Interobserver variability in thyroid ultrasound.

PURPOSE: Ultrasound evaluation of thyroid nodules is the preferred technique, but it is dependent on operator interpretation, leading to inter-observer variability. The current study aimed to determine the inter-physician consensus on nodular characteristics, risk categorization in the classification systems, and the need for fine needle aspiration puncture. METHODS: Four endocrinologists from the same center blindly evaluated 100 ultrasound images of thyroid nodules from 100 different patients. The following ultrasound features were evaluated: composition, echogenicity, margins, calcifications, and microcalcifications. Nodules were also classified according to ATA, EU-TIRADS, K-TIRADS, and ACR-TIRADS classifications. Krippendorff's alpha test was used to assess interobserver agreement. RESULTS: The interobserver agreement for ultrasound features was: Krippendorff's coefficient 0.80 (0.71-0.89) for composition, 0.59 (0.47-0.72) for echogenicity, 0.73 (0.57-0.88) for margins, 0.55 (0.40-0.69) for calcifications, and 0.50 (0.34-0.67) for microcalcifications. The concordance for the classification systems was 0.7 (0.61-0.80) for ATA, 0.63 (0.54-0.73) for EU-TIRADS, 0.64 (0.55-0.73) for K-TIRADS, and 0.68 (0.60-0.77) for K-TIRADS. The concordance in the indication of fine needle aspiration puncture (FNA) was 0.86 (0.71-1), 0.80 (0.71-0.88), 0.77 0.67-0.87), and 0.73 (0.64-0.83) for systems previously described respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Interobserver agreement was acceptable for the identification of nodules requiring cytologic study using various classification systems. However, limited concordance was observed in risk stratification and many ultrasonographic characteristics of the nodules.

Evolución del estado de nutrición de yodo en gestantes del area sanitaria de Pamplona / Change over time in the iodine nutritional status of pregnant women from the Pamplona healthcare region

INTRODUCCIÓN: La ingesta adecuada de yodo es esencial durante el embarazo. Sin embargo, una parte de la población gestante de nuestro país persiste en una situación de yododeficiencia. Un estudio previo realizado en embarazadas del área sanitaria de Pamplona mostró una yoduria insuficiente (125 mcg/l) y un bajo consumo de sal yodada. El objetivo del presente trabajo es conocer la ingesta de yodo y analizar la evolución del estado de yodación en gestantes de nuestro medio en los últimos años. MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional de 400 gestantes de primer trimestre sin antecedentes conocidos de enfermedad tiroidea. Se cumplimentó un cuestionario de consumo de yodo. Como marcadores del estado de yodación se analizaron la yoduria en una muestra simple de orina y la tiroglobulina sérica, y se calculó el volumen tiroideo mediante ecografía cervical. RESULTADOS: El 70,5% de las participantes consumía sal yodada (55,3% pregestacional) y el 98,5% suplementos farmacológicos con yodo (dosis 202,6±30,1 mcg/día). La mediana de la yoduria fue 242 mcg/l (138,5-415,5 mcg/l) y de la tiroglobulina 12,3 mcg/l (8,39 mcg/l). El consumo de sal yodada se asoció a mayor yoduria y a un menor volumen tiroideo. No se encontraron diferencias en los parámetros estudiados en función del consumo de lácteos, pescado o huevos. CONCLUSIONES: La ingesta de yodo en gestantes de Pamplona ha aumentado, tanto a expensas del empleo de sal yodada como de la dosis de la suplementación farmacológica. Esto ha permitido alcanzar un estado de yodación adecuado

INTRODUCTION: Adequate iodine intake is essential during pregnancy. A previous study of pregnant women from the Pamplona healthcare region showed mild iodine deficiency (mean urinary iodine level, 125 mcg/L). This study was intended to ascertain the iodine intake of pregnant women in our region and to analyze the change over time in their iodine nutritional status. METHODS: An observational study of 400 women in their first trimester of pregnancy. An iodine intake questionnaire was administered. To assess iodine status, urinary iodine concentration (UIC) was measured in a simple urine sample, and serum thyroglobulin levels were determined. In addition, thyroid volume was measured by cervical ultrasound examination. RESULTS: Iodized salt was used by 70.5% of all participants (55.3% since the pre-gestational period) and 98.5% of them received iodine-containing supplements (mean dose, 202.6±30.1 mcg/day). Mean urinary iodine concentration was 242 mcg/L (138.5-415.5 mcg/L) and the mean serum thyroglobulin level was 12.3 mcg/L (8.3-9 mcg/L). Iodized salt intake was associated with higher UICs and lower thyroid volume. No differences were found in any of the tested parameters regarding the intake of dairy products, fish, or eggs. CONCLUSIONS: Iodine intake by pregnant women in Pamplona has increased due to a greater use of iodized salt and to higher doses of iodine supplements. As a result of this, an adequate iodine status has been achieved in the last decade

Change over time in the iodine nutritional status of pregnant women from the Pamplona healthcare region. / Evolución del estado de nutrición de yodo en gestantes del area sanitaria de Pamplona.

INTRODUCTION: Adequate iodine intake is essential during pregnancy. A previous study of pregnant women from the Pamplona healthcare region showed mild iodine deficiency (mean urinary iodine level, 125 mcg/L). This study was intended to ascertain the iodine intake of pregnant women in our region and to analyze the change over time in their iodine nutritional status. METHODS: An observational study of 400 women in their first trimester of pregnancy. An iodine intake questionnaire was administered. To assess iodine status, urinary iodine concentration (UIC) was measured in a simple urine sample, and serum thyroglobulin levels were determined. In addition, thyroid volume was measured by cervical ultrasound examination. RESULTS: Iodized salt was used by 70.5% of all participants (55.3% since the pre-gestational period) and 98.5% of them received iodine-containing supplements (mean dose, 202.6±30.1 mcg/day). Mean urinary iodine concentration was 242 mcg/L (138.5-415.5 mcg/L) and the mean serum thyroglobulin level was 12.3 mcg/L (8.3-9 mcg/L). Iodized salt intake was associated with higher UICs and lower thyroid volume. No differences were found in any of the tested parameters regarding the intake of dairy products, fish, or eggs. CONCLUSIONS: Iodine intake by pregnant women in Pamplona has increased due to a greater use of iodized salt and to higher doses of iodine supplements. As a result of this, an adequate iodine status has been achieved in the last decade.

Optimización del seguimiento de gestantes con enfermedad tiroidea autoinmune / Optimization of the follow-up of pregnant women with autoimmune thyroid disease

Objetivo: Determinar el riesgo de hipotiroidismo en gestantes con enfermedad tiroidea autoinmune y tirotropina (TSH) < 2,5 mUI/l al inicio del embarazo. Métodos: Estudio prospectivo longitudinal en gestantes de primer trimestre sin antecedentes de patología tiroidea y con TSH en primer trimestre < 2,5 mUI/l. Se determinaron TSH, tiroxina libre (T4l) y anticuerpos antiperoxidasa (TPO) y antitiroglobulina en los 3 trimestres. Se comparó la evolución de la función tiroidea y la aparición de hipotiroidismo gestacional (TSH > 4 mUI/l), entre las gestantes con autoinmunidad positiva y autoinmunidad negativa. Resultados: Se incluyeron 300 gestantes con TSH basal 1,3 ± 0,6 mUI/l (semana gestacional 9). El 17,7% (n = 53) tenían autoinmunidad positiva en el primer trimestre. Los títulos de anticuerpos TPO y antitiroglobulina disminuyeron entre el primer y el tercer trimestre un 76,8% y un 80,7% respectivamente. La evolución de la función tiroidea fue similar en el grupo con autoinmunidad positiva y el grupo con autoinmunidad negativa, y la aparición de hipotiroidismo fue del 1,9% (1/53) y del 2% (5/247) respectivamente. Las gestantes en las que la TSH aumentó por encima de 4 mUI/l (n = 6) tenían cifras superiores de TSH basal en comparación con las que mantuvieron TSH≤4 mUI/l a lo largo del embarazo (1,8 vs. 1,3 mUI/l; p = 0,047). Conclusión: En nuestra población, las mujeres con TSH < 2,5 mUI/l al inicio del embarazo tienen un riesgo mínimo de desarrollar hipotiroidismo durante la gestación, independientemente de la autoinmunidad tiroidea

Objective: To determine the risk of hypothyroidism in pregnant women with autoimmune thyroid disease and thyrotropin (TSH) < 2,5 mIU/l at the beginning of pregnancy. Methods: Prospective longitudinal study of pregnant women with no personal history of thyroid disease, and with TSH < 2.5 mIU/l in the first trimester. TSH, free thyroxine (FT4), anti peroxidase (TPO) and anti thyroglobulin antibodies were measured in the 3 trimesters of pregnancy. We compared thyroid function throughout pregnancy, and the development of gestational hypothyroidism (TSH >4 mIU/l) among pregnant women with positive thyroid autoimmunity and those with negative autoimmunity. Results: We included 300 pregnant women with mean baseline TSH 1.3 ± 0.6 mIU/l (9th gestational week). Positive thyroid autoinmunity was detected in 17.7% of women (n = 53) at the first trimester. Between the first and the third trimesters, TPO and anti thyroglobulin antibodies titers decreased 76.8% and 80.7% respectively. Thyroid function during pregnancy was similar among the group with positive autoimmunity and the group with negative autoimmunity, and the development of hypothyroidism was 1.9% (1/53) and 2% (5/247) respectively. Pregnant women in whom TSH increased above 4 mIU/l (n = 6), had higher baseline TSH levels compared to those who maintained TSH ≤4 mIU/l during pregnancy (1.8 vs. 1.3 mIU/l; p=.047). Conclusion: In our population, women with TSH levels <2.5 mIU/l at the beginning of pregnancy have a minimal risk of developing gestational hypothyroidism regardless of thyroid autoimmunity

Thyroid Function Reference Values in Healthy Iodine-Sufficient Pregnant Women and Influence of Thyroid Nodules on Thyrotropin and Free Thyroxine Values.

BACKGROUND: Thyroid function assessment in pregnancy requires specific reference intervals stratified by gestational age and according to each laboratory method. Thyroid nodules may influence thyroid function in pregnant women. The aims of this study were to define the reference values of thyrotropin (TSH) and free thyroxine (fT4) in the three pregnancy trimesters in iodine-sufficient pregnant women, and to analyze the influence of thyroid nodules on thyroid function during pregnancy. METHODS: This was a prospective, longitudinal study comprising 400 pregnant women with no history of thyroid disease and no medication influencing thyroid function. TSH, fT4, antithyroglobulin, and antithyroid peroxidase antibodies were measured each trimester by chemiluminescent immunoassays. Urinary iodine concentration was measured in the first trimester when a thyroid echography was also performed. Women with multiple gestation pregnancies, positive thyroid autoimmunity, TSH values >5 or <0.1 mIU/L with a simultaneous fT4 level above the general population reference value in the first trimester, or clinically significant thyroid nodules (nodules ≥1 cm and/or multiple nodules) were excluded to establish TSH and fT4 reference values. RESULTS: Reference intervals in the first, second, and third trimesters were 0.13-4.16, 0.31-3.73, and 0.58-4.36 mIU/L, respectively, for TSH, and 0.85-1.24, 0.82-1.20, and 0.67-1.06 ng/dL, respectively, for fT4. The total prevalence of thyroid nodules was 28.8% [95% confidence interval (CI) 24.4-33.5%], and 6.0% of the participants showed clinically significant nodules. Pregnant women with thyroid nodules (n = 115) showed consistently lower TSH values during all pregnancy stages (first trimester: median 1.14 mIU/L [interquartile range (IQR) 0.53-1.75 mIU/L] vs. 1.48 mIU/L [IQR 0.94-2.19 mIU/L], p < 0.001; second trimester: 1.22 mIU/L [IQR 0.66-1.77 mIU/L] vs. 1.45 mIU/L [1.04-2.05 mIU/L], p = 0.001; third trimester: 1.74 mIU/L [IQR 1.08-2.36 mIU/L] vs. 1.93 mIU/L [IQR 1.37-2.58 mIU/L], p = 0.041) and higher fT4 values in the first trimester (M ± SD = 1.08 ± 0.14 ng/dL vs. 1.03 ± 0.12, p < 0.001) compared to those without nodules (n = 285). Both pregnant women with clinically significant thyroid nodules and those with nonsignificant ones had lower TSH values than women without nodules. CONCLUSIONS: TSH/fT4 reference intervals in pregnant women from the authors' geographical area will thyroid dysfunction in pregnancy to be appropriately diagnosed. The prevalence of thyroid nodules is high in iodine-sufficient pregnant women, and is associated with low TSH values across pregnancy.

Optimization of the follow-up of pregnant women with autoimmune thyroid disease. / Optimización del seguimiento de gestantes con enfermedad tiroidea autoinmune.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the risk of hypothyroidism in pregnant women with autoimmune thyroid disease and thyrotropin (TSH) < 2,5 mIU/l at the beginning of pregnancy. METHODS: Prospective longitudinal study of pregnant women with no personal history of thyroid disease, and with TSH < 2.5 mIU/l in the first trimester. TSH, free thyroxine (FT4), anti peroxidase (TPO) and anti thyroglobulin antibodies were measured in the 3 trimesters of pregnancy. We compared thyroid function throughout pregnancy, and the development of gestational hypothyroidism (TSH >4 mIU/l) among pregnant women with positive thyroid autoimmunity and those with negative autoimmunity. RESULTS: We included 300 pregnant women with mean baseline TSH 1.3 ± 0.6 mIU/l (9th gestational week). Positive thyroid autoinmunity was detected in 17.7% of women (n = 53) at the first trimester. Between the first and the third trimesters, TPO and anti thyroglobulin antibodies titers decreased 76.8% and 80.7% respectively. Thyroid function during pregnancy was similar among the group with positive autoimmunity and the group with negative autoimmunity, and the development of hypothyroidism was 1.9% (1/53) and 2% (5/247) respectively. Pregnant women in whom TSH increased above 4 mIU/l (n = 6), had higher baseline TSH levels compared to those who maintained TSH ≤4 mIU/l during pregnancy (1.8 vs. 1.3 mIU/l; p=.047). CONCLUSION: In our population, women with TSH levels <2.5 mIU/l at the beginning of pregnancy have a minimal risk of developing gestational hypothyroidism regardless of thyroid autoimmunity.

Dataset of differential lipid raft and global proteomes of SILAC-labeled cystic fibrosis cells upon TNF -α stimulation.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease due to mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR), F508del-CFTR being the most frequent. Lipid raft-like microdomains (LRM) are regions of the plasma membrane that present a high cholesterol content and are insoluble to non-ionic detergents. LRM are essential functional and structural platforms that play an important role in the inflammatory response. CFTR is a known modulator of inflammation in LRM. Here we provide mass spectrometry data on the global impact of CFTR mutation and TNF-a stimulation on the LRM proteome. We used the Stable Isotope Labeling by Amino Acids in Cell Culture (SILAC) approach to quantify and identify 332 proteins in LRM upon TNF-a stimulation in CF cells and 1381 for the global proteome. We report two detailed tables containing lists of proteins obtained by mass spectrometry and the immunofluorescence validation results for one of these proteins, the G-protein coupled receptor 5A. These results are associated with the article "Changes in lipid raft proteome upon TNF-α stimulation of cystic fibrosis cells" (Chhuon et al., in press [1]).

Changes in lipid raft proteome upon TNF-α stimulation of cystic fibrosis cells.

UNLABELLED: We have previously shown (i) that the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) locates to lipid raft-like microdomains of epithelial cells upon TNF-α proinflammatory stimulation; and (ii) that TNF-α increases the membrane localization and the channel function of F508del-mutated CFTR. In the present work, we hypothesized that CFTR mutations modify the proteome of lipid rafts in the same proinflammatory conditions. We prepared lipid rafts from HeLa cells transfected with either wild-type or F508del-CFTR and incubated for 10min with 100U/mL of TNF-α. Proteins were extracted, trypsin digested, and peptides analyzed by high resolution MS. Proteins were quantified by a stable isotope labeling with amino acids in cell culture approach. Out of the 22 proteins differentially recruited in lipid rafts after proinflammatory exposure, 17 were increased in F508del cells with respect to wild-type, including two G-protein coupled receptors, three anion transporters, and one cell surface mucin. In both HeLa and bronchial epithelial cells we confirmed that G-protein coupled receptor 5A relocates to lipid rafts along with F508del-CFTR after TNF-α treatment. These results could enlighten the cross-talk between CFTR and TNF-α and its impact on the cell response to proinflammatory challenge. BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE: CFTR mutations are at the origin of cystic fibrosis. The latter disease is characterized, among other symptoms, by a defective management of infection and inflammation in the airways. Short exposure to the proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α targets mutated CFTR to the plasma membrane and increases its chloride channel activity. The results hereby presented show a substantial modification of the lipid raft proteome in the same conditions, and may enlighten the effect of this cytokine and the role of CFTR in the cell response to inflammation.

[Follow-up of the small-for-gestational-age child: clinical guidelines]. / Pautas para el seguimiento clínico del niño pequeño para la edad gestacional.

INTRODUCTION: In this document the Small for Gestational Age (SGA) Child Working Group of the Spanish Society for Paediatric Endocrinology proposes the guidelines for the management and follow-up of SGA children, highlighting the potential morbidity arising from the SGA condition and its consequences in adulthood. MATERIAL AND METHODS: There is currently a wide variability in the management of the SGA child between health centres and health professionals. The diagnostic criteria for SGA according to the last international consensus guidelines are defined, which also include preterm SGA patients but excluding those patients in whom low birthweigh is associated with specific syndromes. We also outline the potential abnormalities associated with the SGA condition and recommend specific therapeutic and preventative measures. CONCLUSIONS: Low birth weight remains a major cause of morbidity in childhood and is associated with an increased risk of health problems later in life. Childhood is a critical window during which some of the risk factors accounting for this sequence are potentially reversible, with healthy lifestyle measures and environmental intervention. Accordingly, these guidelines should be useful not only for Primary Care Paediatricians but also for Neonatologists, Paediatric Endocrinologists, Neuropaediatricians and Pediatric Gastroenterologists, and also for the parents.

Formación médica continuada basada en Internet. Presentación de la primera experiencia de la Sociedad Española de Medicina Interna / Internet-based Continuing Medical Education. Presentation of the first experience of the Spanish Society of Internal Medicine

Este documento presenta la primera experiencia de la Sociedad Española de Medicina Interna en el desarrollo de un programa de formación médica continuada basado en Internet para los miembros de la sociedad, acreditado por el Ministerio de Sanidad y la Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, y financiado por el Grupo Menarini SA. Los resultados académicos y el grado de satisfacción de los participantes en este curso han sido muy elevados, tanto por lo que respecta a los contenidos científicos como al entorno virtual de aprendizaje. Esta experiencia demuestra que la formación médica continuada basada en Internet es un campo de gran futuro y con una buena aceptación por parte de los médicos participantes, y que las sociedades científicas, con la colaboración de otras instituciones y empresas, pueden liderar programas de formación médica continuada no presencial especialmente dirigidos y adaptados a sus afiliados(AU)

This paper presents the first experience of the Spanish Society of Internal Medicine in the development of an Internet-based Continuing Medical Education program for Society members, accredited by the Health Ministry and the Autonomous University of Barcelona, and funded by the Menarini Group SA. Academic performance and satisfaction of participants in this course have been very satisfactory, both with respect to scientific content and the virtual learning environment. This experience shows that Internet-based continuing medical education is a field with a great future that is well accepted by participating physicians, and that the scientific societies, with the collaboration of other institutions and companies, can lead Internet-based Continuing Medical Education programs especially designed and tailored to their members(AU)

[Internet-based Continuing Medical Education. Presentation of the first experience of the Spanish Society of Internal Medicine]. / Formación médica continuada basada en Internet. Presentación de la primera experiencia de la Sociedad Española de Medicina Interna.

This paper presents the first experience of the Spanish Society of Internal Medicine in the development of an Internet-based Continuing Medical Education program for Society members, accredited by the Health Ministry and the Autonomous University of Barcelona, and funded by the Menarini Group SA. Academic performance and satisfaction of participants in this course have been very satisfactory, both with respect to scientific content and the virtual learning environment. This experience shows that Internet-based continuing medical education is a field with a great future that is well accepted by participating physicians, and that the scientific societies, with the collaboration of other institutions and companies, can lead Internet-based Continuing Medical Education programs especially designed and tailored to their members.

Critical role of cytosolic phospholipase A2{alpha} in bronchial mucus hypersecretion in CFTR-deficient mice.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is due to mutations in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator gene CFTR. CF is characterised by mucus dehydration, chronic bacterial infection and inflammation, and increased levels of cytosolic phospholipase A2α (cPLA2α) products in airways. We aimed to examine the role of cPLA2α in the modulation of mucus production and inflammation in CFTR-deficient mice and epithelial cells. Mucus production was assessed using histological analyses, immuno-histochemistry and MUC5AC ELISA. cPLA2α activation was measured using an enzymatic assay and lung inflammation determined by histological analyses and polymorphonuclear neutrophil counts in bronchoalveolar lavages. In lungs from Cftr(-/-) mice, lipopolysaccharide induced mucus overproduction and MUC5AC expression associated with an increased cPLA2α activity. Mucus overproduction was mimicked by instillation of the cPLA2α product arachidonic acid, and abolished by either a cPLA2α null mutation or pharmacological inhibition. An increased cPLA2α activity was observed in bronchial explants from CF patients. CFTR silencing induced cPLA2α activation and MUC5AC expression in bronchial human epithelial cells. This expression was enhanced by arachidonic acid and reduced by cPLA2α inhibition. However, inhibition of CFTR chloride transport function had no effect on MUC5AC expression. Reduction of CFTR expression increased cPLA2α activity. This led to an enhanced mucus production in airway epithelia independent of CFTR chloride transport function. cPLA2α represents a suitable new target for therapeutic intervention in CF.

[The effects of amiodarone on the thyroid]. / Trastornos tiroideos por amiodarona.

BACKGROUND: Amiodarone is a drug widely used for the treatment of arrhythmias. In 16% of amiodarone-treated patients it causes changes in the thyroid function. The aim of this study was to determine the importance of amiodarone-induced thyroid dysfunction in the population of Navarre, studied between 2001 and 2007. METHODS: We present a retrospective study that considers the characteristics of 182 amiodarone-treated patients with thyroid dysfunction who had been referred to our Institute. We determined a series of biochemical and instrumental investigations (measurement of thyrotrophin, free thyroid hormones and thyroid autoantibodies; thyroid sonography and thyroid scintigraphy uptake). RESULTS: Screening of the thyroid function, recommended before starting amiodarone treatment, was carried out in only 20.9 % of the patients. Forty-one percent of patients developed amiodarone induced hypothyroidism; in 76% of them the drug was withdrawn. Hypothyroidism appears after 21 (+/- 12) months of amiodarone treatment. Forty-eight point six developed permanent hypothyroidism. This group of patients had higher serum levels of TSH (thyrotropin) and were treated for less time with amiodarone. Fifty-nine percent of patients developed amiodarone induced thyrotoxicosis; 59.4 % were diagnosed with thyrotoxicosis (AIT) type 1, 30.6% AIT type 2 and the remaining 10 % were diagnosed with mixed thyrotoxicosis. Thyrotoxicosis appears after 29.5 (+/- 17) months of amiodarone treatment. The serum levels of free thyroxine were significantly higher in the AIT type 2 than in the AIT type1. All patients were treated with antithyroid drugs and/or corticoids. Some patients were admitted to hospital due to the severity of their illness. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, amiodarone induced thyrotoxicosis was more frequent than hypothyroidism (59% vs 41%) because Navarre is an iodine-deficient area. It is necessary to control the thyroid function after 2-3 years of amiodarone treatment.

[The Strategic Plan for the development of Internal Medicine in Andalusia]. / El Plan Estratégico para el desarrollo de la Medicina Interna en Andalucía.

The Strategic Plan for the Development of Internal Medicine in Andalusia arose from the need that the internal medicine doctors had to redefine the purpose and values of their specialty to cope with the numerous changes occurring in the health care area. The project was developed in three phases. First, the tendency of the health care system and current position of the specialty were analyzed. After, the internal and external opinions on the present-future of Internal Medicine were checked out. Finally, five strategic lines with their action plans were established. Specific objectives were defined within each line: results to be achieved, methodology according to action plan. After several years of collegial work in this initiative, very positive results have been achieved. We conclude that the Strategic Plan has been useful to better define the position of our specialty and to state which tools such as those mentioned are effective to cope with the new challenges that may occur in other groups.

El Plan Estratégico para el desarrollo de la Medicina Interna en Andalucía / The strategic plan for the development of internal medicine in Andalusia

El Plan Estratégico para el Desarrollo de la MedicinaInterna en Andalucía surgió de la necesidad sentidapor los internistas de redefinir la misión y valores denuestra especialidad, para afrontar los numerososcambios que estaban ocurriendo en la arenasanitaria. El proyecto se desarrolló en tres fases:primero se analizaron las tendencias del sistemasanitario y la situación actual de la especialidad;posteriormente se pulsó la opinión interna y externasobre el presente-futuro de la Medicina Interna; yfinalmente se establecieron 5 líneas estratégicas consus planes de acción. Dentro de cada línea sedelimitaron objetivos específicos, resultados alograr, y metodología acorde al plan de acción. Trasvarios años de trabajo colegiado en esta iniciativa sehan logrado resultados muy positivos. Concluimosque el Plan Estratégico ha resultado útil para situarmejor nuestra especialidad, y que herramientascomo la detallada son efectivas para afrontar nuevosretos que puedan acaecer a otros colectivos

The Strategic Plan for the Development of InternalMedicine in Andalusia arose from the need thatthe internal medicine doctors had to redefine thepurpose and values of their specialty to cope withthe numerous changes occurring in the health carearea. The project was developed in three phases.First, the tendency of the health care system andcurrent position of the specialty were analyzed.After, the internal and external opinions on thepresent-future of Internal Medicine were checkedout. Finally, five strategic lines with their actionplans were established. Specific objectives weredefined within each line: results to be achieved,methodology according to action plan. After severalyears of collegial work in this initiative, very positiveresults have been achieved. We conclude that theStrategic Plan has been useful to better definethe position of our specialty and to state which toolssuch as those mentioned are effective to cope withthe new challenges that may occur in other groups (AU)

[Impact of palliative care and clinical features of patients with terminal diseases in areas of Internal Medicine]. / Impacto de los cuidados paliativos y perfil clínico del paciente con enfermedad terminal en un área de Medicina Interna.

INTRODUCTION: The medical assistance to patients with terminal diseases has been structured with Primary Care and Palliative Care Units as protagonists, and with other specialties as secondary roles. Nevertheless the impact of this group of patients in Internal Medicine areas is unknown. Our objective was to evaluate these parameters in the area of Internal Medicine of a tertiary teaching Hospital. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective observational study of all patients attended in Internal Medicine areas during June 2003. Patients were stratified in three cohorts (palliative, pluripathologic, and general). Incidence of palliative patients, origin, clinical features, and burden of hospital care in the last 12 months were analyzed. Univariate analysis of the clinical differences between the palliative and the pluripathologic, and general cohorts was performed, using Chi-square, Fisher, ANOVA and post-hoc tests and Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: 52 (53.8% women; mean age 66.5 +/- 15 years) were included from the global study cohort of 339 patients. Incidence of palliative patients was 15.4/100 admissions. The patients were admitted from other specialties (57.6%), Emergency department (27%), and Primary Care (10%). Mean hospital stay was 14.5 (1-150) days, and survival 63.5%. The 68.5% of deceases occurred at home. Patients of palliative cohort, with respect to general cohort had less functional ability at baseline (47.5 vs 95; p < 0.0001), admission (40 vs 75; p < 0.0001), and at discharge (20 vs 75; p < 0.0001), and more functional deterioration during hospital stay (mean fall in Barthel's values at baseline-discharge of 27.5 vs 20 points; p < 0.003). There were no differences in the burden of hospital care in the previous 12 months. With respect to the cohort of pluripathologic patients, palliative patients were younger (66.5 +/- 15 vs 75 +/- 11 years; p = 0.001) and had similar functional limitations at baseline (47.5 vs 45), admission (40 vs 20) and at discharge (20 vs 20). DISCUSSION: Patients with terminal diseases are prevalent in the clinical setting in areas of internal medicine. These data support the role of the internist in palliative care proceedings, and prompt internists to acquire enough specific abilities to manage competitively these population.

Impacto de los cuidados paliativos y perfil clínico del paciente con enfermedad terminal en un área de Medicina Interna / Impact of palliative care and clinical features of patients with terminal diseases in areas of Internal Medicine

Introducción. El proceso de atención a pacientes con enfermedad terminal se ha estructurado en torno a la Atención Primaria y a las Unidades de Cuidados Paliativos, quedando en un segundo plano otros especialistas. Sin embargo, se desconoce el impacto y las características clínicas y asistenciales de este grupo de pacientes en Medicina Interna. Nuestro objetivo consistió en evaluar estos parámetros en diferentes áreas de Medicina Interna de un hospital de tercer nivel. Material y métodos. Estudio prospectivo observacional de los pacientes ingresados en Medicina Interna durante junio de 2003. Se estratificó a los pacientes en tres cohortes (paliativo, pluripatológico y general). Se analizó la incidencia, procedencia, características clinicoevolutivas y consumo de recursos en los 12 meses previos al estudio. La comparación univariada de variables clínicas entre la cohorte de paliativos, pluripatológicos y general se llevó a cabo utilizando los test de Chi cuadrado, Fisher, ANOVA y post-hoc y Kruskal-Wallis. Resultados. Se incluyeron 52 pacientes (53,8% mujeres; edad media: 66,5 ± 15 años) de la cohorte global de 339. La incidencia de pacientes paliativos fue 15,4/100 ingresos. Los pacientes procedieron de Servicios Especializados (57,6%), Urgencias (27%) y Atención Primaria (10%). La estancia media fue de 14,5 (1-150) días y la supervivencia del 63,5%. El 68,5% de los fallecimientos se produjo en el domicilio. Los pacientes de la cohorte de paliativos, comparativamente con la general, tuvieron menor Barthel basal (47,5 frente a 95; p < 0,0001), al ingreso (40 frente a 75; p < 0,0001) y alta (20 frente a 75; p < 0,0001), mayor deterioro funcional durante ingreso (caída de valores basales-alta de 27,5 frente a 20 puntos; p<0,003) y no hubo diferencias en el consumo de recursos en los 12 meses previos. Con respecto a los pluripatológicos, la cohorte de paliativos tuvo menor edad media (66,5 ± 15 frente a 75 ± 11; p = 0,001) y similar limitación funcional basal al ingreso y al alta. Discusión. Los pacientes con enfermedad terminal suponen un grupo significativo en nuestras áreas de Medicina Interna, lo cual apoya el papel del internista en la asistencia a esta población y le obliga a adquirir las competencias específicas para su manejo integral

Introduction. The medical assistance to patients with terminal diseases has been structured with Primary Care and Palliative Care Units as protagonists, and with other specialties as secondary roles. Nevertheless the impact of this group of patients in Internal Medicine areas is unknown. Our objective was to evaluate these parameters in the area of Internal Medicine of a tertiary teaching Hospital. Material and methods. Prospective observational study of all patients attended in Internal Medicine areas during June 2003. Patients were stratified in three cohorts (palliative, pluripathologic, and general). Incidence of palliative patients, origin, clinical features, and burden of hospital care in the last 12 months were analyzed. Univariate analysis of the clinical differences between the palliative and the pluripathologic, and general cohorts was performed, using Chi-square, Fisher, ANOVA and post-hoc tests and Kruskal-Wallis test. Results. 52 (53.8% women; mean age 66.5 ± 15 years) were included from the global study cohort of 339 patients. Incidence of palliative patients was 15.4/100 admissions. The patients were admitted from other specialties (57.6%), Emergency department (27%), and Primary Care (10%). Mean hospital stay was 14.5 (1-150) days, and survival 63.5%. The 68.5% of deceases occurred at home. Patients of palliative cohort, with respect to general cohort had less functional ability at baseline (47.5 vs 95; p < 0.0001), admission (40 vs 75; p < 0.0001), and at discharge (20 vs 75; p < 0.0001), and more functional deterioration during hospital stay (mean fall in Barthel's values at baseline-discharge of 27.5 vs 20 points; p < 0.003). There were no differences in the burden of hospital care in the previous 12 months. With respect to the cohort of pluripathologic patients, palliative patients were younger (66.5 ± 15 vs 75 ± 11 years; p = 0.001) and had similar functional limitations at baseline (47.5 vs 45), admission (40 vs 20) and at discharge (20 vs 20). Discussion. Patients with terminal diseases are prevalent in the clinical setting in areas of internal medicine. These data support the role of the internist in palliative care proceedings, and prompt internists to acquire enough specific abilities to manage competitively these population

Superoxide dismutase content and fatty acid composition in subsets of human spermatozoa from normozoospermic, asthenozoospermic, and polyzoospermic semen samples.

Human ejaculated sperm comprised discrete subsets of spermatozoa, with different degrees of maturation. These subpopulations can be isolated through density gradient centrifugation. Sperm from the lowest density layer show the highest content of docosahexaenoic acid and sterols, and produce the highest levels of reactive oxygen species. The main objective of this study was to determine the superoxide dismutase (SOD) content and fatty acid composition of subsets of spermatozoa isolated from normozoospermic, asthenozoospermic, and polyzoospermic semen samples. Four sperm fractions (1-4) were obtained using ISolate gradient centrifugation. Morphology, motion parameters, SOD content, and fatty acid composition were assessed in the original samples and their fractions. Overall, sperm from normozoospermic samples had higher SOD content than those of asthenozoospermic or polyzoospermic samples. Once fractionated in subsets, the sperm SOD content decreased significantly (P < 0.0001) from fraction 1 (top) to 4 (bottom) in all three groups of samples. Fatty acid content as well as the oxidation coefficient followed the same pattern, decreasing from fraction 1 to 4 (F1-F4). Normo- and polyzoospermic samples showed similar amounts of fatty acids, while asthenozoospermic samples mostly revealed increased levels. Normozoospermic samples displayed the lowest unsaturated fatty acid (UFA)/SOD ratio. Spermatozoa from astheno- and polyzoospermic samples, two common seminal pathologies, showed higher UFA and lower SOD content than normal sperm, therefore exhibiting a higher susceptibility to peroxidative damage. F4 from all groups, containing the most mature spermatozoa, displayed the lowest polyunsaturated fatty acid and SOD content of all subsets, suggesting that excessive SOD activity as well as abundant peroxidative targets may both be deleterious to sperm function.