Bezoar. A propósito de un caso / Bezoar. A case report

Introducción: la obstrucción del intestino delgado (SBO) es una presentación común en cualquier unidad de cirugía general. Sin embargo, su diagnóstico y manejo preoperatorio a menudo pueden ser difíciles debido a sus múltiples causas. La obstrucción intestinal pequeña secundaria a la impactación de bezoar es considerablemente infrecuente, con una frecuencia reportada de aproximadamente 0.4% a 4%. La incidencia de bezoar como causa de obstrucción intestinal es baja. El método complementario con la mayor sensibilidad y especificidad continúa siendo CT del abdomen y la pelvis con contraste oral e intravenoso. El tratamiento debe ser quirúrgico. Modificar la dieta junto con el manejo de los trastornos es la mejor forma de prevención.

Introduction: Small Bowel Obstruction (SBO) is a common presentation in any general surgery unit. However, its diagnosis and preoperative management can often be difficult due to its multiple causes. Small bowel obstruction secondary to bezoar impaction is considerably uncommon, with a reported frequency of about 0.4% to 4%. The incidence of bezoar as a cause of intestinal obstruction is low. The complementary method with the highest sensitivity and specificity continues to be CT of the abdomen and pelvis with oral and intravenous contrast. Treatment must be surgical. Modifying the diet along with managing the disorders is the best form of prevention

Guías, recomendaciones y consensos en apnea obstructiva del sueño / Guidelines, Recommendations and Consensus on Obstructive Sleep Apnea

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[Usefulness of the Difficult Cholecystectomy Score according to laparoscopic conversion]. / Utilidad del Score de la Colecistectomía Dificultosa según conversión laparoscópica.

Introduction: Biliary lithiasis (LB) is a very frequent problem in the daily consultation of a general surgeon, so currently, 10 to 15% of the adult population in the experienced countries has LB. Methodology: A descriptive, observational and cross-sectional study was carried out with patients sometimes having a laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a period between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2018. The main objective of this study is to determine the differences in the risk scoring means of difficult cholecystectomy according to the conversion to open surgery in patients diagnosed with symptomatic biliary lithiasis. Results: Through the registered data, it can be said that being a man, with a leukocyte count> 12,000 mm3, with a BMI> 30, the presence of choledocholithiasis and a greater gallbladder cut with 3 mm are factors that increase the risk of conversion to open surgery in this series of patients. It is feasible and safe to use this score to determine the patients with the highest risk of conversion since all the independent factors identified are not modifiable. Conclusion: In short, being a man, with a leukocyte count> 10,000 mm3, with a BMI> 30, the presence of choledocholithiasis and a gallbladder wall greater than 3 mm are factors that increase the risk of conversion to open surgery in a series of patients undergoing video laparoscopy. in a university hospital and it is feasible and safe to use this score to identify those patients with the highest risk of conversion.

Introducción: La litiasis biliar (LB) es un problema muy frecuente en la consulta diaria de un cirujano general, por lo que actualmente, del 10 al 15% de la población adulta en los países desarrollados presenta LB. Metodología: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, observacional y transversal con los pacientes sometidos a colecistectomía laparoscópica en un período comprendido entre el 1 de enero del 2018 y el 31 de diciembre del 2018. El objetivo principal de este estudio es determinar diferencias de media del score de riesgo de colecistectomía dificultosa según conversión a cirugía abierta en pacientes con diagnóstico de litiasis biliar sintomática. Resultados: A través de los datos registrados se puede decir que ser hombre, con recuento de leucocitos >12.000 mm3, con IMC >30, presencia de coledocolitiasis y pared vesicular mayor a 3 mm son factores que incrementan el riesgo de conversión a cirugía abierta en esta serie de pacientes. Es factible y seguro utilizar este score para determinar aquellos pacientes con mayor riesgo de conversión dado que todos los factores independientes identificados no son modificables. Conclusión: En definitiva, ser hombre, con recuento de leucocitos >10.000 mm3, con IMC >30, presencia de coledocolitiasis y pared vesicular mayor a 3 mm son factores que incrementan el riesgo de conversión a cirugía abierta en una serie de pacientes sometidos a video laparoscopía en un Hospital universitario y es factible y seguro utilizar este score para identificar esos pacientes con mayor riesgo de conversión.

Experiencia en Tumores Neuroendocrinos del Tracto Gastrointestinal / Experience in Neuroendocrine Tumors of the Gastrointestinal Tract

Antecedentes: Los TNE-GEP son raros y se originan en el sistema endocrino localizado en el tubo gastrointestinal (carcinoides) y en el páncreas (tumores insulares) con una gran variedad de presentaciones clínicas. Diseño: Cooperativo, Retrospectivo y protocolizado Material y Métodos: Entre enero del 2005 y diciembre del 2018, un trabajo cooperativo, con el Servicio de Guardia Central del HNC, Servicio de Cirugía General "Pablo Luis Mirizzi" del HNC y Clínica Privada Caraffa, se intervinieron quirúrgicamente 24 pacientes con TNEGEP. Del total, 14 pertenecían al sexo femenino (58.3 %) y los 10 restantes al masculino (41.6 %), con un rango etario entre 20 y 82 años de edad con un promedio de 55.3 años. Resultados: La localizaciones fueron 4 de estómago (16.6 %), 14 en intestino (58.3 %) y finalmente 6 en la cabeza del páncreas (25 %). En relación al estómago en los 4 pacientes se llevó a cabo una gastrectomía total y la anatomía patológica en tres demostró carcinoma neuroendocrino de bajo grado y el cuarto de alto grado, falleciendo esta última. Las lesiones de intestino 5 de apéndice menores de 1 cm. La anatomía patológica fue apendicitis aguda más, un Carcinoma neuroendocrino de bajo grado. En región ileocecal, en cuatro se realizó hemicolectomía derecha. En tres eran carcinoma de bajo grado que viven y cuarto de alto grado con mtts hepáticas que falleció. En tres de íleon todos fueron oclusivos, llevándose a cabo resecciones intestinales, en dos carcinomas de bajo grado y ultimo de moderado grado con metástasis (mtts) hepáticas que vive. Los tumores de colon fueron, uno ascendente con mtts hepáticas y se realizó colectomía derecha más resecciones hepáticas, siendo la anatomía patológica un carcinoma de alto grado y otro un colon descendente de bajo grado. Las 6 lesiones de páncreas, 3 fueron no funcionantes y otras tres funcionantes. A todos se les practico DPC. Conclusiones: Los TNE-GEP son una patología rara cuya frecuencia es de aparición constante. Con la mejora de los métodos de imágenes, nos encontramos ante un aumento de la presunción preoperatoria y ante sus mejores posibilidades oncológicas, una patología que todo cirujano debe conocer y pensar.

Background: Neuroendocrine tumors (NET) of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT)- are rare and are originated in the endocrine system located in the gastrointestinal tract (carcinoids) and in the pancreas (islet cell tumors) with a variety of clinical presentations. Design: Cooperative, retrospective. Method: Between January 2005 and December 2018, a cooperative work in the Central Guard Service of the HNC, General Surgery Service "Pablo Luis Mirizzi" of the HNC and Caraffa Private Clinic, 24 patients with NET-GIT underwent surgical treatment. Of the total, 14 were females (58.3%) and the remaining 10 (41.6%) were men aged 20 to 82 years, with an average of 55.3 years. Results: The locations were 4 in the stomach (16.6%), 14 in the intestine (58.3%) and finally, 6 in the head of the pancreas (25%). In relation to the stomach, in 4 patients total gastrectomies were performed, and the pathological anatomy in three demonstrated a low-grade of neuroendocrine carcinoma and in the fourth a high degree; the latter. 5 patients died with a clinical presentation of acute appendicitis. The pathological anatomy was further acute appendicitis, a low-grade of neuroendocrine carcinoma.In the ileum-cecal region,and four of it underwent a right colectomy. In three there was a low-grade living and fourth high-grade carcinoma with liver mtts who died. In three of the ileum all were occlusive, carrying out intestinal resections, in two low- and last-grade moderate-grade carcinomas with living liver metastasis (mtts).. The colonic tumors were, one ascending with hepatic mtts and right colectomy more liver resections, with pathological anatomy being a high-grade carcinoma and another a low-grade in the descending colon. From the 6 pancreatic lesions, 3 were non-functioning and three functioning. All patients were operated of CPD. Conclusion: NET-GIT is a rare pathology but whose frequency is in constantly rise With improved imaging methods, we are faced with an increase in preoperative presumption and in the face of its best oncological possibilities, a pathology that every surgeon must know and think about.

Nuestra experiencia y conducta terapéutica en la hernia inguinal complicada / Experiencia and therapeutic anagement with complicated inguinal hernia

Antecedentes: La hernia inguinal ó crural no tratada se complica frecuentemente con la incarceración o el estrangulamiento de la misma. Lugar de Aplicación: Servicio de Guardia Central. Hospital Nacional de Clínicas. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Diseño: Estudio Prospectivo y protocolizado. Material y método: Entre enero de 2000 y diciembre de 2015 fueron intervenidos quirúrgicamente 118 pacientes con diagnóstico de hernia inguinal atascada. 90 correspondían al sexo masculino y 28 al sexo femenino, con un promedio de edad de 59 años. En relación a los síntomas el total de los pacientes presentaban dolor inguinocrural, acompañado de una tumoración irreductible. Fueron intervenidos bajo anestesia raquídea 72 casos, 28 generales, 11 peridural y 1 con anestesia local asistida. Resultados: En 96 pacientes se llevo a cabo la técnica de Bassini modificada, en los otros 22 casos la técnica de Mc Vay. En 38 oportunidades se realizó la resección de epiplón por estar comprometido, en 88 se complemento con una incisión relajadora tipo Tanner y en 5 pacientes se dejaron drenajes. En el control a los 7 días, se observo que 15 pacientes habían tenido seromas, en 3 casos presentaban dolor postoperatorio, 1 paciente tuvo un absceso y 19 presento un hematoma. En un control los 5 años que demostró que 3 pacientes presentaban dolor neuritíco y 8 habían recidivada su hernia. Conclusiones: La técnica de Bassini modificada en el tratamiento de las hernias inguinales atascadas es una opción valida y segura, obteniendo buenos resultados inmediatos y con una baja recidiva a largo plazo

Background: The non-operative treatment of both the inguinal and crural hernias can frequently be complicated by incarceration or strangulation of the hernia. Study ground: Emergency department, Clinical National Hospital, National University of Córdoba. Argentina. Design: Prospective and protocolized study. Material and Method: Between January 2000 through December 2015, 118 patients underwent operative procedures with diagnosis of obstruded inguinal hernia. There were 90 males and 28 females with an average age of 59 years. All of them had inguinal-crural pain and irreductible hernia. 72 cases were operated upon, with rachideal anesthesia, 28 with general anesthesia, 11 with peridural, and in 1 case, with local anesthesia. Results: 96 patients were operated with the Bassini´s modificated technique, 22 cases with the Mc Vay´s technique, and in 38 cases with the resection of the omentum. 88 patients received a Tanner´s incision and 5 cases needed a drainage. At the seventh day of control, 15 patients had seromas, 3 suffered postoperative pain, in one case an abscess was developed, and hematomas were observed in 19 cases. At the 5th year control, 3 patients had neuritic pain and 8 patients presented recurrent hernias . Discussion: Bassini´s modificated technique is a valid option for obstructed inguinal hernia with excellent close results and at long term, with a low recurrence rate.

Nuestra experiencia con el Síndrome de Oclusión Intestinal Estudio prospectivo y protocolizado / AUTHOR´S EXPERIENCE WITH BOWEL OBSTRUCTION

Antecedentes: El síndrome de Oclusión Intestinal representa entre un 20% a 30% de los cuadros de Abdomen Agudo. Objetivos: Relacionar edad, sexo, riesgo ASA, altura de la oclusión, retardo en el tratamiento quirúrgico con mortalidad, complicaciones médicas y quirúrgicas. Lugar de realización: Servicio de Guardia Central. H.N.C. UNC. Diseño: Estudio prospectivo y protocolizado. Material y Métodos: Entre enero del 2004 y enero del 2015, se operaron 129 pacientes con un cuadro de oclusión intestinal. Del total 75 de ellos fueron hombres y 54 mujeres; el promedio de edad correspondió a 54,38 años.Riesgo Quirúrgico: el 42,63% un riesgo ASA III, el 34,10% un riesgo ASA II, el 13,17% un riesgo ASA IV y el 10,07% presentaron un riesgo ASA I. Los síntomas más frecuentes fueron dolor abdominal y distensión abdominal y los signos de distensión abdominal y timpanismo abdominal. Resultados: En las Oclusiones altas las Bridas fueron la causa más frecuente y en Oclusiones bajas el Cáncer de sigmoides. La mortalidad global fue de 12,40%. Con respecto a las Complicaciones médicas post-quirúrgicas, 32 pacientes en total las presentaron, la más frecuente fue la Insuficiencia Renal Aguda con 15 casos. Con respecto a las complicaciones del acto quirúrgico 28 pacientes en total las presentaron, las más frecuentes fueron las infecciones de la herida quirúrgica con 9 casos. Conclusiones: El riesgo A.S.A. elevado mostró ser uno de los factores predictivos más importantes con respecto al incremento de la mortalidad en cuadros oclusivos de urgencia, junto con la edad y el retraso de la indicación quirúrgica.

Background: bowel obstruction syndrome represents 20 to 30 % of all abdominal consults. Objectives: to relate age, gender, ASA risk, large or small intestinal obstruction, opportunity for the surgical treatment, clinical and surgical complications. Establishment: Central Guard Service, Clinical National Hospital, School of Medical Sciences. Design: protocolized and prospective study. Method and materials: between January 2004 through January 2015, 129 patients with acute bowel obstruction were operated upon. Of these, 75 were males and 54 females. Middle age was 54.38 years. Surgical risk: 42.63 had ASA risk III, 34.10 % had ASA risk II,11.53 % had ASA risk I, and 9.61 % had ASA risk IV. The most common symptom was abdominal pain, with abdominal distention, and the most common signs were distention and abdominal tympanism. Results: the most common cause of small bowel obstruction was constricting bands, and for large bowel obstruction it was sigmoid cancer. The global mortality rate was 12.40 % . Post surgical complications: 15 patients had acute renal failure and 9 had wound surgical infections. Conclusions: the most important factors that increase mortality of acute bowel obstructions are: elevated ASA risk, age and surgical treatment retardation.

Upper airway and systemic inflammation in obstructive sleep apnoea.

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is associated with pharyngeal inflammation, but the coexistence of systemic inflammation is controversial. This study investigated whether local and systemic inflammatory biomarkers are related in patients with OSA. An uncontrolled extension to the study assessed the response to effective treatment.We recruited 89 patients with OSA (apnoea/hypopnoea index (AHI) ≥5 events·h-1), 28 snorers and 26 healthy controls. Pharyngeal lavage (PHAL) and plasma samples were collected at baseline and after a 1-year follow-up. Inflammatory cells were evaluated by flow cytometry; interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8 and tumour necrosis factor-α were evaluated by immunoassay.In PHAL, CD4+ T-cells, IL-6 and IL-8 were higher in OSA patients than in snorers or healthy controls (p<0.05). The AHI correlated with CD4+, IL-6 and IL-8 in PHAL (all p-values <0.05). There were no differences in the inflammatory biomarkers in plasma between the study groups and no relationship between plasma and PHAL biomarkers. Biomarkers decreased significantly in PHAL but not in plasma after 1 year of therapy with continuous positive airway pressure or surgery.In patients with OSA, increased levels of inflammatory biomarkers were found in PHAL, which were reduced with effective treatment. No simultaneous increase in plasma inflammatory biomarkers was found.

Non-invasive ventilation in obesity hypoventilation syndrome without severe obstructive sleep apnoea.

BACKGROUND: Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) is an effective form of treatment in patients with obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) who have concomitant severe obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). However, there is a paucity of evidence on the efficacy of NIV in patients with OHS without severe OSA. We performed a multicentre randomised clinical trial to determine the comparative efficacy of NIV versus lifestyle modification (control group) using daytime arterial carbon dioxide tension (PaCO2) as the main outcome measure. METHODS: Between May 2009 and December 2014 we sequentially screened patients with OHS without severe OSA. Participants were randomised to NIV versus lifestyle modification and were followed for 2 months. Arterial blood gas parameters, clinical symptoms, health-related quality of life assessments, polysomnography, spirometry, 6-min walk distance test, blood pressure measurements and healthcare resource utilisation were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using intention-to-treat analysis. RESULTS: A total of 365 patients were screened of whom 58 were excluded. Severe OSA was present in 221 and the remaining 86 patients without severe OSA were randomised. NIV led to a significantly larger improvement in PaCO2 of -6 (95% CI -7.7 to -4.2) mm Hg versus -2.8 (95% CI -4.3 to -1.3) mm Hg, (p<0.001) and serum bicarbonate of -3.4 (95% CI -4.5 to -2.3) versus -1 (95% CI -1.7 to -0.2 95% CI)  mmol/L (p<0.001). PaCO2 change adjusted for NIV compliance did not further improve the inter-group statistical significance. Sleepiness, some health-related quality of life assessments and polysomnographic parameters improved significantly more with NIV than with lifestyle modification. Additionally, there was a tendency towards lower healthcare resource utilisation in the NIV group. CONCLUSIONS: NIV is more effective than lifestyle modification in improving daytime PaCO2, sleepiness and polysomnographic parameters. Long-term prospective studies are necessary to determine whether NIV reduces healthcare resource utilisation, cardiovascular events and mortality. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT01405976; results.

Simplificando las guías: los 10 mandamientos de la EPOC / Simplifying the guidelines: The 10 COPD commandments

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Epigenetics modifications and Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea: The EPIOSA study.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with increased risk for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Epidemiological and animal models studies generate hypotheses for innovative strategies in OSA management by interfering intermediates mechanisms associated with cardiovascular complications. We have thus initiated the Epigenetics modification in Obstructive Sleep Apnea (EPIOSA) study (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02131610). METHODS/DESIGN: EPIOSA is a prospective cohort study aiming to recruit 350 participants of caucasian ethnicity and free of other chronic or inflammatory diseases: 300 patients with prevalent OSA and 50 non-OSA subjects. All of them will be follow-up for at least 5 years. Recruitment and study visits are performed in single University-based sleep clinic using standard operating procedures. At baseline and at each one year follow-up examination, patients are subjected to a core phenotyping protocol. This includes a standardized questionnaire and physical examination to determine incident comorbidities and health resources utilization, with a primary focus on cardiovascular events. Confirmatory outcomes information is requested from patient records and the regional Department of Health Services. Every year, OSA status will be assessed by full sleep study and blood samples will be obtained for immediate standard biochemistry, hematology, inflammatory cytokines and cytometry analysis. For biobanking, aliquots of serum, plasma, urine, mRNA and DNA are also obtained. Bilateral carotid echography will be performed to assess subclinical atherosclerosis and atherosclerosis progression. OSA patients are treated according with national guidelines. DISCUSSION: EPIOSA will enable the prospective evaluation of inflammatory and epigenetics mechanism involved in cardiovascular complication of treated and non-treated patients with OSA compared with non OSA subjects.

Prognostic evaluation of COPD patients: GOLD 2011 versus BODE and the COPD comorbidity index COTE.

BACKGROUND: The Global Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) 2011 revision recommends the multidimensional assessment of COPD including comorbidities and has developed a disease categories system (ABCD) attempting to implement this strategy. The added value provided by quantifying comorbidities and integrating them to multidimensional indices has not been explored. OBJECTIVE: Compare the prognostic value of the GOLD ABCD categories versus the BMI, Obstruction, Dyspnea, Exercise (BODE) index, and explore the added prognostic value of comorbidities evaluation to this multidimensional assessment. METHODS: From the patients who have been enrolled in the BODE study, we selected the most recent ones who had the available information needed to classify them by the ABCD GOLD categories. Cox proportional hazards ratios for all-cause mortality were performed for GOLD categories and BODE index. The added value of the comorbidity Copd cO-morbidity TEst (COTE) index was also explored using receiver operating curves (ROC) values. RESULTS: 707 patients were followed for 50±30 months including all degrees of airway limitation and BODE index severity. ABCD GOLD predicted global mortality (HR: 1.47; 95% CI 1.28 to 1.70) as did the BODE index (HR: 2.02; 95% CI 1.76 to 2.31). Area under the curve (AUC) of ROC for ABCD GOLD was 0.68; (95% CI 0.64 to 0.73) while for the BODE index was 0.71 (95% CI 0.67 to 0.76). The C statistics value was significantly higher for the observed difference. Adding the COTE index to the BODE index improved its AUC to 0.81 (95% CI 0.77 to 0.85), (χ(2)=40.28, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In this population of COPD patients, the BODE index had a better survival prediction than the ABCD GOLD categories. Adding the COTE to the BODE index was complimentary and significantly improved outcome prediction.

Airflow reversibility and long-term outcomes in patients with COPD without comorbidities.

BACKGROUND: The forced expiratory volume at first second (FEV(1)) during spirometry reflects the severity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and is known to be an important prognostic factor. It is uncertain whether the response to short-acting bronchodilators may predict long-term outcomes such as hospitalizations and mortality. METHODS: We retrospectively studied a total of 1203 consecutive COPD patients without significant comorbidities during a mean (±SD) of 69 ± 39 months of follow-up. At baseline the subjects were classified as those with positive or negative bronchodilator test (BDT) and also in quartiles of absolute bronchodilator response to 400 µg of salbutamol. Hospital visits and mortality were the end points. RESULTS: A positive bronchodilator test was observed in 332 (27.6%) of the patients. There were 73 (21.9%) deaths in patients with a positive BDT versus 253 (28.7%) in those with a negative BDT (p = 0.04). In adjusted Cox regression analysis a positive BDT was significantly associated with a prolonged time to first hospitalization. After stratifying the population by quartiles of response to BDT, a dose-response relationship was observed with the best outcomes in the quartile with highest level of airflow reversibility, even after controlling for age, sex, BMI, smoking status and baseline postbronchodilator FEV(1). CONCLUSIONS: In a large population of well characterized COPD patients without significant comorbidities, those demonstrating higher levels of reversibility at baseline presented better long-term outcomes even after controlling for other known prognostic factors.

Exploring the impact of screening with low-dose CT on lung cancer mortality in mild to moderate COPD patients: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: COPD is an independent risk factor for lung cancer, especially in patients with mild to moderate disease. OBJECTIVE: To determine if performing lung cancer screening in GOLD 1 and 2 COPD patients, results in reduced lung cancer mortality. METHODS: This study compared patients with mild to moderate COPD from 2 cohorts matched for age, gender, BMI, FEV1%, pack-yrs history and smoking status. The screening group (SG) had an annual low dose computed tomography (LDCT). The control group (CG) was prospectively followed with usual care. Lung cancer incidence and mortality densities were compared between groups. RESULTS: From an initial sample of 410 (SG) and 735 (CG) patients we were able to match 333 patients from each group. At the same follow-up time lung cancer incidence density was 1.79/100 person-years in the SG and 4.14/100 person-years in the CG (p = 0.004). The most frequent histological type was adenocarcinoma in both SG and CG (65% and 46%, respectively), followed by squamous cell carcinoma (25% and 37%, respectively). Eighty percent of lung cancers in the SG (16/20) were diagnosed in stage I, and all of CG cancers (35/35) were in stage III or IV. Mortality incidence density from lung cancer (0.08 vs. 2.48/100 person-years, p < 0.001) was lower in the SG. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study in patients with mild to moderate COPD suggests that screening with LDCT detects lung cancer in early stages, and could decrease lung cancer mortality in that high risk group. Appropriately designed studies should confirm these important findings.

Documento de consenso sobre el fenotipo mixto EPOC-asma en la EPOC / Consensus Document on the Overlap Phenotype COPD-Asthma in COPD

Introducción: Aunque asma y EPOC son enfermedades distintas, muchos pacientes comparten características de ambas entidades. Estos casos pueden tener una evolución y una respuesta al tratamiento diferente. Sin embargo, la evidencia disponible es escasa, y es necesario valorar si representan un fenotipo diferencial y aportar recomendaciones sobre su diagnóstico y tratamiento, además de identificar posibles lagunas de conocimiento. Método: Consenso nacional de expertos en EPOC en dos etapas: 1) Se establecieron los bloques temáticos a tratar y se elaboró una primera propuesta de aseveraciones, mediante una reunión presencial con metodología de «tormenta de ideas» estructurada. 2) Se realizaron dos rondas de consenso vía correo electrónico, utilizando una escala tipo Likert. Resultados: Se consensua la existencia de un fenotipo clínico diferencial denominado «fenotipo mixto EPOC-asma», cuyo diagnóstico se realizará si se cumplen 2 criterios mayores o uno mayor y 2 menores (criterios mayores: prueba broncodilatadora muy positiva [aumento del FEV1≥15% y≥400ml], eosinofilia en esputo y antecedentes personales de asma; criterios menores: IgE total elevada, antecedentes personales de atopia y prueba broncodilatadora positiva [aumento del FEV1≥12% y≥200ml] en dos o más ocasiones). Se recomienda el uso precoz de corticoides inhalados (CI) ajustados individualmente, ser cautos con la retirada brusca de CI y, en casos graves, valorar el uso de la triple terapia. Finalmente, queda patente la falta de estudios específicos sobre la historia natural y el tratamiento de estos pacientes. Conclusiones: Es preciso profundizar en el conocimiento de este fenotipo para establecer pautas y recomendaciones adecuadas para su diagnóstico y tratamiento(AU)

Introduction: Although asthma and COPD are different pathologies, many patients share characteristics from both entities. These cases can have different evolutions and responses to treatment. Nevertheless, the evidence available is limited, and it is necessary to evaluate whether they represent a differential phenotype and provide recommendations about diagnosis and treatment, in addition to identifying possible gaps in our understanding of asthma and COPD. Methods: A nation-wide consensus of experts in COPD in two stages: 1) during an initial meeting, the topics to be dealt with were established and a first draft of statements was elaborated with a structured «brainstorming» method; 2) consensus was reached with two rounds of e-mails, using a Likert-type scale. Results: Consensus was reached about the existence of a differential clinical phenotype known as «Overlap Phenotype COPD-Asthma», whose diagnosis is made when 2 major criteria and 2 minor criteria are met. The major criteria include very positive bronchodilator test (increase in FEV1 ≥15% and ≥400ml), eosinophilia in sputum and personal history of asthma. Minor criteria include high total IgE, personal history of atopy and positive bronchodilator test (increase in FEV1 ≥12% and ≥200ml) on two or more occasions. The early use of individually-adjusted inhaled corticosteroids is recommended, and caution must be taken with their abrupt withdrawal. Meanwhile, in severe cases the use of triple therapy should be evaluated. Finally, there is an obvious lack of specific studies about the natural history and the treatment of these patients. Conclusions: It is necessary to expand our knowledge about this phenotype in order to establish adequate guidelines and recommendations for its diagnosis and treatment(AU)

Association between treated and untreated obstructive sleep apnea and risk of hypertension.

CONTEXT: Systemic hypertension is prevalent among patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Short-term studies indicate that continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy reduces blood pressure in patients with hypertension and OSA. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether CPAP therapy is associated with a lower risk of incident hypertension. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A prospective cohort study of 1889 participants without hypertension who were referred to a sleep center in Zaragoza, Spain, for nocturnal polysomnography between January 1, 1994, and December 31, 2000. Incident hypertension was documented at annual follow-up visits up to January 1, 2011. Multivariable models adjusted for confounding factors, including change in body mass index from baseline to censored time, were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) of incident hypertension in participants without OSA (controls), with untreated OSA, and in those treated with CPAP therapy according to national guidelines. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Incidence of new-onset hypertension. RESULTS: During 21,003 person-years of follow-up (median, 12.2 years), 705 cases (37.3%) of incident hypertension were observed. The crude incidence of hypertension per 100 person-years was 2.19 (95% CI, 1.71-2.67) in controls, 3.34 (95% CI, 2.85-3.82) in patients with OSA ineligible for CPAP therapy, 5.84 (95% CI, 4.82-6.86) in patients with OSA who declined CPAP therapy, 5.12 (95% CI, 3.76-6.47) in patients with OSA nonadherent to CPAP therapy, and 3.06 (95% CI, 2.70-3.41) in patients with OSA and treated with CPAP therapy. Compared with controls, the adjusted HRs for incident hypertension were greater among patients with OSA ineligible for CPAP therapy (1.33; 95% CI, 1.01-1.75), among those who declined CPAP therapy (1.96; 95% CI, 1.44-2.66), and among those nonadherent to CPAP therapy (1.78; 95% CI, 1.23-2.58), whereas the HR was lower in patients with OSA who were treated with CPAP therapy (0.71; 95% CI, 0.53-0.94). CONCLUSION: Compared with participants without OSA, the presence of OSA was associated with increased adjusted risk of incident hypertension; however, treatment with CPAP therapy was associated with a lower risk of hypertension.

Consensus document on the overlap phenotype COPD-asthma in COPD.

INTRODUCTION: Although asthma and COPD are different pathologies, many patients share characteristics from both entities. These cases can have different evolutions and responses to treatment. Nevertheless, the evidence available is limited, and it is necessary to evaluate whether they represent a differential phenotype and provide recommendations about diagnosis and treatment, in addition to identifying possible gaps in our understanding of asthma and COPD. METHODS: A nation-wide consensus of experts in COPD in two stages: 1) during an initial meeting, the topics to be dealt with were established and a first draft of statements was elaborated with a structured "brainstorming" method; 2) consensus was reached with two rounds of e-mails, using a Likert-type scale. RESULTS: Consensus was reached about the existence of a differential clinical phenotype known as"Overlap Phenotype COPD-Asthma", whose diagnosis is made when 2 major criteria and 2 minor criteria are met. The major criteria include very positive bronchodilator test (increase in FEV(1) ≥ 15% and ≥ 400ml), eosinophilia in sputum and personal history of asthma. Minor criteria include high total IgE, personal history of atopy and positive bronchodilator test (increase in FEV(1) ≥ 12% and ≥ 200ml) on two or more occasions. The early use of individually-adjusted inhaled corticosteroids is recommended, and caution must be taken with their abrupt withdrawal. Meanwhile, in severe cases the use of triple therapy should be evaluated. Finally, there is an obvious lack of specific studies about the natural history and the treatment of these patients. CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to expand our knowledge about this phenotype in order to establish adequate guidelines and recommendations for its diagnosis and treatment.

Lung cancer in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-- incidence and predicting factors.

RATIONALE: Little is known about the clinical factors associated with the development of lung cancer in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), although airway obstruction and emphysema have been identified as possible risk factors. OBJECTIVES: To explore incidence, histologic type, and factors associated with development of lung cancer diagnosis in a cohort of outpatients with COPD attending a pulmonary clinic. METHODS: A cohort of 2,507 patients without initial clinical or radiologic evidence of lung cancer was followed a median of 60 months(30­90). At baseline, anthropometrics, smoking history, lung function,and body composition were recorded. Time to diagnosis and histologic type of lung cancer was then registered. Cox analysis was used to explore factors associated with lung cancer diagnosis. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A total of 215 of the 2,507 patients with COPD developed lung cancer (incidence density of 16.7 cases per 1,000 person-years). The most frequent type was squamous cell carcinoma (44%). Lung cancer incidence was lower in patients with worse severity of airflow obstruction. Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease Stages I and II, older age, lower body mass index,and lung diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide less than 80%were associated with lung cancer diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Incidence density of lung cancer is high in outpatients with COPD and occurs more frequently in older patients with milder airflow obstruction (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease Stages I and II) and lower body mass index. A lung diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide less than 80% is associated with cancer diagnosis. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most frequent histologic type. Knowledge of these factors may help direct efforts for early detection of lung cancer and disease management.

Prognostic assessment in COPD: health related quality of life and the BODE index.

RATIONALE: COPD is a debilitating disease with increasing mortality worldwide. The BODE index evaluates disease severity and the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) measures health status. OBJECTIVE: To identify the relationship between BODE index and the SGRQ and to test the predictive value of both tools against survival. METHODS: Open cohort study of 1398 COPD patients (85% male) followed for up to 10 years. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: At the time of the inclusion, clinical data, forced spirometry and 6 min walking distance were determined and BODE index and SGRQ were calculated. Vital status and cause of death were documented at the end of follow-up. RESULTS: The cohort's mean of FEV1% predicted was 46 ± 18%, BODE index was 3.6 ± 2.5, and SGRQ% total score was 49 ± 20. The SGRQ scores increased progressively as severity of COPD increased by BODE quartiles. The correlation between SGRQ and BODE index was good (r = 0.58, p < 0.0001). Both tests correlated with COPD survival (BODE = -0.4 vs. SGRQ = -0.20, p < 0.0001). The area under the curve (AUC) for the BODE index was 0.77 vs. 0.66 for the SGRQ % total score (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Health status as measured by SGRQ worsens with disease severity evaluated by the BODE index. Both tools predict mortality and provide complimentary information in the evaluation of patients with COPD.