Endoscopic treatment of postoperative esophagogastric leaks with fully covered self-expanding metal stents

BACKGROUND: the management of postoperative esophageal leaks is a huge therapeutic challenge. Thanks to the advances in endoscopy, treatment with esophageal stents has been proposed as a valid option. AIMS: the main objective of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the use of fully covered esophageal metal stents in the treatment of postoperative esophageal leaks. METHODS: a retrospective observational study was performed in patients with postoperative esophageal leaks, treated with fully covered self-expandable metal stents between June 2011 and May 2018. RESULTS: twenty-five patients were evaluated and 34 stents were placed. The closure of the leak was observed in 21 patients after removal of the stent, with an overall technical success rate of 84 %. The mean time with a stent placed for closure of the fistula was 55.7 ± 27.11 days/patient (mean of 39 ± 24.30 days/stent). The most frequent complication was a partial distal stent migration (7/34 stents), followed by five cases of complete migration into the stomach. CONCLUSIONS: endoscopic treatment with fully covered selfexpandable metal stents seems to be an effective and safe first-line treatment for postoperative esophageal leaks, according to the experience in our center

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Assessing tumor response to neoadjuvant chemoradiation in rectal cancer with rectoscopy and 18F-FDG PET/CT: results from a prospective series.

INTRODUCTION: rectoscopy and 18F-FDG PET/CT as a diagnostic algorithm for the assessment of tumor response in rectal cancer after neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy (CRT) is very useful. MATERIAL AND METHODS: this was a prospective longitudinal study in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer treated with neoadjuvant CRT. Patients were assessed after CRT completion with a digital rectal examination, proctoscopy and 18F-FDG PET/CT. Patients were subdivided as clinical (cCR) or radiologic (rCR) responders and non-responders according to tumor response. Clinical and radiological re-assessment was compared with the surgical specimen. Pathological tumor regression (pCR) grade was determined according to Mandard's classification. Of the 68 patients included, 15 (22 %) presented pCR in the surgical specimen and tumor persistence (non-PCR) was detected in the remaining 53 (78 %). Clinical assessment (DRE+ rectoscopy) identified 15 patients as cCR and 53 as non-cCR, two were false positives and two were false negatives. The overall accuracy was 94 %. 18F-FDG PET/CT identified 18 patients as rCR and 50 as non-rCR, one was a false positive and four were false negatives. The overall accuracy was 92 %. A combination of clinical findings and 18F-FDG PET/CT resulted in an accuracy of 96 %. The combination of clinical findings + 18F-FDG PET/CT was able to correctly identify all cases of pCR, with the exception of one case that presented a tumor regression of 80 %. In this series, 18F-PET-CT and clinical assessment had excellent accuracies in differentiating PCR from non-PCR after CRT completion. PET-CT combined with clinical assessment had a better accuracy than both modalities independently. 18F-FDG PET/CT is a valid tool that complements the clinical assessment of tumor response.

Endoscopic treatment of postoperative esophagogastric leaks with fully covered self-expanding metal stents.

BACKGROUND: the management of postoperative esophageal leaks is a huge therapeutic challenge. Thanks to the advances in endoscopy, treatment with esophageal stents has been proposed as a valid option. AIMS: the main objective of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the use of fully covered esophageal metal stents in the treatment of postoperative esophageal leaks. METHODS: a retrospective observational study was performed in patients with postoperative esophageal leaks, treated with fully covered self-expandable metal stents between June 2011 and May 2018. RESULTS: twenty-five patients were evaluated and 34 stents were placed. The closure of the leak was observed in 21 patients after removal of the stent, with an overall technical success rate of 84 %. The mean time with a stent placed for closure of the fistula was 55.7 ± 27.11 days/patient (mean of 39 ± 24.30 days/stent). The most frequent complication was a partial distal stent migration (7/34 stents), followed by five cases of complete migration into the stomach. CONCLUSIONS: endoscopic treatment with fully covered self-expandable metal stents seems to be an effective and safe first-line treatment for postoperative esophageal leaks, according to the experience in our center.

Severe COVID-19 after liver transplantation, surviving the pitfalls of learning on-the-go: Three case reports.

BACKGROUND: The novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has dramatically transformed the care of the liver transplant patient. In patients who are immunosuppressed and with multiple comorbidities, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has been associated with increased severity and mortality. The main objective of this report is to communicate our experience in the therapeutic management of SARS-CoV-2 infection in 3 liver transplant patients. Secondly, we stress the management and investigation of the contagious spreading into a liver transplant ward. CASE SUMMARY: The patients were two women (aged 61 years and 62 years) and one man (aged 68 years), all of them having recently received a liver transplant. All three patients required intensive care unit admission and invasive mechanical ventilation. Two of them progressed severely until death. The other one, who received tocilizumab, had a good recovery. In the outbreak, the wife of one of the patients and four healthcare professionals involved in their care were also infected. CONCLUSION: We illustrate in detail the evolution of a nosocomial COVID-19 outbreak in a liver transplant ward. We believe that these findings will contribute to a better understanding of the natural history of the disease and will improve the treatment of the liver transplant patient with COVID-19.

Differences in Attitude Toward Organ Donation in the Three Main Cities of Cuba.

BACKGROUND: Cuba is one of the Latin American countries with the highest rates of organ donation. Social and cultural differences among the population throughout the country may also affect attitudes toward donation. Knowledge of these characteristics would facilitate awareness of the population most reluctant to donate and transplant. OBJECTIVE: We sought to analyze the differences in attitudes toward organ donation among Cubans living in the main capitals of Cuba. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Study population. The study group was the Cuban population living in the cities of Cienfuegos (n=636), Havana (n=920), and Santiago de Cuba (n=455), extracted from the database of the International Collaborative Donor Project. Sample of the population. Participants were older than 15 years, and data were stratified by geographic area, age, and sex. Assessment instrument. We used a validated questionnaire of attitude toward organ donation for transplant (PCID-DTO-Ríos), anonymously filled in and self-administered. STATISTICS: Student t test was applied together with the χ2 test, complemented by an analysis of the remainders. RESULTS: The favorable attitude among inhabitants in Cienfuegos was 71.2% (n=453), 68.3% (n=628) among those in Havana, and 69.5% (n=316) among those in Santiago de Cuba (P < .05). The psycho-social profile of respondents favoring organ donation was similar in the 3 cities. CONCLUSIONS: The attitude toward organ donation among the population of the main cities of Cuba was favorable and similar in all of them. The psycho-social profile toward organ donation was similar in the 3 cities.

¿Qué factores clínicos e histológicos deberían aconsejar que se complete la tiroidectomía en pacientes con microcarcinoma papilar de tiroides tratados inicialmente con una lobectomía? / What clinical and histological factors should advise the completion of thyroidectomy in patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma initially treated with a lobectomy?

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Diagnóstico incidental versus clínico del microcarcinoma papilar de tiroides. Pronóstico a largo plazo / Incidental versus clinical diagnosis of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma. Long-term prognosis

INTRODUCCIÓN: La incidencia del microcarcinoma papilar de tiroides (MCPT) está aumentando en los últimos años, especialmente en pacientes intervenidos por enfermedad tiroidea presumiblemente benigna. El objetivo de este estudio es analizar las diferencias entre el MCPT de diagnóstico incidental y de diagnóstico clínico preoperatorio, así como su pronóstico a largo plazo. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: La población a estudio la constituyen los pacientes con diagnóstico histológico de MCPT. Se excluyeron los pacientes con cirugía tiroidea previa, con otras enfermedades tiroideas o extratiroideas malignas sincrónicas y localización ectópica del MCPT. Se compararon 2 grupos: pacientes con diagnóstico incidental (grupo 1) y con diagnóstico clínico (grupo 2). Se realizó un análisis multivariante de los factores diferenciadores. RESULTADOS: El MCPT de diagnóstico clínico presentó mayor frecuencia de hipotiroidismo (4,6% vs.18,9%; p = 0,004), invasión extracapsular (5,7% vs.17,6%; p = 0,018), adenopatías metastásicas (1,1% vs.18,9%; p < 0,001) y tiroiditis linfocitaria (5,7% vs.27%; p < 0,001). En el análisis multivariante la presencia de adenopatías metastásicas (OR: 22,011; IC 95%: 2,621-184,829; p = 0,004) y la tiroiditis linfocitaria (OR: 4,949; IC 95%: 1,602-15,288; p = 0,005) se asociaron con el diagnóstico clínico del MCPT. Durante un seguimiento medio de 119,8 ± 65,1 meses se detectó una recidiva en el grupo 2 (0 vs.1,4%; p = 0,460). Ningún paciente falleció debido a la enfermedad. CONCLUSIONES: El MCPT de diagnóstico clínico, aunque presenta características histopatológicas más agresivas (invasión extracapsular y de adenopatías metastásicas), su pronóstico a largo plazo es similar al MCPT incidental. La presencia de adenopatías metastásicas y tiroiditis linfocitaria fueron factores independientes asociados al MCPT de diagnóstico clínico

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) has increased in recent years, especially in patients operated on for presumably benign thyroid disease. The aim of this study was to analyze the differences between PTMC incidentally diagnosed and PTMC clinically diagnosed, as well as its long-term prognosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study population consisted of patients with a histological diagnosis of PTMC. Patients with previous thyroid surgery, other synchronous thyroid or extrathyroid malignancies and an ectopic location of PTMC were excluded. Two groups were compared: patients with PTMC incidentally diagnosed (group 1) and patients with PTMC clinically diagnosed (group 2). A multivariate analysis of differentiating factors was performed. RESULTS: PTMC clinically diagnosed had a high frequency of hypothyroidism (4.6% vs.18.9%; P = .004), extrathyroidal extension (5.7% vs.17.6%; P = .018), metastatic lymph nodes (1.1% vs.18.9%; P < .001) and lymphocytic thyroiditis (5.7% vs.27%; P < .001). In the multivariate analysis, metastatic lymph nodes (OR: 22.011, IC 95%: 2.621-184.829; P = .004) and lymphocytic thyroiditis (OR: 4.949; IC 95%: 1.602-15.288; P = .005) were associated with the clinical diagnosis of PTMC. During a mean follow-up of 119.8 ± 65.1 months, one recurrence was detected in group 2 (0% vs.1,4%; P = .460). No patient died due to the disease. CONCLUSIONS: PTMC clinically diagnosed, although it has more aggressive histopathological characteristics (extrathyroidal extension and metastatic lymph nodes), presents a long-term prognosis similar to the PTMC incidentally diagnosed. The presence of metastatic lymph nodes and lymphocytic thyroiditis were independent factors associated with PTMC clinically diagnosed

Resilience Related to Quality of Life Perceived in Elderly Patients With Orthotopic Liver Transplant for More Than 10 Years.

INTRODUCTION: Resilience is the ability to recover or adequately face adverse situations. It acts as a protective factor against negative events and/or complex stages of life, such as a chronic and complex disease requiring liver transplant. Age can also have an effect on a patient's ability to deal with liver transplant, resilience here being a predictor of well-being. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the level of resilience and its relationship with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients over 60 years of age who underwent an orthotopic liver transplant (OLT) more than 10 years ago. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study at the Hospital Clínico Virgen Arrixaca. INSTRUMENT: 1. To analyze resilience we used the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC 17) which measures 3 dimensions (tenacity/self-efficacy, personal control, and social competence). 2. To evaluate HRQoL, we used the Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire which covers 8 dimensions and produces 2 summary scores. Variables included age, sex, and post-OLT survival. Non-parametric statistical analysis was performed (P < .05). RESULTS: We analyzed 47 patients, 68% men (n = 32). The average age was 70.85 ± 0.98 years and average post-OLT survival was 15.79 ± 0.78 years. In terms of resilience, men had higher scores in tenacity/self-efficacy (90.82 ± 2.71 vs 84.79 ± 3.49; P = .029) and personal control (82.5 ± 3.79 vs 69.33 ± 5.23; P = .023). The longer the post-OLT period, the less personal control (R = -0.298; P = .042). Regarding HRQoL, the dimension of personal control is positively related: physical function (R = 0.388; P = .007); general health (R = 0.429; P = .003); vitality (R = 0.560; P = .000); social function (R = 0.402; P = .005); mental health (R = 0.311; P = .034); and physical summary (R = 0.381; P = .008). Like social competence, it is related to mental health (R = 0.360; P = .013) and mental summary (R = 0.384; P = .008). CONCLUSION: These patients showed adequate levels of resilience. A greater resilience is related to greater general health, vitality, social functioning, and mental health.

Exploring Health Science Students' Notions on Organ Donation and Transplantation: A Multicenter Study.

The knowledge acquired during university education about organ donation and transplantation (ODT) decisively influences the information future health professionals transmit. This is important in ODT where the participation of the general public is essential to obtain organs. OBJECTIVE: To determine notions of Spanish medicine and nursing students on ODT and its relationship with attitude toward ODT. METHODS AND DESIGN: and design. We conducted a sociologic, multicenter, and observational study. The population for our study consisted of medical and nursing students in Spanish universities. Our database was the Collaborative International Donor Project, stratified by geographic area and academic course. A validated questionnaire (PCID-DTO-RIOS) was self-administered and completed anonymously. Our sample consisted of 9598 medical and 10,566 nursing students (99% confidence interval; precision of ±1%), stratified by geographic area and year of study. RESULTS: The completion rate for our study was 90%. Only 20% (n=3640) of students thought their notions on ODT were good; 41% (n=7531) thought their notions were normal; 36% (n=6550) thought their notions were scarce. Comparing groups, there were differences between those who believed that their notions on ODT were good (44% nursing vs 56% medical students; P < .000), and those who believed it scarce (54% nursing vs 46% medical students; P < .000). Notions on ODT were related with attitude toward the donation of one's own organs: those who considered their notions were good were more in favor then those who considered it scarce (88% vs 72%; P < .000). CONCLUSION: Only 20% of Spanish medical and nursing students thought their notions on ODT were good. Having good knowledge is related to a favorable attitude towards ODT. Receiving specific information on the subject could improve their knowledge about ODT during their training.

Factores de riesgo de metástasis ganglionares en el microcarcinoma papilar de tiroides / Risk Factors of Metastatic Lymph Nodes in Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma

INTRODUCCIÓN: El microcarcinoma papilar de tiroides (MCPT) suele tener un curso indolente, pero algunos presentan factores de peor pronóstico, como la presencia de adenopatías metastásicas centrales (6,9-51,5%) y laterales (3-49,6%). El objetivo de este estudio es analizar los factores asociados al MCPT con adenopatías metastásicas y su pronóstico a largo plazo. MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo cuya población a estudio la constituyen los pacientes con MCPT (tamaño ≤ 1 cm). Se excluyen los pacientes con cirugía tiroidea previa, otras patologías malignas sincrónicas, y localización ectópica del MCPT. Se comparan dos grupos: MCPT sin adenopatías metastásicas (grupo 1) y MCPT con adenopatías metastásicas (grupo 2). Se realizan un análisis multivariante mediante una regresión logística y un análisis de la supervivencia mediante el método de Kaplan-Meier y el test log-rank. RESULTADOS: De los 161 pacientes seleccionados, el 9,3% (n = 15) tuvo adenopatías metastásicas. La multifocalidad (OR 5,284, IC 95% 1,056-26,443; p = 0,043) y la invasión extracapsular (OR 7,687, IC 95% 1,405-42,050; p = 0,019) se asociaron con la presencia de adenopatías metastásicas. En el MCPT con adenopatías metastásicas, se realizaron tratamientos más agresivos: linfadenectomía cervical (4,8% vs. 100%; p < 0,001) y radioyodo (24,7% vs. 100%; p < 0,001). Durante un seguimiento medio de 119,8±65 meses se detectó una recidiva en el grupo 2 (0% vs. 6,7%; p = 0,093). Ningún paciente falleció debido a la enfermedad. CONCLUSIONES: La multifocalidad y la invasión extracapsular del MCPT se asocian con la presencia de adenopatías metastásicas. El MCPT metastásico, con tratamientos más agresivos, presenta un excelente pronóstico a largo plazo

INTRODUCTION: Papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) usually has an indolent course, but some have worse prognostic factors, such as the presence of central (6.9%-51.5%) and lateral (3%-49.6%) lymph node metastases. The aim of this study is to analyze the factors associated with PTMC with metastatic lymph nodes and its long-term prognosis. METHODS: Retrospective study whose study population consists of patients with PTMC (size ≤ 1 cm). Patients with previous thyroid surgery, other synchronous malignancies and ectopic location of the PTMC were excluded. Two groups were compared: PTMC without metastatic lymph nodes (group 1) and PTMC with metastatic lymph nodes (group 2). A multivariate analysis using a logistic regression model and a Kaplan-Meier survival analysis with log-rank test were performed. RESULTS: Out of the 161 selected patients, 9.3% (n = 15) had metastatic lymph nodes. Multifocality (OR 5.284, 95%CI 1.056-26.443; P = .043) and extrathyroidal extension (OR 7.687, 95% CI 1.405-42.050; P = .019) were associated with the presence of metastatic lymph nodes. In PTMC with metastatic lymph nodes, more aggressive treatments were performed: lymphadenectomy (4.8% vs. 100%; P < .001) and radioactive iodine (24.7% vs. 100%; P < .001). During a mean follow-up of 119.8±65 months, one recurrence was detected in group 2 (0% vs. 6.7%; P = .093). No patients died due to the disease. CONCLUSIONS: Multifocality and extrathyroidal extension of PTMC were associated with the presence of metastatic lymph nodes. Metastatic PTMC, with more aggressive treatments, presents an excellent long-term prognosis

Impact of Catholicism on the Attitude Toward the Donation of Organs Among African Residents in Spain.

INTRODUCTION: The African population is one of the largest immigrant groups in Europe. Religious beliefs are deeply rooted in most African societies and condition their attitude toward organ donation. OBJECTIVE: We sought to analyze the influence of Catholicism in the attitude toward organ donation among Africans residing in Spain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Study participants were born in Africa and were residents in Spain. Data were obtained from the database of the International Donor Collaborative Project, which includes a sample of the population for 15 years, stratified by those who were born in Africa, as well as age and sex. The instrument used was a validated attitude questionnaire toward living kidney donation (PCID-DTO-Ríos). RESULTS: Of the population under study, 13% are Catholics (n = 475) and 80% (n = 2896) are Muslims. The favorable attitude toward the donation of cadaver organs is 53.7% (n = 255) among Catholics compared with 25.6% (n = 742) among Muslims (P < .001). On the contrary, 17.7% of Catholics have an unfavorable opinion (n = 84), while 45.5% (n = 1280) of Muslims have an unfavorable opinion; 28.6% of Catholics and 29.2% of Muslims are undecided. In addition, among Catholics who believe that their doctrine accepts organ donation and transplantation, 70.6% (n = 132) are in favor of donating a corpse compared to those who believe that Catholic doctrine is against (P < .001 ), with only 35% (n = 7) in favor of the donation. CONCLUSIONS: Africans who have converted to Catholicism have a more favorable attitude toward donating their own organs than those who continue in Islam.

Analysis of the Socio-Personal Profile of Latin Americans Living in Spain and the United States: Does It Justify the Differences in Attitude Toward Organ Donation?

INTRODUCTION: There are differences in the attitude toward organ donation between Latin Americans living in Spain and those living in the United States. OBJECTIVE: We sought to analyze the socio-personal factors that can condition the difference in attitude toward donation between Latin Americans living in the United States and those living in Spain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Participants in the study were Latin Americans living in Spain (group A; n=1237) and the United States (Florida) (group B; n=1450), extracted from the database of the International Collaborative Donor Project (PCID). Inclusion criteria were a sample population stratified by area, country of birth, age, and sex. The instrument used was a validated attitude questionnaire toward living kidney donation (PCID-DTO-Rios.) Participants were randomly selected to be surveyed according to stratification. RESULTS: The attitude in favor of Latin Americans residing in Spain (group A) was 60% (n=745) vs 33% (n=485) of residents in the United States (group B) (P < .001). The socio-personal profile of the Latin Americans in Spain compared with those in the United States indicates that they are mainly women (63.5% vs 43.7%, respectively), younger (31.78 vs 37.31 years, respectively), have more secondary education (21.2% vs 16.3%, respectively) and university studies (11% vs 6%, respectively), are of South American origin vs those who are Mexican and Central American, respectively, and there is a higher percentage of atheists/agnostics (8.1% vs 3.7%). However, the personal profile toward donation is similar in both groups, both for and against organ donation. CONCLUSIONS: The personal social profile of the Latin American resident in Spain is different from that of the resident in the United States. However, the psycho-social profile for and against organ donation is similar in both countries.

Ecuadorian Population Residing in Spain and Their Knowledge of Brain Death Concept.

BACKGROUND: The Ecuadorian population forms the largest Latin American immigrant group in Spain. However, their knowledge about the brain death (BD) concept and the relationship with the attitude toward organ donation has been little analyzed. The objective of the study is to analyze the knowledge of the BD concept among the Ecuadorian population resident in Spain. METHODS: The population under study was the population born in Ecuador and resident in Spain. Inclusion criterion was age older than 15 years stratified by age and sex. The assessment instrument was PCID-DTO-Ríos, a validated questionnaire of attitude toward donation and organ transplantation. Field work involved random selection of respondents based on stratification. The support of immigration support associations was required to obtain sample locations. The completion was anonymous and self-administered. RESULTS: Of the 461 respondents, 22% (n =102) know the BD concept and accept it as the death of the person; 61% (n = 283) do not know it; and for 17% (n = 76) it does not mean the death of the person. The variables related to the correct knowledge of BD are age (P = .007) and marital status (P = .028), with age persisting in the multivariate study (odds ratio, 1.036; P = .008). There is no objective relationship with the attitude toward organ donation. Thus, 60% of those who know the concept are in favor of donating (n = 61), and 59% of those who do not know it are in favor (n = 210; P = .813). CONCLUSIONS: The BD concept is little known among Ecuadorians residing in Spain, and it is not associated with the attitude toward donation.

Knowledge of the Brain Death Concept Among the Puerto Rican Population Residing in Florida.

INTRODUCTION: Puerto Rican and Cuban populations constitute the largest immigrant groups in Florida. This leads to an increase in their involvement in the organ donation and transplantation process (ODT); however, there is very little understanding about their attitude toward and knowledge of related key aspects such as brain death (BD). OBJECTIVE: Analyze knowledge of the BD concept among the Puerto Rican population residing in Florida. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The population under study is born in Puerto Rico and residing in Florida. Inclusion criteria was the population over 15 years stratified by age and sex. The assessment instrument was a validated questionnaire of attitude toward donation and organ transplantation "PCID-DTO-Ríos." A random selection of people was surveyed according to stratification. Support from immigration assistance associations in Florida was needed to locate potential respondents. Survey completion was anonymous and self-administered. RESULTS: Of the 259 respondents, 35% (n = 90) know the BD concept and consider it the death of an individual, 44% (n = 113) do not know it, and 21% (n = 56) do not consider them death. Variables significantly related to the correct knowledge of BD are as follows: sex (P = .012); marital status (P = .043); and couple's opinion (P = .001) and religion (P < .001). In the multivariate analysis, the variables that persist as significant are being married (odds ratio [OR] = 5.231; P = .002); to know the organ donation and transplantation couple attitude as favorable (OR = 4.819; P = .001) and not being Catholic (OR = 4.090; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Only one third of the Puerto Rican population residing in Florida knows the concept of BD and accepts it as the death of a person.

Organ Donation Related With Attitude Toward the Law of Presumed Consent: Spanish University Medical and Nursing Students Study.

INTRODUCTION: Information provided by health care professionals is crucial to create a climate of social opinion. This is important in organ donation and transplantation (ODT), where the participation of the general public is essential to obtain organs. OBJECTIVE: To determine the attitude toward the Law of Presumed Consent (LPC) among Spanish university students and to analyze their relation with attitude toward ODT. METHODS: and design. The type of study was a sociologic, multicenter, observational study. The population included medical and nursing students in Spanish universities. Database of Collaborative International Donor Project was used stratified by geographic area and academic course. A validated questionnaire (Collaborative International Donor Project, organ donation and transplantation questionnaire in Spanish [PCID-DTO-RIOS]) was self-administered and completed anonymously. A sample of 9598 medical and 10,566 nursing students was analyzed (99% confidence and precision of ±1%) and stratified by geographic area and year of study. RESULTS: Completion rate was 90%. Regarding attitude toward LPC, 66% of the students were against the law, whereas 34% accepted it. Of the students surveyed, 9% considered the law as a gesture of solidarity, 25% as an effective way of not wasting organs, 48% as an abuse of power, and 18% as offenses against the family. Those students who were in favor of LPC also had a more favorable attitude toward ODT (86% vs 76%; P < .001). Comparing groups, nursing students were less in favor of LPC than medical students (32% vs 36%; P < .000). CONCLUSION: Sixty-six percent of Spanish university medical and nursing students were against the LPC. The favorable attitude toward ODT is associated with considering the law as a gesture of solidarity or as an effective way of not wasting organs.

Are Ghanaians Residing in Spain Aware of the Donation of Living Related Kidney?

INTRODUCTION: The population of Ghana has an emerging migratory flow to Europe and especially to Spain. Therefore, there is an increase in waiting lists in kidney transplantation. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the attitude toward related living kidney donation (LKD) among the population born in Ghana and residing in Spain. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Population under study. Population born in Ghana and resident in Spain. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Sample of population over 15 years stratified by age and sex, according to census data and immigrant assistance associations. INSTRUMENT: Validated attitude questionnaire toward LKD "PCID-DVR-Ríos." Field work. Random selection of people to be surveyed according to stratification. RESULTS: A total of 237 respondents have been included in the study. 72% are in favor of LKD, not just related. The remaining 28% do not accept the related living donation or have doubts about it. Respondents in favor of the related LKD have a more positive attitude toward ODT (P < .001). The attitude toward related LKD is linked to socio-personal factors, knowledge factors about the donation and organ transplantation process, social interaction factors, attitude factors toward the body, religious factors, and the risk assessment that comes with a living donation (P < .05). In the multivariate analysis persists: the attitude toward the cadaveric OTD (odds ratio [OR] = 6.993), perform pro-social activities (OR = 14.084), fear of body mutilation (OR = 20.408) and renal risk (OR = 29.411). CONCLUSIONS: The Ghanaian population immigrating to Spain has an unfavorable attitude toward related LKD compared with existing studies of Western European and Spanish populations, which is conditioned by multiple psychosocial factors.

Predisposition Toward Living Liver Donation Is Low Among Relatives of Patients on the Waiting List for Transplantation in Spain.

INTRODUCTION: The attitude toward living liver donation (LLD) among the Spanish population is mostly positive; however, the reality is that liver transplants from live donations are currently minimal. Given this situation, studies that analyze these discrepancies should be carried out. OBJECTIVE: Analyze the attitude toward LLD among family members of patients on the waiting list for liver transplantation. METHOD: Population under study. First-degree relatives of the patients included in the waiting list for liver transplantation. INCLUSION CRITERIA: 1. Have the patient's authorization for family members to participate; 2. Accept, the relative, to participate in this investigation; and 3. Be over 18 years old. Opinion survey. The attitude toward LLD is assessed through a questionnaire on psychosocial aspects. RESULTS: Patients who accepted family members' participation in the study were 21 of 112, of which 9 placed restrictions on family access, and 12 authorized family members without restrictions. The participants were 1. children: 52.2% (n = 24); 2. brothers: 30.5% (n = 14); and 3. partners: 17.3% (n = 14). Finally, the authorized relatives and participants in the study were 45. Of these, only 44% (n = 20) would accept to be donors. CONCLUSIONS: The access to the LLD of the relatives starts from the restriction and initial rejection of the patients themselves on the waiting list. The promotion of LDD is to initially sensitize patients.

Population of Senegal Residents in Spain: Acceptance of Organ Xenotransplantation.

INTRODUCTION: Spain is a great receptor of immigration from sub-Saharan people like the Senegalese. This population is not very familiar with the process of organ donation and transplantation, and even less toward new therapies related to transplantation, such as xenotransplantation (XenoTx). OBJECTIVE: Analyze the attitude toward XenoTx among the Senegalese population living in Spain. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Population under study. Population born in Senegal and resident in Spain. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Sample of population over 15 years stratified by age and sex, according to census data and immigrant assistance associations. INSTRUMENT: Validated questionnaire of attitude toward donation and organ transplantation "PCID-XenoTx-Ríos." Field work. Random selection of respondents based on stratification. The support of immigration support associations was required to obtain sample locations. The completion was anonymous and self-administered. RESULTS: A sample of 468 Senegalese was obtained. Twenty percent (n = 92) would accept a solid organ xenotransplant if the results were similar to human organs, 40% (n = 188) have doubts, and 40% (n = 188) would not accept it. If the results were worse than with human organs, only 8% would accept it (n = 38). Respondents with a favorable attitude toward XenoTx presented a more favorable attitude toward cadaveric donation (70.5% vs 31.3%; P < .001). The attitude toward acceptance of XenoTx is related to socio-personal factors (P < .05), knowledge about the process of organ donation and transplantation (P < .05), social interaction factors (P < .001), and religious factors (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Senegalese residing in Spain do not have a favorable attitude toward XenoTx. A direct relationship between the attitude toward XenoTx and organ donation is observed.

Does Knowledge of the Concept of Brain Death Affect the Attitude Toward Donation of Algerians Residing in Spain?

INTRODUCTION: Algeria is an important source of immigrants to Europe. A population with a low culture of donation and transplantation and little knowledge of related concepts such as brain death (BD). OBJECTIVE: Analyze the knowledge and acceptance of the BD concept of the population born in Algeria and residing in Spain. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Population under study. Population born in Algeria and resident in Spain. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Sample of population over 15 years stratified by age and sex. INSTRUMENT: Attitude validated questionnaire for organ donation for transplant PCID-DTO-Ríos. Field work. Random selection of people to be surveyed according to stratification. RESULTS: A total of 441 respondents have been included in the study; of these, 27.2% know the concept of BD and accept it as a person's death. Of the rest, 18% do not know or have doubts about the concept, and 54% have a misconception or do not accept it as the death of a person. Those who know the concept of BD have a more favorable attitude toward donation (P = .001). When making the correlation to see which psychosocial factors are related to the knowledge of the concept of brain death, it is obtained that those respondents who have spoken with family about organ transplantation have a better knowledge of it (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The Algerian population immigrating to Spain has little knowledge of the BD concept, which has a direct relationship to their attitude toward organ donation. The family-level approach to the donation and transplant process sensitizes and improves the knowledge of this concept.

Confident Perception of Primary Care Physicians Correlates to the Attitude Toward Donation and Organ Transplantation: A Multicenter Study of Medical And Nursing Spanish Students.

A primary care physician (PCP) not only accompanies the patient in the process of an illness, but throughout his or her life. The confidence we have in these health professionals is fundamental, and their favorable attitude toward organ donation and transplantation (ODT) has a significant influence on the population. OBJECTIVE: To analyze trust in PCPs among Spanish medical and nursing students, the relationship with their attitude toward ODT, and the factors that condition it. METHODS AND DESIGN: A sociologic, multicenter, and observational study. POPULATION: medical and nursing students in Spanish universities. DATABASE: Collaborative International Donor Project, stratified by geographic area and academic course. A validated questionnaire (PCID-DTO-RIOS) was self-administered and completed anonymously. A sample of 9598 medical and 10,566 nursing students (99% confidence and precision of ±1%), stratified by geographic area and year of study. RESULTS: Completion rate: 90%. With respect to students' trust in their physician, 18% (n = 3267) of them totally trust (completely), 45% (n = 8101) trust enough, 30% (n = 5478) of them have not enough trust, and 7% not at all. Comparing groups, medical students totally trust more in PCPs than nursing students (55% vs 45%; P < .000), however, nursing students have less than enough trust in their PCP than medical students (53% vs 47%; P < .000). Students that totally trust in their PCP were more in favor toward ODT than students with not enough trust (83% vs 77%; P < .000). CONCLUSION: Only 18% of Spanish medical and nursing students totally trust in their PCP. Attitude toward ODT is related to a higher level of trust in PCPs among these students.