Impacto de la pandemia por SARS-CoV2 en la actividad asistencial y en la salud del personal de hemodiálisis en las diferentes oleadas / Impact of the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic on Dialysis Care Activity and the Health of Dialysis Staff During Different Waves

Introducción: Además de las consecuencias del SARS-CoV-2 sobre los pacientes renales infectados, mantener la actividad durante la pandemia ha supuesto todo un reto dada la escasez de personal por las ausencias por enfermedad. Objetivo: Analizar la incidencia de contagios por Covid-19 entre los profesionales de hemodiálisis, sus características y su repercusión en bajas laborales en las diferentes oleadas.Material y Método: Estudio observacional longitudinal desde el 3/03/2020 hasta el 23/04/2022 (776 días) en una media de 406 profesionales sanitarios y no sanitarios de 18 unidades de diálisis y dos unidades administrativas de apoyo de la Fundación Renal Iñigo Álvarez de Toledo.La recogida de datos se realizó a través de la comunicación de las distintas supervisoras al departamento de recursos humanos. Resultados: 179 profesionales de un promedio de 406 (44,1%) se infectaron en el periodo de estudio, siendo el 52% enfermeras, 25% auxiliares, 11% nefrólogos y 12% otros profesionales. Un 40,2% de los casos presentaron síntomas. Un total de 160 contagiados estuvo ausente por enfermedad (89,3%), con una media de 15,9±14,3 días. En el 71,6% se detectó un contacto estrecho (todos fuera de las unidades) y esta identificación de contactos fue creciente según avanzaban las oleadas, pasando de un 6,7% en la 1ª ola a un 40% en la 6ª ola (p=0,016). Conclusiones: La sintomatología ha sido leve, al menos de dos semanas de ausencia por enfermedad; los contactos estrechos detectados han sido fundamentalmente comunitarios, sin registrarse contagios a través de los pacientes renales en las unidades. (AU)

Introduction: In addition to the consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection in renal patients, maintaining dialysis activity during the pandemic has been a significant challenge due to staff shortages resulting from illness-related absences. Objetives: To analyze the incidence of COVID-19 infections among hemodialysis professionals, their characteristics, and their impact on work absences during different waves of the pandemic.Material and Method: Longitudinal observational study conducted from March 3, 2020, to April 23, 2022 (776 days), involving an average of 406 healthcare and non-healthcare professionals from 18 dialysis units and two administrative support units of the Renal Foundation. Data collection was carried out through communication from various supervisors to the human resources department.Results: During the study period, 179 professionals out of an average of 406 (44.1%) became infected. Among these, 52% were nurses, 25% were nursing assistants, 11% were nephrologists, and 12% were other professionals. 40.2% of cases exhibited symptoms. A total of 160 infected individuals were absent from work due to illness (89.3%), with an average duration of 15.9 ± 14.3 days. In 71.6% of cases, close contacts were identified outside the dialysis units, and this contact identification increased with each wave of the pandemic, rising from 6.7% in the 1st wave to 40% in the 6th wave (p=0.016).Conclusions: The symptoms have generally been mild, with absences from work lasting at least two weeks. Close contacts were mainly identified within the community, and there were no recorded infections transmitted through renal patients in the units. (AU)

Sarcopenia and Mortality in Older Hemodialysis Patients.

(1) Sarcopenia is a progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength. The aim of this study was to determine the association of sarcopenia, defined according to the Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2) diagnostic criteria, with mortality at 24 months in very elderly hemodialysis patients. (2) A prospective study was conducted in 60 patients on chronic hemodialysis who were older than 75 years. Sarcopenia was diagnosed according to EWGSOP2 criteria. Additionally, clinical, anthropometric and analytical variables and body composition by bioimpedance were assessed. The date and cause of death were recorded during 2 years of follow-up. (3) Among study participants, 41 (68%) were men, the mean age 81.85 ± 5.58 years and the dialysis vintage was 49.88 ± 40.29 months. The prevalence of probable sarcopenia was 75% to 97%, depending on the criteria employed: confirmed sarcopenia ranged from 37 to 40%, and severe sarcopenia ranged from 18 to 37%. A total of 30 (50%) patients died over 24 months. Sarcopenia probability variables were not related to mortality. In contrast, sarcopenia confirmation (appendicular skeletal muscle mass, ASM) and severity (gait speed, GS) variables were associated with mortality. In multivariate analysis, the hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) for all-cause death was 3.03 (1.14-8.08, p = 0.028) for patients fulfilling ASM sarcopenia criteria and 3.29 (1.04-10.39, p = 0.042) for patients fulfilling GS sarcopenia criteria. (4) The diagnosis of sarcopenia by EWGSOP2 criteria is associated with an increased risk of all-cause death in elderly dialysis patients. Specifically, ASM and GS criteria could be used as mortality risk markers in elderly hemodialysis patients. Future studies should address whether the early diagnosis and treatment of sarcopenia improve outcomes.

Sarcopenia assessed by 4-step EWGSOP2 in elderly hemodialysis patients: Feasibility and limitations.

BACKGROUND: In 2019, EWGSOP2 proposed 4 steps to diagnose and assess sarcopenia. We aimed to quantify the prevalence of sarcopenia according to the EWGSOP2 diagnostic algorithm and to assess its applicability in elderly patients on hemodialysis. METHODS: Prospective study of 60 outpatients on chronic hemodialysis aged 75- to 95-years, sarcopenia was assessed according to the 4-step EWGSOP2: Find: Strength, Assistance walking, Rise from a chair, Climb stairs, and Falls (SARC-F); Assess: grip strength by dynamometry (GSD) and sit to stand to sit 5 (STS5); Confirm: appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) by bioimpedance; Severity: gait speed (GS), Timed-Up and Go (TUG), and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). RESULTS: The sequential four steps resulted in a prevalence of confirmed or severe sarcopenia of 20%. Most (97%) patients fulfilled at least one criterion for probable sarcopenia. The sensitivity of SARC-F for confirmed sarcopenia was low (46%). Skipping the SARC-F step increased the prevalence of confirmed and severe sarcopenia to 40% and 37%, respectively. However, 78% of all patients had evidence of dynapenia consistent with severe sarcopenia. Muscle mass (ASM) was normal in 60% of patients, while only 25% had normal muscle strength values (GSD). CONCLUSIONS: According to the 4-step EWGSOP2, the prevalence of confirmed or severe sarcopenia was low in elderly hemodialysis patients. The diagnosis of confirmed sarcopenia underestimated the prevalence of dynapenia consistent with severe sarcopenia. Future studies should address whether a 2-step EWGSOP2 assessment (Assess-Severity) is simpler to apply and may provide better prognostic information than 4-step EWGSOP2 in elderly persons on hemodialysis.

Clasificación funcional del paciente anciano en hemodiálisis y su influencia en la individualización del tratamiento / Functional classification of the elderly haemodialysis patient and its influence on individualisation of treatment

Introducción: La edad de los pacientes en hemodiálisis está aumentando, presentando mayor deterioro.Objetivos: Conocer la situación del paciente ancia­no en hemodiálisis categorizando nuestra población. Ana­lizar la relación entre las escalas de funcio­nalidad, desnutrición y comorbilidad.Material y Método: Estudio descriptivo transversal, pacien­tes 75-95 años. Se midieron: a) Comorbilidad-CHARLSON: alta (>6 puntos). b) Nutrición-MISS: extremadamente des­nutrido (<10 puntos.); desnutrición muy severa (>7-10 puntos); moderada-severa (>5-7 puntos); leve-moderada (>2-5 puntos); normonutrido (<2 puntos); c) Dependencia-BAR­THEL, independiente (100 puntos); dependencia leve (91-99 puntos); moderada (61-90 puntos.); severa (21-60 puntos.); total (<20 puntos). d) Fragilidad-FRAIL, no fragilidad (0 puntos); prefrágil (1-2 puntos); frágil (>3 puntos).Resultados: 60 pacientes, 68%(41) hom­bres, edad media 81,85±5,58 años y tiempo HD 49,88±40,29 meses. Etiología más prevalente, diabe­tes mellitus (28%). MIS: 6,01±3,80 puntos. clasificándose 8(13%) normonu­tridos, 24(40%) desnutrición leve-moderada, 10(17%) desnutrición moderada-severa, 13(22%) desnutrición muy severa y 5(8%) extremadamente desnutridos. BARTHEL: 88,16±18,59 puntos, clasificó 32(53%) independientes, 6(10%) dependencia leve, 17(28%) dependencia modera­da, 4(7%) dependencia severa, 1(2%) dependencia total. FRAIL: 1,98±1,32 puntos, clasificó 10(17%) no frágiles, 31(51%) prefrágiles y 19(32%) frágiles. CHARLSON: 10,01±2,20 puntos. Presentando 60(100%) alta comorbilidad. CHARLSON presentó diferencias entre sexo, mayor en hombres (p=0,002). Se encontró alta correlación entre Barthel y Frail (r=0,647,p<0,001), moderada entre MIS y Barthel (r=0,556, p<0,001) y MIS y Frail (r=0,455,p<0,001). Charlson obtuvo peor correlación. (AU)

Objectives:To know the situation of the elderly patient on hemodialysis, categorizing our population. Analyze the rela-tionship between the scales of functionality, malnutrition and comorbidity.Method:Cross-sectional descriptive study, patients 75-95 years old. Were measured: a) Comorbidity-CHARLSON: high (>6 points). b) Nutrition-MISS: extremely malnourished (<10 points); very severe malnutrition (>7-10 points); mo-derate-severe (>5-7 points); mild-moderate (>2-5 points); normonourished (<2 points); c) Dependence-BARTHEL, in-dependent (100 points); dependency level (91-99 points); moderate (61-90 points); severe (21-60 points); totals (<20 points). d) Frailty-FRAIL, without frailty (0 points); prefragile (1-2 points); fragile (>3 points). Results:60 patients, 68% (41) men, mean age 81.85±5.58 years and HD time 49.88±40.29 months. Most prevalent etio-logy, diabetes mellitus (28%). MIS: 6.01±3.80 points. classifying 8 (13%) as normonourished, 24 (40%) as mild-moderate mal-nutrition, 10 (17%) as moderate-severe malnutrition, 13 (22%) as very severe malnutrition, and 5 (8%) as extremely malnou-rished. BARTHEL: 88.16±18.59 points, classified 32 (53%) in-dependent, 6 (10%) mild dependence, 17 (28%) moderate de-pendence, 4 (7%) severe dependence, 1 (2%) dependence total. FRAGILE: 1.98±1.32pts, classified 10 (17%) non-frail, 31 (51%) pre-frail and 19 (32%) frail. CHARLSON: 10.01±2.20 points. Presenting 60 (100%) high comorbidity. CHARLSON presented differences between sex, higher in men (p=0.002). High coinci-dence was found between Barthel and Frail (r=0.647, p<0.001), moderate between MIS and Barthel (r=0.556, p<0.001) and MIS and Frail (r=0.455, p<0.001). Charlson was the scale with the worst correlation.Conclusions:The results showed a great general deteriora-tion of elderly patients on dialysis, highlighting the need for individualised treatments focused on their recovery, inclu-ding the dialysis technique itself. (AU)

The Spectrum of Clinical and Serological Features of COVID-19 in Urban Hemodialysis Patients.

INTRODUCTION: The inherent immunosuppression of uremia increases the susceptibility of hemodialysis patients to infection. There is still limited evidence on hemodialysis patients and COVID-19. The clinical and analytical spectrum and treatment responses and mortality are poorly characterized. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Clinical and analytical features, chest X-ray, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and antibodies for SARS-CoV-2, treatment and outcomes were analyzed in 48 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 during March and April 2020 in two coordinated Spanish hemodialysis units. RESULTS: In 200 haemodialysis patients, COVID-19 was diagnosed in 48, of whom 22 were PCR positive, eight PCR negative but seroconverted and two were diagnosed on typical clinical grounds. Despite a mean age of 72.6 years, the overall mortality rate was 5/48 (10%). Among the PCR positive patients, 21 (55%) required admission and five (13%) died. PCR positive patients were more often symptomatic and hospitalized and had higher troponin I levels than PCR negative patients, but did not differ in lymphocyte counts, D-dimer or interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels. Among PCR negative COVID-19 patients, three out of 10 (30%) required admission, and none died. The most frequent symptom among the 48 patients was fever (31%), followed by asymptomatic patients (23%). A low number of lymphocytes was the only parameter significantly different between hospitalized and ambulatory COVID-19 patients, independently of PCR status. CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 hemodialysis patients are frequently asymptomatic, and mortality may be lower than previously reported. Diagnosis may be retrospective, based on seroconversion, as PCR may be negative. This information should guide preventive and patient isolation strategies.

Análisis de la ultrafiltración media por sesión de los pacientes en una unidad de hemodiálisis / Analysis of the average ultrafiltration rate per session of patients in a hemodialysis unit

INTRODUCCIÓN: En los pacientes en hemodiálisis (HD), el ajuste erróneo del peso ideal puede llevarlos a la sobrecarga de líquido que puede desembocar en episodios de insuficiencia cardiaca o a la inversa, a una situación de bajo peso generando hipotensiones que pueden originar cardiopatía isquémica. Se estima como adecuada una ultrafiltración (UF) máxima de 10 ml/kg/h, valor por encima del cual está demostrado el aumento de la mortalidad. OBJETIVOS: Analizar que tasa de ultrafiltración media usamos en nuestra unidad, y conocer qué porcentaje de pacientes sobrepasaban la ultrafiltración máxima recomendada. MATEIRAL Y MÉTODO: Realizamos un estudio observacional, prospectivo, en 58 pacientes en hemodiálisis, analizando la tasa de ultrafiltración expresada en ml/kg/h por sesión durante 6 meses. Se definió una tasa de UF>10 ml/kg/h como punto de corte para, según los criterios actuales de tasa adecuada, determinar que pacientes presentaban una UF superior a 10 ml/Kg/h en más de un 25% de las sesiones. RESULTADOS: Durante el periodo de estudio la tasa media de UF de todos los pacientes fue de 8,78±2,76 ml/kg/h, aunque el porcentaje de sesiones por paciente con tasa de UF superior a 10 ml/kg/h fue de un 35,9±29,74%. CONCLUSIÓN: Un porcentaje alto de pacientes presentan tasas de UF por encima de los valores recomendados. Se han de buscar estrategias para minimizar esta situación, donde la educación sanitaria sobre alimentación y el ajuste individualizado de las sesiones de diálisis son aspectos fundamentales

INTRODUCTION: In haemodialysis (HD) patients, the wrong adjustment of the ideal weight can lead to fluid overload, which can cause episodes of heart failure or, conversely, to a low weight situation, generating hypotension that triggers ischemic heart disease. A maximum ultrafiltration (UF) of 10 ml/kg/hr is considered adequate. A higher value is associated with an increase in mortality. OBJECTIVES: To analyse the average ultrafiltration rate used in the study centre, and to know what percentage of patients exceeded the maximum recommended ultrafiltration. MATERIAL AND METHOD: An observational, prospective study in 58 haemodialysis patients was carried out, analysing the ultrafiltration rate expressed in ml/kg/hr per session for 6 months. A UF rate>10 ml/kg/hr was defined as the cut-off point, according to the current criteria of adequate rate, to determine which patients had a UF greater than 10 ml/kg/hr in more than 25% of the sessions. RESULTS: During the study period, the average UF rate of all patients was 8.78±2.76 ml/kg/hr, although the percentage of sessions per patient with a UF rate greater than 10 ml/kg/hr was 35.9±29.74%. CONCLUSION: A high percentage of patients present UF rates above the recommended values. Strategies to decrease values must be sought, with health education on diet and individualized adjustment of dialysis sessions being fundamental aspects

Photomodulation of the osteoclastogenic potential of oral squamous carcinoma cells.

The treatment for oral cancer usually involves surgical excision followed by chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. The combination of these therapies generally promotes a serious inflammation of the mucosa of the digestive tract, denominated mucositis, which compromises continuity of treatment. Photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy has been used successfully to reduce the oral mucositis, however there is still some controversy regarding the effects of this therapy on unintentionally irradiated tumor cells that may remain after cancer treatment. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of PBM therapy (using parameters for mucositis) on the modulation of osteoclastogenic potential of a cell line derived from human lingual squamous cell carcinoma (SCC9). Previously irradiated SCC9 cells were co-cultured with human osteoclast precursors. Co-cultures performed with non-irradiated SCC9 cells served as control. After 7, 14 and 21 days the co-cultures were evaluated for the tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity, an osteoclastogenic marker. Additionally, the monocultures of SCC9 cells (non-irradiated and irradiated) were analyzed for cell viability/proliferation and for the expression of IL-11 and PTHrP. The irradiation of SCC9 cells with PBM with an energy density of 4 J/cm2 decreased the pro-osteoclastogenic potential of those cells. This may represent a potential useful side effect of PBM therapy. PBM (using recommended parameters for mucositis treatment) decreases the osteoclastogenic potential of oral squamous carcinoma cells.

Morphological Analysis of Reticuloendothelial System in Capuchin Monkeys (Sapajus spp.) after Meso-2,3-Dimercaptosuccinic Acid (DMSA) Coated Magnetic Nanoparticles Administration.

Magnetic nanoparticles can be used for numerous in vitro and in vivo applications. However, since uptake by the reticuloendothelial system represents an obstacle for the achievement of nanoparticle diagnostic and therapeutic goals, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the uptake of dimercaptosuccinic acid coated magnetic nanoparticles by reticuloendothelial system phagocytic cells present in lymph nodes, spleen, and liver tissue and how the presence of these particles could have an impact on the morphology of these organs in capuchin monkeys (Sapajus spp.). Animals were intravenously injected with dimercaptosuccinic acid coated magnetic nanoparticles and euthanized 12 hours and 90 days post-injection. Organs were processed by transmission electron microscopy and histological techniques. Samples of spleen and lymph nodes showed no morphological changes. Nevertheless, liver samples collected 90 days post-administration showed slight morphological alteration in space of Disse. Moreover, morphometrical analysis of hepatic mitochondria was performed, suggesting a clear positive correlation between mitochondrial area and dimercaptosuccinic acid coated magnetic nanoparticles administration time. The present results are directly relevant to current safety considerations in clinical diagnostic and therapeutic uses of magnetic nanoparticles.

Amphotericin B: an antifungal drug in nanoformulations for the treatment of paracoccidioidomycosis / La anfotericina B: una droga antifúngica en nanoformulaciones para el tratamiento de la paracoccidioidomicosis

The use of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) in drug delivery vehicles must address issues such as drugloading capacity, desired release profile, aqueous dispersion stability, biocompatibility with cells and tissue, and retention of magnetic properties after interaction with macromolecules or modification via chemical reactions. Amphotericin B (AmB) is still the first choice for the treatment of severe paracoccidioidomycosis, an important systemic fungal infection caused by Paracoccidoides brasiliensis. Unfortunately, AmB causes acute side effects (mainly urinary problems) following intravenous administration, which limits its clinical use. The use of magnetic nanoparticles stabilized with biocompatible substances, together with the possibility of their conjugation with drugs has become a new nanotechnological strategy in the treatment of diseases for drug delivery to specific locations, such as the lungs in paracoccidoidiodomycosis. This review provides an overview of the disease, its etiologic agent and treatment with emphasis on the main strategies to improve the use of AmB in nanoformulations.

El uso de nanopartículas magnéticas (MNPS) en los vehículos de suministro de fármacos debe abordar cuestiones como la capacidad de carga de las drogas, el perfil deseado de liberación, estabilidad de la dispersión acuosa, biocompatibilidad con las células, tejidos y la conservación o la modificación de las propiedades magnéticas después de la interacción con macromoléculas y/o reacciones químicas. La anfotericina B (AnB) continua siendo la primera opción para el tratamiento de la paracoccidioidomicosis grave, una importante infección sistémica causada por el hongo Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. Sin embargo, la AnB causa efectos secundarios agudos (principalmente problemas urinarios) tras la administración intravenosa, limitando su uso clínico. El uso de nanopartículas magnéticas estabilizadas con sustancias biocompatibles y conjugadas con fármacos, se ha convertido en una nueva estrategia nanotecnológica para el tratamiento de enfermedades en sitios específicos, como los pulmones en paracoccidoidiodomycosis. En esta revisión se hace una descripción general de la enfermedad, su agente etiológico y su tratamiento con énfasis en la principales estrategias para mejorar el uso de AnB en nanoformulaciones.