The Risk of Developing Disabling Crohn's Disease: Validation of a Clinical Prediction Rule to Improve Treatment Decision Making.

BACKGROUND: Crohn's disease (CD) is characterized by the development of complications over the course of the disease. It is crucial to identify predictive factors of disabling disease, in order to target patients for early intervention. We evaluated risk factors of disabling CD and developed a prognostic model. METHODS: In total, 511 CD patients were retrospectively analyzed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify demographic, clinical, and biological risk factors. A predictive nomogram model was developed in a subgroup of patients with noncomplicated CD (inflammatory pattern and no perianal disease). RESULTS: The rate of disabling CD within 5 years after diagnosis was 74.6%. Disabling disease was associated with gender, location of disease, requirement of steroids for the first flare, and perianal lesions. In the subgroup of patients (310) with noncomplicated CD, the rate of disabling CD was 80%. In the multivariate analysis age at onset <40 years (OR = 3.46, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.52-7.90), extensive disease (L3/L4) (OR = 2.67, 95% CI = 1.18-6.06), smoking habit (OR = 2.09, 95% CI = 1.03-4.27), requirement of steroids at the first flare (OR = 2.20, 95% CI = 1.09-4.45), and albumin (OR = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.36-0.96) were associated with development of disabling disease. The developed predictive nomogram based on these factors presented good discrimination, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.723 (95% CI: 0.670-0.830). CONCLUSION: We identified predictive factors of disabling CD and developed an easy-to-use prognostic model that may be used in clinical practice to help identify patients at high risk and address treatment effectively.

Changes in the epidemiology and distribution of the hepatitis C virus genotypes in North-Eastern Spain over the last 35 years / Cambios en la epidemiología y distribución de los genotipos del virus de la hepatitis C en el nordeste de España durante los últimos 35 años

Background: Genotypic distribution and epidemiology of HCV infection in Western Europe countries has changed over the last decades. Aim: To establish the local genotypic profile and characterize the associated demographic variables. Material and method: All the genotyping from 1988 to 2015 were considered. Associated demographic variables were included in logistic regression models. Genotyping was carried out with updated commercial kits. Results: Genotype 1b was the most prevalent (42.4%) followed by 1a (22.5%), 3 (18.6%), 4 (10.6%) and 2 (4.6%). The prevalence of 1a was higher in males, in patients younger than 45 and in intravenous drug users (IDU). 1b was more frequent in older than 45, with transfusion-associated and parenteral/nosocomial infections and in immigrants from Eastern Europe. Genotype 2 was highly prevalent in the postransfusional route (54.9%). Genotype 3 prevalence was high in males, in patients younger than 45, in IDU (69.3%) and in Asian and Eastern European immigrants. Genotype 4 was high in males, in patients younger than 45, and in IDU (63.5%). 1a, 3, 4 were the most prevalent genotypes in HIV-coinfected patients. There was a significant decline in genotype 1b and an increase in genotypes 3 and 4 over time. Conclusions: There has been a decline of genotype 1b, associated with transfusion or parenteral/nosocomial infections, and increases in the prevalence of genotypes 1a, 3 and 4 associated with male gender and IDU, now the most prevalent infection route. Immigration contributed with genotype 2 infections from Africa and genotype 1b and 3 infections from Eastern Europe and Asia (AU)

Antecedentes: La distribución genotípica y la epidemiología de la infección por el VHC en los países de Europa Occidental ha variado en las últimas décadas. Objetivo: Establecer el perfil genotípico local y distinguir las variables demográficas asociadas. Material y método: Se han tenido en cuenta todas las genotipificaciones desde 1988 a 2015. Las variables demográficas asociadas se incluyeron en modelos de regresión logística. La genotipificación se realizó con kits comerciales actualizados. Resultados: El genotipo 1b fue el más prevalente (42,4%), seguido por 1a (22,5%), 3 (18,6%), 4 (10,6%) y 2 (4,6%). La prevalencia de 1a fue mayor en varones, en pacientes menores de 45 años y en consumidores de drogas por vía intravenosa (CDVI). El genotipo 1b fue más frecuente en pacientes mayores de 45 años, con infecciones relacionadas con la transfusión y de tipo parenteral/nosocomial, y en inmigrantes de Europa Oriental. El genotipo 2 fue muy prevalente en la vía postransfusional (54,9%). La prevalencia del genotipo 3 fue elevada en varones, en pacientes menores de 45 años, en CDVI (69,3%) y en inmigrantes asiáticos y de Europa Oriental. El genotipo 4 fue elevado en varones, en pacientes menores de 45 años y en CDVI (63,5%). Los genotipos 1a, 3 y 4 fueron los más prevalentes en pacientes coinfectados con el VIH. Hubo una disminución considerable del genotipo 1b y un aumento en los genotipos 3 y 4 en el tiempo. Conclusiones: Se ha producido una disminución del genotipo 1b, relacionado con transfusiones o infecciones parenterales/nosocomiales, y un aumento en la prevalencia de los genotipos 1a, 3 y 4, relacionados con el sexo masculino y los CDVI, que actualmente son la vía de infección más prevalente. La inmigración contribuyó con infecciones del genotipo 2 de África e infecciones de los genotipos 1b y 3 de Europa Oriental y Asia (AU)

Changes in the epidemiology and distribution of the hepatitis C virus genotypes in North-Eastern Spain over the last 35 years.

BACKGROUND: Genotypic distribution and epidemiology of HCV infection in Western Europe countries has changed over the last decades. AIM: To establish the local genotypic profile and characterize the associated demographic variables. MATERIAL AND METHOD: All the genotyping from 1988 to 2015 were considered. Associated demographic variables were included in logistic regression models. Genotyping was carried out with updated commercial kits. RESULTS: Genotype 1b was the most prevalent (42.4%) followed by 1a (22.5%), 3 (18.6%), 4 (10.6%) and 2 (4.6%). The prevalence of 1a was higher in males, in patients younger than 45 and in intravenous drug users (IDU). 1b was more frequent in older than 45, with transfusion-associated and parenteral/nosocomial infections and in immigrants from Eastern Europe. Genotype 2 was highly prevalent in the postransfusional route (54.9%). Genotype 3 prevalence was high in males, in patients younger than 45, in IDU (69.3%) and in Asian and Eastern European immigrants. Genotype 4 was high in males, in patients younger than 45, and in IDU (63.5%). 1a, 3, 4 were the most prevalent genotypes in HIV-coinfected patients. There was a significant decline in genotype 1b and an increase in genotypes 3 and 4 over time. CONCLUSIONS: There has been a decline of genotype 1b, associated with transfusion or parenteral/nosocomial infections, and increases in the prevalence of genotypes 1a, 3 and 4 associated with male gender and IDU, now the most prevalent infection route. Immigration contributed with genotype 2 infections from Africa and genotype 1b and 3 infections from Eastern Europe and Asia.

Considerar negativa una carga viral expresada como menor del límite inferior de cuantificación puede inducir a error en el diagnóstico y manejo terapéutico de la hepatitis C / To consider negative viral loads below the limit of quantification can lead to errors in the diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis C virus infection

Introducción Durante años ha sido habitual, con técnicas de RT-PCR para el ARN-VHC, expresar como menores del límite inferior de cuantificación (< LIC) tanto las cargas virales indetectables como las detectables < LIC. Ello podría causar error en el manejo de algunos pacientes. Objetivo Analizar la frecuencia e impacto clínico de considerar negativos los ARN-VHC detectables pero no cuantificables. Métodos Análisis retrospectivo de las determinaciones de ARN-VHC del período 2009-2011 (Cobas/Taqman, LIC: 15 UI/ml) diferenciando las cargas indetectables de las < LIC. Resultados Se analizaron 2.432 muestras de ARN-VHC en 1.371 pacientes encontrando 26 ARN < 15 (1,07%) en 23 pacientes (1,68%). Los ARN <15 predominaron en pacientes en tratamiento: 23 de 216 determinaciones de ARN-VHC (10,6%) y 20 de 88 pacientes (22,7%). El análisis del impacto clínico mostró: a) 2 pacientes informados de ARN-VHC < 15 tuvieron ARN cuantificables posteriormente; b) 8 de 9 pacientes (88,9%) con ARN < 15 solo en semana 4 de tratamiento alcanzaron RVS; c) los 3 pacientes con ARN < 15 en semana 12 y 48 semanas de tratamiento recidivaron; d) los 4 pacientes con ARN < 15 en semana 24 y/o posteriores fracasaron, y e) en 5 pacientes el impacto clínico fue nulo o no evaluable. Conclusiones El ARN < LIC indica viremia y asimilarlo a ARN-VHC negativo puede inducir a error en el manejo de la infección. Los ARN < LIC son especialmente prevalentes en pacientes en tratamiento. La edición de los resultados de la cuantificación del ARN-VHC debe ser clara, diferenciando la indetectabilidad de la positividad pero señalando esta cuando no sea cuantificable(AU)

Introduction For years many clinical laboratories have routinely classified undetectable and unquantifiable levels of hepatitis C virus RNA (HCV-RNA) determined by RT-PCR as below limit of quantification (BLOQ). This practice might result in erroneous clinical decisions. Aim To assess the frequency and clinical relevance of assuming that samples that are BLOQ are negative. Material and method We performed a retrospective analysis of RNA determinations performed between 2009 and 2011 (Cobas/Taqman, lower LOQ: 15 IU/ml). We distinguished between samples classified as «undetectable» and those classified as «<1.50E + 01 IU/mL» (BLOQ). Results We analyzed 2.432 HCV-RNA measurements in 1.371 patients. RNA was BLOQ in 26 samples (1.07%) from 23 patients (1.68%). BLOQ results were highly prevalent among patients receiving Peg-Riba: 23 of 216 samples (10.6%) from 20 of 88 patients receiving treatment (22.7%). The clinical impact of BLOQ RNA samples was as follows: a) 2 patients initially considered to have negative results subsequently showed quantifiable RNA; b) 8 of 9 patients (88.9%) with BLOQ RNA at week 4 of treatment later showed sustained viral response; c) 3 patients with BLOQ RNA at weeks 12 and 48 of treatment relapsed; d) 4 patients with BLOQ RNA at week 24 and/or later had partial or breakthrough treatment responses, and e) in 5 patients the impact were null or could not be ascertained. Conclusions This study suggests that BLOQ HCV-RNA indicates viremia and that equating a BLOQ result with a negative result can lead to treatment errors. BLOQ results are highly prevalent in on-treatment patients. The results of HCV-RNA quantification should be classified clearly, distinguishing between undetectable levels and levels that are BLOQ(AU)

[To consider negative viral loads below the limit of quantification can lead to errors in the diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis C virus infection]. / Considerar negativa una carga viral expresada como menor del límite inferior de cuantificación puede inducir a error en el diagnóstico y manejo terapéutico de la hepatitis C.

INTRODUCTION: For years many clinical laboratories have routinely classified undetectable and unquantifiable levels of hepatitis C virus RNA (HCV-RNA) determined by RT-PCR as below limit of quantification (BLOQ). This practice might result in erroneous clinical decisions. AIM: To assess the frequency and clinical relevance of assuming that samples that are BLOQ are negative. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We performed a retrospective analysis of RNA determinations performed between 2009 and 2011 (Cobas/Taqman, lower LOQ: 15 IU/ml). We distinguished between samples classified as «undetectable¼ and those classified as «<1.50E+01IU/mL¼ (BLOQ). RESULTS: We analyzed 2.432 HCV-RNA measurements in 1.371 patients. RNA was BLOQ in 26 samples (1.07%) from 23 patients (1.68%). BLOQ results were highly prevalent among patients receiving Peg-Riba: 23 of 216 samples (10.6%) from 20 of 88 patients receiving treatment (22.7%). The clinical impact of BLOQ RNA samples was as follows: a) 2 patients initially considered to have negative results subsequently showed quantifiable RNA; b) 8 of 9 patients (88.9%) with BLOQ RNA at week 4 of treatment later showed sustained viral response; c) 3 patients with BLOQ RNA at weeks 12 and 48 of treatment relapsed; d) 4 patients with BLOQ RNA at week 24 and/or later had partial or breakthrough treatment responses, and e) in 5 patients the impact were null or could not be ascertained. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that BLOQ HCV-RNA indicates viremia and that equating a BLOQ result with a negative result can lead to treatment errors. BLOQ results are highly prevalent in on-treatment patients. The results of HCV-RNA quantification should be classified clearly, distinguishing between undetectable levels and levels that are BLOQ.

Colecistostomía abierta o percutánea en pacientes de alto riesgo. Análisis de una serie de 30 pacientes / Open or percutaneous cholecystostomy in high-risk patients. Analysis of 30 patients

Introducción. La actitud ante la colecistitis aguda es la colecistectomía laparoscópica si es factible o, en su defecto, la colecistectomía abierta. En pacientes de avanzada edad, con importante comorbilidad y elevado riesgo anestésico, la colecistostomía es una opción terapéutica en la colecistitis aguda grave. Pacientes y método. Presentamos 30 casos tratados mediante colecistostomía en los últimos tres años. Todos los pacientes presentaron un cuadro de colecistitis aguda grave, con importante deterioro de su estado general y un alto riesgo anestésico por la avanzada edad y sus enfermedades asociadas. Resultados. La edad media de los pacientes (18 varones y 12 mujeres) fue de 79 años. En la analítica destacó la leucocitosis con o sin desviación a la izquierda en 28 casos (93 por ciento). El riesgo anestésico fue ASA IV en 25 casos (83 por ciento) y ASA III en los otros 5 (17 por ciento). En todos los casos se instauró tratamiento antibiótico intravenoso. La colecistostomía fue abierta en 12 pacientes y guiada por ecografía en 18. El germen más aislado fue Escherichia coli (16 pacientes, 53 por ciento). La morbilidad y la mortalidad de esta serie fueron del 57 y el 20 por ciento, respectivamente. Las curaciones llegaron al 80 por ciento de los casos. Conclusiones. En los pacientes ancianos y con importante afección de base, que supone un alto riesgo anestésico y quirúrgico en caso de colecistitis aguda grave, para conseguir un tratamiento curativo, se puede plantear la colecistostomía (radiológica o quirúrgica). (AU)