Cerebral Hemodynamic Reserve Abnormalities Detected Via Transcranial Doppler Ultrasound in Recovered COVID-19 Patients.

INTRODUCTION: SARS-CoV-2 infection can produce endothelial injury and microvascular damage, one cause of the multiorgan failure associated with COVID-19. Cerebrovascular endothelial damage increases the risk of stroke in COVID-19 patients, which makes prompt diagnosis important. Endothelial dysfunction can be evaluated by using transcranial Doppler ultrasound to study cerebral hemodynamic reserve, but there are few of these studies in patients with COVID-19, and the technique is not included in COVID-19 action and follow-up guidelines nationally or internationally. OBJECTIVE: Estimate baseline cerebral hemodynamic patterns, cerebral hemodynamic reserve, and breath-holding index in recovered COVID-19 patients. METHOD: We conducted an exploratory study in 51 people; 27 men and 24 women 20-78 years of age, divided into two groups. One group comprised 25 recovered COVID-19 patients, following clinical and epidemiological discharge, who suffered differing degrees of disease severity, and who had no neurological symptoms or disease at the time they were incorporated into the study. The second group comprised 26 people who had not been diagnosed with COVID-19 and who tested negative by RT-PCR at the time of study enrollment. Recovered patients were further divided into two groups: those who had been asymptomatic or had mild disease, and those who had severe or critical disease. We performed transcranial Doppler ultrasounds to obtain baseline and post-apnea tests of cerebral hemodynamic patterns to evaluate cerebral hemodynamic reserve and breath-holding indices. We characterized the recovered patient group and the control group through simple descriptive statistics (means and standard deviations). RESULTS: There were no measurable differences in baseline cerebral hemodynamics between the groups. However, cerebral hemodynamic reserve and breath-holding index were lower in those who had COVID-19 than among control participants (19.9% vs. 36.8% and 0.7 vs. 1.2 respectively). These variables were similar for patients who had asymptomatic or mild disease (19.9% vs.19.8%) and for those who had severe or critical disease (0.7 vs. 0.7). CONCLUSIONS: Patients recovered from SARS-CoV-2 infection showed decreased cerebral hemodynamic reserve and breath-holding index regardless of the disease's clinical severity or presence of neurological symptoms. These abnormalities may be associated with endothelial damage caused by COVID-19. It would be useful to include transcranial Doppler ultrasound in evaluation and follow-up protocols for patients with COVID-19.

Protección renal y hepática por condicionamiento isquémico a distancia en la revascularización miocárdica quirúrgica / Renal and hepatic protection due to remote ischemic conditioning in coronary artery bypass grafting

RESUMEN Introducción: Breves períodos de isquemia a distancia pueden limitar el daño miocárdico producido por la isquemia/reperfusión. Objetivos: Identificar el efecto del condicionamiento isquémico a distancia con fines de protección renal y hepática, relacionado al comportamiento postoperatorio de los niveles de creatinina y transaminasas glutámico-purúvica y glutámico-oxalacética en la revascularización miocárdica quirúrgica. Método: Se realizó un estudio cuasiexperimental, explicativo, comparativo con control histórico, en dos grupos de 247 pacientes cada uno, propuestos para revascularización miocárdica quirúrgica. Se colocó un torniquete en el brazo derecho, en el grupo estudio, alternando 3 insuflaciones (con una presión de 200 mmHg) con 3 desinsuflaciones, durante cinco minutos cada una. Este procedimiento se realizó previo, durante y después de la mayor isquemia inducida, provocada por el pinzamiento de la arteria coronaria. Resultados: Se logró una disminución significativa en los valores de creatinina (p<0,001), transaminasa glutámico-purúvica (p<0,001) y transaminasa glutámico-oxalacética (p<0,05). Conclusiones: El condicionamiento isquémico a distancia es una importante herramienta a tener en cuenta para la protección renal y hepática en la revascularización miocárdica quirúrgica.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Short periods of distant ischemia can limit myocardial damage caused by ischemia/reperfusion. Objective: To identify the effect of remote ischemic preconditioning in relation to the postoperative behavior of creatinine, glutamic transaminase, puruvic and oxalacetic levels. Method: A quasi-experimental, explanatory, comparative study with historical control was carried out in two groups of 247 patients each; all candidates for coronary artery bypass grafting. A blood-pressure cuff was placed on the right arm in the study group alternating three inflations with three deflations of five minutes at 200 mmHg. This procedure was performed prior to during and after the major ischemic episode caused by the coronary artery impingement. Results: A significant decrease in the values ​​of creatinine, puruvic glutamic transaminase and glutamic oxalacetic transaminase was achieved. Conclusions: Remote ischemic conditioning is an important tool to take into account for renal and hepatic protection in coronary artery bypass grafting.

Factores de riesgo asociados a síndrome QT largo en anestesia cardiovascular / Risk factors associated with long QT syndrome in cardiovascular anesthesia

Introducción: el síndrome de QT largo es una canalopatía caracterizada por una grave alteración en la repolarización ventricular. Objetivo: determinar los factores de riesgo asociados a intervalo QT prolongado en anestesia cardiovascular. Métodos: estudio descriptivo, de corte transversal desde mayo de 2014 a mayo de 2016, en pacientes programados para cirugía cardíaca bajo circulación extracorpórea. Se evaluó el riesgo atribuible y el intervalo de confianza para un 95 por ciento en variables con p< 0,05. Resultados: se incluyeron 483 pacientes, con una edad media de 62 años, de ellos 57 (12 por ciento) registraron un QTc prolongado. La edad avanzada (RA: 1,8; IC 95 por ciento: 0,86-2,67), insuficiencia renal crónica (RA: 2,7; IC 95 por ciento: 0,82-4,96), diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (RA: 1,7; IC 95 por ciento: 1,01-2,15), cardiopatía isquémica (RA: 3,5; IC 95 por ciento: 1,60-4,02), hipertrofia ventricular izquierda (RA: 2,2; IC 95 por ciento: 2,53-3,15), anticálcicos (RA: 1,5; IC 95 por ciento: 0,92-2,98), anestesia general orotraqueal balanceada (RA: 2,1; IC 95 por ciento: 2,92-2,35), ondansetrón (RA: 1,7; IC 95 por ciento: 0,98-2,74), droperidol (RA: 1,8; IC 95 por ciento: 2,18-3,94), tiempo de circulación extracorpórea (RA: 2,5; IC 95 por ciento: 1,02-3,62), hipopotasemia (RA: 1,4; IC 95 por ciento: 1,03-2,91) y la bradicardia severa (RA: 1,8; IC 95 por ciento: 1,12-3,86) fueron asociados con alto riesgo de prolongación del intervalo QT. Las complicaciones fueron mayores en este grupo, con una mortalidad de 23 por ciento. Conclusiones: la edad avanzada, la insuficiencia renal crónica, diabetes mellitus tipo 2, hipertrofia ventricular y la cardiopatía isquémica facilitan la prolongación del QT inducida por los bloqueadores del calcio. El mayor tiempo de circulación extracorpórea, la anestesia balanceada con isoflurano, el uso de droperidol y ondansetrón, la bradicardia e hipopotasemia posoperatoria son variables asociadas con la extensión del intervalo QT, con un incremento en las complicaciones. Las taquiarritmias ventriculares y la mortalidad fueron mayores en este subgrupo de pacientes(AU)

Introduction: The long QT syndrome is a channelopathy characterized by a serious alteration in ventricular repolarization. Objective: To determine the risk factors associated with prolonged QT interval in cardiovascular anesthesia. Methods: Descriptive, cross-sectional study from May 2014 to May 2016, in patients scheduled for cardiac surgery under extracorporeal circulation. The attributable risk and the confidence interval were evaluated for 95 percent and in variables with p value under 0.05. Results: 483 patients were included, with a mean age of 62 years, of whom 57 (12 percent) had prolonged QTc. Advanced age (RA: 1.8, 95 percent CI: 0.86-2.67), chronic renal failure (RA: 2.7, 95 percent CI: 0.82-4.96), type 2 diabetes mellitus (RA: 1.7, 95 percent CI: 1.01-2.15), ischemic heart disease (RA: 3.5, 95 percent CI: 1.60-4.02), left ventricular hypertrophy (RA: 2.2, 95 percent CI: 2.53-3.15), calcium-lactam antibiotics (RA: 1.5, 95 percent CI: 0.92-2.98), balanced orotracheal general anesthesia (RA: 2.1, 95 percent CI: 2.92-2.35), ondansetron (RA: 1.7, 95 percent CI: 0.98-2.74), droperidol (RA: 1.8, 95 percent CI: 2.18-3.94) ), extracorporeal circulation time (RA: 2.5, 95 percent CI: 1.02-3.62), hypokalemia (RA: 1.4, 95 percent CI: 1.03-2.91) and severe bradycardia (RA: 1.8, 95 percent CI: 1.12-3.86) were associated with a high risk of QT prolongation. The complications were more significant in this group, with a mortality of 23 percent. Conclusions: Advanced age, chronic renal failure, type 2 diabetes mellitus, ventricular hypertrophy, and ischemic heart disease facilitate the prolongation of QT induced by calcium blockers. The longer time of extracorporeal circulation, the balanced anesthesia with isoflurane, the use of droperidol and ondansetron, bradycardia and postoperative hypokalemia are variables associated with the extension of the QT interval, with an increase in complications. Ventricular tachyarrhythmias and mortality were higher in this subgroup of patients(AU)

Precondicionamiento isquémico a distancia en la revascularización miocárdica de los pacientes diabéticos. ¿Es realmente beneficioso? / Remote ischemic preconditioning in myocardial revascularization of diabetic patients. Is it really beneficial?

Introducción: una serie de breves períodos de isquemias a distancia, previo al evento isquémico mayor, pueden limitar el daño miocárdico producido por la isquemia crítica y el que se produce posreperfusión.Objetivo: demostrar la efectividad del precondicionamiento isquémico a distancia en pacientes diabéticos a los cuales se les realizó revascularización coronaria. Métodos: se realizó un estudio longitudinal prospectivo experimental en dos grupos de 103 pacientes, a los que se les realizó revascularización con injerto de la arteria coronaria. En el grupo de prueba incluido en este estudio, se le colocó al paciente un torniquete el cual se insufló tres veces durante cinco minutos en el brazo no dominante, a una presión de 200 mmHg, previo, durante y después del evento isquémico mayor, el que se correspondió con el pinzamiento de la arteria coronaria.Resultados: no se logró una disminución significativa de la creatinina sérica, glicemia, transaminasas glutámico pirúvica, de la creatinfosfoquinasa-MB, ni del consumo de drogas inotrópicas y vasoactivas. Tampoco en la incidencia de arritmias ventriculares letales, bajo gasto cardiaco fatal y muerte postoperatoria.Conclusiones: el precondicionamiento isquémico a distancia puede ser una importante herramienta a tener en cuenta en la protección anti-isquémica de la revascularización miocárdica, pero no parece ser útil en los pacientes diabéticos acorde a esta investigación(AU)

Introduction: A series of short periods of ischemia at a distance, prior to the greater ischemic event, may limit myocardial damage caused by severe ischemia and that occurs after reperfusion. Objective: To show the effectiveness of ischemic preconditioning at a distance in diabetic patients who were performed coronary revascularization. Methods: An experimental prospective longitudinal study was carried out in two groups of 103 patients, who were performed revascularization with coronary artery bypass graft. In the test group included in this study, the patient was placed a tourniquet insufflated three times for five minutes in the non-dominant arm, at a pressure of 200 mmHg, prior, during and after the greater ischemic event, which corresponded to the coronary artery clamping. Results: A significant decrease was not achieved in serum creatinine, glucose, glutamic pyruvic transaminase, creatine kinase-MB or in inotropic and vasoactive drugs consumption. Neither did it so in the incidence of lethal ventricular arrhythmias, low cardiac fatal output and postoperative death. Conclusions: Remote ischemic preconditioning can be an important tool for protection of antiischemic myocardial revascularization, but according to this research it may not be useful in diabetic patients(AU)

Precondicionamiento isquémico a distancia en la revascularización miocárdica de los pacientes diabéticos. ¿Es realmente beneficioso? / Remote ischemic preconditioning in myocardial revascularization of diabetic patients. Is it really beneficial?

Introducción: una serie de breves períodos de isquemias a distancia, previo al evento isquémico mayor, pueden limitar el daño miocárdico producido por la isquemia crítica y el que se produce posreperfusión. Objetivo: demostrar la efectividad del precondicionamiento isquémico a distancia en pacientes diabéticos a los cuales se les realizó revascularización coronaria. Métodos: se realizó un estudio longitudinal prospectivo experimental en dos grupos de 103 pacientes, a los que se les realizó revascularización con injerto de la arteria coronaria. En el grupo de prueba incluido en este estudio, se le colocó al paciente un torniquete el cual se insufló tres veces durante cinco minutos en el brazo no dominante, a una presión de 200 mmHg, previo, durante y después del evento isquémico mayor, el que se correspondió con el pinzamiento de la arteria coronaria. Resultados: no se logró una disminución significativa de la creatinina sérica, glicemia, transaminasas glutámico pirúvica, de la creatinfosfoquinasa-MB, ni del consumo de drogas inotrópicas y vasoactivas. Tampoco en la incidencia de arritmias ventriculares letales, bajo gasto cardiaco fatal y muerte postoperatoria. Conclusiones: el precondicionamiento isquémico a distancia puede ser una importante herramienta a tener en cuenta en la protección anti-isquémica de la revascularización miocárdica, pero no parece ser útil en los pacientes diabéticos acorde a esta investigación(AU)

Introduction: A series of short periods of ischemia at a distance, prior to the greater ischemic event, may limit myocardial damage caused by severe ischemia and that occurs after reperfusion. Objective: To show the effectiveness of ischemic preconditioning at a distance in diabetic patients who were performed coronary revascularization. Methods: An experimental prospective longitudinal study was carried out in two groups of 103 patients, who were performed revascularization with coronary artery bypass graft. In the test group included in this study, the patient was placed a tourniquet insufflated three times for five minutes in the non-dominant arm, at a pressure of 200 mmHg, prior, during and after the greater ischemic event, which corresponded to the coronary artery clamping. Results: A significant decrease was not achieved in serum creatinine, glucose, glutamic pyruvic transaminase, creatine kinase-MB or in inotropic and vasoactive drugs consumption. Neither did it so in the incidence of lethal ventricular arrhythmias, low cardiac fatal output and postoperative death. Conclusions: Remote ischemic preconditioning can be an important tool for protection of antiischemic myocardial revascularization, but according to this research it may not be useful in diabetic patients(AU)

Factores de riesgo asociados a infarto miocárdico agudo perioperatorio en cirugía coronaria sin circulación extracorpórea / Risk factors associated with acute perioperative myocardial infarction in coronary artery bypass

Introducción: el infarto miocárdico perioperatorio es una complicación con gran impacto en la morbilidad y mortalidad en anestesia cardiovascular.Objetivos: determinar posibles factores de riesgo asociados a infarto miocárdico perioperatorio en cirugía coronaria sin circulación extracorpórea.Métodos: estudio descriptivo, de corte transversal desde septiembre de 2011 a noviembre de 2012, en pacientes intervenidos a corazón latiendo. Se evaluó odds ratio, intervalo de confianza para un 95 por ciento, en variables con p ≤ 0.05. Resultados: se incluyeron 210 pacientes, 75,2 por ciento hombres, con edad media 62,3 ± 8,7 años, de ellos 30 con infarto miocárdico. La edad avanzada (OR 14,5; IC 95 por ciento: 5,9-35,1), clase IV-NYHA (OR 3,2; IC 95 por ciento: 1,2-9,3), insuficiencia renal crónica (OR 6,8; IC 95 por ciento:1,6-28,7), EPOC (OR 4,5; IC 95 por ciento:1,9-10,4), diabetes mellitus tipo 1 (OR 7,1; IC 95 por ciento: 3,1-16,3), tabaquismo (OR 6,3; IC 95 por ciento: 2,7-14,2), infarto reciente (OR 6,6; IC 95 por ciento:1,3-34,2), FeVI ≤ 40 por ciento (OR 2,5; IC 95 por ciento: 1,1-5,7), angina inestable (OR 2,5; IC 95 por ciento: 1,1-6,2), insuficiencia cardiaca (OR 27,5; IC 95 por ciento:2,9-256,1) y la enfermedad coronaria compleja (OR12,6; IC 95 por ciento: 5,2-30,7) fueron asociados con alto riesgo de infarto miocárdico perioperatorio. Pacientes no tratados con bloqueadores β en el preoperatorio tuvieron 3,3 veces más riesgo de sufrir un infarto miocárdico perioperatorio. Las complicaciones fueron significativamente mayores en este grupo, con una mortalidad de 23,3 por ciento. Conclusiones: las enfermedades coexistentes que mostraron significación se asociaron con alto riesgo de infarto miocárdico perioperatorio, con incremento en las complicaciones y la mortalidad(AU)

Introduction: perioperative myocardial infarction is a complication with great impact in morbidity and mortality in cardiovascular anesthesia. Objetive: Determine the posible risk factors associated to perioperative myocardial infarction in off-pump coronary artery bypass. Methods: descriptive and cross-sectional study between September 2011 - November 2012, in patients to whom myocardial revascularization without pump. The Odds Ratio value and confidence intervals of 95 percent in patients with values of p < 0.05 were considered to have a significant stadistical correlation. Results: this study included 210 patients (75.2 percent men), mean age 62.3 ± 8.7 years, from these 30 with perioperative myocardial infartion. Patients with advanced age (OR, 14.5; IC 95 percent: 5.9-35.1), functional class IV of NYHA (OR, 3.2; IC 95 percent: 1.2-9.3), chronic renal failure (OR, 6.8; IC 95 percent: 1.6-28.7), pulmonary obstructive chronic disease (OR,4.5; IC 95 percent:1.9-10.4), diabetes mellitus tipe 1 (OR, 7.1; IC 95 percent: 3.1-16.3), tobacco addiction (OR, 6.3; IC 95 percent: 2.7-14.2), recent myocardial infarction (OR, 6.6; IC 95 percent:1.3-34.2), FeVI ≤ 40 percent (OR, 2.5; IC 95 percent: 1.1-5.7), unstable angina (OR, 2.5; IC 95 percent: 1.1-6.2), heart failure (OR, 27.5; IC 95 percent:2.9-256.1) and coronary complex disease (OR,12.6; IC 95 percent: 5.2-30.7) showed a significant association with the presence of perioperative myocardial infarction. Patients without β blocker have 3 times as much of suffer myocardial infarction. Complications were significantly greater in these group, with a mortality of 23 percent.Conclusions: the coexistents diseases that showed association with the presence of perioperative myocardial infarction, with a significant increase in them complications and mortality(AU)

[Hospital-based multicenter study in Spain, Mexico and Cuba on attitudes to living liver donation]. / Estudio multicéntrico hospitalario en España, México y Cuba de actitud hacia la donación de vivo hepática.

INTRODUCTION: Given the lack of a sufficient number of livers available for transplantation, living liver donation (LLD) is being developed in the Spanish-speaking world. To do this, it is essential that health workers in hospitals are in favor of such donation, given that they are a key component in this treatment and that their attitudes influence public opinion. OBJECTIVE: To analyze attitude toward LLD among hospital personnel from healthcare centers in Spain and Latin America. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Ten hospitals were selected from the «International Donor Collaborative Project¼: 3 from Spain, 5 from Mexico and 2 from Cuba. Random sampling stratified by type of service and job category was used. Attitudes to LLD were evaluated through a validated questionnaire on psychosocial aspects. The questionnaire was anonymous and self-administered. Statistical tests consisted of Student's T test, the chi-square test and logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Of the 2,618 employees surveyed, 85% (n=2,231) were in favor of related LLD; of these, 31% (n=804) were in favor of unrelated LLD. No association was found between the country of the interviewed, personal-social variables or work-related variables. The following factors were associated with a favorable attitude toward related LLD donation: having had personal experience of donation and transplantation (P<.001); being in favor of deceased donation (P<.001); believing that one might need a possible transplant (P<.001); being in favor of living kidney donation (P<.001); being willing to accept a liver from a living donor (P<.001); having discussed the matter of donation and transplantation within the family (P<.001) and with one's partner (P<.001); carrying out pro-social type activities (P<.001); being Catholic (P=.040); believing that one's religion is in favor of donation and transplantation (P<.001); and not being concerned about the possible mutilation of the body after donation (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Hospital personnel from Spain and Latin America had a favorable attitude toward LLD, which was associated with factors directly and indirectly related to donation and transplantation, family and religious factors, and attitudes toward the body.

Spanish-Latin American multicenter study of attitudes toward organ donation among personnel from hospital healthcare centers.

INTRODUCTION: Hospital personnel are a group which has an influence on the opinion of the rest of the population about healthcare matters. Any unfavorable attitude of this group would be an obstacle to an increase in organ donation. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the attitude of hospital workers toward the donation of one's own organs in Spanish and Latin American hospitals and to determine the factors affecting this attitude. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Eleven hospitals from the "International Collaborative Donor Project" were selected, 3 in Spain, 5 in Mexico, 2 in Cuba and one in Costa Rica. A random sample was stratified by the type of service and job category. Attitude toward donation and transplantation was assessed using a validated survey. The questionnaire was completed anonymously and was self-administered. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Student's t-test, the χ2 test and logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Of the 2,785 workers surveyed, 822 were from Spain, 1,595 from Mexico, 202 from Cuba and 166 from Costa Rica and 79% (n=2,191) were in favor of deceased organ donation. According to country, 94% (n=189) of Cubans were in favor, compared to 82% (n=1,313) of the Mexicans, 73% (n=121) of the Costa Ricans and 69% (n=568) of the Spanish (P<.001). In the multivariate analysis, the following variables had the most specific weight: 1) originating from Cuba (odds ratio=8.196; P<.001); 2) being a physician (OR= 2.544; P<.001); 3) performing a job related to transplantation (OR = 1.610; P=.005); 4) having discussed the subject of donation and transplantation within the family (OR= 3.690; P<.001); 5) having a partner with a favorable attitude toward donation and transplantation (OR= 3.289; P<.001); 6) a respondent's belief that his or her religion is in favor of donation and transplantation (OR= 3.021; P=.001); 7) not being concerned about the possible mutilation of the body after donation (OR= 2.994; P<.001); 8) the preference for other options apart from burial for treating the body after death (OR= 2.770; P<.001); and 9) acceptance of carrying out an autopsy if one were needed (OR= 2.808; P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Hospital personnel in Spanish and Latin American healthcare centers had a favorable attitude toward donation, although 21% of respondents were not in favor of donating. This attitude was more favorable among Latin American workers and was very much conditioned by job-related and psychosocial factors.

The attitude toward living kidney donation among personnel from units related to donation and transplantation in Spain, Mexico and Cuba.

BACKGROUND: Living kidney donation (LKD) is becoming increasingly necessary as a treatment option for reducing the deficit in transplant organs. Hospital personnel in services related to donation and transplantation play a key role in promoting this kind of donation. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the attitude toward LKD among hospital workers in services related to donation and transplantation in Spain and Latin America. METHODS: Eight hospitals in the "International Collaborative Donor Project" were selected (Spain-Mexico-Cuba). A random sample was taken which was stratified according to the type of service and job category, in transplant-related services. RESULTS: Of the 878 respondents, 90% were in favor of related LKD, and 28% were in favor if the LKD was not related. Attitude was more favorable among Latin Americans workers compared to the Spanish (p=0.014). Other factors associated to attitude included: age (p=0.004); an attitude in favor of deceased donation and living liver donation (p<0.001); and acceptance of a kidney from a donor (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The attitude toward related LKD was very favorable among hospital personnel in units related to the donation and transplantation process in Spain and Latin America, which means that they could contribute to its promotion particularly at the current time when living kidney donation needs to be expanded.

Level of acceptance of solid organ xenotransplantation among personnel in Spanish, Mexican, and Cuban hospitals.

BACKGROUND: Xenotransplantation is still a long way from becoming a clinical reality. However, in an emergency situation, it could be used as a bridge for replacing vital organs until the arrival of a human organ. To analyze the attitude toward xenotransplantation among hospital personnel from several hospitals in Spain and Latin America. METHODS: A random sample stratified according to the type of hospital and job category (n = 2618) in 10 hospitals in three different countries: Spain (n = 821), Mexico (n = 1595), and Cuba (n = 202). A validated questionnaire (PCID-XenoTx Rios) was self-administered and completed anonymously by the respondents. RESULTS: If the results of xenotransplantation were similar to those achieved using human donor organs, 61% (n = 1591) of the respondents would be in favor, while 9% (n = 234) would be against and 30% (n = 793) would be unsure. The analysis of the variables affecting attitude toward xenotransplantation revealed that attitude varied according to the country of reference and was more favorable among personnel in Cuban hospitals (70% a favor) than in Spanish (57%) and Mexican ones (62%; P = 0.000). However, these differences are mainly determined by job category with the physicians having the most favorable attitude. The ancillary staff, in contrast, had the least favorable attitude (76 vs. 51% respectively; P = 0.000). Of the remaining variables, attitude is significantly related to variables connected to human donation: attitude toward the different kinds of human organ donation (deceased [P < 0.001] and living [P < 0.001]), the possibility of needing a transplant oneself in the future (P < 0.001), and attitude toward donating the organs of a deceased family member (P = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: A third of healthcare personnel from several hospitals are not in favor of xenotransplantation. It is necessary to provide more information about the matter, especially in hospitals where there is a preclinical xenotransplantation program or where there is access to one, such as in the hospitals in this study.

Attitudes of non-medical staff in hospitals in Spain, Mexico, Cuba and Costa Rica towards organ donation.

INTRODUCTION: Non-medical staff members in hospitals are highly credible at population level, and are a source of opinion even though they do not have sufficient medical training. OBJECTIVES: To analyse the attitudes of non-medical professionals of Spanish and Latin American hospitals towards organ donation and identify the factors that influence these attitudes. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Through the "Proyecto Colaborativo Internacional Donante" (International Collaborative Donor Project), a stratified random sample was selected from non-medical services of eleven hospitals: 3 Spanish (n=277), 5 Mexican (n=632), 2 Cuban (n=42) and 1 Costa Rican (n=101). RESULTS: Of the 1052 professionals surveyed, 72% (n=754) were in favour of donating an organ after death. By country, 98% of Cubans, 80% of Mexicans, 66% of Costa Ricans and 52% of Spanish were in favour (P<.001). The most influential variables were: 1) country, with results being more positive in Mexico (odds ratio [OR]=2.197), 2) believing in the possibility that they will require a transplant (OR=2.202), 3) having discussed the issue with their family (OR=3.23), 4) the positive attitude of their partner towards donation (OR=3.322), 5) not being concerned about possible mutilation of their body after donation (OR=3.378), 6) preferring options other than burial (OR=2.525), 7) accepting an autopsy (OR=2.958). CONCLUSIONS: The attitude of non-medical staff members of hospitals towards the donation of their own organs varies greatly depending on the country of the respondent. Psychosocial factors that influence these attitudes are similar to those described at the population level.

[Attitudes among Spanish and Latin American non-medical health professionals to living donor liver transplantation]. / Actitud de los profesionales hospitalarios no sanitarios españoles y latinoamericanos hacia la donación de hígado de vivo.

INTRODUCTION: Hospital professionals are an opinion group that influences the general population. OBJECTIVE: To analyze attitudes to living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) among non-medical professionals working in Spanish and Latin American hospitals and to determine the variables that influence these attitudes. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A random sample, stratified by department, was selected from non-medical staff in the "International Donor Collaborative Project": there were three hospitals in Spain, five in Mexico and two in Cuba. Attitudes were evaluated through a validated, anonymous, self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: There were 951 non-medical professionals: 277 from Spain, 632 from Mexico and 42 from Cuba. A total of 86% (n = 818) were in favor of related living donation and 31% (n = 299) were in favor of unrelated living donation. This attitude was associated with the following: country (Mexico 88%, Cuba 83%, Spain 81%) (p =0.016), female sex (p =0.026), having experience of donation and transplantation (p =0.001), having a favorable attitude to donation (P <0.001), considering the possibility of needing a transplant (P <0.001), being in favor of living kidney donation (P <0.001), being willing to accept a transplant from a living donor if necessary (P <0.001), discussing donation and transplantation with the family and partner (P <0.001), carrying out pro-social activities (P <0.001), believing that one's religion was in favor of donation and transplantation (P<0.001), and not worrying about bodily mutilation after donation (P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Attitudes toward related LDLT among non-medical staff in various Spanish, Mexican and Cuban hospitals are favorable. In 86% of those surveyed, this attitude was not influenced by classical psychosocial factors.

Level of awareness of personnel in hospital services related to the donation process: A Spanish and Latin American multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Services related to the donation and transplantation process are fundamental for developing solid organ transplantation and procuring organs from deceased donors. This study was conducted to analyze the attitude toward deceased organ donation among hospital personnel working in donation- and transplantation-related services in hospitals in Spain and Latin America. METHODS: Nine hospital centers within the "International Donor Collaborative Project" were selected (Spain, Mexico, Cuba, and Costa Rica). A random employee sample was taken and stratified according to the type of service and job category in transplant-related hospital services. RESULTS: Of the 925 employees surveyed, 78% were in favor of donation. By job category, attitude was more favorable among physicians (89%; p < 0.001). By type of service, attitude was more positive among personnel in transplant patient follow-up units (87%; p = 0.018). By country, the Cubans were most in favor (91%), followed by the Mexicans (81%), the Costa Ricans (77%), and the Spanish (70%; p < 0.001). Other factors were age (p < 0.001), sex (p = 0.005), considering the possibility of needing a transplant (p = 0.002), understanding the concept of brain death (p < 0.001), being in favor of living donation (p < 0.001), having discussed the subject of donation and transplantation within the family and the partner (p < 0.001), carrying out pro-social activities (p = 0.002), and concern about mutilation after donation (p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Transplant-related personnel had a favorable attitude toward deceased donation, although it was not as positive as we would expect, especially among non-physicians. This attitude needs to be improved because of the negative effect that can result in organ donation. There were pronounced differences between countries, and the discordance between attitude and actual deceased donation rates in each country is notable.

Resección de un carcinoma renal izquierdo con extensión trombótica hacia la aurícula derecha / Resection of a left renal carcinoma with thrombotic extension to right atrium

Se presenta el caso de un hombre de 59 años con diagnóstico de hipernefroma izquierdo y trombosis de la vena cava inferior con extensión hacia la aurícula derecha. Un equipo multidisciplinario realizó una nefrectomía radical izquierda, exposición de la vena cava inferior con técnica de piggyback, atriotomía derecha y cavotomía inferior para extracción del trombo, previo pinzamiento de la vena renal derecha y el hilio hepático. El tiempo quirúrgico total fue de 7 h 30 min. El procedimiento se realizó con anestesia general y un período mínimo de derivación cardiopulmonar. Se utilizó monitorización transoperatoria estandarizada de los parámetros vitales y además ecocardiografía transesofágica para la detección de la remoción completa del trombo y su extracción, así como posibles émbolos desprendidos. La evolución transoperatoria y posoperatoria fue satisfactoria. Se realiza una revisión de la literatura médica internacional sobre el tema y se ofrecen conclusiones(AU)

This is the male case aged 59 diagnosed with left hypernephroma and thrombosis of the inferior vena cava with extension to right atrium. A multidisciplinary staff performed a left radical nephrectomy, exposition of inferior vena cava using the piggyback technique, right atriotomy and inferior cavotomy for extension of thrombus and previous clamping of right renal vein and hepatic hilus. The total surgical time was of 7 hours and 30 minutes. The procedure was performed under general anesthesia and a minimal period of cardiopulmonary shunt. Standardized transoperative monitoring of vital parameters was used and also transesophageal echocardiography to detect the total removal of thrombus and its extraction, as well as the potential detached emboli. The transoperative and postoperative course was satisfactory. A review of the international medical literature on this subject was made offering conclusions(AU)

Resección de un carcinoma renal izquierdo con extensión trombótica hacia la aurícula derecha / Resection of a left renal carcinoma with thrombotic extension to right atrium

Se presenta el caso de un hombre de 59 años con diagnóstico de hipernefroma izquierdo y trombosis de la vena cava inferior con extensión hacia la aurícula derecha. Un equipo multidisciplinario realizó una nefrectomía radical izquierda, exposición de la vena cava inferior con técnica de piggyback, atriotomía derecha y cavotomía inferior para extracción del trombo, previo pinzamiento de la vena renal derecha y el hilio hepático. El tiempo quirúrgico total fue de 7 h 30 min. El procedimiento se realizó con anestesia general y un período mínimo de derivación cardiopulmonar. Se utilizó monitorización transoperatoria estandarizada de los parámetros vitales y además ecocardiografía transesofágica para la detección de la remoción completa del trombo y su extracción, así como posibles émbolos desprendidos. La evolución transoperatoria y posoperatoria fue satisfactoria. Se realiza una revisión de la literatura médica internacional sobre el tema y se ofrecen conclusiones(AU)

This is the male case aged 59 diagnosed with left hypernephroma and thrombosis of the inferior vena cava with extension to right atrium. A multidisciplinary staff performed a left radical nephrectomy, exposition of inferior vena cava using the piggyback technique, right atriotomy and inferior cavotomy for extension of thrombus and previous clamping of right renal vein and hepatic hilus. The total surgical time was of 7 hours and 30 minutes. The procedure was performed under general anesthesia and a minimal period of cardiopulmonary shunt. Standardized transoperative monitoring of vital parameters was used and also transesophageal echocardiography to detect the total removal of thrombus and its extraction, as well as the potential detached emboli. The transoperative and postoperative course was satisfactory. A review of the international medical literature on this subject was made offering conclusions(AU)

Procedimiento quirúrgico de revascularización miocárdica sin circulación extracorpórea; antecedentes: cuidados anestésicos / Surgical myocardial revascularization without cardiopulmonary bypass: the background; anesthetics Caution

Las enfermedades cardiovasculares constituyen la primera causa de muerte. Afectando aproximadamente 20 por ciento de la población mayor de 60 años. Los avances en el diagnóstico de la cardiopatía isquémica y los cambios socioculturales produjeron en los últimos años un incremento en la indicación de la Revascularización Miocárdica (RVM) y con ello un aumento del costo anual del procedimiento quirúrgico cardiovascular. La procedimiento quirúrgico coronaria sin Circulación Extracorpórea (CEC) se realizó por primera vez hace más de 40 años, pero no fue hasta la segunda mitad de la década de los noventa y a partir de un importante desarrollo tecnológico, que se convirtió en una técnica estandarizada y reproducible. Al contrario de lo que sucedía en el procedimiento quirúrgico cardiaca con Circulación Extracorpórea, donde el papel desempeñado por el anestesiólogo modificaba poco los resultados finales. Con el auge de esta nueva técnica quirúrgica, la formación y experiencia de los mismos y la introducción de nuevas técnicas anestesiológicas son factores determinantes para conseguir los mejores resultados. Los procedimientos quirúrgicos coronarios sin CEC han llegado para quedarse, reduce la morbimortalidad y el consumo de recursos sanitarios. La tendencia actual es la de mejorar el confort del paciente, disminuir la tasa de complicaciones y lograr una rápida recuperación(AU)