conclusions: the prevalence of non-severe anemia and iron deficiency was high, it was associated with greater complications in the postoperative period and a longer hospital stay. It is necessary to protocolize its therapeutic approach.

Introdução: a anemia e a deficiência de ferro são frequentes em candidatos à cirurgia cardíaca e estão associadas a maus resultados pós-operatórios. Sua abordagem terapêutica não é padronizada. Não existem dados locais sobre prevalência e prognóstico. Objetivo: avaliar se a anemia não grave e a deficiência de ferro estão associadas a maus resultados pós-operatórios em cirurgia cardíaca eletiva em nossos pacientes. Método: estudo de coorte prospectivo em dois centros. Pacientes > 18 anos de idade submetidos à cirurgia cardíaca eletiva foram incluídos. Foram formados três grupos: 1) controle, 2) deficiência de ferro isolada e 3) anemia não grave. Variáveis clínicas e paraclínicas pré-operatórias, intraoperatórias e pós-operatórias foram registradas. Análises univariadas e multivariadas foram realizadas para determinar a significância estatística (p < 0,05). Resultados: 167 pacientes foram incluídos, 68 anos [60-74], 61,68% homens. LVEF média 59% [45-60], EuroSCORE II 0,96 [0,76-1,35]. Foram realizadas 96 revascularizações (57,49%), 39 trocas valvares (23,35%), 30 combinadas (17,96%), uma trombectomia e um tubo aórtico. A prevalência de deficiência de ferro isolada foi de 15,57%, anemia total 40,72% e anemia e/ou deficiência de ferro 56,29%. O grupo controle teve menos dias de internação (p = 0,0018) e o grupo de deficiência de ferro necessitou de mais transfusão de volumes de hemácias (p = 0,045). Na análise univariada, os grupos 2 e 3 foram associados a eventos pós-operatórios compostos mais elevados (OR 2,86, p = 0,03 e OR 2,11, p = 0,03, respectivamente). O grupo 3 foi associado a uma maior probabilidade de infecção pós-operatória (OR 8,63, 1,03-72,12, p = 0,049). Na análise multivariada, o hematócrito foi associado à insuficiência renal (OR 1,14, IC 95% 1,02-1,28, p = 0,02). Conclusões: a prevalência de anemia não grave e deficiência de ferro foi elevada, associada a complicações pós-operatórias e maior tempo de internação. É necessário protocolar sua abordagem terapêutica.

Efectividad de las sesiones demostrativas para mejorar el conocimiento en la prevención de la anemia en gestantes, madres lactantes De niños menores de 3 años. Centro de salud Aparicio Pomares. Huánuco ­ perú / Effectiveness of demonstration sessions to improve knowledge in the prevention of anemia in pregnant women, nursing mothers of children under 3 years. Aparicio pomares health center. Huánuco ­ Peru

El problema de la anemia está muy relacionado a los índices de pobreza, falta de cuidado de la salud y educación de la población, pero principalmente a la falta de conocimientos sobre alimentación y nutrición infantil por parte de las madres. Objetivo: Determinar la efectividad de las sesiones demostrativas para mejorar el conocimiento en la prevención de la anemia en gestantes, madres lactantes de niños menores de 3 años. Materiales y Métodos: El estudio fue de tipo experimental, descriptivo y de nivel observacional, explicativo y analítico. La población de estudio estuvo conformada por 200 gestantes, obteniendo una muestra de 30 gestantes y 20 madres lactantes de niños menores de 3 años, haciendo un total de 50 pacientes, se utilizó el cuestionario para la recolección de datos, aplicado en dos momentos; antes y después de las sesiones demostrativas, con la finalidad de comparar los resultados. Resultados: El nivel de conocimiento teórico de las madres, luego de la aplicación de las sesiones demostrativas se incrementó su nivel a un conocimiento alto. Respecto a los conocimientos prácticos luego de la aplicación de las sesiones, se logró un conocimiento alto. Conclusiones: La técnica de sesiones demostrativas en el incremento de conocimientos es efectiva(AU)

The problem of anemia is closely related to the rates of poverty, lack of care of the health and education of the population, but mainly to the lack of knowledge about food and infant nutrition by mothers. Objective: To determine the effectiveness of the demonstration sessions to improve knowledge in the prevention of anemia in pregnant women, nursing mothers of minor children 3 years old Materials and methods: The study was of type, experimental, descriptive and observational level, explanatory and analytical. The study population consisted of 200 pregnant women, obtaining a sample of 30 pregnant women and 20 lactating mothers of children under 3 years of age, making a total of 50 patients, the questionnaire was used for data collection, applied in two moments; before and after demonstration sessions, in order to compare the results. Results: The level of theoretical knowledge of the mothers, after the application of the demonstrative sessions their level to high knowledge. Regarding the practical knowledge after the application of the sessions, high knowledge was achieved. Conclusions: The technique of demonstrative sessions in the increase of knowledge is effective(AU)

[Anemia in inflammatory bowel disease]. / Anemia en la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal: un objetivo subestimado.

Anemia is the most common extraintestinal manifestation of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Although there are several causes of anemia in IBD, the two most frequent etiologies are iron deficiency anemia and anemia of chronic disease. Despite the high prevalence of anemia in IBD and its significant impact on patient's quality of life, this complication is still underdiagnosed and undertreated by providers. Active screening for anemia, structured assessment, comprehensive management, and multidisciplinary collaboration are needed in IBD patients. The cornerstone of anemia management depends on the underlying etiology along with normalization of inflammatory activity. Although, oral iron is effective for the treatment of mild iron deficiency-related anemia, intravenous iron formulations have a good safety profile and can be used as first-line therapy in patients with active IBD, severe anemia and previous intolerance prior to oral iron. After proper treatment of anemia, careful monitoring is necessary to prevent its recurrence. Herein, we discuss the etiology, screening, diagnosis, therapy selection, and follow-up for anemia in IBD.

Is there an association between the plasma levels of uremic toxins from gut microbiota and anemia in patients on hemodialysis?

BACKGROUND: Anemia is one of the most frequent complications in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Despite being multifactorial, the relative or absolute deficiency of erythropoietin production is the leading cause. Recent studies have shown that uremic toxins produced by the gut microbiota also may play a role in the genesis of anemia in these patients. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the possible association between uremic toxins plasma levels and anemia in patients with CKD on hemodialysis (HD). METHODS: This cross-sectional study evaluated one hundred fifty-four patients (53.2% men, 51.2 ± 11.2 years, hemoglobin (Hb) levels of 11.2 ± 1.6 g/dL). Biochemical variables such as urea, creatinine, hemoglobin, hematocrit, were measured according to standard methods and uremic toxins such as indoxyl sulfate (IS), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), p-cresyl sulfate (p-CS) plasma levels were measured by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). RESULTS: The levels of uremic toxins such as IS, IAA, p-CS were increased in all patients. However, no correlation was found between uremic toxins plasma levels and anemia parameters. Only patients with Hb < 11 g/dL presented a negative correlation between hematocrit and IAA plasma levels. CONCLUSION: There is no strong evidence that uremic toxins produced by the gut microbiota may be associated with anemia in patients with CKD on HD.

The presence of anemia in patients with leg ulcer: laboratory test.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the presence of anemia in patients with chronic lower limb ulcers based on profile and hematometric indices. METHOD: This is a cross-sectional study carried out in a university hospital in Rio de Janeiro. The sample was composed of 64 participants with lower limb ulcers and evolution time greater than 12 weeks. Data was collected between May/2016 and December/2017 from hematological analyses, records from medical records, and wound assessment form. RESULTS: 36 (56.2%) were male; 38 (59.4%) between 60 and 80 years old; 56 (87.5%) with chronic diseases and 52 (81.2%) with venous ulcers. 6 years mean of active ulceration. Anemia was detected in 36 (56.2%), 27 (75%) of which were normochromic and normocytic; 14 (38.8%) had deficiency anemia recorded in their medical chart. CONCLUSION: The low hemoglobin concentration is recurrent among the participants characterizing an anemia condition, whose profile reveals congruence to the anemia of chronic disease.

Association between red blood cell transfusion dependence and burden in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis.

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a group of malignant hematologic diseases characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis, which may lead to chronic anemia and transfusion dependency, with up to 30% of patients progressing to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Studies suggest transfusion dependency may impact overall survival (OS); however, there is a lack of evidence concerning the association between transfusion status (TS) and OS in patients with MDS who become transfusion independent (TI) after treatment. In addition, the holistic impact of TS on other clinical, economic, and humanistic outcomes has not been well understood. We conducted a systematic literature review (SLR) to understand this impact. Ten studies were included and showed consistent decrease in OS in transfusion dependent (TD) compared with TI patients. These findings were confirmed by a meta-analysis (MA) reporting better OS prognosis for TI patients. A second SLR was conducted to understand the association between TS and other clinical, economic, and humanistic outcomes. Twenty-eight studies were included and showed better prognosis for other outcomes, including AML progression and leukemia-free survival for TI patients. Risk of AML progression and cumulative non-leukemic death assessed by the MA showed a trend toward worse prognosis and higher risk of AML progression for TD patients. Lower healthcare resource utilization, better quality of life, and reduced non-leukemic death for TI patients were observed. Studies not eligible for MA also showed better clinical, economic, and humanistic outcomes for TI patients. These findings contribute to understanding the association between transfusion dependence and OS among other outcomes in patients with MDS.

SEOM clinical guidelines for anaemia treatment in cancer patients (2020).

Anaemia is defined by the presence of haemoglobin (Hb) levels < 13 g/dL in men and 12 g/dL in women. Up to 39% of cancer patients present it at the time of diagnosis and up to 40% have iron deficiency. Anaemia causes fatigue, functional deterioration and a reduction in the quality of life; it has also been associated with a poorer response to anti-tumour treatment and lower survival. Basic diagnostic tests for anaemia are simple and should be a routine part of clinical practice. These guidelines review the available evidence on the use of different therapies for treating anaemia: erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, iron supplements, and transfusion of blood products.