Análisis de factores implicados en el desarrollo de respuesta humoral a la vacunación frente a SARS-CoV-2 en pacientes con enfermedad reumática en tratamiento biológico / Analysis of factors involved in the development of humoral response to vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 in patients with rheumatic pathology under biological treatment

Antecedentes y objetivo: En el contexto de la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2 el desarrollo de nuevas vacunas y su eficacia en pacientes con enfermedades reumáticas inmunomediadas ha sido motivo de estudio. El objetivo de este trabajo es evaluar la tasa de respuesta vacunal en pacientes con enfermedades reumáticas inmunomediadas en tratamiento con inmunomoduladores, incluyendo el rituximab (RTX), así como la influencia de posibles factores implicados en la respuesta vacunal en estos pacientes. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio de cohortes prospectivo, unicéntrico, en 130 pacientes con enfermedad reumática inmunomediada en tratamiento con inmunomoduladores, incluyendo RTX, que recibieron la pauta completa de vacunación frente a SARS-CoV-2 con BioNTech/Pfizer, Moderna/Lonza, AstraZeneca o Janssen entre abril y octubre de 2021. Se analizaron factores demográficos como la edad, el sexo, el tipo de enfermedad inmunomediada, el tratamiento inmunomodulador y el tipo de vacuna, así como marcadores serológicos incluyendo los niveles de anticuerpos anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG al mes y a los 6 meses desde la vacunación, niveles de linfocitos CD19+ y la presencia o no de hipogammaglobulinemia. Se realizó un análisis estadístico para evaluar la influencia en los títulos de anticuerpos de las diferentes variables recogidas en el estudio. Resultados: Se obtuvo una muestra de 130 pacientes, 41 en tratamiento con RTX y 89 con otros inmunomoduladores. Se observó una menor tasa de respuesta vacunal en los pacientes con RTX (12/34, 36,7%) al mes de la primovacunación con respecto al 96,5% (82/85) de pacientes que no recibieron este fármaco y sí alcanzaron respuesta. En el análisis de variables secundarias la hipogammaglobulinemia se asoció de forma significativa a la ausencia de desarrollo de respuesta vacunal. La administración del último RTX en los 6 meses previos a la vacunación y niveles bajos de CD19+ (<20mg/dl) también influyeron de forma negativa en el desarrollo de...(AU)

Background and objective: In the context of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the development of new vaccines and their efficacy in patients with immune-mediated rheumatic diseases has been a target to investigate. The objective of this study is to evaluate the vaccine response rate in patients with immune-mediated rheumatic diseases under treatment with immunomodulators, including rituximab (RTX), as well as the influence of possible factors involved in the vaccination response in these patients. Material and methods: A single-centre, prospective cohort study was conducted in 130 patients with immune-mediated rheumatic disease on treatment with immunomodulators, including RTX, who received the full course of vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 with BioNTech/Pfizer, Moderna/Lonza, AstraZeneca, or Janssen between April and October 2021. Demographic factors such as age, sex, type of immune-mediated disease, immunomodulatory treatment and type of vaccine were analysed, as well as serological markers including anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody levels measured one and six months after vaccination, CD19+ lymphocyte levels and the presence or absence of hypogammaglobulinemia. A statistical analysis was performed to assess the influence of the different variables collected in the study on the antibody titres. Results: A sample of 130 patients was studied, 41 under treatment with RTX and 89 with other immunomodulators. A lower vaccination response rate was observed in patients with RTX (12/34, 36.7%) one month after the primary vaccination compared to 96.5% (82/85) of patients who did not receive this drug and did respond. In the analysis of secondary variables, hypogammaglobulinemia was significantly associated with lack of development of a vaccine response. The administration of the last RTX cycle in the 6 months prior to vaccination and low CD19+ levels (<20mg/dL) also had a negative influence on the development of a vaccine response...(AU)

Analysis of factors involved in the development of humoral response to vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 in patients with rheumatic pathology under biological treatment.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: In the context of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the development of new vaccines and their efficacy in patients with immune-mediated rheumatic diseases has been a target to investigate. The objective of this study is to evaluate the vaccine response rate in patients with immune-mediated rheumatic diseases under treatment with immunomodulators, including rituximab (RTX), as well as the influence of possible factors involved in the vaccination response in these patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A single-centre, prospective cohort study was conducted in 130 patients with immune-mediated rheumatic disease on treatment with immunomodulators, including RTX, who received the full course of vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 with BioNTech/Pfizer, Moderna/Lonza, AstraZeneca, or Janssen between April and October 2021. Demographic factors such as age, sex, type of immune-mediated disease, immunomodulatory treatment and type of vaccine were analysed, as well as serological markers including anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody levels measured one and six months after vaccination, CD19+ lymphocyte levels and the presence or absence of hypogammaglobulinemia. A statistical analysis was performed to assess the influence of the different variables collected in the study on the antibody titres. RESULTS: A sample of 130 patients was studied, 41 under treatment with RTX and 89 with other immunomodulators. A lower vaccination response rate was observed in patients with RTX (12/34, 36.7%) one month after the primary vaccination compared to 96.5% (82/85) of patients who did not receive this drug and did respond. In the analysis of secondary variables, hypogammaglobulinemia was significantly associated with lack of development of a vaccine response. The administration of the last RTX cycle in the 6 months prior to vaccination and low CD19+ levels (<20 mg/dL) also had a negative influence on the development of a vaccine response. In the group of patients who were not receiving RTX treatment, the vaccination response was like that observed in the general population. We did not observe statistically significant differences in the vaccine response based on immunomodulatory treatment other than RTX, concomitant corticosteroid treatment, type of immune-mediated pathology, age, or sex. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: In patients with rheumatic diseases receiving immunomodulatory treatment, the response to vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 is comparable to the general population, except in the case of patients receiving RTX, who have a lower response rate (around 36.7%) which is associated with factors such as hypogammaglobulinemia, pre-vaccination CD19+ lymphocyte levels, and a period between vaccination and the last dose of RTX of less than 6 months. It is important to take these factors into consideration to optimize vaccination in these patients.

[ANALYSIS OF FACTORS INVOLVED IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF HUMORAL RESPONSE TO VACCINATION AGAINST SARS-COV-2 IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATIC PATHOLOGY UNDER BIOLOGICAL TREATMENT.] / ANÁLISIS DE FACTORES IMPLICADOS EN EL DESARROLLO DE RESPUESTA HUMORAL A LA VACUNACIÓN FRENTE A SARS-COV-2 EN PACIENTES CON PATOLOGÍA REUMÁTICA EN TRATAMIENTO BIOLÓGICO.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: In the context of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the development of new vaccines and their efficacy in patients with immune-mediated rheumatic diseases has been a target to investigate. The objective of this study is to evaluate the vaccine response rate in patients with immune-mediated rheumatic diseases under treatment with immunomodulators, including rituximab (RTX), as well as the influence of possible factors involved in the vaccination response in these patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A single-centre, prospective cohort study was conducted in 130 patients with immune-mediated rheumatic disease on treatment with immunomodulators, including RTX, who received the full course of vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 with BioNTech/Pfizer, Moderna/Lonza, AstraZeneca, or Janssen between April and October 2021. Demographic factors such as age, sex, type of immune-mediated disease, immunomodulatory treatment and type of vaccine were analysed, as well as serological markers including anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody levels measured one and six months after vaccination, CD19+ lymphocyte levels and the presence or absence of hypogammaglobulinemia. A statistical analysis was performed to assess the influence of the different variables collected in the study on the antibody titres. RESULTS: A sample of 130 patients was studied, 41 under treatment with RTX and 89 with other immunomodulators. A lower vaccination response rate was observed in patients with RTX (12/34, 36.7%) one month after the primary vaccination compared to 96.5% (82/85) of patients who did not receive this drug and did respond. In the analysis of secondary variables, hypogammaglobulinemia was significantly associated with lack of development of a vaccine response. The administration of the last RTX cycle in the 6 months prior to vaccination and low CD19+ levels (<20mg/dL) also had a negative influence on the development of a vaccine response. In the group of patients who were not receiving RTX treatment, the vaccination response was like that observed in the general population. We did not observe statistically significant differences in the vaccine response based on immunomodulatory treatment other than RTX, concomitant corticosteroid treatment, type of immune-mediated pathology, age, or sex. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: In patients with rheumatic diseases receiving immunomodulatory treatment, the response to vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 is comparable to the general population, except in the case of patients receiving RTX, who have a lower response rate (around 36.7%) which is associated with factors such as hypogammaglobulinemia, pre-vaccination CD19+ lymphocyte levels, and a period between vaccination and the last dose of RTX of less than 6 months. It is important to take these factors into consideration to optimize vaccination in these patients.

Snyder-Robinson syndrome: differential diagnosis of osteogenesis imperfecta.

Snyder-Robinson syndrome is an extremely rare genetic disorder, caused by mutations of the spermine synthase gene. We report a novel case of Snyder-Robinson syndrome, caused by a de novo mutation and first misdiagnosed with osteogenesis imperfecta. Clinical features, course, and genetic analysis are presented. The patient was treated with bisphosphonates for a decade, until developing an atypical femoral fracture. Teriparatide was then administered for 2 years and then changed to denosumab every 6 months, improving his bone density mass and preventing further fractures.

Effectiveness of the Unified Protocol for transdiagnostic treatment of emotional disorders in group format in Spain: Results from a randomized controlled trial with 6-months follow-up.

BACKGROUND: The present study aims to investigate the effectiveness of the Unified Protocol (UP), a transdiagnostic treatment of emotional disorders (EDs), when applied in a group format in the public mental health system in Spain. METHODS: 488 participants with a primary diagnosis of ED were randomized to the UP group or to the treatment as usual (TAU; individual, disorder-specific cognitive behavioral therapy). Personality, depression and anxiety symptoms, affect, and quality of life were assessed at pre-treatment, 3 months after treatment onset (coinciding with the end of the UP treatment), and 6 and 9 months after treatment onset (follow-ups). The moderating effect of the treatment condition and the number of sessions received in the evolution of study outcomes was investigated with a linear mixed model analysis. RESULTS: A significant improvement in outcomes occurred in both conditions, except for extraversion in the TAU. Improvements in depression, anxiety and quality of life were larger in the UP condition. After the treatment, improvements were maintained at follow-ups in all study outcomes. An interaction between Time*Condition*Sessions was found for depression. CONCLUSION: The results add to the existing evidence on the effectiveness of the UP and may be important for implementation purposes in the Spanish or other similar public mental health systems. Trial registration number NCT03064477 (March 10, 2017).

Individual differences and health in chronic pain: are sex-differences relevant?

BACKGROUND: Because psychological variables are known to intercorrelate, the goal of this investigation was to compare the unique association between several well-established psychological constructs in pain research and pain-related outcomes. Sex differences are considered because pain is experienced differently across sex groups. METHODS: Participants were 456 consecutive chronic pain patients attending a tertiary pain clinic (mean age = 58.4 years, SD = 14.8, 63.6% women). The study design was cross-sectional. Psychological constructs included personality (NEO-Five Factor Inventory), irrational thinking (General Attitudes and Beliefs Scale), and coping (Social Problem Solving Inventory). Outcomes were pain severity and interference (Brief Pain Inventory) and physical, general, and mental health status (Short Form-36). To decide whether the bivariate analyses and the two-block, multivariate linear regressions for each study outcome (block 1 = age, sex, and pain severity; block 2 = psychological variables) should be conducted with the whole sample or split by sex, we first explored whether sex moderated the relationship between psychological variables and outcomes. An alpha level of 0.001 was set to reduce the risk of type I errors due to multiple comparisons. RESULTS: The moderation analyses indicated no sex differences in the association between psychological variables and study outcomes (all interaction terms p > .05). Thus, further analyses were calculated with the whole sample. Specifically, the bivariate analyses revealed that psychological constructs were intercorrelated in the expected direction and mostly correlated with mental health and overall perceived health status. In the regressions, when controlling for age, sex, and pain severity, psychological factors as a block significantly increased the explained variance of physical functioning (ΔR2 = .037, p < .001), general health (ΔR2 = .138, p < .001), and mental health (ΔR2 = .362, p < .001). However, unique associations were only obtained for mental health and neuroticism (ß = - 0.30, p < .001) and a negative problem orientation (ß = - 0.26, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: There is redundancy in the relationship between psychological variables and pain-related outcomes and the strength of this association is highest for mental health status. The association between psychological characteristics and health outcomes was comparable for men and women, which suggests that the same therapeutic targets could be selected in psychological interventions of pain patients irrespective of sex.

Psychometric properties and validation of the Spanish versions of the overall anxiety and depression severity and impairment scales.

BACKGROUND: Anxiety and depressive disorders are the most frequent disorders for which patients seek care in public health settings in Spain. This study aimed at validating the Overall Anxiety Severity and Impairment Scale (OASIS) and the Overall Depression Severity and Impairment Scale (ODSIS), which are brief screening scales for anxiety and depression consisting of only five items each. METHODS: The study was conducted in a Spanish clinical sample receiving outpatient mental health treatment (N = 339). A subsample of participants (n = 219) was assessed before and after receiving a course of cognitive-behavioral treatment. RESULTS: The results revealed excellent internal consistency estimates (Cronbach's alpha for the OASIS and the ODSIS was 0.87 and 0.94, respectively), along with promising convergent and discriminant validity and test-criterion relationships (i.e., moderate correlation with other measures of depression and anxiety, as well as with neuroticism, quality of life, adjustment, and negative affect). A one-dimensional structure was obtained for the OASIS and the ODSIS. The ROC analyses indicated an area under the curve of 0.83 for the OASIS and the ODSIS when predicting moderate-to-severe anxiety and depression, respectively. Good sensitivity to therapeutic change was also evidence and the analysis of the sensitivity as a function of 1-specificity area suggested a cutoff value of 10 for both scales. LIMITATIONS: Inter-rater reliability of diagnoses with the ADIS-IV interview could not be investigated and the results obtained may not be generalizable to other samples and health settings. CONCLUSIONS: The availability of these two short and psychometrically sound measures should make screening of anxiety and depressive symptoms in routine care more feasible.

The Cricotopus (Oliveiriella) (Diptera: Chironomidae) of the High Altitude Andean Streams, with Description of a New Species, C. (O.) rieradevallae.

The genus Oliveiriella (Chironomidae, Orthocladiinae) was erected by Wiedenbrug & Fittkau (1997). The adults have characteristic black spots on their wings and other characteristics similar to the genus Cricotopus. Pupal skins are very characteristic with strong short spines in the anal lobe instead of setae, while larvae are distinguishable by the long anal papillae and the intense blue color of their body. However, Andersen et al (2013) consider Oliveiriella as a subgenera of Cricotopus. In this paper, using the sequences of the cox1 gene, we conclude that Oliveiriella should be considered a subgenus within Cricotopus, confirming its status in Andersen et al (2013). Furthermore, we describe Cricotopus (Oliveiriella) rieradevallae Prat & Paggi sp. n. from the Saltana river (Ecuador). The adult males, females, and preimaginal stages of the two species of subgenus Oliveiriella known from South America Cricotopus (O.) almeidai n. comb. from Peru, Brazil, and Argentina and Cricotopus (O.) sanjavieri n. comb. from Argentina are compared with those of Cricotopus (O.) rieradevallae sp. n. from Ecuador. The differences allow the distinction of the three species. The cox1 gene reveals that at least three different undescribed species of the same subgenus are present in the high-altitude tropical Andes. The morphology of the available pupae and pupal exuviae reveals the presence of several morphotypes that are candidates to be described as new species. A key used to distinguish these pupal morphotypes is provided, including the three described species. Additionally, the distribution of the subgenus is discussed.

Differences Between Men and Women in Chronic Scratching: A Psychodermatologic Study in Lichen Simplex Chronicus / Diferencias de personalidad entre hombres y mujeres con liquen simple crónico. Implicaciones para la conducta de rascado crónico

Introduction: Chronic scratching is common to many skin disorders. Being a female and presenting a high level of psychopathology are risk factors for chronic scratching. Yet, it is unclear why. Certain personality characteristics that are more prevalent in women are also known to influence emotional states (i.e. emotional tension). Objective: The present study aims to explore whether these personality styles might help understand why gender and emotional distress are associated with scratching. Material and methods: We compared the personality patterns of 103 patients (69.9% women) diagnosed with Lichen Simplex Chronicus, against a sample of healthy individuals. Results: Significant differences were found in the personality styles of men and women with LSC. Women were more pessimistic, oriented to fulfil the needs of others, traditional, insecure, submissive, and reserved, with moderate (d= .43) to strong (d= .96) size effects ranges. Some of these differences, such as in traditionalism, dutifulness, other-orientation, and pessimism, were also observed when compared with healthy men and women, with small (d= .03) to moderate (d= .47) size effects ranges. Conclusions: These psychological factors may help explain the mechanisms underlying gender differences in chronic scratching, at least in Lichen Simplex Chronicus. The findings might open new avenues for research and treatment (AU)

Introducción: El rascado crónico es común a varias enfermedades dermatológicas. Ser mujer y presentar niveles elevados de psicopatología son factores de riesgo para el rascado crónico. Sin embargo, aún se desconoce la causa de esta relación. Ciertas características de personalidad relacionadas con el estrés son más prevalentes en mujeres. Objetivo: Explorar si los estilos de personalidad pueden explicar las diferencias entre hombres y mujeres en las variables psicológicas asociadas con el rascado crónico. Material y métodos: Comparamos los perfiles de personalidad de 103 pacientes (69,9% mujeres) diagnosticados de liquen simple crónico y una muestra de sujetos sanos. Resultados: Se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre hombres y mujeres con liquen simple crónico, siendo las mujeres más pesimistas, orientadas a los demás, tradicionales, inseguras, sumisas y reservadas en cuanto a sus emociones negativas, con rangos del tamaño del efecto entre moderados (d = 0,43) y altos (d = 0,96). También se encontraron entre la muestra de liquen simple crónico y los controles, como por ejemplo en tradicionalismo, sumisión, orientación al otro y pesimismo, con rangos del tamaño del efecto entre bajos (d = 0,03) y moderados (d = 0,47). Conclusiones: Estos hallazgos podrían ayudar a explicar los mecanismos subyacentes a las diferencias de sexo en rascado crónico, al menos en el liquen simple crónico (AU)

Differences Between Men and Women in Chronic Scratching: A Psychodermatologic Study in Lichen Simplex Chronicus.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic scratching is common to many skin disorders. Being a female and presenting a high level of psychopathology are risk factors for chronic scratching. Yet, it is unclear why. Certain personality characteristics that are more prevalent in women are also known to influence emotional states (i.e. emotional tension). OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to explore whether these personality styles might help understand why gender and emotional distress are associated with scratching. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We compared the personality patterns of 103 patients (69.9% women) diagnosed with Lichen Simplex Chronicus, against a sample of healthy individuals. RESULTS: Significant differences were found in the personality styles of men and women with LSC. Women were more pessimistic, oriented to fulfil the needs of others, traditional, insecure, submissive, and reserved, with moderate (d=.43) to strong (d=.96) size effects ranges. Some of these differences, such as in traditionalism, dutifulness, other-orientation, and pessimism, were also observed when compared with healthy men and women, with small (d=.03) to moderate (d=.47) size effects ranges. CONCLUSIONS: These psychological factors may help explain the mechanisms underlying gender differences in chronic scratching, at least in Lichen Simplex Chronicus. The findings might open new avenues for research and treatment.

Distribution, Abundance and Molecular Analysis of Genus Barbadocladius Cranston & Krosch (Diptera, Chironomidae) in Tropical, High Altitude Andean Streams and Rivers.

The distribution of the genus Barbadocladius Cranston & Krosch (Diptera: Chironomidae), previously reported from Chile to Bolivia, has extended northwards. Larvae, pupae and pupal exuviae of this genus have been found in the high mountain tropical streams of Peru to 9°22'56″, but are restricted to very high altitude streams (altitudes over 3,278 m asl) compared to the lower altitude streams (below 1,100 m asl) in which the genus is reported in Chile and Argentina. Based on morphological studies, both described species in the genus, Barbadocladius andinus Cranston & Krosch and Barbadocladius limay Cranston & Krosch, have been found in Peru as pupae or pupal exuviae. Morphological analysis of the larvae and pupae revealed no differences between the two described species from Patagonia and Peru, which are of similar size and with a similar armament of hooklets and spines in pupal tergites and sternites. However, molecular analysis of larvae and pupae revealed that in Peru, there are at least two different evolutionary lines, one distributed widely and another restricted to one site. Phylogenetic analysis (using cox1 mitochondrial sequences) of all available sequences of Barbadocladius shows that the Chilean and Argentinean material differs from that of Peru. Therefore, a total of four molecular segregates are identified, although morphologically, neither larvae nor the pupae may be differentiated.

Gasto farmacéutico derivado de la prescripción de antibióticos a la población pediátrica de Castilla y León en los últimos diez años / Pharmaceutical expenditure derived from antibiotic prescription to the pediatric population in Castilla y León in the last ten years

Introducción: la crisis económica y sus consecuencias están suponiendo dificultades para la sostenibilidad de la prestación farmacéutica y del propio sistema sanitario. Entre los grupos terapéuticos de mayor consumo en población infantil se encuentran los antibióticos. Objetivo: descripción y análisis del coste del tratamiento en antibióticos prescritos a la población pediátrica de Castilla y León en la última década, en el ámbito extrahospitalario. Material y métodos: las bases de datos de gasto de antimicrobianos con cargo al Sistema Nacional de Salud provienen de Concylia. Indicadores de consumo: Euros (€)/dosis definida/día y €/1000 habitantes/día. Resultados: se ha registrado un gasto en antibióticos de 15 750 829,26 €. Las penicilinas asociadasa inhibidores de la betalactamasa (amoxicilina con clavulánico) son responsables del 32,62% del gasto, seguidas de las cefalosporinas y los macrólidos. En último lugar se encontrarían las penicilinas de amplio espectro (amoxicilina), pese a ser las más prescritas. La evolución interanual refleja un llamativodescenso en el precio de la mayoría de los antibióticos, principalmente durante los últimos cinco años. El análisis del gasto disgregado por áreas de salud muestra también importantes diferencias. Conclusión: las variaciones en el gasto están motivadas principalmente por la frecuencia de uso y por modificaciones en los precios de venta al público. La amoxicilina-clavulánico es el antibiótico que supone más gasto. Los macrólidos son los antibióticos de mayor precio y la amoxicilina el de menor. Se observa una tendencia descendente del gasto en la mayoría de los antibióticos a lo largo del decenio(AU)

Introduction: the economic crisis and its consequences are posing difficulties for the sustainability of providing a pharmaceutical and health care system. Antibiotics are the therapeutic groups with the highest consumption in children. Objective: description and analysis of the cost of prescribed antibiotics in the paediatric populationof Castilla and Leon in the last decade, in the community setting. Methods: the databases of antimicrobials' expenditure financed by the NHS come from Concylia. Consume indicators: Euro (€)/DDD and €/1000 inhabitants/day. Results: there has been an antibiotic cost of € 15,750,829.26. Penicillins associated with beta lactamase inhibitors (amoxicillin with clavulanic acid) are responsible for 32.62% of spending, followedby cephalosporins and macrolides. In the last place are the broad-spectrum penicillins (amoxicillin),although they are the most prescribed antibiotics. The annual evolution reflects a sharp drop in the price of most antibiotics mainly during the last five years. Disaggregated analysis of spending by Health Areas also shows important differences. Conclusions: variations in spending are driven primarily by the frequency of use and changes in retail prices. Amoxicillin clavulanate is the antibiotic responsible for the highest expense. Macrolides are the most expensive antibiotics and amoxicillin the lowest ones. There is a downward trend in spending in most antibiotics along the decade(AU)

Miedo al atragantamiento: ¿trastorno alimentario o fobia específica? / Fear of choking: an eating disorder or specific phobia?

Los desórdenes alimentarios constituyen un problema frecuente en la edad pediátrica. Los más conocidos son los clásicos trastornos de la conducta alimentaria (TCA), en especial, la anorexia nerviosa (AN). Sin embargo, existen otras patologías con sintomatología muy similar que deben considerarse en el diagnóstico diferencial, como el miedo al atragantamiento o 'choking phobia', menos conocida, pese al aumento progresivo de su prevalencia. Los pacientes presentanun intenso miedo a atragantarse, evitando ingerir alimentos sólidos, bebidas o pastillas, en ausencia de patología orgánica subyacente. El tratamiento precoz es fundamental para que tenga lugar una buena evolución; de ahí la importancia de establecer un diagnóstico correcto lo más pronto posible. Presentamos dos casos clínicos de niños diagnosticados de miedo al atragantamiento, desencadenada por un suceso traumático, que ingresaron en la Unidad de Psiquiatría Infanto-Juvenil del Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid (AU)

Eating disorders represent some of the most common problem behaviours in children. The best known are the classic eating disorders, especially, the anorexia nervosa(AN). Nevertheless, we can make differential diagnosis with other pathologies who present similar symptomatology, as the fear of choking or 'choking phobia', less known and with still confused diagnostic criteria, in spite of the progressive increase of its prevalence. The patients present an intense fear of choking, they avoid to consume solid food, drinks or tablets, in absence of organic medical problem. The early treatment is fundamental in order to obtain a good evolution, therefore it is important to establish an accurate diagnosis as soon as possible. We describe two cases of children with fear of choking, triggered by a traumatic event, who were admitted to the Unit of Infanto-juvenile Psychiatry of the Clinical University Hospital of Valladolid (AU)

Living donor liver transplantation: usefulness of hemostatic and prothrombotic screening in potential donors.

Bleeding and thrombosis are serious complications of living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). The aim of this paper was to describe the results of a screening for coagulation disorders, including for thrombophilic factors, in potential living liver graft donors and to evaluate thrombotic and bleeding events in donors and recipients, during and after the procedure. From January 2001 to January 2007, 41 LDLTs were performed at our institution. We performed systematic screening for bleeding or prothrombotic states among 188 potential donors, 38 (20.2%) of whom showed at least one abnormality. We rejected potential donors with factor V Leiden, prothrombin mutation G20210A, and deficiencies in anticoagulant proteins (protein C, protein S, and antithrombin) or coagulation factors. Bleeding and thrombotic events in donors and recipients of the 41 LDLTs were evaluated during 7 days to 70 months follow-up. No major bleeding events were detected in the donors. Neither donor nor recipient experienced venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. Among all recipients, six suffered hepatic artery thrombosis including five in the first month probably related to surgery. Deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are well-known complications of hepatic surgery; Prothrombotic abnormalities in the donor can be transmitted to the recipient, leading to increased risk of serious postoperative events. Although the cost-effectiveness is not definitely established, we recommend systematic screening for hemostatic and prothrombotic disorders to prevent more morbidity of a procedure that already has high risks of bleeding and thrombosis.

Resurrecting the differential mortality model of sexual size dimorphism.

In some animal groups males may be several times smaller than females. One of the hypotheses proposed to explain the evolution of this extreme sexual size dimorphism (SSD) is the differential mortality model (DMM), which is based on the assumption that when males are the searching sex, higher male mortality relaxes male-male contest competition, leading to the adaptive evolution of early-maturing, small males that are favoured by viability selection. Evidence for the main prediction of this model, i.e. that there is a negative relationship between differential mortality and SSD, has remained elusive. Using sex differences in pitfall trap catches - a proxy of sex differences in mobility and mortality - across 40 spider species, and using the evolutionary comparative method, we found significant negative relationships between differential mortality and SSD for three size traits. Thus, the DMM can still explain part of the observed variance in SSD.

Impacto de la ola de calor del verano 2003 en la actividad de dos servicios de urgencias psiquiátricas / Impact of the summer 2003 heat wave on the activity of two psychiatric emergency departments

Introducción. La ola de calor se ha relacionado con efectos letales, especialmente en Europa durante el caluroso verano de 2003. Pero aparte del incremento de muertes y enfermedades, no existen datos específicos de los efectos psiquiátricos de la ola de calor. Metodología. Se compararon las urgencias psiquiátricas de dos hospitales de Barcelona durante los 15 días de la ola de calor con el resto del verano de 2003. Las principales variables del estudio fueron: urgencias totales, ingresos, diagnósticos, gravedad, variables psicosociales, tratamientos aplicados (incluyendo contención mecánica), y derivaciones. Resultados. No se encontraron diferencias en el número de urgencias ni de ingresos. Durante la ola de calor, hubo más pacientes con antecedentes psiquiátricos, más diagnóstico de abuso de alcohol y drogas, pero menos trastornos de ansiedad. También aumentó la proporción de pacientes con sujeción mecánica, pero sólo en la mitad de casos, esto ocurrió en pacientes con abuso de alcohol o drogas. El ítem «peligro hacia los demás» de la escala de gravedad se puntuó significativamente más alto en la ola de calor. Conclusiones. No hubo incrementos o disminuciones significativos en urgencias o los ingresos psiquiátricos, aunque los que acudieron tenían más antecedentes psiquiátricos. Durante la ola de calor hubo un cierto incremento significativo de violencia y de abuso de alcohol y drogas, pero menor porcentaje de trastornos de ansiedad y menos prescripciones de benzodiazepinas durante este período. Estos datos exploratorios indican el interés de considerar medidas preventivas médico psiquiátricas frente al fenómeno de la ola de calor (AU)

Introduction. Heat waves have been related with lethal effects, especially in Europe during the intensely hot summer of 2003. However, besides increased deaths and ailments, there are no specific data on the psychiatric effects of heat waves. Methods. We have compared psychiatric emergencies in Barcelona during a 15-day heat waves period with the rest of the 2003 summer days. The main variables of the study were total emergencies, admissions, diagnoses, Severity of Psychiatric Illness scale (SPI), psychosocial variables, treatment rendered (including use of restraints), and referrals. Results. No differences were found in the number of emergencies and admissions. During the heat wave, there were more patients with psychiatric backgrounds, more diagnoses of alcohol and drug abuse, but fewer anxiety disorders. The proportion of patients with mechanical restraint increased, but this only occurred in half of the cases in patients with drug or alcohol abuse. The item «dangerousness toward others» (part of the SPI scale) scored significantly higher during the heat waves. Conclusions. There were no significant increases or decreases in psychiatric emergencies or admissions. However, the heat wave was related to more violent behavior and higher drug and alcohol abuse. It should be noted that anxiety conditions and benzodiazepine prescriptions were lower during this period. These findings may be useful to implement medical-psychiatric preventive measures against the heat wave phenomenon (AU)

Immigrants and borderline personality disorder at a psychiatric emergency service.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have suggested that immigrants have higher rates of psychiatric emergency service use and a higher risk of mental disorders such as schizophrenia than indigenous populations. AIMS: To compare the likelihood that immigrants (immigrant group) v. indigenous population (indigenous group) will be diagnosed with borderline personality disorder in a psychiatric emergency service and to determine differences according to area of origin. METHOD: A total of 11 578 consecutive admissions over a 4-year period at a tertiary psychiatric emergency service were reviewed. The collected data included socio-demographic and clinical variables and the Severity of Psychiatric Illness rating score. Psychiatric diagnosis was limited to information available in the emergency room given that a structured interview is not usually feasible in this setting. The diagnosis of borderline personality disorder was based on DSM-IV criteria. Immigrants were divided into five groups according to region of origin: North Africa, sub-Saharan Africa, South America, Asia and Western countries. RESULTS: Multivariate statistical logistic regression analysis showed that all subgroups of immigrants had a lower likelihood of being diagnosed with borderline personality disorder than the indigenous population independently of age and gender. Furthermore, the rates of borderline personality disorder diagnosis were considerably lower in Asian and sub-Saharan subgroups than in South American, North African, Western or native subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that in the psychiatric emergency service borderline personality disorder was diagnosed less frequently in the immigrant group v. the indigenous group. Our results do not support the concept of migration as a risk factor for borderline personality disorder.

Pharmacokinetics and time-course of D(2) receptor occupancy induced by atypical antipsychotics in stabilized schizophrenic patients.

The (123)I-IBZM SPECT measured D(2) receptor occupancy (D(2)RO) in chronically dosed, stabilized schizophrenic patients and its relationship with antipsychotic (AP) pharmacokinetics (PK) over time is still unclear. The aims of this study were: 1) To define the relationship between striatal D(2) receptor occupancy (D( 2)RO) and plasma concentration (C(P)) in stabilized schizophrenic patients on clinically relevant doses using (123)I-IBZM SPECT; 2) To investigate the time course of AP-induced D(2)RO and corresponding C(P). Forty-six schizophrenic patients on their clinically required doses of risperidone, olanzapine, clozapine or quetiapine were included. D( 2)RO and C(P) were measured over time following a sparse-sampling experimental design, and individual PK and D(2)RO-time profiles were estimated using a population approach. Observed striatal D(2)RO and C(P) ranges were 28-75% and 9.4-60.5 ng/mL for risperidone, 22-84% and 8.6-89.5 ng/mL for olanzapine, 5-53% and 41.6-818.2 ng/mL for clozapine and 0-64% and 37.9-719.6 ng/mL for quetiapine. A PK-D(2)RO relationship was found for the four APs. D(2)RO pattern over time was stable for risperidone, olanzapine and clozapine but fluctuating for quetiapine. Stabilized schizophrenic patients show a wide range of both D(2)RO and C(P) at clinically effective doses of the four AP, suggesting that clinical response to these AP may be maintained with D(2)RO below 65%. D(2)RO patterns over time differ between AP. These results should be considered for accurate interpretation of D(2)RO measurements, proper design of studies and optimization of drug regimens for patients on AP treatment.

Adaptación al español de la escala de valoración de la no conciencia de trastorno mental (SUMD) / Spanish adaptation of the scale of unawareness of mental disorder (SUMD)

Introducción. El objetivo del trabajo es examinar la fiabilidad y la validez externa de la versión en español de la Escala de valoración de la no conciencia de enfermedad mental (SUMD). Metodología. Se utilizó un método de traducción-retrotraducción y la participación de un panel de profesionales para valorar equivalencia conceptual y naturalidad. La escala se compone de 3 ítems generales: conciencia de trastorno mental, conciencia de los efectos de la medicación y conciencia de las consecuencias sociales del trastorno, y de 17 ítems destinados a síntomas específicos que conforman dos subescalas: conciencia y atribución. Se valoraron 32 pacientes con trastorno esquizofrénico o esquizoafectivo, según criterios DSM-IV. Las evaluaciones fueron realizadas mediante el sistema de entrevista con observador. Se calculó la fiabilidad a través del coeficiente de correlación intraclase (CCI) y la validez externa mediante el coeficiente de correlación de Spearman entre las puntuaciones de la escala y una medida independiente de conciencia global de trastorno. Resultados. El CCI fue siempre superior a 0,70. Los ítems generales conciencia de trastorno y conciencia de los efectos de la medicación y la subescala conciencia de los síntomas se correlacionaron significativamente con la medida global de conciencia. Contrariamente, el ítem general conciencia de las consecuencias sociales del trastorno y la subescala de atribución no se correlacionaron significativamente, lo que apoyaría la idea de que la conciencia de trastorno es un fenómeno multidimensional. Conclusiones. La versión al español de la escala SUMD es conceptualmente equivalente y presenta una fiabilidad y validez similares a la original (AU)

Introduction. The aim of this paper is to examine the reliability and external validity of the Spanish adaptation of the Scale to Assess Unawareness of Mental Disorder (SUMD).Method. A translation-back translation of the original scale was elaborated, and a panel of professionals participated to assess conceptual equivalence and naturality. The scale consists of 3 general items: awareness of mental disorder, awareness of the effects of medication and awareness of the social consequences of the disorder; and of 17 items related to specific symptoms, which make up two subscales: awareness and attribution. Thirty-two patients diagnosed of schizophrenic or schizoaffective disorder following DSM-IV criteria were evaluated. The evaluations were performed using interviews with an observer. Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) was calculated for the reliability analysis and the Spearman correlation coefficient between the SUMD scores and one independent score of global insight for external validity. Results. The ICC were all over 0.70. Convergent validity with the independent global measurement of insight was found for the general items of awareness of mental disorder and awareness of the effects of medication, and for the subscale on awareness of symptoms. The awareness of the social consequences of the disorder and the subscale on attribution did not correlate significantly with the global measurement of awareness (insight).These results are consistent with the hypothesis that awareness (insight) is a multidimensional phenomenon. Conclusion. The Spanish adaptation of the SUMD scale is conceptually equivalent and displays a similar reliability and external validity as the original version (AU)

Panic anxiety, under the weather?

The relationship between weather conditions and psychiatric disorders has been a continuous subject of speculation due to contradictory findings. This study attempts to further clarify this relationship by focussing on specific conditions such as panic attacks and non-panic anxiety in relation to specific meteorological variables. All psychiatric emergencies attended at a general hospital in Barcelona (Spain) during 2002 with anxiety as main complaint were classified as panic or non-panic anxiety according to strict independent and retrospective criteria. Both groups were assessed and compared with meteorological data (wind speed and direction, daily rainfall, temperature, humidity and solar radiation). Seasons and weekend days were also included as independent variables. Non-parametric statistics were used throughout since most variables do not follow a normal distribution. Logistic regression models were applied to predict days with and without the clinical condition. Episodes of panic were three times more common with the poniente wind (hot wind), twice less often with rainfall, and one and a half times more common in autumn than in other seasons. These three trends (hot wind, rainfall and autumn) were accumulative for panic episodes in a logistic regression formula. Significant reduction of episodes on weekends was found only for non-panic episodes. Panic attacks, unlike other anxiety episodes, in a psychiatric emergency department in Barcelona seem to show significant meteorotropism. Assessing specific disorders instead of overall emergencies or other variables of a more general quality could shed new light on the relationship between weather conditions and behaviour.