Clusters of Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Their Impact on the 20-Year Cardiovascular Risk in a General Population.

BACKGROUND: Clustering of cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) is extraordinarily common and is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, the particular impact of the sum of CVRFs on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality has not been sufficiently explored in Europe. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the differences in survival-free probability of CVD in relation to the number of CVRFs in a Spanish population. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted from 1992 to 2016 in a Spanish population that included 1144 subjects with no history of CVD (mean age, 46.7 years) drawn from the general population. We calculated the number of CVRFs for each subject (male sex, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity, and left ventricular hypertrophy). Cardiovascular morbidity and mortality records were collected, and survival analysis was applied (competing risk models). RESULTS: There were 196 cardiovascular events (17.1%). The differences in total survival-free probability of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality of the different values of the sum of CVRFs were significant, increasing the risk of CVD (hazard ratio, 1.30; 95% confidence interval, 1.13-1.50) per each additional risk factor. CONCLUSION: Differences in survival-free probability of CVD in relation to the number of CVRFs present were statistically significant. Further studies are needed to corroborate our results.

Comparison Between Non-High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol to Estimate Cardiovascular Risk Using a Multivariate Model.

BACKGROUND: Although studies exist comparing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD), most have limitations in the mathematical models used to evaluate their prognostic power adjusted for the other risk factors (cardiovascular risk). OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare LDL-C and non-HDL-C in patients with CVD to determine whether both parameters predict CVD similarly. METHODS: A cohort of 1322 subjects drawn from the general population of a Spanish region was followed between 1992 and 2006. The outcome was time to CVD. Secondary variables were gender, age, hypertension, diabetes, personal history of CVD, current smoker, body mass index, LDL-C, and non-HDL-C. Two CVD prediction models were constructed with the secondary variables, with only the lipid parameter varying (non-HDL-C or LDL-C). In the construction of the models, the following were considered: multiple imputation, events per variable of 10 or more, and continuous predictors as powers. The validation was conducted by bootstrapping obtaining the distribution of the C statistic (discrimination) and the probabilities observed by smooth curves. These results were compared in both models using graphical and analytical testing. RESULTS: There were a total of 137 CVD events. The models showed no differences in the distributions of the C statistic (discrimination, P = .536) or in the calibration plot. CONCLUSIONS: In our population, LDL-C and non-HDL-C were equivalent at predicting CVD. More studies using this methodology are needed to confirm these results.

Valoración del colesterol no HDL como predictor de episodios cardiovasculares no mortales en una cohorte prospectiva de origen poblacional / Evaluation of non-HDL cholesterol as a predictor of non-fatal cardiovascular events in a prospective population cohort

Introducción: El colesterol no transportado por las lipoproteínas de alta densidad (c-no-HDL) está adquiriendo relevancia en su participación en la valoración del riesgo cardiovascular y como diana terapéutica. El objetivo del presente estudio ha sido valorar la capacidad predictiva independiente, tanto del c-no-HDL como del colesterol de las lipoproteínas de baja densidad (cLDL), principal prioridad en las dislipidemias para reducir el riesgo cardiovascular (RCV), en la morbilidad de causa cardiovascular, en una muestra de origen poblacional. Métodos: El diseño del estudio corresponde a una cohorte prospectiva en la que han participado 1.186 individuos en el grupo c-no-HDL y 1.177 en el grupo cLDL, seguidos durante 10,7años (DE=2,2), los cuales no habían padecido ningún episodio cardiovascular (CV) previo. Las variables predictoras incluidas en el ajuste han sido: género, edad, hipertensión arterial, diabetes mellitus, estado de fumador y c-no-HDL en un grupo. En el otro grupo, formado por pacientes que presentaban niveles de triglicéridos ≤400mg/dl, se sustituyó el c-no-HDL por el cLDL. Se calcularon curvas de supervivencia (Kaplan-Meier) y se aplicaron dos modelos de regresión de Cox, uno por cada grupo.Resultados: El grupo c-no-HDL presentó un 6,2% de episodios CV no mortales durante el seguimiento, y el grupo cLDL, un 6,0%. Después del ajuste, por cada aumento de 30mg/dl de c-no-HDL, la incidencia de nuevos episodios CV no mortales aumentó un 31% (HR=1,31; IC95%: 1,06-1,61; p=0,018) y en el grupo del cLDL un 27% (HR=1,27; IC95%: 0,97-1,61; p=0,068). Conclusiones: Tras un seguimiento de 10,7años, el c-no-HDL se ha mostrado en nuestra población como un factor pronóstico de enfermedad CV no mortal, pero no el cLDL, aunque su HR se encuentra próxima a la significación estadística (AU)

Introduction: Non-HDL cholesterol (non-HDL-C) is becoming relevant both in its participation in cardiovascular risk assessment and as a therapeutic target. The objective of the present study was to assess the independent predictive capacity of both non-HDL-C and LDL-C (the main priority in dyslipidemias to reduce cardiovascular risk), in cardiovascular morbidity in a population-based sample. Methods: A prospective cohort study involving 1186 individuals in the non-HDL-C group and 1177 in the LDL-C group, followed for 10.7years (SD=2.2), who had not had any previous cardiovascular event. The predictor variables included in the adjustment were: gender, age, arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoker status and non-HDL-C in one group. In the other group, consisting of patients presenting TG levels of 400mg/dL, non-HDL-C was replaced by LDL-C. Survival curves (Kaplan-Meier) were calculated and two Cox regression models were applied, one for each group. Results: Non-HDL-C group presented 6.2% of non-fatal cardiovascular episodes during follow-up and the LDL-C group 6.0%. After adjustment, for each 30mg/dL increase in non-HDL-C, the incidence of new non-fatal cardiovascular events increased by 31% (HR=1.31, 95%CI: 1.06-1.61; P=.018) and in the LDL-C group by 27% (HR=1.27, 95%CI: 0.97-1.61, P=.068). Conclusions: After a follow-up of 10.7years, non-HDL-C has been shown in our population as a prognostic factor of non-fatal cardiovascular disease, but not LDL-C, although its HR is close to statistical significance (AU)

Evaluation of non-HDL cholesterol as a predictor of non-fatal cardiovascular events in a prospective population cohort. / Valoración del colesterol no HDL como predictor de episodios cardiovasculares no mortales en una cohorte prospectiva de origen poblacional.

INTRODUCTION: Non-HDL cholesterol (non-HDL-C) is becoming relevant both in its participation in cardiovascular risk assessment and as a therapeutic target. The objective of the present study was to assess the independent predictive capacity of both non-HDL-C and LDL-C (the main priority in dyslipidemias to reduce cardiovascular risk), in cardiovascular morbidity in a population-based sample. METHODS: A prospective cohort study involving 1186 individuals in the non-HDL-C group and 1177 in the LDL-C group, followed for 10.7years (SD=2.2), who had not had any previous cardiovascular event. The predictor variables included in the adjustment were: gender, age, arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoker status and non-HDL-C in one group. In the other group, consisting of patients presenting TG levels of 400mg/dL, non-HDL-C was replaced by LDL-C. Survival curves (Kaplan-Meier) were calculated and two Cox regression models were applied, one for each group. RESULTS: Non-HDL-C group presented 6.2% of non-fatal cardiovascular episodes during follow-up and the LDL-C group 6.0%. After adjustment, for each 30mg/dL increase in non-HDL-C, the incidence of new non-fatal cardiovascular events increased by 31% (HR=1.31, 95%CI: 1.06-1.61; P=.018) and in the LDL-C group by 27% (HR=1.27, 95%CI: 0.97-1.61, P=.068). CONCLUSIONS: After a follow-up of 10.7years, non-HDL-C has been shown in our population as a prognostic factor of non-fatal cardiovascular disease, but not LDL-C, although its HR is close to statistical significance.

Ureterocele bilateral con litiasis / Bilateral ureterocele with lithiasis

El ureterocele es una dilatación quística del extremo intravesical del uréter, que puede asociarse a duplicación ureteral y a reflujo vésico-ureteral. Su diagnóstico suele realizarse en la edad pediátrica, siendo raro en la edad adulta. La mayoría de los casos sintomáticos debutan con infecciones de repetición, siendo más infrecuente la presencia de litiasis y excepcional el carácter bilateral. Presentamos el caso de una paciente de 65 años en estudio por infecciones de repetición de difícil manejo con tratamiento antibiótico que finalmente fue diagnosticada y tratada quirúrgicamente de ureterocele bilateral con presencia de litiasis, presentando posteriormente resolución de sus infecciones urinarias de repetición (AU)

Ureterocele is a cystic dilatation of the intravesical end of the ureter, which may be associated with ureteral duplication and vesicoureteral reflux. Diagnosis is made usually in childhood, being rare in adulthood. Most symptomatic patients present recurrent infections, whereas the presence of lithiasis is more infrequent and the bilateral character is exceptional. We report the case of a 65-year-old woman under study for recurrent infections difficult to manage with antibiotic treatment who was finally diagnosed and treated surgically of bilateral ureterocele with presence of lithiasis, subsequently presenting resolution of her recurrent urinary tract infections (AU)

Ateroembolia de colesterol / Cholesterol atheroembolism

La ateroembolia de colesterol (AEC) es una enfermedad sistémica poco conocida y con un pronóstico sombrío. En estas últimas décadas, su incidencia ha aumentado considerablemente. El diagnóstico es difícil y parte de una alta sospecha clínica, dada la inespecificidad de sus síntomas y el frecuente inicio tardío, semanas después de haber estado expuesto a factores predisponentes (procedimientos endovasculares, tratamiento anticoagulante). Se confirma por la biopsia del órgano afectado. A continuación presentamos un caso clínico de una paciente con AEC de origen espontáneo que presentaba manifestaciones cutáneas, donde la sospecha clínica de esta enfermedad fue la clave para su diagnóstico y un temprano manejo terapéutico (AU)

Cholesterol atheroembolism (CAE) is a rarely known systemic disease with bad prognosis. In the last decades, the incidence of this disorder has increased considerably. The diagnosis is difficult and starts with a clinical suspicion, given the lack of specific symptoms and the frequent late onset during the weeks after exposure of the patient to predisposing factors (angiographic procedures or anticoagulant treatments). It is confirmed by biopsy of the affected organ. Below we report the case of a patient with spontaneous CAE who presented skin manifestations, where clinical suspicion of this disease was the key to diagnosis and early therapeutic management (AU)

Prognostic value of obesity on both overall mortality and cardiovascular disease in the general population.

BACKGROUND: Obesity represents an important health problem and its association with cardiovascular risk factors is well-known. The aim of this work was to assess the correlation between obesity and mortality (both, all-cause mortality and the combined variable of all-cause mortality plus the appearance of a non-fatal first cardiovascular event) in a general population sample from the south-east of Spain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective cohort study used stratified and randomized two-stage sampling. Obesity [body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m(2)] as a predictive variable of mortality and cardiovascular events was assessed after controlling for age, sex, cardiovascular disease history, high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, high-density lipoprotein/triglycerides ratio, total cholesterol and smoking with the Cox regression model. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time of the 1,248 participants was 10.6 years. The incidence of all-cause mortality during this period was 97 deaths for every 10,000 person/years (95% CI: 80-113) and the incidence of all-cause mortality+cardiovascular morbidity was 143 cases for every 10,000 person/years (95% CI: 124-163). A BMI ≥ 35 kg/m(2) yielded a hazard ratio for all-cause mortality of 1.94 (95% CI: 1.11-3.42) in comparison to non-obese subjects (BMI <30 kg/m(2)). For the combination of cardiovascular morbidity plus all-cause mortality, a BMI ≥ 35 kg/m(2) had a hazard ratio of 1.84 (95% CI: 1.15-2.93) compared to non-obese subjects. CONCLUSIONS: A BMI ≥ 35 kg/m(2) is an important predictor of both overall mortality and of the combination of cardiovascular morbidity plus all-cause mortality.

[Relationship between inflammation marker and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in a prospective cohort study]. / Relación entre el proceso inflamatorio y la mortalidad de origen cardiovascular y por todas las causas en un estudio de cohortes prospectivo de base poblacional.

INTRODUCTION: Inflammation is present in every stage of the atherosclerosis process, therefore, inflammation hallmarks such as the fibrinogen can be related to the complications in which it intervenes, mortality is one of them. The objective of this study is to assess the association of the fibrinogen with all-cause mortality in men from general population sample obtained by random sampling in the Spanish region of Albacete. METHODS: A total of 506men without cardiovascular events with 10.6years (SD=2.3) of follow-up, volunteered to participate in a prospective cohort study. The assessment of the fibrinogen as a predictor variable has been calculated after adjusting it by age, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol/triglycerides ratio, and smoking habit applying a Cox regression model. The adjustment has been made by adding the fibrinogen to the model, as a qualitative variable (<400 and ≥400mg/dl). RESULTS: The average age of the participants was 46.6years old (DE=16.8). After the adjustment, the hyperfibrinogenemia (≥400mg/dl) showed a hazard ratio (HR) for all-cause mortality of 1.85 (95%CI: 1.05-3.26) and for cardiovascular mortality HR=2.69 (95%CI: 1.09-6.63). CONCLUSIONS: In men without cardiovascular events of our study, fibrinogen was showed as an independent predictor of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality.

Crisis hipertensivas / No disponible

No disponible

Cinco preguntas clave en la gripe: una revisión de guías / Five key questions on flu: a review of the guidelines

La gripe es una enfermedad infecciosa aguda provocada por el virus de la influenza A, B y C, que afecta principalmente al aparato respiratorio, se transmite con gran facilidad por secreciones y objetos contaminados, presenta riesgo potencial de complicaciones, especialmente en grupos susceptibles, y es una de las causas más frecuentes de absentismo laboral. Con el objetivo de actualizar el abordaje del síndrome gripal y recopilar información que ayude al clínico en la toma de decisiones, revisamos las recomendaciones presentadas en diferentes guías de práctica clínica. Realizamos una búsqueda en las bases bibliográficas habitualmente utilizadas en el ámbito internacional seleccionando las que sustentan sus recomendaciones en niveles de evidencia y han sido actualizadas en los tres últimos años. Decidimos incluir otras guías que no mencionan niveles de evidencia pero están avaladas por sociedades científicas o instituciones de prestigio internacional. Comparamos las recomendaciones presentadas en cinco aspectos clave: diagnóstico, manejo en los centros sanitarios, tratamiento, consejos e información a la población y vacunación (AU)

Flu is an acute infectious disease caused by the viruses A, B and C. It mainly affects the respiratory system and is easily transmitted by secretions and contaminated objects. It has a potential risk of complications, especially in susceptible groups, and is one of the most common causes of work absenteeism. With the aim of updating flu management and collecting information that will help the doctor in decision making, we reviewed the recommendations given in different clinical practice guidelines. We searched the bibliographical databases commonly used internationally and chose those guidelines that based their recommendations on levels of evidence and that had been updated in the last three years. We decided to include other guidelines that do not mention levels of evidence but that are endorsed by internationally renowned scientific societies or institutions. We compared the recommendations given according to five key elements: diagnosis, management in health centres, treatment, advice and information to the general public and vaccination (AU)

Paciente con fracaso hepático agudo tras toma de Amoxicilina-Acido Clavulánico / Patient with acute hepatic failure after taking Amoxicillin-Clavulanic acid

La amoxiclina-clavulánico es un antibiótico muy utilizado en la práctica clínica para el tratamiento de infecciones de origen bacteriano, debido a su amplio espectro y buena tolerancia. Presentamos el caso de un paciente que sufrió un fracaso hepático agudo como efecto secundario a la toma de dicho fármaco. Consideramos oportuna la comunicación de este caso por la gran frecuencia de utilización de este antibiótico y su potencial toxicidad hepática (AU)

The amoxicillin-clavulanic acid combination is an antibiotic commonly used in clinical practice for the treatment of infections of bacterial origin, due to its wide spectrum and good tolerability. We report a case of acute hepatic failure secondary to the use of amoxicillin-clavulanic acid. Although hepatotoxicity is a rare adverse effect of this antibiotic, due to the drug’s high frequency of use we consider this case should be reported (AU)