Treatment of metastatic squamous cell carcinoma arising in sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus: a case report series.

Background: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) arising in a sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus is rare, with cases of metastatic disease being even rarer. Among published cases, almost none have reported on systemic treatment. Objective: This disease has a poorer prognosis than other forms of cutaneous SCC; therefore, our objective is to shed some light on the treatment of metastatic disease. Methods: We present a series of nine cases treated at a single center, four of whom received systemic treatment. Additionally, other previously reported cases of metastatic disease are included in an attempt to draw stronger conclusions. Results: Four patients were treated under several treatment regimens, with a median progression-free survival of only 2 months and two instances of partial response (18%). The best result was achieved with cemiplimab. Across all the cases, there was a trend toward a benefit of the use of systemic treatment (HR 0.41, 95% CI 0.15-1.12, p = 0.083; median overall survival 13 vs. 8 months). Limitations: Limitations include the significant lack of information on previously published cases and the extremely heterogeneous nature of the existing information. Conclusion: The initial systemic treatment should be an anti-PD-1, as with other SCCs. After progression on anti-PD-1, there is no strong evidence to support the recommendation of a specific treatment or sequence: options include cetuximab and/or chemotherapy (platinum, paclitaxel, 5-fluorouracyl).

Obesity and related comorbidities in a large population-based cohort of subjects with type 1 diabetes in Catalonia.

Introduction: Obesity, an increasing global health problem, can affect people with other disease conditions. The prevalence of obesity in people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) is not well known. The aim of this study was to describe extensively the characteristics and prevalence of different classes of obesity according to BMI (body mass index) categories in a large cohort of patients with T1D. Material and methods: This was a retrospective, cross-sectional study in Catalonia. We reviewed all patients with T1D diagnosis, ≥ 18 years old and with BMI data from the SIDIAP database. Sociodemographic and clinical data, cardiovascular risk factors, laboratory parameters and concomitant medications were collected. Results: A total of 6,068 patients with T1D were analyzed. The prevalence of obesity in the total sample was 18% (13.8% with class 1 obesity [BMI 30-34.9 kg/m2]). Patients with obesity had a higher prevalence of other cardiovascular risk factors (i.e. hypertension was 61.4% vs. 37.5%; dyslipidemia 63.6% vs 44%, and chronic kidney disease 38.4% vs. 24.4%; p<0.001 in all cases) and poorer control of them. The higher prevalence was regardless of sex, age and duration of diabetes. The increase in these comorbidities was noticeable from a BMI > 25 kg/m2. Patients with obesity did not have poorer glycemic control. Conclusion: The presence of obesity in people with T1D is frequent and cardiovascular risk factors are more common and more poorly controlled in T1D patients with obesity.

Comorbid autoimmune diseases and burden of diabetes-related complications in patients with type 1 diabetes from a Mediterranean area.

AIM: To assess the prevalence of autoimmune diseases (AID) in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and to evaluate whether the rate of diabetes-related complications differs depending on the presence of AID. METHODS: Cross-sectional analysis of 13,570 T1D patients aged ≥ 18 years registered in the SIDIAP database. The association between AID and diabetes-related complications was assessed by multivariable logistic regression models. RESULTS: The prevalence of AID was 18.3% with thyroid AID being the most common. Patients with T1D and AID were more often female and their current age, age of diabetes onset and diabetes duration were higher. Patients with only thyroid AID experienced a lower risk of peripheral artery disease (odds ratio [OR] = 0.51, 95%; confidence interval [CI] 0.31 to 0.81) and kidney disease (OR = 0.68, 95%; 95% CI 0.54 to 0.85), whereas patients with other AID had an increased risk of ischemic heart disease (OR = 1.48, 95%; 95% CI 1.04 to 2.06). CONCLUSIONS: The burden of diabetes-related complications in patients with T1D differs according to the type of additional AID. The presence of diabetes complications is lower in those with autoimmune thyroid disease while the presence of other AID is associated with higher rates of ischemic heart disease.

Burden of heart failure in primary healthcare / Impacto de la insuficiencia cardíaca en la atención primaria

Objectives: To determine the epidemiology of heart failure registered in primary healthcare clinical records in Catalunya, Spain, between 2010 and 2014, focusing on incidence, mortality, and resource utilization. Design: Retrospective observational cohort study. Setting: Study was carried out in primary care setting. Participants and interventions: Patients registered as presenting a new heart failure diagnosis. The inclusion period ran from 1st January 2010 to 31st December 2013, but patients were followed until 31st December 2013 in order to analyze mortality. Main measures: Information came from electronic medical records. Results: A total of 64441 patients were registered with a new diagnosis of heart failure (2.76 new cases per 1000 persons-year). Among them, 85.8% were ≥65 years. The number of cases/1000 persons-year was higher in men in all age groups. Incidence ranged from 0.04 in women <45 years to 27.61 in the oldest group, and from 0.08 in men <45 years to 28.52 in the oldest group. Mortality occurred in 16305 (25.3%) patients. Primary healthcare resource utilization increased after the occurrence of heart failure, especially the number of visits made by nurses to the patients’ homes. Conclusion: Heart failure incidence increases with age, is greater in men, and remains stable. Mortality continues to be high in newly diagnosed patients in spite of the current improvements in treatment. Home visits represent the greatest cost for the management of this disease in primary care setting.(AU)

Objetivo: Determinar la epidemiología de la insuficiencia cardíaca registrada en las historias clínicas de atención primaria en Cataluña, España, entre 2010 y 2014, centrándose en la incidencia, la mortalidad y la utilización de recursos sanitarios. Diseño: Estudio de cohorte observacional retrospectivo. Emplazamiento: El estudio se llevó a cabo en atención primaria. Participantes e intervenciones: Pacientes registrados con nuevo diagnóstico de insuficiencia cardíaca en el período de estudio. El período de inclusión fue del 1 de enero de 2010 al 31 de diciembre de 2013, pero los pacientes se siguieron hasta el 31 de diciembre de 2014 para poder determinar la mortalidad. Mediciones principales: La información se obtuvo de la historia clínica electrónica de los participantes. Resultados: Se registraron un total de 64.441 pacientes con nuevo diagnóstico de insuficiencia cardíaca (2,76 nuevos casos/1000 personas-año). De ellos, el 85,8% tenían ≥65 años. El número de casos/1000 personas-año fue mayor en hombres en todos los grupos de edad. La incidencia varió de 0,04 en mujeres <45 años a 27,61 en el grupo de mayor edad, y de 0,08 en hombres <45 años a 28,52 en el grupo de mayor edad. La mortalidad se produjo en 16.305 (25,3%) pacientes. La utilización de los recursos de atención primaria aumentó tras el diagnóstico de insuficiencia cardíaca, especialmente el número de visitas realizadas por las enfermeras a los pacientes en su domicilio. Conclusión: La incidencia de insuficiencia cardíaca aumenta con la edad, es mayor en hombres y se mantiene estable en el tiempo. La mortalidad continúa siendo alta en pacientes recién diagnosticados a pesar de las mejoras actuales en el tratamiento. Las visitas domiciliarias representan el mayor coste para el manejo de esta enfermedad en el ámbito de atención primaria.(AU)

[Mental health consequences of isolation of patients with COVID-19.] / Consecuencias en la salud mental del aislamiento de pacientes con COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative effect on the mental health on the population. It is unknown if the different types of patient isolation affect them equally. The objective of the study was to determine if the effect on the psychological discomfort caused by the isolation of the population with COVID-19 in a hotel supervised by health professionals was different compared with those who were isolated at home. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with COVID-19 during the first pandemic wave in Barcelona, consecutively selected from the Primary Care lists. A telephone survey was carried out to collect information about mental health in patients who were isolated in a hotel compared to those isolated at their homes. Descriptive statistics were performed and the study variables were analyzed using mean and standard deviation, count (percentage), Chi-square test, and Student's t-test. Logistic regression models were carried out selecting frustration and anger/irritability as response variables. RESULTS: Of the 89 patients included, 45 (50.6%) were isolated at their homes and 44 (49.4%) at the hotel. Frustration was identified in 48.3% and irritability in 29.2% of the most patients. Most of those who presented frustration were between 45 and 65 years old, while 50% of those who felt irritability were younger. Multivariate models confirmed that patients isolated at home showed a higher risk of frustration (Odds ratio 4,12; 95% Confidence interval 1,60-11,49) and irritability (Odds ratio 3,81; 95% Confidence interval 1,32-12,10), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Patients isolated at home show a higher risk of presenting feelings of frustration and irritability than isolated patients in supervised hotels.

OBJETIVO: La pandemia de la COVID-19 ha tenido un efecto negativo en la salud mental de la población. Se desconoce si los distintos tipos de aislamiento de los pacientes afecta a estos por igual. El objetivo del estudio fue determinar si el efecto sobre el malestar psíquico originado por el aislamiento de la población con COVID-19 en un hotel supervisado por profesionales sanitarios fue diferente respecto al de las personas aisladas en su domicilio. METODOS: Los sujetos a estudio fueron pacientes diagnosticados de la COVID-19 durante la primera ola pandémica en Barcelona, seleccionados consecutivamente de los listados de Atención Primaria. Se realizó una encuesta telefónica para recoger información sobre salud mental en los pacientes que fueron aislados en un hotel frente a los aislados en sus domicilios. Se realizó estadística descriptiva y las variables de estudio fueron analizadas mediante media y desviación estándar, contaje (porcentaje), test Chi-cuadrado y t-Student. Se llevaron a cabo modelos de regresión logística seleccionando frustración e ira/irritabilidad como variables respuesta. RESULTADOS: De los 89 pacientes incluidos, 45 (50,6%) fueron aislados en sus domicilios y 44 (49,4%) en el hotel. Se identificó frustración en el 48,3% e irritabilidad en el 29,2% de los pacientes. El sentimiento de frustración se concentraba principalmente en la franja de edad entre 45 y 65 años, mientras que el 50% de los que sentían irritabilidad eran todavía más jóvenes. Los modelos multivariados confirmaron que los pacientes en aislamiento domiciliario mostraron mayor riesgo de frustración (Odds ratio 4,12; 95% Intervalo de confianza 1,60-11,49) y de ira (Odds ratio 3,81; 95% Intervalo de confianza 1,32-12,10), respectivamente. CONCLUSIONES: Los pacientes con COVID-19 aislados en su domicilio tienen mayor riesgo de presentar sentimientos de frustración e ira que los aislados en hoteles supervisados por profesionales sanitarios.

Burden of heart failure in primary healthcare.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the epidemiology of heart failure registered in primary healthcare clinical records in Catalunya, Spain, between 2010 and 2014, focusing on incidence, mortality, and resource utilization. DESIGN: Retrospective observational cohort study. SETTING: Study was carried out in primary care setting. PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONS: Patients registered as presenting a new heart failure diagnosis. The inclusion period ran from 1st January 2010 to 31st December 2013, but patients were followed until 31st December 2013 in order to analyze mortality. MAIN MEASURES: Information came from electronic medical records. RESULTS: A total of 64441 patients were registered with a new diagnosis of heart failure (2.76 new cases per 1000 persons-year). Among them, 85.8% were ≥65 years. The number of cases/1000 persons-year was higher in men in all age groups. Incidence ranged from 0.04 in women <45 years to 27.61 in the oldest group, and from 0.08 in men <45 years to 28.52 in the oldest group. Mortality occurred in 16305 (25.3%) patients. Primary healthcare resource utilization increased after the occurrence of heart failure, especially the number of visits made by nurses to the patients' homes. CONCLUSION: Heart failure incidence increases with age, is greater in men, and remains stable. Mortality continues to be high in newly diagnosed patients in spite of the current improvements in treatment. Home visits represent the greatest cost for the management of this disease in primary care setting.

Consecuencias en la saludmental del aislamientode pacientes con COVID-19 / Mental health consequences of isolation of patients with COVID-19

FUNDAMENTOS: La pandemia de la COVID-19 ha tenido un efecto negativo en la salud mental de la población. Se desconoce si los distintos tipos de aislamiento de los pacientes afecta a estos por igual. El objetivo del estudio fue determinar si el efecto sobre el malestar psíquico originado por el aislamiento de la población con COVID-19 en un hotel supervisado por profesionales sanitarios fue diferente respecto al de las personas aisladas en su domicilio. MÉTODOS: Los sujetos a estudio fueron pacientes diagnosticados de la COVID-19 durante la primera ola pandémica en Barcelona, seleccionados consecutivamente de los listados de Atención Primaria. Se realizó una encuesta telefónica para recoger información sobre salud mental en los pacientes que fueron aislados en un hotel frente a los aislados en sus domicilios. Se realizó estadística descriptiva y las variables de estudio fueron analizadas mediante media y desviación estándar, contaje (porcentaje), test Chi-cuadrado y t-Student. Se llevaron a cabo modelos de regresión logística seleccionando frustración e ira/irritabilidad como variables respuesta. RESULTADOS: De los 89 pacientes incluidos, 45 (50,6%) fueron aislados en sus domicilios y 44 (49,4%) en el hotel. Se identificó frustración en el 48,3% e irritabilidad en el 29,2% de los pacientes. El sentimiento de frustración se concentraba principalmente en la franja de edad entre 45 y 65 años, mientras que el 50% de los que sentían irritabilidad eran todavía más jóvenes. Los modelos multivariados confirmaron que los pacientes en aislamiento domiciliario mostraron mayor riesgo de frustración (Odds ratio 4,12; 95%Intervalo de confianza 1,60-11,49) y de ira (Odds ratio 3,81; 95% Intervalo de confianza 1,32-12,10), respectivamente. CONCLUSIONES: Los pacientes con COVID-19 aislados en su domicilio tienen mayor riesgo de presentar sentimientos de frustración e ira que los aislados en hoteles supervisados por profesionales sanitarios.(AU)

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative effect on the mental health on the population. It is unknown if the different types of patient isolation affect them equally. The objective of the study was to determine if the effect on the psychological discomfort caused by the isolation of the population with COVID-19 in a hotel supervised by health professionals was different compared with those who were isolated at home. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with COVID-19 during the first pandemic wave in Barcelona, consecutively selected from the Primary Care lists. A telephone survey was carried out to collect information about mental health in patients who were isolated in a hotel compared to those isolated at their homes. Descriptive statistics were performed and the study variables were analyzed using mean and standard deviation, count (percentage), Chi-square test, and Student’s t-test. Logistic regression models were carried out selecting frustration and anger/irritability as response variables. RESULTS: Of the 89 patients included, 45 (50.6%) were isolated at their homes and 44 (49.4%) at the hotel. Frustration was identified in 48.3% and irritability in 29.2% of the most patients. Most of those who presented frustration were between 45 and 65 years old, while 50% of those who felt irritability were younger. Multivariate models confirmed that patients isolated at home showed a higher risk of frustration (Odds ratio 4,12; 95% Confidence interval 1,60-11,49) and irritability (Odds ratio 3,81; 95% Confidence interval 1,32-12,10), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Patients isolated at home show a higher risk of presenting feelings of frustration and irritability than isolated patients in supervised hotels.(AU)

Short-Term Mortality in Patients with Heart Failure at the End-of-Life Stages: Hades Study.

Background: Information regarding short-term vital prognosis in patients with heart failure at advanced stages of the disease is scarce. Objective: To develop a three-month mortality predictive model for patients with advanced heart failure. Methods: Prospective observational study carried out in primary care and a convalescence community facility. Heart failure patients either New York Heart Association (NYHA) III with at least two HF hospitalizations during the previous six months or NYHA IV with/without previous recent hospitalization were included in the study. Multivariable predictive models using Cox regression were performed. Results: Of 271 patients included, 55 (20.3%) died during the first three months of follow-up. Mean age was 84.2 years (SD 8.3) and 59.8% were women. Predictive model including NT-proBNP had a C-index of 0.78 (95% CI 0.71; 0.85) and identified male gender, low body mass index, high potassium and NT-proBNP levels, and moderate-to-severe dependence for daily living activities (Barthel index < 40) as risk factors of mortality. In the model without NT-proBNP, C index was 0.72 (95% CI 0.64; 0.79) and, in addition to gender, body mass index, low Barthel index, and severe reductions in glomerular filtration rate showed the highest predictive hazard ratios for short-term mortality. Conclusions: In addition to age, male gender, potassium levels, low body mass index, and low glomerular filtration, dependence for activities of daily living add strong power to predict mortality at three months in patients with advanced heart failure.

Variability in Cardiovascular Risk Factor Control in Patients with Heart Failure According to Gender and Socioeconomic Status.

Background: Despite considerable evidence concerning heart failure (HF) risk factors, there is scarce information about the effect and degree of control regarding socioeconomic and gender inequalities. Methods: Cohort study including HF patients >40 years of age attended in 53 primary health care centers in Barcelona (Spain). Socioeconomic status (SES) was determined by an aggregated deprivation index (MEDEA) according to the neighborhood of residence. Logistic multivariable regression was performed to analyze differences in cardiovascular risk factor control, stratifying by SES and sex. Results: A total of 8235 HF patients were included. Mean age was 78.1 (standard deviation 10.2) years, and 56.0% were women. The most prevalent cardiovascular risk factors were hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. Blood pressure was the worst controlled factor in both genders with the lowest SES (odds ratio [OR] 0.56 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.56-0.71) and (OR 0.52, 0.46-0.71), respectively. In women, a social gradient was observed for glycemic and body mass index control, which were worse in the most unfavorable socioeconomic position (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.38-0.77), and (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.32-0.64), respectively. Men presented worse control of blood pressure (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.42-0.71) and smoking habit (OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.47-0.90) in the most deprived socioeconomic bracket. Conclusion: Patients with HF in the most disadvantaged socioeconomic levels presented the worst degree of control for cardiovascular risk factors, and this negative effect was stronger in women.

Case Report: Re-Treatment With Lu-DOTATATE in Neuroendocrine Tumors.

Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) is an established treatment in advanced neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), which overexpressed somatostatin receptors. However, after progression there are a limited number of available treatments. We want to share a case report about a patient with a NET re-treated with 177Lu-DOTATATE and a literature review about salvage treatment with PRRT. We present a 26-year-old man who started with pelvic pain and after a biopsy of a retro-rectal mass observed in a magnetic resonance was diagnosed with an advanced neuroendocrine tumour. After progression to lanreotide, everolimus and sunitinib, treatment with 177Lu-DOTATATE was initiated, achieving an excellent response with a progression free survival (PFS) of 38 months. At the time of progression, re-treatment with 177Lu-DOTATATE was decided, showing a new partial response, which is currently stable after 15 months. The patient had not presented significant treatment-related toxicity. Although there are no randomized phase III trials or a consensus about the number or dose of cycles, there is evidence about the efficacy and low toxicity of salvage treatment with 177Lu-DOTATATE in NETs. Median progression-free survival ranges from 6 to 22 months. Toxicity is mostly hematologic (anemia and neutropenia), 4-7% grade 3/4.

Impact of isolating COVID-19 patients in a supervised community facility on transmission reduction among household members.

BACKGROUND: Isolation of COVID-19 patients has been universally implemented to control transmission of the outbreak. Hotels and other facilities have been adapted to help appropriate isolation be achieved. Our study tested the efficacy of isolating patients in a reconditioned hotel versus isolation in their domiciles to reduce infection transmission. METHODS: Observational cohort study based on a survey to COVID-19 patients between April and June 2020. One cohort had been isolated in a hotel and the other in their domiciles. Multivariate regression models analyzed the factors related to the occurrence of COVID-19 infection among the household members. RESULTS: A total of 229 household members of COVID-19 patients were analyzed, 139 of them belonging to the group of hotel-isolated patients and 90 in the group of domicile-isolated ones. More than half of the household members became infected (53.7%). Higher risk of infection was found in the household members of domicile-isolated patients isolated and in those reporting overcrowding at home, (odds ratio [OR] 1.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.89-3.12) and (OR 1.44, 95% CI 0.81; 2.56), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The isolation of COVID-19 patients in community-supervised facilities may protect their household members from transmission of the disease. Overcrowded homes may contribute to the transmission of the infection.

Relationship between the place of living and mortality in patients with advanced heart failure.

BACKGROUND: Social and environmental factors in advanced heart failure (HF) patients may be crucial to cope with the end stages of the disease. This study analyzes health inequalities and mortality according to place of residence (rural vs urban) in HF patients at advanced stages of the disease. METHODS: Population-based cohort study including 1148 adult patients with HF attended in 279 primary care centers. Patients were followed for at least 1 year after reaching New York Heart Association IV functional class, between 2010 and 2014. Data came from primary care electronic medical records. Cox regression models were applied to determine the hazard ratios (HR) of mortality. RESULTS: Mean age was 81.6 (SD 8.9) years, and 62% were women. Patients in rural areas were older, particularly women aged > 74 years (p = 0.036), and presented lower comorbidity. Mortality percentages were 59 and 51% among rural and urban patients, respectively (p = 0.030). Urban patients living in the most socio-economically deprived neighborhoods presented the highest rate of health service utilization, particularly with primary care nurses (p-trend < 0.001). Multivariate analyses confirmed that men (HR 1.60, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.34-1.90), older patients (HR 1.05, 95% CI 1.04-1.06), Charlson comorbidity index (HR 1.16, 95% CI 1.11-1.22), and residing in rural areas (HR 1.35, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.67) was associated with higher mortality risk. CONCLUSIONS: Living in rural areas determines an increased risk of mortality in patients at final stages of heart failure.

Measurement properties of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D 10): Findings from HCHS/SOL.

The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) is a widely used self-report measure of depression symptomatology. This study evaluated the reliability, validity, and measurement invariance of the CES-D 10 in a diverse cohort of Hispanics/Latinos from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL). The sample consisted of 16,415 Hispanic/Latino adults recruited from 4 field centers (Miami, FL; San Diego, CA; Bronx, NY; Chicago, IL). Participants completed interview administered measures in English or Spanish. The CES-D 10 was examined for internal consistency, test-retest reliability, convergent validity, and measurement invariance. The total score for the CES-D 10 displayed acceptable internal consistencies (Cronbach's alpha's = .80-.86) and test-retest reliability (r values = .41-.70) across the total sample, language group and ethnic background group. The total CES-D 10 scores correlated in a theoretically consistent manner with the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, r = .72, p < .001, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 depression measure, r = .80, p < .001, the Short Form-12's Mental Component Summary, r = -.65, p < .001, and Physical Component Summary score, r = -.25, p < .001. A confirmatory factor analysis showed that a 1-factor model fit the CES-D 10 data well (CFI = .986, RMSEA = .047) after correlating 1 pair of item residual variances. Multiple group analyses showed the 1-factor structure to be invariant across English and Spanish speaking responders and partially invariant across Hispanic/Latino background groups. The total score of the CES-D 10 can be recommended for use with Hispanics/Latinos in English and Spanish. (PsycINFO Database Record

Resveratrol treatment controls microbial flora, prolongs shelf life, and preserves nutritional quality of fruit.

Resveratrol is known as a grapevine secondary metabolite with fungicide activity. Its exogenous application on harvested grapes resulted in the reduction of microbial flora growth, and consequently, prolonged shelf life, without affecting the nutritional quality of the fruit. Resveratrol treatment also resulted in being effective on fruit that normally does not accumulate such metabolites as, for example, tomatoes, apples, avocado pears, and peppers. As a result, all treated fruits maintained their post-harvest quality and health longer than the untreated ones. This study demonstrates the potential use of resveratrol as a natural pesticide to reduce post-harvest fungi development on a broad spectrum of fruit types.