Clinical Impact of Supplementation with Pasteurized Donor Human Milk by High-Temperature Short-Time Method versus Holder Method in Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants: A Multicentre Randomized Controlled Trial.

Nosocomial infections are a frequent and serious problem in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants. Donor human milk (DHM) is the best alternative for feeding these babies when mother's own milk (MOM) is not available. Recently, a patented prototype of a High-Temperature Short-Time (HTST) pasteurizer adapted to a human milk bank setting showed a lesser impact on immunologic components. We designed a multicentre randomized controlled trial that investigates whether, in ELBW infants with an insufficient MOM supply, the administration of HTST pasteurized DHM reduces the incidence of confirmed catheter-associated sepsis compared to DHM pasteurized with the Holder method. From birth until 34 weeks postmenstrual age, patients included in the study received DHM, as a supplement, pasteurized by the Holder or HTST method. A total of 213 patients were randomized; 79 (HTST group) and 81 (Holder group) were included in the analysis. We found no difference in the frequency of nosocomial sepsis between the patients of the two methods-41.8% (33/79) of HTST group patients versus 45.7% (37/81) of Holder group patients, relative risk 0.91 (0.64-1.3), p = 0.62. In conclusion, when MOM is not available, supplementing during admission with DHM pasteurized by the HTST versus Holder method might not have an impact on the incidence of catheter-associated sepsis.

Soluble ST2, BCN-Bio-HF calculator and MAGGIC-HF score in long-term risk prediction after an urgent visit for heart failure.

Soluble ST2 (sST2) is the expression of a pathogenic process related to adverse remodeling that ultimately leads to increased mortality in heart failure (HF). Risk score models provide a comprehensive approach for mortality prediction, beyond the use of biomarkers alone. The objective was to determine the additional value of sST2 and two well-validated contemporary risk scores, BCN-Bio-HF and MAGGIC-HF, in predicting mortality and readmission in the acute setting. This prospective study included 129 patients (mean age 75 ± 9 years; 52% males) after an urgent HF visit. Baseline sST2 levels were measured and the two risk scores were calculated. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality, and the secondary endpoint was HF readmissions. The follow-up period was 3.6 ± 1.9 years. Patients who died (46%) had higher sST2 concentrations (80.5 vs. 42.7 ng/ml; p < 0.001). The BCN-Bio-HF calculator with sST2 demonstrated the best discriminative ability for mortality prediction (area under the ROC curve: 0.792; p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis for each risk score, the MAGGIC-HF score retained its predictive value only in the model without sST2 (3-year risk: HR = 1.036; 95% CI 1.019-1.054; p < 0.001). However, the BCN-Bio-HF score maintained its prognostic value with sST2 (HR = 1.032; 95%CI 1.020-1.044; p < 0.001), as well as without sST2 (HR = 1.035; 95% CI 1.021-1.049; p < 0.001). sST2 was not associated with readmission, and only the BCN-Bio-HF risk of HF hospitalization showed independent predictive value (OR = 1.040; 95% CI 1.005-1.076; p = 0.023). For predicting long-term mortality in HF in the emergency department, the BCN-Bio-HF calculator with sST2 demonstrated superior discrimination and allows estimation of the risk of HF hospitalizations.

HER2 and BARD1 Polymorphisms in Early HER2-Positive Breast Cancer Patients: Relationship with Response to Neoadjuvant Anti-HER2 Treatment.

The addition to chemotherapy of anti-HER2 drugs such as trastuzumab or pertuzumab has improved outcomes in HER2-positive breast cancer patients. However, resistance to these drugs in some patients remains a major concern. This study examines the possible association between the response to neoadjuvant anti-HER2 treatment in breast cancer patients and the presence of 28 SNPs in 17 genes involved in different cell processes (PON1, CAT, GSTP1, FCGR3, ATM, PIK3CA, HER3, BARD1, LDB2, BRINP1, chr6 intergenic region, RAB22A, TRPC6, LINC01060, EGFR, ABCB1, and HER2). Tumor samples from 50 women with early breast cancer were genotyped using the iPlex®Gold chemistry and MassARRAY platform, and patients were classified as good responders (Miller-Payne tumor grades 4-5) and poor responders (Miller-Payne tumor grades 1-3), as assessed upon surgery after 6 months of treatment. Proportions of patients with the HER2Ala1170Pro (rs1058808) SNP double mutation were higher in good (58.62%) than poor (20%) responders (p = 0.025). Similarly, proportions of patients carrying the synonymous SNP rs2070096 (BARD1Thr351=) (wv + vv) were higher in patients showing a pathological complete response (46.67%) than in those not showing this response (15.15%) (p = 0.031). The SNPs rs1058808 (HER2Ala1170Pro) and rs2070096 (BARD1Thr351=) were identified here as potential biomarkers of a good response to anti-HER2 treatment.

FGFR1 Amplification and Response to Neoadjuvant Anti-HER2 Treatment in Early HER2-Positive Breast Cancer.

HER2-positive breast cancer (BC) is an aggressive subtype that affects 20-25% of BC patients. For these patients, neoadjuvant therapy is a good option that targets a pathological complete response (pCR) and more breast-conserving surgery. In effect, the outcomes of patients with HER2-positive BC have dramatically improved since the introduction of anti-HER2 antibodies such as trastuzumab (TZ) and/or pertuzumab (PZ) added to chemotherapy. This study sought to examine whether correlation exists between copy number variations (CNVs) in several genes related to the PI3K/AKT pathway (HER2, FGFR1, PIK3CA, AKT3 and MDM2) and the efficacy of anti-HER2 neoadjuvant treatment in patients with early HER2-positive BC. Forty-nine patients received TZ or PZ/TZ and chemotherapy as neoadjuvant treatment. Gene CNVs were determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction on paraffin-embedded biopsy specimens. The response to 6 months of therapy was assessed by Miller-Payne grading of the tumor on surgical resection; grades 4 and 5, indicating >90% tumor reduction, were defined as a good response. A good response was shown by 64.5% and a pCR by 31.2% of patients. When stratified by anti-HER2 antibody received and gene CNV, it was found that patients with FGFR1 gene amplification or those with FGFR1 amplification treated with TZ alone showed a poor response (p = 0.024 and p = 0.037, respectively). In the subset of patients treated with TZ/PZ combined, the pCR rate was significantly lower among those showing FGFR1 amplification (p = 0.021). Although based on a small sample size, our findings suggest that patients with FGFR1 amplification might benefit less from anti-HER2 antibody therapy.

miR-7, miR-10a and miR-143 Expression May Predict Response to Bevacizumab Plus Chemotherapy in Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer.

PURPOSE: Bevacizumab is a monoclonal antibody that binds to vascular endothelial growth factor A. It is currently used in combination with chemotherapy to treat metastatic colorectal cancer. This therapy is not equally effective in every patient; in some, mechanisms of resistance arise that remain poorly understood. The aim of the present work was to determine whether the expression of 26 miRNAs could be associated with the effectiveness of bevacizumab plus chemotherapy, with progression-free survival (PFS), and with overall survival (OS) in metastatic colorectal cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Paraffin-embedded biopsies from 76 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer were collected to isolate miRNAs. The expression of 26 miRNAs was analyzed by quantitative RT-PCR. For the purpose of analysis, patients were classified as either "responders" (PFS ≥6 months since beginning treatment) or "non-responders" (PFS <6 months). For the analysis of PFS and OS, patients were classified into two groups using the median gene expression value as the cut-off point ("high" [≥50% percentile] or "low" [<50% percentile]). Time-to-event data were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared by the log rank test. Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and their 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: miR-7-5p and miR-10a-5p were more strongly expressed in non-responders than responders (p=0.049 and p=0.043, respectively), and OS was poorer in patients showing these higher expression levels (HR=2.54, 95% CI 1.42-4.55, p=0. 001, and HR=1.81, 95% CI 1.02-3.20, p=0.039, respectively). The overexpression of miR-143-3p, however, was associated with a better prognosis and significantly better PFS (HR=0.57; 95% CI: 0.33-0.96; p=0.033). CONCLUSION: High expression values for miR-7-5p and miR-10a-5p might be considered markers of a poorer prognosis in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer treated with bevacizumab plus chemotherapy, while the same for miR-143-3p might be a marker of better outcomes.

Genetic Variants of ANGPT1, CD39, FGF2 and MMP9 Linked to Clinical Outcome of Bevacizumab Plus Chemotherapy for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer.

Angiogenesis pathway genes show substantial genetic variability causing inter-individual differences in responses to anti-angiogenic drugs. We examined 20 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 13 of these genes to predict tumour response and clinical outcome measured as progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in 57 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) given bevacizumab plus chemotherapy. SNPs were detected (iPLEX® Assay) in genomic DNA extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumour specimens. The variant allele CD39 rs11188513 was associated with a good tumour response (p = 0.024). Patients homozygous for the wild-type allele FGF2 rs1960669 showed a median PFS of 10.95 months versus 5.44 months for those with at least one variant allele-A (HR 3.30; 95% CI: 1.52-7.14; p = 0.001). Patients homozygous for wild-type MMP9 rs2236416 and rs2274755 showed a median PFS of 9.48 months versus 6 and 6.62 months, respectively, for those with at least one variant allele (p = 0.022, p = 0.043, respectively). OS was also lengthened to 30.92 months (p = 0.034) in carriers of wild-type ANGPT1 rs2445365 versus 22.07 months for those carrying at least one variant allele-A. These gene variants were able to predict clinical outcome and tumour response in mCRC patients given bevacizumab-based therapy.

Primer caso de infección neonatal por SARS-CoV-2 en España / First case of neonatal infection due to SARS-CoV-2 in Spain

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Trasplante renal en época COVID-19 en España / Renal transplantation during COVID-19 period in Spain

INTRODUCCIÓN: La epidemia de COVID-19 plantea importantes retos en el ámbito de la donación y el trasplante renal. El objetivo de este artículo es establecer unas recomendaciones generales dirigidas a los equipos quirúrgicos de trasplante renal durante la era COVID-19. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: El documento se basa en la evidencia científica disponible sobre la infección causada por SARS-CoV-2 y la experiencia de los autores en la pandemia COVID-19. Se realizó una búsqueda web y en PubMed utilizando las palabras clave "SARSCoV-2", "COVID-19", "COVID rology", "COVID-19 surgery" y "kidney transplantation". Se ha utilizado una técnica de grupo nominal modificada. RESULTADOS: En momentos de saturación del sistema sanitario, se deberán diferir los trasplantes renales, salvo en pacientes con bajas posibilidades de trasplante y un riñón óptimo disponible, trasplantes combinados o pacientes en situación de urgencia vital. Se deberá hacer cribado del virus SARS-CoV-2 en todos aquellos donantes y receptores que tengan sospecha clínica, hayan estado en zonas de alto riesgo o hayan compartido proximidad con casos confirmados de COVID-19. Nos e procederá con la donación ni con el trasplante en casos confirmados de COVID-19. Las cirugías deberáns er eficientes, cortas y centradas en las que menor estancia hospitalaria conlleven. En casos de urgencia, se extremarán las medidas de protección con equipos de protección individual. El personal quirúrgico será el menor posible y se minimizarán las estancias en quirófano. Las consultas urológicas de trasplante sin riesgo serán realizadas telemáticamente cuando sea posible. CONCLUSIÓN: La cirugía de trasplante renal debe ser eficiente en cuanto a recursos sanitarios, humano sy beneficio clínico. Se debe garantizar la seguridad de los potenciales donantes y receptores, adoptando medidas de protección individual y realizando cribado para SARS-CoV-2

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic poses significant challenges in the area of kidney donation and transplantation. The objective of this article is to establish general recommendations for surgical teams to manage the kidney transplant program during the COVID-19 era. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This document is based on the scientific evidence available on the infection caused by SARS-CoV-2 and the experience of authors during the COVID-19 pandemic. A web and Pubmed search was performed using the keywords "SARS-CoV-2", "COVID-19", "COVID Urology", "COVID-19 surgery", and "kidney transplantation." A modified nominal group technique was used. RESULTS: When health system saturation occurs, kidney transplants should be deferred, except in patients with low transplant possibilities and an optimal kidney available, combined transplants or life-threatening situations. Screening for the SARS-CoV-2 virus should be done in all those donors and recipients with clinical symptoms consistent with COVID-19, who have visited or live in high-risk areas, or who have been in close contact with confirmed cases of COVID-19. Donation and transplantation will not proceed in confirmed cases of COVID-19. Surgeries should be based on general recommendations in the COVID-19 era and will be efficient, short, and focused on those with the shortest hospital stay. In emergencies, protective measures will be taken with personal protection equipment. Surgical staff will be only the strictly necessary, and permanence in the OR should be minimized. Transplant urology consultations will be conducted by teleconsultation when possible. CONCLUSION: The safety of potential donors and recipients must be guaranteed, adopting individual protection measures and screening for SARS-CoV-2. Kidney transplant surgery must be efficient in terms of health, human resources, and clinical benefit. All non-urgent transplant activities should be delayed until the improvement of the local condition of each center

[Renal transplantation during COVID-19 period in Spain.] / Trasplante renal en época COVID-19 en España.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic poses significant challenges in the area of kidney donation and transplantation. The objective of this article is to establish general recommendations for surgical teams to manage the kidney transplant program duringthe COVID-19 era. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This document is based on the scientific evidence available on the infection caused by SARS-CoV-2 and the experience of authors during the COVID-19 pandemic. A web and Pubmed search was performed using the keywords "SARS-CoV-2"," COVID-19", "COVID Urology", "COVID-19 surgery", and "kidney transplantation." A modified nominal group technique was used. RESULTS: When health system saturation occurs, kidney transplants should be deferred, except in patients with low transplant possibilities and an optimal kidney available, combined transplants or life-threatening situations. Screening for the SARS-CoV-2 virus should be done in all those donors and recipients with clinical symptoms consistent with COVID-19, who have visited or live inhigh-risk areas, or who have been in close contact with confirmed cases of COVID-19. Donation and transplantation will not proceed in confirmed cases of COVID-19. Surgeries should be based on general recommendations in the COVID-19 era and will be efficient, short, and focused on those with the shortest hospital stay. In emergencies, protective measures will be taken with persona lprotection equipment. Surgical staff will be only the strictly necessary, and permanence in the OR should be minimized. Transplant urology consultations will be conducted by teleconsultation when possible. CONCLUSION: The safety of potential donors and recipients must be guaranteed, adopting individual protection measures and screening for SARS-CoV-2. Kidney transplant surgery must be efficient in terms of health, human resources, and clinical benefit. All non-urgent transplant activities should be delayed until the improvement of the local condition of each center.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La epidemia de COVID-19 plantea importantes retos en el ámbito de la donación y el trasplante renal. El objetivo de este artículo es establecer unas recomendaciones generales dirigidas a los equipos quirúrgicos de trasplante renal durante la era COVID-19. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: El documento se basa en la evidencia científica disponible sobre la infección causada por SARS-CoV-2 y la experiencia de los autores en la pandemia COVID-19. Se realizó una búsqueda web y en PubMed utilizando las palabras clave "SARSCoV-2", "COVID-19", "COVID Urology", "COVID-19 surgery" y "kidney transplantation". Se ha utilizado una técnica de grupo nominal modificada.RESULTADOS: En momentos de saturación del sistema sanitario, se deberán diferir los trasplantes renales, salvo en pacientes con bajas posibilidades de trasplante y un riñón óptimo disponible, trasplantes combinados o pacientes en situación de urgencia vital. Se deberá hacer cribado del virus SARS-CoV-2 en todos aquellos donantes y receptores que tengan sospecha clínica, hayan estado en zonas de alto riesgo o hayan compartido proximidad con casos confirmados de COVID-19. Nos e procederá con la donación ni con el trasplante en casos confirmados de COVID-19. Las cirugías deberáns er eficientes, cortas y centradas en las que menor estancia hospitalaria conlleven. En casos de urgencia, se extremarán las medidas de protección con equipos de protección individual. El personal quirúrgico será el menor posible y se minimizarán las estancias en quirófano. Las consultas urológicas de trasplante sin riesgo serán realizadas telemáticamente cuando sea posible. CONCLUSIÓN: La cirugía de trasplante renal debe ser eficiente en cuanto a recursos sanitarios, humano sy beneficio clínico. Se debe garantizar la seguridad de los potenciales donantes y receptores, adoptando medidas de protección individual y realizando cribado para SARS-CoV-2.

Efficacy of bevacizumab-containing chemotherapy in metastatic colorectal cancer and CXCL5 expression: Six case reports.

BACKGROUND: In metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), the anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drug bevacizumab (BVZ) plus chemotherapy significantly improves progression-free survival compared to chemotherapy (CT) alone. This benefit is not, however, observed in all patients. While increased chemokine CXCL5 gene expression promoting angiogenesis has been proposed as a prognostic mCRC biomarker, few studies have examined its relationship with drug efficacy. This study sought to analyze tumor CXCL5 gene expression in six patients with different efficacy of BVZ-containing CT in terms of the tumor response to treatment. CASE SUMMARY: We report six cases of stage IV KRAS-mutated mCRC. Patients were given first line treatment with BVZ-containing chemotherapy in University Hospital of Fuenlabrada. The six patients differed in terms of primary tumor location (right/left side), tumor burden (mostly hepatic and peritoneal disease) and clinical disease course. Before treatment onset, total RNA was isolated from paraffinated tumor biopsy specimens and CXCL5 gene expression quantified through conventional RT-qPCR procedures. Our main finding was that CXCL5 expression levels were several times higher in three patients with lower progression free survival (under 6 mo) from the start of treatment. CONCLUSION: A higher expression of CXCL5 was observed in the three patients showing worse tumor response to treatment.

An Adoptive Mother Who Became a Human Milk Donor.

Inducing lactation in the absence of pregnancy (nonpuerperal lactation) is not always successful and, in many cases, only partial breastfeeding is achieved. Different protocols have been described, but scientific evidence and research are lacking in this area. The authors describe the case of a woman with a history of a miscarriage, for whom the lactation induction process was so effective that she became a milk donor even before she received her adopted child. She had not previously used hormone treatment. She was given domperidone as a galactogogue for 1 month. The pumping protocol began with a double electric breast pump combined with manual pumping 6 months before her child was delivered, and 3 months later, she was accepted as a donor by our milk bank. This highlights the importance of regular stimulation as a milk production mechanism. This is the first case of human milk donation in an adoptive mother described in the literature.

Breastfeeding Support in Spanish Neonatal Intensive Care Units and the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative.

BACKGROUND: The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) has a positive effect on breastfeeding in maternity wards; however, few studies have examined to what degree it affects care in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Recently, the BFHI has been adapted to the NICUs (Neo-BFHI). OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare breastfeeding support in Spanish NICUs in hospitals with BFHI accreditation or in the process of being accredited (group 1) with NICUs in hospitals that have not yet begun this initiative (group 2). METHODS: A validated questionnaire on breastfeeding support was distributed to level II and III NICUs in Spanish public hospitals. A univariate analysis and an analysis adjusted for the number of beds in NICUs were conducted. The results of the analysis of 36 breastfeeding support measures are presented in accordance with the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding adapted to NICUs. RESULTS: Of the 141 participating NICUs, 129 (91%) responded to the questionnaire: 38 NICUs from group 1 and 91 NICUs from group 2. Group 1 had implemented a higher number of breastfeeding support measures than group 2. There were significant differences in 18 measures related to steps 2, 4, 5, 7, and 8 of the Neo-BFHI. In addition, a comparison of NICUs in hospitals with full accreditation (7 of 129) with those in group 2 revealed significant differences in 7 measures pertaining to steps 2, 5, 8, and 9. CONCLUSION: The Spanish NICUs in hospitals with BFHI accreditation or in the process of being accredited have better implementation of practices to promote and support breastfeeding.

[Feeding practices with human milk in newborns less than 1.500 g or less than 32 weeks]. / Prácticas de alimentación con leche materna en recién nacidos menores de 1.500 g o de menos de 32 semanas.

INTRODUCTION: There is currently no unified policy on either breastfeeding support or enteral nutrition practices, as regards human milk (HM) in pre-term newborns. The aim of this study was to describe breastfeeding support measures, as well as the use of HM in very preterm infants in Spanish public hospitals. METHOD: A questionnaire on enteral feeding practices was distributed. Data were analysed from units caring for newborns less than 32 weeks or 1,500g. A univariate analysis was performed comparing level ii and iii care units. RESULTS: There was a 91% response rate. A total of 93 units cared for infants less than 32 weeks or 1,500g (17 level ii and 76 level iii), and 49% of the units recorded the breastfeeding rate on discharge. Around 75% (70/93) had a guideline on managing HM (level iii 81 vs. level ii 47%, P=.002), and 25% had access to donor human milk. Just under half (46%) started trophic feeding in the first 6h. Target enteral feeding volume in stable preterm infants was ≥ 180ml/kg/day in 89% of the units (level iii 93% vs. level ii 70%, P =.017). HM fortifier was used in 96% of the units. In 92%, it was added when the required enteral volume was tolerated. In 59% of the units, adjustments in the quantity of fortifier were made according to weight, and in 36%, it depended on analytical criteria. Some units (9%) used pure protein fortifier. CONCLUSIONS: There is a marked variability in breastfeeding support measures and in feeding practices of preterm infants in Spanish neonatal units.

The Baby-Friendly Initiative in Spain: A Challenging Pathway.

The Baby-Friendly Initiative (BFI-Spain) was founded in 1995 by members of key professional associations (pediatricians, midwives, obstetricians, and nurses) and some mother-to-mother support groups. The United Nations International Children's Fund was instrumental in supporting the establishment of BFI-Spain as a not-for-profit organization. In 2007, the need for change was identified. A detailed analysis of BFI-Spain identified its main strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. A new strategic plan was devised that included the adoption of a staged accreditation system, a new website, expanding the initiative into the community, consolidating working teams to distribute tasks and responsibilities, and trying to involve the national health authorities. This article describes the analysis that was undertaken, the strategies implemented, and some of the outcomes observed 4 years later. The aim of the article is to support BFI teams in other countries who might be facing similar challenges.

Parámetros de laboratorio en centenarios y nonagenarios de Castilla y León / Biochemistry parameters in nonagenarians and centenarians in Castile y León (Spain)

Introducción. Los estudios enfocados a la determinación de parámetros de referencia para análisis bioquímicos en individuos longevos son escasos. Para cubrir esta deficiencia se aportan los relativos a parámetros bioquímicos séricos en centenarios y nonagenarios de nuestro área geográfica. Material y métodos. Dos grupos de individuos longevos procedentes de consultas del Hospital Universitario Río Hortega (Valladolid, España) han sido seleccionados: 30 centenarios y 80 nanogenarios sanos. Como grupo control se han sido incluidos 110 adultos sanos. Los parámetros de laboratorio han sido determinados utilizando sistemas automatizados. Para el análisis de las diferencias significativas entre las medias ha sido utilizado un análisis de varianza a fin de determinar si los niveles medios de 20 parámetros eran diferentes en los dos grupos anteriores. Adicionalmente, ha sido realizado un análisis factorial para ubicar variables y casos en gráficos 3 D. Resultados. En individuos centenarios han sido observadas diferencias significativas para las concentraciones séricas de proteínas totales, colesterol, alanino-aminotransferasa, gamma-glutamiltransferasa y ácido fólico (disminuidas respecto a controles) y para las de urea, ácido úrico, homocisteína y ferritina (aumentadas). En nonagenarios solo han sido encontradas diferencias significativas para urea (aumentada), proteínas totales y colesterol (disminuidas). En centenarios ha sido hallado un alto coeficiente de correlación (r2=0,86) al asociar la fosfatasa alcalina a la bilirrubina. Para ambos colectivos las concentraciones séricas de homocisteína y vitamina B12 han correlacionado inversamente (r2=0,88). Conclusión. En nonagenarios, para todas las determinaciones excepto urea, proteínas totales y colesterol, pueden utilizarse como valores de referencia los de los adultos sanos. En centenarios, las significativas variaciones frente a controles que aparecen para la mitad de las determinaciones estudiadas y en especial para los parámetros urea, ácido úrico, proteínas totales, colesterol, alanino-aminotransferasa, gamma-glutamil transferasa, homocisteína, ácido fólico y ferritina hacen aconsejable disponer de intervalos propios (AU)

Introduction. There are few studies aimed at determining reference parameters for biochemistry analyses in the elderly. An attempt was made to define these by measuring serum biochemistry parameters in centenarians and nonagenarians on our geographic area. Materials and methods. Two groups of elderly individuals from the Hospital Universitario Rio Hortega (Valladolid, Spain) were selected: 30 healthy centenarians and 80 nonagenarians. Control group included 110 healthy normal adults. Laboratory parameter levels were determined using automated systems. Data were analysed for significance using a blocked analysis of variance from the above groups to determine if the mean levels of 20 parameters were different. In addition, a factorial analysis has been conducted so as to locate variables and cases in 3D graphs. Results. Significant differences were observed for serum total proteins, cholesterol, alanine-aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase and folic acid levels, being reduced in centenarians compared to the control group, whereas urea, uric acid, homocysteine and ferritin levels were found to be significantly increased. In nonagenarians, the only significant differences compared to the control subjects were for, urea (increased), total proteins and cholesterol (decreased). In the centenarians of our population, a high coefficient (r2=0,86) was found for the relationship between alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin. Among the elderly homocysteine correlated inversely with serum vitamin B12 (r2=0,88). Conclusion. With the exceptions of urea, total proteins and cholesterol, reference values of healthy adults can also generally been used for the nonagenarians group. In the centenarians, due to the significant changes compared to the control group for half of the assayed parameters, in particular, urea, uric acid, total proteins, cholesterol, alanine-aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, homocysteine, folic acid and ferritin, it is recommended to have specific reference intervals for these (AU)

Breastfeeding promotion plan in Madrid, Spain.

BACKGROUND: Promotion and protection of breastfeeding is a public health objective. In April 2009, health authorities in the Madrid region in central Spain signed a collaboration agreement with The United Nations Children's Fund and created a breastfeeding committee. OBJECTIVE: To report the creation and implementation of a plan to promote and improve the quality of breastfeeding care in public hospitals in the region of Madrid, according to the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) standards. METHODS: The action plan included institutional commitment; creation of a breastfeeding committee in each hospital; outcome analyses, staff training, creation of educational materials; and dissemination of activities. The plan was adopted by the 19 non-BFHI-designated public maternity units in the Madrid region. Each hospital completed a modified version of the World Health Organization self-assessment questionnaire in 2009 (pre-intervention) and again in 2011. RESULTS: Thirteen maternity units (68.4%) established a breastfeeding committee, and 32 months after implementation of the plan, the other 6 hospitals have created one. Nine training courses have been carried out to train professional experts on breastfeeding as trainers. The 271 trainers provided 18-hour breastfeeding courses for 1423 professionals. In 2009, there was only 1 BFHI-accredited hospital. Currently, 52.6% of the other 19 hospitals have some level of accreditation, and 2 are fully accredited. CONCLUSIONS: An intervention to improve the quality of breastfeeding care based on an organized regional approach to the BFHI was useful for BFHI implementation.