Cohort profile: the British Columbia COVID-19 Cohort (BCC19C)-a dynamic, linked population-based cohort.

Purpose: The British Columbia COVID-19 Cohort (BCC19C) was developed from an innovative, dynamic surveillance platform and is accessed/analyzed through a cloud-based environment. The platform integrates recently developed provincial COVID-19 datasets (refreshed daily) with existing administrative holdings and provincial registries (refreshed weekly/monthly). The platform/cohort were established to inform the COVID-19 response in near "real-time" and to answer more in-depth epidemiologic questions. Participants: The surveillance platform facilitates the creation of large, up-to-date analytic cohorts of people accessing COVID-19 related services and their linked medical histories. The program of work focused on creating/analyzing these cohorts is referred to as the BCC19C. The administrative/registry datasets integrated within the platform are not specific to COVID-19 and allow for selection of "control" individuals who have not accessed COVID-19 services. Findings to date: The platform has vastly broadened the range of COVID-19 analyses possible, and outputs from BCC19C analyses have been used to create dashboards, support routine reporting and contribute to the peer-reviewed literature. Published manuscripts (total of 15 as of July, 2023) have appeared in high-profile publications, generated significant media attention and informed policy and programming. In this paper, we conducted an analysis to identify sociodemographic and health characteristics associated with receiving SARS-CoV-2 laboratory testing, testing positive, and being fully vaccinated. Other published analyses have compared the relative clinical severity of different variants of concern; quantified the high "real-world" effectiveness of vaccines in addition to the higher risk of myocarditis among younger males following a 2nd dose of an mRNA vaccine; developed and validated an algorithm for identifying long-COVID patients in administrative data; identified a higher rate of diabetes and healthcare utilization among people with long-COVID; and measured the impact of the pandemic on mental health, among other analyses. Future plans: While the global COVID-19 health emergency has ended, our program of work remains robust. We plan to integrate additional datasets into the surveillance platform to further improve and expand covariate measurement and scope of analyses. Our analyses continue to focus on retrospective studies of various aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as prospective assessment of post-acute COVID-19 conditions and other impacts of the pandemic.

The safety of carotid stenosis during vasodilator pharmacologic stress testing.

BACKGROUND: While thousands of patients undergo stress testing annually, the risk of exercise and pharmacologic stress in patients with carotid artery disease has not been fully defined but is of concern as patients are at risk for cerebrovascular accidents and transient ischemic attacks. METHODS: All patients with either ultrasound or CTA evaluation of their carotid arteries from over a 10 year period who underwent stress testing within 180 days without intervening carotid intervention were reviewed for any adverse events within 24 hours of their stress test. The primary end point was any cerebrovascular event or syncope while the secondary endpoints included death, myocardial infarction, urgent angiography, urgent revascularization, or exaggerated hemodynamic response (systolic BP drop > 20 mmHg or systolic BP > 180 mmHg at peak stress). Patients were stratified into categories based on their level of carotid disease. Patients with severe carotid stenosis were propensity matched to those with mild or no stenosis. RESULTS: A total of 4457 patients underwent carotid ultrasound, 10,644 CTA, and 16,011 had stress testing during this time period with 514 having both a carotid evaluation and a stress test within 6 months. After propensity matching, 62 patients with severe carotid stenosis were matched to 170 patients with mild or no carotid stenosis. Incidentally, all patients with severe carotid stenosis underwent pharmacologic stress. There were no primary endpoints and only three secondary endpoints in two patients in the mild or no carotid stenosis group. The proportion of exaggerated hemodynamic response to stress was similar in both groups-21.0% in the carotid stenosis group vs 31.2% without (P = .17) having a significant drop in systolic BP, and 3.2% vs 4.7% (P = 1.0) having a significantly elevated systolic BP. CONCLUSION: In this study cohort there were few primary and secondary outcome events with no events occurring in patients with significant carotid stenosis. Additionally, there was no difference in exaggerated hemodynamic responses. While these results suggest that stress testing entails no demonstrable increased risk in patients with significant carotid stenosis, continued care should be taken given the limitations of the small size of this study.

Growth charts for Mexican children with Down syndrome.

We present the results of a prospective, observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study performed on a Mexican population of 1867 children, aged 0-18 years, with Down syndrome (DS), observed between 2013 and 2019. A total of 9968 measurements of height, weight, and head circumference, as well as calculation of body mass index (BMI) were used to create growth charts and tables of percentiles. Growth curves were elaborated using Cole's LMS method. The mean weight and length at birth did not differ by sex: the weight was 2750 g for boys and 2710 g for girls (p > 0.05), and the length was 48.2 cm for boys and 47.9 cm for girls (p > 0.05). The mean final height at 18 years was different by sex: 149.6 cm for boys and 141.2 cm for girls. The average BMI at 18 years was 24.2 kg/m2 for boys and 21.9 kg/m2 for girls. In a comparison with U.S. growth charts, we find that the Mexican population has lower height and weight. These are the first growth curves for the Mexican population with DS. They can be used by health care providers to optimize preventive care by monitoring children with DS for the early identification of factors that affect individual growth.

Mortalidad secundaria a SARS-CoV-2 en pacientes con trasplante renal de un centro del nordeste colombiano / Mortality Related to SARS-CoV-2 in Patients with Kidney Transplant from a Center in Northeastern Colombia

Objetivo Describir la tasa de mortalidad de infección por coronavirus de tipo 2 causante del síndrome respiratorio agudo severo (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, SARS-CoV-2, en inglés) y los factores de riesgo asociados a la severidad de la enfermedad en pacientes con trasplante renal de un centro del nordeste colombiano. Materiales y Métodos Estudio descriptivo de una cohorte de pacientes en seguimiento postrasplante renal, en el que se hizo una búsqueda retrospectiva de los que presentaron infección por SARS-CoV-2 entre marzo del 2020 y mayo del 2021. Para el análisis, se incluyeron los pacientes con infección confirmada mediante pruebas de reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (polymerase chain reaction, PCR, en inglés), de antígenos, o de anticuerpos. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo de las variables sociodemográficas y clínicas, y un análisis bivariado de los posibles factores asociados con el riesgo de mortalidad. Resultados Con un total de 307 individuos en seguimiento, se encontró una prevalencia del 14,3% (n = 44) de infección por enfermedad por coronavirus 2019 (coronavirus disease 2019, COVID-19, en inglés). La media de edad fue de 56 años, con predominio del género masculino. El esquema de inmunosupresión más frecuente fue micofenolato­tacrolimus­prednisona. Entre los pacientes infectados, la mortalidad fue del 34,1% (15/44), lo que representa el 4,8% de toda la población a estudio. Maás de la mitad de los pacientes requirieron hemodiálisis, y en el 86,7% fue necesario hacer ajustes en el esquema de inmunosupresión. Conclusión La prevalencia de infección por SARS-CoV-2 en nuestro grupo de trasplantes fue similar a la reportada por otros grupos de trasplante del país, y mayor a la de la población no trasplantada. El valor de creatinina previo a la infección, la edad y las comorbilidades se asociaron con un mayor riesgo de mortalidad.

Objective To describe the mortality related to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and the risk factors associated with disease severity in patients submitted to a kidney transplant from a center in northeastern Colombia. Materials and Methods The present is a descriptive study of a cohort of patients in follow-up care after kidney transplant, with a retrospective search for those who presented SARS-CoV-2 infection between March 2020 and May 2021. Patients with confirmed infection by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), antigens or antibodies tests were included for analysis. We performed a descriptive analysis of the sociodemographic and clinical variables as well as a bivariate analysis to evaluate the possible factors associated with the risk of mortality. Results With a total of 307 individuals in follow-up care, a prevalence of 14.3% (n = 44) of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection was found. The mean age of the sample was of 56 years, with a male predominance. The most frequent immunosuppression regimen was mycophenolate-tacrolimus-prednisone. Among the infected patients, the mortality rate was of 34.1% (15/44), representing 4.8% of the entire study population. More than half of the patients required hemodialysis, and 86.7% required adjustments to the immunosuppression regimen. Conclusion The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in our transplant group was similar to that reported by other transplant groups in the country and higher than among the non-transplanted population. The preinfection creatinine value, age, and comorbidities were associated with a higher risk of mortality.

[Videourodynamics: Current indications, technique and considerations.] / Videourodinamia: indicaciones actuales, técnicas y consideraciones.

OBJECTIVES: Describe the technique, indications and the correct interpretation given the findings in different clinical entities, and to serve as a guide for urologists, urology residents and even medical students. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A literature search was performed using Pubmed, Cochrane and Scopus database for articles and guidelines published between January 1970 and June 2020. RESULTS: Videourodynamics is a diagnostic procedure that combines the urodynamic study with simultaneous images of the lower urinary tract to assess the anatomy and function during the different phases of micturition.This study provides important information that can modify therapeutic behavior and therefore clinical outcomes of patients. CONCLUSION: The role of videourodynamics becomes more relevant nowadays in the assessment of the pathophysiology of voiding dysfunction, being the gold standard for the workup of neurogenic bladder and voiding dysfunction in young people and women and, possibly in persistent/recurrent incontinence in both men and women.

OBJETIVO: Describir la técnica, las indicaciones y la correcta interpretación dados los hallazgos en diferentes entidades clínicas, y servir como guía para urólogos, residentes de urología e incluso estudiantes de medicina.MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica internacional de artículos o guías en las bases de datos PubMed, Cochrane y Scopus entre enero de 1970 y junio de 2020. RESULTADOS: La videourodinamia es un procedimiento diagnóstico que integra el estudio urodinámico con imágenes simultáneas del tracto urinario inferior para evaluar la anatomía y la función durante las diferentes fases de micción. Este estudio aporta información relevante que puede modificar la conducta terapéutica y por ende los desenlaces clínicos de los pacientes.CONCLUSIÓN: El papel de la videourodinamia cada vez toma más relevancia en la evaluación de la fisiopatología de la disfunción miccional, siendo incluso el patrón de oro para el estudio de disfunción vesical neurogénica y trastornos del vaciado en jóvenes y mujeres y, posiblemente la incontinencia recidivada tanto en hombres como en mujeres.

Videourodinamia: indicaciones actuales, técnicas y consideraciones / Videourodynamics: current indications, techniques and considerations

Objetivo: Describir la técnica, las indicaciones y la correcta interpretación dados los hallazgosen diferentes entidades clínicas, y servir como guía paraurólogos, residentes de urología e incluso estudiantesde medicina.Material y métodos: Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica internacional de artículos o guías en las basesde datos PubMed, Cochrane y Scopus entre enero de1970 y junio de 2020.Resultados: La videourodinamia es un procedimiento diagnóstico que integra el estudio urodinámico conimágenes simultáneas del tracto urinario inferior para evaluar la anatomía y la función durante las diferentesfases de micción. Este estudio aporta información relevante que puede modificar la conducta terapéutica ypor ende los desenlaces clínicos de los pacientes.Conclusion: El papel de la videourodinamia cadavez toma más relevancia en la evaluación de la fisiopatología de la disfunción miccional, siendo incluso elpatrón de oro para el estudio de disfunción vesical neurogénica y trastornos del vaciado en jóvenes y mujeresy, posiblemente la incontinencia recidivada tanto enhombres como en mujeres.(AU)

Objetives: Describe the technique, in-dications and the correct interpretation given the findingsin different clinical entities, and to serve as a guide forurologists, urology residents and even medical students.Material and methods: A literature search was per-formed using Pubmed, Cochrane and Scopus databasefor articles and guidelines published between January1970 and June 2020.Results: Videourodynamics is a diagnostic procedurethat combines the urodynamic study with simultaneousimages of the lower urinary tract to assess the anatomyand function during the different phases of micturition. This study provides important information that can mod-ify therapeutic behavior and therefore clinical outcomesof patients.Conclusion: The role of videourodynamics be-comes more relevant nowadays in the assessment ofthe pathophysiology of voiding dysfunction, being thegold standard for the workup of neurogenic bladder andvoiding dysfunction in young people and women and,possibly in persistent/recurrent incontinence in both menand women:(AU)

Ropinirole-Associated Orthostatic Hypotension as Cause of a Prescribing Cascade in an Elderly Man.

Ropinirole is an overall well-tolerated antiparkinsonian medication that is also used to treat restless leg syndrome (RLS). The incidence of side effects is low, with orthostatic hypotension (OH) only anecdotally reported. Additionally, it is known that the elderly population is very susceptible to adverse drug effects and the prevalence of prescribing cascades that these can trigger is unknown. A 71-year-old male with history of atrial fibrillation, well-controlled diabetes on oral agents, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, ischemic heart failure status post (s/p) implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) placement with improved ejection fraction (EF), transient ischemic attack (TIA), rheumatoid arthritis, RLS, aortic stenosis s/p mechanical aortic valve replacement on anticoagulation, deep venous thrombosis (DVT), and right knee replacement, presented to the ED with generalized weakness, with difficulty standing from seated position, followed by a fall without head trauma. Over the eight months prior to this presentation, the patient had had similar symptoms that resulted in four falls, two hospital admissions, and new prescriptions of midodrine and compression stockings. On admission, vital signs were remarkable for positive orthostatics with blood pressure (BP) 110/74 mmHg, heart rate (HR) of 86 bpm in supine position and BP 87/51 mmHg, HR of 70 bpm while in standing position. Physical exam was unremarkable except for a known ejection murmur and dry oral mucous membranes. Labs included a creatinine 3.6 mg/dl, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) 66 mg/dl, international normalized ration (INR) of 4.1, B-natriuretic peptide (BNP) of 313 pg/mL, troponin <0.03 ng/mL. A kidney ultrasound was normal, and a transthoracic echocardiogram showed left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) of 55-65%, improved compared to a prior study. Furosemide, carvedilol and canagliflozin were discontinued and IV fluids were administered. In the subsequent days, his creatinine improved, and so did the patient's volume status, but he continued to be orthostatic despite midodrine and stockings. On further interview, the patient disclosed starting ropinirole 0.25 mg three times daily approximately 10 months prior to this admission, due to asymptomatic RLS that was reported in a sleep study. Decision was made to discontinue this medication, which resulted in improvement of symptoms. We were able to discontinue IV fluids, midodrine and stockings, and reintroduce carvedilol, furosemide and canagliflozin in a stepwise manner. In a follow-up visit one month after discharge, the patient was symptom-free. This case illustrates two major points. First, this prescribing cascade potentially induced by ropinirole, as well as the increase in health care costs associated to iatrogenic admissions, is major preventable problem faced mostly by the geriatric population. Second, although OH associated with ropinirole has only been reported in patients treated for Parkinson's disease, this side effect should be considered when prescribing ropinirole for other indications, with cautious assessment of risks and benefits. Further studies need to be conducted to establish the frequency of OH related to ropinirole.

Perioperative protocol to reduce blood transfusions in total knee o hip replacement patients / [Implementación de protocolo perioperatorio para disminuir tasa de transfusiones en pacientes sometidos a reemplazo total de cadera o rodilla primarios]

Introduction: Patient Blood Management (PBM) programs improve patient care and reduce health costs. It includes detection of presurgical anemia, reduction of blood loss and improvement of patient-specific anemic reserve. The aim of this study is to assess the effect of a PBM program on transfusion rate, length of stay (LOS) and adverse events. Methods: We developed a retrospective observational study. We included patients who underwent total hip (THR) o knee replacement (TKR). Our PBM involved preoperative assessment, administration of 2 doses of tranexamic acid, application of restrictive transfusion criteria and use of IV iron. We compared results between the group of patients before and the one after the PBM implementation. Results: We included 179 patients (80 TKR and 99 THR) who underwent surgery before PBM implementation from January to December 2014 (Group A), and 187 patients (103 TKR and 84 THR) who underwent arthroplasty after PBM application from January to November 2016 (Group B). In Group A, hemoglobin drop was larger than in Group B, for TKR (5.1±1.2 vs. 4.2±1.2 g/dl; p<0,05) and for THR (4.7±1.3 vs. 3.8±1.3 g/dl; p<0,05). In group A, more patients were transfused (31.8% vs. 2.7%; p<0.001). LOS was longer for patients in group A, in both surgeries (for TKA, 3.98±1.4days vs. 2.99±0.95 days; p<0.0001; for THA 3.68±1.06days vs. 2.88±0.75days; p<0.0001). No significant differences were found regarding adverse events. Conclusion: Our PBM program saved transfusions after primary TKR and THR and lowered LOS, without risking patients to higher number of complications or death.

Introducción: Los protocolos de manejo de anemia perioperatoria mejoran el cuidado del paciente y disminuyen los costos en salud. El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar el efecto de dicho programa en pacientes sometidos a reemplazo total de cadera (RTC) o rodilla (RTR), en la tasa de transfusiones, tiempo de estadía hospitalaria y eventos adversos. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional retrospectivo, incluyendo pacientes sometidos a RTC o RTR primarios. El programa abarcó la valoración preoperatoria, el uso de 2 dosis de ácido tranexámico, la aplicación de transfusiones restringidas, y el uso de hierro suplementario. Se compararon los resultados entre pacientes pre y post implementación del protocolo. Resultados: Se incluyeron 179 pacientes (80 RTR y 99 RTC) pre protocolo entre enero y diciembre 2014 (grupo A) y 187 casos (103 RTR y 84 RTC) post protocolo entre enero y noviembre 2016 (grupo B). En el grupo A, la caida de hemoglobina fue mayor que en el grupo B en RTR (5,1±1,2 vs. 4,2±1,2 g/dl; p<0,05) y en RTC (4,7±1.3 vs. 3,8±1.3 g/dl; p<0,05). Hubo mayor requerimiento transfusional en el grupo A (31,8% vs. 2,7%; p<0,001). El tiempo de estadía hospitalaria (TEH) fue mayor en el grupo A para ambas cirugías (en RTR 3,98±1,4días vs. 2,99±0,95 días; p<0,0001; en RTC 3,68±1,06días vs. 2,88±0,75días; p<0,0001). No se encontraron diferencias significativas respecto a eventos adversos. Conclusión: En ambas artroplastias, nuestro programa disminuyó la cantidad de transfusiones, la caída de hemoglobina y la estadía hospitalaria, sin aumentar el número de complicaciones.

Rendimiento de ecuaciones para predecir riesgo cardiovascular en una población de Argentina / Performance of equations to predict cardiovascular risk in an Argentine population

Resumen El rendimiento de las ecuaciones existentes de predicción de riesgo cardiovascular (RCV) en población argentina es desconocido. Se comparó RCV estimado por dichas ecuaciones, con la ocurrencia de eventos cardiovasculares (ECV) en una población de pacientes sin enfermedad cardiovascular de un hospital argentino. Se incluyeron aleatoriamente adultos entre 40 y 70 años, excluyéndose quienes al momento del enrolamiento presentaban historia de ECV mayor, cáncer activo, o tratamiento hipolipemiante. Se calculó RCV a 10 años al momento de inclusión, utilizando ecuaciones de Framingham 2008, SCORE (para poblaciones de bajo y alto riesgo), ATP III, Organización mundial de la saludregión América B (OMS-B) y Ecuación de Cohorte Agrupada (ECA). El fin de seguimiento fue 10 años ± 6 meses, ocurrencia de infarto de miocardio fatal o muerte por cualquier causa. Se utilizaron curvas ROC para evaluar discriminación (ABC > 0.75 buena discriminación). La calibración se evaluó mediante chi-cuadrado de Hosmer Lemeshow (Chi > 20 o p < 0.05 pobre calibración). Incluimos 606 pacientes, 366 mujeres, edad promedio 56.7 ± 8.4 años. Se observaron 10 (1.7%) muertes de causa no cardiovascular, 5 (0.8%) causa cardiovascular. Se registraron 58 (9.8%) ECV no fatales. Hubo aceptable discriminación para ecuaciones de Framingham, ATP-III y ECA. La calibración global solo fue buena con las ecuaciones de ATP-III y ECA. La frecuencia observada de ECV fue baja, y hubo sobreestimación de RCV con todas las ecuaciones. Sin embargo, se podría sugerir la aplicación de las ecuaciones de ATP-III o ECA en esta población.

Abstract The performance of available risk scores to predict cardiovascular risk (CVR) in the Argentinian population is unknown. Our aim was to compare the CVR predicted by several equations with the occurrence of cardiovascular events (CVE) in patients without known cardiovascular disease in an Argentinian hospital. Adults between 40 and 70 years were randomly selected, excluding those with prior history of major CVE, active cancer, lipid lowering treatment and absence of follow-up data. Framingham 2008, SCORE (low and high-risk populations), ATP III, World Health OrganizationAmerican B region (WHO-B) and Pooled Cohort equations (PC) risk scores were used to calculate 10-y CVR at time of enrollment. End of follow-up was 10 years ± 6 months, occurrence of fatal myocardial infarction or death from any cause. We used ROC curves to assess discrimination (AUC > 0.75 good discrimination), and Hosmer Lemeshow chi-square to evaluate calibration (Chi > 20 or p value < 0.05 poor calibration). We included 606 patients in our study, 336 women, average age 56.7 ± 8.4 year. Of those, 10 (1.7%) non-cardiovascular deaths, and 5 (0.8%) cardiovascular deaths were observed. 58 (9.8%) a non-fatal CVE were recorded. There was acceptable discrimination for Framingham, ATP-III, and both PC equations. The global calibration was only good with the ATP-III and PC equations. The observed frequency of CVE was low, and the CVR was overestimated by all equations. However, applying ATP-III or PC equations to assess CVR could be considered in our population.

Potential associations of adult nocturia. Results from a national prevalence study.

AIM: To determine the prevalence of nocturia and associated risk factors in the Colombian population aged ≥18 years old. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional population-based study conducted in 1060 participants in Colombia. Nocturia was assessed with the Spanish version of the ICIQ-OAB, using the ICS terminology. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate nocturia prevalence. Logistic regression analysis was carried out to determine the association of nocturia with predefined variables. RESULTS: The prevalence of nocturia was 55.9% and it was more common in women than men (53.96% vs. 46.04%; p = .004). At least three episodes of nocturia were observed in 20.37% of the participants who had a severe alteration in their quality of life (p < .01). The bivariate model showed an association between nocturia and obesity (odds ratio [OR], 1.69; 90% confidence interval [CI]: 1.22-2.34), diabetes mellitus (OR, 2.99; 90% CI: 1.86-4.83), high blood pressure (OR, 2.04; 90% CI: 1.52-2.72), cardiovascular disease (OR, 1.75; 90% CI: 1.08 - 2.83), depression (OR, 1.89; 90% CI: 1.23-2.89), obstructive sleep apnea (OR, 1.70; 90% CI: 1.17 - 2.46), and childhood enuresis (OR, 1.45; 90% CI: 1.04-2.02). The multivariate model showed an association with obesity (OR, 2.0; 95% CI: 1.14 - 3.51) in women, as well as age ≥ 65 years (OR, 3.18; 95% CI: 1.26 - 8.02) and erectile dysfunction (OR, 3.44; 95% CI: 1.21 - 9.72) in men. Childhood enuresis was significantly associated with nocturia in both genders (OR, 1.61; 95% CI: 1.09 - 2.40 in women and OR, 1.66; 95% CI: 1.09-2.52 in men). CONCLUSION: There is a significant prevalence of nocturia in our population and a clear association with impaired quality of life. We consider important to inquire about history of childhood enuresis to define the risk of presenting nocturia in adulthood. Nocturia was associated with multiple comorbidities. Obesity and erectile dysfunction play an important role as modifiable risk factor.

[Performance of equations to predict cardiovascular risk in an Argentine population]. / Rendimiento de ecuaciones para predecir riesgo cardiovascular en una población argentina.

The performance of available risk scores to predict cardiovascular risk (CVR) in the Argentinian population is unknown. Our aim was to compare the CVR predicted by several equations with the occurrence of cardiovascular events (CVE) in patients without known cardiovascular disease in an Argentinian hospital. Adults between 40 and 70 years were randomly selected, excluding those with prior history of major CVE, active cancer, lipid lowering treatment and absence of follow-up data. Framingham 2008, SCORE (low and high-risk populations), ATP III, World Health Organization- American B region (WHO-B) and Pooled Cohort equations (PC) risk scores were used to calculate 10-y CVR at time of enrollment. End of follow-up was 10 years ± 6 months, occurrence of fatal myocardial infarction or death from any cause. We used ROC curves to assess discrimination (AUC > 0.75 good discrimination), and Hosmer Lemeshow chi-square to evaluate calibration (Chi > 20 or p value < 0.05 poor calibration). We included 606 patients in our study, 336 women, average age 56.7 ± 8.4 year. Of those, 10 (1.7%) non-cardiovascular deaths, and 5 (0.8%) cardiovascular deaths were observed. 58 (9.8%) a non-fatal CVE were recorded. There was acceptable discrimination for Framingham, ATP-III, and both PC equations. The global calibration was only good with the ATP-III and PC equations. The observed frequency of CVE was low, and the CVR was overestimated by all equations. However, applying ATP-III or PC equations to assess CVR could be considered in our population.

El rendimiento de las ecuaciones existentes de predicción de riesgo cardiovascular (RCV) en población argentina es desconocido. Se comparó RCV estimado por dichas ecuaciones, con la ocurrencia de eventos cardiovasculares (ECV) en una población de pacientes sin enfermedad cardiovascular de un hospital argentino. Se incluyeron aleatoriamente adultos entre 40 y 70 años, excluyéndose quienes al momento del enrolamiento presentaban historia de ECV mayor, cáncer activo, o tratamiento hipolipemiante. Se calculó RCV a 10 años al momento de inclusión, utilizando ecuaciones de Framingham 2008, SCORE (para poblaciones de bajo y alto riesgo), ATP III, Organización mundial de la salud- región América B (OMS-B) y Ecuación de Cohorte Agrupada (ECA). El fin de seguimiento fue 10 años ± 6 meses, ocurrencia de infarto de miocardio fatal o muerte por cualquier causa. Se utilizaron curvas ROC para evaluar discriminación (ABC > 0.75 buena discriminación). La calibración se evaluó mediante chi-cuadrado de Hosmer Lemeshow (Chi > 20 o p < 0.05 pobre calibración). Incluimos 606 pacientes, 366 mujeres, edad promedio 56.7 ± 8.4 años. Se observaron 10 (1.7%) muertes de causa no cardiovascular, 5 (0.8%) causa cardiovascular. Se registraron 58 (9.8%) ECV no fatales. Hubo aceptable discriminación para ecuaciones de Framingham, ATP-III y ECA. La calibración global solo fue buena con las ecuaciones de ATP-III y ECA. La frecuencia observada de ECV fue baja, y hubo sobreestimación de RCV con todas las ecuaciones. Sin embargo, se podría sugerir la aplicación de las ecuaciones de ATP-III o ECA en esta población.

Infección de vías urinarias no complicada en mujeres / Uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women

La infección de vías urinarias (IVU) es una patología común, que afecta a gran parte de la población y que generalmente se resuelve con manejo antibiótico. Se compone de una amplia variedad de entidades clínicas que pueden variar desde una cistitis no complicada hasta un shock séptico de origen urinario. Los patógenos etiológicos de la IVU no complicada están ampliamente establecidos y se han mantenido de forma consistente a lo largo del tiempo, siendo la Escherichia coli el microorganismo más predominante. En la actualidad, la resistencia bacteriana a los antibióticos es de gran preocupación y por esa razón, se busca optimizar la terapia antimicrobiana con el fin de disminuir la estancia hospitalaria, la severidad clínica de la infección y los costos a los sistemas de salud. La presente revisión, tiene como objetivo servir como guía para la correcta definición, clasificación, diagnóstico, tratamiento y prevención de la IVU no complicada.

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common pathology, that affects a large part of the population and generally resolves with antibiotic treatment. It embraces a variety of clinical entities that can vary from uncomplicated cystitis to septic shock. The etiological pathogens of uncomplicated UTI are widely established and have been consistent over time, with Escherichia coli being the most predominant microorganism. Currently, bacterial resistance to antibiotics is of great concern and for this reason we seek to optimize antimicrobial therapy in order to decrease hospital stay, clinical severity of the infection and costs to the health systems. The purpose of this review is to serve as a guide for the correct definition, classification, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of uncomplicated UTI.

Benefit of an electronic medical record-based alarm in the optimization of stress ulcer prophylaxis / Beneficio de una alarma electrónica de la historia clínica en la optimización de la profilaxis de la úlcera por estrés

BACKGROUND: The use of stress ulcer prophylaxis (SUP) has risen in recent years, even in patients without a clear indication for therapy. AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of an electronic medical record (EMR)-based alarm to improve appropriate SUP use in hospitalized patients. METHODS: We conducted an uncontrolled before-after study comparing SUP prescription in intensive care unit (ICU) patients and non-ICU patients, before and after the implementation of an EMR-based alarm that provided the correct indications for SUP. RESULTS: 1627 patients in the pre-intervention and 1513 patients in the post-intervention cohorts were included. The EMR-based alarm improved appropriate (49.6% vs. 66.6%, p < 0.001) and reduced inappropriate SUP use (50.4% vs. 33.3%, p < 0.001) in ICU patients only. These differences were related to the optimization of SUP in low risk patients. There was no difference in overt gastrointestinal bleeding between the two cohorts. Unjustified costs related to SUP were reduced by a third after EMR-based alarm use. CONCLUSIONS: The use of an EMR-based alarm improved appropriate and reduced inappropriate use of SUP in ICU patients. This benefit was limited to optimization in low risk patients and associated with a decrease in SUP costs

ANTECEDENTES: El uso de la profilaxis de úlceras por estrés (PUE) ha aumentado en los últimos años, incluso en pacientes sin indicación. OBJETIVO: Evaluar la eficacia de una alarma electrónica en la historia clínica (AEHC) para mejorar el uso apropiado de la PUE en pacientes hospitalizados. MÉTODOS: Estudio no controlado antes-después para comparar la prescripción de la PUE en pacientes de la unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI) y sala general, antes y después de la implementación de una AEHC que proporcionaba las indicaciones correctas de la PUE. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 1.627 pacientes en la cohorte previa a la intervención y 1.513 pacientes en la cohorte posterior a la intervención. La AEHC mejoró el uso apropiado (49,6 vs. 66,6%; p < 0,001) y redujo el uso inapropiado de la PUE (50,4 vs. 33,3%; p < 0,001) solo en pacientes de la UCI. Estas diferencias se relacionaron a la optimización del uso de la PUE en pacientes de bajo riesgo. No hubo diferencias en la frecuencia de hemorragia digestiva manifiesta entre ambas cohortes. El uso de la AEHC redujo un tercio del costo injustificado relacionado con la PUE. CONCLUSIONES: El uso de una AEHC mejoró el uso apropiado de la PUE y redujo el uso inapropiado de la PUE en pacientes de la UCI. Este beneficio fue limitado a la optimización del uso de la PUE en pacientes de bajo riesgo y se asoció a una disminución del costo de la PUE

Significado del cuidado antes de iniciar la formación profesional en Enfermería / Meaning of care before starting Nursing professional training

Introducción: El cuidado como instinto ha permitido la preservación de la vida a través de los tiempos. Los cambios sociales, educativos, de género, entre otros, facilitaron la elaboración individual y grupal en torno a este concepto. Objetivo: Interpretar el significado del cuidado que tienen los estudiantes que inician la formación profesional en enfermería. Métodos: Fue un estudio cualitativo soportado en el método etnográfico de James Spradley en el cual participaron los estudiantes que se encontraban matriculados en I semestre de enfermería. La recolección de los datos se hizo antes del inicio de las asignaturas que estaban relacionadas con la disciplina; la saturación teórica se logró con la realización de nueve entrevistas. Resultados: El análisis de los datos se desarrolló en el software Nvivo 11, la temática central fue denominada "El cuidado, herramienta cultural para el mantenimiento de la vida" y se estructuró de la siguiente forma, subtemas (dominios): El cuidado como instinto para la supervivencia (prácticas de cuidado y experiencias con el acto de cuidar); la mirada femenina (la herencia del conocimiento cultural); el cuidado profesional (enfermería, una profesión que cuida); y la relación con un ser superior (religiosidad y espiritualidad). Conclusión: Este significado se relaciona con la necesidad que tiene el individuo de aportar al mantenimiento de la vida en el contexto cultural en el cual se desarrolla. Desde la formación es indispensable comprender las interpretaciones dadas alrededor de la vida como estrategia de mejora de la calidad del cuidado de enfermería(AU)

Introduction: Care as instinct has allowed the preservation of life through the ages. Social, educational, gender-related changes, among others, facilitated the individual and group elaboration around this concept. Objective: To interpret the meaning of care according to students who initiate professional training in nursing. Methods: Qualitative study supported by the ethnographic method of James Spradley, with the participation of the students enrolled in first semester of Nursing. The data collection was done before starting the subjects related to the discipline. The theoretical saturation was achieved with the completion of nine interviews. Results: The data analysis was developed in the software Nvivo 11. The central topic was called El cuidado, herramienta cultural para el mantenimiento de la vida ["Care, a Cultural Tool for the Life Maintenance"] and was structured in subtopics (domains): Care as instinct for survival (care practices and experiences with the act of caring), the feminine look (the heritage of cultural knowledge), professional care (nursing, a caring profession), and the relationship with a superior being (religiosity and spirituality). Conclusion: This meaning is related to the need the individual has to contribute to life maintenance in the cultural context in which it takes place. Since the training period, it is essential to understand the interpretations given around life as a strategy to improve the quality of nursing care(AU)

Benefit of an electronic medical record-based alarm in the optimization of stress ulcer prophylaxis.

BACKGROUND: The use of stress ulcer prophylaxis (SUP) has risen in recent years, even in patients without a clear indication for therapy. AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of an electronic medical record (EMR)-based alarm to improve appropriate SUP use in hospitalized patients. METHODS: We conducted an uncontrolled before-after study comparing SUP prescription in intensive care unit (ICU) patients and non-ICU patients, before and after the implementation of an EMR-based alarm that provided the correct indications for SUP. RESULTS: 1627 patients in the pre-intervention and 1513 patients in the post-intervention cohorts were included. The EMR-based alarm improved appropriate (49.6% vs. 66.6%, p<0.001) and reduced inappropriate SUP use (50.4% vs. 33.3%, p<0.001) in ICU patients only. These differences were related to the optimization of SUP in low risk patients. There was no difference in overt gastrointestinal bleeding between the two cohorts. Unjustified costs related to SUP were reduced by a third after EMR-based alarm use. CONCLUSIONS: The use of an EMR-based alarm improved appropriate and reduced inappropriate use of SUP in ICU patients. This benefit was limited to optimization in low risk patients and associated with a decrease in SUP costs.

The Decrease in Mitochondrial DNA Mutation Load Parallels Visual Recovery in a Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy Patient.

The onset of Leber hereditary optic neuropathy is relatively rare in childhood and, interestingly, the rate of spontaneous visual recovery is very high in this group of patients. Here, we report a child harboring a rare pathological mitochondrial DNA mutation, present in heteroplasmy, associated with the disease. A patient follow-up showed a rapid recovery of the vision accompanied by a decrease of the percentage of mutated mtDNA. A retrospective study on the age of recovery of all childhood-onset Leber hereditary optic neuropathy patients reported in the literature suggested that this process was probably related with pubertal changes.

Experiencia prospectiva en el uso perioperatorio de antagonistas de vitamina K en pacientes de bajo riesgo tromboembólico que reciben cirugía electiva / Perioperative management of vitamin K antagonists in patients with low thromboembolic risk undergoing elective surgery: A prospective experience

Fundamento y objetivos: Se cuantificó la ocurrencia de episodios hemorrágicos y tromboembólicos en pacientes anticoagulados con antagonistas de vitamina K con bajo riesgo de tromboembolia, sometidos a un procedimiento invasivo electivo. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, prospectivo, unicéntrico entre diciembre de 2010 y julio de 2014. Se incluyeron pacientes mayores de 18 años, anticoagulados crónicamente con cumarínicos que ingresaron para realizar cirugía electiva. Se excluyeron los pacientes con aclaramiento de creatinina<30ml/min, peso>120kg, trombocitopenia inducida por heparina, embarazadas, catéter peridural para analgesia, cirugías no programadas y aquellos con alto riesgo tromboembólico. Se suspendió el antagonista de vitamina K 5 días antes del procedimiento sin administrar enoxaparina anticoagulante. Se midió RIN 24h antes del procedimiento y se administraron 3mg de vitamina K si este era mayor de 1,5. En el postoperatorio se reinició cumarínico según el riesgo de hemorragia asociado al procedimiento quirúrgico. Se evaluaron los episodios embólicos y hemorrágicos ocurridos desde el día 5 anterior al procedimiento hasta 30 días después de este. Resultados: Se registraron 75 procedimientos. En 56 casos (74,7%) los pacientes estaban anticoagulados por fibrilación auricular, 15 por tromboembolismo venoso (20%) y 4 por válvula cardíaca mecánica (5,3%). Veintiséis pacientes (34,5%) se sometieron a cirugías de alto riesgo de hemorragia y 49 (65,5%) de bajo riesgo. No se registró ningún episodio tromboembólico y acontecieron 4 (5,3%) episodios hemorrágicos; 3 (4%) correspondieron a hemorragias mayores (2, mortales). Conclusiones: Suspender la anticoagulación con cumarínicos sin tratamiento puente en pacientes de bajo riesgo de tromboembolia no expondría a estos a la ocurrencia de episodios embólicos (AU)

Background and objectives: To quantify thromboembolic and bleeding events in patients with low thromboembolic risk, who were chronically receiving vitamin K antagonists and undergoing elective surgery. Material and methods: A descriptive, prospective, single-center study was conducted between December 2010 and July 2014. Patients aged over 18 years old, chronically anticoagulated with vitamin K antagonists and admitted for elective surgery were included in the study. We excluded patients with a creatinine clearance<30ml/min, a body weight>120kg, heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, pregnant women, carriers of an epidural catheter for analgesia, patients who underwent unscheduled surgery and high thromboembolic risk-patients. Vitamin K antagonists were discontinued 5 days prior to the procedure without administering anticoagulant enoxaparin. The NIR was measured 24h before the procedure. A single dose of 3mg of vitamin K was administered in cases of a NIR>1.5. Vitamin K antagonists was resumed according to the surgical bleeding risk. Events were registered between 5 days prior to the procedure until 30 days after it. Results: A total of 75 procedures were included in the study. Fifty-six patients (74.7%) received vitamin K antagonists for atrial fibrillation, 15 suffered from venous thromboembolism (20%) and 4 had mechanical heart valves (5.3%). Twenty-six patients (34.5%) underwent high-bleeding risk surgeries and 49 (65.5%) underwent low risk procedures. No thromboembolic event was recorded. Four bleeding events (5.3%) were reported, 3 of which were considered major bleeding events (2 fatal). Conclusions: Suspending vitamin K antagonists with no bridging therapy performed in patients with a low thromboembolic risk does not expose such patients to a significant risk of embolic events (AU)

Decreased Rivaroxaban Levels in a Patient with Cerebral Vein Thrombosis Receiving Phenytoin.

Combined use of antiepileptic drugs and anticoagulants is common. We describe the first case documenting laboratory interaction between rivaroxaban and phenytoin. A 48-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital due to cerebral venous thrombosis, bilateral pulmonary embolism, and deep vein thrombosis. She came from a small town with difficult access to warfarin monitoring. She was receiving phenytoin 100 mg three times daily (t.i.d.) and started enoxaparin 60 mg twice daily (b.i.d.). An abdominal mass was diagnosed and removed by laparoscopy (gastrointestinal stromal tumor). On day 5, she was switched to rivaroxaban 15 mg b.i.d. First peak anti-Factor Xa was 70 ng/ml (reference value: 100-300 ng/ml). She was discharged on rivaroxaban 15 mg b.i.d. and phenytoin 100 mg t.i.d. A week later, anti-Xa levels were 90 ng/ml. Due to concerns about thrombosis progression, she was switched to dabigatran. During follow-up, she remained asymptomatic and thrombin time >180 s was measured several times along 3 months as surrogate for dabigatran activity. Phenytoin is a combined CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein inducer, which might reduce rivaroxaban levels. Dabigatran is substrate of P-glycoprotein, meaning potential malabsorption. Despite unavailability of plasmatic dabigatran essays, our patient improved her symptoms without further symptomatic thromboembolism. Facing these interactions, either monitoring serum levels of anticoagulants or other therapeutic options should be considered.

Perioperative management of vitamin K antagonists in patients with low thromboembolic risk undergoing elective surgery: A prospective experience. / Experiencia prospectiva en el uso perioperatorio de antagonistas de vitamina K en pacientes de bajo riesgo tromboembólico que reciben cirugía electiva.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To quantify thromboembolic and bleeding events in patients with low thromboembolic risk, who were chronically receiving vitamin K antagonists and undergoing elective surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A descriptive, prospective, single-center study was conducted between December 2010 and July 2014. Patients aged over 18 years old, chronically anticoagulated with vitamin K antagonists and admitted for elective surgery were included in the study. We excluded patients with a creatinine clearance<30ml/min, a body weight>120kg, heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, pregnant women, carriers of an epidural catheter for analgesia, patients who underwent unscheduled surgery and high thromboembolic risk-patients. Vitamin K antagonists were discontinued 5 days prior to the procedure without administering anticoagulant enoxaparin. The NIR was measured 24h before the procedure. A single dose of 3mg of vitamin K was administered in cases of a NIR>1.5. Vitamin K antagonists was resumed according to the surgical bleeding risk. Events were registered between 5 days prior to the procedure until 30 days after it. RESULTS: A total of 75 procedures were included in the study. Fifty-six patients (74.7%) received vitamin K antagonists for atrial fibrillation, 15 suffered from venous thromboembolism (20%) and 4 had mechanical heart valves (5.3%). Twenty-six patients (34.5%) underwent high-bleeding risk surgeries and 49 (65.5%) underwent low risk procedures. No thromboembolic event was recorded. Four bleeding events (5.3%) were reported, 3 of which were considered major bleeding events (2 fatal). CONCLUSIONS: Suspending vitamin K antagonists with no bridging therapy performed in patients with a low thromboembolic risk does not expose such patients to a significant risk of embolic events.

Microcarcinoma papilar de tiroides en adolescente: Extensión de la tiroidectomía y necesidad de terapia ablativa

Objetivo: Presentar el caso de una adolescente con microcarcinoma papilar de tiroides, patología de manejo terapéutico controversial. Caso Clínico: Adolescente femenina de 15 años de edad, quien presentó aumento de volumen en región lateral izquierda del cuello de 4 años de evolución, de crecimiento lentamente progresivo, al inicio indoloro, posteriormente disfagia con dolor a la palpación, motivo por el cual se le realizó tiroidectomía sub-total. Estudio anatomopatológico de la pieza reportó microcarcinoma papilar de 6 mm de diámetro, sin infiltración capsular. Es referida para valoración por Medicina Nuclear y seguimiento por el servicio de Endocrinología. Se encuentran escasos restos tiroideos bilaterales eutópicos. El tumor papilar <1 cm, en ausencia de invasión capsular, infiltración a ganglios, metástasis locales o a distancia, se consideró de bajo riesgo, por lo que se decidió no completar la tiroidectomía ni administrar terapia ablativa.Se inició terapia supresiva con levotiroxina. Se planteó seguimiento clínico, paraclínico (perfil tiroideo y tiroglobulina, a pesar de restos tiroideos, para detectar elevaciones sobre el nivel basal) e imagenológico con ultrasonido de cuello. Actualmente, adolescente en buenas condiciones generales con parámetros de seguimiento estables. Conclusiones: El microcarcinoma papilar de tiroides tiene bajo riesgo de recurrencia y de mortalidad. La extensión de la cirugía es controversial, tiroidectomía total es la indicada para algunos y lobectomía ampliada para otros. La terapia ablativa postoperatoria no ha demostrado ser beneficiosa y la terapia supresiva con levotiroxina es de utilidad. Según el curso clínico y la respuesta al tratamiento, el riesgo de recurrencia y mortalidad debe ser re-evaluado periódicamente, siempre prevaleciendo el juicio clínico.

Objective: To report the case of a teenager with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma, pathology with controversial therapeutic management. Clinical Case: Adolescent women 15 years of age, who presented a painless lowly progressive increase in volume of 4 years of evolution on the left lateral region of theneck. Subsequently dysphagia with tenderness, reason why subtotal thyroidectomy was performed. Pathologic study reported papillary microcarcinoma of 6 mm in diameter, without capsular infiltration. She was referred for evaluation by Nuclear Medicine and monitoring by the Endocrinology service. Few bilateral eutopic thyroid remnants were found. A papillary tumor<1 cm, in the absence of capsular invasion, lymphinfiltration, local or distant metastasis, was considered low risk, so it was decided not to complete the thyroidectomy and do not administer ablative therapy. It started with levothyroxine suppressive therapy. It was decided to follow up the patient by clinical, laboratory (thyroid profile and thyroglobulin, in spite of thyroid remnants, to detect elevations above baseline) and ultrasound. Currently the patient is in good general condition with stable tracking variables. Conclusion: Papillary thyroid microcarcinoma has low risk of recurrence and mortality. The extent of surgery is controversial, total thyroidectomy is indicated for some and expanded lobectomy for others. Postoperative ablative therapy has not proven beneficial and levothyroxine suppressive therapy is useful. According to the clinical course and response to treatment, the risk of recurrence and mortality should be re-evaluated periodically, always prevailing clinical judgment.