Validación de la escala COVID-19-12O para predecir reingreso/revisita en pacientes con neumonía por SARS-CoV-2 dados de alta desde Urgencias / Validation of the COVID-19-12O score for predicting readmissions/revisits in patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia discharged from the emergency department

Objective The COVID-19-12O-score has been validated to determine the risk of respiratory failure in patients hospitalized for COVID-19. Our study aims to assess whether the score is effective in patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia discharged from a hospital emergency department (HED) to predict readmission and revisit. Metho Retrospective cohort of patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia discharged consecutively from an HUS of a tertiary hospital, from January 7 to February 17, 2021, where we applied the COVID-19-12O -score, with a cut-off point of 9 points to define the risk of admission or revisit. The primary outcome variable was revisit with or without hospital readmission after 30 days of discharge from HUS. Results We included 77 patients, with a median age of 59 years, 63.6% men and Charlson index of 2. 9.1% had an emergency room revisit and 15.3% had a deferred hospital admission. The relative risk (RR) for emergency journal was 0.46 (0.04–4.62, 95% CI, p=0.452), and the RR for hospital readmission was 6.88 (1.20–39.49, 95% CI, p<0.005). Conclusions The COVID-19-12O -score is effective in determining the risk of hospital readmission in patients discharged from HED with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia, but is not useful for assessing the risk of revisit (AU)

Objetivo La escala COVID-19-12O se ha validado para determinar el riesgo de insuficiencia respiratoria en pacientes hospitalizados por COVID-19. Nuestro estudio pretende evaluar si la escala es efectiva en pacientes con neumonía por SARS-CoV-2 dados de alta desde un servicio de urgencias hospitalario (SUH) para predecir el reingreso y revisita. Método Cohorte retrospectiva de pacientes con neumonía por SARS-CoV-2 dados de alta de forma consecutiva desde un SUH de un hospital terciario, del 7 de enero al 17 de febrero de 2021, donde aplicamos la escala COVID-19-12O, con un punto de corte de 9 puntos para definir el riesgo de ingreso o revisita. La variable de resultado principal fue la revisita con o sin reingreso hospitalario tras los 30 días de su alta desde el SUH. Resultados Se incluyeron 77 pacientes, con una edad mediana de 59 años, 63,6 % hombres e índice Charlson de 2. El 9,1 % tuvieron revisita a urgencias y en el 15,3 % se produjo un ingreso hospitalario diferido. El riesgo relativo (RR) para revista de urgencias fue 0,46 (0,04−4,62, IC 95 %, p=0,452), y el RR para el reingreso hospitalario de 6,88 (1,20–39,49, IC 95 %, p<0,005). Conclusiones La escala COVID-19-12O es efectiva en determinar el riesgo de reingreso hospitalario en pacientes dados de alta desde el SUH con neumonía por SARS-CoV-2, pero no es útil para valorar el riesgo de revisita (AU)

Validation of the COVID-19-12O score for predicting readmissions/revisits in patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia discharged from the emergency department.

OBJECTIVE: The COVID-19-12O-score has been validated to determine the risk of respiratory failure in patients hospitalized for COVID-19. Our study aims to assess whether the score is effective in patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia discharged from a hospital emergency department (HED) to predict readmission and revisit. METHOD: Retrospective cohort of patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia discharged consecutively from an HUS of a tertiary hospital, from January 7 to February 17, 2021, where we applied the COVID-19-12O -score, with a cut-off point of 9 points to define the risk of admission or revisit. The primary outcome variable was revisit with or without hospital readmission after 30 days of discharge from HUS. RESULTS: We included 77 patients, with a median age of 59 years, 63.6% men and Charlson index of 2. 9.1% had an emergency room revisit and 15.3% had a deferred hospital admission. The relative risk (RR) for emergency journal was 0.46 (0.04-4.62, 95% CI, p=0.452), and the RR for hospital readmission was 6.88 (1.20-39.49, 95% CI, p<0.005). CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19-12O -score is effective in determining the risk of hospital readmission in patients discharged from HED with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia, but is not useful for assessing the risk of revisit.

[Validation of the COVID-19-12O score for predicting readmissions/revisits in patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia discharged from the emergency department]. / Validación de la escala COVID-19-12O para predecir reingreso/revisita en pacientes con neumonía por SARS-CoV-2 dados de alta desde Urgencias.

Objective: The COVID-19-12O score has been validated for determining the risk of respiratory failure in patients hospitalized due to COVID-19. This study aims to assess whether the score is effective for predicting readmissions and revisits in patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia discharged from a hospital emergency department (HED). Method: This work is a retrospective cohort of consecutive patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia discharged from the HED of a tertiary hospital from January 7 to February 17, 2021. The COVID-19-12O score with a cut-off point of nine points was used to define the risk of admissions or revisits. The primary outcome variable was a revisit with or without hospital readmission after 30 days of discharge from the HED. Results: Seventy-seven patients were included. The median age was 59 years, 63.6% were men, and the Charlson Comorbidity Index was 2. A total of 9.1% had an emergency room revisit and 15.3% had a deferred hospital admission. The relative risk (RR) for an HED revisit was 0.46 (0.04-4.62, 95% CI p = 0.452) and the RR for hospital readmission was 6.88 (1.20-39.49, 95% CI, p < 0.005). Conclusions: The COVID-19-12O score is effective in determining the risk of hospital readmission in patients discharged from an HED with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia, but is not useful for assessing the risk of revisit.

Histopathological and virological features of lung, heart and liver percutaneous tissue core biopsy in patients with COVID-19: A clinicopathological case series.

INTRODUCTION: Data on pathological changes in COVID-19 are scarce. The aim of this study was to describe the histopathological and virological findings of postmortem biopsies, and the existing clinical correlations, in people who died of COVID-19. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed postmortem needle core biopsies of the chest in 11 people who died of COVID-19 pneumonia. Tissue examination was done by light microscopy and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR). RESULTS: The age of the patients were between 61 to 94 years. Of the 11 postmortem chest biopsies, lung tissue was obtained in 8, myocardium tissue in 7, and liver tissue in 5. Histologically of lung, the main findings pertaining to the lung were diffuse alveolar damage in proliferative phase (n = 4, 50%), diffuse alveolar damage in exudative and proliferative phase (n = 3, 37.5%), diffuse alveolar damage in exudative (n=1; 12.5%) and acute pneumonia (n = 2, 25%). Necrotising pneumonia, acute fibrinous and organising pneumonia, and neutrophils were detected in one sample each (12.5%). Another case presented myocarditis. RT-PCR showed RNA of SARS-CoV-2 in 7 of the 8 lung samples (87.5%), 2 of the 7 myocardial tissue samples (28.6%), and 1 of the 5 liver tissue samples (20%). CONCLUSION: The postmortem examinations show diffuse alveolar damage, as well as acute or necrotising pneumonia. RT-PCR of SARS-CoV-2 was positive in most lung samples.

Effectiveness of a SARS-CoV-2 infection prevention model in elective surgery patients - a prospective study: does universal screening make sense?

This observational study included patients who underwent pre-operative coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) screening in order to preserve patient safety. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 was performed in 2292 of 8740 surgical procedures, and the incidence of a positive PCR result was 0.0022%. No healthcare-associated infections were detected. There was no difference in overall mortality or length of hospital stay compared with the same period from the previous year. A selective screening strategy to identify patients for PCR testing, based on isolation measures, presurgical clinical-epidemiological assessment and selected major surgeries susceptible to a poor COVID-19-related outcome, is effective and safe for patients and healthcare workers.

Resumen ejecutivo: Documento de posicionamiento: evaluación y manejo de la hipoglucemia en el paciente con diabetes mellitus 2020. Grupo de Trabajo de Diabetes Mellitus de la Sociedad Española de Endocrinología y Nutrición / Executive summary: Position document: Evaluation and management of hypoglycemia in the patient with diabetes mellitus 2020. Diabetes Mellitus Working Group of the Spanish Society of Endocrinology and Nutrition

Proporcionar unas recomendaciones prácticas para la evaluación y el manejo de la hipoglucemia en pacientes con diabetes mellitus. Miembros del Grupo de Trabajo de Diabetes Mellitus de la Sociedad Española de Endocrinología y Nutrición (SEEN). Las recomendaciones se formularon según el sistema Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) para establecer tanto la fuerza de las recomendaciones como el grado de evidencia. Se realizó una búsqueda sistemática en MEDLINE (PubMed) de la evidencia disponible para cada tema, y se revisaron artículos escritos en inglés y castellano con fecha de inclusión hasta el 28 de febrero de 2020. En este resumen ejecutivo incluimos la evidencia reciente incorporada desde 2013. El documento establece unas recomendaciones prácticas basadas en la evidencia acerca de la evaluación y manejo de la hipoglucemia en pacientes con diabetes mellitus.

To provide practical recommendations for the evaluation and management of hypoglycemia in patients with diabetes mellitus. Members of the Diabetes Mellitus Working Group of the Spanish Society of Endocrinology and Nutrition (SEEN). The recommendations were made based on the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system to establish both the strength of the recommendations and the level of evidence. A systematic search was made in MEDLINE (PubMed) for the available evidence on each subject, and articles written in English and Spanish with an inclusion date up to 28 February 2020 were reviewed. This executive summary takes account of the evidence incorporated since 2013. The document establishes practical evidence-based recommendations regarding the evaluation and management of hypoglycemia in patients with diabetes mellitus.

Impact of circulating bacterial DNA in long-term glucose homeostasis in non-diabetic patients with HIV infection: cohort study.

In HIV-infected patients, the damage in the gut mucosal immune system is not completely restored after antiretroviral therapy (ART). It results in microbial translocation, which could influence the immune and inflammatory response. We aimed at investigating the long-term impact of bacterial-DNA translocation (bactDNA) on glucose homeostasis in an HIV population. This was a cohort study in HIV-infected patients whereby inclusion criteria were: patients with age >18 years, ART-naïve or on effective ART (<50 HIV-1 RNA copies/mL) and without diabetes or chronic hepatitis C. Primary outcome was the change in HbA1c (%). Explanatory variables at baseline were: bactDNA (qualitatively detected in blood samples by PCR [broad-range PCR] and gene 16SrRNA - prokaryote), ART exposure, HOMA-R and a dynamic test HOMA-CIGMA [continuous infusion of glucose with model assessment], hepatic steatosis (hepatic triglyceride content - 1H-MRS), visceral fat / subcutaneous ratio and inflammatory markers. Fifty-four men (age 43.2 ± 8.3 years, BMI 24.9 ± 3 kg/m2, mean duration of HIV infection of 8.1 ± 5.3 years) were included. Baseline HbA1c was 4.4 ± 0.4% and baseline presence of BactDNA in six patients. After 8.5 ± 0.5 years of follow-up, change in HbA1c was 1.5 ± 0.47% in patients with BactDNA vs 0.87 ± 0.3% in the rest of the sample p < 0.001. The change in Hba1c was also influenced by protease inhibitors exposure, but not by baseline indices of insulin resistance, body composition, hepatic steatosis, inflammatory markers or anthropometric changes. In non-diabetic patients with HIV infection, baseline bacterial translocation and PI exposure time were the only factors associated with long-term impaired glucose homeostasis.

Biological markers of fertility (inhibin-B) in HIV-infected men: influence of HIV infection and antiretroviral therapy.

OBJECTIVES: Inhibin B (IB) levels and the IB: follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) ratio (IFR), biomarkers of global Sertoli cell function, show a strong relationship with male fertility. The aim of the study was to examine the prevalence of impaired fertility potential in HIV-infected men and the influence of antiretroviral therapy (ART) on fertility biomarkers. METHODS: A cross-sectional study with sequential sampling was carried out. A total of 169 clinically stable patients in a cohort of HIV-infected men undergoing regular ambulatory assessment in a tertiary hospital were included. The mean [± standard deviation (SD)] age of the patients was 42.6 ± 8.1 years, all were clinically stable, 61.5% had disease classified as Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stage A, and were na?ve to ART or had not had any changes to ART for 6 months (91.1%). Morning baseline IB and FSH concentrations were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and an electrochemiluminescent immunoassay (ECLIA), respectively. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with impaired fertility, defined as IB < 119 pg/mL or IFR < 23.5. RESULTS: The mean (± SD) IB level was 250 ± 103 pg/mL, the median [interquartile range (IQR)] FSH concentration was 5.1 (3.3-7.8) UI/L and the median (IQR) IFR was 46.1 (26.3-83.7). The prevalence of impaired fertility was 21.9% [95% confidence interval (CI) 16.3-20.7%]. Negative correlations of body mass index and waist: hip ratio with FSH and IB levels were observed (P < 0.01), while a sedentary lifestyle and previous nevirapine exposure were associated with a decreased risk of IB levels ≤ 25th percentile in multivariate analysis. Only older age, as a risk factor, and sedentary lifestyle, with a protective effect, were independently associated with impaired fertility in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Global testicular Sertoli cell function and fertility potential, assessed indirectly through serum IB levels and IB: FSH ratio, appear to be well maintained in HIV-infected men and not damaged by ART.

Impact of vitamin D insufficiency on insulin homeostasis and beta cell function in nondiabetic male HIV-infected patients.

OBJECTIVES: Vitamin D is thought to play a role in glucose homeostasis and beta cell function. Our aim was to examine the impact of plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] upon in vivo insulin sensitivity and beta cell function in HIV-infected male patients without diabetes. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out involving a cohort of HIV-infected patients undergoing regular assessment in a tertiary hospital. Eighty-nine patients [mean (± standard deviation) age 42 ± 8 years] were included in the study: 14 patients were antiretroviral therapy (ART)-naïve, while 75 were on ART. Vitamin D insufficiency (VDI) was defined as 25(OH)D < 75 nmol/L; insulin sensitivity was determined using a 2-h continuous infusion of glucose model assessment with homeostasis (CIGMA-HOMA), using the trapezoidal model to calculate the incremental insulin and glucose areas under the curve (AUCins and AUGglu, respectively). Beta cell function was assessed using the disposition index (DI). Abdominal visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and hepatic triglyceride content (HTGC) were measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 1-H magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: VDI was associated with insulin resistance (IR), as indicated by a higher CIGMA-HOMA index (odds ratio 1.1) [1.01-1.2]. This association was independent of the main confounders, such as age, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stage, ART, lipodystrophy, body mass index, VAT:subcutaneous adipose tissue ratio and HTGC, as confirmed by multivariate analysis (B = 12.3; P = 0.01; r² = 0.7). IR in patients with VDI was compensated by an increase in insulin response. However, beta cell function was lower in the VDI subpopulation (33% decrease in DI). CONCLUSIONS: VDI in nondiabetic HIV-positive male patients is associated with impaired insulin sensitivity and a decrease in pancreatic beta cell function.

The Spanish Pancreatic Club recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of chronic pancreatitis: part 1 (diagnosis).

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a relatively uncommon, complex and heterogeneous disease. The absence of a gold standard applicable to the initial phases of CP makes its early diagnosis difficult. Some of its complications, particularly chronic pain, can be difficult to manage. There is much variability in the diagnosis and treatment of CP and its complications amongst centers and professionals. The Spanish Pancreatic Club has developed a consensus on the management of CP. Two coordinators chose a multidisciplinary panel of 24 experts on this disease. A list of questions was drafted, and two experts reviewed each question. Then, a draft was produced and shared with the entire panel of experts and discussed in a face-to-face meeting. This first part of the consensus addresses the diagnosis of CP and its complications.

The Spanish Pancreatic Club's recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of chronic pancreatitis: part 2 (treatment).

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a complex disease with a wide range of clinical manifestations. This range comprises from asymptomatic patients to patients with disabling symptoms or complications. The management of CP is frequently different between geographic areas and even medical centers. This is due to the paucity of high quality studies and clinical practice guidelines regarding its diagnosis and treatment. The aim of the Spanish Pancreatic Club was to give current evidence-based recommendations for the management of CP. Two coordinators chose a multidisciplinary panel of 24 experts on this disease. These experts were selected according to clinical and research experience in CP. A list of questions was made and two experts reviewed each question. A draft was later produced and discussed with the entire panel of experts in a face-to-face meeting. The level of evidence was based on the ratings given by the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine. In the second part of the consensus, recommendations were given regarding the management of pain, pseudocysts, duodenal and biliary stenosis, pancreatic fistula and ascites, left portal hypertension, diabetes mellitus, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, and nutritional support in CP.

Pubertad precoz completa isosexual: hallazgos clínicos, de laboratorio y ecografía pélvica / Complete isosexual precocious puberty: clinical, pelvic ultrasound and laboratory features

Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio ha sido determinar si la forma de presentación inicial de la pubertad precoz central (PPC) varía en relación con la etiología y permite el diagnóstico diferencial entre formas idiopáticas y orgánicas (neurogénicas), lo que haría innecesarias las pruebas de imagen del sistema nervioso central (SNC) en determinados pacientes. Pacientes y métodos: Los niños con PPC evaluados fueron incluidos de forma consecutiva en un estudio prospectivo observacional. Se recogieron los hallazgos clínicos, de laboratorio y ecográficos. Se compararon los hallazgos de PPC idiopática (3 niños y 49 niñas) y orgánica (2 niños y 8 niñas). Resultados: No hubo diferencias en cuanto al estadio puberal, edad de inicio puberal (7,0 [5,8-7,5] frente a 7,3 [5,1-8,3] años), cociente edad ósea/edad cronológica (1,26 [1,2-1,3] frente a 1,23 [1,1-1,3]) y menarquia materna (11,7 ± 0,2 frente a 11,7 ± 0,6 años) entre PPC idiopática y orgánica, respectivamente. Los pacientes con PPC orgánica presentaron una menor desviación estándar (DE) de la talla (0,35 ± 0,4 frente a 1,6 ± 0,1; p < 0,01), predicción de talla adulta y DE de la velocidad de crecimiento (0,8 ± 0,9 frente a 3,7 ± 0,7). Las niñas con PPC orgánica presentaban de forma significativa unas mayores concentraciones plasmáticas de estradiol (47,5 [25-68] frente a 27 [14-43] pg/ml) que las niñas con PPC idiopática. La ecografía pélvica realizada en el momento del diagnóstico reveló la presencia de cambios puberales en genitales internos en el 43,9 % de las niñas (el 37,2 % en la subpoblación con PPC idiopática frente al 62,5 % en el grupo de PPC orgánica; p = 0,18). Conclusiones: Existe un solapamiento clínico-ecográfico entre PPC idiopática y orgánica. Las pruebas de imagen del SNC siguen siendo necesarias en todos los casos de PPC y los estudios ecográficos no pueden sustituir a otras investigaciones diagnósticas (AU)

Objective: To determine whether initial presentation varies according to aetiology, whether such differences allow differential diagnosis between idiopathic and organic forms, and whether CNS imaging can be avoided in some patients with central precocious puberty (CPP). Patients and methods: Children referred for evaluation of precocious puberty were evaluated, and the subpopulation of children with CPP was enrolled in this prospective observational study. Clinical, laboratory and ultrasound features of 62 consecutive patients with CPP (5 boys and 57 girls) were recorded. We compared the characteristics of idiopathic (3 boys, 49 girls) and organic (2 boys, 8 girls) CPP. Results: There were no differences in pubertal staging, age at puberty onset (7.0 [5.8-7.5] vs. 7.3 [5.1-8.3] years), bone age/chronological age ratio (1.26 [1.2-1.3] vs. 1.23 [1.1-1.3]), maternal menarche (11.7 ± 0.2 vs. 11.7 ± 0.6 years) between idiopathic and organic CPP, respectively. Organic CPP patients had a poorer height SD (0.35 ± 0.4 vs. 1.6 ± 0.1; p < 0.01), predicted adult height, growth rate and growth rate SD (0.8 ± 0.9 vs. 3.7 ± 0.7). Girls with organic CPP had significantly higher oestradiol levels (47.5 [25-68] vs. 27 [14-43] pg/ml) than girls with idiopathic CPP. Pelvic ultrasound at the time of diagnosis revealed the presence of pubertal changes in internal genitalia in 43.9 % of girls (37.2 % idiopathic versus 62.5 % organic CPP subpopulation; p=0.18). Conclusions: There is a clinical-ultrasound overlap between idiopathic and organic CPP. Imaging remains necessary in all cases of central precocious puberty, and ultrasound data should not be replaced by other diagnostic investigations (AU)

Glinidas. Revisión de su uso terapéutico en la diabetes mellitus tipo 2 / Glinides. A review of their therapeutic use in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Las glinidas representan una nueva familia de secretadores de insulina, químicamente heterogénea, caracterizados por un inicio de acción rápido y de corta duración. La repaglinida posee un efecto hipoglucemiantes uperponible al de las sulfonilureas convencionales. Algunos estudio sindican un descenso en el riesgo de hipoglucemias, sobre todo nocturnas, y en el caso de omisión de una comida principal. Este fármaco parece especialmente útil en estadios iniciales de la diabetes tipo 2 y en combinación con metformina. Puede emplearse en pacientes con insuficiencia renal moderada y está contraindicada en caso de insuficiencia hepática grave. La nateglinida presenta una menor duración de acción y un peor control de la hemoglobina glucosilada que la repaglinida. Algunos estudios experimentales sugieren que las glinidas pueden preservar mejor que las sulfonilureas la función de la célula betapancreática y que el mejor control de las excursiones glucémicas posprandiales podría tener un efecto beneficioso en la reducción del riesgo cardiovascular de estos pacientes (AU)

Glinides are a new, chemically heterogeneous class of insulin-secreting agents characterized by rapid onset and short duration of action. Repaglinide has an equivalent hypoglycemic effect to conventional sulfonylureas. Several studies have reported a decreased risk of hypoglycemias, particularly nocturnal hypoglycemic episodes or those occurring after a main meal has been missed. This drug seems to be particularly useful in the early stages of type 2 diabetes or in combination with met formin. Repaglinide can be used in patients with moderate renal insufficiency, but is contraindicated in severe hepatic dysfunction. Nateglinide has a shorter duration of action and is less effective in HbA1c control than repaglinide. Several experimental studies have suggested that glinides could be more effective in preserving beta-cell function than sulfonylureas, and that improvement of postprandial glucose levels could exert a protective cardiovascular effect (AU)

[Complete isosexual precocious puberty: clinical, pelvic ultrasound and laboratory features]. / Pubertad precoz completa isosexual: hallazgos clínicos, de laboratorio y ecografía pélvica.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether initial presentation varies according to aetiology, whether such differences allow differential diagnosis between idiopathic and organic forms, and whether CNS imaging can be avoided in some patients with central precocious puberty (CPP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Children referred for evaluation of precocious puberty were evaluated, and the subpopulation of children with CPP was enrolled in this prospective observational study. Clinical, laboratory and ultrasound features of 62 consecutive patients with CPP (5 boys and 57 girls) were recorded. We compared the characteristics of idiopathic (3 boys, 49 girls) and organic (2 boys, 8 girls) CPP. RESULTS: There were no differences in pubertal staging, age at puberty onset (7.0 [5.8-7.5] vs. 7.3 [5.1-8.3] years), bone age/chronological age ratio (1.26 [1.2-1.3] vs. 1.23 [1.1-1.3]), maternal menarche (11.7+/-0.2 vs. 11.7+/-0.6 years) between idiopathic and organic CPP, respectively. Organic CPP patients had a poorer height SD (0.35+/-0.4 vs. 1.6+/-0.1; p<0.01), predicted adult height, growth rate and growth rate SD (0.8+/-0.9 vs. 3.7+/-0.7). Girls with organic CPP had significantly higher oestradiol levels (47.5 [25-68] vs. 27 [14-43] pg/ml) than girls with idiopathic CPP. Pelvic ultrasound at the time of diagnosis revealed the presence of pubertal changes in internal genitalia in 43.9% of girls (37.2% idiopathic versus 62.5% organic CPP subpopulation; p=0.18). CONCLUSIONS: There is a clinical-ultrasound overlap between idiopathic and organic CPP. Imaging remains necessary in all cases of central precocious puberty, and ultrasound data should not be replaced by other diagnostic investigations.

Churg-Strauss syndrome triggered by hyposensitization to Alternaria fungus.

Churg-Strauss syndrome is a systemic vasculitis of unknown ethiology. Exposure to putative triggers have been described. We report a case of Churg-Strauss syndrome developing after specific immunotherapy with Alternaria fungus.

An isolated pituitary metastasis as presentation of a differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma mimicking a nonfunctioning macroadenoma.

The differential diagnosis of sellar masses may be complex. Metastatic disease constitutes 1% of all pituitary lesions and sometimes mimics the clinical-radiological presentation of pituitary adenoma. The definitive diagnosis usually relies on histology, but occasionally even histological features of pituitary metastasis may resemble those of adenomas. We present a patient initially diagnosed with pituitary adenoma, but whose clinical course finally revealed pituitary metastasis of a hepatocellular carcinoma. The existing literature on this topic is reviewed.

Insuficiencia suprarrenal por mutación del gen StAR / Adrenal insufficiency due to a mutation in the StAR gene

El seudohermafroditismo masculino (SHM) es una entidad heterogénea con un abordaje diagnóstico complejo, dado el amplio espectro clínico y las numerosas etiologías potencialmente causantes. La mutación del gen codificador de la proteína de la regulación aguda de la esteroidogénesis (StAR) causa la hiperplasia suprarrenal congénita lipoidea (HSCL), una entidad muy infrecuente caracterizada por una ausencia de esteroidogénesis adrenal y gonadal, resultando en una insuficiencia adrenal grave y un SHM. Se presenta a un paciente 46,XY de 29 años de edad, fenotípicamente mujer, referido para control de una afección adrenal no diagnosticada. Los esteroides plasmáticos adrenales y gonadales eran indetectables, con una elevación franca de las gonadotrofinas. El estudio del gen StAR mostró una mutación heterocigota en el exón 3 (CTn327-328) y una mutación homocigota en el exón 7 (L275P), confirmando el diagnóstico de HSCL (AU)

Male pseudohermaphroditism is a heterogeneous condition. Diagnosis is complex because of its phenotypic variability and the large number of potential causes. A mutation in the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) gene causes congenital lipoid adrenal hyperplasia (CLAH), characterized by the absence of adrenal and gonadal steroidogenesis, resulting in severe adrenal insufficiency and male pseudohermaphroditism. We report the case of a 27-year-old, 46,XY phenotypic woman, who was referred because of an undiagnosed adrenal disease. Basal adrenal and gonadal plasma steroids were undetectable and there was marked elevation of gonadotrophins. Study of the StAR gene revealed a heterozygous mutation in exon 3 (CTn327-328) and a homozygous mutation in exon 7 (L275P), confirming the diagnosis of CLAH (AU)

[Prognostic morbidity and mortality factors in hospital enteral nutrition: prospective study]. / Factores pronósticos de morbi-mortalidad en nutrición enteral hospitalaria: estudio prospectivo.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prognostic factors that may best for see the outcome of an enteral nutritional intervention and to assess the assistance quality of a nutrition unit. SETTING AND SUBJECTS: Patients that required enteral nutrition during hospital admission at a third level center. INTERVENTIONS: Observational prospective study in which 160 patients were included by means of consecutive sampling, for a 6-months follow-up period. Underlying pathology, disability degree, nutritional assessment, type of enteral nutrition, complications, nursing care, and clinical course of patients were determined. RESULTS: severe caloric and protein hyponutrition was diagnosed in 48.4 and 52.9% of patients; stress degree was moderate in 52.2% and severe in 36.5%. In 88.2% of patients variation of protein parameters was unchanged or improved, with a 0.26 g/dL increase in albumin levels and 2.4 m/dL in prealbumin (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis adjusted for plasma albumin at admission showed that besides this biochemical parameter, a severe stress degree, a decreased alertness level, and worsening of protein variation during admission are independent prognostic mortality factors during an enteral nutritional intervention in the hospitalized patient (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: alertness level, degree of caloric hyponutrition, stress degree, plasma albumin levels, and variation of protein parameters during nutritional support are independent prognostic factors for the nutritional intervention outcomes. The development of global monitoring systems of assistance activity and quality of Nutrition Units is paramount in order to improve the efficiency of enteral nutritional support at the hospital setting, to advance in patients care and promote the development of nutritional therapy.

Factores pronósticos de morbi-mortalidad en nutrición enteral hospitalaria: estudio prospectivo / Prognostic morbidity and mortality factors in hospital enteral nutrition: prospective study

Objetivos: Determinar aquellos factores pronósticos que mejor puedan prever el resultado de una intervención nutricional vía enteral y evaluar la calidad asistencial de una unidad de nutrición. Ámbito y sujetos: Pacientes que precisaron nutrición enteral en régimen de ingreso hospitalario, en un centro de 3.er nivel. Intervenciones: Estudio observacional, prospectivo, en el que se incluyeron 160 pacientes mediante muestreo consecutivo, durante un período de seguimiento de 6 meses. Se determinó: patología de base, grado de incapacidad, valoración nutricional, tipo de nutrición enteral, complicaciones, cuidados de enfermería y evolución clínica de los pacientes. Resultados: Se diagnosticó desnutrición calórica y protéica graves en el 48,4 y 52,9% de los pacientes; el grado de estrés fue moderado en el 52,2% y grave en el 36,5%. En el 88,2% de los pacientes la variación de los parámetros protéicos fueron de igual o mejor, con un incremento en las concentraciones de albúmina de 0,26 g/dl y prealbúmina de 2,4 mg/dl (p < 0,05). El análisis multivariante, ajustado por la albúmina plasmática al ingreso mostró que, además de este parámetro bioquímico, el grado de estrés grave, el nivel de consciencia disminuido, y el empeoramiento en la variación protéica durante el ingreso, son factores pronósticos independientes de mortalidad en el transcurso de una intervención nutricional enteral en el paciente hospitalizado (p < 0,05). Conclusiones: El nivel de consciencia, grado de desnutrición calórica, grado de estrés, concentraciones de albúmina plasmática y la variación de los parámetros proteicos durante el soporte nutricional, son factores pronósticos independientes del resultado de una inter-vención nutricional. El desarrollo de sistemas de monitorización global de la actividad y calidad asistencial de las Unidades de Nutrición, son básicos para mejorar la eficiencia del soporte nutricional vía enteral en el ámbito intrahospitalario, avanzar en el cuidado de los pacientes y favorecer el desarrollo de la terapia nutricional (AU)

Objective: To determine the prognostic factors that may best for see the outcome of an enteral nutritional intervention and to assess the assistance quality of a nutrition unit. Setting and subjects: Patients that required enteral nutrition during hospital admission at a third level center. Interventions: observational prospective study in which 160 patients were included by means of consecutive sampling, for a 6-months follow-up period. Underlying pathology, disability degree, nutritional assessment, type of enteral nutrition, complications, nursing care, and clinical course of patients were determined. Results: severe caloric and protein hyponutrition was diagnosed in 48.4 and 52.9% of patients; stress degree was moderate in 52.2% and severe in 36.5%. In 88.2% of patients variation of protein parameters was unchanged or improved, with a 0.26 g/dL increase in albumin levels and 2.4 m/dL in prealbumin (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis adjusted for plasma albumin at admission showed that besides this biochemical parameter, a severe stress degree, a decreased alertness level, and worsening of protein variation during admission are independent prognostic mortality factors during an enteral nutritional intervention in the hospitalized patient (p < 0.05). Conclusions: alertness level, degree of caloric hyponutrition, stress degree, plasma albumin levels, and variation of protein parameters during nutritional support are independent prognostic factors for the nutritional intervention outcomes. The development of global monitoring systems of assistance activity and quality of Nutrition Units is paramount in order to improve the efficiency of enteral nutritional support at the hospital setting, to advance in patients care and promote the development of nutritional therapy (AU)