The EUropean PErioperative MEdical networking (EUPEMEN) project: recommendations for perioperative care in colorectal surgery. a quality improvement study.

BACKGROUND: Despite consensus supporting enhanced recovery programs, their full implementation in such a context is difficult due to conventional practices within various groups of professionals. The goal of the EUropean PErioperative MEdical Networking (EUPEMEN) project was to bring together the expertise and experience of national clinical professionals who have previously helped deliver major change programs in their countries and to use them to spread enhanced recovery after surgery protocols (ERAS) in Europe. The specific aim of this study is to present and discuss the key points of the proposed recommendations for colorectal surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five partners from university hospitals in four European countries developed the project as partners. Following a non-systematic review of the literature, the European consensus panel generated a list of recommendations for perioperative care in colorectal surgery. A list of recommendations was formulated and distributed to collaborators at each center to allow modifications or additional statements. These recommendations were then discussed in three consecutive meetings to share uniform ERAS protocols to be disseminated. RESULT: The working group developed (1) the EUPEMEN online platform to offer, free of charge, evidence-based standardized perioperative care protocols, learning activities, and assistance to health professionals interested in enhancing the recovery of their patients; (2) the preparation of the EUPEMEN Multimodal Rehabilitation manuals; (3) the training of the trainers to teach future teachers; and (4) the dissemination of the results in five multiplier events, one for each partner, to promote and disseminate the protocols. CONCLUSION: The EUPEMEN project allowed the sharing of the expertise of many professionals from four different European countries with the objective of training the new generations in the dissemination of ERAS protocols in daily clinical practice through a new learning system. This project was proposed as an additional training tool for all the enhanced recovery program teams.

Use of Darvadstrocel (Allogenic Stem Cell Therapy) for Crohn's Fistulas in Real Clinical Practice: The National Project to Implement Mesenchymal Stem Cell for the Treatment of Perianal Crohn's Fistula (the PRIME Study).

BACKGROUND: Perianal fistulas may affect 15-50% of patients with Crohn's disease. Treatment is complex, requiring a multidisciplinary approach. Darvadstrocel (allogenic mesenchymal cells obtained from lipoaspirates) was approved in 2018 by the European and Spanish Agencies of Medicines and Medical Products as a treatment for fistulas in Crohn's disease. Recent European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation and Spanish Working Group on Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis guidelines state that darvadstrocel is effective with a favorable safety profile and a strong level of evidence (2). OBJECTIVE: Presenting real-world effectiveness data for darvadstrocel in a Spanish population. DESIGN: Observational retrospective cohort study with prospective data gathering. SETTINGS: Fourteen institutions. PATIENTS: From November 2019-April 2022, all patients (73) treated with darvadstrocel in these institutions were included, fulfilling the following criteria: 1) complex fistula/s in a patient with Crohn's disease; 2) failure of conventional and antitumor necrosis factor treatment; 3) absence of collections >2 cm confirmed by pelvic MRI scan at the time of surgery. INTERVENTIONS: Darvadstrocel treatment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinical response (closure of ≥50% of external openings), complete clinical closure (100% of external openings) and radiological closure (no fluid collection >2 cm, no edema or inflammation) evaluated 6 months after treatment. RESULTS: Clinical response was observed in 63 patients (86.3%), complete clinical closure in 50 patients (68.5%) and radiological closure in 45 patients (69.2%). Combined clinical and radiological response was observed in 41 patients (63.1%). Not all clinically healed patients had radiological closure and vice versa. No serious adverse events were reported. LIMITATIONS: Retrospective. CONCLUSIONS: Study results were consistent with those reported in previous clinical trials, real-world efficacy findings from the INSPIRE study (assessing darvadstrocel effectiveness in Europe, Israel, Switzerland, UK, and Japan) and previously published literature. Darvadstrocel was effective and demonstrated a favorable safety profile when used in normal clinical practice for treatment of fistulas in Crohn's disease. See Video Abstract.

Home-based prehabilitation improves physical conditions measured by ergospirometry and 6MWT in colorectal cancer patients: a randomized controlled pilot study.

PURPOSE/BACKGROUND: Prehabilitation aims to improve physical condition in the preoperative period and, therefore, decrease the loss of cardiopulmonary capacity postoperatively, with the aim of reducing complications and promoting an early recovery. This study aims to evaluate the impact of home-based prehabilitation on the physical condition of patients treated surgically for colorectal cancer. METHODS: A prospective and randomized clinical study was conducted on 60 patients during two periods from October 2018 to February 2019 and from September 2019 to September 2020, in a single university hospital. Patients were randomized into two study groups (30 per group): prehabilitation vs. standard care. Changes in physical condition, measured at diagnosis, the day before surgery, and at 6-8 weeks after surgery using the cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) were evaluated. RESULTS: Prehabilitation reduced postoperative complications (17.4% vs. 33.3%, p = 0.22) and hospital stay (5.74 vs. 6.67 days, p = 0.30). 6MWT showed a significant improvement in the prehabilitation group (+78.9 m). Six weeks after surgery, prehabilitation showed a significant improvement in the 6MWT (+68.9 m vs. -27.2 m, p = 0.01). Significant differences were also observed in the ergospirometry between the diagnosis and postoperative study (+0.79 METs vs. -0.84 METs, p = 0.001). A strong correlation was observed between CPET and 6MWT (0.767 (p < 0.001)). CONCLUSION: Home prehabilitation achieved lower overall postoperative complications than standard care and reached significant improvements in 6MWT and CET. A strong correlation was observed between CET and 6MWT, which allows validation of 6MWT as a valid and reliable measure of functional exercise capacity in colorectal patients when other, more specific and expensive tests are not available. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered in ClinicalTrials.gov in August 2018 with registration number https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03618329?cond=Prehabilitation%20cancer&term=arroyo&distance=50&rank=1  (NCT03618329). Initial results published in Supportive Care in Cancer: Effect of home-based prehabilitation in an enhanced recovery after surgery program for patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-021-06343-1 .

Melatonin Preserves Fluidity in Cell and Mitochondrial Membranes against Hepatic Ischemia-Reperfusion.

We evaluated the in vivo effects of melatonin treatment on oxidative damage in the liver in an experimental model of ischemia-reperfusion. A total of 37 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, ischemia, ischemia + reperfusion, and ischemia + reperfusion + melatonin. Hepatic ischemia was maintained for 20 min, and the clamp was removed to initiate vascular reperfusion for 30 min. Melatonin (50 mg/kg body weight) was intraperitoneally administered. Fluidity was measured by polarization changes in 1-(4-trimethylammoniumphenyl)-6-phenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene-p-toluene sulfonate). After 20 min of ischemia, no significant changes were observed in cell and mitochondrial membrane fluidity levels, lipid peroxidation, and protein carbonylation. However, after 30 min of reperfusion, membrane fluidity decreased compared to controls. Increases in lipid and protein oxidation were also seen in hepatic homogenates of animals exposed to reperfusion. Melatonin injected 30 min before ischemia and reperfusion fully prevented membrane rigidity and both lipid and protein oxidation. Livers from ischemia-reperfusion showed histopathological alterations and positive labeling with antibodies to oxidized lipids and proteins. Melatonin reduced the severity of these morphological changes and protected against in vivo ischemia-reperfusion-induced toxicity in the liver. Therefore, melatonin might be a candidate for co-treatment for patients with hepatic vascular occlusion followed by reperfusion.

Phytochemicals Determination, and Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Anti-Inflammatory and Anticancer Activities of Blackberry Fruits.

A comprehensive characterization of the phytochemicals present in a blackberry fruit extract by HPLC-TOF-MS has been carried out. The main compounds in the extract were ursane-type terpenoids which, along with phenolic compounds, may be responsible for the bioactivity of the extract. In vitro antioxidant capacity was assessed through Folin-Ciocalteu (31.05 ± 4.9 mg GAE/g d.w.), FRAP (637.8 ± 3.2 µmol Fe2+/g d.w.), DPPH (IC50 97.1 ± 2.4 µg d.w./mL) and TEAC (576.6 ± 8.3 µmol TE/g d.w.) assays. Furthermore, the extract exerted remarkable effects on in vitro cellular antioxidant activity in HUVEC cells at a concentration of 5 mg/mL. Antimicrobial activity of the extract was also tested. Most sensible microorganisms were Gram-positive bacteria, such as E. faecalis, B. cereus and Gram-negative E. coli (MBC of 12.5 mg/mL). IC50 values against colon tumoral cells HT-29 (4.9 ± 0.2 mg/mL), T-84 (5.9 ± 0.3 mg/mL) and SW-837 (5.9 ± 0.2 mg/mL) were also obtained. Furthermore, blackberry extract demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity inhibiting the secretion of pro-inflammatory IL-8 cytokines in two cellular models (HT-29 and T-84) in a concentration-dependent manner. These results support that blackberry fruits are an interesting source of bioactive compounds that may be useful in the prevention and treatment of different diseases, mainly related to oxidative stress.

Transient Changes in the Plasma of Astrocytic and Neuronal Injury Biomarkers in COVID-19 Patients without Neurological Syndromes.

The levels of several glial and neuronal plasma biomarkers have been found to increase during the acute phase in COVID-19 patients with neurological symptoms. However, replications in patients with minor or non-neurological symptoms are needed to understand their potential as indicators of CNS injury or vulnerability. Plasma levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), neurofilament light chain protein (NfL), and total Tau (T-tau) were determined by Single molecule array (Simoa) immunoassays in 45 samples from COVID-19 patients in the acute phase of infection [moderate (n = 35), or severe (n = 10)] with minor or non-neurological symptoms; in 26 samples from fully recovered patients after ~2 months of clinical follow-up [moderate (n = 23), or severe (n = 3)]; and in 14 non-infected controls. Plasma levels of the SARS-CoV-2 receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), were also determined by Western blot. Patients with COVID-19 without substantial neurological symptoms had significantly higher plasma concentrations of GFAP, a marker of astrocytic activation/injury, and of NfL and T-tau, markers of axonal damage and neuronal degeneration, compared with controls. All these biomarkers were correlated in COVID-19 patients at the acute phase. Plasma GFAP, NfL and T-tau levels were all normalized after recovery. Recovery was also observed in the return to normal values of the quotient between the ACE2 fragment and circulating full-length species, following the change noticed in the acute phase of infection. None of these biomarkers displayed differences in plasma samples at the acute phase or recovery when the COVID-19 subjects were sub-grouped according to occurrence of minor symptoms at re-evaluation 3 months after the acute episode (so called post-COVID or "long COVID"), such as asthenia, myalgia/arthralgia, anosmia/ageusia, vision impairment, headache or memory loss. Our study demonstrated altered plasma GFAP, NfL and T-tau levels in COVID-19 patients without substantial neurological manifestation at the acute phase of the disease, providing a suitable indication of CNS vulnerability; but these biomarkers fail to predict the occurrence of delayed minor neurological symptoms.

Discontinuation of mechanical bowel preparation in advanced ovarian cancer surgery: an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) initiative

Objective To investigate the impact of discontinuation of mechanical bowel preparation in advanced ovarian cancer surgery within the context of the ERAS program. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with advanced ovarian cancer who underwent cytoreductive surgery with simultaneous colon and/or rectal resection from January 2012 to November 2020. Patients were divided into two groups based on whether preoperative mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) was given (pre-ERAS) or not (post-ERAS). Patient characteristics, including duration of antibiotic treatment, surgical complexity, and incidence of surgical and nonsurgical complications, were compared. Results During the study period, 114 patients who underwent colon and/or rectal resection were examined, of whom 39 received MBP and 75 did not receive MBP (NMBP). On comparison between the two groups, no significant differences were noted in the assessed patient characteristics, including mean age, FIGO stage, ASA class, BMI, or residual tumor. One patient (2.6%) in the MBP group, and 4 patients (5.3%) in the NMBP group experienced an anastomotic leakage (p = 0.11). No significant differences were found with respect to surgical site infection. (p = 0.5).Conclusion MBP was not associated with any specific benefit for advanced ovarian cancer surgery. Gynecologic oncologists who use MBP should consider discontinuing this practice. (AU)

Discontinuation of mechanical bowel preparation in advanced ovarian cancer surgery: an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) initiative.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of discontinuation of mechanical bowel preparation in advanced ovarian cancer surgery within the context of the ERAS program. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with advanced ovarian cancer who underwent cytoreductive surgery with simultaneous colon and/or rectal resection from January 2012 to November 2020. Patients were divided into two groups based on whether preoperative mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) was given (pre-ERAS) or not (post-ERAS). Patient characteristics, including duration of antibiotic treatment, surgical complexity, and incidence of surgical and nonsurgical complications, were compared. RESULTS: During the study period, 114 patients who underwent colon and/or rectal resection were examined, of whom 39 received MBP and 75 did not receive MBP (NMBP). On comparison between the two groups, no significant differences were noted in the assessed patient characteristics, including mean age, FIGO stage, ASA class, BMI, or residual tumor. One patient (2.6%) in the MBP group, and 4 patients (5.3%) in the NMBP group experienced an anastomotic leakage (p = 0.11). No significant differences were found with respect to surgical site infection. (p = 0.5). CONCLUSION: MBP was not associated with any specific benefit for advanced ovarian cancer surgery. Gynecologic oncologists who use MBP should consider discontinuing this practice.

ROD2 domain filamin C missense mutations exhibit a distinctive cardiac phenotype with restrictive/hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and saw-tooth myocardium.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Missense mutations in the filamin C (FLNC) gene have been reported as cause of inherited cardiomyopathy. Knowledge of the pathogenicity and genotype-phenotype correlation remains scarce. Our aim was to describe a distinctive cardiac phenotype related to rare missense FLNC variants in the ROD2 domain. METHODS: We recruited 21 unrelated families genetically evaluated because of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)/restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) phenotype carrying rare missense variants in the ROD2 domain of FLNC (FLNC-mRod2). Carriers underwent advanced cardiac imaging and genetic cascade screening. Myocardial tissue from 3 explanted hearts of a missense FLNC carrier was histologically analyzed and compared with an FLNC-truncating variant heart sample and a healthy control. Plasmids independently containing 3 FLNC missense variants were transfected and analyzed using confocal microscopy. RESULTS: Eleven families (52%) with 20 assessed individuals (37 [23.7-52.7]) years showed 15 cases with a cardiac phenotype consisting of an overlap of HCM-RCM and left ventricular hypertrabeculation (saw-tooth appearance). During a median follow-up of 6.49 years, they presented with advanced heart failure: 16 (80%) diastolic dysfunction, 3 heart transplants, 3 heart failure deaths) and absence of cardiac conduction disturbances or skeletal myopathy. A total of 6 families had moderate genotype-phenotype segregation, and the remaining were de novo variants. Differential extracellular matrix remodeling and FLNC distribution among cardiomyocytes were confirmed on histology. HT1080 and H9c2 cells did not reveal cytoplasmic aggregation of mutant FLNC. CONCLUSIONS: FLNC-mRod2 variants show a high prevalence of an overlapped phenotype comprising RCM, HCM and deep hypertrabeculation with saw-tooth appearance and distinctive cardiac histopathological remodeling.

Consideraciones en torno a la génesis de las infecciones posoperatorias

Introducción: La tasa de complicaciones infecciosas posoperatorias se eleva en el paciente quirúrgico, entre otras razones, debido a que con elevada frecuencia, resulta insuficiente el conocimiento sobre la génesis de los factores que las provocan. Se realizó una revisión documental sobre el tema durante 2020 y 2021. Fueron consultadas las bases de datos Web of Science, PubMed, Medline, Cochrane, SciElo así como el motor de búsqueda Google académico. Se seleccionaron 32 artículos en idiomas inglés y español. Objetivo: Analizar los aspectos fundamentales concernientes a la génesis de las infecciones posoperatorias. Desarrollo: Las infecciones del sitio quirúrgico constituyen el 25 % de las asociadas a la atención de salud. A pesar de todas las medidas para su prevención, no se ha logrado su desaparición, lo que conlleva una elevada morbilidad, aumento de los costos de hospitalización, de la estadía hospitalaria y uso de antibióticos de última generación. Esto puede explicarse por la aparición de microorganismos resistentes a los antibióticos y el aumento de pacientes quirúrgicos de edad avanzada e inmunodeprimidos por enfermedades asociadas, con inclusión de los trasplantados, con injertos o prótesis. Conclusiones: Los microorganismos que provocan las infecciones posquirúrgicas, pertenecen predominantemente a la microbiota presente en el lugar de la incisión. Los factores del enfermo, de la técnica quirúrgica y los relacionados con la hospitalización, juegan roles importantes en su aparición.

Introduction: The rate of postoperative infectious complications rises in the surgical patient, among other reasons, frequently due to insufficient knowledge about the genesis of the factors that cause them. A documentary review on the subject was carried out during 2020-2021. The Web of Science, PubMed, Medline, Cochrane, SciElo databases were consulted, as well as the academic Google search engine. There were selected 32 articles in English and Spanish. Objective: To analyse the fundamental aspects concerning the genesis of postoperative infections. Development: Surgical site infections constitute 25 % of those associated with health care. Despite all the measures for its prevention, its disappearance has not been achieved, which entails high morbidity, increased costs of hospitalization, hospital stay and use of the latest generation of antibiotics. This can be explained by the appearance of microorganisms resistant to antibiotics and the increase in surgical patients of advanced age and immunosuppressed by associated diseases, including those transplanted, with grafts or prostheses. Conclusions: The microorganisms that cause postoperative infections predominantly belong to the microbiota present at the incision site. The factors of the patient, the surgical technique and those related to hospitalization play important roles in its appearance.

Caracterización de las infecciones posoperatorias en un servicio de cirugía general / Characterization of Postoperative Infections in a General Surgery Service

Introducción: Las infecciones del sitio quirúrgico u operatorio constituyen un grave problema sanitario por lo que su prevención y tratamiento representan un reto para las instituciones hospitalarias. Objetivo: Describir las características de las infecciones posoperatorias según las principales causas relacionadas con su aparición. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y observacional con 207 pacientes ingresados y operados de cirugías mayores que presentaron infecciones posoperatorias en el Servicio de Cirugía General del Hospital Provincial Docente "Saturnino Lora" de Santiago de Cuba, durante 2018-2020. Resultados: La tasa global de infecciones posquirúrgicas fue de 4,18 pr ciento. Las infecciones incisionales superficiales, seguidas de las profundas fueron las más frecuentes. El número de pacientes infectados se triplicó en los operados con urgencia respecto a los electivos, con predominio de los apendicectomizados. El tiempo quirúrgico y la estadía hospitalaria promedio se elevaron en los pacientes infectados. Fallecieron 12 integrantes de la casuística, atribuible a la infección generalizada y el choque séptico. Conclusiones: La aparición de las infecciones posquirúrgicas se relacionan con factores dependientes del enfermo; de la propia cirugía como es la calificación del cirujano actuante, así como la presencia de factores de riesgos preoperatorios y durante la intervención. La infección incisional superficial es la más frecuente, en tanto que la mayoría de los pacientes que fallecen corresponden a aquellos con infección de órganos y espacios(AU)

Introduction: Surgical (or operative) site infections are a serious health problem, a reason why their prevention and treatment represent a challenge for hospital institutions. Objective: To describe the characteristics of postoperative infections according to the main causes related to their occurrence. Methods: A descriptive and observational study was carried out with 207 patients admitted and operated on in major surgeries who presented postoperative infections in the general surgery service of Saturnino Lora Provincial Teaching Hospital of Santiago de Cuba, during 2018-2020. Results: The overall rate of postoperative infections was 4.18 percent. Superficial incisional infections, followed by deep incisional infections, were the most frequent. The number of infected patients was tripled in those operated on urgently compared to electively, with a predominance of appendectomized patients. Surgical time and average hospital stay were higher in infected patients. 12 members of the casuistics have passed, attributable to generalized infection and septic shock. Conclusions: The occurrence of postoperative infections is related to factors depending on the patient; on the surgery itself, such as the qualification of the surgeon; as well as on the presence of preoperative and intraoperative risk factors. Superficial incisional infection is the most frequent, while most of the patients who die correspond to those with infection of organs and spaces(AU)

Male pituitary-gonadal axis dysfunction in post-acute COVID-19 syndrome-Prevalence and associated factors: A Mediterranean case series.

OBJECTIVE: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 through angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor can harm testes function. The objectives were to analyse the prevalence of low serum testosterone (LT) and impaired fertility potential (Leydig and Sertoli cells dysfunction, respectively) in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) male survivors and to evaluate acute infection-related associated factors. Also, we explore its association with post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PCS) and quality of life (QOL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male adults recovered from polymerase chain reaction-confirmed COVID-19 were offered a structured evaluation 8-12 weeks after recovery. The main outcome measure(s) were as follows: LT, defined as total testosterone (TT) < 2 ng/ml or if TT levels 2-4 ng/ml as calculated free testosterone < 6.36 ng/dl; Sertoli cell dysfunction was defined as inhibin-B < 89 pg/ml. Secondary outcome-associated factors were analysed by multiple logistic regression (odds ratio; 95% confidence interval [CI]). QOL was evaluated by SF-36 v.2. RESULTS: One hundred and forty-three patients were evaluated at a median (interquartile range) of 77 days (72-83) after disease onset; 72% of them recovered from severe pneumonia. LT was detected in 41 patients (28.7%; 95% CI: 21.8-36.5). Low levels of inhibin-B were detected in 25 patients (18.1%; 95% CI: 12.5-25.3). After multivariate adjustment, obesity and hypokalaemia were associated with LT, whereas age more than 65 was an independent predictor of Sertoli cell dysfunction. LT or Sertoli cell dysfunction was not associated with PCS. Patients with LT had a lower score in four domains of QOL. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of male LT and impaired fertility potential in COVID-19 survivors is high in the medium term. Traditional risk factors and severity markers for COVID-19 could be predictive.

Layer-Specific Global Longitudinal Strain Predicts Arrhythmic Risk in Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy.

Background: Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (AC) is a life-threatening disease which predispose to malignant arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death (SCD) in the early stages of the disease. Risk stratification relies on the electrical, genetic, and imaging data. Our study aimed to investigate how myocardial deformation parameters may identify the subjects at risk of known predictors of major ventricular arrhythmias. Methods: A cohort of 45 subjects with definite or borderline diagnosis of AC was characterized using the advanced transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and divided into the groups according to the potential arrhythmic risk markers, such as non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT), late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), and genetic status. Layer-specific global longitudinal strain (GLS) by TTE 2D speckle tracking was compared in patients with and without these arrhythmic risk markers. Results: In this study, 23 (51.1%) patients were men with mean age of 43 ± 16 years. Next-generation sequencing identified a potential pathogenic mutation in 39 (86.7%) patients. Thirty-nine patients presented LGE (73.3%), mostly located at the subepicardial-to-mesocardial layers. A layer-specific-GLS analysis showed worse GLS values at the epicardial and mesocardial layers in the subjects with NSVT and LGE. The epicardial GLS values of -15.4 and -16.1% were the best cut-off values for identifying the individuals with NSVT and LGE, respectively, regardless of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Conclusions: The layer-specific GLS assessment identified the subjects with high-risk arrhythmic features in AC, such as NSVT and LGE. An epicardial GLS may emerge as a potential instrument for detecting the subjects at risk of SCD in AC.

Factores asociados a la supervivencia de pacientes operados de cáncer de colon con metástasis hepáticas sincrónicas / Factors Associated to Survival in Patients Operated on for Colon Cancer with Synchronic Liver Metastases

Introducción: La metástasis hepática del cáncer de colon es una entidad frecuente. Objetivo: Identificar los factores asociados a la supervivencia en pacientes intervenidos de cáncer de colon con metástasis hepática sincrónica. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal a 34 pacientes operados con este diagnóstico, en el servicio de Cirugía General del Hospital Provincial Docente "Saturnino Lora" de Santiago de Cuba, desde 2010 hasta 2019. Fue estimada la supervivencia global y por diferentes periodos de tiempo en la cohorte, según el método de Kaplan-Meier. La comparación de las curvas de supervivencia para las covariables seleccionadas se realizó mediante la prueba de igualdad de distribuciones (Log-Rank de Mantel y Cox). Resultados: La supervivencia global a los seis meses y al año del diagnóstico fue de 66,5 por ciento y 66,2 por ciento, respectivamente, con mediana de dos años (IC 95 por ciento: 0,97-3,02). La supervivencia fue superior si el paciente presentó una metástasis versus dos o más, así como la de ambos lóbulos marca la menor probabilidad de supervivencia. Los tumores bien y moderadamente diferenciados mostraron mayor probabilidad de supervivencia al año que los pocos diferenciados, sin diferencias significativas. Conclusiones: La cirugía permite mejorar la sobrevida global y libre de enfermedad, aunque el uso de las distintas opciones terapéuticas para el cáncer colónico con metástasis hepática sincrónica continúa controvertido. La supervivencia de estos enfermos está condicionada por la estadificación, diferenciación histológica del tumor, localización y número de metástasis, entre otros factores(AU)

Introduction: Liver metastasis from colon cancer is a frequent entity. Objective: To identify the factors associated with survival in patients operated on for colon cancer with synchronic liver metastasis. Methods: An observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out, from 2010 to 2019, with 34 patients with this diagnosis operated on in the general surgery service of Saturnino Lora Provincial Teaching Hospital of Santiago de Cuba. Overall survival was estimated, as well as by different time periods in the cohort, using the Kaplan-Meier method. The comparison of the survival curves for the selected covariates was carried out using the test of equality of distributions (log-rank or Mantel-Cox test). Results: Overall survival six months and one year after diagnosis was 66.5 percent and 66.2 percent, respectively, with a median of two years (95 percent CI: 0.97-3.02). Survival was higher if the patient had one metastasis versus two or more, while metastasis in both lobules represents the lowest probability of survival. Well and moderately differentiated tumors showed higher probability of survival at one year than the little differentiated ones, without significant differences. Conclusions: Surgery improves overall and disease-free survival, although the use of different therapeutic options for colon cancer with synchronic liver metastases remains controversial. The survival of these patients is conditioned by staging, histological differentiation of the tumor, location and number of metastases, among other factors(AU)

A DSL-Based Approach for Detecting Activities of Daily Living by Means of the AGGIR Variables.

In this paper, we propose a framework for studying the AGGIR (Autonomie Gérontologique et Groupe Iso Ressources-Autonomy Gerontology Iso-Resources Groups) grid model, with the aim of assessing the level of independence of elderly people in accordance with their capabilities of performing daily activities as well as interacting with their environments. In order to model the Activities of Daily Living (ADL), we extend a previously proposed Domain Specific Language (DSL), by defining new operators to deal with constraints related to time and location of activities and event recognition. The proposed framework aims at providing an analysis tool regarding the performance of elderly/disabled people within a home environment by means of data recovered from sensors using a smart-home simulator environment. We perform an evaluation of our framework in several scenarios, considering five of the AGGIR variables (i.e., feeding, dressing, toileting, elimination, and transfers) as well as health-care devices for tracking the occurrence of elderly activities. The results demonstrate the accuracy of the proposed framework for managing the tracked records correctly and, thus, generate the appropriate event information related to the ADL.

Aplicación de escalas pronósticas de gravedad en la neumonía por SARS-CoV-2 / Application of validated severity scores for pneumonia caused by SARS-CoV-2

Objetivos: Comparar el rendimiento de las escalas pronósticas PSI, CURB-65, MuLBSTA y COVID-GRAM para predecir mortalidad y necesidad de ventilación mecánica invasiva en pacientes con neumonía por SARS-CoV-2. Valorar la existencia de coinfección bacteriana respiratoria durante el ingreso.MétodoEstudio observacional retrospectivo que incluyó a adultos hospitalizados con neumonía por SARS-CoV-2 del 15 de marzo al 15 de mayo de 2020. Se excluyó a aquellos inmunodeprimidos, institucionalizados e ingresados en los 14 días previos por otro motivo. Se realizó un análisis de curvas ROC, calculando el área bajo la curva para las diferentes escalas, así como sensibilidad, especificidad y valores predictivos.ResultadosSe incluyó a 208 pacientes, con edad de 63±17 años; el 57,7% eran hombres. Ingresaron en UCI 38 (23,5%), de estos, 33 precisaron ventilación mecánica invasiva (86,8%), con una mortalidad global del 12,5%. Las áreas bajo las curvas ROC para mortalidad de los clasificaciones fueron: PSI 0,82 (IC 95%: 0,73-0,91); CURB-65 0,82 (0,73-0,91); MuLBSTA 0,72 (0,62-0,81) y COVID-GRAM 0,86 (0,70-1). Las áreas para necesidad de ventilación mecánica invasiva fueron: PSI 0,73 (IC 95%: 0,64-0,82); CURB-65 0,66 (0,55-0,77); MuLBSTA 0,78 (0,69-0,86) y COVID-GRAM 0,76 (0,67-0,85), respectivamente. Los pacientes que presentaron coinfección bacteriana respiratoria fueron 20 (9,6%); los gérmenes más frecuentes fueron Pseudomonas aeruginosa y Klebsiella pneumoniae.ConclusionesEn nuestro estudio la escala COVID-GRAM fue la más precisa para identificar a los pacientes con mayor mortalidad ingresados con neumonía por SARS-CoV-2; no obstante, ninguna de estas escalas predice de forma precisa la necesidad de ventilación mecánica invasiva con ingreso en UCI. El 10% de los pacientes presentó coinfección bacteriana respiratoria.

Objectives: Compare the accuracy of PSI, CURB-65, MuLBSTA and COVID-GRAM prognostic scores to predict mortality, the need for invasive mechanical ventilation in patients with pneumonia caused by SARS-CoV-2 and assess the coexistence of bacterial respiratory tract infection during admission.MethodsRetrospective observational study that included hospitalized adults with pneumonia caused by SARS-CoV-2 from 15/03 to 15/05/2020. We excluded immunocompromised patients, nursing home residents and those admitted in the previous 14 days for another reasons. Analysis of ROC curves was performed, calculating the area under the curve for the different scales, as well as sensitivity, specificity and predictive values.ResultsA total of 208 patients were enrolled, aged 63±17 years, 57,7% were men; 38 patients were admitted to ICU (23,5%), of these patients 33 required invasive mechanical ventilation (86,8%), with an overall mortality of 12,5%. Area under the ROC curves for mortality of the scores were: PSI 0,82 (95% CI: 0,73-0,91), CURB-65 0,82 (0,73-0,91), MuLBSTA 0,72 (0,62-0,81) and COVID-GRAM 0,86 (0,70-1). Area under the curve for needing invasive mechanical ventilation was: PSI 0,73 (95% CI: 0,64-0,82), CURB-65 0,66 (0,55-0,77), MuLBSTA 0,78 (0,69-0,86) and COVID-GRAM 0,76 (0,67-0,85), respectively. Patients with bacterial co-infections of the respiratory tract were 20 (9,6%), the most frequent strains being Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae.ConclusionsIn our study, the COVID-GRAM score was the most accurate to identify patients with higher mortality with pneumonia caused by SARS-CoV-2; however, none of these scores accurately predicts the need for invasive mechanical ventilation with ICU admission. The 10% of patients admitted presented bacterial respiratory co-infection. (AU)

Clinical Frailty Score vs Hospital Frailty Risk Score for predicting mortality and other adverse outcome in hospitalised patients with COVID-19: Spanish case series.

OBJECTIVES: Frailty can be used as a predictor of adverse outcomes in people with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The aim of the study was to analyse the prognostic value of two different frailty scores in patients hospitalised for COVID-19. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included adult (≥18 years) inpatients with COVID-19 and took place from 3 March to 2 May 2020. Patients were categorised by Clinical Frailty Score (CFS) and Hospital Frailty Risk Score (HFRS). The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality, and secondary outcomes were tocilizumab treatment, length of hospital stay, admission in intensive care unit (ICU) and need for invasive mechanical ventilation. Results were analysed by multivariable logistic regression and expressed as odds ratios (ORs), adjusting for age, sex, kidney function and comorbidity. RESULTS: Of the 290 included patients, 54 were frail according to the CFS (≥5 points; prevalence 18.6%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 14.4-23.7) vs 65 by HFRS (≥5 points; prevalence: 22.4%, 95% CI 17.8-27.7). Prevalence of frailty increased with age according to both measures: 50-64 years, CFS 1.9% vs HFRS 12.3%; 65-79 years, CFS 31.5% vs HFRS 40.0%; and ≥80 years, CFS 66.7% vs HFRS 40.0% (P < .001). CFS-defined frailty was independently associated with risk of death (OR 3.67, 95% CI 1.49-9.04) and less treatment with tocilizumab (OR 0.28, 95% CI 0.08-0.93). HFRS-defined frailty was independently associated with length of hospital stay over 10 days (OR 2.89, 95% CI 1.53-5.44), ICU admission (OR 4.18, 95% CI 1.84-9.52) and invasive mechanical ventilation (OR 5.93, 95% CI 2.33-15.10). CONCLUSION: In the spring 2020 wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain, CFS-defined frailty was an independent predictor for death, while frailty as measured by the HFRS was associated with length of hospital stay over 10 days, ICU admission and use of invasive mechanical ventilation.

Application of validated severity scores for pneumonia caused by SARS-CoV-2.

OBJECTIVES: Compare the accuracy of PSI, CURB-65, MuLBSTA and COVID-GRAM prognostic scores to predict mortality, the need for invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) in patients with pneumonia caused by SARS-CoV-2 and assess the coexistence of bacterial respiratory tract infection during admission. METHODS: Retrospective observational study that included hospitalized adults with pneumonia caused by SARS-CoV-2 from 15/03 to 15/05/2020. We excluded immunocompromised patients, nursing home residents and those admitted in the previous 14 days for another reasons. Analysis of ROC curves was performed, calculating the area under the curve for the different scales, as well as sensitivity, specificity and predictive values. RESULTS: 208 patients were enrolled, aged 63 ± 17 years, 577% were men. 38 patients were admitted to ICU (235%), of these patients 33 required IMV (868%), with an overall mortality of 125%. Area under the ROC curves for mortality of the scores were: PSI 082 (95% CI 073-091), CURB-65 082 (073-091), MuLBSTA 072 (062-081) and COVID-GRAM 086 (070-1). Area under the curve for needing IMV was: PSI 073 (95% CI 064-082), CURB-65 066 (055-077), MuLBSTA 078 (069-086) and COVID-GRAM 076 (067-085), respectively. Patients with bacterial co-infections of the respiratory tract were 20 (9,6%), the most frequent strains being Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, the COVID-GRAM score was the most accurate to identify patients with higher mortality with pneumonia caused by SARS-CoV-2; however, none of these scores accurately predicts the need for IMV with ICU admission. 10% of patients admitted presented bacterial respiratory co-infection.

OBJETIVOS: Comparar el rendimiento de las escalas pronósticas PSI, CURB-65, MuLBSTA y COVID-GRAM para predecir mortalidad y necesidad de ventilación mecánica invasiva (VMI) en pacientes con neumonía por SARS-CoV-2. Valorar la existencia de coinfección bacteriana respiratoria durante el ingreso. MÉTODO: Estudio observacional retrospectivo que incluyó adultos hospitalizados con neumonía por SARS-CoV-2 del 15/03 al 15/05/2020. Se excluyeron aquellos inmunodeprimidos, institucionalizados e ingresados en los 14 días previos por otro motivo. Se realizó un análisis de curvas ROC, calculando el área bajo la curva para las diferentes escalas, así como sensibilidad, especificidad y valores predictivos. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 208 pacientes, con edad de 63 ± 17 años; el 57,7% eran hombres. Ingresaron en UCI 38 (23,5%), precisando de estos VMI 33 (86,8%), con una mortalidad global del 12,5%. Las áreas bajo las curvas ROC para mortalidad de los scores fueron: PSI 0,82 (95% IC 0,73­0,91), CURB-65 0,82 (0,73­0,91), MuLBSTA 0,72 (0,62­0,81) y COVID-GRAM 0,86 (0,70­1). Las áreas para necesidad de VMI fueron: PSI 0,73 (95% IC 0,64­0,82), CURB-65 0,66 (0,55­0,77), MuLBSTA 0,78 (0,69­0,86) y COVID-GRAM 0,76 (0,67­0,85), respectivamente. Los pacientes que presentaron coinfección bacteriana respiratoria fueron 20 (9.6%) siendo los gérmenes más frecuentes Pseudomonas aeruginosa y Klebsiella pneumoniae. CONCLUSIONES: En nuestro estudio el score COVID-GRAM fue el más preciso para identificar los pacientes con mayor mortalidad ingresados con neumonía por SARS-CoV-2, no obstante, ninguno de estos scores predice de forma precisa la necesidad de VMI con ingreso en UCI. El 10% de los pacientes presentó coinfección bacteriana respiratoria.