Risk factors associated with sarcopenia in elderly persons in military Hospital Central de la Defensa «Gómez Ulla»

Antecedents and objectives: Sarcopenia is a syndrome characterized by the progressive and generalized decrease in skeletal muscle mass, strength and decreased physical performance. Associated factors are age, diet, sedentary lifestyle and chronic diseases. Very few studies have been conducted on the epidemiology of sarcopenia in hospitalized elderly. The objective of the study was to describe the prevalence of sarcopenia and identify the associated factors among elderly patients hospitalized in Madrid, Spain.Material y Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Hospital Central de la Defensa “Gómez Ulla” during the period from March to September 2018. 295 patients with ages greater than or equal to 65 participated. Sarcopenia was defined according to the EWGSOP2 criterion measuring muscle mass, muscle strength and functionality.Results:The prevalence of sarcopenia was 28.5% (95% CI 23.3-33.7), without significant differences between men and women. The Body Mass Index, hospital stay, alcohol consumption, smoke, physical activity, frequency of physical activity and strength of muscle mass, muscle strenght and funcionality presented an association with the sarcopenia.Conclusions:The prevalence was higher than other studies. The body mass index was significantly higher in subjects with sarcopenia. A higher proportion of smoking was found in subjects without sarcopenia. Likewise, an association was found between physical exercise and a lower prevalence of sarcopenia. (AU)

Antecedentes y objetivos: La sarcopenia es un síndrome caracterizado por la disminución progresiva y generalizada de la masa muscular esquelética, la fuerza y ​​la disminución del rendimiento físico. Los factores asociados son la edad, la dieta, el sedentarismo y las enfermedades crónicas. Se han realizado muy pocos estudios sobre la epidemiología de la sarcopenia en ancianos hospitalizados. El objetivo del estudio fue describir la prevalencia de sarcopenia e identificar los factores asociados entre pacientes ancianos hospitalizados en Madrid, España.Material y Métodos:Se realizó un estudio transversal en el Hospital Central de la Defensa «Gómez Ulla» durante el periodo de marzo a septiembre de 2018. Participaron 295 pacientes con edades mayores o iguales a 65 años. La sarcopenia se definió según el criterio EWGSOP2 que mide la masa muscular, la fuerza muscular y la funcionalidad.Resultados:La prevalencia de sarcopenia fue del 28,5 % (IC 95 % 23,3-33,7), sin diferencias significativas entre hombres y mujeres. El índice de masa corporal, estancia hospitalaria, consumo de alcohol, tabaquismo, actividad física, frecuencia de actividad física y fuerza de masa muscular, fuerza muscular y funcionalidad presentaron asociación con sarcopenia.Conclusiones:La prevalencia fue superior a otros estudios. El índice de masa corporal fue significativamente mayor en sujetos con sarcopenia. Se encontró una mayor proporción de fumadores en sujetos sin sarcopenia. Asimismo, se encontró asociación entre el ejercicio físico y una menor prevalencia de sarcopenia. (AU)

Compliance with preventive measures against malaria of personnel treated in the centre of international vaccination of the Minister of Defence (Spain).

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the compliance with preventive measures against malaria of the personnel treated in the Spanish Defence International Vaccination Centre (CVI). METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted from November to December 2017. The population was 534 individuals. All were treated in CVI, prior to their deployment on endemic areas of malaria, with prevention measures type C and D. A questionnaire of 23 items was elaborated. RESULTS: The percentage of response to the questionnaire was 36.9% (n=194), 100% were male. Air conditioner was the most used protection measure 93.8% (IC 95% 90.4-97.2). Only 35.5% (95% CI: 28.8-42.2) of them, showed good adherence to medication. The factors that influenced in the adherence were the country and the length of deployment. It was not established a direct relationship between the occurrence of adverse reactions and low adherence to treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The general protection measures against malaria were met in a high percentage, whilst the use of chemoprophylaxis was very low. These epidemiological data allowed us to know the validity of the health education that is provided in the traveller's care consultation. It also allowed being aware of the possibilities of infection and import of malaria by personnel of the Spanish Armed Forces. The traveller's office will reinforce the importance of taking the adequate chemo-prophylaxis trough conferences and informative diptychs..