Difficult intravenous access in a paediatric intensive care unit.

INTRODUCTION: Multiple attempts during peripheral cannulation can have major consequences for patients, relatives, and healthcare professionals, therefore we set out to determine the extent of this problem in a paediatric intensive care unit (PICU). OBJECTIVES: The main aim was to describe peripheral venous catheter (PVC) and peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) cannulation in children in the PICU. Secondary objectives were to determine the success rate of the first cannulation attempt, to quantify patients with difficult venous access (DVA), and to explore the association between DVA and sociodemographic, technique and nursing-related characteristics. METHOD: A cross-sectional descriptive study. Consecutive sampling was used to recruit patients aged 0-18 years admitted to the PICU who required peripheral venous cannulation. An ad hoc questionnaire was used for this purpose, including the presence of DVA as an independent variable. RESULTS: A total of 163 venous cannulations were reported. A total of 55.8% (91) were performed in patients under 1 year of age. Of these, 38.7% (63) were successful on the first attempt and 36.8% (60) had DVA. When there was DVA, 85% (51) of patients had complications, median time to cannulation by short CVP was 30 minutes [15-53] and 2 or more nurses were required on 80% (48) of occasions. CONCLUSIONS: We found a low success rate at first attempt and a high proportion of DVA. More nurses and time were employed during cannulation and complications increased if the patient had DVA. A statistically significant association was found between DVA and age, weight, poor perfusion, veins that were neither visible nor palpable, DIVA score ≥ 4, history of difficult intravenous access, complications, number of nurses and time spent.

Vía venosa difícil en una unidad de cuidados intensivos pediátricos / Difficult intravenous access in a paediatric intensive care unit

Introducción: Los múltiples intentos durante la canalización periférica pueden producir importantes consecuencias que afectan a pacientes, familiares y profesionales, por ello se planteó la necesidad de conocer la dimensión de este problema en una unidad de cuidados intensivos pediátricos (UCIP).Objetivos: El objetivo principal fue describir la canalización de catéter venoso periférico y catéter central de inserción periférica en niños de UCIP. Como objetivos secundarios se propuso determinar la proporción de éxito en el primer intento de canalización, cuantificar los pacientes que presentan vía venosa difícil (VVD), así como explorar la asociación entre la aparición de la VVD y las características sociodemográficas, las relativas a la técnica y a las enfermeras.Método: Estudio descriptivo transversal. Mediante muestreo consecutivo se reclutaron pacientes entre 0 y 18 años ingresados en UCIP que precisaron canalización de acceso venoso periférico. Para ello se utilizó un cuestionario ad hoc incluyendo la presencia de VVD como variable independiente.Resultados: Se recogieron 163 canalizaciones venosas. El 55,8% (91) se realizaron en pacientes menores de 1 año. El 38,7% (63) acertó en el primer intento y el 36,8% (60) presentaron VVD. Cuando aparecía VVD el 85% (51) de los pacientes tuvieron complicaciones, la mediana de tiempo para la canalización mediante catéter venoso periférico corto fue de 30minutos [15-53] y se precisaron 2 o más enfermeras en el 80% (48) de las ocasiones.Conclusiones: Se encontró un bajo porcentaje de acierto al primer intento y una proporción elevada de VVD. Aparecía un mayor número de enfermeras y de tiempo empleado durante la canalización y un aumento de las complicaciones si el paciente presentaba VVD. Se encontró asociación estadísticamente significativa entre VVD y edad, peso, mala perfusión, vena no visible ni palpable, puntuación en la escala DIVA≥4, historia de VVD, complicaciones, número de enfermeras y tiempo empleado.

Introduction: Multiple attempts during peripheral cannulation can have major consequences for patients, relatives, and healthcare professionals, therefore we set out to determine the extent of this problem in a paediatric intensive care unit (PICU).Objectives: The main aim was to describe peripheral venous catheter (PVC) and peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) cannulation in children in the PICU. Secondary objectives were to determine the success rate of the first cannulation attempt, to quantify patients with difficult venous access (DVA), and to explore the association between DVA and sociodemographic, technique and nursing-related characteristics.Method: A cross-sectional descriptive study. Consecutive sampling was used to recruit patients aged 0-18 years admitted to the PICU who required peripheral venous cannulation. An ad hoc questionnaire was used for this purpose, including the presence of DVA as an independent variable.Results: A total of 163 venous cannulations were reported. A total of 55.8% (91) were performed in patients under 1 year of age. Of these, 38.7% (63) were successful on the first attempt and 36.8% (60) had DVA. When there was DVA, 85% (51) of patients had complications, median time to cannulation by short CVP was 30minutes [15-53] and 2 or more nurses were required on 80% (48) of occasions.Conclusions: We found a low success rate at first attempt and a high proportion of DVA. More nurses and time were employed during cannulation and complications increased if the patient had DVA. A statistically significant association was found between DVA and age, weight, poor perfusion, veins that were neither visible nor palpable, DIVA score≥4, history of difficult intravenous access, complications, number of nurses and time spent.

Long term mortality and morbidity of Italian soldiers after deployment in Iraq as related to biomarkers assessment: Results of the SIGNUM study.

INTRODUCTION: The health profile of military veterans deployed in foreign operative theatres was assessed by several international studies because of potential exposure to depleted uranium and other pollutants. Here we reported results of 15-year epidemiological surveillance assessing long-term health effects in a cohort of Italian soldiers deployed in Iraq in 2004-2005 and participating in a biomonitoring campaign to identify potential genotoxic exposure to environmental xenobiotics before and after deployment (n = 981, SIGNUM cohort). METHODS: We evaluated mortality and hospitalization risks of the SIGNUM cohort retrospectively until 2016 and 2018 respectively. A wide cohort of military personnel never deployed abroad (n = 114,260) and the general Italian population were used as control populations in risk assessment. Causes of death and diagnoses of hospitalization were derived through deterministic record linkage with official national databases of mortality and hospital discharge. Standardized Mortality Ratio (SMR) and Standardized Hospitalization Ratio (SHR) were computed adjusting according to sex, age, area of birth, and calendar year. Differential pre-post deployment in xenobiotics concentrations and early effect biomarkers (oxidative DNA alterations and micronuclei) measured in blood serum were analysed in relation to cancer hospitalization. RESULTS: Mortality risk due to pathologies was more than halved compared to the general population (SMR = 0.41, 95% CI 0.11-1.05) and not significantly different compared to soldiers never deployed abroad (SMR = 0.69, 95% CI 0.19-1.68). Similarly overall hospitalization risk due to pathologies was decreased with respect to the general population (SHR = 0.86, 95% CI 0.80-0.92) and comparable to the control military group (SHR = 0.99, 95% CI: 0.93-1.06). For haematological cancers a decreased hospitalization risk compared to the Italian general population was observed (SHR = 0.38, 95% CI 0-0.92). No statistically significant differences emerged in the patterns of biomarkers in association with cancer hospitalization. CONCLUSION: The study confirms the so called 'healthy warrior' effect for the SIGNUM veterans and showed no correlation between cancer occurrence and biomonitoring markers measured on field.

Implementación del método simplificado Apnealink™Air® por médicos de atención primaria para el diagnóstico del síndrome de apnea-hipopnea durante el sueño / Implementation of simplified diagnostic method Apnealink™Air® to diagnose sleep apnea by general practioners of primary care

Objetivo: Valorar la interpretación de ApnealinkTM® (AL) por médicos de atención primaria (MAP), y la alcanzada mediante poligrafía respiratoria (PGR) en la Unidad de Sueño Hospitalaria (USH) en pacientes con alta probabilidad de síndrome de apnea e hipopnea del sueño (SAHS). Métodos: Se recogen aleatoriamente, durante tres meses, pacientes seleccionados en USH para estudio mediante PGR, con elevada probabilidad de SAHS que aceptaron repetir estudio mediante AL. La USH corregía la PGR según normativa SEPAR; el MAP corregía el AL y planteaba manejo. Se analizaron los pacientes con estudios válidos(tiempo registro ≥ 240 min) para ambos dispositivos, comparándose resultados. Se consideró el estudio AL automático y corregido, considerando un índice de desaturación de oxihemoglobina (ODI) al 4% (ODI 4%), (AL 4%) y al 3% (ODI 3%), (AL 3%). Cuando ODI 4% era ≥ 12/h, se estableció diagnóstico SAHS moderado/grave, suponiendo un IAH ≥ 15/h. Para interpretar AL con ODI 3% y tratamiento, se siguieron criterios SEPAR. Se compararon los resultados para las mismas variables del AL frente a PGR. Resultados: Se incluyeron 43 pacientes válidos para AL, 45 para PGR y 41 válidos para ambos estudios. El estudio AL 4% mostró 27 (62,8%) positivos (OR 5,5, p < 0,05), que el AL 3% corroboró con IAH ≥ 15/h. La PGR detectó 19 (42,2%) con IAH ≥ 15/h; el AL 3% detectó 31 (72%). El análisis del AL 4% y AL 3% comparado con PGR no mostró diferencias de diagnóstico o manejo. Se compararon los resultados para las mismas variables del AL frente a PGR.Conclusiones: Existe equivalencia entre las decisiones del MAP y la USH. El AL sería un buen método diagnóstico de SAHS en atención primaria, en pacientes seleccionados con alta probabilidad de SAHS (AU)

Objectives: To assess diagnosis and therapeutic decisions-making by General Practitioners (GP) using ApnealinkTM® (AL) in patients with high suspicion of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), in comparison with conclusions of Hospital Sleep Unit (HSU) specialists based on home respiratory polygraphy (PGR) results. Methods: This study involved patients previously selected by HSU for sleep testing by PGR. After it, patients were offered to complete AL test. PGR was checked at HSU; AL was checked by hemoglobin desaturation index of 4% (4% ODI), (4% AL) and 3% (3% ODI) patients with positive test to proceed with CPAP; and those with negative test for further testing. Automatically adjusted 4% AL, was considered valid as it was demonstrated to be equivalent to manual AL. Results were compared by automatically adjusted 3%AL against PGR results. Results: 48 patients were collected. 43 had AL valid test, 45 had PGR valid study, and 41 had both valid test. 27 patients (62,8%) had positive 4% AL (OR 5,51, p < 0,05), that showed AHI ≥ 15/h at 3% AL test; and 19 patients (42,2%) had a positive PGR test. 31 (72%) patients had a positive 3% AL. AL had shown to be a good screening method of SAHS. Conclusions: There is equivalence between the decisions of GP and HSU. AL is a good diagnostic tool and screening method for OSA in primary care when it is used in patients with high suspicion of moderate-severe OSA (AU)

[Implementation of simplified diagnostic method Apnealink™Air® to diagnose sleep apnea by general practioners of primary care]. / Implementación del método simplificado Apnealink™Air® por médicos de atención primaria para el diagnóstico del síndrome de apnea-hipopnea durante el sueño.

OBJECTIVES: To assess diagnosis and therapeutic decisions-making by General Practitioners (GP) using ApnealinkTM® (AL) in patients with high suspicion of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), in comparison with conclusions of Hospital Sleep Unit (HSU) specialists based on home respiratory polygraphy (PGR) results. METHODS: This study involved patients previously selected by HSU for sleep testing by PGR. After it, patients were offered to complete AL test. PGR was checked at HSU; AL was checked by hemoglobin desaturation index of 4% (4% ODI), (4% AL) and 3% (3% ODI) patients with positive test to proceed with CPAP; and those with negative test for further testing. Automatically adjusted 4% AL, was considered valid as it was demonstrated to be equivalent to manual AL. Results were compared by automatically adjusted 3%AL against PGR results. RESULTS: 48 patients were collected. 43 had AL valid test, 45 had PGR valid study, and 41 had both valid test. 27 patients (62,8%) had positive 4% AL (OR 5,51, p < 0,05), that showed AHI ≥ 15/h at 3% AL test; and 19 patients (42,2%) had a positive PGR test. 31 (72%) patients had a positive 3% AL. AL had shown to be a good screening method of SAHS. CONCLUSIONS: There is equivalence between the decisions of GP and HSU. AL is a good diagnostic tool and screening method for OSA in primary care when it is used in patients with high suspicion of moderate-severe OSA.

Difficult intravenous access in a paediatric intensive care unit. / Vía venosa difícil en una unidad de cuidados intensivos pediátricos.

INTRODUCTION: Multiple attempts during peripheral cannulation can have major consequences for patients, relatives, and healthcare professionals, therefore we set out to determine the extent of this problem in a paediatric intensive care unit (PICU). OBJECTIVES: The main aim was to describe peripheral venous catheter (PVC) and peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) cannulation in children in the PICU. Secondary objectives were to determine the success rate of the first cannulation attempt, to quantify patients with difficult venous access (DVA), and to explore the association between DVA and sociodemographic, technique and nursing-related characteristics. METHOD: A cross-sectional descriptive study. Consecutive sampling was used to recruit patients aged 0-18 years admitted to the PICU who required peripheral venous cannulation. An ad hoc questionnaire was used for this purpose, including the presence of DVA as an independent variable. RESULTS: A total of 163 venous cannulations were reported. A total of 55.8% (91) were performed in patients under 1 year of age. Of these, 38.7% (63) were successful on the first attempt and 36.8% (60) had DVA. When there was DVA, 85% (51) of patients had complications, median time to cannulation by short CVP was 30minutes [15-53] and 2 or more nurses were required on 80% (48) of occasions. CONCLUSIONS: We found a low success rate at first attempt and a high proportion of DVA. More nurses and time were employed during cannulation and complications increased if the patient had DVA. A statistically significant association was found between DVA and age, weight, poor perfusion, veins that were neither visible nor palpable, DIVA score≥4, history of difficult intravenous access, complications, number of nurses and time spent.

Virtual bronchoscopy for evaluating cervical tumors of the fetus.

We report on four cases of fetal cervical tumor, comprising three lymphangiomas and one teratoma, evaluated by ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) between 26 and 37 weeks' gestation. The aim was to investigate the use of virtual bronchoscopy to evaluate fetal airway patency in each case. A three-dimensional (3D) model of the airway was created from overlapping image layers generated by MRI. The files obtained were manipulated using 3D modeling software, allowing the virtual positioning of observation cameras, adjustment of lighting parameters and creation of simulated 3D movies for analysis of a virtual path through the model. In all fetuses, fetal airway patency was clearly demonstrated by virtual bronchoscopy and this was confirmed postnatally. MRI with virtual bronchoscopy could become a useful tool for studying fetal airway patency in cases of cervical tumor.

Experiencia con la infusión continua de levodopa intraduodenal (Duodopa®) en pacientes con enfermedad de Parkinson avanzada en un hospital de segundo nivel asistencial / Experience with continuous levodopa enteral infusion (Duodopa®) in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease in a secondary level hospital

Introducción: La infusión continua de levodopa intraduodenal (Duodopa®) constituye una alternativa a la infusión subcutánea de apomorfina y a la cirugía en pacientes con enfermedad de Parkinson (EP) avanzada. Describimos nuestra experiencia con Duodopa® en pacientes con EP avanzada.Métodos: Realizamos un estudio epidemiológico, observacional, no intervencionista, poblacional, descriptivo, y retrospectivo, en el que se incluyen todos aquellos pacientes con EP avanzada tratados con Duodopa® por parte de la Sección de Neurología del Hospital A. Marcide de Ferrol hasta abril de 2010. Resultados: Once de un total de 12 pacientes seleccionados fueron tratados con Duodopa® [63,6% varones; edad media 62,7±10,6 (44-74) años]. En el momento de ser seleccionados para recibir Duodopa® presentaban: tiempo medio de evolución de enfermedad de 14,5±8,9 (3-34) años, dosis media de levodopa oral de 918,2±277,7 (450-1300) mg/día, y un estadio de Hoehn y Yahr de 3,7±0,5 (3-4). Nueve pacientes mantienen el tratamiento con Duodopa®. Hubo mejoría en las fluctuaciones motoras (72,7% gran mejoría) y discinesias (55,5% gran mejoría) con reducción del tiempo off/día (90,9%) y tiempo con discinesias/día (66,6%) después de un tiempo total de seguimiento con Duodopa® de 170,5 (3-31) meses. La mejoría en las escalas PDQ-39 y Schwab&England fue de 38,5±19,8 y 24±12,5 puntos respectivamente (p<0,05). La dosis media equivalente oral de levodopa (abril 2010) fue de 1683,4±295,8 (1234-2216) mg/día.Conclusiones: Duodopa® pudiera ser un tratamiento efectivo, seguro, y bien tolerado alternativo a la cirugía y apomorfina subcutánea en pacientes con EP avanzada adecuadamente seleccionados (AU)

Introduction: Continuous levodopa delivery by enteral infusion (Duodopa®) is an alternative to deep brain stimulation and subcutaneous apomorphine to control motor fluctuations and dyskinesias in advanced Parkinson's disease (PD). We report our experience with Duodopa® therapy in 11 patients with advanced PD.Methods: We retrospectively assessed clinical and quality of life changes in all patients with PD with severe motor fluctuations and dyskinesias who started continuous daily levodopa duodenal infusion through percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy from September 2006 (Duodopa® was approved for advanced PD treatment in Spain at that date) until April 2010 at the A. Marcide Hospital of Spain.Results: Nine patients received Duodopa® [62.7±10.6 (44-74) years, 63.6% male)]. Pre-Duodopa® clinical characteristics of patients were: disease duration 14.5±8.9 (3-34) years, oral levodopa dose 918.2±277.7 (450-1300) mg/day, and Hoehn and Yahr staging 3.7±0.5 (3-4). Nine patients are still receiving Duodopa®. Patients improved motor fluctuations (72.7% significant improvement), dyskinesia (55.5% significant improvement), daily off-time (90.9%) and daily duration dyskinesia (66.6%) after total infusion time of 170.5 months (3-31). The improvement in Parkinson's Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire-39 (PDQ-39) and Schwab&England Capacity for Daily Living Scale were 38.5±19.8 and 24±12.5 respectively (P<0.05). Equivalent daily dose of levodopa (April 2010) was 1683.4±295.8 (1234-2216) mg/day.Conclusions: Intraduodenal infusion of levodopa offers an important alternative in treating patients with advanced Parkinson disease (AU)

[Experience with continuous levodopa enteral infusion (Duodopa(®)) in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease in a secondary level hospital]. / Experiencia con la infusión continua de levodopa intraduodenal (Duodopa(®)) en pacientes con enfermedad de Parkinson avanzada en un hospital de segundo nivel asistencial.

INTRODUCTION: Continuous levodopa delivery by enteral infusion (Duodopa(®)) is an alternative to deep brain stimulation and subcutaneous apomorphine to control motor fluctuations and dyskinesias in advanced Parkinson's disease (PD). We report our experience with Duodopa(®) therapy in 11 patients with advanced PD. METHODS: We retrospectively assessed clinical and quality of life changes in all patients with PD with severe motor fluctuations and dyskinesias who started continuous daily levodopa duodenal infusion through percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy from September 2006 (Duodopa(®) was approved for advanced PD treatment in Spain at that date) until April 2010 at the A. Marcide Hospital of Spain. RESULTS: Nine patients received Duodopa(®) [62.7±10.6 (44-74) years, 63.6% male)]. Pre-Duodopa(®) clinical characteristics of patients were: disease duration 14.5±8.9 (3-34) years, oral levodopa dose 918.2±277.7 (450-1300) mg/day, and Hoehn and Yahr staging 3.7±0.5 (3-4). Nine patients are still receiving Duodopa(®). Patients improved motor fluctuations (72.7% significant improvement), dyskinesia (55.5% significant improvement), daily off-time (90.9%) and daily duration dyskinesia (66.6%) after total infusion time of 170.5 months (3-31). The improvement in Parkinson's Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire-39 (PDQ-39) and Schwab&England Capacity for Daily Living Scale were 38.5±19.8 and 24±12.5 respectively (P<0.05). Equivalent daily dose of levodopa (April 2010) was 1683.4±295.8 (1234-2216) mg/day. CONCLUSIONS: Intraduodenal infusion of levodopa offers an important alternative in treating patients with advanced Parkinson disease.

Acute effects of coffee on endothelial function in healthy subjects.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Coffee is the most widely consumed beverage in the world, but its effect on the cardiovascular system has not been fully understood. Coffee contains caffeine and antioxidants, which may influence endothelial function, both of which have not yet been investigated. The objective of this study was to investigate the acute effects of coffee on endothelial function measured by brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD). SUBJECTS/METHODS: A total of 20 (10 males and 10 females) healthy non-obese subjects underwent a double-blind, crossover study. Subjects ingested one cup of caffeinated (CC) and one cup of decaffeinated (DC) Italian espresso coffee in random order at 5- to 7-day intervals. RESULTS: Following CC ingestion, FMD decreased progressively and significantly (mean+/-s.e.m.: 0 min, 7.7+/-0.6; 30 min, 6.3+/-0.7; 60 min, 6.0+/-0.8%; ANOVA (analysis of variance), P<0.05), but it did not significantly increase after DC ingestion (0 min, 6.9+/-0.6; 30 min, 8.1+/-0.9; 60 min, 8.5+/-0.9%; P=0.115). Similarly, CC significantly increased both systolic and diastolic blood pressure; this effect was not observed after DC ingestion. Blood glucose concentrations remained unchanged after ingestion of both CC and DC, but insulin (0 min, 15.8+/-0.9; 60 min, 15.0+/-0.8 muU/ml; P<0.05) and C-peptide (0 min, 1.25+/-0.09; 60 min, 1.18+/-0.09 ng/ml; P<0.01) blood concentrations decreased significantly only after CC ingestion. CONCLUSIONS: CC acutely induced unfavorable cardiovascular effects, especially on endothelial function. In the fasting state, insulin secretion is also likely reduced after CC ingestion. Future studies will determine whether CC has detrimental clinically relevant effects, especially in unhealthy subjects.

Dose-dependent effects of decaffeinated coffee on endothelial function in healthy subjects.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Coffee is known to contain antioxidant substances whose effects may be blunted because of caffeine that may unfavorably affect the cardiovascular system. This study was designed to investigate the acute dose-dependent effects of decaffeinated coffee (DC) on endothelial function measured by the brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD). SUBJECTS/METHODS: A total of 15 (8 men and 7 women) healthy nonobese subjects underwent a single-blind, crossover study. Subjects ingested one and two cups of decaffeinated Italian espresso coffee in random order at 5- to 7-day intervals. RESULTS: In the hour following the ingestion of two cups of DC, FMD increased (mean+/-s.e.m.): 0 min, 7.4+/-0.7%; 30 min, 8.0+/-0.6%; 60 min, 10.8+/-0.8%; P<0.001) as compared to consumption of one cup of DC (0 min, 6.9+/-0.7%; 30 min, 8.4+/-1.2%; 60 min, 8.5+/-1.1%; 3 x 2 repeated-measures analysis of variance: P=0.037 for time x treatment effect). Blood pressure did not differ between groups, and basal heart rate was lower in the two-cup group at baseline and 60 min. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated a significant acute favorable dose-dependent effect of decaffeinated espresso coffee on endothelial function. Further studies are needed to investigate the effects of chronic use of DC especially with respect to caffeinated coffee and in subjects with cardiovascular diseases.

Reconocimiento y soporte nutricional precoz en pacientes hospitalizados desnutridos / Identification and early nutritional support in hospitalized malnourished patients

Introducción: La desnutrición en pacientes hospitalizados tiene una prevalencia en nuestro medio del 53%. El enfoque terapéutico genera opiniones controvertidas. Objetivos: Determinar si una intervención nutricional precoz en los pacientes hospitalizados desnutridos mediante un suplemento nutricional oral mejora el pronóstico de los mismos en términos de disminución de la morbi-mortalidad y estadía hospitalaria. Material y métodos: Estudio prospectivo randomizado integrado por grupo tratado-grupo control de pacientes hospitalizados desnutridos en áreas de medicina y neumología. El diagnóstico nutricional se realizó mediante Valoración Global Subjetiva. Los B y C se asignaron a recibir la dieta hospitalaria acorde a sus necesidades y patología (grupo Control) y al grupo tratado se lo instó además a ingerir un suplemento nutricional estándar. Se controló la aparición de infecciones, úlceras de presión, días de hospitalización, mortalidad y peso. Resultados: Se realizaron más de 1.700 Valoraciones Globales Subjetivas. Se controlaron hasta el alta hospitalaria o el fallecimiento a 537 pacientes, 264 tratados y 273 controles. No se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la mortalidad, estadía hospitalaria, o aparición de complicaciones entre el grupo tratado y el control. El grupo Tratado presentó un aumento de peso con respecto al Control estadísticamente significativo. Conclusiones: No pudieron demostrarse beneficios con el suplemento nutricional oral utilizado en términos de mortalidad, estadía hospitalaria o complicaciones infecciosas ni úlceras de presión. El aumento significativo en el peso, en el grupo Tratado permite concluir que el suplemento trató efectivamente la desnutrición en este grupo. Esta nueva situación clínica significa un mejor pronóstico, como ya ha sido demostrado El mismo sin embargo no pudo objetivarse mediante los parámetros planteados. Estudios a más largo plazo se requieren para valorar cuánto esta mejoría nutricional se puede mantener en el tiempo, y signifique una mejoría en el pronóstico a largo plazo

Introduction: The prevalence of hyponutrition in hospitalized patients in our setting is 53%. The therapeutic approach is controversial. Objectives: To determine whether an early nutritional intervention in hospitalized patients by means of oral nutritional support can improve their prognosis regarding decreased morbimortality and hospital stay. Material and methods: Randomized prospective study comprised by a treatment group and a control group of malnourished patients hospitalized at the Internal Medicine and Respiratory Medicine Departments. The nutritional diagnosis was made by using the Subjective Global Assessment. Groups B and C were assigned to receive the hospital diet according to their needs and pathology (control group) and the treatment group also received a standard nutritional supplement. We recorded the development of infections, pressure ulcers, hospitalization days, mortality, and weight. Results: We performed more than 1,700 Subjective Global Assessments. Five hundred and thirty seven patients (264 treated and 273 controls) were followed-up until hospital discharge or death. We did not find statistically significant differences immortality, hospital stay, or occurrence of complications between the treatment group and the control group. The treatment group presented statistically significant weight increase as compared with the control group. Conclusions: We could not demonstrate benefits when using the oral nutritional supplement in terms of mortality, hospital stay, infectious complications, or pressure ulcers. The significant weight increase in the treatment group allowed us concluding that the supplement effectively treated hypo nutrition in this group. This new clinical status implies a better prognosis, as it nutritional improvement can be sustained, implying a better prognosis in the long run has already been shown. However, this could not be observed by means of the study parameters. Long-term studies are required to determine for how long this

[Identification and early nutritional support in hospitalized malnourished patients]. / Reconocimiento y soporte nutricional precoz en pacientes hospitalizados desnutridos.

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of hyponutrition in hospitalized patients in our setting is 53%. The therapeutic approach is controversial. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether an early nutritional intervention in hospitalized patients by means of oral nutritional support can improve their prognosis regarding decreased morbimortality and hospital stay. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Randomized prospective study comprised by a treatment group and a control group of malnourished patients hospitalized at the Internal Medicine and Respiratory Medicine Departments. The nutritional diagnosis was made by using the Subjective Global Assessment. Groups B and C were assigned to receive the hospital diet according to their needs and pathology (control group) and the treatment group also received a standard nutritional supplement. We recorded the development of infections, pressure ulcers, hospitalization days, mortality, and weight. RESULTS: We performed more than 1,700 Subjective Global Assessments. Five hundred and thirty seven patients (264 treated and 273 controls) were followed-up until hospital discharge or death. We did not find statistically significant differences in mortality, hospital stay, or occurrence of complications between the treatment group and the control group. The treatment group presented statistically significant weight increase as compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: We could not demonstrate benefits when using the oral nutritional supplement in terms of mortality, hospital stay, infectious complications, or pressure ulcers. The significant weight increase in the treatment group allowed us concluding that the supplement effectively treated hyponutrition in this group. This new clinical status implies a better prognosis, as it has already been shown. However, this could not be observed by means of the study parameters. Long-term studies are required to determine for how long this nutritional improvement can be sustained, implying a better prognosis in the long run.

Cholesterol content regulates acrosomal exocytosis by enhancing Rab3A plasma membrane association.

The acrosome is an exocytic granule that overlies the spermatozoan nucleus. In response to different stimuli, it undergoes calcium-regulated exocytosis. Freshly ejaculated mammalian sperm are not immediately capable of undergoing acrosome reaction. The acquisition of this ability is called capacitation and involves a series of still not well-characterized changes in the sperm physiology. Plasma membrane cholesterol removal is one of the sperm modifications that are associated with capacitation. However, how sterols affect acrosomal exocytosis is unknown. Here, we show that short incubations with cyclodextrin, a cholesterol removal agent, just before stimulation promote acrosomal exocytosis. Moreover, the effect was also observed in permeabilized cells stimulated with calcium, indicating that cholesterol plays a direct role in the calcium-dependent exocytosis associated with acrosome reaction. Using a photo-inhibitable calcium chelator, we show that cholesterol affects an early event of the exocytic cascade rather than the lipid bilayers mixing. Functional data indicate that one target for the cholesterol effect is Rab3A. The sterol content does not affect the Rab3A activation-deactivation cycle but regulates its membrane anchoring. Western blot analysis and immunoelectron microscopy confirmed that cholesterol efflux facilitates Rab3A association to sperm plasma membrane. Our data indicate that the cholesterol efflux occurring during capacitation optimizes the conditions for the productive assembly of the fusion machinery required for acrosome reaction.

Penfigoide gestacional: estudio de 9 casos / Pemphigoid gestationis: a study of 9 cases

El penfigoide gestacional es una dermatosis bullosa subepidérmica rara, que aparece generalmente en multíparas en el curso del segundo o tercer trimestre de la gestación o, eventualmente, en el posparto. El objetivo de este trabajo es determinar el perfil epidemiológico, clínico, terapéutico y evolutivo de esta afección a través de una serie hospitalaria. El estudio es retrospectivo, realizado en 9 pacientes que presentaron un penfigoide gestacional, confirmado por inmunofluorescencia directa y controladas por el servicio de dermatología. La edad de aparición de la enfermedad estaba comprendida entre 18 y 35 años, con una media ñ de 27,33 ñ 5,68 años. El primer acceso de penfigoide gestacional afectó, sobre todo, a las multíparas (77,77 por ciento de los casos) y había aparecido en el curso del tercer trimestre en 6 pacientes (66,66 por ciento).En todas las enfermas, el primer síntoma fue prurito intenso, seguido de una erupción eritematosa maculopapulosa. En el acmé del proceso, todas las mujeres presentaron máculas eritematosas confluyentes y policíclicas, rematadas por vesículas con disposición herpética, con predominio en la región umbilical. La inmunofluorescencia directa confirmó el diagnóstico en todos los casos, objetivando un depósito lineal de la fracción C3 del complemento a lo largo de la unión dermoepidérmica. La corticoterapia general (0,5-1 mg/kg/día) se utilizó en el 77,77 por ciento de los casos (7 de 9 mujeres). La dapsona fue eficaz en 2 pacientes (22,22 por ciento); 3 pacientes (33,33 por ciento) mejoraron con antihistamínicos asociados a los dermocorticoides. La evolución reflejó una recidiva de las lesiones en el posparto inmediato en 5 mujeres (55,55 por ciento); 3 mujeres presentaron recidivas en el curso de gestaciones ulteriores. El penfigoide gestacional es una dermatosis rara en el curso del embarazo. Nuestra serie se ajusta a lo reflejado en la bibliografía, con predominio de aparición en el tercer trimestre, un mayor porcentaje de multíparas y ausencia de afección en los neonatos. No obstante, es de destacar la afección relativamente alta de la cara y la eficacia de la dapsona cuando ésta fue prescrita (AU)

Rotura espontánea de los vasos uteroováricos en el posparto / Spontaneous rupture of the uterine-ovarian vessels in the postpartum

La rotura espontánea de las venas de la red uteroovárica durante la gestación y el período periparto se ha comunicado en algunas decenas de casos documentados en la bibliografía, como curiosidad médica, y es rara y excepcionalmente mencionada en los libros de obstetricia. Se trata, no obstante, de una causa dramática de pérdidas fetales y/o maternas. Se dispone de las siguientes estadísticas: el 60 por ciento de los casos está asociado al trabajo de parto y el 50 por ciento afecta a pacientes primíparas. Cuando la rotura de las venas uteroováricas está asociada al trabajo de parto, el porcentaje de mortalidad materna es del 40 por ciento. Fuera del trabajo de parto, se estima una mortalidad del 10 por ciento. La tasa de mortalidad perinatal, por lo que al proceso se refiere, oscila alrededor del 30 por ciento. En el 75 por ciento de los casos, el ligamento ancho es el punto de rotura, aunque en numerosos casos éste no puede localizarse, lo que se hace después de la laparotomía o de la autopsia. Se presenta un caso de rotura de una vena ovárica en el segundo día de puerperio (AU)

Anomalía anexial fisiológica puesta de manifiesto después de una histerosalpingografía y una laparoscopia / Physiological adnexal defect identified following hysterosalpingogram and laparoscopy during infertility evaluation

Se describe una anomalía anexial descubierta en el curso de una histerosalpingografía y de una laparoscopia en el estudio de una infertilidad. Durante un estudio de infertilidad primaria, se encuentra una anomalía de la histerosalpingografía compatible con una obstrucción tubárica derecha parcial en una paciente de 31 años sin antecedentes quirúrgicos notables. Durante la laparoscopia exploradora, el diagnóstico inicial es modificado por el descubrimiento de una abertura fisiológica ovoide de 38 × 44 mm con bordes regulares, localizada en el centro del ligamento ancho derecho, en el lugar correspondiente al defecto observado en la HSG. La lesión es explorada pero no reparada quirúrgicamente, y la permeabilidad tubárica es seguidamente confirmada por una prueba de azul de metileno. La inducción de la ovulación con inseminación intrauterina se decidió de acuerdo con la pareja y después de discutir los descubrimientos operatorios. La paciente concibió y llevó a término una gestación normal. Mientras que las anomalías de la HSG son un descubrimiento corriente en el curso de estudios de infertilidad, la aparición de anomalías peritoneales constitutivas o primitivas no se ha descrito con frecuencia. Esta clase de particularidad anatómica podría explicar ciertas anomalías de imagen observadas en la práctica clínica habitual (AU)

Embolias gaseosas y terapia por oxigenación hiperbárica durante la gestación / Uterine rupture secondary to dinoprostone in association with epidural analgesia

Aportamos el caso de una mujer embarazada que presentó una embolia paradójica gaseosa subsiguiente a la desconexión del catéter de una vía venosa central. La instalación secundaria de una hemiplejía derecha asociada con un síndrome confusional justificó el tratamiento de urgencia por oxigenoterapia hiperbárica, lo que permitió la remisión completa del cuadro neurológico inicial. La presentación de este caso clínico pone en primer plano la discusión de los riesgos de embolia gaseosa durante el embarazo y el posparto, las indicaciones y los efectos de la oxigenoterapia hiperbárica sobre el feto (AU)

Embolias gaseosas y terapia por oxigenación hiperbárica durante la gestación / Air embolism and hyperbaric oxygen therapy during pregnancy

Aportamos el caso de una mujer embarazada que presentó una embolia paradójica gaseosa subsiguiente a la desconexión del catéter de una vía venosa central. La instalación secundaria de una hemiplejía derecha asociada con un síndrome confusional justificó el tratamiento de urgencia por oxigenoterapia hiperbárica, lo que permitió la remisión completa del cuadro neurológico inicial. La presentación de este caso clínico pone en primer plano la discusión de los riesgos de embolia gaseosa durante el embarazo y el posparto, las indicaciones y los efectos de la oxigenoterapia hiperbárica sobre el feto (AU)