A simple algorithm for differential diagnosis in hemodynamic shock based on left ventricle outflow tract velocity-time integral measurement: a case series.

Echocardiography has gained wide acceptance among intensive care physicians during the last 15 years. The lack of accredited formation, the long learning curve required and the excessive structural orientation of the present algorithms to evaluate hemodynamically unstable patients hampers its daily use in the intensive care unit. The aim of this article is to show 4 cases where the use of our simple algorithm based on VTI, was crucial. Subsequently, to explain the benefit of using the proposed algorithm with a more functional perspective, as a means for clinical decision-making. A simple algorithm based on left ventricle outflow tract velocity-time integral measurement for a functional hemodynamic monitoring on patients suffering hemodynamic shock or instability is proposed by Spanish Critical Care Ultrasound Network Group. This algorithm considers perfusion and congestion variables. Its simplicity might be useful for guiding physicians in their daily decision-making managing critically ill patients in hemodynamic shock.

Diploma on Basic Echocardiography training and competencies for Intensive Care and Emergency medicine: Consensus document of the Spanish Society of Anesthesiology and Critical Care (SEDAR) and the Spanish Society of Emergency Medicine (SEMES).

Cardiac ultrasound has become an essential tool for diagnosis and hemodynamic monitoring in critically ill patients. Scientific societies need to work toward developing a training program that will allow clinicians to acquire competence in performing cardiac ultrasound and understanding its indications. The Clinical Ultrasound for Intensive Care task force of the Spanish Society of Anesthesiology and Critical Care (SEDAR) and the Spanish Society of Emergency Medicine (SEMES) have drawn up this position statement defining the learning objectives and training required to acquire the competencies recommended for basic ultrasound management in the intensive care and emergency setting in order to obtain a diploma in Basic Ultrasound in Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine. This document defines the training program and the competencies needed for basic skills in ultrasound in Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine-part of the Diploma in Ultrasound for Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine awarded by SEDAR/SEMES. The Spanish Society of Anesthesia (SEDAR), Spanish Society of Internal Medicine (SEMI) and Spanish Society of Emergency Medicine (SEMES) have drawn up a position statement determining the competencies and training program for a diploma in ultrasound (lung, abdominal and vascular) in Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine. To obtain the SEDAR/SEMES Diploma in Ultrasound in Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine, clinicians must have completed the SEDAR, SEMI and SEMES Diploma in basic ultrasound and the Diploma in lung, abdominal, and vascular ultrasound.

Coagulación intravascular diseminada como forma de presentación de la enfermedad por coronavirus-19. Caso clínico / Disseminated intravascular coagulation as a form of presentation of coronavirus-19 disease. Clinical case

La enfermedad covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) es una infección de reciente aparición que está causando una pandemia a nivel mundial. La forma de presentación varía desde una infección asintomática hasta una neumonía con síndrome de distrés respiratorio. Presentamos el caso de un paciente que presentó una neumonía por covid-19 junto a una coagulación intravascular diseminada con trombosis arterial y venosa en múltiples localizaciones y un estado de choque que requirió ingreso en unidad de cuidados intensivos. La alteración de las pruebas de coagulación en pacientes afectos de covid-19 se ha descrito desde los primeros casos observados en Wuhan, China, así como una mayor incidencia de trombosis venosas. Al contrario, una mayor incidencia de trombosis arterial no ha sido descrita en estos pacientes. El caso inusual que presentamos podría representar una manifestación de estas alteraciones.(AU)

The covid-19 disease (coronavirus disease 2019) is a novel disease causing a world pandemic. Its presentation varies from an asymptomatic infection to a pneumonia with acute respiratory distress syndrome. We present a case presenting initially as a covid-19 pneumonia together with a disseminated intravascular coagulopathy consisting of arterial and venous thrombosis in different locations and a shock requiring admission in the intensive care unit. The abnormal coagulation test in covid-19 patients have been described since the first cases observed in Wuhan, China, as well as an increased incidence of venous thrombosis. On the contrary, a higher incidence of arterial thrombosis has not been described in these patients. The unusual case we present could be a manifestation of this altered tests.(AU)

Disseminated intravascular coagulation as a form of presentation of coronavirus-19 disease. Clinical case. / Coagulación intravascular diseminada como forma de presentación de la enfermedad por coronavirus-19. Caso clínico.

The covid-19 disease (coronavirus disease 2019) is a novel disease causing a world pandemic. Its presentation varies from an asymptomatic infection to a pneumonia with acute respiratory distress syndrome. We present a case presenting initially as a covid-19 pneumonia together with a disseminated intravascular coagulopathy consisting of arterial and venous thrombosis in different locations and a shock requiring admission in the intensive care unit. The abnormal coagulation test in covid-19 patients have been described since the first cases observed in Wuhan, China, as well as an increased incidence of venous thrombosis. On the contrary, a higher incidence of arterial thrombosis has not been described in these patients. The unusual case we present could be a manifestation of this altered tests.

Diploma on Ultrasound training and competency for Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine: Consensus document of the Spanish Society of Anesthesia (SEDAR), Spanish Society of Internal Medicine (SEMI) and Spanish Society of Emergency Medicine (SEMES). / Documento de consenso de la Sociedad Española de Anestesiología y Reanimación (SEDAR), Sociedad Española de Medicina Interna (SEMI) y Sociedad Española de Medicina de Urgencias y Emergencias (SEMES) para la definición de competencias mínimas de ecografía en Cuidados Intensivos y Urgencias y la obtención del Diploma acreditativo.

The use of ultrasound as a clinical diagnostic tool and guide of bedside procedures has become an indispensable examination in the acute critically ill patient. The training of professionals in minimum skills of knowledge, management and indications of use of ultrasound required to be defined by the Scientific Societies. The Intensive Care Ultrasound Working Group of the Spanish Society of Anesthesiology and Resuscitation (SEDAR), of the Spanish Society of Internal Medicine (SEMI) and the Spanish Society of Emergency Medicine (SEMES) has developed this consensus document in which the recommended training program and the minimum competencies to be achieved with regard to the use of Ultrasound in Intensive Care, Anesthesia and Emergency medicine are defined. This document defines the training program and the skills to acquire in order to achieve the diploma in lung, abdominal and vascular ultrasound. This document can serve as a guide to define the skills to be acquired in the training programs of residents (MIRs) of specialists working in intensive care, anesthesia, and emergency medicine.

Implicación en Cataluña de los Servicios de Anestesiología y Reanimación en la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2. Una solución real coste-efectiva para una crisis sanitaria sin precedentes / Involvement in Catalonia of the Anaesthesiology and Resuscitation Services in the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. A real, cost-effective solution to an unprecedented health crisis

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Características, evolución clínica y factores asociados a la mortalidad en UCI de los pacientes críticos infectados por SARS-CoV-2 en España: estudio prospectivo, de cohorte y multicéntrico / Patient characteristics, clinical course and factors associated to ICU mortality in critically ill patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 in Spain: a prospective, cohort, multicentre study

ANTECEDENTES: No se ha reportado plenamente la evolución clínica de los pacientes críticos de COVID-19 durante su ingreso en la unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI), incluyendo las complicaciones médicas e infecciosas y terapias de soporte, así como su asociación con la mortalidad en ICU. OBJETIVO: El objetivo de este estudio es describir las características clínicas y la evolución de los pacientes ingresados en UCI por COVID-19, y determinar los factores de riesgo de la mortalidad en UCI de dichos pacientes. MÉTODOS: Estudio prospectivo, multi-céntrico y de cohorte, que incluyó a los pacientes críticos de COVID-19 ingresados en 30 UCIs de España y Andorra. Se incluyó a los pacientes consecutivos de 12 de Marzo a 26 de Mayo de 2020 si habían fallecido o habían recibido el alta de la UCI durante el periodo de estudio. Se reportaron los datos demográficos, síntomas, signos vitales, marcadores de laboratorio, terapias de soporte, terapias farmacológicas, y complicaciones médicas e infecciosas, realizándose una comparación entre los pacientes fallecidos y los pacientes dados de alta. RESULTADOS: Se incluyó a un total de 663 pacientes. La mortalidad general en UCI fue del 31% (203 pacientes). Al ingreso en UCI los no supervivientes eran más hipoxémicos [SpO2 sin mascarilla de no reinhalación, de 90 (RIC 83-93) vs 91 (RIC 87-94); p < 0,001] y con mayor puntuación en la escala SOFA - Evaluación de daño orgánico secuencial - [SOFA, 7 (RIC 5-9) vs 4 (RIC 3-7); p < 0,001]. Las complicaciones fueron más frecuentes en los no supervivientes: síndrome de distrés respiratorio agudo (SDRA) (95% vs 89%; p = 0,009), insuficiencia renal aguda (IRA) (58% vs 24%; p < 10−16), shock (42% vs 14%; p < 10−13), y arritmias (24% vs 11%; p < 10−4). Las súper-infecciones respiratorias, infecciones del torrente sanguíneo y los shock sépticos fueron más frecuentes en los no supervivientes (33% vs 25%; p = 0,03, 33% vs 23%; p = 0,01 y 15% vs 3%, p = 10−7), respectivamente. El modelo de regresión multivariable reflejó que la edad estaba asociada a la mortalidad, y que cada año incrementaba el riesgo de muerte en un 1% (95%IC: 1-10, p = 0,014). Cada incremento de 5 puntos en la escala APACHE II predijo de manera independiente la mortalidad [OR: 1,508 (1,081, 2,104), p = 0,015]. Los pacientes con IRA [OR: 2,468 (1,628, 3,741), p < 10−4)], paro cardiaco [OR: 11,099 (3,389, 36,353), p = 0,0001], y shock séptico [OR: 3,224 (1,486, 6,994), p = 0,002] tuvieron un riesgo de muerte incrementado. CONCLUSIONES: Los pacientes mayores de COVID-19 con puntuaciones APACHE II más altas al ingreso, que desarrollaron IRA en grados II o III y/o shock séptico durante la estancia en UCI tuvieron un riesgo de muerte incrementado. La mortalidad en UCI fue del 31%

BACKGROUND: The clinical course of COVID-19 critically ill patients, during their admission in the intensive care unit (UCI), including medical and infectious complications and support therapies, as well as their association with in-ICU mortality has not been fully reported. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe clinical characteristics and clinical course of ICU COVID-19 patients, and to determine risk factors for ICU mortality of COVID-19 patients. METHODS: Prospective, multicentre, cohort study that enrolled critically ill COVID-19 patients admitted into 30 ICUs from Spain and Andorra. Consecutive patients from March 12th to May 26th, 2020 were enrolled if they had died or were discharged from ICU during the study period. Demographics, symptoms, vital signs, laboratory markers, supportive therapies, pharmacological treatments, medical and infectious complications were reported and compared between deceased and discharged patients. RESULTS: A total of 663 patients were included. Overall ICU mortality was 31% (203 patients). At ICU admission non-survivors were more hypoxemic [SpO2 with non-rebreather mask, 90 (IQR 83-93) vs 91 (IQR 87-94); p < 0.001] and with higher sequential organ failure assessment score [SOFA, 7 (IQR 5-9) vs 4 (IQR 3-7); p < 0.001]. Complications were more frequent in non-survivors: acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) (95% vs 89%; p = 0.009), acute kidney injury (AKI) (58% vs 24%; p < 10−16), shock (42% vs 14%; p < 10−13), and arrhythmias (24% vs 11%; p < 10−4). Respiratory super-infection, bloodstream infection and septic shock were higher in non-survivors (33% vs 25%; p = 0.03, 33% vs 23%; p = 0.01 and 15% vs 3%, p = 10−7), respectively. The multivariable regression model showed that age was associated with mortality, with every year increasing risk-of-death by 1% (95%CI: 1-10, p = 0.014). Each 5-point increase in APACHE II independently predicted mortality [OR: 1.508 (1.081, 2.104), p = 0.015]. Patients with AKI [OR: 2.468 (1.628, 3.741), p < 10−4)], cardiac arrest [OR: 11.099 (3.389, 36.353), p = 0.0001], and septic shock [OR: 3.224 (1.486, 6.994), p = 0.002] had an increased risk-of-death. CONCLUSIONS: Older COVID-19 patients with higher APACHE II scores on admission, those who developed AKI grades II or III and/or septic shock during ICU stay had an increased risk-of-death. ICU mortality was 31%

Patient characteristics, clinical course and factors associated to ICU mortality in critically ill patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 in Spain: A prospective, cohort, multicentre study. / Características, evolución clínica y factores asociados a la mortalidad en UCI de los pacientes críticos infectados por SARS-CoV-2 en España: estudio prospectivo, de cohorte y multicéntrico.

BACKGROUND: The clinical course of COVID-19 critically ill patients, during their admission in the intensive care unit (UCI), including medical and infectious complications and support therapies, as well as their association with in-ICU mortality has not been fully reported. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe clinical characteristics and clinical course of ICU COVID-19 patients, and to determine risk factors for ICU mortality of COVID-19 patients. METHODS: Prospective, multicentre, cohort study that enrolled critically ill COVID-19 patients admitted into 30 ICUs from Spain and Andorra. Consecutive patients from March 12th to May 26th, 2020 were enrolled if they had died or were discharged from ICU during the study period. Demographics, symptoms, vital signs, laboratory markers, supportive therapies, pharmacological treatments, medical and infectious complications were reported and compared between deceased and discharged patients. RESULTS: A total of 663 patients were included. Overall ICU mortality was 31% (203 patients). At ICU admission non-survivors were more hypoxemic [SpO2 with non-rebreather mask, 90 (IQR 83 to 93) vs. 91 (IQR 87 to 94); P<.001] and with higher sequential organ failure assessment score [SOFA, 7 (IQR 5 to 9) vs. 4 (IQR 3 to 7); P<.001]. Complications were more frequent in non-survivors: acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) (95% vs. 89%; P=.009), acute kidney injury (AKI) (58% vs. 24%; P<10-16), shock (42% vs. 14%; P<10-13), and arrhythmias (24% vs. 11%; P<10-4). Respiratory super-infection, bloodstream infection and septic shock were higher in non-survivors (33% vs. 25%; P=.03, 33% vs. 23%; P=.01 and 15% vs. 3%, P=10-7), respectively. The multivariable regression model showed that age was associated with mortality, with every year increasing risk-of-death by 1% (95%CI: 1 to 10, P=.014). Each 5-point increase in APACHE II independently predicted mortality [OR: 1.508 (1.081, 2.104), P=.015]. Patients with AKI [OR: 2.468 (1.628, 3.741), P<10-4)], cardiac arrest [OR: 11.099 (3.389, 36.353), P=.0001], and septic shock [OR: 3.224 (1.486, 6.994), P=.002] had an increased risk-of-death. CONCLUSIONS: Older COVID-19 patients with higher APACHE II scores on admission, those who developed AKI grades ii or iii and/or septic shock during ICU stay had an increased risk-of-death. ICU mortality was 31%.

Coagulación intravascular diseminada como forma de presentación de la enfermedad por coronavirus-19. Caso clínico / Disseminated intravascular coagulation as a form of presentation of coronavirus-19 disease. Clinical case

La enfermedad covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) es una infección de reciente aparición que está causando una pandemia a nivel mundial. La forma de presentación varía desde una infección asintomática hasta una neumonía con síndrome de distrés respiratorio. Presentamos el caso de un paciente que presentó una neumonía por covid-19 junto a una coagulación intravascular diseminada con trombosis arterial y venosa en múltiples localizaciones y un estado de choque que requirió ingreso en unidad de cuidados intensivos. La alteración de las pruebas de coagulación en pacientes afectos de covid-19 se ha descrito desde los primeros casos observados en Wuhan, China, así como una mayor incidencia de trombosis venosas. Al contrario, una mayor incidencia de trombosis arterial no ha sido descrita en estos pacientes. El caso inusual que presentamos podría representar una manifestación de estas alteraciones

The covid-19 disease (coronavirus disease 2019) is a novel disease causing a world pandemic. Its presentation varies from an asymptomatic infection to a pneumonia with acute respiratory distress syndrome. We present a case presenting initially as a covid-19 pneumonia together with a disseminated intravascular coagulopathy consisting of arterial and venous thrombosis in different locations and a shock requiring admission in the intensive care unit. The abnormal coagulation test in covid-19 patients have been described since the first cases observed in Wuhan, China, as well as an increased incidence of venous thrombosis. On the contrary, a higher incidence of arterial thrombosis has not been described in these patients. The unusual case we present could be a manifestation of this altered tests

Safe Reduction in CD4 Cell Count Monitoring in Stable, Virally Suppressed Patients With HIV Infection or HIV/Hepatitis C Virus Coinfection.

BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that routine CD4 cell count monitoring in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-monoinfected patients with suppressed viral loads and CD4 cell counts >300 cell/µL could be reduced to annual. HIV/hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection is frequent, but evidence supporting similar reductions in CD4 cell count monitoring is lacking for this population. We determined whether CD4 cell count monitoring could be reduced in monoinfected and coinfected patients by estimating the probability of maintaining CD4 cell counts ≥200 cells/µL during continuous HIV suppression. METHODS: The PISCIS Cohort study included data from 14 539 patients aged ≥16 years from 10 hospitals in Catalonia and 2 in the Balearic Islands (Spain) since January 1998. All patients who had at least one period of 6 months of continuous HIV suppression were included in this analysis. Cumulative probabilities with 95% confidence intervals were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier estimator stratified by the initial CD4 cell count at the period of continuous suppression initiation. RESULTS: A total of 8695 patients were included. CD4 cell counts fell to <200 cells/µL in 7.4% patients, and the proportion was lower in patients with an initial count >350 cells/µL (1.8%) and higher in those with an initial count of 200-249 cells/µL (23.1%). CD4 cell counts fell to <200 cells/µL in 5.7% of monoinfected and 11.1% of coinfected patients. Of monoinfected patients with an initial CD4 cell count of 300-349 cells/µL, 95.6% maintained counts ≥200 cells/µL. In the coinfected group with the same initial count, this rate was lower, but 97.6% of coinfected patients with initial counts >350 cells/µL maintained counts ≥200 cells/µL. CONCLUSIONS: From our data, it can be inferred that CD4 cell count monitoring can be safely performed annually in HIV-monoinfected patients with CD4 cell counts >300 cells/µL and HIV/HCV-coinfected patients with counts >350 cells/µL.

Accidente cerebrovascular con transformación hemorrágica en una paciente con tratamiento antiagregante intervenida de macroadenoma hipofisario / Cerebrovascular accident with haemorrhagic transformation in a patient on antiplatelet treatment subjected to surgery of a hypophyseal macroadenoma

Presentamos el caso de una mujer de 51 años, propuesta para resección endoscópica endonasal transesfenoidal de macroadenoma hipofisario diagnosticado en el contexto de un ictus isquémico transitorio sufrido 10 semanas antes de la fecha de la intervención. Durante este tiempo había seguido tratamiento con antiagregantes plaquetarios, que se retiraron 5 días antes de la cirugía. La intervención se realizó sin incidencias. En el segundo día del postoperatorio, la paciente presentó un infarto isquémico del hemisferio cerebeloso izquierdo con signos de hidrocefalia y posterior transformación hemorrágica, con muerte encefálica a los 5 días de la intervención. No existen guías definitivas respecto al uso de antiagregantes en el peroperatorio neuroquirúrgico. Por otro lado, tampoco existe acuerdo respecto al tiempo a esperar entre un evento cerebrovascular y la cirugía, aunque parece que entre 4 y 12 semanas sería lo más aconsejable. Se resalta la importancia de una evaluación individual de cada paciente ante una cirugía, y se revisa el manejo del paciente antiagregado con riesgo trombótico en el contexto de neurocirugía y sus posibles complicaciones postoperatorias(AU)

The importance of an individual assessment of each patient before surgery is emphasised, as well as a review of the antiplatelet management of the patient with a risk of thrombosis in the context of neurosurgery, and their possible postoperative complications. The case is presented of a 51 year-old woman, proposed for endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal resection of a hypophyseal macroadenoma diagnosed in the context of a stroke suffered 10 weeks before the date of the surgery. During this time, she had been treated with antiplatelet drugs, which were withdrawn 5 days before the surgery. The surgical procedure was performed without any incidents. On the second day after the surgery, the patient had an ischaemic infarction of the left cerebellar hemisphere, with signs of hydrocephaly and a posterior haemorrhagic transformation, with brain death 5 days after the operation. There are no definitive guidelines on the use of antiplatelet drugs in the perioperative period of neurosurgery. Also, there is no agreement as regards the waiting time between a cerebrovascular event and surgery, it appears that between 4 and 12 weeks would be the most advisable. The importance of an individual assessment of each patient before surgery is emphasised, as well as a review of the antiplatelet management of the patient with a risk of thrombosis in the context of neurosurgery, and their possible postoperative complications(AU)

[Cerebrovascular accident with haemorrhagic transformation in a patient on antiplatelet treatment subjected to surgery of a hypophyseal macroadenoma]. / Accidente cerebrovascular con transformación hemorrágica en una paciente con tratamiento antiagregante intervenida de macroadenoma hipofisario.

The case is presented of a 51 year-old woman, proposed for endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal resection of a hypophyseal macroadenoma diagnosed in the context of a stroke suffered 10 weeks before the date of the surgery. During this time, she had been treated with antiplatelet drugs, which were withdrawn 5 days before the surgery. The surgical procedure was performed without any incidents. On the second day after the surgery, the patient had an ischaemic infarction of the left cerebellar hemisphere, with signs of hydrocephaly and a posterior haemorrhagic transformation, with brain death 5 days after the operation. There are no definitive guidelines on the use of antiplatelet drugs in the perioperative period of neurosurgery. Also, there is no agreement as regards the waiting time between a cerebrovascular event and surgery, it appears that between 4 and 12 weeks would be the most advisable. The importance of an individual assessment of each patient before surgery is emphasised, as well as a review of the antiplatelet management of the patient with a risk of thrombosis in the context of neurosurgery, and their possible postoperative complications.

Estimación del gasto cardíaco. Utilidad en la práctica clínica. Monitorización disponible invasiva y no invasiva / Estimating cardiac output. Utility in the clinical practice. Available invasive and non-invasive monitoring

Esta revisión pretende profundizar en el conocimiento del gasto cardíaco, sus variables y sus condicionantes, así como repasar exhaustivamente las diferentes técnicas disponibles para su monitorización y establecer las situaciones en que el conocimiento del gasto cardíaco nos aporta una información fundamental en el manejo del paciente crítico. La técnica de Fick, utilizada en los inicios para calcular el gasto cardíaco de los pacientes, ha sido sustituida hoy en día en la práctica clínica por los métodos de termodilución (transcardíacao transpulmonar), litiodilución, biorreactancia, la tecnología basada en el efecto Doppler ola ecocardiografía. El análisis de la onda de pulso ha permitido la obtención de una medida continua y mínimamente invasiva del gasto cardíaco. Otros métodos, como la biorrectancia,el Doppler o la ecocardiografía nos permiten, en la actualidad, obtener medidas del gastocardíaco de forma no invasiva, rápida y fiable (AU)

This aim of this review is to provide a detailed review of the physiologic conditions and variables of the cardiac output, as well as review the different techniques available for its measurement. We also want to establish the clinical situations in which the measurement of cardiac output can add valuable information for the management of critically ill patients. The Fick technique, used in the beginning to calculate cardiac output, has been replaced today by thermodilution techniques (transcardiac or transpulmonary), lithium dilution, bioreactance, Doppler technique or echocardiography. Pulse wave analysis allows a continuous minimally invasive cardiac output measurement. Other methods, such bioreactance, Doppler technique or echocardiography currently provide a valid, fast and non-invasive measurement of cardiac output (AU)

[Estimating cardiac output. Utility in the clinical practice. Available invasive and non-invasive monitoring]. / Estimación del gasto cardíaco. Utilidad en la práctica clínica. Monitorización disponible invasiva y no invasiva.

This aim of this review is to provide a detailed review of the physiologic conditions and variables of the cardiac output, as well as review the different techniques available for its measurement. We also want to establish the clinical situations in which the measurement of cardiac output can add valuable information for the management of critically ill patients. The Fick technique, used in the beginning to calculate cardiac output, has been replaced today by thermodilution techniques (transcardiac or transpulmonary), lithium dilution, bioreactance, Doppler technique or echocardiography. Pulse wave analysis allows a continuous minimally invasive cardiac output measurement. Other methods, such bioreactance, Doppler technique or echocardiography currently provide a valid, fast and non-invasive measurement of cardiac output.

[Adjuvant methadone or fentanyl in spinal anesthesia with bupivacaine: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial]. / Metadona frente a fentanilo como adyuvante en anestesia subaracnoidea con bupivacaína. Estudio doble ciego, controlado con placebo, comparativo, aleatorizado.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of combining spinal bupivacaine with either of 2 lipophilic opioids (fentanyl or methadone), testing the hypothesis that methadone would give longer-lasting analgesia. METHODS: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial enrolling 69 women undergoing vaginal hysterectomy under spinal anesthesia (13 mg of 0.5% bupivacaine). The patients were randomized to 3 groups for use of different adjuvants: normal saline (placebo), 15 µg [DOSAGE ERROR CORRECTED] of fentanyl, or 3 mg of methadone. The main outcome was duration of analgesic effect measured as time elapsing until need for the first analgesic dose. The characteristics of the spinal blocks and adverse events were secondary outcome variables. RESULTS: Methadone significantly prolonged the duration of analgesia in comparison with the other adjuvants; with methadone, the effect was 1.9 times longer than in the placebo group and 1.5 times longer than in the fentanyl group. Duration of the sensory-motor block was significantly shorter in the methadone group (mean difference, 30 minutes). No differences in the incidences of adverse events were observed between the 2 opioid groups. No signs or symptoms suggestive of direct neurologic toxic effects were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of methadone to bupivacaine significantly prolonged the postoperative analgesic effect of spinal anesthesia and shortened sensory-motor block duration, enhancing patient comfort after surgery.

Metadona frente a fentanilo como adyuvante en anestesia subaracnoidea con bupivacaína. Estudio doble ciego, controlado con placebo, comparativo, aleatorizado / Adjuvant methadone or fentanyl in spinal anesthesia with bupivacaine: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

OBJETIVO: Comparar el efecto analgésico de la combinación de bupivacaína con dos opiáceos lipofílicos fentanilo y metadona con la hipótesis de que la metadona produce analgesia más prolongada. MÉTODO: Estudio controlado con placebo, doble ciego, prospectivo, aleatorizado. Se incluyeron 69 mujeres sometidas a histerectomía vaginal bajo anestesia subaracnoidea con 13 mg de bupivacaína 0,5%. Las pacientes fueron distribuidas en tres grupos según el adyuvante añadido: suero fisiológico (grupo B), 15 μg de fentanilo (grupo BF), o 3 mg de metadona (grupo BM). La variable principal de estudio fue la duración de la analgesia medida como el tiempo trascurrido hasta el requerimiento de la primera analgesia. Otras variables incluyeron las características del bloqueo subaracnoideo y los efectos colaterales. RESULTADOS: La metadona prolongó significativamente la duración de la analgesia postoperatoria hasta 1,9 veces comparada con el suero fisiológico y 1,5 veces con el fentanilo. La duración del bloqueo motor y sensitivo fue significativamente menor en el grupo metadona con una diferencia media mínima de 30 minutos. La aparición de efectos secundarios debido a la administración de fentanilo o metadona fue similar para ambos grupos. No se observaron signos ni síntomas sugestivos de toxicidad neurológica directa. CONCLUSIONES: La adición de metadona a la bupivacaína en anestesia subaracnoidea aumentó significativamente la duración de la analgesia postoperatoria y acortó la duración del bloqueo sensitivo y motor mejorando el confort postoperatorio de las pacientes (AU)

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of combining spinal bupivacaine with either of 2 lipophilic opioids (fentanyl or methadone), testing the hypothesis that methadone would give longer-lasting analgesia. METHODS: Randomized, double-blind, placebocontrolled trial enrolling 69 women undergoing vaginal hysterectomy under spinal anesthesia (13 mg of 0.5% bupivacaine). The patients were randomized to 3 groups for use of different adjuvants: normal saline (placebo), 15 mg of fentanyl, or 3 mg of methadone. The main outcome was duration of analgesic effect measured as time elapsing until need for the first analgesic dose. The characteristics of the spinal blocks and adverse events were secondary outcome variables. RESULTS: Methadone significantly prolonged the duration of analgesia in comparison with the other adjuvants; with methadone, the effect was 1.9 times longer than in the placebo group and 1.5 times longer than in the fentanyl group. Duration of the sensorymotor block was significantly shorter in the methadone group (mean difference, 30 minutes). No differences in the incidences of adverse events were observed between the 2 opioid groups. No signs or symptoms suggestive of direct neurologic toxic effects were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of methadone to bupivacaine significantly prolonged the postoperative analgesic effect of spinal anesthesia and shortened sensory-motor block duration, enhancing patient comfort after surgery (AU)

[Near-infrared spectroscopy in the postanesthesia recovery care unit: noninvasive monitoring of peripheral perfusion]. / Espectroscopia cercana al infrarrojo en la reanimación: medición no invasiva de la perfusión periférica.

Clinical signs of recovery, such as blood pressure or heart rate, do not accurately reflect the perfusion of organs and tissues in patients in critical condition. Of the various means for monitoring perfusion, regional monitors are the most sensitive. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), which analyzes infrared light detected after it has passed through red blood cells in tissues, provides a measure of oxygen saturation that is the most appropriate method for clinical situations. In patients with sepsis or multiple injuries, tissue oxygen saturation can be useful as an early indicator of shock, as a marker of recovery or need for transfusion, or as a prognostic factor. In spite of widespread interest in NIRS, however, there are gaps to fill in our understanding of clinical signs and physiology in relation to this technique before peripheral tissue monitoring can become routine in postanesthesia recovery care units.

Espectroscopia cercana al infrarrojo en la reanimación: medición no invasiva de la perfusión periférica / Near-infrared spectroscopy in the postanesthesia recovery care unit: noninvasive monitoring of peripheral perfusion

Los parámetros clínicos de reanimación como la presiónarterial, la frecuencia cardíaca etc. son insuficientespara garantizar la correcta perfusión de los tejidos yórganos del paciente en estado crítico. Diferentes monitoresevalúan la correcta perfusión, de ellos los más sensiblesson los monitores de perfusión regional. Las tecnologíaNIRS (Near Infrared Spectroscopy), basada en elanálisis de la luz infrarroja recaptada tras incidir sobrelas moléculas de hemoglobina del tejido y así determinarsu saturación, destaca por ser la técnica regional másadecuada para uso clínico. En el paciente politraumatizadoy séptico la saturación tisular de O2 puede resultarútil en la detección precoz del shock, como parámetrodiana de la reanimación, como marcador transfusional ycomo factor pronóstico. A pesar del interés por la tecnologíaNIRS se deberán realizar estudios que llenenlagunas existentes a nivel clínico y fisiológico para quela monitorización de la perfusión tisular se convierta enmonitor rutinario en nuestras áreas de reanimación(AU)

Clinical signs of recovery, such as blood pressure orheart rate, do not accurately reflect the perfusion oforgans and tissues in patients in critical condition. Of thevarious means for monitoring perfusion, regionalmonitors are the most sensitive. Near-infraredspectroscopy (NIRS), which analyzes infrared lightdetected after it has passed through red blood cells intissues, provides a measure of oxygen saturation that isthe most appropriate method for clinical situations. Inpatients with sepsis or multiple injuries, tissue oxygensaturation can be useful as an early indicator of shock, asa marker of recovery or need for transfusion, or as aprognostic factor. In spite of widespread interest in NIRS,however, there are gaps to fill in our understanding ofclinical signs and physiology in relation to this techniquebefore peripheral tissue monitoring can become routinein postanesthesia recovery care units(AU)

El secret professional dels metges

Publicación de 2001 perteneciente a la serie Monografies Mèdiques de l`Academia de Ciències Mèdiques de Catalunya i de Balears, que contiene información sobre la historia del secreto médico, el objetivo, los límites del secreto, el secreto médico en los centros sanitarios, el secreto médico y la genética, la adolescencia y el secreto médico, el médico militar y el secreto, etc.