Movimientos involuntarios del muñón tras una amputación transtibial: síndrome del muñón saltarín / Involuntary movements of the stump after transtibial amputation: Jumping stump syndrome

Mujer de 45 años, con antecedente de cirugía de hallux valgus de evolución tórpida, derivando en amputación transtibial. A los 6 meses poscirugía comenzó con movimientos involuntarios del muñón tipo mioclonías desencadenados con el roce o extensión de la cadera, agravándose el dolor previo de muñón y de miembro fantasma. Durante el siguiente año, coincidiendo con el cambio de prótesis, empeoró la clínica progresivamente limitando la marcha. El abordaje terapéutico del dolor y de las mioclonías fue inicialmente farmacológico, sin respuesta. Ante la sospecha clínica y ecográfica de neuroma en el nervio ciático poplíteo externo, se infiltró el mismo con corticoide y anestésico y los gastrocnemios con toxina botulínica tipo A, sin éxito. Finalmente, las mioclonías desaparecieron y el dolor disminuyó tras el remodelado quirúrgico del muñón y la resección del neuroma. Este cuadro clínico es conocido como síndrome del muñón saltarín, y es una complicación rara que debe tenerse en cuenta tras una amputación.(AU)

45-year-old woman with history of hallux valgus surgery and torpid evolution, which led to transtibial amputation. Six months after surgery, she began to experience involuntary movements of the stump such as myoclonus, that were triggered by touch or hip extension, associating worsening of the previous stump and phantom limb pain. During the following year, concurring with change of prosthesis, symptoms progressively worsened, which limited walking. The therapeutic approach to pain and myoclonus was initially pharmacological, without response. Given the clinical and ultrasound suspicion of neuroma in the external popliteal sciatic nerve, it was infiltrated with corticosteroid and anesthetic, and the gastrocnemius with botulinum toxin type A, without success. Finally, the myoclonus disappeared, and the pain decreased after surgical remodeling of the stump and resection of the neuroma. This clinical picture is known as jumping stump syndrome and is a rare complication that must be considered after amputation.(AU)

[Involuntary movements of the stump after transtibial amputation: Jumping stump syndrome]. / Movimientos involuntarios del muñón tras una amputación transtibial: síndrome del muñón saltarín.

45-year-old woman with history of hallux valgus surgery and torpid evolution, which led to transtibial amputation. Six months after surgery, she began to experience involuntary movements of the stump such as myoclonus, that were triggered by touch or hip extension, associating worsening of the previous stump and phantom limb pain. During the following year, concurring with change of prosthesis, symptoms progressively worsened, which limited walking. The therapeutic approach to pain and myoclonus was initially pharmacological, without response. Given the clinical and ultrasound suspicion of neuroma in the external popliteal sciatic nerve, it was infiltrated with corticosteroid and anesthetic, and the gastrocnemius with botulinum toxin type A, without success. Finally, the myoclonus disappeared, and the pain decreased after surgical remodeling of the stump and resection of the neuroma. This clinical picture is known as jumping stump syndrome and is a rare complication that must be considered after amputation.

La formación en entrenamiento de fuerza dirigida a médicos aumenta su prescripción / Strength training education for physicians increases its prescription

Introducción: Tradicionalmente la prescripción médica se centra en el ejercicio aeróbico, pero son cada vez más los autores que señalan al entrenamiento de fuerza como la modalidad de ejercicio más saludable. El objetivo del presente trabajo es evaluar los cambios en los conocimientos y la seguridad para la prescripción de ejercicio de fuerza tras haber realizado un curso teórico-práctico de ejercicio físico dirigido a médicos, con respecto a no haberlo realizado. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio de intervención en 160 médicos con 2 cohortes, 80 realizaron un curso sobre ejercicio (grupo de intervención) y 80 no lo realizaron (grupo comparativo). Se recogieron datos personales, profesionales, sobre el ejercicio físico en general y de fuerza que practicaban o prescribían, y seguridad y conocimientos para su prescripción. Se analizaron las diferencias entre los grupos y la repercusión de haber realizado o no el curso. Resultados: Los 2 grupos eran homogéneos en sexo, edad, especialidad y realización de ejercicio físico, destacando la baja tasa de práctica y prescripción del entrenamiento de fuerza en ambos grupos. Se objetivó que el grupo que había realizado el curso adquirió conocimientos y seguridad para la prescripción de ejercicio de fuerza y consideraba que era la odalidad que debía ser potenciada (p<0,001). Conclusiones: La formación en entrenamiento de fuerza dirigida a médicos mediante un curso teórico-práctico aumenta los conocimientos y la seguridad para su prescripción.(AU)

Introduction: Medical prescriptions have traditionally been focused on aerobic exercise. However, an increasing number of authors are pointing towards strength training as the healthiest exercise modality. The purpose of this study is to assess whether physicians increase their knowledge as well as their confidence to prescribe strength training after attending a physical training course. Materials and methods: A prospective cohort study of 160 physicians was conducted, 80 physicians out of the 160 attended a physical training course, whereas the remaining 80 physicians did not. Personal and professional data was collected, as well as data regarding the type of exercise they were practising or prescribing and the confidence and knowledge for their prescription. Finally, differences between the two groups and the impact of attending the course where analysed. Results: Both groups were homogeneous in gender, age, medical speciality and practice of physical exercise, with very low rates of strength training and prescription for both groups. It was established that the group attending the course acquired knowledge and confidence for prescribing strength training. Moreover, this group considered that strength training was the exercise modality which should be encouraged (P<.001). Conclusions: Education in strength training for physicians by means of a theoretical-practical course increases knowledge and confidence for its prescription.(AU)

[Strength training education for physicians increases its prescription]. / La formación en entrenamiento de fuerza dirigida a médicos aumenta su prescripción.

INTRODUCTION: Medical prescriptions have traditionally been focused on aerobic exercise. However, an increasing number of authors are pointing towards strength training as the healthiest exercise modality. The purpose of this study is to assess whether physicians increase their knowledge as well as their confidence to prescribe strength training after attending a physical training course. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective cohort study of 160 physicians was conducted, 80 physicians out of the 160 attended a physical training course, whereas the remaining 80 physicians did not. Personal and professional data was collected, as well as data regarding the type of exercise they were practising or prescribing and the confidence and knowledge for their prescription. Finally, differences between the two groups and the impact of attending the course where analysed. RESULTS: Both groups were homogeneous in gender, age, medical speciality and practice of physical exercise, with very low rates of strength training and prescription for both groups. It was established that the group attending the course acquired knowledge and confidence for prescribing strength training. Moreover, this group considered that strength training was the exercise modality which should be encouraged (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Education in strength training for physicians by means of a theoretical-practical course increases knowledge and confidence for its prescription.

Luchando contra la COVID-19: labor asistencial de los médicos rehabilitadores españoles. Estudio transversal / Fighting against COVID-19: clinical activities of spanish rehabilitation physicians: a cross-sectional study

OBJETIVO: El objetivo de este estudio es analizar el impacto y la organización tanto asistencial como docente en los Servicios de Medicina Física y Rehabilitación de España ante el nuevo y cambiante escenario debido a la pandemia por la COVID-19. MÉTODOS: Se realiza una encuesta dirigida a los tutores de los Servicios de Rehabilitación. Un total de 31 preguntas divididas en 6 apartados: información general de los Servicios, adaptación del Servicio durante el periodo COVID, labor asistencial de los médicos rehabilitadores, abordaje rehabilitador de pacientes COVID, consecuencia de la pandemia sobre la salud de los rehabilitadores y labores de tutoría durante ese periodo. RESULTADOS: Se recibieron un total de 54 encuestas. Casi la mitad de los Servicios cancelaron todas las consultas presenciales (40%) y las salas de terapias se destinaron a camas de pacientes COVID (48%). En 30 hospitales (55,6%) los facultativos han trabajado en plantas COVID. La gran mayoría de los Servicios han elaborado material gráfico y audiovisual con ejercicios, así como protocolos de derivación y tratamiento rehabilitador de pacientes COVID ingresados. Casi la mitad de los Servicios encuestados han tenido algún caso de ansiedad en el personal médico. Las labores de tutoría se han anulado (40,7%) o disminuido (35,2%). CONCLUSIONES: La organización de los Servicios de Rehabilitación para hacer frente a la pandemia ha sido similar en todo el territorio español. La respuesta de los Servicios a la crisis sanitaria ha visualizado la versatilidad de trabajo de los médicos rehabilitadores

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyse both the impact of the pandemic and clinical and teaching organisation in Spanish Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Departments during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A survey was conducted of the tutors of rehabilitation departments. The questionnaire contained 31 questions divided into 6 parts about the following: general information on the department, adaptation of rehabilitation departments to the COVID pandemic, clinical work of rehabilitation physicians, the approach to rehabilitation in COVID patients, and the effects of the pandemic on the health and teaching activity of rehabilitation physicians during this period. RESULTS: A total of 54 responses were obtained. Almost half of the departments cancelled face-to-face medical consultations (40%) and 48% of the treatment rooms were turned into COVID beds. In 30 hospitals (55.6%), the physicians worked in COVID units. Most of the rehabilitation departments developed both graphic and audiovisual material with exercises, referral protocols and guidelines for the rehabilitation management and treatment of COVID 19 patients. Half of the departments reported some anxiety symptoms in medical staff. Tutorial work has been cancelled (40.7%) or reduced (35.2%). CONCLUSIONS: The organisation of Spanish rehabilitation departments in response to the COVID pandemic has been very similar throughout the country. The response of these departments to the healthcare crisis has revealed the versatility of rehabilitation physicians

[Fighting against COVID-19: clinical activities of spanish rehabilitation physicians: A cross-sectional study]. / Luchando contra la COVID-19: labor asistencial de los médicos rehabilitadores españoles. Estudio transversal.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyse both the impact of the pandemic and clinical and teaching organisation in Spanish Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Departments during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A survey was conducted of the tutors of rehabilitation departments. The questionnaire contained 31 questions divided into 6 parts about the following: general information on the department, adaptation of rehabilitation departments to the COVID pandemic, clinical work of rehabilitation physicians, the approach to rehabilitation in COVID patients, and the effects of the pandemic on the health and teaching activity of rehabilitation physicians during this period. RESULTS: A total of 54 responses were obtained. Almost half of the departments cancelled face-to-face medical consultations (40%) and 48% of the treatment rooms were turned into COVID beds. In 30 hospitals (55.6%), the physicians worked in COVID units. Most of the rehabilitation departments developed both graphic and audiovisual material with exercises, referral protocols and guidelines for the rehabilitation management and treatment of COVID 19 patients. Half of the departments reported some anxiety symptoms in medical staff. Tutorial work has been cancelled (40.7%) or reduced (35.2%). CONCLUSIONS: The organisation of Spanish rehabilitation departments in response to the COVID pandemic has been very similar throughout the country. The response of these departments to the healthcare crisis has revealed the versatility of rehabilitation physicians.

Microscopic study of the morphology and metabolic activity of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. gladioli treated with Jatropha curcas oil and derivatives.

The fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. gladioli is one of the main pathogenic microorganisms of the ornamental genus Gladiolus. The attack of this microorganism includes corms and different plant phenological stages. In this study, different microscopic techniques and fluorochromes were used to evaluate the effect of J. curcas oil and acylglycerides, namely trilinolein, triolein, monomyristin and dimyristin, on the morphology, membrane integrity (%), viability (%) and germination (%) of F. oxsporum f sp. gladioli. Phase-contrast optical photomicrographs and scanning microscopy showed that J. curcas oil and the triglycerides triolein and trilinolein caused the formation of numerous vacuoles, alterations in the morphology of the outer covering of the mycelium and conidia, and inhibition of membrane activity in the fungus during 24 h of incubation. The fluorochromes used detected no permanent damage to the viability of the conidia. The high germination percentage of the conidia of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. gladioli indicates that the damage caused by the application of the treatments was fungistatic rather than fungicidal and did not cause cell death.

Estudio aleatorizado sobre la posición de electrodos en la cardioversión eléctrica electiva de la fibrilación auricular / Electrode position in elective electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation. A randomized study

Objetivo: Este estudio pretende averiguar cuál de las 2 posiciones de electrodos, anteroposterior (A-P) izquierda o anteroapical (A-A), se muestra más eficaz en la cardioversión eléctrica (CVE) de la fibrilación auricular (FA). Diseño: Ensayo clínico con asignación aleatorizada. Ámbito: UCI de un hospital de segundo nivel. Pacientes y métodos: Pacientes ambulatorios en FA remitidos a la UCI para CVE mediante choques bifásicos. Se comienza con la posición correspondiente según números aleatorizados y se administran hasta 3 choques (150-200-200J), y se cambia a la posición alternativa de no haberse conseguido el ritmo sinusal (RS) (hasta 2 choques más de 200J). Se analizan y se comparan ambas posiciones asignadas, y se determina cuál consigue restaurar el RS con menor número de choques y menor energía aplicada. Resultados: Se incluyen 46 pacientes en el grupo A-A y 45 pacientes en el grupo A-P, y se consigue RS en el 92% de los casos, si bien los pacientes del grupo A-A precisaron significativamente menor número de choques y menor energía: 1 frente a 2 choques (p=0,003) y 150 frente a 350J (p=0,017). Solamente un paciente de los 5 en los que falló la posición A-A se revirtió a RS con la posición A-P, mientras que 10 de los 13 pacientes no revertidos con electrodos A-P lo fueron al cambiar a posición A-A (p=0,038). Conclusiones: La posición A-A se muestra más eficaz en la CVE electiva de la FA, y se recomienda como de primera elección (AU)

Aim: To compare the effectiveness of left anteroposterior (A-P) and apex-anterior (A-A) electrode position in the electrical cardioversion (ECV) of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Design: Randomized clinical trial. Location: ICU of a second-level hospital. Patients and methods: Ambulatory AF patients admitted to ICU for ECV with biphasic shocks. Up to a maximum of 3 shocks (150-200-200J) are given in the electrode position determined by random numbers, and if sinus rhythm (SR) is not restored, electrode position is changed and 2 additional 200J shocks are allowed. Both electrode positions are analyzed and compared to determine which one allows restoration of SR with the lowest number of shocks and least energy. Results: Forty-six patients were included in the A-A group, and 45 in the A-P group. Sinus rhythm was restored in 92% of cases, although patients in the A-A group needed a lower number of shocks and less energy: 1 versus 2 shocks (p=0,003) and 150 versus 350J (p=0.017). Only one out of 5 patients in whom the A-A position had failed was reverted to RS with the A-P position, whereas 10 out of 13 patients in which A-P position had failed were reverted in the A-A position (p=0.038). Conclusions: The A-A position is more effective in the elective electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation, so we recommend this position as the first choice (AU)

[Electrode position in elective electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation. A randomized study]. / Estudio aleatorizado sobre la posición de electrodos en la cardioversión eléctrica electiva de la fibrilación auricular.

AIM: To compare the effectiveness of left anteroposterior (A-P) and apex-anterior (A-A) electrode position in the electrical cardioversion (ECV) of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). DESIGN: Randomized clinical trial. LOCATION: ICU of a second-level hospital. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ambulatory AF patients admitted to ICU for ECV with biphasic shocks. Up to a maximum of 3 shocks (150-200-200 J) are given in the electrode position determined by random numbers, and if sinus rhythm (SR) is not restored, electrode position is changed and 2 additional 200 J shocks are allowed. Both electrode positions are analyzed and compared to determine which one allows restoration of SR with the lowest number of shocks and least energy. RESULTS: Forty-six patients were included in the A-A group, and 45 in the A-P group. Sinus rhythm was restored in 92% of cases, although patients in the A-A group needed a lower number of shocks and less energy: 1 versus 2 shocks (p=0,003) and 150 versus 350 J (p=0.017). Only one out of 5 patients in whom the A-A position had failed was reverted to RS with the A-P position, whereas 10 out of 13 patients in which A-P position had failed were reverted in the A-A position (p=0.038). CONCLUSIONS: The A-A position is more effective in the elective electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation, so we recommend this position as the first choice.

[Variations in health-related quality of life in critical patients]. / Variaciones en la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud en los pacientes críticos.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the changes in the health-related quality of life (hRQOL) six months after discharge from the ICU and the conditions associated to them. DESIGN: A prospective cohort study. SETTING: 14 beds medical-surgical intensive care unit (ICU). PATIENTS: A total of 247 patients admitted to our ICU for more than 24 hours with a follow-up of 6 months were study. Those admitted with acute coronary syndrome or for monitoring purposes were excluded. INTERVENTION: A quality of life survey was conducted using the score developed by the PAEEC group (project of the epidemiological analysis of critical illness) to assess hRQOL before ICU admission and 6 months after discharge. RESULTS: The hRQOL deteriorated, going from a median value of 3 to 6 (p < 0.001). The multivariate analysis showed less deterioration of hRQOL in patients with chronic health conditions registered on the APAChE-II score (regression coefficient [RC] = -1.4; 95% CI, -2.5 to -0.2; p < 0.02) and in those with a hRQOL > or = 10 points (RC = -4,4; 95% CI, -5.9 to -2.8; p < 0.001). There was more deterioration in polytraumatized patients (RC = 1.9; 95% CI, 0.6-3.3; p = 0.01) or with renal failure (RC = 3.9; 95% CI, 1.9-5.9; p < 0.001) or in those with a stay duration longer than 10 days (RC = 1.9; 95% CI, 0.6-3.2; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Most patients experience deterioration of hRQOL. Patients with chronic diseases or with worst previous hRQOL who survive 6 months experience less deterioration of hRQOL than those who are polytraumatized or have renal failure or a longer ICU stay.

Variaciones en la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud en los pacientes críticos / Variations in health-related quality of life in critical patients

Objetivo. Analizar las variaciones de la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (CVRS) a los 6 meses del alta de la unidad de medicina intensiva (UMI)y los factores que se asocian a estas variaciones. Diseño. Estudio prospectivo de cohortes. Ámbito. UMI médico-quirúrgica de 14 camas. Pacientes. Fueron 247 pacientes ingresados en UMI más de 24 h, con un seguimiento de 6 meses. Se excluyó a los pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo y los que ingresaban solamente para seguimiento. Intervención. Se realizó una encuesta de CVRS desarrollada por el grupo Proyecto para el Análisis Epidemiológico del Enfermo Crítico sobre su estado previo y a los 6 meses del alta de la UMI. Resultados. La CVRS se deteriora pasando de una mediana de 3 puntos a 6 (p < 0,001). El análisis multivariable muestra menor deterioro en la CVRS en pacientes con antecedentes registrados por el APAChE II (coeficiente de regresión [CR] = -1,4; intervalo de confianza [IC] del 95%, -2,5 a -0,2; p = 0,02) o una CVRS ≥ 10 puntos (CR = -4,4; IC del 95%, -5,9 a -2,8; p < 0,001) y mayor deterioro en pacientes politraumatizados (CR = 1,9; IC del 95%, 0,6-3,3; p < 0,01), con insuficiencia renal (CR = 3,9; IC del 95%, 1,9-5,9; p < 0,001) o estancia en UMI > 10 días (CR = 1,9; IC del 95%, 0,6-3,2; p = 0,004). Conclusiones. La mayoría de los pacientes muestran un deterioro de la CVRS. Los pacientes con enfermedades crónicas o con peor CVRS previa que han sobrevivido a los 6 meses muestran menor deterioro que los politraumatizados o con insuficiencia renal o estancias prolongadas en UMI (AU)

Objective. To determine the changes in the health-related quality of life (hRQOL) six months after discharge from the ICU and the conditions associated to them. Design. A prospective cohort study. Setting. 14 beds medical-surgical intensive care unit (ICU). Patients. A total of 247 patients admitted to our ICU for more than 24 hours with a follow-up of 6 months were study. Those admitted with acute coronary syndrome or for monitoring purposes were excluded. Intervention. A quality of life survey was conducted using the score developed by the PAEEC group (project of the epidemiological analysis of critical illness) to assess hRQOL before ICU admission and 6 months after discharge. Results. The hRQOL deteriorated, going from a median value of 3 to 6 (p < 0.001). The multivariate analysis showed less deterioration of hRQOL in patients with chronic health conditions registered on the APAChE-II score (regression coefficient [RC] = -1.4; 95% CI, -2.5 to -0.2; p < 0.02) and in those with a hRQOL ≥ 10 points (RC = -4,4; 95% CI, -5.9 to -2.8; p < 0.001). There was more deterioration in polytraumatized patients (RC = 1.9; 95% CI, 0.6-3.3; p = 0.01) or with renal failure (RC = 3.9; 95% CI, 1.9-5.9; p < 0.001) or in those with a stay duration longer than 10 days (RC = 1.9; 95% CI, 0.6-3.2; p < 0.001). Conclusions. Most patients experience deterioration of hRQOL. Patients with chronic diseases or with worst previous hRQOL who survive 6 months experience less deterioration of hRQOL than those who are polytraumatized or have renal failure or a longer ICU stay (AU)

[Limitation of therapeutic effort after ICU admission. Analysis of related factors]. / Limitación del esfuerzo terapéutico tras el ingreso en una Unidad de Medicina Intensiva. Análisis de factores asociados.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the limitation of therapeutic effort (LTE) in our Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and the variables associated with that decision. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study with a follow up of one year after discharge. SETTING: ICU of a second level hospital. PATIENTS: Four hundred and nine patients admitted during a two-year period. MAIN VARIABLES: APACHE II, NEMS, SOFA, quality of life (PAEEC) and mortality. RESULTS: LTE was performed in 49 (12%) patients. This decision was made by general agreement among the care team in 88% of cases and with the family in 73.5%. It was made on day 8 (4-20) with a SOFA score of 9 (4-13). Mortality in the LTE group was 69.4% in ICU, 92% in hospital, and 96% at 6 and 12 months. A logistic regression model showed that the variables associated with LTE were the following: NEMS score >or=30.7 (OR 12; 95% CI 3.7-39, p < 0.001), NEMS 26.6-30.6 (OR 8; 95% CI 2.5-25.6, p = 0.001), APACHE II > 30 (OR 7.6; 95% CI 2-29, p = 0.003), quality of life >or= 7 (OR 4.2; 95% CI 1.1-15, p = 0.03), age >or= 80 (OR 3.7, 95% CI 1.4-9.5, p = 0.007) and medical patient condition (OR 3.5; 95% CI 1.5-8, p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: LTE is a common practice and is usually performed among the care team and the patient's surrogates. The main variables associated with LSC are those related to the severity of illness, previous quality of life, medical disease and patient's age.

[Comparison of two electrode positions in electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation]. / Comparación de dos posiciones de electrodos en la cardioversión eléctrica de la fibrilación auricular.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to compare effectiveness of electrical cardioversion (ECV) in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation (AF) according to the electrode positions: anteroapical (A-A) or anteroposterior (A-P). That which restores the sinus rhythm (SR) using the least energy is considered superior. DESIGN: Observational study comparing two consecutive series of patients. SCOPE. Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of second level hospital. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Out-patients in AF referred to the ICU for biphasic ECV. The first series began with position A-A and the second one with A-P, administering up to 3 shocks (150-200-200J), changing to the alternative position if SR was not achieved and administering 2 more shocks of 200J. Age, gender, weight, baseline heart disease, ejection fraction, left atrial size, AF time, baseline vital signs, antiarrhythmic medication, reversion to SR, number of shocks, energy used and side effects were analyzed and compared between both series. RESULTS. A total of 50 patients were treated in each group. The baseline characteristics were similar except for a greater percentage of women in group A-A. The anteroapical electrode position achieved SR with significantly fewer numbers of shocks and less energy, more frequently achieving reversion on the first shock. CONCLUSIONS: We found greater effectiveness in the electrical cardioversion of the AF with the electrodes in the anteroapical position, that we recommend as first choice. If it is not effective, the A-P position should be attempted.

Comparación de dos posiciones de electrodos en la cardioversión eléctrica de la fibrilación auricular / Comparison of two electrode positions in electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation

Objetivo. El objetivo de este estudio es comparar la efectividad de la cardioversión eléctrica (CVE) en pacientes con fibrilación auricular (FA) crónica según la posición de los electrodos: anteroapical (A-A) o anteroposterior (A-P). Se considera superior la que restaura el ritmo sinusal (RS) empleando menor energía. Diseño. Estudio observacional comparando dos series consecutivas de pacientes. Ámbito. Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI) de un hospital de segundo nivel. Pacientes y métodos. Pacientes ambulatorios en FA remitidos a la UCI para CVE bifásica. En la primera serie se comenzaba con la posición A-A, y en la segunda con la A-P, administrándose hasta 3 choques (150-200-200J); de no haberse conseguido RS, se cambiaba a la posición alternativa y se administraban otros 2 choques más de 200J. Se analizaron y compararon entre ambas series la edad, sexo, peso, cardiopatía de base, fracción de eyección, tamaño auricular izquierdo, tiempo en FA, constantes basales, medicación antiarrítmica, reversión a RS, número de choques, energía empleada y efectos secundarios. Resultados. Se trataron 50 pacientes en cada grupo, cuyas características basales eran similares salvo un porcentaje superior de mujeres en el grupo A-A. La posición de electrodos A-A consiguió RS con significativamente menor número de choques y menor energía, lográndose con más frecuencia la reversión al primer choque. Conclusiones. Encontramos mayor efectividad en la CVE de la FA con los electrodos en posición A-A, que recomendamos como primera elección. De no ser eficaz, debe intentarse la posición A-P

Objective. This study aims to compare effectiveness of electrical cardioversion (ECV) in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation (AF) according to the electrode positions: anteroapical (A-A) or anteroposterior (A-P). That which restores the sinus rhythm (SR) using the least energy is considered superior. Design. Observational study comparing two consecutive series of patients. Scope. Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of second level hospital. Patients and methods. Out-patients in AF referred to the ICU for biphasic ECV. The first series began with position A-A and the second one with A-P, administering up to 3 shocks (150-200-200J), changing to the alternative position if SR was not achieved and administering 2 more shocks of 200J. Age, gender, weight, baseline heart disease, ejection fraction, left atrial size, AF time, baseline vital signs, antiarrhythmic medication, reversion to SR, number of shocks, energy used and side effects were analyzed and compared between both series. Results. A total of 50 patients were treated in each group. The baseline characteristics were similar except for a greater percentage of women in group A-A. The anteroapical electrode position achieved SR with significantly fewer numbers of shocks and less energy, more frequently achieving reversion on the first shock. Conclusions. We found greater effectiveness in the electrical cardioversion of the AF with the electrodes in the anteroapical position, that we recommend as first choice. If it is not effective, the A-P position should be attempted

Comparación de onda monofásica y bifásica en la cardioversión eléctrica de la fibrilación auricular / Comparison of monophasic versus biphasic waveform in electrical cardioversion of auricular fibrilation

Objetivo. Comparar la eficacia de los choques bifásicos (CB) frente a los monofásicos (CM) en revertir a ritmo sinusal (RS) pacientes con fibrilación auricular (FA) crónica. Diseño. Estudio observacional comparando dos series consecutivas de pacientes. Ámbito. Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI) de un hospital de segundo nivel. Pacientes y métodos. Pacientes ambulatorios en FA remitidos a la UCI para cardioversión eléctrica (CVE) con CM, la primera serie, y con CB, la segunda. Se analizaron y compararon entre ambas series la edad, sexo, peso, cardiopatía de base, fracción de eyección (FE), tamaño auricular izquierdo (AI), constantes basales, medicación antiarrítmica, reversión a RS, número de choques, máxima energía empleada y efectos secundarios. Resultados. Se trataron 58 pacientes en el grupo CM y 50 en el CB, cuyas características basales eran similares salvo en el tamaño AI (46 ± 5 y 43 ± 4 mm; p = 0,05) y en un mayor porcentaje de mujeres en el grupo CM (38% frente al 10%; p = 0,001). Se encontró diferencia significativa en la reversión a RS (84% y 96%; p = 0,04) y en el empleo de menor energía (200 y 150 J; p < 0,001) a favor del grupo CB. Conclusiones. Encontramos mayor eficacia en recuperación del RS con choques bifásicos, empleando menor energía. Aunque existe diferencia en el tamaño AI y la distribución de sexos entre ambas series, como al menos la cardioversión bifásica no fue menos eficaz, recomendamos su utilización en pacientes con FA

Aim. To compare the effectiveness of biphasic (BS) and monophasic (MS) shocks in reverting chronic auricular fibrillation (AF) patients to sinus rhythm (SR). Design. Observational study comparing two consecutive series of patients. Location. ICU of a second-level hospital. Patients and methods. Ambulatory AF patients sent to ICU for electrical cardioversion (ECV) with BS (first series) and MS (second series). The following were analyzed between the two series: age, sex, weight, basal cardiopathy, ejection fraction, left atrial size, basal constants, antiarrhythmic medication, reversion to SR, number of shocks, maximum utilized energy level and secondary effects. Results. There were treated 58 and 50 patients in groups MS and BS, respectively, and whose basal characteristics were similar except for atrial size (46 ± 5 mm and 43 ± 4 mm; p = 0.05) and the fact that there was a greater percentage of women in group MS (38% as opposed to 10%; p = 0.001). There was a significant difference in reversion to RS (84% and 96%; p = 0.04) and utilization of lower energy levels (200 and 150 J; p < 0.001) in favor of group MB. Conclusions. We found greater effectiveness in recovery to SR with biphasic shocks and while utilizing lower energy levels. Although there did exist some differences in left atrial size and sex distribution between the two series, since the biphasic cardioversion was no less effective it is recommended that it be utilized in patients with AF

Osmotolerance and leavening ability in sweet and frozen sweet dough. Comparative analysis between Torulaspora delbrueckii and Saccharomyces cerevisiae baker's yeast strains.

The response of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and freeze-tolerant Torulaspora delbrueckii strains to osmotic stress and their CO2 production capacity in sweet and frozen-sweet dough has been examined. T. delbrueckii strains, IGC5321 and IGC5323 showed higher leavening ability than Saccharomyces, specially after exposure to hyperosmotic stress of bread dough containing 20% sucrose and 2% salt added. In addition, Torulaspora and especially T. delbrueckii IGC5321 exhibited no loss of CO2 production capacity during freeze-thaw stress. Overall, these results appeared to indicate that Torulaspora cells are more tolerant than Saccharomyces to osmotic stress of bread dough. This trait correlated with a low invertase activity, a slow rate of trehalose mobilisation and the ability to respond rapidly to osmotic stress. Growth behaviour on high osmotic synthetic media was also examined. Cells of the IGC5321 strain showed intrinsic osmotolerance and ion toxicity resistance. However, T. delbrueckii IGC5323 exhibited a clear phenotype of osmosensitivity. Hence, this characteristic may not be essential or the only determinant for leavening ability in salted high-sugar dough.

Synchronous-derivative phosphorimetric determination of 1- and 2-naphthol in irrigation water by employing beta-cyclodextrin.

A room-temperature phosphorimetric (RTP) study of the inclusion process between 1- and 2-naphthol, beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) and 3-bromo-1-propanol as heavy atom pertuber has been performed. Experimental conditions were optimized for the formation of trimolecular complexes with lifetimes of 10.82 and 9.41 ms for 1- and 2-naphthol, respectively. A synchronous-derivative room-temperature phosphorimetric method has been proposed to the analysis of both naphthols in synthetic mixtures and irrigation water in the ratio 1:10 to 10:1; the limit of detection is 0.02 mug ml(-1) and the relative standard deviation (RSD) is about 6%.

[Smoking among nursing students in Catalonia: knowledge, attitudes and practice]. / Tabaquismo en los estudiantes de enfermería de Cataluña: hábito, actitudes y conocimientos.

OBJECTIVE: Determine the prevalence and characteristics of tobaccoism, as well as some attitudes and their knowledge about tobaccoism in nursing university students in Catalonia. METHODS: A descriptive study with transversal section has been done. A self-filling anonymous questionnaire was designed following the guidelines of the European Regional Office of the W.H.O. We selected a sample of conglomerates of classrooms at random which was stratified according to levels in all the university schools in Catalonia. The field work was performed during the first term of the academic year 1994-1995 handing the questionnaires individually to the students and collecting them once filled. In the data analysis we used the ji squared test to Pearson with the Yates' correction and the lineal tendency test of Mantel-Haenszel. RESULTS: 904 students answered the questionnaire. The global prevalence of smokers is 38.7% (IC 95%: 35.8-41.6). There were no significant differences when considering levels or sex. The prevalence of tobaccoism in students over 24 years of age is 13% higher (p < 0.01) than in the group between 18 and 24 years of age. The group of daily smokers consumes an average of 12 cigarettes per day (DE: 5.9 cig/day). Significant differences were observed between smokers and nonsmokers in all the attitude variables analysed towards tobaccoism. 32% of third year students consider their knowledge is not enough in order to give advice against tobacco. CONCLUSIONS: A prevalence higher than 30% of the established objective in the Health Plan in Catalonia has been observed for the nursing professionals in the year 2000.