Histopathological and statistical study of corneal repair in rabbits. A new way to understand corneal recovery.

The study aims to evaluate corneal healing post amniotic membrane transplantation in controlled corneal defects, justifying its application in routine ophthalmology practice. The objective is to establish a reliable method for assessing the repair process. In three groups of six adult New Zealand rabbits, keratectomy and a monolayer transplant of dehydrated human amniotic membrane (AM) were conducted in the left eye (OS) with the right eye (OD) serving as the control eye. Clinical signs were assessed, and both eyes were enucleated at 1, 2, and 4 weeks for optical coherence tomography (OCT) measurements and histological analysis, collecting data from different epithelium, stroma, and limbus regions. This study was conducted using a formula that combines histologic data categorizing their presence and/or type as beneficial for corneal repair. No statistically significant differences were found between the experimental and control eyes regarding all clinical signs and OCT measurements. However, a linear model using histopathological results showed a period-implant mode interaction with statistical significance (p=0.010). The use of the single-layer amniotic membrane resulted in improved corneal recovery with the stromal side showing better performance in the first week and the epithelial side proving to be more effective than the stromal side in the long term. For the first time, a statistical formula employing histopathological data is introduced to determine corneal recovery, potentially offering a more accurate and reliable method compared with the observation of clinical signs and corneal measurements with OCT.

Suicidio consumado en Gran Canaria en el periodo 2017-2022 y su relación con antecedentes de trastorno mental / Consummated suicide in Gran Canaria in the period 2017-2022, and its relationship with a history of mental disorder

Introducción el suicidio sigue siendo una de las principales causas de muerte en todo el mundo. Debido a la relación entre la conducta suicida y el trastorno mental, nuestro objetivo es determinar el número de personas que recibían atención por la Red de Salud Mental entre el total de suicidios consumados entre 2017 y 2022 en Gran Canaria, así como las características de dicha población y de la atención recibida. Material y métodos estudio longitudinal observacional retrospectivo en el que la población de estudio fue extraída del total de suicidios de la base de datos del Instituto de Medicina Legal de Gran Canaria. Posteriormente, los datos fueron cotejados por las bases de datos de la Red de Salud Mental. Por último, se realizó un análisis estadístico univariante y los resultados fueron comparados en función del sexo y la atención en la Unidad de Salud Mental Comunitaria. Resultados solo un 39,4% había recibido atención por parte de la unidad de salud mental, siendo la mayoría mujeres (55,3% vs. 34,6%), con una media de edad de 50,9 años para ambos sexos. Los antecedentes de intentos previos fueron mucho más frecuentes en la población que recibía atención (45,4% vs. 7%), así como la atención en urgencias (42% vs. 5,7%) y los ingresos hospitalarios (25,3% vs. 0,7%). Conclusión menos de la mitad de las personas fallecidas tuvieron contacto con una unidad de salud mental comunitaria. Además, la atención por esta es mayor entre aquellas personas con intentos previos y entre el sexo femenino, siendo el diagnóstico más frecuente el de los trastornos afectivos monopolares. (AU)

Introduction Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Due to the relationship between suicidal behavior and mental disorder, our aim is to determine the number of people who received care by the Mental Health Network among the total number of suicides consummated between 2017 and 2022 in Gran Canaria, as well as the characteristics of that population and the care received. Material and methods Longitudinal observational retrospective study in which the study population was extracted from the total number of suicides in the database of the Legal Medicine Institute. Subsequently, the data were cross-checked by the Mental Health Network databases. Finally, a univariate statistical analysis was carried out and the results were compared according to sex and care in the Community Mental Health Unit. Results Only 39.4% had received care at the Mental Health Unit, the majority being women (55.3% vs. 34.6%), with a mean age of 50.9 years for both sexes. History of previous attempts was much more frequent in the population receiving care (45.4% vs. 7%), as well as emergency care (42% vs. 5.7%) and hospital admissions (25.3% vs. 0.7%). Conclusion Less than half of the deceased persons had contact with a Community Mental Health Unit. In addition, care by this unit was higher among those with previous attempts and among the female sex, with the most frequent diagnosis being monopolar affective disorders. (AU)

The Effect of Honey, Aloe Vera, and Hydrocolloid Dressing on the Healing Process of Murine Excisional Wounds.

Chronic ulcers are a major health problem associated with high costs and a loss of quality of life. Because of this, the search for products that accelerate wound healing is a constant, given the need for alternatives that help to alleviate this serious health problem. We analyzed the efficacy of 2 natural products-honey and aloe vera-versus hydrocolloid (HC) dressings as a control group in healing full-thickness wounds. For this purpose, we performed full-thickness excisions of the skin, including the panniculus carnosus, in mice. We inserted a nitrile ring into the subcutaneous cellular tissue simulating the second-intention wound healing course. We found that aloe vera reduced the diameter of the wounds compared to honey (p < .001) and the control group (p < .001).

Massive spontaneous portosystemic shunt is a solid, easily identifiable prognostic factor in patients with cirrhosis.

OBJECTIVES: Spontaneous portosystemic shunts (SPSSs) are associated with complications and death in cirrhosis. We evaluated chronic portosystemic encephalopathy (CPSE) and survival in cirrhotic patients with massive (>10 mm diameter) SPSS (MSPSS). METHODS: We have retrospectively compared 77 cirrhotic patients with MSPSS and 77 paired-matched patients without SPSS. RESULTS: More patients with MSPSS presented with CPSE (40.3% vs. 20.8%, P = 0.010) or died (33.8% vs. 18.2%, P = 0.039). Model for Endstage Liver Disease (MELD) score [hazard ratio (HR) 1.146, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.099-1.195], follow-up (FU) ascites (HR 5.128, 95% CI 2.396-10.973) and age (HR 1.048, 95% CI 1.017-1.080) were associated with CPSE; and MELD score (HR 1.082, 95% CI 1.035-1.131), FU renal failure (HR 9.319, 95% CI 3.595-24.158), and FU ascites (HR 4.320, 95% CI 1.615-11.555) were associated with death. Liver function worsened faster in the MSPSS group. Among patients with better liver function (MELD < 11.5), MSPSS patients presented worse survival (P = 0.048, Breslow test). Comparing patients by the Child-Pugh group, we did not find differences in survival; in patients from Child-Pugh group B + C, the MSPSS group presented less time free of CPSE (P < 0.05, log-rank test). Patients with splenorenal MSPSS presented better survival (P = 0.04, log-rank test), and patients with umbilical MSPSS had shorter time free of CPSE (P < 0.016, log-rank test). CONCLUSION: MSPSS increased CPSE and death risks during long FU. Even with better liver function (MELD < 11.5), MSPSS was associated with lower survival. Splenorenal MSPSS presented better survival and the umbilical type was associated with shorter time free of CPSE.

Thyroid Fine Needle Aspiration, the Bethesda System, and the BRAFV600E Mutation in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: Association and Prediction for Biopsy.

INTRODUCTION: BRAFV600E mutations have been associated with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) histological types including tall-cell and classical, peritumoral infiltration, and nuclear signs, whereas cytological features such as plump cells and sickle nuclei have also been associated with favorable thyroid fine needle aspiration (FNA) results for this tumor. BRAF and RAS are considered early driver mutations that contribute to the development of BRAF-like PTCs and RAS-like PTCs. Our aim was to assess the possible association between all Bethesda System cytological features and thyroid FNAs for PTC and their potential predictive value for future BRAFV600E-related biopsies. METHODS: Our study analyzed 63 cases of PTCs operated on at our hospital over a 5-year period between 2005 and 2017 that had previously undergone FNA and had been classified by the Bethesda System. BRAFV600E was identified by pyrosequencing paraffin-embedded tissues and comparing the cytological signs with the Bethesda System. In addition, a statistical and predictive study of the diagnostic factors "non-follicular," "non-round nuclei," and "non-clear chromatin" was performed to discriminate BRAF-like signs from other hypothetical RAS-like follicular signs. RESULTS: BRAFV600E was detected in 43/63 cases (68.2%). Histological types were significant (p < 0.001), with the classical variant being the most prevalent 31/63 (49.2%) and independent by multivariate analysis odds ratio of 10.58 [2.67; 41.97]. Follicular cytological signs are negatively associated with BRAFV600E: follicular structure (p < 0.001), round nuclei (p = 0.015), and clear chromatin (p = 0.049), while the diagnostic factors: "non-follicular" (positive predictive value [PPV] 82.9, sensitivity 79.1, negative predictive value [NPV] 59.1, specificity 65.0), "non-round nuclei" (PPV 76.6, sensitivity 83.7, NPV 56.3, specificity 45.0), and "non-clear chromatin" (PPV 75.6, sensitivity 79.1, NPV 50.0, specificity 45.0) have predictive value for the mutation. There was no individual significance for the remaining cytological features. CONCLUSIONS: Our study found no association between cytomorphological signs of thyroid FNA and BRAFV600E mutation. Considering the Bethesda System, there is an association (p = 0.045) with numerous cases of mutated PTC in categories V and VI. Our results indicate, however, that the presence of signs referred to as "non-follicular," "non-round nuclei," and "non-clear chromatin" in biopsy of papillary thyroid carcinoma is predictive of BRAF type mutation, whereas follicular signs indicate a RAS type PTC, according to published literature. These results need to be confirmed or modified by further research.

El primer año de la “Unidad de Cuidados Paliativos Pediátricos y Patología Crónica Compleja” en Gran Canaria / The first year of the “Pediatric Palliative Care and Complex Chronic Disease Unit” in Gran Canaria

Introducción: Los avances en la ciencia y tecnología y la mejora de la atención pediátrica han logrado un descenso en la mortalidad y un aumento en la supervivencia infantil. Estos pacientes requieren atención integral y coordinada, desempeñando un papel fundamental los cuidados paliativos pediátricos (CPP). En los últimos años su importancia ha crecido exponencialmente en España, lo que fomentó la creación de unidades de CPP. Se presentan características de los pacientes seguidos por la UCPP-PCC del Complejo Hospitalario Universitario Insular Materno Infantil (CHUIMI) de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria durante su primer año de funcionamiento. Material y métodos: Estudio epidemiológico, observacional, descriptivo y bidireccional de pacientes atendidos en la UCPP-PCC del CHUIMI desde noviembre de 2019 hasta enero de 2021. Resultados: Total 86 pacientes, 73 (84,88 %) paliativos, 13 (15,12 %) no-paliativos, 40 (54,79 %) no oncológicos, 33 (45,21 %) oncológicos. Grupo-1 ACT (46,6 %), por grupo de patología predominaron la neurológica (36 %) y desórdenes genéticos (15,1 %). Problemas principales: dolor (70,9 %), problemas gastrointestinales (65,1 %), neurológicos (64 %). Exitus 21 (24,42 % de la muestra), 90,5 % en el hospital. Mediana de E-PaPas 18 puntos, mediana CV 64,4 puntos oncológicos-39,2 puntos no oncológicos. Mayor frecuencia de dolor y fallecimientos en pacientes con gran necesidad de CPP. A mayor necesidad de CPP y mayor número de problemas gastrointestinales, menor puntuación de calidad de vida. (AU)

Introduction: Advances in science and technology and improved pediatric care have achieved a decrease in mortality and an increase in child survival. These patients require comprehensive and coordinated care, with pediatric palliative care (PPC) playing a fundamental role. In recent years its importance has grown exponentially in Spain, which has encouraged the creation of PPC units. We present the characteristics of the patients followed by the CHUIMI PPC-PPC Unit during its first year of operation. Material and methods: Epidemiological, observational, descriptive and bidirectional study of patients seen in the CHUIMI UCPP-PCC from November 2019 to January 2021. Results: Total of 86 patients, 73 (84.88 %) palliative, 13 (15.12 %) non-palliative, 40 (54.79 %) non-oncological, 33 (45.21 %) oncological. Group-1 ACT (46.6 %), by pathology group predominantly neurological (36 %) and genetic disorders (15.1 %). Main problems: pain (70.9 %), gastrointestinal problems (65.1 %), neurological problems (64 %). Exitus 21 (24.42 %) of the sample, 90.5 % in hospital. Mean E-PaPas 18 pts, mean QL 64.4 pts oncological and 39.2 pts non-oncological. Higher frequency of pain and death in patients with a high need for PPC. The greater the need for PPC and the greater the number of gastrointestinal problems, the lower the QL score. (AU)

A Common Variant at the 3'untranslated Region of the CCL7 Gene (rs17735770) Is Associated With Decreased Susceptibility to Coronary Heart Disease.

Monocytes participate in the development of atherosclerosis through the action of cytokines and other inflammatory mediators. Among them, CCR2 and its ligands, CCL2 and CCL7 play an important role, so the main objective of this work was to determine whether genetic variants affecting their activity were associated with cardiovascular disease. A cohort of 519 patients that have suffered coronary events was analyzed under a propensity score-matching protocol selecting a homogeneous set of cases and controls, according to age, sex, smoking status, dyslipidemia, arterial hypertension and type 2 diabetes as risk factors. While dyslipidemia and arterial hypertension were more prevalent among patients with angina pectoris, current smoking status and elevated inflammatory markers, including total leukocyte and monocyte counts, were more likely associated with acute coronary events. Propensity score matching analysis, performed to eliminate the influence of these risk factors and highlight genetic modifiers, revealed that a single nucleotide variant, rs17735770 at the 3'untranslated region of the CCL7 gene transcript, was associated with decreased cardiovascular risk in a group represented mostly by men, with an average age of 57, and without significant differences in traditional risk factors. Furthermore, the presence of this variant altered the local mRNA structure encompassing a binding site for miR-23ab, resulting in increased translation of a reporter gene in a miR23 independent fashion. The rs17735770 genetic variant led to increased expression of CCL7, a potential antagonist of CCR2 at inflammatory sites, where it could play a meaningful role during the evolution of atherosclerosis.

Clinical and Pharmacological Parameters Determine Relapse During Clopidogrel Treatment of Acute Coronary Syndrome.

The therapeutic efficacy of clopidogrel as an antiplatelet drug varies among individuals, being the mainstream hypothesis that its bioavailability depends on the individual genetic background and/or interactions with other drugs. A total of 477 patients receiving double antiaggregation therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel, after suffering a first event, were followed for 1 year to record relapse, as a surrogate end point to measure their therapeutic response, as defined by presenting with an acute coronary event (unstable angina, ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction, or non-ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction), stent thrombosis/restenosis, or cardiac mortality. Anthropometric, clinical, and pharmacological variables along with CYP2C19 genotypes were analyzed for their association with the disease relapse phenotype. Only 75 patients (15%) suffered a relapse, which occurred during the first 6 months of therapy, with a peak at 4.5 months. An initial univariate analysis identified that patients in the relapse group were significantly older (67.4 ± 11.0 vs 61.6 ± 12.3 years old) and presented with diffuse coronary disease, insulin-dependent type 2 diabetes mellitus dyslipidemia, and arterial hypertension. A poor clinical response to the platelet antiaggregation regime also occurred more frequently among patients taking acenocoumarol and calcium channel blockers, along with aspirin and clopidogrel, while no association was found according to CYP2C19 genotypes. A retrospective multivariate analysis indicated that patients belonging to the nonresponder phenotype to treatment with aspirin and clopidogrel were older, presented with diffuse coronary disease, a group largely overlapping with type 2 insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, and were taking dihidropyrimidinic calcium channel blockers.

Evaluation of changes in pediatric healthcare activity during the Covid-19 state of alarm in the Canary Islands.

OBJECTIVE: During the SARS-CoV-2 state of alarm (SoA), a 30-70% reduction was observed in the number of visits to Pediatric Emergency Departments (ED), as well as frequent delay in diagnosis or difficulty accessing healthcare services. Here we evaluate modifications observed in pediatric healthcare activity during the SoA. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive retrospective observational study of the hospital pediatric activity. METHOD: We compared the use of pediatric healthcare services during the SoA (March 11th - June 25th, 2020) versus the use during the equivalent periods of years 2018 and 2019, in the "Complejo Hospitalario Universitario Insular Materno Infantil de Canarias" (Mother and Child University Hospital of the Canary Islands). RESULTS: The number of patients visiting the pediatric ED decreased by 66.75% on average (95%CI: -65.6; - 67.7; p < 0.001), with a peak reduction (70.4%; 95%CI: -69.0; -71.7; p < 0.001) during the lockdown. We observed an increase in the number of cases of psychiatric disorders, foreign body ingestions and intoxications, as well as a decrease in respiratory conditions. Hospital admissions decreased by 45.5% (95%CI: - 38.9; -51.3; p < 0.001), while the ratio and duration of hospital stay increased. A proportion of 3.95% of admitted patients experienced complications caused by delayed visit to the ED. CONCLUSIONS: The study shows that more patient education campaigns are needed to improve the efficiency of emergency services. It is important to reinforce the message that adequate healthcare service management is necessary.

Adolescent motherhood in Mozambique. Consequences for pregnant women and newborns.

INTRODUCTION: In sub-Saharan Mozambique, high adolescent fertility rates are a significant public health problem. Understanding the consequences of teenage pregnancies facilitates effective strategies for improving the quality of care of both mother and the newborn. AIMS: To identify the factors associated with adolescent motherhood in Tete (Mozambique). METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study including 821 pregnant women (255 teenagers) admitted to the general maternity ward of the Provincial Hospital between March and October 2016. The survey included clinical data of the mother and newborn. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of adolescent deliveries was 31.8% (95% CI 27.9% - 34.2%). Multivariate analysis showed that independent factors associated with teenage motherhood were: number of pregnancies (OR 0.066; 95% CI 0.040-0.110), pregnancy follow-up (OR 0.29; CI 0.173-0.488) and previous abortions (OR 4.419; 95% CI 1.931-10.112). When the age of the mother was analysed as a continuous variable, positively associated factors were body mass index, arterial hypertension, HIV infection, previous abortions, pregnancy follow-up, and the weight of the newborn. Negatively associated factors were episiotomy and respiratory distress in the newborn. CONCLUSION: Teenage motherhood is a serious public health problem in Mozambique. Intensive sexual and reproductive health planning for adolescents is needed.

Surgical Outcomes in Acute Mesenteric Ischemia: Has Anything Changed Over the Years?

BACKGROUND: Despite increases in knowledge and advances in the management of acute mesenteric ischemia syndrome (AMI), there have been no significant improvements in mortality in recent years. The objective of this study was to assess the changes in clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes in patients who underwent AMI over time. METHODS: A total of 323 consecutive patients who underwent acute mesenteric ischemia at our institution between 1990 and 2015 were examined. The occurrence of significant changes over this 25-year period in demographic data, comorbidity, clinical characteristics, laboratory results, operative findings, etiology of the AMI, and operative mortality were evaluated. The evolution mortality rates for the studied period were analyzed using the additive logistic regression, and the significant effect was determined using the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC). RESULTS: A significant increasing linear trend was observed in recent years in Charlson score values (p = 0.008), antiplatelet drug intake (p < 0.001), use of CT scan (p < 0.001), arterial thrombosis (p < 0.001), and intestinal resection (p = 0.047), while a decreasing linear trend was observed in digoxin intake (p < 0.001), angiography use (p = 0.004), and embolia (p < 0.001). The rest of the parameters did not present changes over time. Regarding the evolution of the adjusted surgical mortality, a significant decrease according the AIC criterion was observed. CONCLUSIONS: In recent years, the characteristics of patients with AMI requiring surgery have changed. Changes in operative mortality have also been detected, showing a tendency toward a progressive and significant decrease.

Adolescent motherhood in Mozambique. Consequences for pregnant women and newborns

In sub-Saharan Mozambique, high adolescent fertility rates are a significant public health problem. Understanding the consequences of teenage pregnancies facilitates effective strategies for improving the quality of care of both mother and the newborn. Aims To identify the factors associated with adolescent motherhood in Tete (Mozambique). Methods This was a cross-sectional study including 821 pregnant women (255 teenagers) admitted to the general maternity ward of the Provincial Hospital between March and October 2016. The survey included clinical data of the mother and newborn. Results The overall prevalence of adolescent deliveries was 31.8% (95% CI 27.9% - 34.2%). Multivariate analysis showed that independent factors associated with teenage motherhood were: number of pregnancies (OR 0.066; 95% CI 0.040­0.110), pregnancy follow-up (OR 0.29; CI 0.173­0.488) and previous abortions (OR 4.419; 95% CI 1.931­10.112). When the age of the mother was analysed as a continuous variable, positively associated factors were body mass index, arterial hypertension, HIV infection, previous abortions, pregnancy followup, and the weight of the newborn. Negatively associated factors were episiotomy and respiratory distress in the newborn

The Role of Cleaning Products in Epidemic Allergic Contact Dermatitis to Methylchloroisothiazolinone/Methylisothiazolinone.

BACKGROUND: Sensitivity to methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI)/methylisothiazolinone (MI) has increased rapidly over recent years. This increase is mainly related to the extensive use of high concentrations of MI in cosmetic products, although a growing number of cases of occupational allergic contact dermatitis are caused by MCI/MI. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the association between the increase in MCI/MI sensitization and the work performed by the patients in our area. METHODS: A retrospective study was undertaken of the records of a total of 1179 patients who had undergone contact skin patch tests for MCI/MI from January 2005 to December 2015. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the factors independently associated with sensitivity to MCI/MI. RESULTS: A constant increase in MCI/MI sensitization was observed over the observation period. The only work associated with a significant increase in the prevalence of MCI/MI sensitization was cleaning, with 38.5% of the cleaning professionals with MCI/MI sensitization consulting for cosmetics-related dermatitis. CONCLUSIONS: Occupational sensitization to MCI/MI in cleaning professionals is worryingly increasing. This, in turn, could possibly account for many cases of cosmetics-associated contact dermatitis. Our findings suggest that a review of the regulations with regard to isothiazolinone concentrations in industrial and household detergents is necessary.

Crecimiento posnatal hasta el alta hospitalaria en recién nacidos extremadamente prematuros españoles / Postnatal growth at hospital discharge in extremely premature newborns in Spain

Introducción: La restricción posnatal del crecimiento es considerada un problema universal en recién nacidos extremadamente prematuros (RNEP), generando gran preocupación debido a la posible relación entre nutrición, crecimiento posnatal subóptimo y alteraciones del neurodesarrollo. Objetivos: Describir la evolución de la ganancia posnatal de peso en RNEP y conocer los cambios en la longitud y el perímetro craneal (PC) al alta hospitalaria en los supervivientes. Pacientes y métodos: Se estudió a 4.520 RNEP de raza blanca, de gestaciones únicas y sin malformaciones, nacidos en los centros participantes en la red española SEN1500 (2002-2011). El peso se registró al nacimiento, 28 días, 36 semanas de edad posmenstrual y al alta hospitalaria. La longitud y el PC se estudiaron al nacimiento y al alta. Resultados: La velocidad de ganancia ponderal fue de 8,0 g/kg/día (nacimiento-28 días); 14,3 g/kg/día (28 días-36 semanas), y 11,7 g/kg/día (36 semanas-alta hospitalaria). Al alta, la restricción posnatal del crecimiento fue mayor para la longitud (z-score entre -1,78 y -2,42, en función de la edad gestacional), seguida del peso (-1,67 a -1,79) y, finalmente, el PC (-0,69 a -0,81). Conclusiones: Los RNEP presentan una velocidad de ganancia ponderal lenta en las primeras semanas tras el nacimiento y una restricción posnatal del crecimiento que afecta en mayor grado a la longitud y al peso. Además del peso, un control estrecho del crecimiento longitudinal y del PC es fundamental para la valoración nutricional y la detección de pacientes de riesgo respecto al crecimiento y el neurodesarrollo tras el alta hospitalaria (AU)

Introduction: Postnatal growth restriction is considered a universal problem in extremely premature infants (EPI), and causes great concern due to the possible relationship between nutrition, sub-optimal postnatal growth, and neurodevelopment delay. Objectives: To describe the weight gain in EPI and to determine the changes in the length and head circumference (HC) at hospital discharge in survivors. Patients and methods: The study included 4,520 Caucasian EPI from single pregnancies and without severe malformations, born in the centres participating in the Spanish SEN1500 network (2002-2011). The weight was recorded at birth, 28 days, 36 weeks post-menstrual age (PMA), and at discharge. The length and HC were measured at birth and at discharge. Results: The rate of weight gain (exponential method) was 8.0 g/kg/d (birth - 28 days); 14.3 g/kg/d (28 days - 36 weeks); and 11.7 g/kg/d (36 weeks - discharge). At discharge, postnatal growth restriction was greater for length (z-score between -1.78 and -2.42, depending on GA), followed by weight (-1.67 to -1.79), and HC (-0.69 to -0.81). Conclusions: Weight gain in the first weeks after birth is slow in EPI, and they exhibit an almost universal postnatal growth restriction that involves mainly length and weight. In addition to weight, a close control of longitudinal growth and HC are essential for nutritional assessment and detection of patients at risk for poor growth and neurodevelopment after hospital discharge (AU)

[Postnatal growth at hospital discharge in extremely premature newborns in Spain]. / Crecimiento posnatal hasta el alta hospitalaria en recién nacidos extremadamente prematuros españoles.

INTRODUCTION: Postnatal growth restriction is considered a universal problem in extremely premature infants (EPI), and causes great concern due to the possible relationship between nutrition, sub-optimal postnatal growth, and neurodevelopment delay. OBJECTIVES: To describe the weight gain in EPI and to determine the changes in the length and head circumference (HC) at hospital discharge in survivors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 4,520 Caucasian EPI from single pregnancies and without severe malformations, born in the centres participating in the Spanish SEN1500 network (2002-2011). The weight was recorded at birth, 28 days, 36 weeks post-menstrual age (PMA), and at discharge. The length and HC were measured at birth and at discharge. RESULTS: The rate of weight gain (exponential method) was 8.0g/kg/d (birth - 28 days); 14.3g/kg/d (28 days - 36 weeks); and 11.7g/kg/d (36 weeks - discharge). At discharge, postnatal growth restriction was greater for length (z-score between -1.78 and -2.42, depending on GA), followed by weight (-1.67 to -1.79), and HC (-0.69 to -0.81). CONCLUSIONS: Weight gain in the first weeks after birth is slow in EPI, and they exhibit an almost universal postnatal growth restriction that involves mainly length and weight. In addition to weight, a close control of longitudinal growth and HC are essential for nutritional assessment and detection of patients at risk for poor growth and neurodevelopment after hospital discharge.

[SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC AND HEALTH CHARACTERISTICS ASSOCIATED WITH LOW BIRTH WEIGHT IN THE CANARY ISLANDS]. / CARACTERÍSTICAS SOCIODEMOGRÁFICAS Y SANITARIAS ASOCIADAS CON BAJO PESO AL NACER EN CANARIAS.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: since 1976, the term low birth weight (LBW) has been applied to all infants weighing less than 2 500 g and it constitutes the most important factor affecting neonatal mortality, morbidity in childhood. The aim of this study is to identify associations between biological, socioeconomic and health factors and underweight newborns in the Canary Islands. MATERIALS AND METHODS: a cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted, with the files belonging to pregnant women in 2011 and 2012 (n = 11.768) at the Hospital Universitario Insular Materno of Gran Canaria, which accounted for 66.3% of all births in the province for those years, excluding from the analysis the data pertaining to multiple births (393) (3.3%). The distribution and frequency of weight by sociodemographic characteristic were analyzed. Percentages were compared using the χ2 test, means with the t-test and medians with the Wilcoxon test for independent data. Those variables that were associated with low birth weight in the univariate analysis were entered into a logistic multidimensional analysis. RESULTS: the distribution of birth weight revealed an of excess underweight children (9.3%), of which (62.1%) were pretermature. Mothers of children with LBW are thinner, of a smaller size and BMI (< 18.5 kg/m2), and an average age of 31.5. It was also noted that there is an increase between the age of the mothers and low weight although the effect is not linear; in fact, the increases in the risk of LBW accelerate as age increases. When maternal BMI decreases, to approximately below 25, the risk of low birth weight increases linearly. The highest OR correspond to fetal intrauterine growth retardation (CIR) (OR = 6.3; 95% CI = 5.3, 7.4), hypertension/eclampsia (OR = 3.2; 95% CI = 2.1; 5.1), in gestations of less than 37 weeks (OR = 2.5; 95% CI = 2.0; 3.3) and the consumption of tobacco by the mother (OR = 1.9; 95% CI = 1.6, 2.3). CONCLUSIONS: smoking during pregnancy appears to be the most important mediating factor in IUGR mediating factor. An overweight or obese mother did not appear to constitute a risk factor for a child's low birth weight. Intrauterine growth restriction (IGR) is the variable health that most affects low weight and high blood pressure in the mother, also associated with fetal growth retardation. While it is true that lack of antenatal care cannot be considered as a causal factor of underweight babies, 47.1% of pregnant women in the Canaries had insufficient controls (< 3 controls) with an increase of said controls would make it possible to reduce the frequency of the low weight in newborns.

Introducción y objetivo: desde 1976, el término bajo peso al nacer (BPN) se aplica a todos los recién nacidos con un peso inferior a 2.500 g. y constituye el factor más importante que afecta a la mortalidad neonatal y a la morbilidad en la infancia. El objetivo de este trabajo es identificar las asociaciones entre los factores biológicos, socioeconómicos y sanitarios y el bajo peso en el recién nacido en las islas Canarias. Material y método: se realizó un estudio epidemiológico transversal, con los ficheros de las gestantes del 2011 y 2012 (n = 11,768) del Complejo Hospitalario Universitario Insular Materno de Gran Canaria, que representó el 66,3% de todos los partos de la provincia para esos años, excluyéndose del análisis los datos correspondientes a los embarazos múltiples (393) (3,3%). Se analizaron la distribución y la frecuencia del peso según características sociodemográficas; los porcentajes se compararon con el test de la 2, las medias con el t-test y las medianas con el test de Wilcoxon para datos independientes. Aquellas variables que mostraron asociación con el bajo peso en el análisis univariado fueron introducidas en un análisis logístico multidimensional. Resultados: en la distribución del peso al nacer se observó un exceso de niños con bajo peso (9,3%), de los cuales el 62,1% fueron pretérmino. Las madres de estos niños son más delgadas, de menor talla y tienen un IMC promedio de < 18,5 kg/m2, así como un promedio de edad de 31,5 años. Se observó igualmente que existe un incremento entre la edad de la madre y el bajo peso, aunque el efecto no es lineal; de hecho, los aumentos del riesgo de BPN se aceleran a medida que aumenta la edad. Cuando el IMC de la madre decrece, aproximadamente por debajo de 25, aumenta linealmente el riesgo de bajo peso. Las OR más elevadas corresponden al retraso fetal en el crecimiento intrauterino (CIR) (OR = 6,3; IC-95% = 5,3; 7,4), la hipertensión/eclampsia (OR = 3,2; IC-95% = 2,1; 5,1), la gestación menor de 37 semanas (OR = 2.,5; IC- 95% = 2,0; 3,3) y el consumo de tabaco de la madre (OR = 1,9; IC-95% = 1,6; 2,3). Conclusiones: el tabaquismo durante la gestación parece ser el factor mediador más importante para la restricción del crecimiento intrauterino. El sobrepeso u obesidad de la madre no parece que sean factores de riesgo para el bajo peso del niño. El crecimiento intrauterino restringido (CIR) es la variable sanitaria que más influye en el bajo peso, al igual que la hipertensión arterial de la madre, enfermedad asociada igualmente con el retraso en el crecimiento fetal. Aunque la falta de atención prenatal no puede considerarse como un factor causal del bajo peso, el 47,1% de las gestantes han tenido controles insuficientes (< de tres controles); con el aumento de los mismos se lograría reducir la frecuencia del bajo peso.

Características sociodemográficas y sanitarias asociadas con bajo peso al nacer en Canarias / Sociodemographic and health characteristics associated with low birth weight in the Canary Islands

Introducción y objetivo: desde 1976, el término bajo peso al nacer (BPN) se aplica a todos los recién nacidos con un peso inferior a 2.500 g. y constituye el factor más importante que afecta a la mortalidad neonatal y a la morbilidad en la infancia. El objetivo de este trabajo es identificar las asociaciones entre los factores biológicos, socioeconómicos y sanitarios y el bajo peso en el recién nacido en las islas Canarias. Material y método: se realizó un estudio epidemiológico transversal, con los ficheros de las gestantes del 2011 y 2012 (n = 11,768) del Complejo Hospitalario Universitario Insular Materno de Gran Canaria, que representó el 66,3% de todos los partos de la provincia para esos años, excluyéndose del análisis los datos correspondientes a los embarazos múltiples (393) (3,3%). Se analizaron la distribución y la frecuencia del peso según características sociodemográficas; los porcentajes se compararon con el test de la χ2 , las medias con el t-test y las medianas con el test de Wilcoxon para datos independientes. Aquellas variables que mostraron asociación con el bajo peso en el análisis univariado fueron introducidas en un análisis logístico multidimensional. Resultados: en la distribución del peso al nacer se observó un exceso de niños con bajo peso (9,3%), de los cuales el 62,1% fueron pretérmino. Las madres de estos niños son más delgadas, de menor talla y tienen un IMC promedio de < 18,5 kg/m2, así como un promedio de edad de 31,5 años. Se observó igualmente que existe un incremento entre la edad de la madre y el bajo peso, aunque el efecto no es lineal; de hecho, los aumentos del riesgo de BPN se aceleran a medida que aumenta la edad. Cuando el IMC de la madre decrece, aproximadamente por debajo de 25, aumenta linealmente el riesgo de bajo peso. Las OR más elevadas corresponden al retraso fetal en el crecimiento intrauterino (CIR) (OR=6,3; IC-95%=5,3; 7,4), la hipertensión/eclampsia (OR=3,2; IC-95%=2,1; 5,1), la gestación menor de 37 semanas (OR=2.,5; IC- 95%=2,0; 3,3) y el consumo de tabaco de la madre (OR=1,9; IC-95%=1,6; 2,3). Conclusiones: el tabaquismo durante la gestación parece ser el factor mediador más importante para la restricción del crecimiento intrauterino. El sobrepeso u obesidad de la madre no parece que sean factores de riesgo para el bajo peso del niño. El crecimiento intrauterino restringido (CIR) es la variable sanitaria que más influye en el bajo peso, al igual que la hipertensión arterial de la madre, enfermedad asociada igualmente con el retraso en el crecimiento fetal. Aunque la falta de atención prenatal no puede considerarse como un factor causal del bajo peso, el 47,1% de las gestantes han tenido controles insuficientes (< de tres controles); con el aumento de los mismos se lograría reducir la frecuencia del bajo peso (AU)

Introduction and objective: since 1976, the term low birth weight (LBW) has been applied to all infants weighing less than 2 500 g and it constitutes the most important factor affecting neonatal mortality, morbidity in childhood. The aim of this study is to identify associations between biological, socioeconomic and health factors and underweight newborns in the Canary Islands. Materials and methods: a cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted, with the files belonging to pregnant women in 2011 and 2012 (n=11.768) at the Hospital Universitario Insular Materno of Gran Canaria, which accounted for 66.3% of all births in the province for those years, excluding from the analysis the data pertaining to multiple births (393) (3.3%). The distribution and frequency of weight by sociodemographic characteristic were analyzed. Percentages were compared using the χ2 test, means with the t-test and medians with the Wilcoxon test for independent data. Those variables that were associated with low birth weight in the univariate analysis were entered into a logistic multidimensional analysis. Results: the distribution of birth weight revealed an of excess underweight children (9.3%), of which (62.1%) were pretermature. Mothers of children with LBW are thinner, of a smaller size and BMI (<18.5 kg/m2 ), and an average age of 31.5. It was also noted that there is an increase between the age of the mothers and low weight although the effect is not linear; in fact, the increases in the risk of LBW accelerate as age increases. When maternal BMI decreases, to approximately below 25, the risk of low birth weight increases linearly. The highest OR correspond to fetal intrauterine growth retardation (CIR) (OR=6.3; 95% CI=5.3, 7.4), hypertension/eclampsia (OR=3.2; 95% CI=2.1; 5.1), in gestations of less than 37 weeks (OR=2.5; 95% CI=2.0; 3.3) and the consumption of tobacco by the mother (OR=1.9; 95% CI=1.6, 2.3). Conclusions: smoking during pregnancy appears to be the most important mediating factor in IUGR mediating factor. An overweight or obese mother did not appear to constitute a risk factor for a child’s low birth weight. Intrauterine growth restriction (IGR) is the variable health that most affects low weight and high blood pressure in the mother, also associated with fetal growth retardation. While it is true that lack of antenatal care cannot be considered as a causal factor of underweight babies, 47.1% of pregnant women in the Canaries had insufficient controls (<3 controls) with an increase of said controls would make it possible to reduce the frequency of the low weight in newborns (AU)

Prevalence of osteoporosis, vertebral fractures and hypovitaminosis D in postmenopausal women living in a rural environment.

OBJECTIVES: First, to study the difference between two groups of postmenopausal women living in different population centres (rural vs urban) in the prevalence of osteoporosis, fragility fractures and factors which may influence them: hypovitaminosis D, bone mineral density, coexistence of other diseases which predispose to their appearance; secondly, to observe the influence of low socioeconomic status, categorised as poverty. STUDY DESIGN: 1229 postmenopausal women were studied, of whom 390 (31.7%), were living in rural areas and 839 (68.3%), in urban areas. Data regarding risk factors related to osteoporosis were obtained, and, among other biochemical measures, 25 hydroxyvitamin D and parathyroid hormone were determined. Bone densitometry was carried out in the lumbar spine and proximal femur, as well as lateral X-rays of the dorsal and lumbar spine. RESULTS: The women who lived in rural areas were older, shorter, heavier and had a higher body mass index than those from urban areas. Among the women from rural areas there was a higher prevalence of poverty, and higher levels of obesity, arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus were observed, as well as a higher prevalence of densitometric osteoporosis. The rural women had lower values of bone mineral density in the lumbar spine and a higher prevalence of vertebral fractures and hypovitaminosis D. The variables which were associated independently with living in rural areas were poverty, obesity, vertebral fractures, BMD in the lumbar spine and levels of 25 hydroxyvitamin D. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, postmenopausal women who live in rural populations have more poverty, lower values of vitamin D, lower BMD in the lumbar spine and a higher prevalence of vertebral fractures and of osteoporosis. The higher prevalence of obesity, arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus observed in these women may be adjuvant factors, all fostered by their socioeconomic state of poverty.

Five-year survival and prognostic factors in a cohort of hospitalized nonagenarians.

BACKGROUND: The number of hospitalized nonagenarians is increasing. Only a few studies have evaluated long-term predictors of survival in these patients. The aim of this study was to determine the 5-year outcome of a cohort of hospitalized nonagenarians, and to identify predictors of long-term survival. METHODS: In 124 consecutive medical hospitalized patients older than 89 years, and followed up during 5 years, the following variables were prospectively recorded: sociodemographic characteristics, main diagnoses, Charlson comorbidity index, Barthel index, Lawton-Brody test, Mini-Mental State Examination, Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire of Pfeiffer, Mini Nutritional Assessment, albumin levels, and the 5-year survival. RESULTS: Out of the 124 patients, 109 died (87.9%) during the follow-up. The probability of being alive at 1, 3 and 5 years was 45%, 22% and 12%, respectively. A worse 5-year survival was significantly related to the diagnoses of pneumonia (p=0.037), heart failure (p=0.045), higher Charlson index (p=0.026), poorer functional status measured by the Barthel index (p=0.003), and the Lawton-Brody test (p=0.007), cognitive impairment measured by the Pfeiffer test (p=0.011), and lower levels of albumin (p=0.028). In the multivariate analysis, the Charlson index (p<0.001), and the Barthel index (p=0.003) were independently related to 5-year survival. These two variables were also 5-year survival prognostic factors in the subgroup of discharged patients. A prognostic index using these two variables was created: PI=(0.2 × Charlson index + 0.6 × Barthel index) × 0.92. CONCLUSIONS: In hospitalized nonagenarian patients, poor scores in the Barthel Index and a higher comorbidity evaluated by the Charlson index are independently related to 5-year survival.

HDL cholesterol levels in children with mild hypercholesterolemia: effect of consuming skim milk enriched with olive oil and modulation by the TAQ 1B polymorphism in the CETP gene.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to examine the changes in serum lipids in children with mild hypercholesterolemia after the use of skim milk or olive-oil-enriched skim milk in their diet and the modulation of lipid levels by the Taq 1B polymorphism in the cholesteryl-ester transfer protein gene. METHODS: Thirty-six prepubertal children with mild hypercholesterolemia were randomly assigned in a crossover design into 2 groups of 16 and 20 individuals. Both groups received, in sequential inverse order, the 2 types of milk for 2 periods of 6 weeks. RESULTS: Carriers of at least 1 B2 allele had an adjusted basal HDL cholesterol level significantly higher than children with the B1B1 genotype (1.291 mmol/l, 95% CI: 1.184-1.397, vs. 1.082 mmol/l, 95% CI: 0.931-1.233; p = 0.027). In contrast, there were no significant differences in the adjusted basal levels of apolipoprotein A-I (B2 carriers: 1.292 g/l, 95% CI: 1.218-1.367; B1B1 genotype: 1.215 g/l, 95% CI: 1.109-1.320; p = 0.223). The intake of olive-oil-enriched skim milk caused significant increases in HDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein A-I, both in B2 (0.089 mmol/l, 95% CI: 0.032-0.146, p = 0.005; 0.55 g/l, 95% CI: 0.012-0.098; p = 0.018) and in B1B1 carriers (0.179 mmol/l, 95% CI: 0.096-0.262; p < 0.001; and 0.095 g/l, 95% CI: 0.032-0.157; p = 0.003). This increase in HDL cholesterol was significantly higher in the B1B1 group (p = 0.049). CONCLUSION: The consumption of skim milk enriched with olive oil increases the HDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein A-I levels in children with hypercholesterolemia, this effect being more intense in carriers of the B1B1 genotype.