Fertility preservation in endometriosis: Review of current evidence and best practices / Preservación de la fertilidad en la endometriosis: revisión de la evidencia actual

In recent decades, the field of female fertility preservation has experienced substantial growth. Reliable techniques such as cryopreservation of oocytes and ovarian tissue have emerged, along with more established methods such as embryo freezing. Among the group of patients who can benefit from these new techniques are patients with endometriosis, a common disease capable of compromising ovarian reserve and fertility prospects. Unfortunately, comprehensive recommendations for fertility preservation in patients with endometriosis are still lacking. This narrative review comprehensively explores fertility preservation in patients with endometriosis, using a range of relevant literature, including available national and international guidelines. Additionally, it explains the weight of several factors that contribute to the decision-making process for fertility preservation, including age, severity of endometriosis, ovarian reserve, and previous or future surgery. This manuscript summarizes available recommendations that provide guidance for this vital but challenging aspect of reproductive medicine. Underlines the need for personalized care for patients with an early diagnosis of endometriosis and initial medical treatment to try to reduce the deterioration of ovarian reserve and emphasizes the importance of research to refine fertility preservation strategies in people with endometriosis.(AU)

En las últimas décadas, el campo de la preservación de la fertilidad femenina ha experimentado un crecimiento sustancial. Han surgido técnicas fiables, como la criopreservación de ovocitos y tejido ovárico, junto con algunas más establecidas como la congelación de embriones. Entre el grupo de pacientes que se pueden beneficiar de estos nuevos métodos, están aquellas con endometriosis, una enfermedad frecuente y capaz de comprometer la reserva ovárica y las perspectivas de fertilidad. Desafortunadamente, todavía faltan recomendaciones integrales para la preservación de esta en pacientes con endometriosis. Esta revisión narrativa explora exhaustivamente la conservación de la fertilidad en pacientes con endometriosis, utilizando una variedad de literatura pertinente, incluidas las pautas nacionales e internacionales disponibles. Además, explica el peso de varios factores que contribuyen al proceso de toma de decisiones para conservar la fertilidad, incluida la edad, la gravedad de la endometriosis, la reserva ovárica y la cirugía previa o futura. Este manuscrito, resume las recomendaciones disponibles que brindan orientación para este aspecto vital pero desafiante de la medicina reproductiva. Subraya la necesidad de una atención personalizada a la paciente con un diagnóstico de endometriosis precoz y un tratamiento inicial médico para intentar disminuir el deterioro de la reserva ovárica y enfatiza la importancia de la investigación para refinar las estrategias de preservación de la fertilidad en las personas que presentan endometriosis.(AU)

Enhanced fatty acid oxidation through metformin and baicalin as therapy for COVID-19 and associated inflammatory states in lung and kidney.

Progressive respiratory failure is the primary cause of death in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. It is the final outcome of the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), characterized by an initial exacerbated inflammatory response, metabolic derangement and ultimate tissue scarring. A positive balance of cellular energy may result crucial for the recovery of clinical COVID-19. Hence, we asked if two key pathways involved in cellular energy generation, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) signaling and fatty acid oxidation (FAO) could be beneficial. We tested the drugs metformin (AMPK activator) and baicalin (CPT1A activator) in different experimental models mimicking COVID-19 associated inflammation in lung and kidney. We also studied two different cohorts of COVID-19 patients that had been previously treated with metformin. These drugs ameliorated lung damage in an ARDS animal model, while activation of AMPK/ACC signaling increased mitochondrial function and decreased TGF-ß-induced fibrosis, apoptosis and inflammation markers in lung epithelial cells. Similar results were observed with two indole derivatives, IND6 and IND8 with AMPK activating capacity. Consistently, a reduced time of hospitalization and need of intensive care was observed in COVID-19 patients previously exposed to metformin. Baicalin also mitigated the activation of pro-inflammatory bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) and reduced kidney fibrosis in two animal models of kidney injury, another key target of COVID-19. In human epithelial lung and kidney cells, both drugs improved mitochondrial function and prevented TGF-ß-induced renal epithelial cell dedifferentiation. Our results support that favoring cellular energy production through enhanced FAO may prove useful in the prevention of COVID-19-induced lung and renal damage.

Gender-based analysis of players’ perceptions of their coach / Análisis en funcion del genero de los jugadores sobre la percepcion que tienen de su entrenador

This study aimed to analyze gender differences in athletes' perception of their coaches' authentic leadership style, perceived justice, competence, and attention to basic psychological needs. A total of 217 soccer and handball players (147 men and 70 women) participated. In contrast to male athletes, female athletes showed higher levels in the selected variables. This study should be helpful for coaches to identify their athletes' different perceptions depending on gender. Consequently, coaches may use a different approach depending on their team’s gender (AU)

El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar en función del género de los jugadores la percepción que tienen de sus entrenadores respecto a su estilo de liderazgo auténtico, justicia percibida, competencia y atención a las necesidades psicológicas básicas. Participaron en el estudio 217 jugadores de fútbol y balonmano (147 hombres y 70 mujeres). Las deportistas de género femenino a diferencias de los de género masculino, mostraron niveles más altos en las variables psicológicas seleccionadas. Este estudio debería ser útil a los entrenadores para reconocer cuales son las percepciones de sus deportistas, y de este modo, poder matizar su intervención en función del género del equipo al cual se entrene (AU)

Reciprocal regulation between the molecular clock and kidney injury.

Tubulointerstitial fibrosis is the common pathological substrate for many etiologies leading to chronic kidney disease. Although perturbations in the circadian rhythm have been associated with renal disease, the role of the molecular clock in the pathogenesis of fibrosis remains incompletely understood. We investigated the relationship between the molecular clock and renal damage in experimental models of injury and fibrosis (unilateral ureteral obstruction, folic acid, and adenine nephrotoxicity), using genetically modified mice with selective deficiencies of the clock components Bmal1, Clock, and Cry We found that the molecular clock pathway was enriched in damaged tubular epithelial cells with marked metabolic alterations. In human tubular epithelial cells, TGFß significantly altered the expression of clock components. Although Clock played a role in the macrophage-mediated inflammatory response, the combined absence of Cry1 and Cry2 was critical for the recruitment of neutrophils, correlating with a worsening of fibrosis and with a major shift in the expression of metabolism-related genes. These results support that renal damage disrupts the kidney peripheral molecular clock, which in turn promotes metabolic derangement linked to inflammatory and fibrotic responses.

Embolization of bronchial arteries and nonbronchial systemic arteries with n-butyl-cyanoacrylate in patients with hemoptysis: A retrospective single-center study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the embolization of bronchial arteries and nonbronchial systemic arteries with n-butyl-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) in patients with hemoptysis. METHODS: We analyzed a total of 55 consecutive patients with hemoptysis (14 mild, 31 moderate, and 10 massive) treated with the embolization of bronchial arteries and nonbronchial systemic arteries with n-butyl-cyanoacrylate between November 2013 and January 2020. The main variables analyzed were the rates of technical success, of clinical success, of recurrence, and of complications. Statistics included a descriptive analysis and Kaplan-Meier survival curves. RESULTS: Embolization was a technical success in 55 (100%) and a clinical success in 54 (98.2%). During follow-up (mean, 23.8 months; interquartile range, 9.7-38.2 months), hemoptysis recurred in 5 (9.3%) patients. The nonrecurrence rate was 91.9% one year after the initial procedure and 88.7% two years and four years after the initial procedure. Minor complications related with the procedure occurred in 6 (10.9%); no major complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: The embolization of bronchial arteries and nonbronchial systemic arteries with n-butyl-cyanoacrylate is safe and efficacious for controlling hemoptysis, resulting in low recurrence rates.

Embolización de arterias bronquiales y arterias sistémicas no bronquiales con n-butil-cianoacrilato en pacientes con hemoptisis: un estudio monocéntrico y retrospectivo / Embolization of bronchial arteries and nonbronchial systemic arteries with n-butyl-cyanoacrylate in patients with hemoptysis: a retrospective single-center study

Objetivos Evaluar la seguridad y la eficacia de la embolización de arterias bronquiales y arterias sistémicas no bronquiales con n-butil-cianoacrilato en pacientes con hemoptisis. Métodos Se han analizado un total de 55 pacientes consecutivos con hemoptisis (14 leves, 31 moderadas y 10 masivas) tratados mediante embolización de arterias bronquiales y arterias sistémicas no bronquiales con n-butil- cianoacrilato entre noviembre de 2013 y enero de 2020. Las variables principales estudiadas son tasa de éxito técnico, tasa de éxito clínico, tasas de recurrencia y complicaciones. Se ha realizado un análisis estadístico descriptivo y un análisis de supervivencia mediante el método de Kaplan-Meier. Resultados En 55 (100%) pacientes se ha realizado la embolización con éxito técnico y en 54 (98,2%), con éxito clínico. Durante el seguimiento (media, 23,8 meses; rango intercuartílico, 9,7-38,2) ha recurrido en 5 de los 54 (9,3%) pacientes. La tasa de no recurrencia al año ha sido del 91,9%, y a los 2 y 4 años, del 88,7% después del procedimiento inicial. Ha habido 6 (10,9%) complicaciones menores relacionadas con el procedimiento y ninguna mayor. Conclusiones La embolización de arterias bronquiales y arterias sistémicas no bronquiales con n-butil-cianoacrilato es segura y eficaz para controlar la hemoptisis con tasas de recurrencia bajas (AU)

Objectives To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the embolization of bronchial arteries and nonbronchial systemic arteries with n-butyl-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) in patients with hemoptysis. Methods We analyzed a total of 55 consecutive patients with hemoptysis (14 mild, 31 moderate, and 10 massive) treated with the embolization of bronchial arteries and nonbronchial systemic arteries with n-butyl-cyanoacrylate between November 2013 and January 2020. The main variables analyzed were the rates of technical success, of clinical success, of recurrence, and of complications. Statistics included a descriptive analysis and Kaplan-Meier survival curves. Result Embolization was a technical success in 55 (100%) and a clinical success in 54 (98.2%). During follow-up (mean, 23.8 months; interquartile range, 9.7 – 38.2 months), hemoptysis recurred in 5 (9.3%) patients. The nonrecurrence rate was 91.9% one year after the initial procedure and 88.7% two years and four years after the initial procedure. Minor complications related with the procedure occurred in 6 (10.9%); no major complications occurred. Conclusions The embolization of bronchial arteries and nonbronchial systemic arteries with n-butyl-cyanoacrylate is safe and efficacious for controlling hemoptysis, resulting in low recurrence rates (AU)

Barcelona scale for buccophonatory apraxia: Quantitative assessment tool.

INTRODUCTION: Currently there is no tool to quantify buccophonatory apraxia to stratify, compare and monitor patients longitudinally in an objective manner. Our aim in this study is to create a quantitative scale for buccophonatory apraxia and evaluate it in patients with the non-fluent/grammatical variant of primary progressive aphasia (nfvPPA) and other neurodegenerative diseases that occur with speech and/or language problems. METHODS: The scale was designed based on useful elements in the assessment of buccophonatory apraxia and the total was quantified in seconds. The scale was administered to 64 participants with diagnoses of: nfvPPA, semantic variant of primary progressive aphasia (svPPA), logopenic variant of primary progressive aphasia (lvPPA), Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, as well as a group of healthy controls. RESULTS: Patients showed a significantly higher score compared to controls. The nfvPPA group had the highest mean score on the scale (429 seconds ± 278). The scale was useful to differentiate vnfPPA from svPPA and Parkinson's disease (area under curve [AUC] of 0.956 and 0.989, respectively), but less to differentiate it from Huntington's disease (AUC = 0.67) and lvPPA. There was a statistically significant relationship between total score and disease severity in nfvPPA (P < .029). CONCLUSIONS: The Barcelona scale for buccophonatory apraxia could be useful to quantitatively evaluate buccophonatory apraxia in different neurodegenerative diseases, and compare patients, especially in nfvPPA.

Evaluation of the degradation of the graphene-polypropylene composites of masks in harsh working conditions.

The recent COVID-19 outbreak has led health authorities to recommend at least the use of surgical masks, most preferably respirators (FFP2 or KN95), to prevent the spread of the virus. Non-woven fabrics have been chosen as the best option to manufacture the face masks, due to their filtration efficiency, low cost, and versatility. Modifying the mask filters with graphene has been of great interest due to its potential use as antibacterial and virucidal properties. Indeed, some companies have commercialized face masks in which graphene is coated and/or embedded. However, the Canadian sanitary authorities advised against using the Shandong Shengquan New Materials Co. graphene masks because of the possibility of pulmonary damage produced by graphene inhalation. Thus, we have analyzed the stability of the graphene filter of these masks and compared it with two other commercially available graphene mask filters, evaluating the morphological and spectroscopical change of the fibers, as well as the particles released during the endurance tests. Our work introduces the necessary tools and methodology to evaluate the potential degradation of face masks under extreme working conditions. These methods complement the present standard tests ensuring the security of the new filters based on composites or nanomaterials.

De Novo Malignancy After Liver Transplantation: Risk Assessment, Prevention, and Management-Guidelines From the ILTS-SETH Consensus Conference.

De novo malignancies (DNMs) following liver transplantation (LT) have been reported as 1 of the major causes of late mortality, being the most common cause of death in the second decade after LT. The overall incidence of DNMs is reported to be in the range of 3.1% to 14.4%, and the incidence is 2- to 3-fold higher in transplant recipients than in age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Long-term immunosuppressive therapy, which is the key in maintaining host tolerance and achieving good long-term outcomes, is known to contribute to a higher risk of DNMs. However, the incidence and type of DNM also depends on different risk factors, including patient demographics, cause of the underlying chronic liver disease, behavior (smoking and alcohol abuse), and pre-existing premalignant conditions. The estimated standardized incidence ratio for different DNMs is also variable. The International Liver Transplantation Society-Spanish Society of Liver Transplantation Consensus Conference working group on DNM has summarized and discussed the current available literature on epidemiology, risk factors, management, and survival after DNMs. Recommendations for screening and surveillance for specific tumors, as well as immunosuppression and cancer-specific management in patients with DNM, are summarized.

Repercusión de la pandemia COVID-19 en la actividad pediátrica en Atención Primaria / Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the pediatric activity in Primary Care

Introducción. La pandemia por COVID-19 ha supuesto un cambio en nuestras vidas y deseamos conocer su influencia en las consultas de pediatría en Atención Primaria. Pacientes y métodos. Estudio observacional retrospectivo de la actividad en un Centro de Salud urbano entre enero 2019 y marzo 2021. Se realiza aleatorización estratificada para elegir semana y día y se incluyen todos los pacientes. La información se extrae del programa Medora. Se recogen las variables: fecha de consulta, fecha de nacimiento, profesional, sexo, patología crónica, tipo y motivo de consulta, hospitalización reciente y afectación por COVID-19. Se realiza un análisis de regresión logística binaria y análisis de regresión de joinpoint. Resultados. La muestra es de 1.802 consultas. La tendencia de las tasas de consultas es estable de forma global y en la atención de enfermería, pero hay cambios estacionales en la atención de los pediatras. Durante la pandemia el tipo de consulta a la demanda/urgencia ha sido inferior que la programada (Odds Ratio = 0,19, IC al 95%: 0,1 a 0,3) y la atención telefónica/no presencial superior a la programada (Odds Ratio = 4,01: IC95% 2,3 a 6,95). El comportamiento de las consultas por tipo de patologías, consulta de revisión, vacunaciones o aspectos administrativos ha sido similar antes y durante la pandemia. Conclusión. El volumen de atenciones en nuestro Centro de Salud ha sido similar durante el periodo estudiado. La atención telefónica/no presencial ha sido cuatro veces superior a la consulta programada. Existen diferencias estacionales con descenso estival (AU)

Introduction. Our aim is to know the impact of the pandemic on pediatric activity in Primary Care.Patients and methods. Retrospective observational study of pediatric activity in an urban Health Center between January 2019 and March 2021. Stratified randomization is performed to choose the week and day. All patients are included. The information collected is extracted from the Medora program. Date of consultation, date of birth, professional, sex, chronic pathology, type and reason for consultation, recent hospitalization and involvement by COVID-19 are collected. Binary logistic regression analysis and regression analysis of joinpoint are performed.Results. The sample is made up of 1802 consultations. Trend in consultation rates is stable globally and in nursing care, but there are seasonal changes in pediatric care. During the pandemic, the demand/urgent consultation was lower than scheduled (Odds Ratio = 0.19, 95% CI 0.1 to 0.3) and telephone/non-face-to-face consultations were higher than scheduled (Odds Ratio = 4.01: 95% CI 2.3 to 6.95). The behavior of consultations by type of pathology, review consultation, vaccinations or administrative aspects has been similar before and during the pandemic.Conclusion. The number of consultations in our Health Center has been similar along the studied period. Telephone/non-face-to-face assistance has been four times higher thanscheduled consultation. There are seasonal differences in pediatric care with a summer decline (AU)

Embolization of bronchial arteries and nonbronchial systemic arteries with n-butyl-cyanoacrylate in patients with hemoptysis: a retrospective single-center study. / Embolización de arterias bronquiales y arterias sistémicas no bronquiales con n-butil-cianoacrilato en pacientes con hemoptisis: un estudio monocéntrico y retrospectivo.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the embolization of bronchial arteries and nonbronchial systemic arteries with n-butyl-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) in patients with hemoptysis. METHODS: We analyzed a total of 55 consecutive patients with hemoptysis (14 mild, 31 moderate, and 10 massive) treated with the embolization of bronchial arteries and nonbronchial systemic arteries with n-butyl-cyanoacrylate between November 2013 and January 2020. The main variables analyzed were the rates of technical success, of clinical success, of recurrence, and of complications. Statistics included a descriptive analysis and Kaplan-Meier survival curves. RESULTS: Embolization was a technical success in 55 (100%) and a clinical success in 54 (98.2%). During follow-up (mean, 23.8 months; interquartile range, 9.7 - 38.2 months), hemoptysis recurred in 5 (9.3%) patients. The nonrecurrence rate was 91.9% one year after the initial procedure and 88.7% two years and four years after the initial procedure. Minor complications related with the procedure occurred in 6 (10.9%); no major complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: The embolization of bronchial arteries and nonbronchial systemic arteries with n-butyl-cyanoacrylate is safe and efficacious for controlling hemoptysis, resulting in low recurrence rates.

Renal tubule Cpt1a overexpression protects from kidney fibrosis by restoring mitochondrial homeostasis.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains a major epidemiological, clinical, and biomedical challenge. During CKD, renal tubular epithelial cells (TECs) present a persistent inflammatory and profibrotic response. Fatty acid oxidation (FAO), the main source of energy for TECs, is reduced in kidney fibrosis and contributes to its pathogenesis. To determine whether gain of function in FAO (FAO-GOF) could protect from fibrosis, we generated a conditional transgenic mouse model with overexpression of the fatty acid shuttling enzyme carnitine palmitoyl-transferase 1A (CPT1A) in TECs. Cpt1a-knockin (CPT1A-KI) mice subjected to 3 models of renal fibrosis (unilateral ureteral obstruction, folic acid nephropathy [FAN], and adenine-induced nephrotoxicity) exhibited decreased expression of fibrotic markers, a blunted proinflammatory response, and reduced epithelial cell damage and macrophage influx. Protection from fibrosis was also observed when Cpt1a overexpression was induced after FAN. FAO-GOF restored oxidative metabolism and mitochondrial number and enhanced bioenergetics, increasing palmitate oxidation and ATP levels, changes that were also recapitulated in TECs exposed to profibrotic stimuli. Studies in patients showed decreased CPT1 levels and increased accumulation of short- and middle-chain acylcarnitines, reflecting impaired FAO in human CKD. We propose that strategies based on FAO-GOF may constitute powerful alternatives to combat fibrosis inherent to CKD.

The controlling nutritional status score: A promising tool for nutritional screening and predicting severity in ulcerative colitis patients. / La escala control nutricional (CONUT): una herramienta prometedora para el cribado nutricional y como predictor de severidad en la colitis ulcerosa crónica idiopática.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: The controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score has previously been shown to be useful for nutritional assessment and the prediction of several inflammatory and neoplastic diseases. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential use of the CONUT score as a method for nutritional screening and predicting severity in ulcerative colitis (UC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted on 60 patients diagnosed with UC. Demographic, clinical, and biochemical patient characteristics were collected from their clinical records, and disease severity was assessed using the Truelove and Witts scale (TWS). The risks for malnutrition were evaluated through the nutritional risk index and the CONUT score. RESULTS: More than 90% of the UC patients presented with malnutrition risk, according to the scores analyzed. Patients with a high (>6points) CONUT score presented with moderate-to-severe activity on the TWS. A higher CONUT score was also associated with an increase in C-reactive protein (CRP) (P=.002) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (P=.009). The data analysis was performed utilizing the SPSS version 19 program. CONCLUSIONS: The CONUT score could be a promising tool for evaluating nutritional status in UC patients and predicting UC severity.

Clostridioides difficile infection in a long-term convalescence hospital: A real tale of pitfalls and outdated therapy.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to know the characteristics and risk factors of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) in a long-term hospital is key to improve its management. METHODS: Retrospective study with 37 patients, along 43 months. We describe demographic variables, clinical data, time to diagnosis, treatment, and evolution. RESULTS: Analysis of 46 episodes (37 patients, mean age=82.2 years). 77.8% were absolutely dependent, 41.7% had chronic kidney disease, 64.9% had received antibiotics in the previous three months, 40.5% received antibiotics at diagnosis. It was the first episode in 78.4%, and first recurrence in 21.6%. Therapy was started in the first 24 hours after diagnosis in 89.2%, mostly metronidazole. 83.3% recovered, 3 patients died from CDI, diagnosis was registered in the discharge report in 91.1%. CONCLUSIONS: Previous antibiotic therapy, high grade of dependency and renal failure were the main risk factors. There is room for improvement in CDI management at our hospital.

Percepción de los pediatras de Atención Primaria de su relación con la Pediatría Hospitalaria / Perception of the Primary Care pediatricians of their relationship with Hospital Pediatrics

Objetivo. El objetivo de este trabajo es conocer la percepción que tienen los pediatras de Atención Primaria (PAP) de Castilla y León de su relación con la Pediatría Hospitalaria. Población y métodos. Se realizó una encuesta entre los pediatras de Atención Primaria para conocer la relación entre niveles asistenciales en las 11 áreas sanitarias de la Comunidad. El cuestionario es anónimo y consta de 16 preguntas en dos bloques: 9 sobre “cómo es/cómo percibimos la relación entre los PAP y el hospital” (bloque 1) y 7 sobre “qué cosas son importantes para los PAP/qué se pide al hospital” (bloque 2). Se puntúa con una escala Likert de 1 (nada) a 5 (máximo). Resultados. Respondieron 134 pediatras (84% mujeres). El 64% tiene 15 años de experiencia en PAP. El 77% trabajan como pediatras de equipo, y el 64% en centros urbanos. El 43% tiene cupos de 800-999 pacientes. El 24% son tutores de apoyo MIR y el 24% colabora en la formación de estudiantes de Medicina. En el primer bloque de preguntas se observan medianas entre 2 y 4 de puntuación Likert, y en el segundo bloque los valores son más elevados (mediana 4). Encontramos diferencias significativas al comparar las respuestas por áreas sanitarias, en todas las preguntas del primer bloque y en la mayoría del segundo. Conclusión. La relación entre niveles es aceptable en su conjunto, con importantes diferencias entre áreas sanitarias (AU)

Objective. To know the perception that Primary Care pediatricians (PCP) of Castilla y Leon have about their relationship with hospital pediatricians. Population and methods. A survey was conducted among PCP to find out the relationship between healthcare levels in the 11 health areas of the Community. The questionnaire is anonymous and consists of 16 questions (two blocks): 9 about “how is/how we perceive the relationship between the PCP and the hospital” (first block) and 7 about “what is important for the PCP/what is asked to the hospital” (second block). It is scored on a Likert scale from 1 (not at all) to 5 (maximum). Results. 134 pediatricians answer (84% women). 64% have 15 years of experience as PCP. 77% work as team pediatrician, and 64% in urban settings. 43% attends 800-999 patients. 24% are support tutors and 24% are trainers of medical students. Medians between 2 and 4 of Likert scores are observed in the first block of questions, and values are higher (4) in the second one. We find significant differences when making comparisons by Health Areas in all the questions in the first block and in most of them in the second. Conclusión. The relationship between healthcare levels is acceptable as a whole with important differences among health areas (AU)

Impact of COVID-19 outbreak in reperfusion therapies of acute ischaemic stroke in northwest Spain.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Spain has been one of the countries more heavily stricken by SARS-CoV-2, which has had huge implications for stroke care. The aim was to analyse the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic outbreak on reperfusion therapies for acute ischaemic stroke in the northwest of Spain. METHODS: This was a Spanish multicentre retrospective observational study based on data from tertiary hospitals of the NORDICTUS network. All patients receiving reperfusion therapy for ischaemic stroke between 30 December 2019 and 3 May 2020 were recorded, and their baseline, clinical and radiological characteristics, extra- and intra-hospital times of action, Code Stroke activation pathway, COVID-19 status, reperfusion rate, and short-term outcome before and after the setting of the emergency state were analysed. RESULTS: A total of 796 patients received reperfusion therapies for ischaemic stroke. There was a decrease in the number of patients treated per week (46.5 patients per week vs. 39.0 patients per week, P = 0.043) and a delay in out-of-hospital (95.0 vs. 110.0 min, P = 0.001) and door-to-needle times (51.0 vs. 55.0, P = 0.038). Patients receiving endovascular therapy obtained less successful reperfusion rates (92.9% vs. 86.6%, P = 0.016). COVID-19 patients had more in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSION: A decrease in the number of patients benefiting from reperfusion therapies was found, with a delay in out-of-hospital and door-to-needle times and worse reperfusion rates in northwest Spain. COVID-19 patients had more in-hospital mortality.

Impacto de la pandemia de COVID-19 en la organización asistencial del ictus. Plan Ictus Madrid Pandemia COVID-19. Impacto en la asistencia del ictus. Plan Ictus Madrid / Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the organisation of stroke care. Madrid Stroke Care Plan

INTRODUCCIÓN: La sobrecarga asistencial y los cambios organizativos frente a la pandemia de COVID-19 podrían estar repercutiendo en la atención al ictus agudo en la Comunidad de Madrid. MÉTODOS: Encuesta estructurada en bloques: características del hospital, cambios en infraestructura y recursos, circuitos de código ictus, pruebas diagnósticas, rehabilitación y atención ambulatoria. Análisis descriptivo según el nivel de complejidad en la atención del ictus (disponibilidad o no de unidad de ictus y de trombectomía mecánica). RESULTADOS: De los 26 hospitales del SERMAS que atienden urgencias en adultos, 22 cumplimentaron la encuesta entre el 16 y 27 de abril. El 95% han cedido neurólogos para atender a pacientes afectados por la COVID-19. Se han reducido camas de neurología en el 89,4%, modificado los circuitos en urgencias para ictus en el 81%, con circuitos específicos para sospecha de infección por SARS-CoV2 en el 50%, y en el 42% de los hospitales los pacientes con ictus agudo positivos para SARS-CoV2 no ingresan en camas de neurología. Ha mejorado el acceso al tratamiento, con trombectomía mecánica las 24 h en el propio hospital en 10 hospitales, y se han reducido los traslados interhospitalarios secundarios. Se ha evitado el ingreso de pacientes con ataque isquémico transitorio o ictus leve (45%) y se han incorporado consultas telefónicas para seguimiento en el 100%. CONCLUSIONES: Los cambios organizativos de los hospitales de la Comunidad de Madrid frente a la pandemia por SARS-Co2 han modificado la dedicación de recursos humanos e infraestructuras de las unidades de neurología y los circuitos de atención del ictus, realización de pruebas diagnósticas, ingreso de los pacientes y seguimiento

INTRODUCTION: The overload of the healthcare system and the organisational changes made in response to the COVID-19 pandemic may be having an impact on acute stroke care in the Region of Madrid. METHODS: We conducted a survey with sections addressing hospital characteristics, changes in infrastructure and resources, code stroke clinical pathways, diagnostic testing, rehabilitation, and outpatient care. We performed a descriptive analysis of results according to the level of complexity of stroke care (availability of stroke units and mechanical thrombectomy). RESULTS: The survey was completed by 22 of the 26 hospitals in the Madrid Regional Health System that attend adult emergencies, between 16 and 27 April 2020. Ninety-five percent of hospitals had reallocated neurologists to care for patients with COVID-19. The numbers of neurology ward beds were reduced in 89.4% of hospitals; emergency department stroke care pathways were modified in 81%, with specific pathways for suspected SARS-CoV2 infection established in 50% of hospitals; and SARS-CoV2-positive patients with acute stroke were not admitted to neurology wards in 42%. Twenty-four hour on-site availability of mechanical thrombectomy was improved in 10 hospitals, which resulted in a reduction in the number of secondary hospital transfers. The admission of patients with transient ischaemic attack or minor stroke was avoided in 45% of hospitals, and follow-up through telephone consultations was implemented in 100%. CONCLUSIONS: The organisational changes made in response to the SARS-Co2 pandemic in hospitals in the Region of Madrid have modified the allocation of neurology department staff and infrastructure, stroke units and stroke care pathways, diagnostic testing, hospital admissions, and outpatient follow-up

Contraindications to intravenous thrombolysis in prehospital triage of thrombectomy candidates.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The existence of contraindications to intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) is considered a criterion for direct transfer of patients with suspected acute stroke to thrombectomy-capable centers in the prehospital setting. Our aim was to assess the utility of this criterion in a setting where routing protocols are defined by the Madrid - Direct Referral to Endovascular Center (M-DIRECT) prehospital scale. METHODS: This was a post hoc analysis of the M-DIRECT study. Reported contraindications to IVT were retrospectively collected from emergency medical services reports and categorized into late window, anticoagulant treatment and other contraindications. Final diagnosis and treatment rates were compared between patients with and without reported IVT contraindications and according to anticoagulant treatment or late window categories. RESULTS: The M-DIRECT study included 541 patients. Reported IVT contraindications were present in 227 (42.0%) patients. Regarding final diagnosis no significant differences were found between patients with or without reported IVT contraindications: ischaemic stroke (any) 65.6% vs. 62.1%, ischaemic stroke with large vessel occlusion (LVO) 32.2% vs. 28.3%, hemorrhagic stroke 15.4% vs. 15.6%, stroke mimic 18.9% vs. 22.3% respectively. Amongst patients with LVO, endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) was performed less often in the presence of IVT contraindications (56.2% vs. 74.2%). M-DIRECT-positive patients had higher rates of LVO and EVT compared with M-DIRECT-negative patients independent of reported IVT contraindications. CONCLUSIONS: Reported IVT contraindications alone do not increase EVT likelihood and should not be considered to determine routing in urban stroke networks.