Posthemithyroidectomy hypothyroidism. Prevalence and predictive markers. Comparison between patients with euthyroid and hyperthyroid nodular goitre.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Posthemithyroidectomy hypothyroidism (PHH) is a relatively common complication (22%-30%) for which we have no published information from our country. The objective of the study is to determine the prevalence of PHH and evaluate its predictive markers by comparing patients who had euthyroidism with those who had hyperthyroidism before hemithyroidectomy. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Retrospective observational cross-sectional study on 106 patients, 88 euthyroid before hemithyroidectomy and 18 hyperthyroid. RESULTS: Prevalence of PHH in euthyroid patients 42% (89.2% subclinical hypothyroidism; 10.8% manifest hypothyroidism) and in hyperthyroid patients 50% (77.8% subclinical hypothyroidism; 22.2% manifest hypothyroidism). Predictive markers in euthyroid patients: preoperative thyrotropin ≥ 2.2 mIU/L (OR: 4.278, 95% CI: 1.689-10.833; sensitivity: 54.1%, 95% CI: 38%-70.1%; specificity: 78.4%, 95% CI: 67.1%-89.7%), age ≥50 years (OR: 3.509, 95% CI: 1.438-8.563; sensitivity: 64.9%, 95% CI: 49.5%-80.3%; specificity: 64.7%, 95% CI: 51.6%-77.8%) and percentage of remainder lobe ≤ 19.6% (OR: 1.024, 95%: 1.002-1.046; sensitivity: 70.2%, 95% CI: 55.5%-84.9%; specificity: 48.6%, 95% CI: 34.9%-62.3%). Predictive marker in hyperthyroid patients: weight >70 kg (OR: 28, 95% CI: 2.067-379.247; sensitivity: 88.9%, 95% CI: 68.4%-100%; specificity: 88.9%, 95% CI: 68.4%-100%). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study in our country that demonstrates a prevalence of PHH above the average in euthyroid patients, which is slightly higher and more intense in hyperthyroid patients, and that recognizes the classic predictive markers in euthyroid patients but highlights a novel predictive marker marker in hyperthyroid patients, useful to assess a different risk of PHH when indicating hemithyroidectomy and to establish closer control of postoperative hormonal evolution.

Evento cardiovascular en una cohorte de pacientes con artritis reumatoide en Castilla-La Mancha, utilidad de la ecografía carotídea / Cardiovascular event in a cohort of rheumatoid arthritis patients in Castilla-La Mancha: Utility of carotid ultrasound

La artritis reumatoide (AR) presenta una mortalidad de 1,3-3 veces superior a la población general donde destaca la mortalidad de origen cardiovascular con un 40-50%. Actualmente se considera la enfermedad cardiovascular como una manifestación extraarticular de la AR, siendo un factor de riesgo independiente de los tradicionales, con un riesgo elevado de enfermedad cardiovascular (OR: 1,5-4,0). La medición ecográfica del grosor íntimo medial (GIM) de la arteria carótida común y la presencia de placas ateromatosas es un método no invasivo y marcador subrogado de arterioesclerosis subclínica. Objetivo: Establecer si los hallazgos de arterioesclerosis subclínica por ecografía carotídea pueden ser un buen predictor del desarrollo de eventos cardiovasculares (ECV) en una cohorte de pacientes con AR a 10 años. Metodología: Se evaluó una cohorte de pacientes con AR atendidos en consulta externa de Reumatología de una hospital de Castilla-La Mancha durante el año 2013. Se realizó una evaluación para el desarrollo de ECV a los 10 años siguientes de comenzado el estudio y se analizó su correlación con los hallazgos ecográficos previos de GIM y placas ateromatosas. Resultados: Ocho (24%) pacientes presentaron un ECV. Tres (9%), episodio de fallo cardiaco; 3 (9%) accidente cerebrovascular y 2 (6%) episodio de infarto agudo al miocardio. Los pacientes con AR que desarrollaron un ECV habían presentado un GIM mayor (0,97±0,08mm) en comparación con los pacientes con AR que no tuvieron complicaciones cardiovasculares (0,74±0,15mm) (p=0,003). La presencia de un GIM≥0,9mm y placas ateromatosas representó un riesgo relativo de 12,25 (p=0,012) y 18,66 (p=0,003), respectivamente, para el desarrollo de un ECV. Conclusiones: La ecografía carotídea en pacientes con AR nos podría permitir la detección precoz de aterosclerosis subclínica antes del desarrollo de ECV, siendo fundamentalmente el GIM≥0,9mm el hallazgo más asociado a ECV y no influenciado por la edad.(AU)

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has a mortality rate 1.3–3 times higher than the general population, with cardiovascular mortality accounting for 40%–50% of cases. Currently, cardiovascular disease is considered an extra-articular manifestation of RA (OR: 1.5–4.0). Ultrasound measurement of the intima-media thickness (IMT) of the common carotid artery and the presence of atherosclerotic plaques is a non-invasive method and a surrogate marker of subclinical arteriosclerosis. Objective: To determine if subclinical arteriosclerosis findings through carotid ultrasound can serve as a good predictor of cardiovascular events (CVE) development in a cohort of RA patients over a 10-year period. Methodology: A cohort of RA patients seen in the rheumatology outpatient clinic of a hospital in Castilla-La Mancha in 2013 was evaluated. A prospective evaluation for the development of CVE over the following 10 years was conducted, and its correlation with previous ultrasound findings of IMT and atherosclerotic plaques was analyzed. Results: Eight (24%) patients experienced a CVE. Three (9%) had heart failure, three (9%) had a stroke, and two (6%) experienced acute myocardial infarction. RA patients who developed a CVE had a higher IMT (0.97±0.08mm) compared to the RA patients without cardiovascular complications (0.74±0.15mm) (P=.003). The presence of IMT≥0.9mm and atherosclerotic plaques had a relative risk of 12.25 (P=.012) and 18.66 (P=.003), respectively, for the development of a CVE. Conclusions: Carotid ultrasound in RA patients may allow for early detection of subclinical atherosclerosis before the development of CVE, with IMT≥0.9mm being the most closely associated finding with CVE, unaffected by age.(AU)

Cardiovascular event in a cohort of rheumatoid arthritis patients in Castilla-La Mancha: Utility of carotid ultrasound.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) has a mortality rate 1,3 to 3 times higher than the general population, with cardiovascular mortality accounting for 40-50% of cases. Currently, cardiovascular disease is considered an extraarticular manifestation of RA (OR: 1,5-4,0). Ultrasound measurement of the intima-media thickness (IMT) of the common carotid artery and the presence of atherosclerotic plaques (AP) is a non-invasive method and a surrogate marker of subclinical arteriosclerosis. OBJECTIVE: To determine if subclinical arteriosclerosis findings through carotid ultrasound can serve as a good predictor of cardiovascular events (CVE) development in a cohort of RA patients over a 10-year period. METHODOLOGY: A cohort of RA patients seen in the Rheumatology outpatient clinic of a hospital in Castilla La Mancha in 2013 was evaluated. A prospective evaluation for the development of CVE over the following 10 years was conducted, and its correlation with previous ultrasound findings of IMT and AP was analyzed. RESULTS: Eight (24%) patients experienced a CVE. Three (9%) had heart failure, three (9%) had a stroke, and two (6%) experienced acute myocardial infarction. RA patients who developed a CVE had a higher IMT (0,97 +/- 0.08 mm) compared to the RA patients without CV complications (0,74 +/- 0.15 mm) (p = 0,003). The presence of IMT ≥ 0.9 mm and AP had a relative risk of 12,25 (p = 0,012) and 18,66 (p = 0,003), respectively, for the development of a CVE. CONCLUSIONS: Carotid ultrasound in RA patients may allow for early detection of subclinical atherosclerosis before the development of CVE, with IMT ≥ 0.9 mm being the most closely associated finding with CVE, unaffected by age.

Imbalanced machine learning classification models for removal biosimilar drugs and increased activity in patients with rheumatic diseases.

OBJECTIVE: Predict long-term disease worsening and the removal of biosimilar medication in patients with rheumatic diseases. METHODOLOGY: Observational, retrospective descriptive study. Review of a database of patients with immune-mediated inflammatory rheumatic diseases who switched from a biological drug (biosimilar or non-biosimilar) to a biosimilar drug for at least 6 months. We selected the most important variables, from 18 variables, using mutual information tests. As patients with disease worsening are a minority, it is very difficult to make models with conventional machine learning techniques, where the best models would always be trivial. For this reason, we computed different types of imbalanced machine learning models, choosing those with better f1-score and mean ROC AUC. RESULTS: We computed the best-imbalanced machine learning models to predict disease worsening and the removal of the biosimilar, with f1-scores of 0.52 and 0.63, respectively. Both models are decision trees. In the first one, two important factors are switching of biosimilar and age, and in the second, the relevant variables are optimization and the value of the initial PCR. CONCLUSIONS: Biosimilar drugs do not always work well for rheumatic diseases. We obtain two imbalanced machine learning models to detect those cases, where the drug should be removed or where the activity of the disease increases from low to high. In our decision trees appear not previously studied variables, such as age, switching, or optimization.

Normocalcemic hyperparathyroidism after successful parathyroidectomy for single parathyroid adenoma: Prevalence, etiological factors, predictive markers, treatment and evolution.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Postparathyroidectomy normocalcemic hyperparathyroidism (PPNCHPPT) is a frequent situation for which we have no information in our country. The objective is to know our prevalence of PPNCHPPT, the associated etiological factors, the predictive markers, the treatment administered and the evolution. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Retrospective observational cross-sectional study on 42 patients. Twelve patients with PPNCHPPT and 30 without PPNCHPPT are compared. RESULTS: HPPTNCPP prevalence: 28.6%. Etiological factors: vitamin D deficiency: 75%; bone remineralization: 16.7%; renal failure: 16.7%; hypercalciruria: 8.3%. No change in the set point of calcium-mediated parathormone (PTH) secretion was observed, but an increase in the preoperative PTH/albumin-corrected calcium (ACC) ratio was observed. Predictive markers: PTH/ACC ratio (AUC 0.947; sensitivity 100%, specificity 78.9%) and PTH (AUC 0.914; sensitivity 100%, specificity 73.7%) one week postparathyroidectomy. EVOLUTION: follow-up 30 ±â€¯16.3 months: 50% normalized PTH and 8.3% had recurrence of hyperparathyroidism. Patients with PPNCHPPT less frequently received preoperative treatment with bisphosphonates and postoperative treatment with calcium salts. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study in our country that demonstrates a mean prevalence of PPNCHPPT, mainly related to a vitamin D deficiency and a probable resistance to the action of PTH, which can be predicted by the PTH/ACC ratio and PTH a week post-intervention and often evolves normalizing the PTH. We disagree with the etiological effect of hypercalciuria and the change in the PTH/calcemia regulation set point, and we acknowledge the scant treatment administered with calcium salts in the postoperative period.

Evaluation of an early detection protocol, intensive treatment and control of post-surgical hypoparathyroidism in the first month after total thyroidectomy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Hypoparathyroidism is the most common complication of total thyroidectomy and usually requires monitoring of calcaemia, whereby it is one of the factors that most contributes to hospital stay. The objective of the study is to evaluate the clinical usefulness of the application of our protocol for early detection, intensive treatment and control of hypoparathyroidism in the first month after thyroidectomy. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Retrospective observational cross-sectional study of 79 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy in whom parathormone (PTH) and calcemia determinations were performed at 6-8 h and 18-24 h post-surgery. When the PTH value was lower than inferior limit of the reference (15 pg/ml), oral treatment was started with 1000 mg of calcium and 0.25 µg of calcitriol every 8 h followed by calcemia controls. RESULTS: Twenty-six cases (32.9%) of normocalcemic hypoparathyroidism were detected in whom treatment prevented their progression to hypocalcaemia, except for 3 cases that had an episode of mild asymptomatic hypocalcaemia. There were no cases of moderate/severe hypocalcaemia and only one case of asymptomatic mild hypercalcaemia. There were no readmissions due to calcium abnormalities. No case with PTH > 15 pg/ml had hypocalcaemia. The protocol allowed a hospital stay of 24 h. The prevalence of permanent hypoparathyroidism was 5.1%. CONCLUSIONS: The application of our protocol during the first month after thyroidectomy is very useful because it avoids the appearance of moderate/severe hypocalcaemia and hypercalcaemia, allows a short hospital stay and is associated with a low prevalence of permanent hypoparathyroidism.

Clinical usefulness of thyroid ultrasonography in patients with primary hypothyroidism.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Despite the value of ultrasonography in the detection of chronic thyroiditis (CT) as well as in nodular goitre, it is often only indicated in patients with hypothyroidism if a palpable goitre or a thyroid mass is identified. The objective of the study is to evaluate the clinical usefulness of thyroid ultrasonography in patients with primary hypothyroidism without clinical suspicion of nodular goitre. And more specifically, to analyse its value in the aetiological diagnosis of hypothyroidism, and to evaluate its contribution in the detection and characterisation of coexisting subclinical thyroid nodular disease. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Prospective cross-sectional observational study of 114 patients with primary hypothyroidism of CT or idiopathic aetiology, without symptoms or cervical palpation suspected of nodular goitre, who underwent a thyroid function test, a serological study of antithyroid antibodies, a thyroid ultrasonound and, when appropriate, a cytological study of the nodules found. RESULTS: Ultrasonound allowed CT to be recognised as the cause of hypothyroidism in 19% of patients who had a negative serological study, and detected nodules larger than 9mm in 22 patients (16 with antithyroid antibodies). A cytological study was performed in 18 of the cases. Five patients underwent surgery, with carcinoma found in two of them. CONCLUSIONS: Thyroid ultrasound is useful in the aetiological diagnosis of primary hypothyroidism as well as in the detection of a coexisting, unsuspected, but clinically relevant nodular goitre, so this examination should be indicated in the initial study of patients with primary hypothyroidism.

Lipoenxertia na reconstrução mamária após tratamento do câncer de mama: revisão de literatura / Lipografting in breast reconstruction after breast cancer treatment: literature review

Introdução: O tratamento de câncer de mama através de mastectomia causa grande impacto na qualidade de vida dos pacientes, ocasionando um número crescente de buscas por procedimentos reconstrutivos. O enxerto de gordura, também conhecido como lipoenxertia, foi descrito pela primeira vez em 1893, por Neuber, tendo aumentado o seu uso e aceitação no decorrer dos anos. De acordo com a Sociedade Brasileira de Cirurgia Plástica, as cirurgias reparadoras correspondem a 39,7% dos procedimentos plásticos realizados no Brasil, com as reconstruções mamárias sendo 6,1% desse número, configurando parte do tratamento do câncer de mama. O presente estudo objetivou revisar o uso de lipoenxertia na reconstrução mamária após tratamento do câncer de mama. Métodos: Foi realizada uma revisão da literatura utilizando os bancos de da-dos PubMed, MEDLINE, LILACS e SciELO, através dos descritores: "breast reconstruction"; "fat grafting"; and "breast cancer". Resultados: No total, foram encontrados 838 artigos nas bases de dados pesquisadas, dos quais 20 foram selecionados para a extração dos dados após a aplicação dos critérios de inclusão e exclusão. Conclusão: Constatou-se que a gordura autóloga é um procedimento bem estabelecido para reconstrução mamária, apesar de apresentar algumas possíveis complicações. Ademais, mais estudos a longo prazo devem ser realizados visando conso-lidar o entendimento e segurança do procedimento.

Introduction: The treatment of breast cancer through mastectomy greatly impacts patients' quality of life, causing an increasing number of searches for reconstructive procedures. The fat graft, also known as lipografting, was described by Neuber in 1893, and has increased its use and acceptance over the years. According to the Sociedade Brasileira de Cirurgia Plástica (Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery), reconstructive surgeries correspond to 39.7% of plastic procedures performed in Brazil, with breast reconstructions being 6.1% of this number, constituting part of breast cancer treatment. The present study aimed to review the use of lipografting in breast reconstruction after breast cancer treatment. Methods: A review of the literature was carried out using the databases of PubMed, MEDLINE, LILACS and SciELO, using the descriptors: "breast reconstruction"; "fat grafting"; and "breast cancer". Results: In total, 838 articles were found in the databases searched, of which 20 were selected for data extraction after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Conclusion: It was found that autologous fat is a well-established procedure for mammary reconstruction, despite presenting some possible complications. Furthermore, more long-term studies should be conducted to address the understanding and safety of the procedure.

Rate of non-invasive follicular thyroid neoplasms with papillary-like nuclear features depends on pathologist's criteria: a multicentre retrospective Southern European study with prolonged follow-up.

PURPOSE: To determine the rate of non-invasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP) in a multi-institutional series from the Iberian Peninsula and describing this NIFTP cohort. METHODS: Retrospective study of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) or well-differentiated tumours of uncertain malignant potential (WDT-UMP) diagnosed between 2005 and 2015 and measuring ≥5 mm in adult patients from 17 hospitals. Pathological reports were reviewed to determine the cases that fulfil the original criteria of NIFTP and histology was reassessed. Rates were correlated with the number of PTC and its follicular variant (FVPTC) of each institution. Demographic data, histology, management, and follow-up of the reclassified NIFTP cohort were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 182 cases with NIFTP criteria were identified: 174/3372 PTC (rate: 5.2%; range: 0-12.1%) and 8/19 WDT-UMP (42.1%). NIFTP rate showed linear correlation with total PTC (p: 0.03) and FVPTC (p: 0.007) identified at each centre. Ultrasound findings were non-suspicious in 60.1%. Fine-needle cytology or core biopsy diagnoses were undetermined in 49.7%. Most patients were treated with total thyroidectomy. No case had nodal disease. Among patients with total thyroidectomy, 89.7% had an excellent response evaluated 1 year after surgery. There were no structural persistence or relapses. Five patients showed residual thyroglobulin after 90 months of mean follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: NIFTP rate is low but highly variable in neighbouring institutions of the Iberian Peninsula. This study suggests pathologist's interpretation of nuclear alterations as the main cause of these differences. Patients disclosed an excellent outcome, even without using the strictest criteria.

Permittivity Measurements for Cypress and Rockrose Biomass Versus Temperature, Density, and Moisture Content.

Permittivity of materials is of utmost importance for microwave applicators' design and to predict high-frequency dielectric heating of materials. In the case of aromatic plant biomass, however, there are few data that help researchers design microwave applicators for microwave-assisted extraction. In this work, the permittivity of cypress and rockrose biomass samples were measured versus temperature, density, and moisture content. A resonant technique based on a coaxial bi-reentrant microwave cavity was employed to obtain the complex permittivity of biomass samples as a function of those magnitudes around the 2.45 GHz ISM frequency. The obtained measurements show that large variations for permittivity values can be found with moisture content and density changes for both cypress and rockrose biomass. Temperature also has effects in a lesser degree, although it has an important influence on the cypress biomass loss factor. Polynomial expressions fitting the experimental data were provided in order to facilitate the estimation of intermediate values, which were not explicitly arranged in this work. As a general trend, the permittivity of cypress and rockrose biomass increases with increasing values of moisture content and density, whereas the biomass loss factor increases when temperature rises.

Is it time to change the management of permanent postsurgical hypoparathyroidism? / ¿Es hora de cambiar el tratamiento del hipoparatiroidismo posquirúrgico permanente?

No disponible

[Spanish Society of Pulmonology and Thoracic Surgery (SEPAR) Consensus for post-COVID-19 Clinical Follow-up]. / Documento de consenso de la Sociedad Española de Neumología y Cirugía Torácica (SEPAR) para el seguimiento clínico post-COVID-19.

SARS-CoV-2 infection can cause a range of respiratory sequelae, especially in patients who have had severe Covid-19 pneumonia. Given the high number of patients who have developed this infection over a short period of time, numerous post-Covid-19 follow-up visits are being carried out, but no clinical follow-up protocol has been established to advise on the complementary tests to be performed and the frequency of these procedures. This consensus document was drawn up by professionals from different areas of the Spanish Society of Pulmonology and Thoracic Surgery (SEPAR) in order to assist the clinician in identifying possible respiratory complications that may occur during the months following the acute disease, and to protocolize their follow-up and additional tests to be performed. It recommends examinations and interventions to be carried out at various stages in the post-Covid-19 period, and details the specific objectives of these procedures. Primarily, we aim to ensure that patients receive timely clinical follow-up, following a pre-established schedule that takes into account the severity of the disease and the likelihood of long-term sequelae. Another objective is to avoid overloading the health system by eschewing examinations and/or consultations that are, in many cases, unnecessary. Finally, we define criteria for referring patients with specific established sequelae (interstitial lung disease, pulmonary vascular disease, bronchiectasis) to the corresponding specialized units.

Pathological Worry in Portugal: The Portuguese Version of the Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ).

Worry is a common phenomenon with people who anticipate and want to be prepared for future events. Pathological worry, however, is not limited to anticipating potentially dangerous events, but it is applied to small daily events, too. This kind of worry is perceived as uncontrollable, and it is strongly associated with catastrophism. The Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ) was developed to assess pathological worry. Despite its excellent psychometric characteristics, its internal structure is still controversial. The combination of regular and reversed items and certain methodological considerations may account for the discrepancies in the results of previous investigations. With the aim to analyze worry in Portugal and the psychometric properties of the PSWQ, for the present study, methodological options were considered in order to minimize previous problems. A sample of 558 Portuguese community participants took part in this study. Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analysis were performed with two independent random subsamples. The results showed the unidimensionality of PSWQ and the psychometric adequacy of both the full, 16-item version and a reduced, 11-item version (without reversed scored items). Normative data are presented, the suitability of both versions is discussed, and the authors conclude by encouraging the use of the reduced, 11-item version of the PSWQ in applied settings.

Punción-aspiración con aguja fina ecoguiada de nódulos tiroideos con valoración citológica in situ: eficacia diagnóstica, prevalencia y factores predictores de los resultados de categoría Bethesda I / Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration of thyroid nodules with on-site cytological examination: Diagnostic efficacy, prevalence, and factors predicting for Bethesda category I results

Antecedentes y objetivo: El procedimiento de punción-aspiración con aguja fina ecoguiada de nódulos tiroideos con examen citológico in situ del material extraído puede reducir el número de citologías obtenidas de categoría Bethesda I. El objetivo del estudio ha sido evaluar nuestra experiencia del segundo año en dicha técnica para analizar la eficacia diagnóstica, la prevalencia y los factores predictores de los resultados de categoría Bethesda I. Pacientes y método: Estudio retrospectivo sobre 279 nódulos en 233 pacientes. La punción-aspiración se realizó según los criterios de 2015 de la American Thyroid Association. Una muestra de cada punción se fijó al aire y se procesó in situ mediante tinción con Diff-Quik y examen microscópico para valorar su idoneidad; en caso contrario, se repitió la punción hasta un total de 5veces. La eficacia diagnóstica se valoró en base a la sensibilidad y a la especificidad sobre las categorías citológicas Bethesda II y Bethesda VI. Resultados: La sensibilidad y la especificidad diagnóstica fueron del 100% en ambos casos. Obtuvimos un 5,4% de resultados de categoría Bethesda I y las variables independientemente asociadas fueron la edad (incremento del 4,7% por cada año de vida) y el volumen del nódulo (incremento del 2,3% por cada 1ml de volumen). Conclusiones: La punción-aspiración ecoguiada con aguja fina y examen citológico in situ del material extraído permite obtener una elevada eficacia diagnóstica y demuestra ser un procedimiento de gran validez por conseguir una tasa muy baja de resultados citológicos de categoría Bethesda I, cuyo riesgo ha sido superior en sujetos de mayor edad y en nódulos de mayor tamaño

Background and objective: Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration of thyroid nodules with on-site cytological examination may decrease the number of Bethesda category I cytologies. The study objective was to evaluate our second-year experience with this procedure to analyze diagnostic efficacy, prevalence, and factors predicting for Bethesda category I results. Patients and method: A retrospective study was conducted of 279 nodules from 233 patients. Ultrasound -guided fine needle aspiration was performed according to the 2015 criteria of the American Thyroid Association. A specimen of each aspiration was air-fixed on site before Diff-Quik staining and microscopic examination to assess its suitability; otherwise, nodule aspiration was repeated up to 5 times. Diagnostic efficacy was assessed based on sensitivity and specificity on the cytological categories Bethesda II and Bethesda VI. Results: Diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were both 100%, 5.4% Bethesda category I results were obtained, and variables independently associated were age (4.7% increase per year of life) and nodule volume (2.3% increase per each 1mL of volume). Conclusions: Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration of thyroid nodules with on-site cytological examination allows for a high diagnostic efficacy and has been shown to be a highly relevant procedure because it has a very low rate of cytological results of Bethesda category I, whose risk has been higher in older subjects and with larger nodules

Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration of thyroid nodules with on-site cytological examination: Diagnostic efficacy, prevalence, and factors predicting for Bethesda category I results. / Punción-aspiración con aguja fina ecoguiada de nódulos tiroideos con valoración citológica in situ: eficacia diagnóstica, prevalencia y factores predictores de los resultados de categoría Bethesda I.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration of thyroid nodules with on-site cytological examination may decrease the number of Bethesda categoryI cytologies. The study objective was to evaluate our second-year experience with this procedure to analyze diagnostic efficacy, prevalence, and factors predicting for Bethesda categoryI results. PATIENTS AND METHOD: A retrospective study was conducted of 279 nodules from 233 patients. Ultrasound -guided fine needle aspiration was performed according to the 2015 criteria of the American Thyroid Association. A specimen of each aspiration was air-fixed on site before Diff-Quik staining and microscopic examination to assess its suitability; otherwise, nodule aspiration was repeated up to 5times. Diagnostic efficacy was assessed based on sensitivity and specificity on the cytological categories BethesdaII and BethesdaVI. RESULTS: Diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were both 100%, 5.4% Bethesda categoryI results were obtained, and variables independently associated were age (4.7% increase per year of life) and nodule volume (2.3% increase per each 1mL of volume). CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration of thyroid nodules with on-site cytological examination allows for a high diagnostic efficacy and has been shown to be a highly relevant procedure because it has a very low rate of cytological results of Bethesda categoryI, whose risk has been higher in older subjects and with larger nodules.

Oportunidades perdidas en el diagnóstico de la infección por el virus de inmunodeficiencia humana en la Comunidad de Aragón. Importancia del diagnóstico tardío / Missed opportunities in the diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus infection in the Region of Aragon. Late diagnosis importance

Introducción: El diagnóstico tardío (DT) de la infección por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) (linfocitos CD4<350/μl al diagnóstico de la enfermedad) empeora el pronóstico de los afectados y aumenta las probabilidades de transmisión. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue analizar la prevalencia de DT, identificar las oportunidades diagnósticas perdidas (ODP) y averiguar el nivel asistencial donde se produjeron. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo, observacional, descriptivo de la población diagnosticada de infección por VIH/sida en el periodo 2011-2015 en Aragón. Se identificaron las ODP durante los 3 años previos al diagnóstico de la enfermedad en todos los niveles asistenciales, así como la frecuentación asistencial. Se analizaron las condiciones indicadoras (CI) que generaron más ODP, según las últimas recomendaciones para el diagnóstico precoz del VIH en el medio sanitario. Resultados: Se analizaron 435 nuevos casos de VIH/sida. El 45,1% fueron diagnosticados en Atención Primaria (AP). El 49,4% presentaron criterios de DT y el 61,1% se contagiaron vía heterosexual. La mayor parte de ODP (68,5%) se dieron en AP. Las CI que generaron más ODP fueron la dermatitis seborreica/exantema (19,4%) y la fiebre sin causa aparente (10,3%). Sin embargo, las CI que se asociaron a mayor DT fueron la neumonía adquirida en la comunidad y la pérdida de peso injustificada. Conclusión: En Aragón, la prevalencia de DT es elevada, la principal vía de transmisión es la heterosexual y la mayor parte de las CI pasan desapercibidas en AP. La difusión de las guías actuales para solicitar una prueba de VIH orientada por CI y el screening VIH en todo preoperatorio es una medida eficaz para disminuir el DT

Introduction: Late Diagnosis (LD) of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection (CD4 lymphocytes <350/μl at diagnosis of the disease), deteriorates the condition of those affected and increases the probability of transmission. The objective of the present study was to analyse the prevalence of LD, to identify missed diagnostic opportunities (MDO) and to find out which level of the health care delivery system they took place. Methods: Retrospective, observational and descriptive study of the population diagnosed with infection of HIV/AIDS in the period 2011-2015 in Aragon. MDO were identified during the 3 years prior to diagnosis of the disease in all levels of the health care delivery system as well as frequentation of consultations. The indicator conditions (IC) that generated more MDO were analysed according to the latest recommendations for early diagnosis of HIV in the health care setting. Results: 435 newly diagnosed HIV/AIDS cases were analysed. 45.1% were diagnosed in Primary Healthcare (PH). 49.4% presented criteria of LD and 61.1% were infected through heterosexual contact. The majority of MDO (68.5%) were given in PH. The IC that generated the most MDO were seborrheic dermatitis/exanthema (19.4%) and fever of unknown origin (10.3%). However, the IC that were associated with higher LD were pneumonia acquired in the community and unjustified weight loss. Conclusion: In Aragon, prevalence of LD is high, the main route of infection is heterosexual and most of MDO go unnoticed in PH. The dissemination of current guidelines for requesting IC guided HIV testing and HIV screening across the preoperative period will result in an effective measure to decrease the LD

Missed opportunities in the diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus infection in the Region of Aragon. Late diagnosis importance. / Oportunidades perdidas en el diagnóstico de la infección por el virus de inmunodeficiencia humana en la Comunidad de Aragón. Importancia del diagnóstico tardío.

INTRODUCTION: Late Diagnosis (LD) of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection (CD4 lymphocytes <350/µl at diagnosis of the disease), deteriorates the condition of those affected and increases the probability of transmission. The objective of the present study was to analyse the prevalence of LD, to identify missed diagnostic opportunities (MDO) and to find out which level of the health care delivery system they took place. METHODS: Retrospective, observational and descriptive study of the population diagnosed with infection of HIV/AIDS in the period 2011-2015 in Aragon. MDO were identified during the 3 years prior to diagnosis of the disease in all levels of the health care delivery system as well as frequentation of consultations. The indicator conditions (IC) that generated more MDO were analysed according to the latest recommendations for early diagnosis of HIV in the health care setting. RESULTS: 435 newly diagnosed HIV/AIDS cases were analysed. 45.1% were diagnosed in Primary Healthcare (PH). 49.4% presented criteria of LD and 61.1% were infected through heterosexual contact. The majority of MDO (68.5%) were given in PH. The IC that generated the most MDO were seborrheic dermatitis/exanthema (19.4%) and fever of unknown origin (10.3%). However, the IC that were associated with higher LD were pneumonia acquired in the community and unjustified weight loss. CONCLUSION: In Aragon, prevalence of LD is high, the main route of infection is heterosexual and most of MDO go unnoticed in PH. The dissemination of current guidelines for requesting IC guided HIV testing and HIV screening across the preoperative period will result in an effective measure to decrease the LD.