[Pluripathology among inpatients: characteristics of hospitalized patients in medical clinic wards]. / Pluripatología en internación: características de pacientes internados en clínica médica.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of pluripathology and polypharmacy among hospitalized patients in internal medicine wards at an acute care hospital, including their sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. METHODS: Observational, prospective, longitudinal, descriptive and analytical study. All patients hospitalized in the internal medicine ward at Hospital Tornú from May to September 2019 were included through consecutive sampling. Data from medical records were collected. Functional dependency and prognosis were assessed using the Barthel, Charlson and PROFUND Indexes. RESULTS: 170 patients (58% male) were registered. Women were significantly older. Pluripathology prevalence: 32%; polypharmacy 38%; high BP: 48%; diabetes: 27%; cognitive impairment 15%; heart failure: 14%; stroke: 12%; anemia: 24%; CKD 10%. Total readmissions 10% (94% with early readmissions; 94% with readmissions related to a previous hospitalization). Global Mortality: 12%. Patients with pluripathology were elderly (78% > 65 years old) with a higher polypharmacy frequency (p < 0.0001) and functional dependence (p = 0.001). Mortality in patients with pluripathology (22%) was higher than in others (p = 0.0095) with higher Charlson and PROFUND scores (p < 0.0001). There were no significant differences in terms of hospital stay or readmissions. CONCLUSIONS: Pluripathological patients are common in our inpatient hospital department. This study reveals the importance of considering this type of patients in public hospitals due to its frequency, characteristics and healthcare utilization and costs.

Introducción: El objetivo del trabajo fue determinar prevalencia de pluripatología y polifarmacia entre internados en salas de clínica médica de un hospital de agudos, sus características sociodemográficas y clínicas. Métodos: estudio observacional, prospectivo, longitudinal, descriptivo y analítico. Se incluyeron los pacientes internados en clínica médica del Hospital Tornú entre mayo y septiembre, 2019 mediante muestreo consecutivo. Se relevaron datos de las historias clínicas. Se evaluó dependencia funcional y pronóstico mediante índices Barthel, Charlson y score PROFUND. Resultados: Se registraron 170 pacientes (58% masculinos). La edad de mujeres fue significativamente mayor (mediana 79 años; p= 0.002). Prevalencia de pluripatología 32%; polifarmacia 38%; hipertensión 48%; diabetes 27%; deterioro cognitivo 15%; insuficiencia cardíaca 14%; accidente cerebrovascular 12%; anemia 24%; enfermedad renal crónica 10%. Reingresos 10% (94% con reinternación precoz; 94% con motivo de reingreso relacionado con internación previa). Mortalidad general: 12%. Los pacientes pluripatológicos presentaron edad elevada (78% > 65 años), mayor frecuencia de polifarmacia (p < 0.0001) y de dependencia (p = 0.001). La mortalidad en pluripatológicos (22%) fue mayor que en el resto (p = 0.0095) y presentaron valores más elevados índice de Charlson y score PROFUND (p < 0.0001). No hubo diferencias significativas en estadía hospitalaria ni en reinternaciones. Conclusiones: La presencia de pacientes con pluripatología se presenta como una realidad cotidiana en nuestros servicios de internación. Este estudio revela la importancia de la consideración de este tipo de pacientes en el ámbito público debido a su frecuencia y características, demandas sanitarias y costes.

Impacto de la atención farmacéutica en pacientes polimedicados ingresados en un servicio de Geriatría / Impact of pharmaceutical care in polymedicated patients admitted to a geriatric ward

Fundamento. Estimar la prevalencia de prescripción potencialmente inadecuada (PPI) y de problemas relacionados con los medicamentos (PRM) en pacientes ancianos polimedicados hospitalizados, y evaluar el impacto de la intervención farmacéutica sobre dicha prevalencia. Material y métodos. Estudio de intervención, cuasi-experimental, en pacientes polimedicados (≥ 6 fármacos) que ingresaron en un servicio de Geriatría en 2018-2019. Se analizaron las PPI según criterios STOPP/START 2014 y los PRM según el Tercer Consenso de Granada. Los PPI y PRM detectados, junto con posibles acciones para solucionarlos, se remitieron al geriatra responsable. Si al alta el cambio en la prevalencia de PPI y PRM fue ≥75%, se consideró aceptada la intervención. Resultados. Se realizó intervención farmacéutica en 218 pacientes, analizándose 1.837 prescripciones. Al ingreso se observaron PPI (90,8%) y PRM (99,5%). Se realizaron 1.227 intervenciones, el 57,6% sobre PRM. Se aceptó el 53,6% de las intervenciones farmacéuticas; la PPI según criterios STOPP y START se redujo un 49,7 y un 22,1%, respectivamente; los PRM disminuyeron un 60,1%. Las frecuencias y medianas de PRM y de PPI según criterios START y STOPP se redujeron significativamente al alta. Las variables más asociadas con la aceptación de la intervención farmacéutica fueron el geriatra responsable, el número de PPI START y el número de PPI STOPP. Conclusiones. Durante el ingreso hospitalario, la detección de PPI y PRM del tratamiento crónico por el farmacéutico, y en colaboración con el médico del paciente, ayuda a disminuir, la prevalencia de PPI y PRM.(AU)

Background. The aim of the study was estimate the prevalence of potentially inappropriate prescribing (PIP) and drug related problems (DRP) in an acute geriatric ward, and to evaluate the impact of pharmaceutical intervention on their prevalence. Methods. Quasi-experimental, interventional study in polymedicated patients (≥ 6 drugs) who were admitted to a Geriatric ward in 2018-2019. PIP were analyzed according to STOPP/START 2014 criteria and DRP on the Third Consensus of Granada. The PIP and DRP detected, and the possible actions to correct them, PI were sent to the physician in charge. The effect of the intervention was analyzed at hospital discharge; if the change of prevalence of PIP and DRP was ≥75%, the pharmaceutical intervention was considered to be accepted. Results. Pharmaceutical intervention was performed on 218 patients, analyzing 1,837 prescriptions. On admission, PIP (90.8%) and DRP (99.5%) were observed. We carried out 1,227 interventions, 57.6% on DRP. More than half (53.6%) of the pharmaceutical interventions were accepted; the PIP according to the STOPP and START criteria was reduced by 49.7 and 22.1%, respectively; DRP decreased by 60.1%. The frequencies and medians of PRM and PPI according to the START and STOPP criteria decreased significantly at discharge. The variables most frequently associated with acceptance of the pharmaceutical intervention were the geriatrician at charge, the number of PPI START and the number of PPI STOPP. Conclusion. The detection of PIP and DRP of chronic treatment during hospital admission by the pharmacist, and in collaboration with the patient’s doctor, helps to reduce the prevalence of PIP and DRP.(AU)

Prognostic Value of the PROFUND Index for 30-Day Mortality in Acute Heart Failure.

Background and Objectives: The prevalence and incidence of heart failure (HF) have been increasing in recent years as the population ages. These patients show a distinct profile of comorbidity, which makes their care more complex. In recent years, the PROFUND index, a specific tool for estimating the mortality rate at one year in pluripathology patients, has been developed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of the PROFUND index and of in-hospital and 30-day mortality after discharge of patients admitted for acute heart failure (AHF). Materials and Methods: A prospective multicenter longitudinal study was performed that included patients admitted with AHF and ≥2 comorbid conditions. Clinical, analytical, and prognostic variables were collected. The PROFUND index was collected in all patients and rates of in-hospital and 30-day mortality after discharge were analyzed. A bivariate analysis was performed with quantitative variables between patients who died and those who survived at the 30-day follow-up. A logistic regression analysis was performed with the variables that obtained statistical significance in the bivariate analysis between deceased and surviving subjects. Results: A total of 128 patients were included. Mean age was 80.5 +/- 9.98 years, and women represented 51.6%. The mean PROFUND index was 5.26 +/- 4.5. The mortality rate was 8.6% in-hospital and 20.3% at 30 days. Preserved left ventricular ejection fraction was found in 60.9%. In the sample studied, there were patients with a PROFUND score < 7 predominated (89 patients (70%) versus 39 patients (31%) with a PROFUND score ≥ 7). Thirteen patients (15%) with a PROFUND score < 7 died versus the 13 (33%) with a PROFUND score ≥ 7, p = 0.03. Twelve patients (15%) with a PROFUND score < 7 required readmission versus 12 patients (35%) with a PROFUND score ≥ 7, p = 0.02. The ROC curve of the PROFUND index for in-hospital mortality and 30-day follow-up in patients with AHF showed AUC 0.63, CI: 95% (0.508-0.764), p <0.033. Conclusions: The PROFUND index is a clinical tool that may be useful for predicting short-term mortality in elderly patients with AHF. Further studies with larger simple sizes are required to validate these results.

La pluripatologia en una Unidad de Insuficiencia Cardíaca: la perspectiva de un internista / Pluripathology in a Heart Failure Unit - a internist’ perspective

Objetivo: Determinar la frecuencia de pluripatología en una Unidad de Insuficiencia Cardíaca, definir las características de los pacientes pluripatológicos y su pronóstico vital según dos modelos: el índice PROFUND y el Seattle Heart Failure Model. Material y métodos: Se han analizado de forma consecutiva los pacientes observados en la consulta de insuficiencia cardíaca de un hospital de tercer nivel durante dos meses. Se han registrado comorbilidades, categorías de pluripatología y los índices de Charlson, Barthel, Seattle Heart Failure Model y PROFUND. Resultados: Se incluyeron 246 pacientes, de los que 118 (48%) fueron pluripatológicos, con índice de Charlson 7,9±3,8 y PROFUND 3,5±7,1.La categoría de pluripatología más prevalente fue la A, seguida de la B yC. Los pluripatológicos fueron mayores (77 vs. 73 años, p=0,001), más frágiles, con mayor limitación funcional (Barthel: 84,7 vs. 96,1, p<0,001),mayor prevalencia de factores de riesgo cardiovascular y enfermedades crónicas e ingresaron más (14,4 vs. 4,7, p=0,015). La etiología más frecuente fue la cardiopatía isquémica. Los pacientes pluripatológicos tenían clase funcional más avanzada NHYA III-IV (4,2 vs. 0,8, p<0,001), NT-proBNP más elevados (2985 pg/ml vs. 1780 pg/ml, p=0,013) y precisaron mayor dosis de diuréticos (60 vs 40, p<0,001). Se verificó una concordancia en la estimativa de mortalidad entre el PROFUND y el Seattle Heart Failure Model. Conclusiones: Este estudio demuestra la elevada frecuencia de pacientes pluripatológicos en una unidad de insuficiencia cardíaca, reflejando una mayor sobrecarga asistencial y necesidad de cuidados más complejos. Se trata de una población con gran fragilidad, dependencia funcional y comorbilidad, que obliga a plantear un abordaje multidisciplinar. (AU)

Objectives: to determine the frequency of pluripathology in a Heart Failure Unit, defining the characteristics of pluripathological patients and their vital prognosis according to two models: PROFUND score and Seattle Heart Failure Model. Methods: consecutive patients from a Heart Failure Unit of a third level hospital were analized during two months. Comorbidities, pluripathology categories and Charlson, Barthel, Seattle Heart Failure Model and PROFUND scores were registered. Results: 246 patients were included, of which 118 (48%) were pluripathological, with Charlson score 7.9 ± 3.8 and PROFUND 3.5 ± 7.1.The most prevalent category of pluripathology was A, followed by B and C. The pluripathological patients were older (77 vs. 73 years, p = 0.001),more fragile, with greater functional limitation (Barthel: 84.7 vs. 96, 1,p <0.001), higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and chronic diseases and admitted more (14.4 vs. 4.7, p = 0.015). The most frequent etiology was ischemic heart disease. The pluripathological patients hadmore advanced functional class NHYA III-IV (4.2 vs. 0.8, p <0.001), higherNT-proBNP (2985 pg/ml vs. 1780 pg/ml, p = 0.013) and required higherdose of diuretics (60 vs 40, p <0.001). A concordance in the mortality estimate between the PROFUND and the Seattle Heart Failure Model wasverified. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates the high frequency of pluripathological patients in a heart failure unit, population with great fragility, due to functional dependence and the association of comorbidities, that requires a multidisciplinary approach. (AU)

Índice PROFUND y valoración global subjetiva. Valor pronóstico en pacientes pluripatológicos internados / PROFUND index and global subjective assessment. Prognostic value in hospitalized pluripathological patients

Resumen El índice PROFUND es una de las puntuaciones pronósticas sugeridas en pacientes pluripatológicos (PP). A pesar del valor pronóstico de la desnutrición y su prevalencia en esta población, el mismo no incluye una variable que estime el estado nutricional. La valoración global subjetiva (VGS) es una herramienta ampliamente validada para tal fin. Se evaluó mediante un estudio prospectivo y observacional, la capacidad pronóstica de mortalidad a 12 meses del índice PROFUND y VGS en PP internados en clínica médica. Ingresaron al estudio 111 pacientes. Edad 75.8 (± 9.3) años. Índice PROFUND 7.6 (± 4.7) puntos. El 60.1% presentaba desnutrición moderada-severa por VGS. Fallecieron 66 dentro del año. En el modelo de Cox, la VGS y el índice PROFUND se asocian con mortalidad a los 12 meses (p < 0.0001 y p 0.0026 respectivamente). En los desnutridos severos, el riesgo es aproximadamente 6 veces mayor en comparación a los normonutridos (HR: 6.514, IC95% 2.826-15.016) y para un mismo nivel de VGS, el riesgo es un 10% mayor por cada punto que aumenta el índice PROFUND (HR: 1.106, IC95% 1.036-1.181). El AUC para predecir mortalidad a 12 meses del índice PROFUND y VGS fue: 0.747 (IC95%: 0.656-0.838); 0.733 (IC95%: 0.651-0.816) y al combinar las dos variables: 0.788 (IC95%: 0.703-0.872, p 0.048). Como conclusión el índice PROFUND y la VGS se asocian con mortalidad y tienen un valor pronóstico similar. La combinación de ambas herramientas permitiría establecer mejor el pronóstico y el manejo en esta compleja población

Abstract The PROFUND index is one of the suggested prognostic scores in pluripathological patients (PP). Despite the prognostic value of malnutrition and its prevalence in this population, it does not include a variable that estimates nutritional status. Subjective global assessment (SGA) is a widely validated tool for this purpose. The prognostic capacity of 12-month mortality of PROFUND index and SGA in PP admitted to a medical clinic was evaluated by a prospective and observational study. 111 patients entered the study. Age 75.8 (± 9.3) years. PROFUND index 7.6 (± 4.7) points. 60.1% had moderate-severe malnutrition due to VGS. 66 died within the year. In the Cox model, SGA and PROFUND index are associated with mortality at 12 months (p <0.0001 and p 0.0026 respectively). In severe malnutrition, the risk is approximately 6 times higher compared to normonutrition (HR: 6.514, 95% CI 2.826-15.016) and for the same level of SGA, the risk is 10% higher for each point that the PROFUND index increases (HR: 1.106, 95% CI 1.036-1.181). The AUC for predicting 12-month mortality from PROFUND index and SGA was: 0.747 (95% CI: 0.656-0.838); 0.733 (95% CI: 0.651-0.816) and when combining the two variables: 0.788 (95% CI: 0.703-0.872, p 0.048). In conclusion, PROFUND index and SGA are associated with mortality and have a similar prognostic value. The combination of both tools would allow better prognosis and management in this complex population.

[PROFUND index and global subjective assessment. Prognostic value in hospitalized pluripathological patients]. / índice PROFUND y valoración global subjetiva. Valor pronóstico en pacientes pluripatológicos internados.

The PROFUND index is one of the suggested prognostic scores in pluripathological patients (PP). Despite the prognostic value of malnutrition and its prevalence in this population, it does not include a variable that estimates nutritional status. Subjective global assessment (SGA) is a widely validated tool for this purpose. The prognostic capacity of 12-month mortality of PROFUND index and SGA in PP admitted to a medical clinic was evaluated by a prospective and observational study. 111 patients entered the study. Age 75.8 (± 9.3) years. PROFUND index 7.6 (± 4.7) points. 60.1% had moderate-severe malnutrition due to VGS. 66 died within the year. In the Cox model, SGA and PROFUND index are associated with mortality at 12 months (p < 0.0001 and p 0.0026 respectively). In severe malnutrition, the risk is approximately 6 times higher compared to normonutrition (HR: 6.514, 95% CI 2.826-15.016) and for the same level of SGA, the risk is 10% higher for each point that the PROFUND index increases (HR: 1.106, 95% CI 1.036-1.181). The AUC for predicting 12-month mortality from PROFUND index and SGA was: 0.747 (95% CI: 0.656-0.838); 0.733 (95% CI: 0.651-0.816) and when combining the two variables: 0.788 (95% CI: 0.703-0.872, p 0.048). In conclusion, PROFUND index and SGA are associated with mortality and have a similar prognostic value. The combination of both tools would allow better prognosis and management in this complex population.

El índice PROFUND es una de las puntuaciones pronósticas sugeridas en pacientes pluripatológicos (PP). A pesar del valor pronóstico de la desnutrición y su prevalencia en esta población, el mismo no incluye una variable que estime el estado nutricional. La valoración global subjetiva (VGS) es una herramienta ampliamente validada para tal fin. Se evaluó mediante un estudio prospectivo y observacional, la capacidad pronóstica de mortalidad a 12 meses del índice PROFUND y VGS en PP internados en clínica médica. Ingresaron al estudio 111 pacientes. Edad 75.8 (± 9.3) años. índice PROFUND 7.6 (± 4.7) puntos. El 60.1% presentaba desnutrición moderada-severa por VGS. Fallecieron 66 dentro del año. En el modelo de Cox, la VGS y el índice PROFUND se asocian con mortalidad a los 12 meses (p < 0.0001 y p 0.0026 respectivamente). En los desnutridos severos, el riesgo es aproximadamente 6 veces mayor en comparación a los normonutridos (HR: 6.514, IC95% 2.826-15.016) y para un mismo nivel de VGS, el riesgo es un 10% mayor por cada punto que aumenta el índice PROFUND (HR: 1.106, IC95% 1.036-1.181). El AUC para predecir mortalidad a 12 meses del índice PROFUND y VGS fue: 0.747 (IC95%: 0.656-0.838); 0.733 (IC95%: 0.651-0.816) y al combinar las dos variables: 0.788 (IC95%: 0.703-0.872, p 0.048). Como conclusión el índice PROFUND y la VGS se asocian con mortalidad y tienen un valor pronóstico similar. La combinación de ambas herramientas permitiría establecer mejor el pronóstico y el manejo en esta compleja población.

[Predictive factors of early readmission and mortality in patients with heart failure hospitalized in the Department of Internal Medicine of the San Carlos University Hospital, Spain]. / Facteurs de prédiction de réadmission précoce et mortalité dans l'insuffisance cardiaque dans le Service de Médecine Interne de l'Hôpital Universitaire San Carlos, Espagne.

INTRODUCTION: Heart failure (HF) is a health problem in Spain where the prevalence rate for this disease is correlated with aging. Heart failure-related mortality and hospital readmissions are high. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical features of patients with HF hospitalized in the Department of Internal Medicine as well as factors associated with readmission and intra-hospital mortality. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive, and retrospective study based on the review of the clinical records of patients with primary diagnosis of HF in the Basic Minimum Set of Data (BMSD, Conjunto Mínimo Básico de Datos),who were discharged from the Department of Internal Medicine of the San Carlos Clinical Hospital (HCSC) in 2014. RESULTS: The study involved 199 patients, with an average age of 82.7 years (61.8% were females); 85% of them had left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) > 40%, with an average pro-BNP of 9.101,3 pg/ml and 64.3% had ongoing atrial fibrillation. Thirty point two percent of patients were readmitted within 30 days, with an average rate of readmission/year of 1.45 (±0.86). Twenty five percent of patients died during the follow-up period in hospital. Among factors associated with intra-hospital mortality, older age was an associated variable (OR 1,050)(1,002-1,101) (p = 0.04). The most important factors associated with early readmission were polypharmacy (p = 0.024) as well as pluripathology based on Ollero criteria 4,974 (1,396-17,730) (p = 0.024). Patients hospitalized for HF in our Department are elderly patients treated with polymedication. CONCLUSION: Patients hospitalized for cardiac insufficiency are older and are characterized by pluripathology and polypharmacy. Short-term prognosis is associated with high rates of readmission and mortality in hospitalmainly for patients suffering from kidney disease and/or neurological disorders.

Abordaje de los mecanismos de comorbilidad en Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2 / Approach to mechanisms of comorbidity in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Introducción:A nivel mundial se estima que para 2030 existirá una prevalencia de 366 millones de personas con diabetes. En Cuba, la prevalencia de diabéticos es de 56.7 x 1 000 habitantes. El análisis de las implicaciones reales de la diabetes no se limita a su presencia aislada pues se trata de una entidad con frecuente asociación a otros problemas de salud. Objetivo: Abordar los mecanismos que subyacen en la comorbilidad del paciente con Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2. Material y Métodos: Se realizó una revisión de fuentes bibliográficas que fueron localizadas mediante el motor de búsqueda Google Académico, biblioteca de los autores y la base de datos Scielo de la Biblioteca Virtual de Salud. Desarrollo: La comorbilidad y la Diabetes mellitus 2 se incrementan con la edad. Los mecanismos subyacentes pueden tener base patogénica o no. Su estudio es importante por los efectos en el proceso diagnóstico, el autocuidado y el éxito del tratamiento. De ahí que los documentos normativos deben tener en cuenta este fenómeno. Para su investigación se cuentan con instrumentos que pueden ser específicos o generales. Conclusiones: La comorbilidad es un fenómeno clínico frecuente en el paciente diabético y debe considerarse al ser esta una enfermedad sistémica(AU)

Introduction: It is estimated that there will be a prevalence of 366 million people suffering from diabetes worldwide by the year 2030. In Cuba, the prevalence of diabetic population is 56.7 per 1 000 inhabitants. The analysis of the real implications of diabetes is not limited to its existence alone, since it is an entity which is frequently associated with other health problems. Objective:To approach the mechanisms that underlie the comorbidity of a patient with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Material and methods: A bibliographic review was carried out using Google Scholar search engine, authors´ libraries, and Scielo database from the Virtual Health Library. Development:Comorbidity, and Type 2 Diabetes mellitus increase with age. The underlying mechanisms may have either a pathogenic basis or not. Their study is important because of the effects in the diagnostic process, the self-care, and the success of the treatment. Hence, the normative documents should consider this phenomenon. The instruments to do research on this topic can be both specific or general. Conclusions:Comorbidity is a frequent clinical phenomenon to be considered in the diabetic patient because diabetes is a systemic disease(AU)

Pluripatología y comorbilidad en pediatría. El niño pluripatológico / Pluripathology and comorbidity in pediatrics. The pluripathologic child

En este artículo científico se patentiza el método holístico del proceso salud-enfermedad, lo cual permite definir la tipología y naturaleza crónica o aguda de la afección, el estado clínico y el pronóstico médico-social del enfermo, en este caso del niño pluripatológico, así como establecer si su proceso morboso es de origen orgánico o si el trastorno funcional depende de condiciones o factores determinantes dañinos (biológicos, ambientales, socioeconómicos e higienosanitarios) para finalmente asumir adecuadas conductas médicas y sociales integradas.

This scientific article licenses the holistic method of health-disease process, which allows to define the typology and chronic or severe nature of the disease, the clinical status and the social-clinic diagnosis of the patient, in this case of the pluripathologic child, such as to establish if his morbid process originates from organic issues or if the functional disorder depends on the conditions or damaging determinant factors (biological, environmental, socioeconomic, and hygienic factors) to finally assume proper medical socially integrated behaviour.