Factores de riesgo de infección de fracturas de meseta tibial / Risk factors for infection of tibial plateau fractures

Introducción: Las fracturas de meseta tibial (FMT) son lesiones propensas a infecciones postoperatorias, siendo la incidencia descrita superior a la del resto de fracturas, entre un 5 y un 12%. Los objetivos primarios de este estudio fueron cuantificar la tasa de infección postoperatoria de osteosíntesis de FMT e identificar los factores de riesgo de esta. Material y métodos: Estudio de cohorte retrospectiva incluyendo a pacientes intervenidos de osteosíntesis de FMT entre 2015 y 2020, en un mismo centro. La población del estudio se dividió en 2 grupos, según la presencia o no de infección postoperatoria. Se recogieron variables demográficas relacionadas con la fractura, parámetros quirúrgicos, así como necesidad de reintervención. Finalmente, en caso de desbridamiento, se recogieron número de cultivos positivos y patógeno responsable de infección, así como el tratamiento aplicado. Resultados: Se incluyeron un total de 124 pacientes, con un total de 14 infecciones (tasa global de infección de 11,3%). Se identificaron como factores de riesgo para desarrollar infección el hecho de tratarse de fracturas abiertas (p=0,002), fracturas tipo Schatzker V y VI (p=0,002) y el uso de fijador externo (p<0,001). En lo que respecta a las variables quirúrgicas solo se identificó el mayor tiempo de isquemia (p=0,032) como factor de riesgo. S. aureus fue el microorganismo más frecuentemente identificado (43%), seguido de E. cloacae (35,7%). Conclusión: La tasa global de infección tras osteosíntesis de fractura de meseta tibial fue del 11,3%. Diferentes factores se asocian a más riesgo de infección, entre ellos la diabetes mellitus, las fracturas abiertas, el uso de fijador externo, un mayor grado en la clasificación de Schatzker o un mayor tiempo de isquemia intraoperatoria.(AU)

Introduction: Tibial plateau fractures are injuries prone to postoperative infection, with its reported incidence being higher than that of other fractures, between 5% and 12%. The primary objectives of this study were to quantify the postoperative infection rate of internal fixation of tibial plateau fractures (TPF) and to identify the risk factors for this. Material and methods: Retrospective cohort study including patients who underwent TPF osteosynthesis between 2015 and 2020, in the same center. The study population was divided into two groups, according to the presence or absence of postoperative infection. Demographic variables related to the fracture, surgical parameters, as well as the need for reoperation were collected. Finally, in the case of debridement, the number of positive cultures and the pathogen responsible for the infection were collected, as well as the treatment applied. Results: One hundred and twenty-four patients were included, with a total of 14 infections (global infection rate of 11.3%). Risk factors for developing infection were open fractures (P=.002), Schatzker V and VI type fractures (P=.002) and the use of external fixation (P<.001). Regarding the surgical variables, only the longest ischemia time (P=.032) was identified as a risk factor. S. aureus was the most frequently identified microorganism (43%), followed by E. cloacae (35.7%). Conclusion: The overall infection rate after osteosynthesis of tibial plateau fractures was 11.3%. Different factors are associated with a higher risk of infection, including diabetes mellitus, open fractures, the use of external fixation, a higher grade in the Schatzker classification or a longer intraoperative ischemia time.(AU)

[Translated article] Risk factors for infection of tibial plateau fractures / Factores de riesgo de infección de fracturas de meseta tibial

Introducción: Las fracturas de meseta tibial (FMT) son lesiones propensas a infecciones postoperatorias, siendo la incidencia descrita superior a la del resto de fracturas, entre un 5 y un 12%. Los objetivos primarios de este estudio fueron cuantificar la tasa de infección postoperatoria de osteosíntesis de FMT e identificar los factores de riesgo de esta. Material y métodos: Estudio de cohorte retrospectiva incluyendo a pacientes intervenidos de osteosíntesis de FMT entre 2015 y 2020, en un mismo centro. La población del estudio se dividió en 2 grupos, según la presencia o no de infección postoperatoria. Se recogieron variables demográficas relacionadas con la fractura, parámetros quirúrgicos, así como necesidad de reintervención. Finalmente, en caso de desbridamiento, se recogieron número de cultivos positivos y patógeno responsable de infección, así como el tratamiento aplicado. Resultados: Se incluyeron un total de 124 pacientes, con un total de 14 infecciones (tasa global de infección de 11,3%). Se identificaron como factores de riesgo para desarrollar infección el hecho de tratarse de fracturas abiertas (p=0,002), fracturas tipo Schatzker V y VI (p=0,002) y el uso de fijador externo (p<0,001). En lo que respecta a las variables quirúrgicas solo se identificó el mayor tiempo de isquemia (p=0,032) como factor de riesgo. S. aureus fue el microorganismo más frecuentemente identificado (43%), seguido de E. cloacae (35,7%). Conclusión: La tasa global de infección tras osteosíntesis de fractura de meseta tibial fue del 11,3%. Diferentes factores se asocian a más riesgo de infección, entre ellos la diabetes mellitus, las fracturas abiertas, el uso de fijador externo, un mayor grado en la clasificación de Schatzker o un mayor tiempo de isquemia intraoperatoria.(AU)

Introduction: Tibial plateau fractures are injuries prone to postoperative infection, with its reported incidence being higher than that of other fractures, between 5% and 12%. The primary objectives of this study were to quantify the postoperative infection rate of internal fixation of tibial plateau fractures (TPF) and to identify the risk factors for this. Material and methods: Retrospective cohort study including patients who underwent TPF osteosynthesis between 2015 and 2020, in the same center. The study population was divided into two groups, according to the presence or absence of postoperative infection. Demographic variables related to the fracture, surgical parameters, as well as the need for reoperation were collected. Finally, in the case of debridement, the number of positive cultures and the pathogen responsible for the infection were collected, as well as the treatment applied. Results: One hundred and twenty-four patients were included, with a total of 14 infections (global infection rate of 11.3%). Risk factors for developing infection were open fractures (P=.002), Schatzker V and VI type fractures (P=.002) and the use of external fixation (P<.001). Regarding the surgical variables, only the longest ischemia time (P=.032) was identified as a risk factor. S. aureus was the most frequently identified microorganism (43%), followed by E. cloacae (35.7%). Conclusion: The overall infection rate after osteosynthesis of tibial plateau fractures was 11.3%. Different factors are associated with a higher risk of infection, including diabetes mellitus, open fractures, the use of external fixation, a higher grade in the Schatzker classification or a longer intraoperative ischemia time.(AU)

Sexual disorders post-stroke: Description of a cohort of patients followed in rehabilitation.

INTRODUCTION: The impairments resulting from a stroke can be multiple, including urinary and/or sexual dysfunctions. This acquired brain injury disrupts neurological control of sexual responses. MAIN OBJECTIVE: to describe sexual disorders, after a first episode of stroke, in a population followed in a physical medicine and rehabilitation (PMR) center. SECONDARY OBJECTIVES: to gather patients' expectations and PMR physicians' opinions on this subject. METHOD: Observational, retrospective study in two PRM centers. Post-stroke sexuality was assessed using two validated questionnaires [for men: International Index of Erectile Function 15 (IIEF15) and for women: Female Sexual function Index (FSFI)]. Patients were asked 3 questions to approximate their expectations, and PRM physicians were asked 2 questions for their opinions. RESULTS: Twenty-four subjects included (17 men/7 women). Thirteen had no post-stroke sexuality. Erectile function was analysable in 4 subjects, 3 of whom had moderate to severe erectile dysfunction. In women, female sexual dysfunction concerned 6/7 women, including lubrication. Ninety-six percent of subjects had never discussed sexuality with their PRM physician. Only 33% would have liked information on this subject. Our PRM physicians rarely discuss post-stroke sexual disability. CONCLUSION: Post-stroke sexual disorders occur in both sexes. All areas of sexuality may be affected. A large-scale, prospective, controlled, multicenter study is needed to establish stroke as the direct neurological cause of sexual impairment.

Risk factors for infection of tibial plateau fractures. / Factores de riesgo de infección de fracturas de meseta tibial.

INTRODUCTION: Tibial plateau fractures are injuries prone to postoperative infection, with its reported incidence being higher than that of other fractures, between 5% and 12%. The primary objectives of this study were to quantify the postoperative infection rate of internal fixation of tibial plateau fractures (TPF) and to identify the risk factors for this. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective cohort study including patients who underwent TPF osteosynthesis between 2015 and 2020, in the same center. The study population was divided into two groups, according to the presence or absence of postoperative infection. Demographic variables related to the fracture, surgical parameters, as well as the need for reoperation were collected. Finally, in the case of debridement, the number of positive cultures and the pathogen responsible for the infection were collected, as well as the treatment applied. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-four patients were included, with a total of 14 infections (global infection rate of 11.3%). Risk factors for developing infection were open fractures (P=.002), Schatzker V and VI type fractures (P=.002) and the use of external fixation (P<.001). Regarding the surgical variables, only the longest ischemia time (P=.032) was identified as a risk factor. S. aureus was the most frequently identified microorganism (43%), followed by E. cloacae (35.7%). CONCLUSION: The overall infection rate after osteosynthesis of tibial plateau fractures was 11.3%. Different factors are associated with a higher risk of infection, including diabetes mellitus, open fractures, the use of external fixation, a higher grade in the Schatzker classification or a longer intraoperative ischemia time.

[Translated article] Risk factors for infection of tibial plateau fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Tibial plateau fractures are injuries prone to postoperative infection, with its reported incidence being higher than that of other fractures, between 5% and 12%. The primary objectives of this study were to quantify the postoperative infection rate of internal fixation of tibial plateau fractures (TPFs) and to identify the risk factors for this. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective cohort study including patients who underwent TPF osteosynthesis between 2015 and 2020, in the same center. The study population was divided into two groups, according to the presence or absence of postoperative infection. Demographic variables related to the fracture, surgical parameters, as well as the need for reoperation were collected. Finally, in the case of debridement, the number of positive cultures and the pathogen responsible for the infection were collected, as well as the treatment applied. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-four patients were included, with a total of 14 infections (global infection rate of 11.3%). Risk factors for developing infection were open fractures (p=.002), Schatzker V and VI type fractures (p=.002) and the use of external fixation (p<.001). Regarding the surgical variables, only the longest ischemia time (p=.032) was identified as a risk factor. Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequently identified microorganism (43%), followed by Enterobacter cloacae (35.7%). CONCLUSION: The overall infection rate after osteosynthesis of tibial plateau fractures was 11.3%. Different factors are associated with a higher risk of infection, including diabetes mellitus, open fractures, the use of external fixation, a higher grade in the Schatzker classification or a longer intraoperative ischemia time.

Concordancia entre las ecuaciones de estimación del filtrado glomerular y el aclaramiento de creatinina en orina de 4horas en pacientes críticos con trauma grave / Concordance between glomerular filtration rate estimation equations and 4-hour urinary creatinine clearance in critically ill patients with severe trauma

Antecedentes y objetivo: Cada vez hay más estudios que evidencian que las ecuaciones utilizadas para conocer la tasa de filtrado glomerular estimada (TFGe) no son adecuadas para los pacientes críticos en los que se producen continuas variaciones del filtrado glomerular (FG). El método más práctico para aproximarse al estudio del FG es el cálculo del aclaramiento de creatinina (ClCr) en periodos de recogida de orina variables. El objetivo del estudio fue observar el comportamiento de las ecuaciones empleadas para estimar el filtrado glomerular cuando se aplican a la subpoblación de pacientes críticos ingresados por trauma grave y comparar el ClCr en orina recogida en un periodo de 4horas (ClCr-4h). Material y métodos: Estudio observacional que incluye pacientes ingresados por trauma grave. Se calculó el ClCr-4h y se determinó la TFGe mediante las ecuaciones de Cockcroft-Gault, Jelliffe modificada, MDRD, t-MDRD y CKD-EPI. Los resultados se expresan referidos a superficie corporal (ml/min/1,73m2). Los análisis se realizaron con el software estadístico R versión 4.0.4. Resultados: Se incluyeron 85 pacientes. La edad mediana de los pacientes fue de 51años; 68 pacientes fueron varones (78,82%). El ClCr-4h ajustado a superficie corporal (ClCr-4h ml/min/1,73m2) medio fue de 84,5ml/min/1,73m2. Hallamos correlación estadísticamente significativa de ClCr-4h/1,73m2 con la TFGe por t-MDRD. Para ClCr-4h/1,73m2 mayores de 130ml/min/m2 la ecuación de Cockcroft-Gault identifica a los pacientes correctamente de una forma estadísticamente significativa. Conclusiones: El cálculo de ClCr en el entorno de UCI proporciona datos fiables del FG, no siendo adecuado el uso de ecuaciones estimativas.(AU)

Background and objective: There is a growing body of evidence that the equations used to estimate the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) are not suitable in critically ill patients, a population whose GFR fluctuates continuously. Glomerular filtration is usually estimated by measuring urine creatinine clearance (CrCl) at various time points. The aim of our study was to evaluate the performance of the most widely used GFR calculators in the subpopulation of critically ill patients admitted for severe trauma, and to compare the results against determinations of CrCl in urine collected over a 4-hour period (4h-CrCl). Material and methods: Observational study in patients hospitalized for severe trauma. We measured the 4h-CrCl and estimated GFR using the Cockcroft-Gault, modified Jelliffe, MDRD, t-MDRD, and CKD-EPI equations, adjusting the results for body surface area (BSA) (ml/min/1.73m2). Data were analysed using R version 4.0.4. Results: A total of 85 patients were included. Median age was 51years, and 68 were men (78.82%). The mean BSA-adjusted 4h-CrCl (4h-ClCr/1.73m2) was 84.5ml/min/1.73m2. We found that GFR estimated using the t-MDRD equation correlated significantly with 4h-CrCl/1.73m2. The Cockcroft-Gault equation correlated significantly with 4h-CrCl/1.73m2 when GFR was greater than 130ml/min/m2. Conclusions: In ICU patients, glomerular filtration can be reliably estimated by determining urine CrCl, but GFR calculators are not accurate in this population.(AU)

Concordance between glomerular filtration rate estimation equations and 4-hour urinary creatinine clearance in critically ill patients with severe trauma.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: There is a growing body of evidence that the equations used to estimate the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) are not suitable in critically ill patients, a population whose GFR fluctuates continuously. Glomerular filtration is usually estimated by measuring urine creatinine clearance (CrCl) at various time points. The aim of our study was to evaluate the performance of the most widely used GFR calculators in the subpopulation of critically ill patients admitted for severe trauma, and to compare the results against determinations of CrCl in urine collected over a 4-h period (4h-CrCl). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational study in patients hospitalized for severe trauma. We measured the 4h-CrCl and estimated GFR using the Cockcroft-Gault, modified Jelliffe, MDRD, t-MDRD, and CKD-EPI equations, adjusting the results for body surface area (BSA) (ml/min/1.73m2). Data were analysed using R version 4.0.4. RESULTS: A total of 85 patients were included. Median age was 51 years, and 68 were men (78.82%). The mean BSA-adjusted 4h-CrCl (4h-ClCr/1.73m2) was 84.5 ml/min/1.73m2. We found that GFR estimated using the t-MDRD equation correlated significantly with 4h-CrCl/1.73m2. The Cockcroft-Gault equation correlated significantly with 4h-CrCl/1.73m2 when GFR was greater than 130ml/min/m2. CONCLUSIONS: In ICU patients, glomerular filtration can be reliably estimated by determining urine CrCl, but GFR calculators are not accurate in this population.

Accuracy of diagnostic tests in cardiac injury after blunt chest trauma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The diagnosis of cardiac contusion, caused by blunt chest trauma, remains a challenge due to the non-specific symptoms it causes and the lack of ideal tests to diagnose myocardial damage. A cardiac contusion can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated promptly. Several diagnostic tests have been used to evaluate the risk of cardiac complications, but the challenge of identifying patients with contusions nevertheless remains. AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the accuracy of diagnostic tests for detecting blunt cardiac injury (BCI) and its complications, in patients with severe chest injuries, who are assessed in an emergency department or by any front-line emergency physician. METHODS: A targeted search strategy was performed using Ovid MEDLINE and Embase databases from 1993 up to October 2022. Data on at least one of the following diagnostic tests: electrocardiogram (ECG), serum creatinine phosphokinase-MB level (CPK-MB), echocardiography (Echo), Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) or Cardiac troponin T (cTnT). Diagnostic tests for cardiac contusion were evaluated for their accuracy in meta-analysis. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 and the QUADAS-2 tool was used to assess bias of the studies. RESULTS: This systematic review yielded 51 studies (n = 5,359). The weighted mean incidence of myocardial injuries after sustaining a blunt force trauma stood at 18.3% of cases. Overall weighted mean mortality among patients with blunt cardiac injury was 7.6% (1.4-36.4%). Initial ECG, cTnI, cTnT and transthoracic echocardiography TTE all showed high specificity (> 80%), but lower sensitivity (< 70%). TEE had a specificity of 72.1% (range 35.8-98.2%) and sensitivity of 86.7% (range 40-99.2%) in diagnosing cardiac contusion. CK-MB had the lowest diagnostic odds ratio of 3.598 (95% CI: 1.832-7.068). Normal ECG accompanied by normal cTnI showed a high sensitivity of 85% in ruling out cardiac injuries. CONCLUSION: Emergency physicians face great challenges in diagnosing cardiac injuries in patients following blunt trauma. In the majority of cases, joint use of ECG and cTnI was a pragmatic and cost-effective approach to rule out cardiac injuries. In addition, TEE may be highly accurate in identifying cardiac injuries in suspected cases.

Acidification and solar drying of manure-based digestate to produce improved fertilizing products.

The increase in energy and fertilizer consumption makes it necessary to develop sustainable alternatives for agriculture. Anaerobic digestion and digestates appeared to be suitable options. However, untreated digestates still have high water content and can increase greenhouse gas emissions during storage and land application. In this study, manure-derived digestate and solid fraction of digestate after separation were treated with a novel solar drying technology to reduce their water content, combined with acidification to reduce the gaseous emissions. The acidified digestate and acidified solid fraction of digestate recovered more nitrogen and ammonia nitrogen than their respective non-acidified products (1.5-1.3 times for TN; 14 times for TAN). Ammonia and methane emissions were reduced up to 94% and 72% respectively, compared to the non-acidified ones, while N2O increased more than 3 times. Dried digestate and dried acidified digestate can be labeled as NPK organic fertilizer regarding the European regulation, and the dried solid fraction and the improved dried acidified solid fraction can be labeled as N or P organic fertilizer. Moreover, plant tests showed that N concentrations in fresh lettuce leaves were within the EU limit with all products in all the cases. However, zinc concentration appeared to be a limitation in some of the products as their concentration exceeded the European legal limits.

Compassion fatigue and anxiety in critical care emergency nurses: In between efficiency and humanity.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the emotional impact of permanent proximity to trauma and death in the Emergency and ICU's nurses establishing prevalence of Compassionate Fatigue (burnout and Secondary Traumatic Stress) and anxiety. Analyze its relationship with sociodemographic, training, workplace and psychological variables. METHODS: Descriptive, cross-sectional and multicentre study. The validated ProQOL v. IV and STAI scales and an ad-hoc questionnaire with the variables of the second objective were used in 710 nurses from nine highly complex hospitals in Catalonia (Spain). RESULTS: In both units, the prevalence of professionals affected with high scores of burnout was higher than 20%, on Secondary Traumatic Stress was 30% and, 12% on anxiety. Each subscale was significantly associated with the intention to leave units and the career. 97% of participants stated that they needed to be trained in emotional management. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of burnout and Secondary Traumatic Stress were higher in our study than those offered in the reference literature in emergency and ICU nurses. The prevalence of each construct was individually related to the desire to leave work units and career. This fact, together with the participants' desire to be better trained in emotional management exposes the need to establish educational plans, as well as institutional measures to prevent and support nurses for Compassion Fatigue.

Mechanotransduction in tumor dynamics modeling.

Mechanotherapy is a groundbreaking approach to impact carcinogenesis. Cells sense and respond to mechanical stimuli, translating them into biochemical signals in a process known as mechanotransduction. The impact of stress on tumor growth has been studied in the last three decades, and many papers highlight the role of mechanics as a critical self-inducer of tumor fate at the in vitro and in vivo biological levels. Meanwhile, mathematical models attempt to determine laws to reproduce tumor dynamics. This review discusses biological mechanotransduction mechanisms and mathematical-biomechanical models together. The aim is to provide a common framework for the different approaches that have emerged in the literature from the perspective of tumor avascularity and to provide insight into emerging mechanotherapies that have attracted interest in recent years.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in critical COVID-19 patients: Report of 2 cases.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome is an acute neurological disorder characterized by variable symptoms and radiological images characteristic of vasogenic parietal-occipital edema. It is associated with clinical conditions such as high blood pressure, infection/sepsis, or cytotoxic/immunosuppressive drugs, among others. It is characterized pathophysiologically by endothelial damage with breakdown of blood-brain barrier, cerebral hypoperfusion, and vasogenic edema. The cases are presented on 2 critical COVID-19 patients who were admitted to pneumonia requiring mechanical ventilation and who, after removing sedation, developed acute and reversible neurological symptoms consisting of epilepsy and encephalopathy, associated with hyperintense subcortical lesions on brain magnetic resonance imaging compatible with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome. SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus would activate an inflammatory response that would damage brain endothelium. It could be triggered by cytokine release, as well as by direct viral injury, given that endothelium expresses ACE2 receptors. It could explain the possible association between posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome and COVID-19.

Fatiga por compasión y ansiedad en enfermeras de cuidados críticos y emergencias. Entre eficiencia y humanidad / Compassion fatigue and anxiety in critical care emergency nurses: In between efficiency and humanity

Objetivos: Determinar el impacto emocional de la proximidad al trauma y la muerte en enfermeras de urgencias y de UCI mediante las prevalencias de fatiga de compasión (burnout y estrés traumático secundario) y ansiedad. Analizar su relación con variables de tipo sociodemográfico, formativas, laborales y psicológicas. Método: Estudio descriptivo, transversal y multicéntrico. Se utilizaron las escalas validadas ProQOL v.IV y STAI y un cuestionario ad-hoc con las variables del segundo objetivo, en 710 enfermeras de nueve hospitales de alta complejidad de Cataluña (España). Resultados: En ambas unidades, la proporción de profesionales afectados en alto grado de burnout fue superior al 20%, al 30% en estrés traumático secundario y al 12% en ansiedad. Cada subescala se asoció con la intención de abandonar la unidad y la profesión. El 97% de participantes manifestaron que era necesario recibir formación en gestión emocional. Conclusiones: Las prevalencias de burnout y de estrés traumático secundario fueron superiores en nuestro estudio respecto a la literatura de referencia en las enfermeras de urgencias y en las de UCI. La prevalencia de cada constructo se relacionó individualmente con el deseo de abandono de las enfermeras de sus unidades y de su profesión. Este hecho, junto al deseo de recibir formación de los participantes, expone la necesidad de establecer planes formativos, así como medidas institucionales de prevención y apoyo para la fatiga por compasión.(AU)

Objectives: To determine the emotional impact of permanent proximity to trauma and death in the Emergency and ICU's nurses establishing prevalence of Compassionate Fatigue (burnout and secondary traumatic stress) and anxiety. Analyze its relationship with sociodemographic, training, workplace and psychological variables. Methods: Descriptive, cross-sectional and multicentre study. The validated ProQOL v.IV and STAI scales and an ad-hoc questionnaire with the variables of the second objective were used in 710 nurses from nine highly complex hospitals in Catalonia (Spain). Results: In both units, the prevalence of professionals affected with high scores of burnout was higher than 20%, on secondary traumatic stress was 30%, and 12% on anxiety. Each subscale was significantly associated with the intention to leave units and the career. 97% of participants stated that they needed to be trained in emotional management. Conclusion: The prevalence of burnout and secondary traumatic stress were higher in our study than those offered in the reference literature in emergency and ICU nurses. The prevalence of each construct was individually related to the desire to leave work units and career. This fact, together with the participants’ desire to be better trained in emotional management exposes the need to establish educational plans, as well as institutional measures to prevent and support nurses for Compassion Fatigue.(AU)

Síndrome de encefalopatía posterior reversible en pacientes críticos COVID-19: reporte de 2 casos / Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in critical COVID-19 patients: Report of 2 cases

El síndrome de encefalopatía posterior reversible es un trastorno neurológico agudo caracterizado por una sintomatología variable e imágenes radiológicas características de edema vasogénico parietooccipital. Está asociado a condiciones clínicas como hipertensión arterial, infección/sepsis o fármacos citotóxicos/inmunosupresores, entre otros. Se caracteriza fisiopatológicamente por daño endotelial con rotura de la barrera hematoencefálica, hipoperfusión cerebral y edema vasogénico. Presentamos 2 casos de pacientes críticos COVID-19 que ingresaron por neumonía con necesidad de ventilación mecánica y que tras retirar la sedación desarrollaron clínica neurológica aguda y reversible consistente en epilepsia y encefalopatía, asociada a lesiones subcorticales hiperintensas en la resonancia magnética cerebral compatibles con síndrome de encefalopatía posterior reversible. El coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 activaría una respuesta inflamatoria que produciría daño en el endotelio cerebral. Este último podría ser desencadenado por la liberación de citocinas, así como por una lesión viral directa, dado que el endotelio expresa receptores ACE2. Esto podría explicar la posible asociación entre el síndrome de encefalopatía posterior reversible y la COVID-19.(AU)

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome is an acute neurological disorder characterized by variable symptoms and radiological images characteristic of vasogenic parietal-occipital edema. It is associated with clinical conditions such as high blood pressure, infection/sepsis, or cytotoxic/immunosuppressive drugs, among others. It is characterized pathophysiologically by endothelial damage with breakdown of blood-brain barrier, cerebral hypoperfusion, and vasogenic edema. The cases are presented on 2 critical COVID-19 patients who were admitted to pneumonia requiring mechanical ventilation and who, after removing sedation, developed acute and reversible neurological symptoms consisting of epilepsy and encephalopathy, associated with hyperintense subcortical lesions on brain magnetic resonance imaging compatible with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome. SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus would activate an inflammatory response that would damage brain endothelium. It could be triggered by cytokine release, as well as by direct viral injury, given that endothelium expresses ACE2 receptors. It could explain the possible association between posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome and COVID-19.(AU)

Use and comparison of serologic assays to detect anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in farmed red deer (Cervus elaphus).

Neospora caninum is a protozoan parasite that cause abortion in different ruminant species, including red deer ( Cervus elaphus). There are no validated assays to be performed with sera from red deer. At the present work, we evaluated the agreement among indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT), competitive inhibition ELISA based on a recombinant protein (ciELISA tSAG1) and immunoblot (IB) to detect anti- N. caninum antibodies in a red deer herd that presented reproductive losses due to N. caninum. In addition, we analyzed the relationship between the serologic results and 15 hinds were analyzed by IFAT, ciELISA tSAG1 and IB to detect anti- N. caninum antibodies. In the three assays, the cut-off established for cattle was used. Besides, sera were analyzed by IFAT to detect anti- Toxoplasma gondii antibodies. The hinds were monitored by ultrasound scanning during the gestational period to detect abortions. Gwet's agreement coefficient (AC1) and the percentage of agreement were used to estimate the agreement between pairs of assays. Chi-square test and odds ratio (OR) were used for the statistical association between abortion and seropositivity to N. caninum or to T. gondii. The N. caninum seropositivity rate was 53.9% (62/115), 57.4% (66/115) and 55.7% (64/115) for IFAT, ciELISA tSAG1 and IB, respectively. The AC1 and percentage of agreement were 0.760% and 87.8% for the pair ciELISA tSAG1 /IFAT, 0.793% and 89.6% for the pair IFAT/IB, and 0.966% and 98.3% for the pair IB/ciELISA tSAG1. The T. gondii seropositivity rate was 53.0% (61/115). Seropositive hinds to N. caninum were more likely to abort than seronegative hinds by the 3 assays. The OR for the association between N. caninum seropositivity and abortion was 72.70, 22.96 and 83.24 when ciELISA tSAG1, IFAT or IB assays were used, respectively. between T. gondii seropositivity and abortion. The three serologic assays were useful to detect N. caninum infected hinds. The validation of the assays for use in red deer would be an improvement for diagnosis of neosporosis in this species.

[Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in critical COVID-19 patients: Report of 2 cases]. / Síndrome de encefalopatía posterior reversible en pacientes críticos COVID-19: reporte de 2 casos.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome is an acute neurological disorder characterized by variable symptoms and radiological images characteristic of vasogenic parietal-occipital edema. It is associated with clinical conditions such as high blood pressure, infection/sepsis, or cytotoxic/immunosuppressive drugs, among others. It is characterized pathophysiologically by endothelial damage with breakdown of blood-brain barrier, cerebral hypoperfusion, and vasogenic edema.The cases are presented on 2 critical COVID-19 patients who were admitted to pneumonia requiring mechanical ventilation and who, after removing sedation, developed acute and reversible neurological symptoms consisting of epilepsy and encephalopathy, associated with hyperintense subcortical lesions on brain magnetic resonance imaging compatible with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome.SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus would activate an inflammatory response that would damage brain endothelium. It could be triggered by cytokine release, as well as by direct viral injury, given that endothelium expresses ACE2 receptors. It could explain the possible association between posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome and COVID-19.

Comparison of different radiographic scores with associated echocardiographic measurements and prediction of heart enlargement in dogs with and without myxomatous mitral valve disease.

INTRODUCTION: Staging of myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) requires an echocardiographic examination along with thoracic radiographs. The aims of this study were to calculate mean values for radiographic scores vertebral heart size (VHS), left atrial width (LAWidth), radiographic left atrial dimension (RLAD), and vertebral left atrial size (VLAS) in conventional and grayscale inverted images in healthy dogs and dogs with different stages of MMVD, and to find cutoff values for a stage assignment. ANIMALS: One hundred fifty dogs in different stages of MMVD and 50 unaffected dogs were evaluated. METHODS: Radiographic scores, echocardiographic left atrium-to-aorta ratio and normalized left ventricular internal dimension at end-diastole, and results of a clinical examination were obtained. Analyses were performed to evaluate the correlation between radiographic scores and echocardiographic values, to determine cutoff values for a radiographic stage assignment, and to compare measurements in conventional and inverted radiographs. RESULTS: After excluding breed-specific higher VHS, the means of VHS, LAWidth, RLAD, and VLAS were similar in the control group and stage B1. All radiographic scores increased in stages B2 and C. The cutoff values identifying heart enlargement, and therefore differentiating stages B1 and B2, were 11.0 for VHS, 1.8 for LAWidth, 2.0 for RLAD, and 2.3 for VLAS. Besides RLAD, scores were similar in conventional and inverted radiographs. CONCLUSION: Cutoff values for the different radiographic scores for stage assignment were calculated. Radiographic cardiac scores using either conventional or inverted grayscale could be a tool to differentiate between different stages of MMVD when echocardiography is unavailable.

Incremento de dispensación de ansiolíticos y antidepresivos en tres farmacias de la provincia de Alicante durante la pandemia / Increase in the dispensing of anxiolytics and antidepressants in three pharmacies in the province of Alicante during the pandemic

JUSTIFICACIÓN: la Constitución de la OMS define la salud como un “estado de completo bienestar físico, mental y social, y no solamente la ausencia de afecciones o enfermedades”. Por tanto, la salud mental constituye un estado de completo bienestar en el que el individuo es capaz de ser útil para su comunidad, hacer frente al estrés normal de la vida y trabajar de una manera productiva. La reciente pandemia del COVID ha provocado no sólo consecuencias físicas en la población sino que ha provocado enormes cambios en los ámbitos social y económico de las comunidades locales a las que las farmacias de todo el territorio español asisten. Según el Centro de Investigaciones Sociológicas (CIS), desde el inicio de la pandemia hasta la actualidad, un 5,8 % de la población ha recibido un tratamiento psicofarmacológico, entre los que destacan los ansiolíticos (un 58,7 %) y los antidepresivos (41,3 %). Además, más del 50 % de la población habría sentido algún tipo de tristeza.OBJETIVOS: - Determinar el incremento de unidades dispensadas de fármacos enmarcados dentro de los grupos terapéuticos con indicación para depresión y ansiedad en tres farmacias de la provincia de Alicante desde el inicio del confinamiento en Marzo de 2020 en comparación con años anteriores.-Justificación de la creación de un protocolo de Salud Mental para las farmacias con el fin de mejorar la adherencia a los tratamientos terapéuticos y a la pronta detección de patologías en salud mental.MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: se realiza un análisis de los datos de dispensación completamente anónimos de los fármacos antidepresivos (N06AA, N06AX) y benzodiacepinas (N05AB, N03AE) en tres farmacias de la provincia de Alicante desde Marzo de 2018 a Febrero de 2022. (AU)