Analysing Early Diagnosis Strategies for HIV Infection: A Retrospective Study of Missed Diagnostic Opportunities.

Early diagnosis of a Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-infected person represents a cornerstone of HIV prevention, treatment, and care. Numerous publications have developed recommendations where HIV serology is indicated to reduce missed diagnostic opportunities (MDOs). This retrospective study analyses new HIV infection diagnoses and the relationship between late diagnosis (LD)/advanced HIV disease (AHD), baseline characteristics, and MDOs. Sociodemographic data and data related to contact with the health system in the 5 years before diagnosis were collected. Most of the 273 diagnoses were made in primary care (48.5%). Approximately 50.5% and 34.4% had LD and AHD criteria, respectively. Female sex was associated with a higher incidence of LD. Persons infected through the heterosexual route and those at an older age had a higher risk for LD and AHD. People with previous HIV serology presented a lower percentage of LD and AHD. In total, 10% of the health contact instances were classified as MDOs, mostly occurring in primary care. A significant increase in the median of MDOs was observed in patients with LD/AHD. Female sex and hepatitis C virus co-infection were associated with an increase in the number of MDOs. The high percentage of LD and AHD and the significant number of MDOs show that the current screening system should be improved.

Conciliación de la medicación en el alta desde la unidad de cuidados intensivos a la planta de hospitalización / Medication reconciliation for patients after their discharge from intensive care unit to the hospital ward

Objetivos : el objetivo de este estudio fue determinar si la transición del alta de la unidad de cuidados intensivos a la planta de hospitalización conlleva un alto riesgo de errores de conciliación. Se definió como objetivo principal del estudio describir y cuantificar las discrepancias y los errores de conciliación. Los objetivos secundarios incluyeron clasificar los errores de conciliación por tipo, grupo terapéutico de los medicamentos implicados y la gravedad potencial. Métodos: se llevó a cabo un estudio observacional retrospectivo de los pacientes dados de alta de la unidad de cuidados intensivos a la planta de hospitalización. Antes de que un paciente fuese dado de alta desde la unidad de cuidados intensivos, sus últimas prescripciones fueron comparadas con el listado de medicación propuesto en la planta de hospitalización. Las discrepancias entre ambos listados fueron clasificadas como discrepancias justificadas o errores de conciliación. Los errores de conciliación fueron clasificados por tipo de error, por gravedad potencial y por grupo terapéutico. Resultados: fueron conciliados 452 pacientes. Se encontró al menos una discrepancia en un 34,29% (155/452), y presentaba al menos un error de conciliación 18,14% (82/452). Los errores de conciliación más frecuentes fueron diferente dosis o vía de administración (31,79% [48/151]) y errores de omisión (31,79% [48/151]). Un 19,20% (29/151) involucraba a medicamentos de alto riesgo. Conclusiones: el alta desde la unidad de cuidados intensivos a la planta de hospitalización convencional es una transición asistencial que presenta alto riesgo de errores de conciliación. Los errores de conciliación ocurren con frecuencia, en ocasiones involucran a medicamentos de alto riesgo, su potencial gravedad puede requerir una monitorización adicional o producir daño temporal, y en algunos casos, más de un error de conciliación puede tener lugar. ... (AU)

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine whether the transition of care from the intensive care unit to the ward would pose a high risk for reconciliation errors. The primary outcome of this study was to describe and quantify the discrepancies and reconciliation errors. Secondary outcomes included classification of the reconciliation errors by type of medication error, therapeutic group of the drugs involved and grade of potential severity. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study of reconciliated adult patients discharged from the Intensive Care Unit to the ward. Before a patient was discharged from the intensive care unit, their last intensive care unit’s prescriptions were compared with their proposed medication list in the ward. The discrepancies between these were classified as justified discrepancies or reconciliation errors. Reconciliation errors were classified by type of error, potential severity, and therapeutic group. Results: We found that 452 patients were reconciliated. At least one discrepancy was detected in 34.29% (155/452), and 18.14% (82/452) had at least one reconciliation errors. The most found error types were a different dose or administration route (31.79% [48/151]) and omission errors (31.79% [48/151]). High alert medication was involved in 19.20% of reconciliation errors (29/151). Conclusions: Our study shows that intensive care unit to non-intensive care unit transitions are high-risk processes for reconciliation error. They frequently occur and occasionally involve high alert medication, and their severity could require additional monitoring or cause temporary harm. Medication reconciliation can reduce reconciliation errors. (AU)

Medication reconciliation for patients after their discharge from intensive care unit to the hospital ward. / [Artículo traducido] Conciliación de la medicación en el alta desde la unidad de cuidados intensivos a la planta de hospitalización.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine whether the transition of care from the intensive care unit to the ward would pose a high risk for reconciliation errors. The primary outcome of this study was to describe and quantify the discrepancies and reconciliation errors. Secondary outcomes included classification of the reconciliation errors by type of medication error, therapeutic group of the drugs involved and grade of potential severity. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective observational study of reconciliated adult patients discharged from the Intensive Care Unit to the ward. Before a patient was discharged from the intensive care unit, their last intensive care unit's prescriptions were compared with their proposed medication list in the ward. The discrepancies between these were classified as justified discrepancies or reconciliation errors. Reconciliation errors were classified by type of error, potential severity, and therapeutic group. RESULTS: We found that 452 patients were reconciliated. At least one discrepancy was detected in 34.29% (155/452), and 18.14% (82/452) had at least one reconciliation errors. The most found error types were a different dose or administration route (31.79% [48/151]) and omission errors (31.79% [48/151]). High alert medication was involved in 19.20% of reconciliation errors (29/151). CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that intensive care unit to non-intensive care unit transitions are high-risk processes for reconciliation error. They frequently occur and occasionally involve high alert medication, and their severity could require additional monitoring or cause temporary harm. Medication reconciliation can reduce reconciliation errors.

Medication reconciliation for patients after their discharge from intensive care unit to the hospital ward.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine whether the transition of care from the intensive care unit to the ward would pose a high risk for reconciliation errors. The primary outcome of this study was to describe and quantify the discrepancies and reconciliation errors. Secondary outcomes included classification of the reconciliation errors by type of medication error, therapeutic group of the drugs involved and grade of potential severity. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective observational study of reconciliated adult patients discharged from the Intensive Care Unit to the ward. Before a patient was discharged from the intensive care unit, their last intensive care unit's prescriptions were compared with their proposed medication list in the ward. The discrepancies between these were classified as justified discrepancies or reconciliation errors. Reconciliation errors were classified by type of error, potential severity, and therapeutic group. RESULTS: We found that 452 patients were reconciliated. At least one discrepancy was detected in 34.29% (155/452), and 18.14% (82/452) had at least one reconciliation errors. The most found error types were a different dose or administration route (31.79% (48/151)) and omission errors (31.79% (48/151)). High alert medication was involved in 19.20% of reconciliation errors (29/151). CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that intensive care unit to non-intensive care unit transitions are high-risk processes for reconciliation error. They frequently occur and occasionally involve high alert medication, and their severity could require additional monitoring or cause temporary harm. Medication reconciliation can reduce reconciliation errors.

Prevalence of adverse drug reactions associated with emergency department visits and risk factors for hospitalization. / [Artículo traducido] Prevalencia de reacciones adversas a medicamentos asociadas a visitas al servicio de urgencias y factores de riesgo de hospitalización.

OBJECTIVE: Adverse drug reactions increase morbidity and mortality, prolong hospital stay and increase healthcare costs. The primary objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of emergency department visits for adverse drug reactions and to describe their characteristics. The secondary objective was to determine the predictor variables of hospitalization for adverse drug reactions associated with emergency department visits. METHODS: Observational and retrospective study of adverse drug reactions registered in an emergency department, carried out from November 15th to December 15th, 2021. The demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients, the drugs involved and the adverse drug reactions were described. Logistic regression was performed to identify factors related to hospitalization for adverse drug reactions. RESULTS: 10,799 patients visited the ED and 216 (2%) patients with adverse drug reactions were included. The mean age was 70 ± 17.5 (18-98) years and 47.7% of the patients were male. A total of 54.6% of patients required hospitalization and 1.6% died from adverse drug reactions. The total number of drugs involved was 315 with 149 different drugs. The pharmacological group corresponding to the nervous system constituted the most representative group (n = 81). High-risk medications, such as antithrombotic agents (n = 53), were the subgroup of medications that caused the most emergency department visits and hospitalization. Acenocumarol (n = 20) was the main drug involved. Gastrointestinal (n = 62) disorders were the most common. Diarrhea (n = 16) was the most frequent adverse drug reaction, while gastrointestinal bleeding (n = 13) caused the highest number of hospitalizations. Charlson comorbidity index behaved as an independent risk factor for hospitalization (aOR 3.24; 95% CI: 1.47-7.13; p=0.003, in Charlson comorbidity index 4-6, and aOR 20.07; 95% CI: 6.87-58.64; p = 0.000, in Charlson comorbidity index ≥ 10). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of emergency department visits for adverse drug reactions continues to be a non-negligible health problem. High-risk drugs such as antithrombotic agents were the main therapeutic subgroup involved. Charlson comorbidity index was an independent factor in hospitalization, while gastrointestinal bleeding was the adverse drug reaction with the highest number of hospital admissions.

Prevalencia de reacciones adversas a medicamentos asociadas a visitas al servicio de urgencias y factores de riesgo de hospitalización / Prevalence of adverse drug reactions associated with emergency department visits and risk factors for hospitalization

Objetivos: las reacciones adversas a medicamentos aumentan la morbimortalidad, prolongan la estancia hospitalaria y aumentan los costes sanitarios. El objetivo principal de este estudio fue determinar la prevalencia de visitas por reacciones adversas a medicamentos al servicio de urgencias y describir sus características. El objetivo secundario fue determinar las variables predictoras de hospitalización por reacciones adversas a medicamentos asociadas a visitas al servicio de urgencias.Métodosestudio observacional y retrospectivo de las reacciones adversas a medicamentos registradas en un servicio de urgencias, realizado del 15 de noviembre al 15 de diciembre de 2021. Se describieron las características demográficas y clínicas de los pacientes, los medicamentos involucrados y las reacciones adversas a medicamentos. Se realizó una regresión logística para identificar los factores relacionados con la hospitalización por reacciones adversas a medicamentos.Resultados10.799 pacientes visitaron el servicio de urgencias, de los que 216 (2%) presentaban reacciones adversas a medicamentos. La edad media fue de 70 ± 17,5 (18-98) años y el 47,7% de los pacientes fueron hombres. Un 54,6% de los pacientes requirieron hospitalización y el 1,6% fallecieron a causa de una reacción adversa a medicamentos. El número total de fármacos involucrados fue de 315, con 149 fármacos diferentes. El grupo farmacológico correspondiente al sistema nervioso constituyó el grupo más representativo (n = 81). Medicamentos de alto riesgo, como los antitrombóticos (n = 53), fueron el subgrupo de medicamentos que causó más visitas a urgencias y hospitalizaciones. El acenocumarol (n = 20) fue el principal fármaco implicado. Los trastornos gastrointestinales (n = 62) fueron mayoritarios. (AU)

Objective: Adverse drug reactions increase morbidity and mortality, prolong hospital stay and increase healthcare costs. The primary objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of emergency department visits for adverse drug reactions and to describe their characteristics. The secondary objective was to determine the predictor variables of hospitalization for adverse drug reactions associated with emergency department visits.MethodsObservational and retrospective study of adverse drug reactions registered in an emergency department, carried out from November 15th to December 15th, 2021. The demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients, the drugs involved and the adverse drug reactions were described. Logistic regression was performed to identify factors related to hospitalization for adverse drug reactions.Results10,799 patients visited the ED and 216 (2%) patients with adverse drug reactions were included. The mean age was 70 ± 17.5 (18-98) years and 47.7% of the patients were male. A total of 54.6% of patients required hospitalization and 1.6% died from adverse drug reactions. The total number of drugs involved was 315 with 149 different drugs. The pharmacological group corresponding to the nervous system constituted the most representative group (n = 81). High-risk medications, such as antithrombotic agents (n = 53), were the subgroup of medications that caused the most emergency department visits and hospitalization. Acenocumarol (n = 20) was the main drug involved. Gastrointestinal (n = 62) disorders were the most common. Diarrhea (n = 16) was the most frequent adverse drug reaction, while gastrointestinal bleeding (n = 13) caused the highest number of hospitalizations. Charlson comorbidity index behaved as an independent risk factor for hospitalization (aOR 3.24; 95% CI: 1.47-7.13; p=0.003, in Charlson comorbidity index 4-6, and aOR 20.07; 95% CI: 6.87–58.64; p = 0.000, in Charlson comorbidity index ≥ 10). (AU)

[Increasing compliance with a surgical antibiotic prophylaxis protocol in the Urology Service.] / Incremento del cumplimiento de un protocolo de profilaxis antibiótica quirúrgica en el Servicio de Urología.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical site infectionis the most common nosocomial infection in Spain. Theuse of surgical antibiotic prophylaxis (SAP) in clinical practice is frequently inadequate, confirming the need to adopt prevention strategies for this kind of infections. In this sense, promoting actions to improve the SAP in order to reduce surgical site infections is an unavoidable commitment of every surgical department. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the adequacy of the PAQ after PAQ system implementation based on the use of prophylaxis protocols in compliance with the quality indicator sestablished in the Urology Department. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective observational study of the SAP of the surgical procedures performed in the Urology Service of a Spanish tertiary-level hospital. An intervention based on the introduction of the prophylaxis protocols was performed. Each prophylaxis kit contains sufficient antibiotic doses to perform an adequate PAQ with a registration form where the administration of doses is recorded. A period of pre-intervention (2005-2010) and post-intervention (2012-2017) were established  and the differences in the values were determined in the following six quality indicators: indication of SAP (indicated and administered prophylaxis), antibiotic selection (according to established protocol), dose and route of administration (therapeutic dose and intravenous route), time of administration of the first dose (between15 min and 1 hour before the surgical incision), intraoperative dose (necessary if the surgery is prolonged more than twice the half-life of the antibiotic or there is significant bleeding) and duration (not to exceed 24 hours). RESULTS: Compliance with the selection of the antibiotic,the time of administration of the first dose, the duration of prophylaxis and the overall adequacy of the SAP increased after the introduction of prophylaxis protocols (p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The use of prophylaxis protocols promotes an adequate SAP as it facilitates the appropriate antibiotic selection (active substance, dose and route) and helps to prevent SAP from being unnecessarily prolonged.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La infección de localización quirúrgica es la infección nosocomial más frecuente en España. El uso de la profilaxis antibiótica quirúrgica (PAQ) en la práctica clínica se realiza frecuentemente de manera inadecuada, lo cual pone de manifiesto la necesidad de desarrollar estrategias de prevención de este tipo de infecciones. En este sentido,la promoción de acciones de mejora de la PAQ con el fin de disminuir las infecciones de localización quirúrgica es un compromiso ineludible de todo servicio quirúrgico. OBJETIVO: Nuestro objetivo es evaluar el incremento de la adecuación de la PAQ tras la implantación de un sistema basado en la utilización de los kits de profilaxis conforme al cumplimiento de los indicadores de calidad establecidos en el Servicio de Urología.MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo observacional de la PAQ de los procedimientos quirúrgicos realizados en un Servicio de Urología de un hospital español de nivel terciario. Se llevó a cabo una intervención basada en la introducción de los kits de profilaxis, cada kit de profilaxis contiene las dosis de antibiótico necesarias y suficientes para la realización de una adecuada PAQ junto con un impreso donde se registra la administración de dichas dosis. Se estableció un período pre-intervención (2005-2010) y post-intervención (2012-2017) y se determinaron las diferencias encontradas en los valores los siguientes seis indicadores de calidad: indicación de la PAQ (profilaxis indicada y administrada), selección del antibiótico (según protocolo establecido), dosis y vía de administración (dosis terapéutica y vía intravenosa), momento de la administración de la primera dosis (entre 15 min. y 1 hora antes de la incisión quirúrgica), dosis intraoperatoria (necesaria sI la cirugía se prolonga más de dos veces la vida media del antibiótico o hay hemorragia importante) y duración (no exceder 24 horas). RESULTADOS: El cumplimiento de la selección del antibiótico,el momento de administración de la primera dosis, la duración de la profilaxis y la adecuación global de la PAQ se incrementaron de manera estadísticamente significativa tras la introducción de los kits de profilaxis (p<0,001).CONCLUSIONES: La utilización kits de profilaxis constituye una estrategia de mejora que promueve la realización de una adecuada PAQ porque facilita que el antibiótico seleccionado sea el correcto (principio activo,dosis y vía) y ayuda a evitar que la PAQ se prolongue innecesariamente.

Incremento del cumplimiento de un protocolo de profilaxis antibiótica quirúrgica en el Servicio de Urología / Increasing compliance with a surgical antibiotic prophylaxis protocol in the Urology Service

INTRODUCCIÓN: La infección de localización quirúrgica es la infección nosocomial más frecuente en España. El uso de la profilaxis antibiótica quirúrgica (PAQ) en la práctica clínica se realiza frecuentemente de manera inadecuada, lo cual pone de manifiesto la necesidad de desarrollar estrategias de prevención de este tipo de infecciones. En este sentido, la promoción de acciones de mejora de la PAQ con el fin de disminuir las infecciones de localización quirúrgica es un compromiso ineludible de todo servicio quirúrgico. OBJETIVO: Nuestro objetivo es evaluar el incremento de la adecuación de la PAQ tras la implantación de un sistema basado en la utilización de los kits de profilaxis conforme al cumplimiento de los indicadores de calidad establecidos en el Servicio de Urología. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo observacional de la PAQ de los procedimientos quirúrgicos realizados en un Servicio de Urología de un hospital español de nivel terciario. Se llevó a cabo una intervención basada en la introducción de los kits de profilaxis, cada kit de profilaxis contiene las dosis de antibiótico necesarias y suficientes para la realización de una adecuada PAQ junto con un impreso donde se registra la administración de dichas dosis. Se estableció un período pre-intervención (2005-2010) y post-intervención (2012-2017) y se determinaron las diferencias encontradas en los valores los siguientes seis indicadores de calidad: indicación de la PAQ (profilaxis indicada y administrada), selección del antibiótico (según protocolo establecido), dosis y vía de administración (dosis terapéutica y vía intravenosa), momento de la administración de la primera dosis (entre 15 min. y 1 hora antes de la incisión quirúrgica), dosis intraoperatoria (necesaria sI la cirugía se prolonga más de dos veces la vida media del antibiótico o hay hemorragia importante) y duración (no exceder 24 horas). RESULTADOS: El cumplimiento de la selección del antibiótico, el momento de administración de la primera dosis, la duración de la profilaxis y la adecuación global de la PAQ se incrementaron de manera estadísticamente significativa tras la introducción de los kits de profilaxis (p < 0,001). CONCLUSIONES: La utilización kits de profilaxis constituye una estrategia de mejora que promueve la realización de una adecuada PAQ porque facilita que el antibiótico seleccionado sea el correcto (principio activo, dosis y vía) y ayuda a evitar que la PAQ se prolongue innecesariamente

INTRODUCTION: Surgical site infection is the most common nosocomial infection in Spain. The use of surgical antibiotic prophylaxis (SAP) in clinical practice is frequently inadequate, confirming the need to adopt prevention strategies for this kind of infections. In this sense, promoting actions to improve the SAP in order to reduce surgical site infections is an unavoidable commitment of every surgical department. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the adequacy of the PAQ after PAQ system implementation based on the use of prophylaxis protocols in compliance with the quality indicators established in the Urology Department. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective observational study of the SAP of the surgical procedures performed in the Urology Service of a Spanish tertiary-level hospital. An intervention based on the introduction of the prophylaxis protocols was performed. Each prophylaxis kit contains sufficient antibiotic doses to perform an adequate PAQ with a registration form where the administration of doses is recorded. A period of pre-intervention (2005- 2010) and post-intervention (2012-2017) were established and the differences in the values were determined in the following six quality indicators: indication of SAP (indicated and administered prophylaxis), antibiotic selection (according to established protocol), dose and route of administration (therapeutic dose and intravenous route), time of administration of the first dose (between 15 min and 1 hour before the surgical incision), intraoperative dose (necessary if the surgery is prolonged more than twice the half-life of the antibiotic or there is significant bleeding) and duration (not to exceed 24 hours). RESULTS: Compliance with the selection of the antibiotic, the time of administration of the first dose, the duration of prophylaxis and the overall adequacy of the SAP increased after the introduction of prophylaxis protocols (p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The use of prophylaxis protocols promotes an adequate SAP as it facilitates the appropriate antibiotic selection (active substance, dose and route) and helps to prevent SAP from being unnecessarily prolonged

Nocardiosis pulmonar tratada con tedizolid / Pulmonary nocardiosis treated with tedizolid

No disponible

¿Cuál es la dosis óptima de clopidogrel en pacientes pediátricos? / What is the optimal dose of clopidogrel in pediatric patients?

Introducción: El objetivo de este estudio fue recopilar datos retrospectivos sobre la prescripción de clopidogrel y describir las condiciones de uso en la población pediátrica de un hospital de referencia de nivel terciario y evaluarlas con base en la evidencia disponible. Pacientes y métodos: Estudio observacional, descriptivo y retrospectivo realizado entre marzo de 2010 y marzo de 2017. Los criterios de inclusión fueron: 100% de los pacientes menores de 18 años que fueron dados de alta de nuestro hospital con clopidogrel como tratamiento domiciliario en el período de estudio. Se recogieron los siguientes datos: datos demográficos, diagnóstico, indicación de clopidogrel, fecha de inicio y de finalización del tratamiento, presencia o ausencia de tratamiento concomitante con ácido acetilsalicílico u otros antiagregantes plaquetarios o anticoagulantes, tratamiento concomitante con inhibidores de la bomba de protones, efectividad y efectos adversos. Resultados: Un total de 11 pacientes se incluyeron en el estudio (45% hombres). La edad promedio fue de 3,1 años (rango: 1 mes-8 años). La dosis recomendada de clopidogrel fue de 0,2 mg/kg/día en todos los individuos, recibiendo tratamiento concomitante con ácido acetilsalicílico 10/11 pacientes para optimizar la terapia antiplaquetaria. Ningún niño recibió tratamiento concomitante con anticoagulantes y solo uno de ellos recibió tratamiento con inhibidores de la bomba de protones. No se observaron trastornos hemorrágicos u otros efectos adversos asociados con clopidogrel. Conclusión: Según nuestra experiencia, la dosis de clopidogrel de 0,2 mg/kg/día demostró ser una estrategia segura y efectiva, independientemente de la edad del paciente. La buena tolerancia observada podría estar asociada con el ajuste de la dosis óptima para lograr la agregación plaquetaria sin aumentar el riesgo de efectos adversos

Introduction: The aim of this study was to collect retrospective data on the prescription of clopidogrel, describe the conditions of its use in the paediatric population of a tertiary referral hospital, and evaluate its use based on the current scientific evidence. Patients and methods: We conducted a retrospective, observational and descriptive study between March 2010 and March 2017. We included all patients under the age of 18 who were discharged from our hospital for home treatment with clopidogrel within the study period. We collected data on the following: demographic data, diagnosis, indication for clopidogrel, start and end date of treatment, presence or absence of concomitant treatment with acetylsalicylic acid or other antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs, concomitant treatment with proton pump inhibitors, effectiveness, and adverse effects. Results: The study included a total of 11 patients (45% male). The mean age was 3.1 years (range, 1 month-8 years). The prescribed dose of clopidogrel was 0.2 mg/kg/day in all patients, and 10/11 patients received concomitant treatment with acetylsalicylic acid with the purpose of optimising antiplatelet therapy. None of the children received concomitant treatment with anticoagulants, and only one of them received treatment with a proton pump inhibitor. We did not find evidence of haemorrhagic complications or other adverse effects associated with clopidogrel. Conclusion: Based on our experience, a clopidogrel dose of 0.2 mg/kg/day is a safe and effective treatment, regardless of the patient's age. The good tolerance observed in our study could be related to the adjustment of the optimal dose with the aim of achieving platelet aggregation without increasing the risk of adverse effects

[What is the optimal dose of clopidogrel in pediatric patients?] / ¿Cuál es la dosis óptima de clopidogrel en pacientes pediátricos?

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to collect retrospective data on the prescription of clopidogrel, describe the conditions of its use in the paediatric population of a tertiary referral hospital, and evaluate its use based on the current scientific evidence. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, observational and descriptive study between March 2010 and March 2017. We included all patients under the age of 18 who were discharged from our hospital for home treatment with clopidogrel within the study period. We collected data on the following: demographic data, diagnosis, indication for clopidogrel, start and end date of treatment, presence or absence of concomitant treatment with acetylsalicylic acid or other antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs, concomitant treatment with proton pump inhibitors, effectiveness, and adverse effects. RESULTS: The study included a total of 11 patients (45% male). The mean age was 3.1 years (range, 1 month-8 years). The prescribed dose of clopidogrel was 0.2mg/kg/day in all patients, and 10/11 patients received concomitant treatment with acetylsalicylic acid with the purpose of optimising antiplatelet therapy. None of the children received concomitant treatment with anticoagulants, and only one of them received treatment with a proton pump inhibitor. We did not find evidence of haemorrhagic complications or other adverse effects associated with clopidogrel. CONCLUSION: Based on our experience, a clopidogrel dose of 0.2mg/kg/day is a safe and effective treatment, regardless of the patient's age. The good tolerance observed in our study could be related to the adjustment of the optimal dose with the aim of achieving platelet aggregation without increasing the risk of adverse effects.

Auditing and Improving Surgical Antibiotic Prophylaxis.

BACKGROUND: There is extensive evidence of the efficacy of anti-microbial drugs in preventing infections from surgical efforts. Our objective was to describe the results obtained in our annual surgical antibiotic prophylaxis (SAP) audit in the years 2013-2017. METHODS: This was a retrospective observational study of SAP in surgical procedures carried out between 2013 and 2017 in a tertiary-level hospital. We examined the results from the services of general surgery, vascular surgery, neurosurgery, the breast unit, otolaryngology, maxillofacial surgery, traumatology, urology, pediatric surgery, gynecology, and plastic surgery. RESULTS: Establishment of six process quality indicators and their evaluation in the annual audit were carried out by the pharmacy service for approximately 500 operations. The indicators that had a high percentage of compliance were indication for SAP, choice of anti-microbial agent, dose and route of administration, and administration of an intra-operative dose when this was appropriate. In contrast, time of administration of the first dose and duration of prophylaxis had a worse percentage of compliance. CONCLUSIONS: Compliance with the SAP protocols in our hospital is high. We consider that these better results are attributable to the establishment of quality indicators of SAP and to the annual audit that evaluates said indicators. Communication of the results obtained in the audit to the surgical services, which have as part of their objectives included in their management contracts compliance with said SAP protocols, encourages improvement. The use of prophylaxis kits is an improvement strategy that facilitates the correct choice of anti-microbial agent and prevents SAP from being prolonged inappropriately.

Coronary vascular disease event risk and metabolic syndrome prevalence in patients enrolled in an assertive treatment community program.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the risk of coronary vascular disease event (CVDE) and the prevalence metabolic syndrome (MS) and its cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) in patients with severe mental illnesses enrolled in an assertive treatment community program (ATC) in Spain. METHOD: We carried out a cross-sectional descriptive study with all of the patients included in an ATC program in 2016 in a health area with 547,328 inhabitants in Galicia, Spain. We identified the CVRF in all the individuals, and calculated MS and 10-year CVDE. We also compared the prevalence of all traits in our cohort and the general population. RESULTS: The 10-year median of coronary vascular disease event (CVDE10) was 8.4%. The percentage of individuals with high CVDE10 (>5%) was 41.2% The CVDE10 median was higher in men than women (10.5% vs 5.1%, p<0.001). MS was detected in 50% of patients without differences between men and women (51.2% vs 48.2%). A prevalence of 68% was found for smoking, 55% for dyslipidemia, 47% for obesity, 29% for impaired glucose metabolism, and 38% for hypertension. Women showed a higher prevalence of obesity measured by elevated waist circumference (88.9% vs 55.6%, p=0.003). Men showed a higher prevalence of arterial hypertension (46.6% vs 22.2%, p=0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The SMD Patients enrolled in ATC programs had a 1.5-times higher prevalence of MS and 8 times higher CVDE10 than those reported in the general population. Individual CVRF were also higher in the SMD patients. Prevention, early detection, and comprehensive treatment are important issues for patients with severe mental illnesses.

Evaluación del cumplimiento del protocolo de utilización de cloruro potásico / Evaluation of Compliance with the Guidelines for the Safe Use of Potassium Chloride

Objetivo: Analizar el grado de cumplimiento del ‘Protocolo de Utilización de Cloruro potásico’ implantado en nuestro hospital, mediante la realización de auditorías periódicas presenciales, durante el periodo 2013-2016. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo de las auditorías realizadas a los 6 meses post-implantación (principios de 2013), y después cada año (2014-2016). Los indicadores de evaluación se establecen siguiendo las recomendaciones recogidas en el Protocolo y se refieren al almacenamiento, prescripción, preparación y administración de soluciones de potasio. Las unidades asistenciales evaluadas son: unidades autorizadas (almacenamiento y doble chequeo en la preparación y antes de la administración) y en todas las unidades de críticos y urgencias clínicas (prescripción y etiquetado correcto para su administración). Resultados: Se audita un total de 55 unidades asistenciales, que han mostrado un 100% de cumplimiento para los indicadores referentes a prescripción y etiquetado correcto. De dichas unidades, 12 (críticos y urgencias) están autorizadas para disponer de ampollas de cloruro potásico 1M. En estas 12, no se obtuvo un cumplimiento correcto de los otros dos indicadores, debido a que una no realizó su almacenamiento de forma adecuada (2014) y, en otras tampoco se cumplimentó el registro de doble chequeo (3 en 2013, 1 en 2014 y 2015). Conclusión: Las auditorías mostraron el correcto seguimiento de dicho Protocolo para la mayoría de los criterios evaluados, si bien, ponen de manifiesto la necesidad de realizar estrategias periódicas de intensificación y recuerdo para garantizar el adecuado cumplimiento de todas las recomendaciones establecidas

Objective: To analyze the degree of compliance with the ‘Guidelines for the safe use of potassium chloride’ implemented in our hospital, using periodic audits, during the period 2013-2016. Methods: Descriptive study of the audits carried out at 6 months post-implementation (beginning of 2013) and then every year (2014-2016). The evaluation indicators were developed following the recommendations included in the Guidelines and referred to storage, prescription, preparation and administration of potassium solutions. The patient care units evaluated are: critical care authorized units (storage and independent double checks during preparation of solutions and before its administration) and all patient care units (prescription and correct labeling for its correct administration). Results: There were audited 55 patient care units, which showed a compliance of 100% for the prescription and correct labeling indicators. Of those units, 12 (critical and emergency units) are authorized to have concentrated potassium chloride ampoules 1M. These 12 units did not have a correct compliance with the other two indicators, because one unit did not show a correct storage (in 2014) and the double check required was not verified by 3 units in 2013, one in 2014 and 2015. Conclusion: The audits showed the correct follow-up with the Guidelines for most of the evaluated criteria, however demonstrated the need to carry out periodic strategies of intensification and remembrance to guarantee the correct compliance of all the established recommendations

Study on adherence to treatment with imatinib in chronic myeloid leukaemia and its association with therapeutic response / Estudio de adhesión a imatinib en la leucemia mieloide crónica y su relación con la respuesta terapéutica

Objective: To assess the level of adherence to treatment with imatinib in patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia and its association with therapeutic response. Materials and methods: Study conducted on October, 2013 - March, 2014, including patients diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia on treatment with imatinib in the hospital. Therapeutic adherence was assessed through the standard Morisky-Green Questionnaire and the medication dispensing record. Those patients who did not complete 6 months of treatment and/or did not complete the questionnaire were excluded. Therapeutic response was assessed following clinical guidelines. The descriptive analysis of variables and correlation was conducted through Pearsons’s Chi-Square Test. Results: The study included 31 patients. When assessing the level of association between response variables and therapeutic adherence: 1. The highest molecular response was reached by 68.4% of those patients with high adherence, and by 75% of those patients with intermediate adherence. 2. Complete molecular response was achieved by 57.9% of patients with high adherence, and by 58.3% of patients with intermediate adherence. No statistically significant differences were found in response variables between patients with high and intermediate therapeutic adherence. No association was observed between level of adherence and therapeutic response. Conclusions: We cannot confirm that a different level of therapeutic adherence might have an impact on response to imatinib, though this should be taken into account in cases of therapeutic failure or sub-optimal response (AU)

Objetivo: El objetivo es evaluar el grado de adhesión terapéutica a imatinib en pacientes con leucemia mieloide crónica y su relación con la respuesta terapéutica. Material y métodos: Estudio realizado en octubre 2013-marzo 2014 que incluye a pacientes diagnosticados de leucemia mieloide crónica en tratamiento con imatinib en el hospital. Se evaluó la adhesión terapéutica mediante el cuestionario estandarizado Morisky-Green y el registro de dispensaciones de medicación. Se excluyeron aquellos que no completaron 6 meses de tratamiento y/o no realizaron el cuestionario. La respuesta terapéutica se evaluó siguiendo guías clínicas. Se realizó el análisis descriptivo de variables y correlación mediante test Chi-cuadrado de Pearson. Resultados: Se incluyeron 31 pacientes. Al evaluar el grado de asociación entre variables de respuesta y adhesión terapéutica: 1. La respuesta molecular mayor fue alcanzada por el 68,4% de los pacientes con alta adhesión y por el 75% de los pacientes con adhesión media. 2. La respuesta molecular completa fue alcanzada por el 57,9% de los pacientes con alta adhesión y por el 58,3% de los pacientes con adhesión media. No se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en las variables de respuesta entre pacientes con adhesión terapéutica alta y media. No se observó asociación entre el grado de adhesión y la respuesta terapéutica. Conclusiones: No podemos afirmar que el distinto grado de adhesión terapéutica influya en la respuesta al imatinib, aunque debería considerarse en casos de fallo terapéutico o respuesta subóptima (AU)

Study on adherence to treatment with imatinib in chronic myeloid leukaemia and its association with therapeutic response.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the level of adherence to treatment with imatinib in patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia and its association with therapeutic response. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Study conducted on October, 2013 - March, 2014, including patients diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia on treatment with imatinib in the hospital. Therapeutic adherence was assessed through the standard Morisky-Green Questionnaire and the medication dispensing record. Those patients who did not complete 6 months of treatment and/or did not complete the questionnaire were excluded. Therapeutic response was assessed following clinical guidelines. The descriptive analysis of variables and correlation was conducted through Pearsons's Chi-Square Test. RESULTS: The study included 31 patients. When assessing the level of association between response variables and therapeutic adherence: 1. The highest molecular response was reached by 68.4% of those patients with high adherence, and by 75% of those patients with intermediate adherence. 2. Complete molecular response was achieved by 57.9% of patients with high adherence, and by 58.3% of patients with intermediate adherence. No statistically significant differences were found in response variables between patients with high and intermediate therapeutic adherence. No association was observed between level of adherence and therapeutic response. CONCLUSIONS: We cannot confirm that a different level of therapeutic adherence might have an impact on response to imatinib, though this should be taken into account in cases of therapeutic failure or sub-optimal response.

Objetivo: El objetivo es evaluar el grado de adhesión terapéutica a imatinib en pacientes con leucemia mieloide crónica y su relación con la respuesta terapéutica. Material y métodos: Estudio realizado en octubre 2013-marzo 2014 que incluye a pacientes diagnosticados de leucemia mieloide crónica en tratamiento con imatinib en el hospital. Se evaluó la adhesión terapéutica mediante el cuestionario estandarizado Morisky-Green y el registro de dispensaciones de medicación. Se excluyeron aquellos que no completaron 6 meses de tratamiento y/o no realizaron el cuestionario. La respuesta terapéutica se evaluó siguiendo guías clínicas. Se realizó el análisis descriptivo de variables y correlación mediante test Chi-cuadrado de Pearson. Resultados: Se incluyeron 31 pacientes. Al evaluar el grado de asociación entre variables de respuesta y adhesión terapéutica: 1. La respuesta molecular mayor fue alcanzada por el 68,4% de los pacientes con alta adhesión y por el 75% de los pacientes con adhesión media. 2. La respuesta molecular completa fue alcanzada por el 57,9% de los pacientes con alta adhesión y por el 58,3% de los pacientes con adhesión media. No se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en las variables de respuesta entre pacientes con adhesión terapéutica alta y media. No se observó asociación entre el grado de adhesión y la respuesta terapéutica. Conclusiones: No podemos afirmar que el distinto grado de adhesión terapéutica influya en la respuesta al imatinib, aunque debería considerarse en casos de fallo terapéutico o respuesta subóptima.

Management of Everolimus and Voriconazole Interaction in Lung Transplant Patients.

BACKGROUND: To analyze the impact of voriconazole administration on everolimus dose, trough concentrations and concentration/dose (C0/D) ratio in order to determine the appropriate management of this interaction in lung transplant patients. METHODS: A retrospective study of 16 of consecutive lung transplant patients on a stable everolimus-based regimen to which oral voriconazole was added from January 2013 to February 2014. Everolimus blood levels were measured using the Thermo Scientific QMS Everolimus Immunoassay on an ARCHITECT-C8000 analyzer. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to assess the exposure parameter variations before, during, and after azole withdrawal. A statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 19.0. P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Sixteen patients were included. Voriconazole treatment led to a significant 8.7-fold increase in the everolimus C0/D ratio. Although initially the daily dose was reduced to 48.5% ± 20.5%, and subsequently to 79.5% ± 7.1%, the desired therapeutic levels were achieved in all patients when it was decreased to 86.6% ± 3.9%. After its withdrawal, the C0/D ratio returned to values similar to the baseline situation. The comparison of exposure parameters studied at stable moments, before and after the completion of azole treatment with the cotreatment period, revealed significant changes (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Oral voriconazole is a strong inhibitor of everolimus metabolism, requiring a dose reduction of around 87%. At the time of azole withdrawal, the dose should be increased to achieve C0/D ratio values similar to the initial situation. In our clinical practice, for a safe coadministration, a preemptive decrease to 75% of everolimus dose with the first azole prescription is recommended. Close monitoring of the everolimus concentrations and corresponding dosage adjustments are necessary until the target levels are achieved during both periods.