Hypertensive states of pregnancyEstados hipertensivos del embarazo / Estados hipertensivos del embarazo

Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDP) remain a leading cause of pregnancy-related maternal and foetal morbidity and mortality worldwide, including chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension, and pre-eclampsia. Affected women and newborns also have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease later in life, independent of traditional cardiovascular disease risks. Despite these risks, recommendations for optimal diagnosis and treatment have changed little in recent decades, probably due to fear of the foetal repercussions of decreased blood pressure and possible drug toxicity. In this document we review the diagnostic criteria and classification of (HDP), as well as important aspects regarding pathophysiology and early detection that allows early identification of women at risk, with the aim of preventing both immediate and long-term consequences. Prophylactic treatment with aspirin is also reviewed early and a therapeutic approach is carried out that involves close maternal and foetal monitoring, and if necessary, the use of safe drugs in each situation. This review aims to provide an updated vision for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of HDP that is useful in our usual clinical practice.(AU)

Los estados hipertensivos del embarazo (EHE) siguen siendo una de las principales causas de morbilidad y mortalidad materna y fetal relacionada con el embarazo en todo el mundo, incluyen la hipertensión crónica, la hipertensión gestacional y la preeclampsia. Las mujeres afectadas y los recién nacidos también tienen un mayor riesgo de sufrir enfermedades cardiovasculares en el futuro, independientemente de los riesgos tradicionales de la enfermedad cardiovascular. A pesar de estos riesgos, las recomendaciones para un diagnóstico y un tratamiento óptimo han cambiado poco en las últimas décadas, probablemente por el miedo a las repercusiones fetales de la disminución de la presión arterial y la posible toxicidad farmacológica. En ese documento revisamos los criterios diagnósticos y la clasificación de los EHE, así como aspectos importantes en cuanto a fisiopatología y la detección temprana que permita la identificación precoz de las mujeres en riesgo, con el objetivo de prevenir tanto las secuelas inmediatas como a largo plazo. También se revisa el tratamiento profiláctico con aspirina de forma precoz y se realiza una aproximación terapéutica que implica una estrecha vigilancia materna y fetal, y si es necesario, el uso de fármacos seguros en cada situación. Esta revisión pretende dar una visión actualizada para la prevención, diagnóstico y tratamiento de los EHE que sea de utilidad en nuestra práctica clínica habitual.(AU)

Mortality and its predictors in abdominal injury across sub-Saharan Africa: systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal injuries exert a significant impact on global morbidity and mortality. The aggregation of mortality data and its determinants across different regions holds immense importance for designing informed healthcare strategies. Hence, this study assessed the pooled mortality rate and its predictors across sub-Saharan Africa. METHOD: This meta-analysis employed a comprehensive search across multiple electronic databases including PubMed, Africa Index Medicus, Science Direct, and Hinari, complemented by a search of Google Scholar. Subsequently, data were extracted into an Excel format. The compiled dataset was then exported to STATA 17 statistical software for analysis. Utilizing the Dersimonian-Laird method, a random-effect model was employed to estimate the pooled mortality rate and its associated predictors. Heterogeneity was evaluated via the I2 test, while publication bias was assessed using a funnel plot along with Egger's, and Begg's tests. RESULT: This meta-analysis, which includes 33 full-text studies, revealed a pooled mortality rate of 9.67% (95% CI; 7.81, 11.52) in patients with abdominal injuries across sub-Saharan Africa with substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 87.21%). This review also identified significant predictors of mortality. As a result, the presence of shock upon presentation demonstrated 6.19 times (95% CI; 3.70-10.38) higher odds of mortality, followed by ICU admission (AOR: 5.20, 95% CI; 2.38-11.38), blunt abdominal injury (AOR: 8.18, 95% CI; 4.97-13.45), post-operative complications (AOR: 8.17, 95% CI; 4.97-13.44), and the performance of damage control surgery (AOR: 4.62, 95% CI; 1.85-11.52). CONCLUSION: Abdominal injury mortality is notably high in sub-Saharan Africa. Shock at presentation, ICU admission, blunt abdominal injury, postoperative complications, and use of damage control surgery predict mortality. Tailored strategies to address these predictors could significantly reduce deaths in the region.

Prevención cardiovascular en la diabetes mellitus. ¿Es adecuado hablar de riesgo moderado o intermedio? / Cardiovascular prevention in diabetes mellitus. Is it appropriate to speak of moderate or intermediate risk?

La diabetes, especialmente la tipo 2, está considerada como una situación de riesgo de enfermedad cardiovascular aterosclerosa (ECVA). Los sujetos con diabetes tipo 2 tienen una mortalidad por ECVA 3 veces superior a la de la población general, atribuida a la hiperglucemia y a la frecuente asociación de otros factores de riesgo cardiovascular, como la dislipidemia aterogénica. Numerosas sociedades científicas han establecido una clasificación de riesgo de ECVA en la diabetes basada en 3 grados (moderado, alto y muy alto). Los objetivos del control de la dislipidemia están claramente definidos y aceptados, y varían dependiendo del riesgo cardiovascular previamente establecido. En el riesgo moderado o intermedio, las guías proponen una intervención menos intensiva, manteniendo cifras de c-LDL<100mg/dL y de c-no-HDL<130mg/dL, y esperar 10 años hasta alcanzar la categoría de alto riesgo para iniciar un tratamiento más intensivo. Sin embargo, durante la década de seguimiento preconizada en las guías, el depósito de colesterol en la pared arterial va aumentando, facilitando el desarrollo de una placa de ateroma inestable e inflamatoria, y el desarrollo de ECVA. Alternativamente, se podría considerar desde el inicio que la diabetes conlleva una situación de alto riesgo y el objetivo debería ser c-LDL<70mg/dL. Además, mantener cifras de c-LDL<70mg/dL contribuye a reducir y estabilizar la placa de ateroma, evitando o disminuyendo episodios de mortalidad por ECVA durante esos años de evolución de la diabetes. ¿Deberíamos mantener los objetivos propuestos en los sujetos con diabetes y riesgo moderado durante una década hasta alcanzar la fase de alto riesgo cardiovascular o, por el contrario, adoptar desde el inicio una postura más intensiva buscando reducir el riesgo cardiovascular en la mayoría de los pacientes con diabetes? ¿Es mejor esperar o prevenir con medidas terapéuticas efectivas desde el primer momento? (AU)

Diabetes, especially type 2, is considered a risk situation for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Subjects with diabetes type 2 have a mortality rate due to ASCVD 3 times higher than that found in the general population, attributed to hyperglycemia and the frequent association of other cardiovascular risk factors, such as atherogenic dyslipidemia. Numerous scientific societies have established a risk classification for ASCVD in diabetes based on 3 degrees (moderate, high and very high). The objectives of dyslipidemia control are clearly defined and accepted, and vary depending on the previously established cardiovascular risk. In moderate or intermediate risk, the guidelines propose a less intensive intervention, maintaining LDL-C levels<100mg/dL and NO-HDL-C levels<130mg/dL, and waiting 10 years until reaching the high-risk category to initiate more intensive treatment. However, during the decade of follow-up recommended in the guidelines, cholesterol deposition in the arterial wall increases, facilitating the development of an unstable and inflammatory atheromatous plaque, and the development of ASCVD. Alternatively, diabetes could be considered from the outset to be a high-risk situation and the goal should be LDL-C<70mg/dL. Furthermore, maintaining LDL-C levels<70mg/dL contributes to reducing and stabilizing atheromatous plaque, avoiding or reducing mortality episodes due to ASCVD during those years of diabetes evolution. Should we maintain the proposed objectives in subjects with diabetes and moderate risk for a decade until reaching the high cardiovascular risk phase or, on the contrary, should we adopt a more intensive stance from the beginning seeking to reduce cardiovascular risk in the majority of patients with diabetes? Is it better to wait or prevent with effective therapeutic measures from the first moment? (AU)

Septic acute kidney injury and gut microbiome: Should we change our approach? / Lesión renal aguda secundaria a sepsis y microbioma intestinal: ¿debemos modificar nuestro enfoque?

Incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) remained relatively stable over the last decade and the adjusted risks for it and mortality are similar across different continents and regions. Also, the mortality of septic-AKI can reach 70% in critically-ill patients. These sole facts can give rise to a question: is there something we do not understand yet? Currently, there are no specific therapies for septic AKI and the treatment aims only to maintain the mean arterial pressure over 65mmHg by ensuring a good fluid resuscitation and by using vasopressors, along with antibiotics. On the other hand, there is an increased concern about the different hemodynamic changes in septic AKI versus other forms and the link between the gut microbiome and the severity of septic AKI. Fortunately, progress has been made in the form of administration of pre- and probiotics, short chain fatty acids (SCFA), especially acetate, and also broad-spectrum antibiotics or selective decontaminants of the digestive tract in a successful attempt to modulate the microbial flora and to decrease both the severity of AKI and mortality. In conclusion, septic-AKI is a severe form of kidney injury, with particular hemodynamic changes and with a strong link between the kidney and the gut microbiome. By modulating the immune response we could not only treat but also prevent severe forms. The most difficult part is to categorize patients and to better understand the key mechanisms of inflammation and cellular adaptation to the injury, as these mechanisms can serve in the future as target therapies.(AU)

La incidencia de la lesión renal aguda (LRA) se ha mantenido relativamente estable a lo largo de la última década, con unos riesgos ajustados de padecer y morir a consecuencia de esta enfermedad similares en los distintos continentes y regiones. La mortalidad asociada a la LRA secundaria a sepsis puede llegar a 70% en los pacientes que se encuentran en estado crítico. Estos hechos, por sí mismos, deben llevarnos a plantearnos la siguiente pregunta: ¿se nos escapa algo que aún no comprendemos? Actualmente no se dispone de terapias específicas para la LRA secundaria a sepsis y el tratamiento se centra únicamente en mantener la presión arterial media por encima de los 65mmHg mediante una rehidratación adecuada, vasopresores y antibióticos. Asimismo, cada vez existe mayor interés por las diferentes alteraciones hemodinámicas que se producen en comparación con otras formas de la enfermedad, así como por la relación existente entre el microbioma intestinal y la gravedad. Afortunadamente, se ha avanzado notablemente en la forma en la que se administran los prebióticos y los probióticos, los ácidos grasos de cadena corta (AGCC), especialmente el acetato, los antibióticos de amplio espectro o los detoxificantes selectivos del tracto digestivo, en un intento exitoso de modular la flora microbiana y disminuir tanto la gravedad de la LRA como su mortalidad. En conclusión, la LRA secundaria a sepsis es una forma grave de lesión renal que provoca unos cambios hemodinámicos específicos y en la que se observa una estrecha relación entre la función renal y el microbioma intestinal. La modulación de la respuesta inmunitaria no solo permitiría tratar esta enfermedad, sino también prevenir las formas graves de la misma. La parte más difícil de este enfoque radica en clasificar correctamente a los pacientes y comprender mejor los mecanismos clave de la inflamación y la adaptación celular a la lesión, ya que estos pueden convertirse en futuras dianas terapéuticas.(AU)

Modelo de riesgo de mortalidad a largo plazo en pacientes con infección atendidos por servicios de emergencias prehospitalarios / Long-term risk of death in patients with infection attended by prehospital emergency services

Objetivo: Diseñar y validar un modelo de riesgo con variables determinadas a nivel prehospitalario para predecir el riesgo de mortalidad a largo plazo (1 año) en pacientes con infección. Métodos: Estudio multicéntrico, observacional prospectivo, sin intervención, en pacientes adultos con sospecha infección atendidos por unidades de soporte vital avanzado y trasladados a 4 hospitales españoles entre el 1 de junio de 2020 y el 30 de junio de 2022. Se recogieron variables demográficas, fisiológicas, clínicas y analíticas. Se construyó y validó un modelo de riesgo para la mortalidad a un año usando una regresión de Cox.Resultados: Se incluyeron 410 pacientes, con una tasa de mortalidad acumulada al año del 49%. La tasa de diagnóstico de sepsis (infección e incremento sobre el SOFA basal $ 2 puntos) fue del 29,2% en supervivientes frente a un 56,7% en no supervivientes. El modelo predictivo obtuvo un área bajo la curva de la característica operativa del receptor para la mortalidad a un año fue de 0,89, e incluyó: edad, institucionalización, índice de comorbilidad de Charlson ajustado por edad, presión parcial de dióxido de carbono, potasio, lactato, nitrógeno ureico en sangre, creatinina, saturación en relación con fracción inspirada de oxígeno y diagnóstico de sepsis.Conclusiones: El modelo desarrollado con variables epidemiológicas, analíticas y clínicas mostró una excelente capacidad predictiva, y permitió identificar desde el primer contacto del paciente con el sistema sanitario, a modo de evento centinela, casos de alto riesgo.(AU)

Objectives: To develop and validate a risk model for 1-year mortality based on variables available from earlyprehospital emergency attendance of patients with infection. Methods: Prospective, observational, noninterventional multicenter study in adults with suspected infection transferred to 4 Spanish hospitals by advanced life-support ambulances from June 1, 2020, through June 30, 2022. We collected demographic, physiological, clinical, and analytical data. Cox regression analysis was used to develop and validate a risk model for 1-year mortality. Results: Four hundred ten patients were enrolled (development cohort, 287; validation cohort, 123). Cumulative mortality was 49% overall. Sepsis (infection plus a Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment score of 2 or higher) was diagnosed in 29.2% of survivors vs 56.7% of nonsurvivors. The risk model achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.89 for 1-year mortality. The following predictors were included in the model: age; institutionalization; age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index; PaCO2; potassium, lactate, urea nitrogen, and creatinine levels; fraction of inspired oxygen; and diagnosed sepsis. Conclusions: The model showed excellent ability to predict 1-year mortality based on epidemiological, analytical, andclinical variables, identifying patients at high risk of death soon after their first contact with the health care system.(AU)

Caracterización clínica y factores predictivos de desarrollo de síndrome neurológico tardío en la intoxicación por monóxido de carbono: estudio AMICO / Clinical features and predictors of delayed neurological syndrome in carbon monoxide poisoning: the AMICO study

Objetivos. Identificar factores pronósticos de desarrollo de síndrome neurológico tardío (SNT) después de un episodio inicial de intoxicación por monóxido de carbono (ICO), con el fin detectar precozmente a la población más susceptible y facilitar su acceso a un seguimiento específico. Métodos. Revisión retrospectiva de todos los casos de ICO que acudieron a los servicios de urgencias (SU) de 4 hospitales durante los últimos 10 años. Se analizaron datos demográficos y características clínicas en el momento del episodio. En la cohorte de pacientes con datos de seguimiento disponibles, se evaluó la aparición de SNT y su relación con diferentes variables en la exposición inicial al CO a través de técnicas de análisis multivariante. Resultados. Se identificaron 240 pacientes. La mediana de edad fue de 36,2 años (17,6-49,6). De ellos 108 (45,0%) eran hombres y 223 casos (92,9%) fueron accidentales. El nivel medio de COHb fue del 12,7% (6,2-18,7). En 44 (18,3%) episodios se disponía de datos de un seguimiento específico. En esta cohorte, 11 (25%) pacientes desarrollaron SNT. Una puntuación inicial más baja en la Escala Coma de Glasgow (GCS) (OR: 0,61, IC 95%: 0,41-0,92) fue predictor independiente del desarrollo del SNT, con un ABC en la curva COR de 0,876 (IC 95%: 0,761-0,990, p < 0,001). Conclusiones. Una puntuación inicial baja en la GCS parece ser un predictor clínico de desarrollo de SNT en la ICO. Dada la incidencia de SNT, consideramos fundamental establecer protocolos de seguimiento específico de estos pacientes tras su asistencia inicial en los SU. (AU)

Objectives. To identify predictors for developing delayed neurological syndrome (DNS) after an initial episode of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning in the interest of detecting patients most likely to develop DNS so that they can be followed. Methods. Retrospective review of cases of CO poisoning treated in the past 10 years in the emergency departments of 4 hospitals in the AMICO study (Spanish acronym for the multicenter analysis of CO poisoning). We analyzed demographic characteristics of the patients and the clinical characteristics of the initial episode. The records of the cohort of patients with available follow-up information were reviewed to find cases of DNS. Data were analyzed by multivariant analysis to determine the relationship to characteristics of the initial exposure to CO. Results. A total of 240 cases were identified. The median (interquartile range) age of the patients was 36.2 years (17.6-49.6 years); 108 patients (45.0%) were men, and the poisoning was accidental in 223 cases (92.9%). The median carboxyhemoglobin concentration on presentation was 12.7% (6.2%-18.7%). Follow-up details were available for 44 patients (18.3%). Eleven of those patients (25%) developed DNS. A low initial Glasgow Coma Scale score predicted the development of DNS with an odds ratio (OR) of 0.61 (95% CI, 0.41-0.92) and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.876 (95% CI, 0.761-0.990) (P <.001). Conclusions. The initial Glasgow Coma Scale score seems to be a clinical predictor of DNS after CO poisoning. We consider it important to establish follow-up protocols for patients with CO poisoning treated in hospital EDs. (AU)

Impacto de la pandemia de COVID-19 en las tendencias de mortalidad por enfermedades cardiovasculares en México, 2000-2022 / Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cardiovascular disease mortality trends in Mexico, 2000–2022

Objetivo: Estimar el impacto de la pandemia de COVID-19 en tendencia de la mortalidad por enfermedad cardiovascular (ECV) en México. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio ecológico donde se analizaron las defunciones por ECV reportadas en México bajo la clasificación CIE-10 con los códigos I10 al I99 para el periodo 2000 al 2022. Se calcularon las tasas de mortalidad estandarizadas por edad a nivel nacional y estatal, y posteriormente se estimó la variación porcentual anual mediante el análisis de joinpoint para conocer los cambios en la tendencia de la mortalidad en el periodo estudiado. Resultados: Se presentó un incremento de 27,96 muertes por cada 100.000 habitantes del 2000 al 2022 en México. El análisis joinpoint muestra en el periodo 2019 a 2021 un cambio porcentual anual a nivel nacional de 17.398, y posteriormente se presenta una tendencia negativa entre los años 2021-2022. Los estados como Guanajuato, Tlaxcala y Querétaro mostraron los mayores incrementos en las tendencias de la mortalidad por ECV durante la pandemia por COVID-19. Conclusiones: La tendencia de la mortalidad por ECV en México se incrementó de manera importante durante la pandemia por COVID-19.(AU)

Objective: To estimate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality trends in Mexico. Methods: An ecological study was conducted where deaths from CVD reported in Mexico under the ICD-10 classification with codes I10 to I99 for the period 2000–2022 were analyzed. Age-standardized mortality rates were calculated at the national and state levels, then the annual percentage variation was estimated using joinpoint analysis to know the changes in the mortality trend in the period studied. Results: There was an increase of 27.96 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants from 2000 to 2022 in Mexico. The joinpoint analysis shows in the period 2019–2021 an annual percentage change at the national level of 17,398 and subsequently a negative trend is presented between the years 2021–2022. The states of Guanajuato, Tlaxcala and Querétaro showed the largest increases in CVD mortality trends during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions: The trend in CVD mortality in Mexico increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic.(AU)

Pérdida significativa como factor del alcoholismo / Perda significativa como fator de alcoolism / Significant loss as a factor in alcoholism

La relación de la pérdida significativa de un ser queridoy el alcoholismo ha minimizado las implicaciones sobremecanismos de afrontamientos para generar conductassaludables. Este artículo se basa en entrevistas semiestructuradasa profundidad en hombres de entre 30 y 70 años, conmás de 10 años en Alcohólicos Anónimos del Estado deTamaulipas, México. El objetivo fue reflexionar sobre lossignificados de la pérdida significativa de un ser querido yel alcoholismo. En la búsqueda del significado, se explicaque un factor que lleva al alcoholismo no es una sola pérdidasignificativa de personas queridas, sino un cúmulo tambiende pérdidas materiales y no materiales, se reflejaron recursoslimitados para afrontar las pérdidas, la relación entre lapérdida significativa con el alcoholismo fue mediado pordos principales aspectos, las creencias sobre los efectos queproduce el consumo de alcohol como formas de escapar de larealidad y las influencia de la familia al inicio del consumode alcohol. Por otra parte, la presencia de lo espiritual, laconciencia y las emociones que experimentan durante suproceso de duelo y alcoholismo, los llevó a identificar elproblema de la adicción, que permitió influir en el procesode rehabilitación.(AU)

A relação entre a perda significativa de um ente querido e oalcoolismo tem minimizado as implicações nos mecanismosde enfrentamento para gerar comportamentos saudáveis.Este artigo é baseado em entrevistas semiestruturadas emprofundidade com homens entre 30 e 70 anos, com mais de10 anos em Alcoólicos Anônimos no Estado de Tamaulipas,México. O objetivo foi refletir sobre os significados da perdasignificativa de um ente querido e do alcoolismo. Na buscade sentido, explica-se que um fator que leva ao alcoolismonão é uma única perda significativa de entes queridos, mastambém um acúmulo de perdas materiais e imateriais,recursos limitados foram refletidos para enfrentar as perdas,a relação entre a perda significativa com o alcoolismo foimediada por dois aspectos principais, as crenças sobre osefeitos que o consumo de álcool produz como formas defuga da realidade e a influência da família no início doconsumo de álcool. Por outro lado, a presença do espiritual,da consciência e das emoções que vivenciam durante oprocesso de luto e alcoolismo, levaram-nos a identificar oproblema da dependência, o que lhes permitiu influenciaro processo de reabilitação.(AU)

The relationship between the significant loss of a lovedone and alcoholism has minimized the implications oncoping mechanisms to generate healthy behaviors. Thisarticle is based on in-depth semi-structured interviews withmen between the ages of 30 and 70, with more than 10years in Alcoholics Anonymous in the State of Tamaulipas,Mexico. The objective was to reflect on the meanings of the significant loss of a loved one and alcoholism. In thesearch for meaning, it is explained that a factor that leadsto alcoholism is not a single significant loss of loved ones,but also an accumulation of material and non-materiallosses, limited resources were reflected to face the losses,the relationship between the loss significant with alcoholismwas mediated by two main aspects, beliefs about the effectsthat alcohol consumption produces as ways of escapingfrom reality and the influence of the family at the beginningof alcohol consumption. On the other hand, the presenceof the spiritual, the conscience and the emotions that theyexperience during their mourning process and alcoholism,led them to identify the problem of addiction, which allowedthem to influence the rehabilitation process.(AU)

Prevención de infecciones asociadas a cuidados de la salud en pacientes quemados / Prevention of healthcare-associated Infections in burn patients

Las infecciones asociadas a cuidados de la salud (IACS) son una de las complicaciones más importantes que presentan los pacientes gran quemados. Aumentan su morbimortalidad, la duración de su estadía, el consumo de antimicrobianos y los costos hospitalarios. Las tasas reportadas de IACS son muy variables entre los distintos países y centros de atención.El ánimo de esta publicación es brindar el material necesa-rio y actualizado de las medidas de control de infecciones que se deben implementar en la atención de los quemados ya que no es fácil disponer de información sobre este tema.En la presente revisión se analizaron estudios de distin-tas poblaciones, adultos y niños, con diferentes tipos que-maduras y diversos lugares de atención. Se utilizó como material de referencia las recomendaciones vigentes de la Sociedad Internacional de injurias por Quemaduras (ISBI, por su sigla inglés) y se adicionaron publicaciones y expe-riencias de grupos de trabajo local e internacional referen-tes en el tema.Se describen cinco tipos de medidas de control y preven-ción de IACS: medidas generales, medidas de higiene am-biental, prevención de la infección de los lechos de las que-maduras, profilaxis antibiótica y medidas de prevención de neumonía, infecciones asociadas a catéteres vasculares y vesicales en quemados. Es esencial implementar un enfoque proactivo y multidisci-plinario del control de infecciones en la atención de estos pacientes, generando recomendaciones adaptadas a la realidad de cada centro de salud, destinadas a disminuir las transmisión cruzada de microorganismos, utilizar los antimicrobianos tópicos y sistémicos en forma adecuada, disminuir la multirresistencia, reducir las IACS y su mor-talidad

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are one of the most important complications of severe burn patients. They increase their morbidity and mortality, length of stay, antimicrobial consumption, and hospital costs. Re-ported rates of IACS vary widely across countries and care settings.The purpose of this publication is to provide the nec-essary and up-to-date material on the infection control measures that should be implemented in the care of burn patients, since it is not easy to have information on this subject.In this review, we analysed studies of different popula-tions, adults and children, with different types of burns and different places of care. The current recommenda-tions of the International Society of Burn Injuries (ISBI) were used as reference material, and publications and experiences of local and international working groups on the subject were added. Five types of IACS control and prevention measures are described: General mea-sures, Environmental hygiene measures, Prevention of infection of burn injuries, Antibiotic prophylaxis and pre-vention measures for pneumonia, infections associated with vascular and bladder catheters in burn patients.Conclusion: It is essential to implement a proactive and multidisciplinary approach to infection control in the care of these patients, generating recommendations adapted to the reality of each health center, aimed at reducing cross-transmission of microorganisms, using typical and systemic antimicrobials appropriately, reduc-ing multiresistance, reducing HAIs and their mortality

Leptospirosis: predictores de mala evolución clínica en pacientes hospitalizados, 25 años de experiencia / Leptospirosis: predictors of poor outcomes in hospitalized patients, 25 years of experience

Introducción: La leptospirosis es una zoonosis que cons-tituye un problema emergente de salud pública. La insufi-ciencia renal, plaquetopenia y compromiso respiratorio se describen como predictores de mortalidad.Objetivos: Describir características clínicas, radiológicas y de laboratorio de individuos hospitalizados por leptos-pirosis y evaluar los predictores de mala evolución clínica (MEC).Materiales y métodos: Estudio de cohorte de inclusión ambispectiva de pacientes con leptospirosis internados en un hospital de la ciudad de Santa Fe entre 1997 y 2022. Se definió MEC como la admisión a Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI), requerimiento de asistencia respiratoria mecánica (ARM) y/o muerte. Se utilizaron las pruebas de Chi2, test T de Student o la U de Mann-Whitney, según co-rrespondiera. Se construyó una regresión logística binaria con las variables con p<0,05.Resultados: 101 pacientes, 87,1% (n=88) hombres, media-na de edad de 29 (RIC 20-44) años. La fiebre fue el síntoma más frecuente [83,2% (n=84)], seguido del compromiso di-gestivo [62,4% (n=63)]. Las alteraciones de laboratorio más frecuentes fueron: eritrosedimentación elevada [91,9% (n=79)] y leucocitosis [61% (n=61)]. Se observó MEC en el 25,7% (n=26). El 25,7% (n=26) fue admitido en UCI, el 13,9% (n=14) requirió ARM y el 5% (n=5) falleció. La presencia de plaquetopenia (OR=13,3, IC95% 2-80), las alteraciones en la radiografía de tórax (OR=33,5, IC95% 5-225) y la ausencia de cefalea (OR=6,8, IC95% 1-32) fueron predictores inde-pendientes de MEC.Conclusiones: En concordancia con la bibliografía, la afec-tación pulmonar y plaquetopenia son factores de riesgo para la mala evolución clínica. En nuestra serie, la cefalea constituyó un síntoma protector

Introduction: Leptospirosis is an emerging zoonotic di-sease that poses a public health problem. Renal failu-re, thrombocytopenia, and respiratory involvement have been described as predictors of mortality.Objectives: To describe the clinical, radiological, and la-boratory characteristics of hospitalized individuals with leptospirosis and evaluate predictors of poor clinical outcomes (PCO).Materials and methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted including patients with leptospirosis admit-ted to a hospital in the city of Santa Fe between 1997 and 2022. PCO was defined as admission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), requirement for mechanical respiratory assistance (MRA), and/or death. The chi-square test, Student>s t-test, or Mann-Whitney U test were used as appropriate. A binary logistic regression was performed with variables having p<0.05.Results: Out of the 101 patients included, 87.1% (n=88) were male, with a median age of 29 (IQR 20-44) years. Fever was the most common symptom [83.2% (n=84)], followed by digestive involvement [62.4% (n=63)]. The most frequent laboratory abnormalities were elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate [91.9% (n=79)] and leuko-cytosis [61% (n=61)]. PCO was observed in 25.7% (n=26) of patients, with 25.7% (n=26) admitted to the ICU, 13.9% (n=14) requiring MRA, and 5% (n=5) resulting in death. The presence of thrombocytopenia (OR=13.3, 95% CI 2-80), abnormalities in chest X-rays (OR=33.5, 95% CI 5-225), and absence of headache (OR=6.8, 95% CI 1-32) were predictors of PCO. Conclusions: Consistent with the literature, pulmonary involvement and thrombocytopenia are independent risk factors for poor clinical outcomes. In our series, the pre-sence of headache was a protective symptom

Serum klotho levels and mortality patterns in frail individuals: unraveling the u-shaped association.

BACKGROUND: Frailty, a clinical syndrome intricately linked with the aging process, stands as a harbinger of numerous adverse outcomes, most notably mortality. This study aimed to elucidate the association between serum α-klotho concentration and mortality patterns, including all-cause and cause-specific mortality, in patients with frailty. METHODS: The study employed Cox proportional hazard models, smoothed curve fitting, and supplementary analyses, encompassing threshold effect analysis, subgroup and sensitivity analyses, to explore the relationship between α-klotho levels and mortality, including all-cause, CVD, and cancer-related mortality. RESULTS: Among the 2,608 frail individuals (mean age: 60.78 [SD 10.48] years; 59.89% female), the mortality stood at 25.35% during a median follow-up period of 6.95 years. Both unadjusted and adjusted models revealed a significant inverse association between higher serum α-klotho levels and the risk of all-cause and CVD-related mortality ([mean(95% CI) 0.68 (0.55, 0.83)] for all-cause mortality; [mean(95% CI) 0.48 (0.32, 0.74)] for CVD-related mortality, all P for trend < 0.001). Notably, log2-klotho displayed a U-shaped correlation with all-cause mortality and cancer mortality, characterized by thresholds of 9.48 and 9.55, respectively. The robustness of these findings was consistently supported by subgroup and sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSION: This study unveils a U shaped association between serum α-klotho levels and both all-cause and cancer-related mortality among middle-aged and elderly individuals with frailty in the United States. The identified serum α-klotho thresholds, at 714.8 pg/ml for all-cause mortality and 750.6 pg/ml for cancer-related mortality, hold promise as potential targets for interventions aimed at mitigating the risks of premature death and cancer within this vulnerable population.

Beta-Blockers after Myocardial Infarction and Preserved Ejection Fraction.

BACKGROUND: Most trials that have shown a benefit of beta-blocker treatment after myocardial infarction included patients with large myocardial infarctions and were conducted in an era before modern biomarker-based diagnosis of myocardial infarction and treatment with percutaneous coronary intervention, antithrombotic agents, high-intensity statins, and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system antagonists. METHODS: In a parallel-group, open-label trial performed at 45 centers in Sweden, Estonia, and New Zealand, we randomly assigned patients with an acute myocardial infarction who had undergone coronary angiography and had a left ventricular ejection fraction of at least 50% to receive either long-term treatment with a beta-blocker (metoprolol or bisoprolol) or no beta-blocker treatment. The primary end point was a composite of death from any cause or new myocardial infarction. RESULTS: From September 2017 through May 2023, a total of 5020 patients were enrolled (95.4% of whom were from Sweden). The median follow-up was 3.5 years (interquartile range, 2.2 to 4.7). A primary end-point event occurred in 199 of 2508 patients (7.9%) in the beta-blocker group and in 208 of 2512 patients (8.3%) in the no-beta-blocker group (hazard ratio, 0.96; 95% confidence interval, 0.79 to 1.16; P = 0.64). Beta-blocker treatment did not appear to lead to a lower cumulative incidence of the secondary end points (death from any cause, 3.9% in the beta-blocker group and 4.1% in the no-beta-blocker group; death from cardiovascular causes, 1.5% and 1.3%, respectively; myocardial infarction, 4.5% and 4.7%; hospitalization for atrial fibrillation, 1.1% and 1.4%; and hospitalization for heart failure, 0.8% and 0.9%). With regard to safety end points, hospitalization for bradycardia, second- or third-degree atrioventricular block, hypotension, syncope, or implantation of a pacemaker occurred in 3.4% of the patients in the beta-blocker group and in 3.2% of those in the no-beta-blocker group; hospitalization for asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in 0.6% and 0.6%, respectively; and hospitalization for stroke in 1.4% and 1.8%. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with acute myocardial infarction who underwent early coronary angiography and had a preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (≥50%), long-term beta-blocker treatment did not lead to a lower risk of the composite primary end point of death from any cause or new myocardial infarction than no beta-blocker use. (Funded by the Swedish Research Council and others; REDUCE-AMI ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03278509.).

Microaxial Flow Pump or Standard Care in Infarct-Related Cardiogenic Shock.

BACKGROUND: The effects of temporary mechanical circulatory support with a microaxial flow pump on mortality among patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) complicated by cardiogenic shock remains unclear. METHODS: In an international, multicenter, randomized trial, we assigned patients with STEMI and cardiogenic shock to receive a microaxial flow pump (Impella CP) plus standard care or standard care alone. The primary end point was death from any cause at 180 days. A composite safety end point was severe bleeding, limb ischemia, hemolysis, device failure, or worsening aortic regurgitation. RESULTS: A total of 360 patients underwent randomization, of whom 355 were included in the final analysis (179 in the microaxial-flow-pump group and 176 in the standard-care group). The median age of the patients was 67 years, and 79.2% were men. Death from any cause occurred in 82 of 179 patients (45.8%) in the microaxial-flow-pump group and in 103 of 176 patients (58.5%) in the standard-care group (hazard ratio, 0.74; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.55 to 0.99; P = 0.04). A composite safety end-point event occurred in 43 patients (24.0%) in the microaxial-flow-pump group and in 11 (6.2%) in the standard-care group (relative risk, 4.74; 95% CI, 2.36 to 9.55). Renal-replacement therapy was administered to 75 patients (41.9%) in the microaxial-flow-pump group and to 47 patients (26.7%) in the standard-care group (relative risk, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.27 to 3.09). CONCLUSIONS: The routine use of a microaxial flow pump with standard care in the treatment of patients with STEMI-related cardiogenic shock led to a lower risk of death from any cause at 180 days than standard care alone. The incidence of a composite of adverse events was higher with the use of the microaxial flow pump. (Funded by the Danish Heart Foundation and Abiomed; DanGer Shock ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01633502.).

Overall Survival with Adjuvant Pembrolizumab in Renal-Cell Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Adjuvant pembrolizumab therapy after surgery for renal-cell carcinoma was approved on the basis of a significant improvement in disease-free survival in the KEYNOTE-564 trial. Whether the results regarding overall survival from the third prespecified interim analysis of the trial would also favor pembrolizumab was uncertain. METHODS: In this phase 3, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, we randomly assigned (in a 1:1 ratio) participants with clear-cell renal-cell carcinoma who had an increased risk of recurrence after surgery to receive pembrolizumab (at a dose of 200 mg) or placebo every 3 weeks for up to 17 cycles (approximately 1 year) or until recurrence, the occurrence of unacceptable toxic effects, or withdrawal of consent. A significant improvement in disease-free survival according to investigator assessment (the primary end point) was shown previously. Overall survival was the key secondary end point. Safety was a secondary end point. RESULTS: A total of 496 participants were assigned to receive pembrolizumab and 498 to receive placebo. As of September 15, 2023, the median follow-up was 57.2 months. The disease-free survival benefit was consistent with that in previous analyses (hazard ratio for recurrence or death, 0.72; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.59 to 0.87). A significant improvement in overall survival was observed with pembrolizumab as compared with placebo (hazard ratio for death, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.44 to 0.87; P = 0.005). The estimated overall survival at 48 months was 91.2% in the pembrolizumab group, as compared with 86.0% in the placebo group; the benefit was consistent across key subgroups. Pembrolizumab was associated with a higher incidence of serious adverse events of any cause (20.7%, vs. 11.5% with placebo) and of grade 3 or 4 adverse events related to pembrolizumab or placebo (18.6% vs. 1.2%). No deaths were attributed to pembrolizumab therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Adjuvant pembrolizumab was associated with a significant and clinically meaningful improvement in overall survival, as compared with placebo, among participants with clear-cell renal-cell carcinoma at increased risk for recurrence after surgery. (Funded by Merck Sharp and Dohme, a subsidiary of Merck; KEYNOTE-564 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03142334.).