Standard comparison of local mental health care systems in eight European countries.

AIMS: There is a need of more quantitative standardised data to compare local Mental Health Systems (MHSs) across international jurisdictions. Problems related to terminological variability and commensurability in the evaluation of services hamper like-with-like comparisons and hinder the development of work in this area. This study was aimed to provide standard assessment and comparison of MHS in selected local areas in Europe, contributing to a better understanding of MHS and related allocation of resources at local level and to lessen the scarcity in standard service comparison in Europe. This study is part of the Seventh Framework programme REFINEMENT (Research on Financing Systems' Effect on the Quality of Mental Health Care in Europe) project. METHODS: A total of eight study areas from European countries with different systems of care (Austria, England, Finland, France, Italy, Norway, Romania, Spain) were analysed using a standard open-access classification system (Description and Evaluation of Services for Long Term Care in Europe, DESDE-LTC). All publicly funded services universally accessible to adults (≥18 years) with a psychiatric disorder were coded. Care availability, diversity and capacity were compared across these eight local MHS. RESULTS: The comparison of MHS revealed more community-oriented delivery systems in the areas of England (Hampshire) and Southern European countries (Verona - Italy and Girona - Spain). Community-oriented systems with a higher proportion of hospital care were identified in Austria (Industrieviertel) and Scandinavian countries (Sør-Trøndelag in Norway and Helsinki-Uusimaa in Finland), while Loiret (France) was considered as a predominantly hospital-based system. The MHS in Suceava (Romania) was still in transition to community care. CONCLUSIONS: There is a significant variation in care availability and capacity across MHS of local areas in Europe. This information is relevant for understanding the process of implementation of community-oriented mental health care in local areas. Standard comparison of care provision in local areas is important for context analysis and policy planning.

[Treatment of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension in elderly patients]. / Traitement du cœur pulmonaire post-embolique chez le sujet âgé.

AIM OF THE STUDY: To establish efficacy and security of invasive treatments for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) in elderly patients (≥80 years old): pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) and balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 2014 and 2017, 549 CTEPH patients were addressed to our hospital for PEA (364 patients) or BPA (225). From this total, patients 80 years old and over were: 17 treated by PEA and 21 by BPA. Demographic characteristics as well as hemodynamic parameters, results and complications were compared for both groups (Young - Y - versus Old - O). RESULTS: Elderly BPA patients presented a higher functional class (mean O: 3,16 versus Y: 2,73; P=0,001), with similar hemodynamics parameters compared with the younger patients. Indication for BPA in the elderly was the presence of comorbidities contraindicating surgery in 33% of cases vs. 9,3% in the younger group (P=0,005). Response to treatment was comparable in both groups with significant reductions of mPAP, PVR and improvement of functional class. Complications rate was alike between groups for hemoptysis, reperfusion lesions or mortality, with the exception of a higher incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy, without need for dialysis, in the elderly group (O: 8,4% versus 2,6%; P=0,010). Elderly PEA patients were more often male (O: 76,5% versus Y: 50,1%; P=0,034) and with a lower creatinine clearance (O: 57,6±13,4 versus Y: 72,2±21,2mL/min/m2; P=0,004). Functional class, hemodynamics, surgical times and in-hospital stay was similar between groups. There is a non-significant trend towards higher in-hospital mortality in the elderly group, CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, treatment of CPC PE in elderly patients, either by PEA or BPA is effective with acceptable complication rates.

[Chronic total occlusions: Is there a woman specificity?] / Occlusions coronaires chroniques : existe-t-il une spécificité féminine ?

Many differences have been reported regarding gender in angioplasty procedures (PCI), but their potential influence on clinical outcomes after CTO PCI has not been elucidated. Aim of this paper is to analyse these potential differences starting from 2 clinical cases. The basic features found in the two clinical cases presented here, older age and presence of diabetes (that are more frequent in women), are in line with the differences identified in non-CTO studies on angioplasty. Furthermore, CTO in women are generally under-diagnosed and less frequently treated by angioplasty than in men. These features combined to the often atypical clinical presentation could explain why women are generally less frequently enrolled in CTO registries than men. Although data on the impact of gender on this topic are scarce, it appears that, despite a clear outcome difference in patients who have a successful CTO angioplasty and similar success rates, women are still under-referred for a CTO angioplasty. Indeed, CTO angioplasty seems a valid therapeutic option, in women as in men.

Use of an integrated Atlas of Mental Health Care for evidence informed policy in Catalonia (Spain).

BACKGROUND: This paper aims to present the Integrated Atlas of Mental Health of Catalonia (2010) focusing on: (a) the importance of using a taxonomy-based coding and standard system of data collection when assessing health services; and (b) its relevance as a tool for evidence-informed policy. METHOD: This study maps all the care-related services for people with mental disorders available in Catalonia in 2010, using the 'Description and Evaluation of Services and Directories in Europe for long-term care' (DESDE-LTC). The unit of analysis is the Basic Stable Input of Care (BSIC), which is the minimal organisation unit composed by a set of inputs with temporal stability. We presented data on: (a) availability of BSICs and their capacity; (b) the adequacy of the provision of care, taking into account availability and accessibility; (c) the evolution of BSCIs from 2002 to 2010; and (d) the perceived relevance of Atlas of Mental Health as a tool for evidence-informed policy. RESULTS: We identified a total of 639 BSICs. A lack of Health services was detected in highly rural areas, although there was moderate availability of Social Services. Overall, more than 80% of the small mental health areas in Catalonia had an adequate core mental health service. Since 2002 the availability of mental health services has increased. Decision makers found the Atlas a useful and relevant tool for evidence informed policy. CONCLUSIONS: Policy makers can use Atlases to detect gaps and inequities in the provision of care for people with mental health needs.

[Renal denervation by trans-radial access for resistant hypertension]. / Dénervation rénale par voie radiale pour le traitement d'une hypertension artérielle résistante.

Renal denervation which consists in the ablation of the sympathetic fibers located in the adventitia of renal arteries is a therapeutic strategy allowing improved arterial hypertension control in patients who do not respond to medical treatment. This technique is currently performed using the femoral approach in the majority of cases. The diameter and the length of the ablation catheters limit their use via the radial route. The most frequent peri-procedural complications are vascular problems. We report here two cases of renal denervation via the trans-humeral and trans-radial routes respectively.

[Renal denervation a treatment for resistant hypertension: a French experience]. / La dénervation rénale un traitement pour l'hypertension artérielle résistante : expérience française.

Arterial hypertension is the largest single contributor to global mortality, and is poorly controlled in approximately 50% of patients despite lifestyle and pharmacologic interventions. Randomized clinical trials have demonstrated that catheter-based renal sympathetic denervation reduces blood pressure (BP) in patients with resistant hypertension. We sought to evaluate the efficacy of this novel therapy in "Real World" clinical practice. Consecutive patients with treatment-resistant primary hypertension, as defined as home BP>160 mmHg despite treatment with ≥3 antihypertensive drugs, were selected for denervation following renal artery screening. Ambulatory and home BP monitoring was performed in all patients prior to and following percutaneous renal sympathetic denervation. In total, 35 patients were selected for catheter-based renal sympathetic denervation. The mean age was 63.6 ± 11.7 years, 37.1% were women, 37.1% were diabetic, and 11.4% had renal impairment (GFR<45 mL/min). The basal BP (home or ambulatory) was 179.1 ± 20.75/99.66 ± 19.76 mmHg, despite an average of 4.91 ± 0.98 medications per patient. Successful bilateral sympathetic denervation was performed in 33/35 patients (1 renal artery stenosis on angiography [not ablated], 1 patient with renal artery spasm [unilateral denervation]), with an average 5.9 ± 1.6 ablations per renal artery. No procedural complications occurred. At 6 months, blood pressure was 15.5 ± 22.37/87.76 ± 13.97 mmHg (P<0.01). At 2 years follow-up, systolic blood pressure (ABPM or Home BP) was 143.8 ± 15.30 mmHg (P<0.0001) and diastolic 83.42 ± 12.80 mmHg (P=0.0004). There were no adverse events during follow-up, and no deterioration in renal function was observed. Catheter-based renal denervation is safe and efficacious treatment, which results in significant reductions in blood pressure in patients with treatment-resistant hypertension, stable at 2 years follow-up. These results are applicable to real-world patient populations.

[Complications after endothelial keratoplasty: three years of experience]. / Complicaciones tras queratoplastia endotelial: tres años de experiencia.

OBJECTIVE: To study the complications after Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK). METHODS: Retrospective study of 75 eyes in 67 patients with Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy or bullous keratopathy operated on in the Instituto de Oftalmología La Arruzafa from March, 2007 until March, 2010. Phacoemulsification and IOL implantation was involved in 30 cases. All surgical and post-surgical complications, as well as the endothelial cell density were recorded. RESULTS: Graft detachment was the most common complication: 17 cases (22.5%); 16 of them resolved with reintroduction of air in the anterior chamber. The rate of detachment in cases without capsular support (8 eyes) increased up to 50%. Five cases had primary graft failure and, in 2 cases, a medium term failure was observed. Only one case of endothelial rejection was observed (1.3%). Five eyes (6.5%) developed a pupillary block, but of them were solved with the aspiration of the air. In one eye (1.3%), a posterior capsule rupture was observed during the phacoemulsification. This case ended with a retinal detachment. The endothelial cell loss was 42.75%. CONCLUSIONS: DSAEK is an effective surgical technique to resolve the corneal oedema due to endothelial failure; however, complications are not uncommon. Graft detachment is the most common complication, but is usually resolved with re-bubbling. There is an evident learning curve and the surgical trauma to the endothelium is the most important factor that influences the endothelial cell loss.

Complicaciones tras queratoplastia endotelial: tres años de experiencia / Complications after endothelial keratoplasty: three years of experience

ObjetivoExaminar las complicaciones tras queratoplastia endotelial automatizada con disección de la membrana de Descemet (DSAEK).MétodosRevisión retrospectiva de 75 cirugías de DSAEK en 67 pacientes con distrofia endotelial de Fuchs o queratopatía bullosa realizadas en el Instituto de Oftalmología La Arruzafa desde marzo de 2007 hasta marzo de 2010. En 30 casos se asoció facoemulsificación e implante de LIO. Todas las complicaciones intraoperatorias y postoperatorias fueron registradas, además de la densidad celular endotelial.ResultadosLa dislocación del disco fue la complicación más frecuente: 17 casos (22,5%); 16 se resolvieron con la reintroducción de aire en cámara anterior. La tasa de desprendimiento del injerto fue del 50% en los 8 ojos sin soporte capsular. En 5 casos se produjo un fracaso primario del injerto y en 2 (2,6%) el injerto ha fracasado a medio plazo; solo tenemos un caso de rechazo endotelial (1,3%). Cinco ojos (6,5%) desarrollaron un bloqueo pupilar postquirúrgico que se resolvió tras la extracción del aire. Un ojo (1,3%) con rotura capsular posterior durante la cirugía desarrolló al año un desprendimiento de retina. La pérdida celular media fue del 42,75%.ConclusionesDSAEK ha demostrado ser un tratamiento efectivo para la disfunción endotelial; sin embargo no está exenta de complicaciones. La dislocación del disco es la complicación más frecuente siendo resuelta tras la reintroducción de aire en la mayoría de los casos. Existe una curva de aprendizaje y el traumatismo intraoperatorio es un factor relacionado con la pérdida endotelial(AU)

ObjectiveTo study the complications after Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK).MethodsRetrospective study of 75 eyes in 67 patients with Fuchs’ endothelial dystrophy or bullous keratopathy operated on in the Instituto de Oftalmología La Arruzafa from March, 2007 until March, 2010. Phacoemulsification and IOL implantation was involved in 30 cases. All surgical and post-surgical complications, as well as the endothelial cell density were recorded.ResultsGraft detachment was the most common complication: 17 cases (22.5%); 16 of them resolved with reintroduction of air in the anterior chamber. The rate of detachment in cases without capsular support (8 eyes) increased up to 50%. Five cases had primary graft failure and, in 2 cases, a medium term failure was observed. Only one case of endothelial rejection was observed (1.3%). Five eyes (6.5%) developed a pupillary block, but of them were solved with the aspiration of the air. In one eye (1.3%), a posterior capsule rupture was observed during the phacoemulsification. This case ended with a retinal detachment. The endothelial cell loss was 42.75%.ConclusionsDSAEK is an effective surgical technique to resolve the corneal oedema due to endothelial failure; however, complications are not uncommon. Graft detachment is the most common complication, but is usually resolved with re-bubbling. There is an evident learning curve and the surgical trauma to the endothelium is the most important factor that influences the endothelial cell loss(AU)

[Functional results after endothelial queratoplasty: three years of experience]. / Resultados funcionales tras queratoplastia endotelial: tres años de experiencia.

OBJECTIVE: To study the refractive and visual results after Descemet's stripping automated endothelial queratoplasty (DSAEK). METHODS: Retrospective study of 75 eyes in 67 patients with Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy or bullous queratopathy operated on in the Instituto de Oftalmología La Arruzafa from March, 2007 until March, 2010. Phacoemulsification and IOL implantation was involved in 30 cases. We divided all cases into three groups, depending on the potential visual acuity: A (≤ 0.1), B (0.1-0.5) and C (≥ 0.5). Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UCVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) and refraction were measured. RESULTS: Mean CDVA improved 3 lines compared to preoperative values (P<.01). Astigmatism increased by 0.5 dioptres (P=.21). A slight myopic change was found in cases where the donor disc was≥8.5mm, as well as in the cases in which phacoemulsification was associated. No correlation between CDVA and donor disc thickness was found. In the group of patients who only had corneal oedema, the mean CDVA was 0.8. No patients ended with less than 0.6 of CDVA and the mean UCVA was 0.5. CONCLUSIONS: After DSAEK, CDVA improved with a slight hyperopic change, without significant changes in astigmatism. Donor disc thickness does not influence the CDVA. DSAEK is an effective surgical technique to restore a good visual acuity in cases with corneal oedema due to endothelial failure.

[Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in the healthy population of Madrid (Spain)]. / Prevalencia de la infección por Helicobacter pylori en población sana en la Comunidad de Madrid.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in the healthy population of Madrid Autonomous Community (AC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A descriptive, cross-sectional study where Helicobacter pylori infection is diagnosed by means of the 13C-urea breath test. RESULTS: A total of 618 subjects were studied. Among these, 481 were considered evaluable with a prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection of 60.3%. In this cohort 36.4% were men and 63.6% were women, with a prevalence of 60.6 and 60.1%, respectively, and no relevant differences between both subgroups. The median age of patients was 37.5 years (range 4-82), and a statistically significant linear relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and age (linear chi2 =33.31; p < 0.001) was established -chances of infection increase with age. Prevalence increases with age and peaks at 60 to 69 years (83.3% infected). For 169 subjects (35.1%) education level was unknown, and no relationship between this level and Helicobacter pylori infection was found. CONCLUSIONS: The study shows that the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in the healthy population of Madrid AC is high (60.3%), progressively increases with age, and peaks in people in their sixties. The sample showed no differences regarding sex or education level.

[Characterization of urinary tract symptoms and quality of life in patients with double-pig-tailed ureteral stents]. / Evaluación de clínica y calidad de vida con catéteres ureterales de tipo doble pig-tail.

OBJECTIVES: To prospectively assess the prevalence of urinary tract symptoms caused by indwelling ureteral stents and how they affect their quality of life using an specific questionnaire. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 100 patients with unilateral indwelling ureteral stents were asked to complete an specific questionnaire that include questions on urinary symptoms: dysuria, frequency of urination, incomplete empting, urgency, incontinence, haematuria and bother or pain associated with urinary stents affecting the daily activities of the patients. They were also asked to compete International Prostate Symptoms Score questionnaire and a question on quality of life. Pain was assessed from 0 to 10 using a VAS (visual analogic scale). RESULTS: 46 men and 54 women, mean age 54 years, completed the study. Mean time after stent insertion was 6.5 weeks. The cause of the insertion was in 40% due to the size of the stone, previous to ESWL, 33% due to urinary tract obstruction, 25% due to infection, and the others after a surgical procedure. 95% of patients with stent positioning without general anesthesia complaint of pain during the procedure. 89% of patients reported bothersome urinary symptoms, named in order of frequence: nycturia, frequence voiding, incomplete empting, dysuria, urgence, haematuria and incontinence. More than 70% of patients experienced pain that impaired daily activities, in 52% pain was located at the flank and in 47% at the bladder. 60% of patients signalled that they were not satisfied with their quality of life with the indwelling catheter. CONCLUSIONS: Urinary symptoms and pain related to indwelling double pig tailed ureteral stens affect the daily activities and reduces the quality of life of 60% of patients.

Evaluación de clínica y calidad de vida con catéteres ureterales de tipo doble pig-tail / Characterization of urinary tract symptoms and quality of life in patients with double-pig-tailed ureteral stents

Objetivos: Valoración de la prevalencia de la clínica asociada a los catéteres ureterales tipo doble pig-tail y de su impacto en la calidad de vida a través de un cuestionario. Material y métodos: 100 pacientes portadores de doble pig-tail cumplimentaron el cuestionario. Este incluye preguntas sobre clínica urinaria: disuria, polaquiuria, tenesmo, urgencia, incontinencia, hematuria y dolor o malestar provocado por el catéter durante las actividades normales del paciente. También contestaron el tes IPSSy una cuestión sobre la calidad de vida. El dolor se valoró de 1 a 10 mediante una escala visual analógica. Resultados: Se valoró 46 varones y 54 mujeres, con una edad media de 54 años. El tiempo medio de colocación del catéter fue de 6,5 semanas. La colocación se debió en un 40% al tamaño de la litiasis, previo a la litotricia,en un 33% por obstrucción, en un 25% por infección y en el resto fue postquirúrgico. El dolor de la colocación sin anestesia general se produjo en el 95% de los pacientes. En un 89% de los pacientes la presencia del catéter produjo clínica, el orden de frecuencia fue: nicturia, polaquiuria, tenesmo, disuria, urgencia, hematuria e incontinencia. En un 73 % les produjo dolor, en un 52% éste se localizó en el flanco y en el 47% en la vejiga. Un 60% de los pacientes se consideraron insatisfechos con su calidad de vida con el catéter. Conclusiones: La clínica urinaria y el dolor asociados a los catéteres ureterales tipo doble pig-tail interfiere con las actividades de la vida diaria y reduce la calidad de vida en un 60% de los pacientes

Objectives: To prospectively assess the prevalence of urinary tract symptoms caused by indwelling ureteral stents and how they affect their quality of life using an specific questionnaire. Material and methods: A total of 100 patients with unilateral indwelling ureteral stents were asked to completean specific questionnaire that include questions on urinary symptoms: dysuria , frequency of urination, incomplete empting, urgency, incontinence, haematuria and bother or pain associated with urinary stents affecting the daily activities of the patients. They were also asked to compete International Prostate Symptoms Score questionnaire and a question on quality of life. Pain was assessed from 0 to 10 using a VAS (visual analogic scale). Results: 46 men and 54 women, mean age 54 years, completed the study. Mean time after stent insertion was 6.5 weeks. The cause of the insertion was in 40% due to the size of the stone, previous to ESWL, 33% due to urinary tract obstruction, 25% due to infection, and the others after a surgical procedure. 95% of patients with stent positioning without general anesthesia complaint of pain during the procedure. 89% of patients reported bother so meurinary symptoms, named in order of frequence: nycturia, frequence voiding, incomplete empting, dysuria, urgence, haematuria and incontinence. More than 70 % of patients experienced pain that impaired daily activities, in 52% pain was located at the flank and in 47 % at the bladder. 60 % of patients signalled that they were not satisfied with their quality of life with the indwelling catheter. Conclusions: Urinary symptoms and pain related to indwelling double pig tailed ureteral stens affect the daily activities and reduces the quality of life of 60% of patients

[Comparison of administration of rhTSH with withdrawal of thyroid hormone. Follow-up of patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma]. / Estudio comparativo entre la utilización de TSH recombinante y la estimulación endógena con TSH. Valoración en el seguimiento de los pacientes con carcinoma diferenciado de tiroides.

UNLABELLED: Recombinant human thyrotropin (rhTSH) has been introduced recently in follow up of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) patients, as an alternative of thyroid hormone withdrawal. The aim of this retrospective study is to compare recombinant human thyrotropin versus endogenous stimulation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-three patients with DTC with previous thyroidectomy and thyroid ablation were selected. All patients underwent whole-body radioiodine scanning and third day serum thyroglobulin (TG) measurement by two techniques, the first one after conventional thyroid hormone withdrawal (TSHe, TGe), and the second one after rhTSH stimulation (TSHr, TGr). Measurement of TG was performed on the third day due to the infrastructure. We only included patients with stable disease, without therapeutic interventions between two consecutive controls in an interval inferior to one year. Two qualitative categories were defined for TG (positive TG > 2 ng/ml or negative TG<2 ng/ml) and whole-body radioiodine scan (positive or negative). RESULTS: TSHe: 62.9 +/- 55.48; TSHr: 113.16 +/- 50.6; (p: ns); TGe: 62.5 +/- 115.7; TGr: 54.6 +/- 111.1; (p: 0.044). Quantitative data analysis showed significant differences between two techniques. Qualitative data analysis showed no significant differences in clinical setting based in TG and radioiodine scan. CONCLUSIONS: Administration of rhTSH produces a significantly higher increase of TSH than thyroid hormone withdrawal and lower increase in TG levels. There were no significant differences in the stage of disease (TG and whole-body radioiodine scan).

Estudio comparativo entre la utilización de TSH recombinante y la estimulación endógena con TSH. Valoración en el seguimiento de los pacientes con carcinoma diferenciado de tiroides / Comparison of administration of rhTSH with withdrawal of thyroid hormone. Follow-up of patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma

En el seguimiento habitual de los pacientes con cáncer diferenciado (CDT) se ha introducido recientemente el uso de la hormona tirotropa (TSH) humana recombinante (rhTSH) como alternativa a la retirada del tratamiento supresivo hormonal. El objetivo de este estudio retrospectivo es comparar el resultado de la administración de rhTSH con respecto a la estimulación con TSH endógena en el seguimiento del CDT. Material y métodos. Hemos seleccionado 33 pacientes con CDT a los que se había practicado previamente una tiroidectomía total y la ablación de restos tiroideos con 131I. Todos los pacientes tenían un control previo de rastreo con yodo y tiroglobulina (TG) sérica con suspensión del tratamiento hormonal (TSHe, TGe) y un nuevo control con rhTSH (TSHr, TGr). La determinación de la TG se realizó el tercer día por motivos de infraestructura. Se incluyeron sólo los pacientes sin cambios clínicos ni actuaciones terapéuticas entre los dos controles realizados con un intervalo máximo de un año. Se definieron dos categorías para la TG (positiva si TG > 2 ng/ml y negativa si TG < 2ng/ml) y para el rastreo (positivo o negativo). Resultados. Los valores analíticos obtenidos para cada control fueron los siguientes: TSHe: 62,9 ± 55,48 U/ml; TSHr: 113,16 ± 50,6 U/ml; (p: ns); TGe: 62,5 ± 115,7 mg/ml; TGr: 54,6 ± 111,1 mg/ml; (p: 0,044). La valoración cualitativa de los resultados obtenidos (prueba positiva o negativa) en ambos controles no mostró diferencias significativas ni en el resultado de la TG ni en rastreo con yodo. Conclusiones. El incremento de la TSH con previa administración de rhTSH es significativamente mayor que el incremento mediante estimulación endógena, mientras que las cifras de TG son globalmente menores. No se aprecian diferencias en la valoración de la presencia o ausencia de la enfermedad mediante TG y rastreo con yodo

Recombinant human thyrotropin (rhTSH) has been introduced recently in follow up of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) patients, as an alternative of thyroid hormone withdrawal. The aim of this retrospective study is to compare recombinant human thyrotropin versus endogenous stimulation. Material and methods. Thirty-three patients with DTC with previous thyroidectomy and thyroid ablation were selected. All patients underwent whole-body radioiodine scanning and third day serum thyroglobulin (TG) measurement by two techniques, the first one after conventional thyroid hormone withdrawal (TSHe, TGe), and the second one after rhTSH stimulation (TSHr, TGr). Measurement of TG was performed on the third day due to the infrastructure. We only included patients with stable disease, without therapeutic interventions between two consecutive controls in an interval inferior to one year. Two qualitative categories were defined for TG (positive TG > 2ng/ml or negative TG < 2ng/ml) and whole-body radioiodine scan (positive or negative). Results. TSHe: 62.9 ± 55.48; TSHr: 113.16 ± 50.6; (p: ns); TGe: 62.5 ± 115.7; TGr: 54.6 ± 111.1; (p: 0.044). Quantitative data analysis showed significant differences between two techniques. Qualitative data analysis showed no significant differences in clinical setting based in TG and radioiodine scan. Conclusions. Administration of rhTSH produces a significantly higher increase of TSH than thyroid hormone withdrawal and lower increase in TG levels. There were no significant differences in the stage of disease (TG and whole-body radioiodine scan)

[Clinical experience and results of ESWL treatment for 1.000 consecutive patients with the Siemens Lithostar Modularis]. / Lithostar Modularis de Siemens: exposición de los resultados de los 1.000 primeros pacientes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: We describe the outcome of the treatment of 1.000 consecutive patients treated since may 2000 to december 2003 with Siemens Lithostar Modularis to evaluate the efficacy of this new lithotripter RESULTS: 60.5% male and 39.5% female's patients were treated. Average age of 53.5 years old. 44.1% of the urinary stones were located on the right side and 55.9% on the left. The mean size of the stones was 1.22 +/- 0.74 cm with 59% lesser than 1 cm, 27.6% between 1 and 2 cm and 13.4% bigger than 2 cm. Mean number of sessions required were 1.6. There were differences in the number of sessions related to the size of the lithiasis, 1.3 session in the group of lithiasis smaller than 1 cm and 2.01 sessions in the group bigger than 1 cm. The stones that required less number of sessions were located in the ureter and upper calyx. 71.2% of the patients were stone free after one treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Siemens Lithostar Modularis has the adventages of a great confort of the patient during the procedure, better image because of a very good cuality of the fluoroscopy and the main point is a great comminution of the stone doing very easy the elimination of the fragments achieving a stone free rate of more than 90% in our experience, decreasing the need of auxiliary manoeuvres and the leng of the treatment.

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy of preoxidized MA 956 superalloy during in vitro experiments.

Preoxidation treatment of MA 956 superalloy at 1100 degrees C produces a fine and tightly adherent alpha-alumina layer at the surface, which provides the alloy with an excellent barrier against a great variety of aggressive environments. In this work the protective capacity of the alumina/alloy system is evaluated in a physiological medium by means of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The electrochemical response of the material is modelled by equivalent circuits which provide the most relevant corrosion and protection parameters applicable to MA 956 in both preoxidized and as-received conditions (passivated state). The high protective capacity of preoxidized MA 956 superalloy holds for long-term tests, which indicates that the corrosion phenomena, if any, would be characterized by very slow kinetics. The corrosion resistance of the preoxidized material is at least two orders of magnitude higher than that of the non-treated alloy.