[Evaluation of the validity of Ag PANBIO-COVID19 in the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection in asymptomatic or mildly infected patients]. / Evaluación de la validez del Ag PANBIO-COVID19 de Abbott en el diagnóstico de la infección por SARS-CoV-2 en pacientes asintomáticos o con infección leve.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the validity of SARS-CoV-2 Antigen (Ag) detection for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection in mildly infected or asymptomatic patients. METHODS: Observational study to evaluate diagnostic tests. Non-hospitalized patients with indication for diagnostic testing for SARS-CoV-2 infection were included. The diagnostic test to be evaluated was the determination of Ag and as a reference standard to determine the presence of viral RNA the RT-PCR was used. RESULTS: A total of 494 patients were included. Of these 71.5% (353/494) had symptoms and 28.5% (141/494) were asymptomatic (presurgery screening (35/494) and confirmed case-contact (106/494). The overall sensitivity of the Ag test was 61.1% and the specificity was 99.7%. The sensitivity and specificity in the asymptomatic group were 40% and 100% respectively, and in the symptomatic group 63.5% and 99.6% respectively. In turn, the sensitivity and specificity in the group of symptomatic patients varied according to the time of symptom evolution: in patients with recent symptoms, they were 71.4% and 99.6% respectively, while in patients with symptoms of more than 5 days of evolution, they were 26.7% and 100% respectively. In all groups studied, the presence of antigen is associated with a high viral load (Ct<30 cycles). CONCLUSIONS: The use of Ag detection test is not indicated for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection in asymptomatic patients or with symptoms of more than 5 days of evolution, but it could be useful in patients with symptoms of 1-5 days of evolution.

Effectiveness of a SARS-CoV-2 infection prevention model in elective surgery patients - a prospective study: does universal screening make sense?

This observational study included patients who underwent pre-operative coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) screening in order to preserve patient safety. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 was performed in 2292 of 8740 surgical procedures, and the incidence of a positive PCR result was 0.0022%. No healthcare-associated infections were detected. There was no difference in overall mortality or length of hospital stay compared with the same period from the previous year. A selective screening strategy to identify patients for PCR testing, based on isolation measures, presurgical clinical-epidemiological assessment and selected major surgeries susceptible to a poor COVID-19-related outcome, is effective and safe for patients and healthcare workers.

Evolution and associated factors of hand hygiene compliance in a pediatric tertiary hospital.

BACKGROUND: The objective is to know the evolution of the Degree of Compliance with Recommendations (DCR) on hand hygiene (HH) and its associated factors in the pediatric care areas (PCAs) of a tertiary hospital. METHODS: Observational, cross-sectional study, repeated over time, with direct observation of the DCR on HH during the daily activity of health care workers. Over 13 years, 9226 HH opportunities were observed. Associations between DCR, PCA and other variables (eg, age, sex, and professional position) were examined using χ² and adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: DCR on HH in 9 PCAs was 64.3% (95% CI, 63.3-65.3), and in the group of non-pediatric areas it was 49.6% (95% CI, 49.1-50.1). The areas with the highest degree of compliance were Oncology 72.8% (95% CI, 69.2-76.4), Neonatology 73.2% (95% CI, 71.3-75.1), and Neonatal intensive care unit 70.0% (95% CI, 67.5-72.6). These were the areas with the strongest association with HH compliance, with aOR:2.8 (95% CI, 2.2-3.6); aOR, 3.0 (95% CI, 2.6-3.6) aOR:2.6 (95% CI, 2.1-3.1), respectively. Other associated factors were the indications "after an activity," aOR, 1.6 (95% CI, 1.5-1.8) and the availability of pocket-size alcohol-based solution, aOR, 2.1(95% CI, 1.9-2.3). CONCLUSIONS: The DCR on HH in PCAs is higher than in other areas, although there is still margin for improvement. We have identified modifiable factors that have an independent association with HH compliance in PCAs. Focusing on modifiable factors will increase compliance with HH with the ultimate goal of reducing healthcare associated infections.

Etiology of bloodstream infections at a population level during 2013-2017 in the Autonomous Community of Valencia, Spain.

OBJECTIVE: Bloodstream Infections has become in one of the priorities for the antimicrobial stewardship teams due to their high mortality and morbidity rates. Usually, the first antibiotic treatment for this pathology must be empirical, without microbiology data about the microorganism involved. For this reason, the population studies about the etiology of bacteremia are a key factor to improve the selection of the empirical treatment, because they describe the main microorganisms associated to this pathology in each area, and this data could facilitate the selection of correct antibiotic therapy. METHODS: This study describes the etiology of bloodstream infections in the Southeast of Spain. The etiology of bacteremia was analysed by a retrospective review of all age-ranged patients from every public hospital in the Autonomous Community of Valencia (approximately 5,000,000 inhabitants) for five years. RESULTS: A total of 92,097 isolates were obtained, 44.5% of them were coagulase-negative staphylococci. Enterobacteriales was the most prevalent group and an increase in frequency was observed along the time. Streptococcus spp. were the second microorganisms more frequently isolated. Next, the most prevalent were Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus spp., both with a stable incidence along the study. Finally, Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the fifth microorganism more frequently solated. CONCLUSIONS: These data constitute a useful tool that can help in the choice of empirical treatment for bloodstream infections, since the knowledge of local epidemiology is key to prescribe a fast and appropriate antibiotic therapy, aspect capital to improve survival.

[Evolution of treatment of syphilis through history]. / Evolución del tratamiento de la sífilis a lo largo de la historia.

In this article, we present a historical revision of syphilis treatment since the end of the XV century up until the current days. For centuries, it was understood that syphilis had been brought to Spain by Columbus after coming back from America. It became an epidemic soon after. Later on, it was spread all over Europe. The chronologic and geographic origin of this illness have been debated in recent years, however, there has been no agreement about it as yet. Mercury was the main used therapy for four and a half centuries, until the discovery of penicillin in 1943. This discovery changed the therapeutic approach to syphilis since then. Other remedies were used during this period. Guaiacum was one of them, but it was dismissed in the mid-sixteenth century. Iodides were also used, especially in the tertiary symptoms of the disease. The discovery of arsphenamine (Salvarsan) at the beginning of the XX century, used by itself at its onset and associated to mercury or bismuth later on, was a significant therapeutic contribution. Bismuth was in itself a great therapeutic asset. It displaced the use of mercury in an important way until 1943, when the appearance of penicillin became the treatment of choice.

Impact of a stewardship program on bacteraemia in adult inpatients.

OBJECTIVE: Bloodstream infections (BSIs) are associated with considerable morbidity and mortality among inpatients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a stewardship program on clinical and antimicrobial therapy-related outcomes in patients with bacteraemia. METHODS: Single-centre, before-and-after quasi-experimental study in adult inpatients. Over 1 January 2013 to 31 June 2013 all patients aged 18 years or older with a bacteraemia (interven-tion group, N=200) were compared to a historical cohort (1 Janu-ary 2012 to 31 December 2012) (control group, N=200). RESULTS: Following blood culture results and adjusting for potential confounders, the stewardship program was associated with more changes to antibiotic regimens (adjusted odds ratio [ORa]: 4.6, 95% CI 2.9, 7.4), more adjustments to antimicrobial therapy (ORa: 2.4, 95% CI 1.5, 3.8), and better source control in the first five days (ORa 1.6, 95% CI: 1.0, 2.7). In the subgroup that initially received inappropriate empiric treatment (n=138), the intervention was associated with more antibiotic changes (OR: 3.9, 95% CI: 1.8, 8.5) and a better choice of definitive antimicrobial therapy (OR 2.3 95% CI: 1.2, 4.6). There were also more antibiotic changes in the subgroups with both Gram-negative (OR: 2.8, 95% CI: 1.6, 4.9; n=217) and Gram-positive (OR: 4.6, 95% CI: 1.8, 9.9; n=135) bacteraemia among those receiving the intervention, while the Gram-positive subgroup also received more appropriate definitive antimicrobial therapy (OR: 3.9, 95% CI: 1.8, 8.8). CONCLUSIONS: The stewardship program improved treatment of patients with bacteraemia and appropriateness of therapy.

Diagnostic Validity Comparison Between Criteria Based on CSF Alzheimer's Disease Biomarkers.

AIM: To compare the diagnostic validity of NIA-AA criteria, for AD CSF biomarkers, with our own new criteria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2008 and 2011, 170 patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) were included. CSF levels of Aß1-42, T-tau, P-tau181, and ratios of T-tau/Aß1-42 and P-tau181/Aß1-42 were analyzed. In our criteria, we considered 3 or more abnormal variables indicative of a high likelihood of MCI due to AD. RESULTS: After a clinical follow-up of 4.5 ± 1.2 years, 44 patients remained stable, 95 developed AD, 15 other forms of dementia, 7 died and 9 received other diagnoses. Using the NIA-AA criteria and our own criteria, the diagnostic validity of the CSF biomarkers was 58% versus 85%, specificity 84% versus 72%, PPV 82% versus 79% and NPV 61% versus 79%. CONCLUSION: The inclusion of the ratios in diagnostic criteria increases sensitivity and NPV for the diagnosis of MCI due to AD.

Assessment of subclinical atherosclerosis in hidradenitis suppurativa.

BACKGROUND: Patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) have an increased prevalence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to investigate the association between subclinical atherosclerosis, detected by carotid ultrasound, and HS. METHODS: A prospective observation and analytical study assessing subclinical atherosclerosis using carotid ultrasound in patients with HS. RESULTS: A total of 62 HS patients and 62 matched controls were studied. Diabetes mellitus (22.6% vs. 6.5%, P = 0.020), hypertension (41.9% vs. 12.9%, P < 0.001) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) (38.7% vs. 8.1%, P < 0.001) were more common in HS patients. Elevated neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (59.7% vs. 40.3%, P = 0.031), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (61.1 vs. 29.0%, P < 0.001) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (46.8% vs. 9.7%, P < 0.001) were more frequent in patients with HS. Subclinical atherosclerosis was present in 30.6% of HS patients and in 16.1% of the controls subjects (P = 0.06). After a logistic regression analysis, elevated age was associated with the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis (P < 0.001), and HS showed a tendency towards this association [adjusted OR (95% CI) 3.8 (0.9-16.0), P = 0.066]. This association was statistically significant between patients 40 years and older [OR (95% CI) 4.9 (1.8-13.1)]. CONCLUSIONS: Our clinical results indicate that patients with HS have a higher prevalence of subclinical atherosclerosis than expected when correcting for traditional risk factors. The findings support the conclusions of previous epidemiological studies.

El tifus epidémico. Prevención y tratamiento a través de la historia / No disponible

El tifus epidémico, está causado por Rickettsia Prowazekii, y es transmitido por el piojo del cuerpo. Durante siglos, ha producido epidemias devastadoras, considerándose que esta infección ha causado más muertes que todas las guerras juntas. La primera epidemia de la que existe constancia tuvo lugar durante el cerco de Granada por los Reyes Católicos, en 1489. Desde entonces hasta el siglo XX, ha acompañado en numerosas ocasiones a los ejércitos, habiendo sido la enfermedad decisiva en algunos casos, para el resultado de los conflictos, debido al número de fallecidos que ocasionó. Algunas situaciones concretas, como guerras, campamentos de refugiados, hacinamiento e inadecuadas condiciones higiénicas, favorecen el desarrollo de la enfermedad. El descubrimiento por Charles Nicolle (1856-1936) del vector de transmisión, el piojo del cuerpo, supuso un avance sustancial en el control de la misma y la llegada de los antibióticos hizo posible su curación

Epidemic typhus is caused by Rickettsia prowazekii and it is transmitted through body lice. For centuries, due to devastating epidemics it has caused more casualties than all wars known in humanity. The first epidemic of which we have record, took place during the siege of Granada by the Spanish Catholic King and Queen in 1489. Since then, and up to the 20th. century, typhus has been linked to armies in combat. Given the large number of deaths caused by this disease, its presence has been crucial in the results of certain conflicts. Certain situations favor the development of typhus epidemics such as wars, overcrowding, refugee camps and inadecuate hygienic conditions. The discovery by Charles Nicolle (1856-1936) of the transmission mechanism by body lice, was a substantial step towards controlling the disease. The appearance of antibiotics determined its definite healing

Protocolos de tomografía computarizada empleados en la estadificación del carcinoma broncopulmonar: resultados de una encuesta a nivel nacional / Computed tomography protocols used in staging bronchopulmonary carcinoma: results of a national survey

Objetivos. Conocer los protocolos de exploración de tomografía computarizada empleados en la estadificación del carcinoma broncopulmonar en España. Material y métodos. Mediante correo electrónico se enviaron encuestas a radiólogos de 129 hospitales. Las encuestas incluían preguntas sobre la organización del servicio, tipo y marca del escáner, extensión del estudio, técnica empleada y protocolo de administración del contraste. Resultados. Cincuenta y nueve hospitales respondieron con datos de 91 equipos. La mayoría de los hospitales fueron universitarios con organización por órganos y sistemas. Los modelos empleados incluyen cuatro marcas, el 68% de 16 o 64 detectores. En un 61% de los hospitales solo se modificaba la dosis de contraste en pacientes con pesos extremos y en el 22% no existía individualización. La mayoría de los hospitales realizaba un estudio del tórax y abdomen superior con contraste, un 42,4% con una única adquisición toracoabdominal y un 55,9% con dos adquisiciones independientes, existiendo relación significativa de ambos protocolos con dos marcas de escáner y con el carácter universitario del hospital. Los parámetros técnicos más empleados fueron 120kV con modulación de dosis y miliamperaje variable. Conclusión. El tipo de escáner empleado, la extensión del estudio y los parámetros técnicos empleados en la estadificación del cáncer broncopulmonar muestran escasa variabilidad entre los hospitales. La mayoría individualiza la dosis de contraste solo en pesos extremos. Hay una amplia división entre el empleo de una o dos adquisiciones para el tórax y el abdomen, existiendo relación entre número de adquisiciones con la marca del escáner y el carácter universitario del hospital (AU)

Objectives. To know the protocols used for staging bronchopulmonary carcinoma by computed tomography in Spain. Material and methods. Radiologists in 129 hospitals were sent email questionnaires about the organization of their department, scanner type and manufacturer, study extension, techniques employed, and protocol for administering contrast material. Results. A total of 109 hospitals responded with data from 91 teams. Most hospitals were affiliated with a university, and most departments were organized by organ-systems. Scanners were from four manufacturers, and 68% had either 16 or 64 detectors. In 61% of the hospitals, the dose of contrast agent is modified only in patients with extreme body weights, and in 22% the dose is not individualized. Most hospitals do contrast-enhanced studies of the chest and upper abdomen, 42.4% through a single thoracoabdominal acquisition and 55.9% through independent chest and abdominal acquisitions; there was a significant association between these approaches and the scanner manufacturer's protocols and whether the hospital was affiliated with a university. The most commonly used technical parameters were 120kV with dose modulation and variable milliamperage. Conclusion. There is very little variability among hospitals in the type of scanner used, the study extension, and the technical parameters used to stage bronchopulmonary carcinoma. Most centers individualize the dose of contrast agent only in extreme weights. There is a broad division between using one or two acquisitions to image the thorax and abdomen, and the number of acquisitions is related to the scanner manufacturer and whether the hospital is affiliated with a university (AU)

Empirical monotherapy with meropenem or combination therapy: the microbiological point of view.

The increase in the number of clinical isolates of multiresistant Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa raises problems in decision-making on empirical treatments for severe Gram-negative bacilli-associated infections. The aim of our study is to determine the resistance of meropenem in our setting and the co-resistance of a combination of this compound with two antibiotics from different families: amikacin and ciprofloxacin. Between 2009 and 2013, a total of 81,310 clinical isolates belonging to the main species of Enterobacteriaceae and 39,191 clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa isolated in 28 hospitals in the Valencian Community on the South East Mediterranean Coast of Spain were analyzed using data provided by RedMiva (microbiological surveillance network of the Valencian Community). Meropenem resistance in Enterobacteriaceae increased from 0.16 % in 2009 to 1.25 % in 2013. Very few Enterobacteriaceae strains resistant to meropenem were sensitive to ciprofloxacin; in contrast, the combination of meropenem and amikacin led to a marked decrease in the risk of the microorganisms being resistant to both drugs (RR = 34 in 2013). In the case of P. aeruginosa, meropenem resistance also increased (from 14.32 % in 2009 to 24.52 % in 2013). Most meropenem-resistant P. aeruginosa isolates were also resistant to fluoroquinolones. However, the addition of amikacin led to a more than three-fold decrease in the risk of resistance. In our setting, empirical treatment with meropenem is adequate in enterobacterial infections, but poses difficulties when infection due to P. aeruginosa is suspected, in which case a combination of meropenem and amikacin has been shown to have a higher microbiological success rate.

Computed tomography protocols used in staging bronchopulmonary carcinoma: results of a national survey. / Protocolos de tomografía computarizada empleados en la estadificación del carcinoma broncopulmonar: resultados de una encuesta a nivel nacional.

OBJECTIVES: To know the protocols used for staging bronchopulmonary carcinoma by computed tomography in Spain. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Radiologists in 129 hospitals were sent email questionnaires about the organization of their department, scanner type and manufacturer, study extension, techniques employed, and protocol for administering contrast material. RESULTS: A total of 109 hospitals responded with data from 91 teams. Most hospitals were affiliated with a university, and most departments were organized by organ-systems. Scanners were from four manufacturers, and 68% had either 16 or 64 detectors. In 61% of the hospitals, the dose of contrast agent is modified only in patients with extreme body weights, and in 22% the dose is not individualized. Most hospitals do contrast-enhanced studies of the chest and upper abdomen, 42.4% through a single thoracoabdominal acquisition and 55.9% through independent chest and abdominal acquisitions; there was a significant association between these approaches and the scanner manufacturer's protocols and whether the hospital was affiliated with a university. The most commonly used technical parameters were 120kV with dose modulation and variable milliamperage. CONCLUSION: There is very little variability among hospitals in the type of scanner used, the study extension, and the technical parameters used to stage bronchopulmonary carcinoma. Most centers individualize the dose of contrast agent only in extreme weights. There is a broad division between using one or two acquisitions to image the thorax and abdomen, and the number of acquisitions is related to the scanner manufacturer and whether the hospital is affiliated with a university.

Cuestionario de calidad de vida para pacientes con cáncer de vejiga no músculo invasivo / Quality-of-life survey for patients diagnosed with nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer

Objetivo: Evaluar la fiabilidad y validez de un cuestionario de calidad de vida en pacientes con cáncer de vejiga no músculo invasivo. Materiales y métodos: Se incluyeron 180 pacientes. Se elaboró un cuestionario de 21 preguntas agrupadas en 5 áreas que los pacientes cumplimentaban. A su vez, los pacientes cumplimentaban el cuestionario Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy- Bladder Cancer (FACT-BL). Para estudiar la fiabilidad se calculó el coeficiente Alfa de Cronbach y el Índice Kappa. Para estudiar la validez de criterio se estudió, con el coeficiente de correlación de Pearson, la asociación entre las puntuaciones obtenidas por el nuevo cuestionario y el FACT-BL. Para estudiar la validez de constructo (factorial y discriminante) se realizó análisis factorial, comparándose con la «t» de Student, las puntuaciones según características tumorales objetivas de peor calidad de vida (por ejemplo localización en trígono). Resultados: El Alfa de Cronbach fue 0,83 y los Índices Kappa oscilaron entre 0,7 y 1. En el estudio de asociación del nuevo cuestionario y FACT-BL se obtuvo una r = 0,82 para la puntuación global, y entre una r = 0,68 (enfermedad) y una r = 0,97 (vida sexual) en las diferentes dimensiones. En el análisis factorial se obtuvo KMO = 0,77 y test de Barlett p < 0,001. La comparación de las puntuaciones en presencia o ausencia de determinadas características tumorales han obtenido peores resultados de calidad de vida en presencia de las mismas, en la mayoría de ocasiones, estadísticamente significativas (p < 0.05). Conclusión: El cuestionario elaborado para medir la calidad de vida de los pacientes con cáncer de vejiga no músculo invasivo es fiable y válido

Objective: To determine the reliability and validity of a quality-of-life survey for patients with nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer. Material and methods: A total of 180 patients were included in the study. We developed a survey with 21 questions grouped into 5 areas. The patients filled in this survey and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - Bladder Cancer (FACT-BL) survey. To assess reliability, we calculated Cronbach's alpha coefficient and the kappa index. To determine criterion validity, we studied the association between the scores obtained from our survey and those from the FACT-BL survey using the Pearson correlation coefficient. To determine the construct validity (factorial and discriminatory), we performed a factor analysis, comparing it with Student's t-test for the scores obtained according to the tumour characteristics of reduced quality of life (e.g., malignancies located at the trigone of the bladder). Results: Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient was .83, and the kappa index varied between .7 and 1. For the association study between the new survey and the FACT-BL survey, we measured an r = .82 for the overall score and between r = .68 (disease) and r = .97 (sex life) in the various measures. In the factor analysis, we measured a Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin index of .77 and performed the Barlett test (P < .001). The comparison between the scores, in the presence or absence of certain tumour characteristics, has shown a reduced quality of life when those characteristics are present, which was statistically significant (P < .05) in the majority of cases. Conclusion: Our survey to measure the quality of life of patients with nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer is reliable and valid

Influence of APOE Genotype on Alzheimer's Disease CSF Biomarkers in a Spanish Population.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the association between apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of Alzheimer's disease (AD) biomarkers and to study the influence of APOE genotype on the development of AD in a Spanish population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study comprised 29 amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients and 27 control subjects. Using ELISA methodology, CSF biomarkers and tau/Aß ratios were obtained. ANOVA and adjusted odds ratios were calculated. RESULTS: We observed the effect of APOE genotype and age on CSF AD variables. The progression to AD was more clearly influenced by CSF AD variables than by age or APOE status. CONCLUSIONS: APOE status influences CSF AD variables. However, the presence of APOE ε4 does not appear to be a deterministic factor for the development of AD, because CSF variables have a greater influence on progression to the disease. These results confirm previous observations and, to our knowledge, are the first published in a Spanish population.

Effectiveness of a programme to reduce the burden of catheter-related bloodstream infections in a tertiary hospital.

The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a catheter-related bloodstream infection (CR BSI) reduction programme and healthcare workers' compliance with recommendations. A 3-year surveillance programme of CR BSIs in all hospital settings was implemented. As part of the programme, there was a direct observation of insertion and maintenance of central venous catheters (CVCs) to determine performance. A total of 38 education courses were held over the study period and feedback reports with the results of surveillance and recommendations were delivered to healthcare workers every 6 months. A total of 6722 short-term CVCs were inserted in 4982 patients for 58 763 catheter-days. Improvements of compliance with hand hygiene was verified at the insertion (87·1-100%, P < 0·001) and maintenance (51·1-72·1%, P = 0·029) of CVCs; and the use of chlorhexidine for skin disinfection was implemented at insertion (35·7-65·4%, P < 0·001) and maintenance (33·3-45·9%, P < 0·197) of CVCs. There were 266 CR BSI incidents recorded with an annual incidence density of 5·75/1000 catheter-days in the first year, 4·38 in the second year [rate ratio (RR) 0·76, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0·57-1·01] and 3·46 in the third year (RR 0·60, 95% CI 0·44-0·81). The education programme clearly improved compliance with recommendations for CVC handling, and was effective in reducing the burden of CR BSIs.

Quality-of-life survey for patients diagnosed with nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer. / Cuestionario de calidad de vida para pacientes con cáncer de vejiga no músculo invasivo.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the reliability and validity of a quality-of-life survey for patients with nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 180 patients were included in the study. We developed a survey with 21 questions grouped into 5 areas. The patients filled in this survey and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - Bladder Cancer (FACT-BL) survey. To assess reliability, we calculated Cronbach's alpha coefficient and the kappa index. To determine criterion validity, we studied the association between the scores obtained from our survey and those from the FACT-BL survey using the Pearson correlation coefficient. To determine the construct validity (factorial and discriminatory), we performed a factor analysis, comparing it with Student's t-test for the scores obtained according to the tumour characteristics of reduced quality of life (e.g., malignancies located at the trigone of the bladder). RESULTS: Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient was .83, and the kappa index varied between .7 and 1. For the association study between the new survey and the FACT-BL survey, we measured an r=.82 for the overall score and between r=.68 (disease) and r=.97 (sex life) in the various measures. In the factor analysis, we measured a Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin index of .77 and performed the Barlett test (P<.001). The comparison between the scores, in the presence or absence of certain tumour characteristics, has shown a reduced quality of life when those characteristics are present, which was statistically significant (P<.05) in the majority of cases. CONCLUSION: Our survey to measure the quality of life of patients with nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer is reliable and valid.

Biological markers of fertility (inhibin-B) in HIV-infected men: influence of HIV infection and antiretroviral therapy.

OBJECTIVES: Inhibin B (IB) levels and the IB: follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) ratio (IFR), biomarkers of global Sertoli cell function, show a strong relationship with male fertility. The aim of the study was to examine the prevalence of impaired fertility potential in HIV-infected men and the influence of antiretroviral therapy (ART) on fertility biomarkers. METHODS: A cross-sectional study with sequential sampling was carried out. A total of 169 clinically stable patients in a cohort of HIV-infected men undergoing regular ambulatory assessment in a tertiary hospital were included. The mean [± standard deviation (SD)] age of the patients was 42.6 ± 8.1 years, all were clinically stable, 61.5% had disease classified as Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stage A, and were na?ve to ART or had not had any changes to ART for 6 months (91.1%). Morning baseline IB and FSH concentrations were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and an electrochemiluminescent immunoassay (ECLIA), respectively. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with impaired fertility, defined as IB < 119 pg/mL or IFR < 23.5. RESULTS: The mean (± SD) IB level was 250 ± 103 pg/mL, the median [interquartile range (IQR)] FSH concentration was 5.1 (3.3-7.8) UI/L and the median (IQR) IFR was 46.1 (26.3-83.7). The prevalence of impaired fertility was 21.9% [95% confidence interval (CI) 16.3-20.7%]. Negative correlations of body mass index and waist: hip ratio with FSH and IB levels were observed (P < 0.01), while a sedentary lifestyle and previous nevirapine exposure were associated with a decreased risk of IB levels ≤ 25th percentile in multivariate analysis. Only older age, as a risk factor, and sedentary lifestyle, with a protective effect, were independently associated with impaired fertility in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Global testicular Sertoli cell function and fertility potential, assessed indirectly through serum IB levels and IB: FSH ratio, appear to be well maintained in HIV-infected men and not damaged by ART.

La brucelosis humana, ayer y hoy / No disponible

La brucelosis es una zoonosis distribuida por la mayor parte del mundo. En España tuvo una incidencia importante, estimándose en 5.000 los casos anuales al final de la primera mitad del s.XX, llegando a 8.692 casos en 1984, lo que hizo que se pusieran en marcha programas de control, que contribuyeron a reducir el número de casos, hasta los 103 declarados en 2013. La enfermedad, ha tenido una importante repercusión sanitaria y socioeconómica por la afectación del hombre y de los animales. Su pronóstico en general, ha sido bueno, salvo complicaciones. El tratamiento en las primeras décadas del s. XX, era básicamente sintomático, al no disponerse de ningún remedio efectivo. Posteriormente, los arsenicales, las sales de oro y la vacuna intravenosa, entre otros, tuvieron una aportación destacable, hasta la llegada de los antibióticos, que supuso un cambio radical en la evolución de la enfermedad (AU)

Brucellosis is a zoonosis spread throughout the world. It had a rather important incidence in Spain. An estímate of of 5000 cases per year took place in Spain during the first half of the 20th. century, reaching a peak of 8,692 in 1984. This fact promoted the establishment of control mechanisms that contributed to gradually diminish the number of cases to 103 in 2013. Brucellosis has had a considerable importance both in the health and socioeconomic fields due to vulnerability in humans and animals. The disease had a good prognosis, putting aside possible complications. Treatment, in the first decades of the 20th. Century was basically symptomatic, given the lack of effective remedies. Later, arsenic components, gold salts and the intravenous vaccine, among others, had a relevant importance in treatment until the appearance of antibiotics. These had a radical influence in the natural evolution of the disease (AU)

Conocimientos sobre gripe en personal sanitario que acude a vacunarse / No disponible

INTRODUCCIÓN: El objetivo del trabajo, es conocer el nivel de conocimientos sobre la Gripe y sus determinantes en el personal sanitario (PS) que se vacuna de la gripe. Material y MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal, en el que se incluyó al PS que se vacunó de la gripe en la temporada 2011-12, y cumplimentó un cuestionario de 10 preguntas. Se consideró nivel adecuado de conocimientos cuando se contestaron correctamente cinco o más preguntas. Para cuantificar la magnitud de la asociación se calculó la Odds Ratio con sus IC al 95%. RESULTADOS: Se encuestaron 634 trabajadores sanitarios. El 75,7% tenía un nivel adecuado de conocimientos. El tener menos de 45 años OR: 3,3 (2,1-5,2), el ser facultativo o personal de enfermería, OR: 4,1 (2,3-7,3) y OR: 3,1 (1,8-5,3) respectivamente, se asociaron con disponer de un nivel adecuado de conocimientos. CONCLUSIONES: La edad y el estamento son las variables que se asocian de manera independiente con el nivel de conocimientos sobre la Gripe en el PS. Un número importante del personal sanitario, desconoce aspectos relevantes acerca de la Gripe

BACKGROUND: The objective of this work is to know the level knowledge on Influenza and its determinants on health personnel (HP). METHODS: Observational study, in which it included the PS that was vaccinated of the influenza in season 2011-12, and complimented a of 10 questions. Suitable level of knowledge, which was considered when well, answered five or more questions. For quantify the magnitude of the association was calculated Odds Ratio with its 95% CI. RESULTS: 634 HP surveyed them. 75.7% had a suitable level f knowledge. Having less than 4 years, OR: 3,3 (2,1-5,2), be physicians or nursing, OR: 4,1 (2,3-7,3) and OR: 3,1 (1,8-5,3) respectively, they were associated with having an suitable level of knowledge. Conclusions,: the age and the professional category are the variables that are associated of independent way, with the level of knowledge on Influenza in the HW. A significant number of health workers not known about important aspects of influenza