Homeostatic metaplasticity induced by the combination of two inhibitory brain stimulation techniques: Continuous theta burst and transcranial static magnetic stimulation.

Aftereffects of non-invasive brain stimulation techniques may be brain state-dependent. Either continuous theta-burst stimulation (cTBS) as transcranial static magnetic field stimulation (tSMS) reduce cortical excitability. Our objective was to explore the aftereffects of tSMS on a M1 previously stimulated with cTBS. The interaction effect of two inhibitory protocols on cortical excitability was tested on healthy volunteers (n = 20), in two different sessions. A first application cTBS was followed by real-tSMS in one session, or sham-tSMS in the other session. When intracortical inhibition was tested with paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation, LICI (ie., long intracortical inhibition) increased, although the unconditioned motor-evoked potential (MEP) remained stable. These effects were observed in the whole sample of participants regardless of the type of static magnetic field stimulation (real or sham) applied after cTBS. Subsequently, we defined a group of good-responders to cTBS (n = 9) on whom the unconditioned MEP amplitude reduced after cTBS and found that application of real-tSMS (subsequent to cTBS) increased the unconditioned MEP. This MEP increase was not found when sham-tSMS followed cTBS. The interaction of tSMS with cTBS seems not to take place at inhibitory cortical interneurons tested by LICI, since LICI was not differently affected after real and sham tSMS. Our results indicate the existence of a process of homeostatic plasticity when tSMS is applied after cTBS. This work suggests that tSMS aftereffects arise at the synaptic level and supports further investigation into tSMS as a useful tool to restore pathological conditions with altered cortical excitability.

Cervidae antlers exploited to manufacture prehistoric tools and hunting implements as a reliable source of ancient DNA.

Antler is one of the primary animal raw materials exploited for technical purposes by the hunter-gatherer groups of the Eurasian Upper Palaeolithic (UP) all over the ecological range of deers, and beyond. It was exhaustively employed to produce one of the most critical tools for the survival of the UP societies: hunting weapons. However, antler implements can be made from diverse deer taxa, with different ecological requirements and ethological behaviours. Identifying the antler's origin at a taxonomic level is thus essential in improving our knowledge of humans' functional, practical and symbolic choices, as well as the human-animal interface during Prehistoric times. Nevertheless, palaeogenetics analyses have focused mainly on bone and teeth, with genetic studies of antler generally focused on modern deer conservation. Here we present the results of the first whole mitochondrial genome ancient DNA (aDNA) analysis by means of in-solution hybridisation capture of antlers from pre-Holocene archaeological contexts. We analysed a set of 50 Palaeolithic and Neolithic (c. 34-8ka) antler and osseous objects from South-Western Europe, Central Europe, South-Western Asia and the Caucasus. We successfully obtained aDNA, allowing us to identify the exploited taxa and demonstrate the archaeological relevance of those finds. Moreover, as most of the antlers were sampled using a minimally-invasive method, further analyses (morphometric, technical, genetic, radiometric and more) remain possible on these objects.

Erratum: Under the Skin of a Lion: Unique Evidence of Upper Paleolithic Exploitation and Use of Cave Lion (Panthera spelaea) from the Lower Gallery of La Garma (Spain).

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0163591.].

Executive Summary of the Spanish Society of Anesthesiology, Reanimation and Pain Therapy (SEDAR) Spanish Society of Emergency and Emergency Medicine (SEMES) and Spanish Society of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery (SEORL-CCC) Guideline for difficult airway management.

The Airway section of the Spanish Society of Anesthesiology, Reanimation and Pain Therapy (SEDAR), Spanish Society of Emergency and Emergency Medicine (SEMES) and Spanish Society of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery (SEORL-CCC) present the Guidelines for the integral management of difficult airway in adult patients. This document provides recommendations based on current scientific evidence, theoretical-educational tools and implementation tools, mainly cognitive aids, applicable to the treatment of the airway in the field of anesthesiology, critical care, emergencies and prehospital medicine. Its principles are focused on the human factors, cognitive processes for decision-making in critical situations and optimization in the progression of the application of strategies to preserve adequate alveolar oxygenation in order to improve safety and quality of care.

Plasticlusters: A marine litter microhabitat in a marina of Tunisia, N Africa.

Plastic debris is a significant and rapidly developing ecological issue in coastal marine ecosystems, especially in areas where it accumulates. This study introduces "plasticlusters", a new form of floating debris agglomeration found in the Yasmine Hammamet marina (Tunisia, North-Africa), loosely attached to pontoon ropes around the water surface level. The analysis of two samples revealed that they were formed primarily by average 2.11 mm polystyrene fragments, 3.43 mm fibers, 104 mm polypropylene and polyethylene sheets, and 122 mm decomposing seagrass leaves. They were inhabited by several taxa, including at least 2 cryptogenic and 5 non-indigenous species (NIS). Unlike other plastic formations, plasticlusters provide a novel and potentially temporal microhabitat to fouling assemblages due to their loose and unconsolidated structure which, combined with marinas being NIS hubs, could enhance NIS dispersion. The results of this study raise concerns about the combined ecological effects of debris accumulation and biocontamination inside marinas.

Evidence-Based Recommendations in Primary Tracheoesophageal Puncture for Voice Prosthesis Rehabilitation.

Head and neck cancer, the seventh most common cancer worldwide, often affects the larynx, with a higher incidence in men. Total laryngectomy, a common treatment, results in the loss of phonation, and tracheoesophageal voice rehabilitation is the current rehabilitation method of choice. Despite ongoing debates regarding the timing of tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP), a crucial procedure for voice prosthesis placement, the secondary puncture continues to be the preferred choice in the majority of cases. This underscores the persistent controversy and the absence of consensus in this field. The aim of this manuscript was to define evidence-based recommendations regarding the procedure of primary TEP with voice prosthesis placement, establish the conditions and requirements for performing primary TEP, determine the indications and contraindications of primary TEP, as well as to define the complications and management of primary TEP. A total of 19 statements were formulated, with 78.95% of them having a Level of Evidence 4 and a Grade of Recommendation C. There is not sufficient evidence comparing the outcomes of primary TEP versus secondary TEP. Future studies with robust methodologies are needed to clarify the role of primary and secondary TEP in the rehabilitation of patients undergoing total laryngectomy.

Fatigue insights from walking tests in spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis individuals.

In the last decade, fatigue in clinical populations has been re-conceptualized, including dimensions such as perceived fatigue (trait and state fatigue) and fatigability. The aim of this study was to evaluate different expressions of fatigue in Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) and Multiple Sclerosis (MS) participants compared to able-bodied controls, during activities of daily living, especially during gait. A total of 67 participants were included in this study (23 with SCI, 23 with MS, and 21 able-bodied controls). All participants performed two functional tests (6-Minute Walk Test and 10-Meter Walk Test) and they completed the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). The rate of trait fatigue was different between groups, with MS participants showing the highest rate. Moreover, scores on functional tests and state fatigue were different between groups after the tests. Our results indicate that trait fatigue and state fatigue in individuals with SCI and MS are different with respect to able-bodied population. Both SCI and MS groups experienced more trait fatigue than control group in daily life. In addition, walking tasks produced similar levels of state fatigue between healthy people and patients with MS/SCI. However, these tests induced longer-lasting levels of state fatigue in the patients.

Miocardiopatía Hipertrófica en ausencia de criterios de hipertrofia. Serie de casos / Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in the absence of hypertrophy criteria. Case series

La miocardiopatía hipertrófica (MCH) es la miocardiopatía hereditaria más frecuente, su principal expresión fenotípica consiste en hipertrofia ventricular izquierda (HVI) en ausencia de condiciones de carga que la justifiquen. Cuando existe una variante genética patogénica se denomina MCH sarcomérica. Los criterios diagnósticos más aceptados son HVI ≥ 15 mm en cualquier segmento o ≥ 13 en ciertas condiciones, criterios que tienen tres inconvenientes: 1) La HCM es una patología donde la HVI es evolutiva, existiendo otros elementos más precoces, pero menos precisos, como criptas, bandas musculares y alteraciones de la válvula mitral y músculos papilares; 2) Pacientes de baja estatura pueden no alcanzar estos umbrales; 3) La MCH apical no queda siempre bien representada usando estos grosores, requiriendo indexar por tamaño del paciente y/o considerar la HVI relativa (relación grosor apical / basal que no debe superar 1). Presentamos una serie de casos con genotipo confirmado para MCH que no cumplen los criterios de HVI aceptados para MCH y donde se debe individualizar el diagnóstico considerando los tres elementos señalados.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common inherited cardiac condition; its phenotypic expression consists of ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) unrelated to loading conditions. In patients with a genetic pathogenic variant, the condition is termed sarcomeric HCM. Current diagnostic criteria are based on absolute left ventricular thickness, requiring ≥15 mm in any segment or ≥13 mm in particular conditions. These criteria have three pitfalls: 1) HCM is an evolving disease where LVH occurs gradually, with other early -but less precisephenotypic expressions such as myocardial crypts, muscular bands, or mitral and papillary muscle alterations; 2) Patients with short stature tend to have less LVH and do not reach the proposed thickness threshold. 3) Apical HCM is not correctly addressed in this cut-off as the heart tapers from base to apex, warranting indexing wall thickness to body size and using relative LVH in the apex (ratio from apex/base, abnormal,>1). This small case series includes three patients with a pathogenic genetic variant for HCM that doesn't satisfy the current criteria of LVH. For its precise assessment, the aforementioned points must be considered.

[Prenatal presentation of pleuropulmonary blastoma associated to DICER1 syndrome: differential diagnosis of congenital pulmonary malformation]. / Blastoma Pleuropulmonar de presentación antenatal asociado a Síndrome DICER1: diagnóstico diferencial de Malformación Pulmonar Congénita.

Pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB) is the most common pediatric malignant primary lung tumor. It's associated with the DICER1 gene pathogenic germline variants. Antenatal presentation is infrequent and poses a challenge in the differential diagnosis of congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM). OBJECTIVE: to report a case of unusual presentation of PPB associated with DICER1 syndrome and to describe the difficulty in differentiating it from CPAM. CLINICAL CASE: Male patient with prenatal diagnosis of hypervascular left lung lesion, with mediastinal shift and progressive growth, initially interpreted as CPAM. He was born at 38 weeks, requiring transitory treatment with positive pressure due to ventilatory impairment. A CT scan with contrast showed a large multilocular cystic mass containing air causing mass effect, requiring open left upper lobectomy. Histology results were compatible with type I PPB, with negative margins, and positive genetic study for DICER1 syndrome. Seven weeks post-resection, an aerial image was detected in the upper left side of the chest, with progressive growth, requiring a new tumor resection and upper segmentectomy, with biopsy corresponding to recurrence of type I PPB with negative margins. He received adjuvant treatment with chemotherapy, with follow-up for 2 years, remaining asymptomatic, without recurrence, and with negative screening for other neoplasms associated with DICER1 syndrome. Among the family history, the mother had papillary thyroid cancer and tested positive for the mutation. CONCLUSION: PPB is a rare cancer, difficult to distinguish from CPAM, especially in its antenatal presentation. Nowing its association with DICER1 syndrome and performing a genetic study are key to the early detection of BPP and the search for other tumors associated with the syndrome.

Neoplasia sólida pseudopapilar de páncreas: una serie de cinco casos y revisión de la literatura / Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas: A series of five cases and a literature review

Resumen Introducción: las neoplasias sólidas pseudopapilares de páncreas representan alrededor del 3% de los tumores pancreáticos quísticos resecados. Se presentan con mayor frecuencia en mujeres jóvenes entre la segunda y tercera décadas de la vida. Es un tumor con poco potencial maligno que se ubica principalmente en la cola; sin embargo, puede encontrarse en cualquier localización anatómica pancreática. Métodos: se presentan 5 casos de cuatro mujeres y un hombre, entre 16 y 36 años, que consultaron principalmente por dolor abdominal. Resultados: cuatro pacientes fueron llevados a pancreatectomía distal sin esplenectomía por laparoscopia, y una paciente a pancreatoduodenectomía por laparotomía. Se logró extraer por completo y satisfactoriamente el tumor a los cinco pacientes. No se evidenció metástasis. Los tumores se localizaron en la cabeza (1), cuello (1) y predominantemente en cuerpo y cola (3). El reporte histopatológico posoperatorio confirmó el diagnóstico en los cinco casos, en la paciente más joven se había realizado una biopsia percutánea previa a la intervención quirúrgica. Conclusiones: la resección quirúrgica completa del tumor con preservación del bazo es el tratamiento de elección en pacientes con neoplasia sólida pseudopapilar de páncreas.

Abstract Introduction: Solid pseudopapillary neoplasms of the pancreas represent around 3% of resected cystic pancreatic tumors. They occur more frequently in young women between the second and third decades of life. It is a tumor with little malignant potential located mainly in the tail; however, it can be found in any pancreatic anatomical location. Materials and methods: We reported five cases of four women and one man, between 16 and 36 years of age, who consulted mainly for abdominal pain. Results: Four patients underwent distal pancreatectomy without laparoscopic splenectomy, and one underwent laparotomy pancreatoduodenectomy. The tumor was completely and satisfactorily removed from all five patients. No metastasis was found. The tumors were located on the head (1), neck (1), and predominantly on the body and tail (3). The postoperative histopathological report confirmed the diagnosis in all five cases; in the youngest patient, a percutaneous biopsy had been performed before surgical intervention. Conclusions: Complete surgical resection of the tumor with preservation of the spleen is the treatment of choice in patients with solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas.

Impacto de la pandemia COVID-19 en la formación de los residentes de otorrinolaringología / Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the training of otorhinolaryngology residents

Antecedentes y objetivosLa pandemia COVID-19 ha alterado todas las actividades sanitarias, entre ellas la formación especializada de los residentes. Se llevó a cabo un estudio para analizar en profundidad el impacto de la pandemia COVID-19 en aspectos específicos de las actividades clínicas, formativas e investigadoras que realizan los residentes de otorrinolaringología (ORL) en España durante un año completo de formación.MétodosSe realizó un estudio cualitativo transversal durante las últimas dos semanas de febrero de 2021. El estudio consistió en una encuesta en línea realizada por residentes de ORL que habían realizado un año continuado de formación desde el 15 de febrero de 2020 al 15 de febrero de 2021 y consistió en 26 preguntas que exploraban el impacto del COVID-19 en la salud de los residentes de ORL, en su dedicación laboral y en las actividades de formación. Las variables categóricas se informaron como frecuencia y porcentaje. Cuando se indicó, se utilizó la prueba chi-cuadrado de Pearson con la corrección de Yates y el coeficiente de correlación de Pearson (r).ResultadosSe recibieron 143 encuestas cumplimentadas de 264 residentes (54,17%). Treinta y seis residentes (25,2%) habían padecido la enfermedad por SARS-CoV-2. La mayoría de ellos solo desarrollaron síntomas leves (86,1%) y 3 requirieron hospitalización (8,3%). Los residentes encuestados que resultaron positivos para SARS-CoV-2 no fueron capaces de identificar la fuente de su contagio y la necesidad de confinamiento se debió principalmente a la atención de un paciente asintomático en 9 casos (6,3%) o al contacto estrecho con un asintomático en situaciones no identificadas distintas de la atención sanitaria en 22 (15,4%). El 60,1% de los residentes encuestados reportaron haber perdido más de 6meses de su período de formación, y en el 18,8% de los casos llegaron a 10 y 12meses. (AU)

Background and objectivesTraining in surgical specialties has declined during the COVID-19 pandemic. A study was carried out to further analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on specific aspects of clinical, training, and research activities performed by the otolaryngology residents in Spain.MethodsA cross-sectional qualitative study was conducted during the last two weeks of February 2021. The study consisted of an online survey taken by otolaryngology residents who had undertaken one-year continuing training from February 15, 2020, to February 15, 2021, and consisted of 26 questions exploring the impact of the COVID-19 on the health of the ENT residents and training activities. Categorical variables were reported as frequency and percentage. When indicated, Pearsońs Chi-square test (χ2) with Yates's correction and Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) were used.Results143 completed surveys were received from 264 residents (54.17%). 36 residents (25.2%) have suffered from the disease due to SARS-CoV-2. Most of them only developed mild symptoms (86.1%), with 3 requiring hospitalization (8.3%). The origin of infection was unknown in all reported cases and the need for confinement was principally due to either attending an asymptomatic patient in 9 cases (6.3%) or to being supposedly in close contact with an asymptomatic person in 22 (15.4%). 60.1% of the residents surveyed reported having lost more than 6months of their training period, and in 18.8% of cases, it was as high as 10 and 12months. There has been a reduction of more than 75% of what was planned in surgical training (P<.05) of tympanoplasty, mastoidectomy, stapedectomy, cochlear implants, endoscopic sinonasal and anterior skull base surgery, septoplasty and turbinoplasty. (AU)

Monitorización intraoperatoria del nervio facial durante la cirugía de la glándula parótida en servicios de otorrinolaringología - cirugía de cabeza y cuello / Intraoperative monitoring of the facial nerve during parotid gland surgery in Otolaryngology services - Head and Neck Surgery

Introducción: La lesión del nervio facial continúa siendo la complicación más grave de la cirugía de la glándula parótida. Debido a la creciente evidencia sobre las ventajas del uso de la monitorización intraoperatoria del nervio facial, se distribuyó una encuesta entre los miembros de la Sociedad Española de Otorrinolaringología y Cirugía de Cabeza y Cuello con el objetivo de determinar los patrones de uso en nuestro medio.Material y métodosSe distribuyó un cuestionario que incluía 12 preguntas separadas en 3 secciones en formato e-mail a través del correo oficial de la Sociedad Española de Otorrinolaringología y Cirugía de Cabeza y Cuello. La primera sección de preguntas evaluaba las características demográficas, la segunda sección estaba relacionada con el patrón de uso de los sistemas de monitorización intraoperatoria del nervio facial y la tercera sección se refería a los litigios relacionados con la parálisis facial.ResultadosSe enviaron un total 1.544 cuestionarios anónimos. Recibimos un total de 255 encuestas, para una tasa de respuesta global del 16,5%. De estos, 233 (91,3%) realizaban cirugía de glándula parótida y 94% usaban monitorización intraoperatoria del nervio facial. Un 94% de los encuestado usaba la monitorización intraoperatoria del nervio facial si realizaba menos de 10 parotidectomías por año y un 93,8% si realizaban más de 10 parotidectomías por año (OR, 1,02; IC del 95%, 0,68-1,45; p=0,991).ConclusiónNuestros datos demuestran que la mayoría de los otorrinolaringólogos y cirujanos de cabeza y cuello en España están empleando la monitorización del nervio facial durante la cirugía de la glándula parótida. Casi todos coinciden en que esto busca mejorar las medidas de seguridad quirúrgica y consideran que la monitorización del nervio facial es útil para prevenir lesiones inadvertidas. (AU)

Introduction: Facial nerve injury remains the most severe complication of parotid gland surgery. Due to the increasing evidence about the advantage of the use of intraoperative facial nerve monitoring, a survey was distributed among members of the Spanish Society of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery with the objective of determining patterns of its use.Material and methodsA questionnaire which included 12 separate questions in 3 sections was distributed via email through the official email of the Spanish Society of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. The first section of questions was in relation to demographic characteristics, the second section was related to the pattern of monitoring use and the third section referred to litigation related to facial palsy.Results1544 anonymous questionnaires were emailed. 255 surveys were returned, giving an overall response rate of 16.5%. From these, 233 (91.3%) respondents perform parotid gland surgery. Two-hundred nineteen (94%) respondents use intraoperative facial nerve monitoring. Of the respondents,94% used intraoperative facial nerve monitoring if in their current practice they performed fewer than 10 parotidectomies per year and 93.8% if they performed more than 10 (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.68-1.45; p=.991). With regard to lawsuits, just 3 (1.2%) of the respondents had a history of a parotid gland surgery–associated lawsuit and in just one case the facial nerve monitor was not used.ConclusionOur data demonstrate that most otolaryngologists in Spain use intraoperative facial nerve monitoring during parotid gland surgery. Almost all of them use it to improve patient safety and consider that facial nerve monitoring should be helpful preventing inadvertent injury. (AU)

Cáncer de cabeza y cuello en tiempos de COVID-19: Medicina basada en las emociones / Head and neck cancer in times of COVID-19: Emotion-based medicine

No disponible

Evaluación subjetiva de las alteraciones del olfato y del gusto en pacientes con afectación leve por COVID-19 en España / Subjective evaluation of smell and taste dysfunction in patients with mild COVID-19 in Spain

Antecedentes y objetivo: En la infección por SARS-CoV-2 la pérdida repentina del olfato y/o gusto han sido descritas como síntomas iniciales. El objetivo principal de este estudio es conocer la prevalencia de estos síntomas en España.Materiales y métodosEstudio prospectivo de pacientes con COVID-19 confirmado mediante RT-PCR en España. Se utilizaron los cuestionarios traducidos y validados.ResultadosUn total de 1043 pacientes con COVID-19 leve. Edad media de 39±12 años. De ellos 826 pacientes (79,2%) refirieron algún grado de alteración del olfato, 662 (63,4%) pérdida total y 164 (15,7%) parcial. Por otra parte 718 pacientes (68,8%) notaron alteración del gusto. Hubo una asociación significativa entre ambos trastornos (p<0,001). La disfunción olfatoria fue el síntoma inicial en el 17,1%. Las puntuaciones del sQOD-NS fueron significativamente menores en pacientes con una alteración total. Ambas alteraciones fueron proporcionalmente mayores en las mujeres (p<0,001). De 462 pacientes clínicamente curados 315 (68,2%) recuperaron el olfato dentro de las primeras 4 semanas.ConclusionesLa alteración repentina del olfato y el gusto debería ser reconocida como un síntoma de alarma de posible infección por COVID-19. (AU)

Background: Has been described the loss of smell and taste as onset symptoms in SARS-CoV-2. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence in Spain.MethodsProspective study of COVID-19 confirmed patients through RT-PCR in Spain. Patients completed olfactory and gustatory questionnaires.ResultsA total of 1043 patients with mild COVID-19 disease. The mean age was 39±12 years. 826 patients (79.2%) described smell disorder, 662 (63.4%) as a total loss and 164 (15.7%) partial. 718 patients (68.8%) noticed some grade of taste dysfunction. There was a significant association between both disorders (p<.001). The olfactory dysfunction was the first symptom in 17.1%. The sQOD-NS scores were significantly lower in patients with a total loss compare to normosmic or hyposmic individuals (p=.001). Female were significantly more affected by olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions (p<.001). The early olfactory recover in 462 clinically cured patients was 315 (68.2%), during the first 4 weeks.ConclusionThe sudden onset smell and/or taste dysfunction should be considered highly suspicious for COVID-19 infection. (AU)

Enseñanzas de la actividad otorrinolaringológica durante el pico de la pandemia por COVID-19 en España / Lessons learned from ENT activity during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain

Introducción: la infección por el coronavirus del síndrome respiratorio agudo grave de tipo 2 (SARS-CoV-2) tiene una elevada incidencia entre profesionales sanitarios, especialmente otorrinolaringólogos (ORL). El objetivo de este estudio fue recoger aspectos organizativos, de seguridad y de protección de los ORL durante el pico de la pandemia por la enfermedad por coronavirus de 2019 (COVID-19) en España. Material y métodos: estudio transversal con una encuesta por correo electrónico a los socios ORL de la Sociedad Española de Otorrinolaringología y Cirugía de Cabeza y Cuello (SEORL-CCC). Resultados: respondieron 408 profesionales. La atención a pacientes con COVID-19 representó más del 25 % de la actividad asistencial para el 24,4 % de los encuestados. 213 encuestados (52,6 %) respondieron que algún compañero había guardado cuarentena o dado positivo en la prueba. La cantidad de facultativos diagnosticados con COVID-19 o que guardó cuarentena por síntomas compatibles osciló entre 1 y 12 por hospital (media 2,2; mediana 2) y se encontró una mayor incidencia en las regiones con mayor incidencia de coronavirus (62,1 % frente a 41,8 %; p < 0,001), atención directa a pacientes con COVID-19 (81 % frente a 46,4 %; p = 0,001) y actividad de guardias (p = 0,01). El 61,5 % de los especialistas en hospitalización y el 40,4 % en consultas no contaron siempre con la protección personal aconsejada. Conclusiones: la pandemia por COVID-19 ha alterado la organización y la actividad asistencial de los servicios de otorrinolaringología. Importancia clínica: los especialistas ORL no han contado siempre con los equipos de protección aconsejados por los protocolos y una cantidad relevante se ha visto afectada por la COVID-19.

Introduction: severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has a high incidence among healthcare professionals, especially otorhinolaryngologists (ENT). Study objective: The objective of this study was to collect organizational, safety and protection aspects of otorhinolaryngologists during the peak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Spain. Material and methods: Cross-sectional study with an e-mail survey to the ENT partners of the Spanish Society of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery (SEORL-CCC). Results: 408 professionals completed the survey. Care of patients with COVID-19 represented more than 25% of healthcare activity for 24.4% of respondents. 213 respondents (52.6%) answered that a colleague tested positive or had been quarantined. The number of ENT surgeons diagnosed with COVID-19 or who were quarantined for compatible symptoms ranged between 1 and 12 per hospital (mean 2.2; median 2) and was related to regions with the highest incidence of coronavirus (62.1% vs. 41,8%; p <0.001), direct care for patients with COVID-19 (81% vs. 46.4%; p = 0.001) and on call activity (p = 0.01). 61.5% of the specialists attending inpatients and 40.4% attending outpatients did not always have the recommended personal protective equipment (PPE). Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic has altered the organization and care activity of the otorhinolaryngology departments. Clinical importance: ENT specialists have not always had the protective equipment recommended by the protocols and a significant number have been affected by COVID-19.

Documento de consenso de la Sociedad Española de Medicina Intensiva, Crítica, y Unidades Coronarias (SEMICYUC), la Sociedad Española de Otorrinolaringología y Cirugía de Cabeza y Cuello (SEORL-CCC) y la Sociedad Española de Anestesiología y Reanimación (SEDAR) sobre la traqueotomía en pacientes con COVID-19 / Consensus documentof the Spanish Society of Intensive and Critical Care Medicine and Coronary Units (SEMICYUC), the Spanish Society of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery (SEORL-CCC) and the Spanish Society of Anesthesiology and Resuscitation (SEDAR) on tracheotomy in patients with COVID-19 infection

La alta incidencia de insuficiencia respiratoria aguda en el contexto de la pandemia por COVID-19 ha conllevado el uso de ventilación mecánica hasta en un 15%. Dado que la traqueotomía es un procedimiento quirúrgico frecuente, este documento de consenso, elaborado por tres Sociedades Científicas, la SEMICYUC, la SEDAR y la SEORL-CCC, tiene como objetivo ofrecer una revisión de las indicaciones y contraindicaciones de traqueotomía, ya sea por punción o abierta, esclarecer las posibles ventajas y exponer las condiciones ideales en que deben realizarse y los pasos que considerar en su ejecución. Se abordan situaciones regladas y urgentes, así como los cuidados posoperatorios

The current COVID-19 pandemic has rendered up to 15% of patients under mechanical ventilation. Because the subsequent tracheotomy is a frequent procedure,the three societies mostly involved (SEMICYUC, SEDAR and SEORL-CCC) have setup a consensus paper that offers an overview about indications and contraindications of tracheotomy, be it by puncture or open, clarifying its respective advantages and enumerating the ideal conditions under which they should be performed, as well as the necessary steps. Regular and emergency situations are displayed together with the postoperative measures

Estrategias para la práctica de la otorrinolaringología y cirugía de cabeza y cuello durante la fase de control de la COVID-19 / Strategies for the practice of otolaryngology and head and neck surgery during the monitoring phase of COVID-19

La aparición de una nueva enfermedad por coronavirus denominada COVID-19 a finales de 2019 y su expansión pandémica en el mundo ha cambiado la práctica habitual de la especialidad de Otorrinolaringología (ORL). Tras una fase de crecimiento exponencial de los contagios, se ha logrado entrar en una fase de control de la expansión de la enfermedad en la que persiste la posibilidad de contagio, pero la aparición de nuevos casos se considera asumible por el sistema sanitario. El objetivo del presente documento es revisar la evidencia disponible y proponer estrategias y recomendaciones para la práctica médico-quirúrgica de la otorrinolaringología y cirugía de cabeza y cuello, que permitan establecer la actividad habitual, adecuando los estándares de seguridad y eficacia a la situación actual. Se requiere, por lo tanto, identificar y clasificar a los pacientes en función de criterios de estado infeccioso-inmunológico, y establecer las recomendaciones de protección en consultas, hospitalización y quirófano, que eviten la transmisión de la enfermedad a otros usuarios y al personal sanitario, en el contexto específico del desarrollo de nuestra especialidad. El presente documento es fruto de la colaboración de las comisiones científicas y del comité COVID-19 de la SEORLCCC

The appearance of a new coronavirus disease called COVID-19 at the end of 2019 and its pandemic expansion in the world has changed the usual practice of the specialty of Otorhinolaryngology (ENT). After a phase of exponential growth of infections, it has been possible to enter a phase of control of the spread of the disease in which the possibility of infection persists, and the appearance of new cases is considered acceptable by the health system. The aim of this document is to review the available evidence and propose strategies and recommendations for the medical-surgical practice of otorhinolaryngology and head and neck surgery, which allow establishing the usual activity, adapting the safety and efficacy standards to the current situation. Therefore, it is required to identify and classify patients according to criteria of infectious-immunological status, and to establish recommendations for protection in consultations, hospitalization and the operating room, which avoid the transmission of the disease to other users and healthcare personnel, in the specific context of the development of our specialty. This document is the result of the collaboration of all the scientific commissions and the SEORLCCC COVID-19 committee

Documento de consenso de la Sociedad Española de Medicina Intensiva, Crítica, y Unidades Coronarias (SEMICYUC), la Sociedad Española de Otorrinolaringología y Cirugía de Cabeza y Cuello (SEORL-CCC) y la Sociedad Española de Anestesiología y Reanimación (SEDAR) sobre la traqueotomía en pacientes con COVID-19 / Consensus document of the Spanish Society of Intensive and Critical Care Medicine and Coronary Units (SEMICYUC), the Spanish Society of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery (SEORL-CCC) and the Spanish Society of Anesthesiology and Resuscitation (SEDAR) on tracheotomy in patients with COVID-19 infection

La alta incidencia de insuficiencia respiratoria aguda en el contexto de la pandemia por COVID-19 ha conllevado el uso de ventilación mecánica hasta en un 15%. Dado que la traqueotomía es un procedimiento quirúrgico frecuente, este documento de consenso, elaborado por tres Sociedades Científicas, la SEMICYUC, la SEDAR y la SEORL-CCC, tiene como objetivo ofrecer una revisión de las indicaciones y contraindicaciones de traqueotomía, ya sea por punción o abierta, esclarecer las posibles ventajas y exponer las condiciones ideales en que deben realizarse y los pasos que considerar en su ejecución. Se abordan situaciones regladas y urgentes, así como los cuidados posoperatorios

The current COVID-19 pandemic has rendered up to 15% of patients under mechanical ventilation. Because the subsequent tracheotomy is a frequent procedure,the three societies mostly involved (SEMICYUC, SEDAR and SEORL-CCC) have setup a consensus paper that offers an overview about indications and contraindications of tracheotomy, be it by puncture or open, clarifying its respective advantages and enumerating the ideal conditions under which they should be performed, as well as the necessary steps. Regularand emergency situations are displayed together with the postoperative measures