Effects of eccentric, concentric and eccentric/concentric training on muscle function and mass, functional performance, cardiometabolic health, quality of life and molecular adaptations of skeletal muscle in COPD patients: a multicentre randomised trial.

BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third cause of death worldwide. COPD is characterised by dyspnoea, limited exercise tolerance, and muscle dysfunction. Muscle dysfunction has been linked to dysregulation between muscle protein synthesis, myogenesis and degradation mechanisms. Conventional concentric cycling has been shown to improve several clinical outcomes and reduce muscle wasting in COPD patients. Eccentric cycling is a less explored exercise modality that allows higher training workloads imposing lower cardio-metabolic demand during exercise, which has shown to induce greater muscle mass and strength gains after training. Interestingly, the combination of eccentric and concentric cycling training has scarcely been explored. The molecular adaptations of skeletal muscle after exercise interventions in COPD have shown equivocal results. The mechanisms of muscle wasting in COPD and whether it can be reversed by exercise training are unclear. Therefore, this study aims two-fold: (1) to compare the effects of 12 weeks of eccentric (ECC), concentric (CONC), and combined eccentric/concentric (ECC/CONC) cycling training on muscle mass and function, cardiometabolic health, physical activity levels and quality of life in severe COPD patients; and (2) to examine the molecular adaptations regulating muscle growth after training, and whether they occur similarly in specific muscle fibres (i.e., I, IIa and IIx). METHODS: Study 1 will compare the effects of 12 weeks of CONC, ECC, versus ECC/CONC training on muscle mass and function, cardiometabolic health, levels of physical activity and quality of life of severe COPD patients using a multicentre randomised trial. Study 2 will investigate the effects of these training modalities on the molecular adaptations regulating muscle protein synthesis, myogenesis and muscle degradation in a subgroup of patients from Study 1. Changes in muscle fibres morphology, protein content, genes, and microRNA expression involved in skeletal muscle growth will be analysed in specific fibre-type pools. DISCUSSION: We aim to demonstrate that a combination of eccentric and concentric exercise could maximise the improvements in clinical outcomes and may be ideal for COPD patients. We also expect to unravel the molecular mechanisms underpinning muscle mass regulation after training in severe COPD patients. TRIAL REGISTRY: Deutshches Register Klinischer Studien; Trial registration: DRKS00027331; Date of registration: 12 January 2022. https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00027331 .

[Immunocompetent adults hospitalized for a community-acquired pneumonia: Serum C-reactive protein as a prognostic marker]. / Utilidad de la proteína C reactiva sérica en el diagnóstico y tratamiento del adulto inmunocompetente hospitalizado por neumonía adquirida en la comunidad.

BACKGROUND: C-reactive protein (CRP) is used to monitor patients' response during treatment of infectious diseases. Morbidity and mortality associated with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is high, particularly in hospitalized patients. Better risk prediction during hospitalization could improve management and ultimately reduce mortality rates. AIM: To evaluate CRP measured at admission and the third day of hospitalization as a predictor for adverse events in CAP. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective cohort study of adult patients hospitalized with CAP at an academic hospital. Major adverse outcomes were admission to ICU, mechanical ventilation, prolonged hospital length of stay, hospital complications and 30-day mortality. Predictive associations between CRP (as absolute levels and relative decline at third day) and adverse events were analyzed. RESULTS: Eight hundred and twenty-three patients were assessed, 19% were admitted to ICU and 10.6% required mechanical ventilation. The average hospital stay was 8.8 ± 8.2 days, 42% had nosocomial complications and 8.1% died within 30 days. Ninety eight percent of patients had elevated serum CRP on admission to the hospital (18.1 ± 14.1 mg/dL). C-reactive protein measured at admission was associated with the risk of bacterial pneumonia, bacteremic pneumonia, septic shock and use of mechanical ventilation. Lack of CRP decline within three days of hospitalization was associated with high risk of complications, septic shock, mechanical ventilation and prolonged hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS: CRP responses at third day of hospital admission was a valuable predictor of adverse events in hospitalized CAP adult patients.

Rendimiento de los cuestionarios de sueño en la pesquisa de pacientes adultos con síndrome de apnea obstructiva del sueño según sexo / Gender differences in clinical features and performance of sleep questionnaires in adults with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

Background: Women with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAS) are less likely to be assessed or to receive an appropriate diagnosis, and they may have poorer quality of life and survival rates. Aim: To assess gender-specific clinical differences in adult patients with OSAS. Material and Methods: A standardized clinical questionnaire and four sleep questionnaires (Berlin, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, STOP and STOP-Bang) were administered and anthropometric data were measured. Patients underwent an overnight in-laboratory polysomnography to confirm the diagnosis of OSAS. Receiver operating characteristic curves, sensitivity and specificity of clinical manifestations and sleep questionnaires were calculated. Results: Of 1,464 screened patients, 509 were female, 58.6% had moderate to severe OSAS. Clinical variables associated with OSAS risk in women were age, insomnia, nocturia, hypertension and cervical circumference. Paired by age and respiratory events, the snoring frequency was similar in both genders, although witnessed apneas and high cervical circumference and waist/hip ratio were more common in males. Morning headaches, insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness, depression, anxiety and poor quality of sleep were more common in women. Women were older than men, more obese (although with an obesity pattern less centrally distributed) and referred hypertension, diabetes, depression and hypothyroidism with higher frequency. Sleep questionnaires performance were similar in both sexes. Conclusions: It is likely that women with OSAS may partially be underdiagnosed due to circumstances related to a different OSAS clinical expression.

Utilidad de la proteína C reactiva sérica en el diagnóstico y tratamiento del adulto inmunocompetente hospitalizado por neumonía adquirida en la comunidad / Immunocompetent adults hospitalized for a community-acquired pneumonia: Serum C-reactive protein as a prognostic marker

Background: C-reactive protein (CRP) is used to monitor patients' response during treatment of infectious diseases. Morbidity and mortality associated with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is high, particularly in hospitalized patients. Better risk prediction during hospitalization could improve management and ultimately reduce mortality rates. Aim: To evaluate CRP measured at admission and the third day of hospitalization as a predictor for adverse events in CAP. Material and Methods: A prospective cohort study of adult patients hospitalized with CAP at an academic hospital. Major adverse outcomes were admission to ICU, mechanical ventilation, prolonged hospital length of stay, hospital complications and 30-day mortality. Predictive associations between CRP (as absolute levels and relative decline at third day) and adverse events were analyzed. Results: Eight hundred and twenty-three patients were assessed, 19% were admitted to ICU and 10.6% required mechanical ventilation. The average hospital stay was 8.8 ± 8.2 days, 42% had nosocomial complications and 8.1% died within 30 days. Ninety eight percent of patients had elevated serum CRP on admission to the hospital (18.1 ± 14.1 mg/dL). C-reactive protein measured at admission was associated with the risk of bacterial pneumonia, bacteremic pneumonia, septic shock and use of mechanical ventilation. Lack of CRP decline within three days of hospitalization was associated with high risk of complications, septic shock, mechanical ventilation and prolonged hospital stay. Conclusions: CRP responses at third day of hospital admission was a valuable predictor of adverse events in hospitalized CAP adult patients.

[Gender differences in clinical features and performance of sleep questionnaires in adults with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome]. / Rendimiento de los cuestionarios de sueño en la pesquisa de pacientes adultos con síndrome de apnea obstructiva del sueño según sexo.

BACKGROUND: Women with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAS) are less likely to be assessed or to receive an appropriate diagnosis, and they may have poorer quality of life and survival rates. AIM: To assess gender-specific clinical differences in adult patients with OSAS. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A standardized clinical questionnaire and four sleep questionnaires (Berlin, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, STOP and STOP-Bang) were administered and anthropometric data were measured. Patients underwent an overnight in-laboratory polysomnography to confirm the diagnosis of OSAS. Receiver operating characteristic curves, sensitivity and specificity of clinical manifestations and sleep questionnaires were calculated. RESULTS: Of 1,464 screened patients, 509 were female, 58.6% had moderate to severe OSAS. Clinical variables associated with OSAS risk in women were age, insomnia, nocturia, hypertension and cervical circumference. Paired by age and respiratory events, the snoring frequency was similar in both genders, although witnessed apneas and high cervical circumference and waist/hip ratio were more common in males. Morning headaches, insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness, depression, anxiety and poor quality of sleep were more common in women. Women were older than men, more obese (although with an obesity pattern less centrally distributed) and referred hypertension, diabetes, depression and hypothyroidism with higher frequency. Sleep questionnaires performance were similar in both sexes. CONCLUSIONS: It is likely that women with OSAS may partially be underdiagnosed due to circumstances related to a different OSAS clinical expression.

Características clínicas de la neumonía adquirida en la comunidad del adulto inmunocompetente hospitalizado según el agente causal / Features of community-acquired pneumonia in immunocompetent hospitalized adults according to the causal agent

Background: Molecular biological techniques allow the identification of more pathogens associated with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Aim: To compare clinical and laboratory parameters of patients with CAP caused by different groups of pathogens. Material and Methods: In a prospective study, immunocompetent adult patients hospitalized with CAP were tested for the presence of a broad range of possible respiratory pathogens using bacterial cultures, polymerase chain reaction, urinary antigen testing and serology. Results: Pathogens were detected in 367 of 935 patients with CAP (39.2%). Streptococcus pneumoniae (10.7%) and influenza virus (6%) were the most frequently identified bacterial and viral pathogens, respectively. Pneumococcal pneumonia predominated in older adults, with multiple comorbidities, with elevation of inflammatory parameters and hypoxemia, like other bacterial pneumonias. Viral pneumonia predominated in elderly patients with multiple comorbidities, with a shorter hospital length of stay and lower mortality. Pneumonia associated with atypical microorganisms predominated in young adults, smokers, with subacute clinical evolution. Their hospital stays and lethality was similar to other bacterial pneumonias. Viral and classical bacterial pneumonias predominated in high risk pneumonia severity index categories. Although several variables were associated with the detection of a pathogen group, substantial overlap avoided the identification of reliable clinical predictors to distinguish etiologies. Conclusions: The clinical and radiographic characteristics were similar in pulmonary infections caused by classical bacteria, respiratory viruses and atypical microorganisms. Therefore, microbial testing for common respiratory pathogens is still necessary to optimize treatment.

Evaluación de los cuestionarios de sueño en la pesquisa de pacientes con síndrome de apneas obstructivas del sueño / Accuracy of sleep questionnaires for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome screening

Background: Simple but accurate tools should be used to identify patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), aiming at an early detection and prevention of serious consequences. Aim: To assess the predictive value of four sleep questionnaires (Berlin, Epworth Sleepiness Scale [ESS], STOP, and STOP-Bang) in the screening of patients with OSAS. Material and Methods: The four sleep questionnaires were administered to 1,050 snorers aged 56 ± 15 years (68% males) assessed at a sleep clinic. An overnight unattended respiratory polygraphy was performed to all patients to confirm the diagnosis of OSAS. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of the four questionnaires were calculated. Results: Eighty four percent of participants had OSAS. The clinical variables associated with OSAS risk were age, male gender, hypertension, overweight, cervical circumference, waist/hip ratio, history of snoring, witnessed apneas and nycturia. Eighty-three, 86, 92 and 46 % of cases were classified as having a high risk for OSAS, according to the Berlin, STOP and STOP-Bang questionnaires and ESS, respectively. STOP and STOP-Bang questionnaires had the highest sensitivity to predict OSAS (88 and 95%, respectively) while the Flemons Index had the highest specificity (82%). Conclusions: Sleep questionnaires were able to identify patients with a high risk for OSAS but without accurately excluding those at low risk.

[Accuracy of sleep questionnaires for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome screening]. / Evaluación de los cuestionarios de sueño en la pesquisa de pacientes con síndrome de apneas obstructivas del sueño.

BACKGROUND: Simple but accurate tools should be used to identify patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), aiming at an early detection and prevention of serious consequences. AIM: To assess the predictive value of four sleep questionnaires (Berlin, Epworth Sleepiness Scale [ESS], STOP, and STOP-Bang) in the screening of patients with OSAS. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The four sleep questionnaires were administered to 1,050 snorers aged 56 ± 15 years (68% males) assessed at a sleep clinic. An overnight unattended respiratory polygraphy was performed to all patients to confirm the diagnosis of OSAS. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of the four questionnaires were calculated. RESULTS: Eighty four percent of participants had OSAS. The clinical variables associated with OSAS risk were age, male gender, hypertension, overweight, cervical circumference, waist/hip ratio, history of snoring, witnessed apneas and nycturia. Eighty-three, 86, 92 and 46 % of cases were classified as having a high risk for OSAS, according to the Berlin, STOP and STOP-Bang questionnaires and ESS, respectively. STOP and STOP-Bang questionnaires had the highest sensitivity to predict OSAS (88 and 95%, respectively) while the Flemons Index had the highest specificity (82%). CONCLUSIONS: Sleep questionnaires were able to identify patients with a high risk for OSAS but without accurately excluding those at low risk.

[Features of community-acquired pneumonia in immunocompetent hospitalized adults according to the causal agent]. / Características clínicas de la neumonía adquirida en la comunidad del adulto inmunocompetente hospitalizado según el agente causal.

BACKGROUND: Molecular biological techniques allow the identification of more pathogens associated with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). AIM: To compare clinical and laboratory parameters of patients with CAP caused by different groups of pathogens. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a prospective study, immunocompetent adult patients hospitalized with CAP were tested for the presence of a broad range of possible respiratory pathogens using bacterial cultures, polymerase chain reaction, urinary antigen testing and serology. RESULTS: Pathogens were detected in 367 of 935 patients with CAP (39.2%). Streptococcus pneumoniae (10.7%) and influenza virus (6%) were the most frequently identified bacterial and viral pathogens, respectively. Pneumococcal pneumonia predominated in older adults, with multiple comorbidities, with elevation of inflammatory parameters and hypoxemia, like other bacterial pneumonias. Viral pneumonia predominated in elderly patients with multiple comorbidities, with a shorter hospital length of stay and lower mortality. Pneumonia associated with atypical microorganisms predominated in young adults, smokers, with subacute clinical evolution. Their hospital stays and lethality was similar to other bacterial pneumonias. Viral and classical bacterial pneumonias predominated in high risk pneumonia severity index categories. Although several variables were associated with the detection of a pathogen group, substantial overlap avoided the identification of reliable clinical predictors to distinguish etiologies. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical and radiographic characteristics were similar in pulmonary infections caused by classical bacteria, respiratory viruses and atypical microorganisms. Therefore, microbial testing for common respiratory pathogens is still necessary to optimize treatment.

Evaluación de los índices predictores de eventos adversos en el adulto inmunocompetente hospitalizado por neumonía adquirida en la comunidad / Adverse event prediction in immunocompetent adult patients hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia

Background: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) causes significant morbidity and mortality in adults. Aim: To compare the accuracy of four validated rules for predicting adverse outcomes in patients hospitalized with CAP. Patients and Methods: We compared the pneumonia severity index (PSI), British Thoracic Society score (CURB-65), SMART-COP and severe CAP score (SCAP) in 659 immunocompetent adult patients aged 18 to 101 years, 52% male, hospitalized with CAP. Major adverse outcomes were: admission to ICU, need for mechanical ventilation (MV), in-hospital complications and 30-day mortality. Mean hospital length of stay (LOS) was also evaluated. The predictive indexes were compared based on sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic curve. Results: Of the studied patients, 77% had comorbidities, 23% were admitted to the intensive care unit and 12% needed mechanical ventilation. The rate of all adverse outcomes and hospital LOS increased directly with increasing PSI, CURB-65, SMART-COP and SCAP scores. The sensitivity, specificity and area under the curve of the prognostic indexes to predict adverse events were: Admission to ICU (PSI: 0.48, 0.84 and 0.73; SMART-COP: 0.97, 0.23 and 0.75; SCAP: 0.57, 0.81 and 0.76); use of MV (PSI: 0.44, 0.84 and 0.75; SMART-COP: 0.96, 0.35 and 0.84; SCAP: 0.53, 0.87 and 0.78); 30-days mortality (PSI: 0.45, 0.97 and 0.83; SMART-COP: 0.94, 0.29 and 0.77; SCAP: 0.53, 0.95 and 0.81). CURB-65 had a lower discriminatory power compared to the other indices. Conclusions: PSI score and SCAP were more accurate and specific and SMART-COP was more sensitive to predict the risk of death. SMART-COP was more sensitive and SCAP was more specific in predicting the use of mechanical ventilation.

Participación de los virus respiratorios en la neumonía del adulto inmunocompetente adquirida en la comunidad / Importance of respiratory virus in immunocompetent adult patients hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia

Background: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a relevant worldwide cause of morbidity and mortality in adult population, however its etiology is often not identified and therapy is empirical. Aim: To assess the etiology of CAP in immunocompetent adult hospitalized patients using conventional and molecular diagnostic methods. Material and Methods: We prospectively studied 240 adult patients who were hospitalized for CAP to identify the microbial etiology. Sputum and blood cultures were obtained as well as serology testing for Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydophila pneumoniae, urinary antigen testing for Legionella pneumophila and Streptococcus pneumoniae, and a nasopharyngeal swab for the detection of sixteen respiratory viruses by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results: In 100 patients (41.7%) a single respiratory pathogen was identified. In 17 (7.1%) cases, a mixed bacterial and viral infection was detected and no pathogen was identified in 123 cases (51%). The most commonly identified pathogens identified were: influenza virus (15.4%), parainfluenza virus (10.8%), rhinovirus (5%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (5%), respiratory syncytial virus (2.9%) and Mycoplasma pneumoniae (2.5%). Infectious agent detection by RT-PCR provided greater sensitivity than conventional techniques. Viral respiratory infections were more prevalent in older patients with comorbidities and high risk patients, according to the Fine index at hospital admission. The clinical severity and outcome were independent of the etiological agents detected. Conclusions: The use of molecular diagnostic techniques expanded the detection of respiratory viruses in immunocompetent adults hospitalized with CAP.

Predictores clínicos y funcionales del riesgo de cáncer pulmonar en el seguimiento de una cohorte de adultos fumadores / Risk factors for the development of lung cancer in a cohort of adult smokers

Background: Identifying risk factors for lung cancer in the population could improve the cost-effectiveness of early detection programs using thoracic computed tomography (CT). Aim: To examine the risk factors of lung cancer in a cohort of adult smokers. Patients and Methods: An annual clinical and respiratory functional assessment, chest computed tomography for three years and clinical follow up for five years was carried out in 270 patients aged 65 ± 9 years, 55% males, active or former smokers of 10 or more pack-years. Results: Thirty seven percent of patients were active smokers, consuming 37 ± 26 packs/year, 85% had comorbidities, especially chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (66%), hypertension (48%), diabetes (22%) and dyslipidemia (42%). Thirteen percent of patients had family history of lung cancer. Twenty-one cases of lung cancer were detected in the five years follow up, especially squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. In the univariate analysis, the main risk factors for lung cancer identified were an age older than 60 years, history of COPD, family history of lung cancer, active smoking, tobacco consumption more than 30 pack/year and lung hyperinflation. In multivariate analysis, the three independent risk factors for lung cancer were a family history of lung cancer, active smoking and the number of packs per year of tobacco consumption. Conclusions: The identification of risk groups probably will improve the performance of programs for early detection of lung cancer.

[Importance of respiratory virus in immunocompetent adult patients hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia]. / Participación de los virus respiratorios en la neumonía del adulto inmunocompetente adquirida en la comunidad.

BACKGROUND: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a relevant worldwide cause of morbidity and mortality in adult population, however its etiology is often not identified and therapy is empirical. AIM: To assess the etiology of CAP in immunocompetent adult hospitalized patients using conventional and molecular diagnostic methods. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We prospectively studied 240 adult patients who were hospitalized for CAP to identify the microbial etiology. Sputum and blood cultures were obtained as well as serology testing for Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydophila pneumoniae, urinary antigen testing for Legionella pneumophila and Streptococcus pneumoniae, and a nasopharyngeal swab for the detection of sixteen respiratory viruses by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: In 100 patients (41.7%) a single respiratory pathogen was identified. In 17 (7.1%) cases, a mixed bacterial and viral infection was detected and no pathogen was identified in 123 cases (51%). The most commonly identified pathogens identified were: influenza virus (15.4%), parainfluenza virus (10.8%), rhinovirus (5%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (5%), respiratory syncytial virus (2.9%) and Mycoplasma pneumoniae (2.5%). Infectious agent detection by RT-PCR provided greater sensitivity than conventional techniques. Viral respiratory infections were more prevalent in older patients with comorbidities and high risk patients, according to the Fine index at hospital admission. The clinical severity and outcome were independent of the etiological agents detected. CONCLUSIONS: The use of molecular diagnostic techniques expanded the detection of respiratory viruses in immunocompetent adults hospitalized with CAP.

[Risk factors for the development of lung cancer in a cohort of adult smokers]. / Predictores clínicos y funcionales del riesgo de cáncer pulmonar en el seguimiento de una cohorte de adultos fumadores.

BACKGROUND: Identifying risk factors for lung cancer in the population could improve the cost-effectiveness of early detection programs using thoracic computed tomography (CT). AIM: To examine the risk factors of lung cancer in a cohort of adult smokers. PATIENTS AND METHODS: An annual clinical and respiratory functional assessment, chest computed tomography for three years and clinical follow up for five years was carried out in 270 patients aged 65 ± 9 years, 55% males, active or former smokers of 10 or more pack-years. RESULTS: Thirty seven percent of patients were active smokers, consuming 37 ± 26 packs/year, 85% had comorbidities, especially chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (66%), hypertension (48%), diabetes (22%) and dyslipidemia (42%). Thirteen percent of patients had family history of lung cancer. Twenty-one cases of lung cancer were detected in the five years follow up, especially squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. In the univariate analysis, the main risk factors for lung cancer identified were an age older than 60 years, history of COPD, family history of lung cancer, active smoking, tobacco consumption more than 30 pack/year and lung hyperinflation. In multivariate analysis, the three independent risk factors for lung cancer were a family history of lung cancer, active smoking and the number of packs per year of tobacco consumption. CONCLUSIONS: The identification of risk groups probably will improve the performance of programs for early detection of lung cancer.

Adaptación a un esquema de entrenamiento físico en pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica avanzada / Adaptation to a physical training protocol of severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients

El ejercicio físico es un elemento básico en la rehabilitación en pacientes con EPOC. Sin embargo, los resultados son variables, lo que puede deberse a las diferentes estrategias de entrenamiento utilizadas. En 22 pacientes con EPOC avanzada (VEF, 35,6 ñ 15,7 por ciento: edad 63 ñ 15 años; x ñ DS) Evaluamos su adaptación a un esquema de entrenamiento (E) en bicicleta ergométrica que consistió en aplicar inicialmente una carga inicial de 30 por ciento de la máxima previamente determinada (CM) y aumentarla en 15 a 20 por ciento en las sesiones siguientes cuando el paciente era capaz de mantenerla por 45 minutos, hasta alcanzar la meta de 75 por ciento de la CM. La intensidad del E se midió en watts calculando el área bajo la curva de la relación entre las cargas aplicadas y el número de sesiones de entrenamiento. El efecto del E se evaluó a través de los cambios en la carga y el VO2 máximos, la duración de un ejercicio submáximo, la frecuencia cardíaca, (FC), disnea, fatiga de las extremidades inferiores y lactato sanguíneo para una misma carga y tiempo de ejercicio. La CM de E fue 61 ñ 23 por ciento (x ñ DS) del máximo. Seis pacientes no fueron capaces de alcanzar la carga establecida como meta. En los restantes ésta se alcanzó en un número variable de sesiones (12 ñ 7). La intensidad del entrenamiento fue de 952 ñ 325 watt. El E produjo un aumento de la CM (p<0,02) y del tiempo de ejercicio (p<0,0001) y una disminución significativa de la FC, disnea, fatigabilidad y lactato sanguíneo. La duración del ejercicio se correlacionó con la reducción de la disnea (r= -0,448; p<0,05) y la intensidad del entrenamiento con la disminución de la fatiga (r= -0,5176; p = 0,014) y también del lactato sanguíneo (r= -0,488; p = 0,021). Los resultados demuestran que aún cuando la adaptación al esquema de entrenamiento fue variable de acuerdo a la capacidad individual y no pudo ser aplicada a todos los pacientes, la mayoría de ellos obtuvo efectos beneficiosos

Vibrio vulnificus: una causa infrecuente de shock séptico / Septic shock caused by vibrio vulnificus: report of 1 case

Vibrio vulnificus is a lactose positive Gram negative rod that lives in warm seas and can infect wounds and produce sepsis. Its infection is acquired after eating oysters or other filtering marine organisms. We report a 53 years old diabetic male who started with fever after a voyage to Central America. He was admitted febrile, hipotense, dehydrated and polypneic. Painful erythematous lesions and lumps were observed in his upper and lower limbs. After 72 hours of evolution, the lesions became violaceous, with crepitating vesicles full of hemorrhagic exudate. He developed a renal failure and a disseminated intravascular coagulation. Blood cultures demonstrated the presence of Vibrio vulnificus and the patient died 68 hours after admission

Efecto de la prueba de la caminata de seis minutos sobre la hiperinflación pulmonar en pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica avanzada / The six minute walking test elicits dynamic hyperinflation in severe COPD patients

Background: Exercise tolerance in patients with COPD is highly variable and poorly related to airways obstruction assessed by FEV1. These patients develop dynamic hyperinflation (DH) during an incremental exercise test which can be evaluated through a reduction in inspiratory capacity (IC). Aim: to evaluate: a) if the six minute walking test (6 MWD) induce DH reducing IC, b) if the reduction in IC is related to tidal expiratory flow limitation at rest (FL). Subjects and methods: Thirty eight stable COPD patients (28 FL and ten non FL during resting breathing, determined by the negative pressure technique). Inspiratory capacity was measured before and immediately after the 6 MWD test. Dyspnea, SpO2 and heart rate were measured before and after the test. Results: Inspiratory capacity was lower in FL patients as compared to patients without FL (p <0,005). Although no differences were found between groups in 6 MWD, dyspnea and HR, a significant reduction in IC after the walking test was observed only in FL patients (p <0,0001). In addition, SpO2 fell significantly (p <0,0001) after walking in the same group. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that a moderate exercise such as the walking test induces DH and hypoxemia in patients with COPD and FL and stresses the importance of assessing DH by measuring IC in these patients