Effectiveness of Twitter Threads to Improve Medical Student Electrocardiogram (ECG) Reading-Skills. The TwittUVa-ECG Non-Randomized Pre-Post Study.

Introduction: social media is increasingly used in medical education, but its real educational effectiveness is unclear. In this study we assess the effectiveness of Twitter threads (TTS) in improving electrocardiogram (ECG) basic reading skills (ECGBRS). Materials and Methods: Seven TTS describing ECGBRS were published from October 28, 2021, to November 24, 2021. Tests were used to assess medical students ECGBRS pre and post intervention. All third and sixth-year medical students were invited to participate. Sixty-three students were enrolled (33 third year and 30 sixth year). Nine (14.3%) participants dropped out. Results: Sixth year medical students had higher ECGBRS at baseline. The number of correct items increased after the Twitter intervention; median correct pre-test items were 20 out of 56, (interquartile range (IQR) 14-23), and median post-test were 29 out of 56, (IQR 21-36) (p < 0.001). The improvement in sixth year students was greater than for third year students; 10 more correct items (IQR 4-14) vs. 7 (IQR 1-14) items (p = 0.045). The more TTS followed, the greater the improvement in ECGBRS (p = 0.004). The QRS axis calculation was the ECG reading skill with the lowest scores. Most medical students were definitely (35%) or very probably (46%) interested in repeating another on-line learning experience and found the TTS extremely (39%) or very (46%) interesting. Conclusions: The use of specifically designed TTS was associated with improvement in medical students' interpretation of ECGs. The effectiveness of the threads was higher in the final years of medical school when basic skills had already been acquired. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40670-023-01885-x.

Patrón de intoxicaciones pediátricas en Urgencias. Evolución tras 20 años / Pattern of pediatric poisoning in the ER. Evolution after 20 years

Objetivo. Describir y comparar los datos de las intoxicaciones pediátricas, por fármacos y no medicamentosas, enla urgencia pediátrica en 2 cohortes de 2 décadas distintas.Material y métodos. En este estudio descriptivo retrospectivo, de 2 cohortes de pacientes que acudieron a Urgencias en el año 1997 y en el año 2015. Se compararon lascaracterísticas epidemiológicas, clínicas, la adecuación deltratamiento a las guías de los pacientes menores de 14 añosque acudieron a las Urgencias Pediátricas de nuestro hospital.Resultados. En nuestra serie ha habido un aumento delas intoxicaciones por medicamentos, de un 40% en 1997 a un53% en 2015. Por el contrario, se ha encontrado un descensorelativo de las consultas por tóxicos no medicamentosos 60%vs 47%. La distribución por sexo, con predominio femeninoen las intoxicaciones farmacológicas, y masculino en las nofarmacológicas. Las características clínicas no han variado,predominando al clínica digestiva y neurológica. Los tóxicosimplicados han variado con relación a las indicaciones encada período de tiempo, desapareciendo las intoxicacionespor aspirina en la última década. El tratamiento en Urgenciasse ha adecuado a los estándares de calidad que publican lassociedades científicas, abandonando tratamientos que se handemostrado de baja eficacia, como el jarabe de ipecacuanay los lavados gástricos. Los ingresos en nuestra serie handisminuido de un 25% vs 3%, contribuyendo entre otrascausas el desarrollo y especialización de las Unidades deUrgencias Pediátricas.Conclusiones. A pesar de que ciertos datos indican unamejora de la asistencia, sigue habiendo muchos puntos demejora para que la morbimortalidad de las intoxicaciones en pediatría disminuya (AU)

Objective. To describe and compare data on pediatricpoisonings, drug and non-drug, in the pediatric emergencydepartment in 2 cohorts from 2 different decades.Material and methods. This is a retrospective descriptive study of 2 cohorts of patients attending the emergencydepartment in 1997 and 2015. We compared the epidemiological and clinical characteristics and the adequacy of treatmentaccording to the guidelines of patients under 14 years of age,who were attended at the pediatric emergency departmentof our hospital.Results. In our series there has been an increase in drugpoisonings, from 40% in 1997 to 53% in 2015. In contrast,there was a relative decrease in consultations for non-drugintoxications, 60% vs 47%. The distribution by sex, with afemale predominance in pharmacological poisonings, and amale predominance in non-pharmacological poisonings. The clinical characteristics did not vary, with a predominance ofdigestive and neurological symptoms. The toxins involvedhave varied in relation to the indications in each period oftime, the aspirin poisonings disappearing in the last decade.Treatment in the emergency Department has been adaptedto the quality standards published by scientific societies,treatments that have been shown to be of low efficacy hasbeen abandoned, such as syrup of ipecac and gastric lavage.Admissions in our series have decreased by 25% vs 3%,contributed among other causes by the development andspecialisation of paediatric emergency units.Conclusions. Despite certain data indicating an improvement in care, there are still many points of improvementfor the morbidity and mortality of poisoning in pediatrics to decrease. (AU)

Predictores del riesgo de fractura en una población de mujeres postmenopáusicas mediante el procedimiento estadístico binario CART / Fracture risk predictors of a postmenopausal female population by binary statistical procedure

Objetivo: La principal consecuencia de la osteoporosis es la fractura por fragilidad asociada a elevada morbimortalidad. La predicción de la misma puede ayudar a identificar la población de mayor riesgo y establecer medidas de prevención. El objetivo de este estudio fue valorar la utilidad de diversos factores en su prevención comparando la densidad mineral ósea (DMO), el cálculo del riesgo absoluto de fractura con la herramienta FRAX® con y sin DMO, y los datos clínicos. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio longitudinal de 8 años de duración en una población de mujeres postmenopáusicas, osteoporóticas y no osteoporóticas. A todas ellas se les realizó una historia clínica protocolizada, DMO de columna y cadera, y el FRAX con y sin DMO. A los 8 años se identificaron las fracturas existentes. Además de realizar una estadística paramétrica y no paramétrica con SPSS 21.1, se realizó un método del árbol de clasificación y regresión (CART) para evaluar las posibles interacciones entre los factores de riesgo de fractura. Resultados: Se incluyeron 276 pacientes postmenopáusicas cuya edad media al inicio del estudio fue de 61,08±8,43 años y un índice de masa corporal (IMC) de 25,67±4,04. El 56,5% de las pacientes (n=156) fueron diagnosticadas de osteoporosis antes del inicio de nuestro estudio, y todas ellas fueron tratadas. Pasados los 8 años de seguimiento, 72 pacientes (24,6%) sufrieron fractura y 17 (6,2%) también sufrieron una segunda fractura. Los resultados del análisis CART nos mostraron que el principal factor de riesgo para sufrir una fractura osteoporótica tras 8 años de seguimiento fue el haber sufrido fracturas previas. Entre las pacientes que habían sufrido una fractura previa, el tener una DMO del cuello femoral menor de 0,67 fue el principal factor de riesgo. (AU)

Objetivo: The main consequences of osteoporosis are fragility fractures, associated with high morbimortality. The prediction of these fractures can help identify the most-at-risk population and implement preventive measures. The aim of this study was to assess the usefulness of multiple factors in their prevention, comparing the bone mineral density (BMD), the calculation of absolute risk of fracture using the tool FRAX® in the presence and absence of BMD, and the clinical data. Material and methods: An eight-year-duration longitudinal study was conducted on a postmenopausal female population, with and without osteoporosis. All of them were taken a standardised clinical history, spinal and hip BMD, and FRAX with and without BMD. Eight years later we identified the existent fractures. In addition to a parametric and non-parametric statistic in SPSS 21.1, we used the classification and regression tree (CART) method to assess possible interactions among fracture risk factors. Results: We studied 276 postmenopausal patients whose average age at the beginning of the study was 61.08±8.43 years-old and had a body mass index (BMI) of 25.67±4.04. 56.5% of the patients (n=156) were diagnosed with osteoporosis before the beginning of our study, and all of them were treated. After eight years of follow-up, 72 patients (24.6%) suffered a fracture and 17 patients (6.2%) also suffered a second one. The results of the CART analysis showed that the main risk factor to suffer an osteoporotic fracture after 8 years of following up is having preceding fractures. Having a femoral neck BMD lower than 0.67 was the main risk factor among those with a previous fracture. Conclusions: The use of a binary statistical procedure (CART) on a cohort of patients allow us identify those most at risk of fractures, according to clinical parameters and simple additional tests, in order to establish more effective therapeutic measures. (AU)

Intoxicación por Amanita phalloides / Amanita phalloides poisoning

No disponible

In-hospital mortality due to infectious disease in an Internal Medicine Department. Epidemiology and risk factors.

OBJECTIVE: Hospital mortality is a leading indicator of quality of healthcare and a valuable tool for planning and management. Infectious diseases represent a substantial part of the activity of internal medicine.Our aim was to describe the characteristics of in-hospital mortality due to infectious diseases and associated risk factors in our environment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective case-control study was designed. We reviewed deaths during 2012 from an Internal Medicine Department. 187 cases (infectious disease related mortality) and 224 controls were found. Clinical and demographic information was obtained from medical records. Comorbidity was evaluated with Charlson index (CI). Data were analyzed using SPSS 15.0 (p-value < 0.05). RESULTS: During 2012, of the 3193 discharge, 187 were exitus due to infectious disease (5.8%). Mean age was 85.7 ± 7.6, higher in women (88 ± 7 vs 83 ± 7.4, p < 0.001), and 55% were aged over 85 years. The CI mean was 4.2 ± 3, higher in younger than 85 years (5.3 ± 3.4 vs 3.6 ± 2.6, p < 0.001). Most frequent causes of death were respiratory sepsis (29%), severe pneumonia (23.5%) and urinary sepsis (16.6%) and risk factors were living in Nursing Home (55.6% vs 34%, p < 0.001), being dependent (73.8% vs. 44.6%, p < 0.001), dementia (59.4% vs 27.2%, p < 0.001) and cerebrovascular disease (25.7% vs 17.4%, p = 0.041). CONCLUSIONS: Dementia, cerebrovascular disease, living in Nursing Home and being dependent were risk factors for infectious disease in-hospital mortality in our study, but not comorbidity, age or length of stay. Our series, although limited by retrospective design, is the first qualitative study of in-hospital mortality due to infectious disease in an Internal Medicine Service in our environment. Most frequent cause of death in our setting was respiratory etiology.

Treatment of osteoporosis and hip fractures in a Spanish health area.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this longitudinal retrospective ecological study was to evaluate the consumption of anti-osteoporotic medications and the evolution of pertrochanteric and femoral neck (FN), subtrochanteric and diaphyseal hip fractures between 2005 and 2010. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were obtained from our Hospital Admissions Service (absolute number of fractures) and the Technical Directorate of Pharmacy (defined daily dose and absolute number of containers consumed of bisphosphonates (BP), raloxifene and strontium ranelate). RESULTS: The overall incidence density of FN in 2005-2010 was 124.8 new cases per 100,000 persons per year. BP consumption increased between 2005 and 2010 to a peak of 70,452 containers consumed in 2010, while consumption of raloxifene declined. The number of subtrochanteric and diaphyseal fractures remained stable, but FN reached a peak in 2008 (N = 350) and fell thereafter (N = 284 in 2010). The percentage reduction in the number of FN in the period studied (2009: -14% and 2010: -11% compared to 2005) corresponds temporally with the increased consumption of BP (2009: +76% and 2010: +84% compared to 2005). CONCLUSIONS: We found an inverse temporal association between the annual consumption of BP and the annual number of FN during 2005-2010. This is probably related to the cumulative effect of BP, although, given the limitations of the study design, other studies are needed to confirm our data.

Epidemiology, risk factors and comorbidity for urinary tract infections caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing enterobacteria.

AIM: Urinary tract infection (UTI) caused by resistant bacteria is becoming more prevalent. We investigate characteristics and associated risk factors for UTIs resulting from extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing enterobacteria. METHODS: Retrospective study of urinary tract isolates of ESBL-producing enterobacteria in adults (2009 and 2010). We included 400 patients and 103 controls (UTI caused by non-ESBL Escherichia coli). Clinical and demographic information was obtained from medical records. Comorbidity was evaluated using Charlson Index (CI). Strains were identified using VITEK 2 system. RESULTS: A total of 400 isolates were obtained (93%E. coli and 7%Klebsiella spp). In 2009, 6% of cultures were ESBL-producing E. coli and 7% in 2010. 37% of patients were men and 81% were aged ≥60years. CI was 2.3±1.8 (high comorbidity: 42.8%). 41.5% of strains were susceptible to amoxicillin-clavulanate, 85.8% to fosfomycin and 15.5% to ciprofloxacin. The total number of ESBL E. coli positive urine cultures during hospital admission was 97 and, compared with 103 controls, risk factors for UTI caused by ESBL- E. coli strains in hospitalised patients were nursing home residence (p<0.001), diabetes (p=0.032), recurrent UTI (p=0.032) and high comorbidity (p=0.002). In addition, these infections were associated with more symptoms (p<0.001) and longer admission (p=0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Urinary tract infection caused by ESBL are a serious problem and identifying risk factors facilitates early detection and improved prognosis. Male sex, hospitalisation, institutionalisation, diabetes, recurrent UTI and comorbidity were risk factors and were associated with more symptoms and longer hospital stay.

[Telmisartan effect's on remodelling bone markers in hypertensive patients]. / Efecto de telmisartan sobre marcadores del remodelado óseo en pacientes hipertensos.

INTRODUCTION: The telmisartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) with a few own characteristics that it allows us to obtain a few additional benefits. It displays the ability to act as a partial agonist of PPARgamma. On the other hand, PPAR gamma intervenes in the control of bone remodelling though with not concordant results. The objective of this study to value the effect of telmisartan on bone markers in hypertensive patients. SUBJECTS: A sample of 31 hypertensive patients with hypertension were included. The dose of telmisartan was of 80 mg/24 h and the period of follow-up was 12 weeks. The control group included 32 hypertensive patients treated before with IECA (enalapril-20 mg/24 h - or quinapril - 40 mg/24 hours). The following parameters were determined P1NP, ß-CTX, 25OHD and PTH , osteocalcin, insulin and adiponectin. RESULTS: The patients treated with Telmisartan shown a significantly decrease in systolic blood pressure (156 ± 19 mmHg vs 133 ± 15 mmHg, p = 0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (92 ± 9 mmHg vs 82 ± 6 mmHg, p = 0.01) . Changes were not observed in other parameter, PTHi (48 ± 22 pg/ml vs 45 ± 22 pg/ml, p > 0.05) and 25-vitamin D (21 ± 10 ng/ml vs 25 ± 8 ng/ml, p > 0.05), CTX (0.195 ± 0.12 ng/ml vs 0.221 ± 0.13 ng/ml, p > 0.05), PINP (39 ± 20 ng/ml vs 40 ± 19 ng/ml, p > 0.05), osteocalcin (11 ± 9 ng/ml vs 11 ± 5 ng/ml, p > 0.05), glucose, adiponectin, insulin and HOMA. When the patients divided in two groups depending on the levels of vitamin D (insufficient and not insufficient), with a cut of 20 ng/ml, there was changes on bone markers but a decrease of the glucose was observed in patients with levels of vitamin D over 20 ng/ml (135 ± 53 mg/dl vs 119 ± 39 mg/dl, p = 0.01). The patients treated with IECAS decreases the systolic blood pressure but the diastolic blood pressure values of arterial systolic does not show changes. CONCLUSIONS: Telmisartan has a neutral effect to level of the bone markers of bone remodelling.

Efecto de telmisartan sobre marcadores del remodelado óseo en pacientes hipertensos / Telmisartan effect’s on remodelling bone markers in hypertensive patients

Introducción: El telmisartan es un ARA II con unas características propias que nos permite obtener unos beneficios adicionales. Además de bloquear el receptor I de la angiotensina II, va actuar a través de receptores nucleares claves como el receptor PPARgamma. Por otra parte, PPARgamma interviene en el control del remodelado óseo aunque con resultados no concordantes. El objetivo del presente estudio es valorar el efecto de telmisartan sobre marcadores del remodelado óseo en población hipertensa. 
Pacientes y métodos: Se evaluaron pacientes 31 hipertensos de edad superior a 45 años sin otras patologías asociadas. La dosis de telmisartan fue de 80 mg/24 h y el periodo de seguimiento fue de 12 semanas. Como grupo control empleamos una cohorte histórica de pacientes tratados previamente con IECA (enalapril-20 mg/24 h-o quinapril-40 mg/24 horas). Se determinaron los siguientes parámetros P1NP, β-CTX, 25OHD y PTH, adiponectina , osteocalcina , insulina y HOMA. Resultados: Los pacientes tratados con Telmisartan descienden los niveles de TAS (156 ± 19 mmHg vs 133 ± 15 mmHg, p = 0,001 ) y TAD (92 ± 9 mmHg vs 82 ± 6 mmHg, p = 0,01) de forma estadísticamente significativa. No se observaron cambios en los parámetros de metabolismo fosfocálcico, PTHi (48 ± 22 pg/ml vs 45 ± 22 pg/ml, p > 0,05) y 25-vitamina D (21 ± 10 ng/ml vs 25 ± 8 ng/ml, p > 0,05). El telmisartan no modifico los marcadores del remodelado óseo siendo su efecto neutro sobre los mismos, CTX (0,195 ± 0,12 ng/ml vs 0,221 ± 0,13 ng/ml, p > 0,05), PINP (39 ± 20 ng/ml vs 40 ± 19 ng/ml, p > 0,05), Osteocalcina (11 ± 9 ng/ml vs 11 ± 5 ng/ml, p > 0,05 ). Tampoco se observaron variaciones en los niveles de glucosa, adiponectina, insulina e indice de Resistencia a la Insulina (HOMA). Al dividir los pacientes en dos grupos en función de los niveles de vitamina D (insuficientes y no insuficientes), con un punto de corte de 20 ng/ml, tampoco se modificaron los marcadores del remodelado aunque se observó un descenso de la glucosa en pacientes con niveles de vitamina D por encima de 20 ng/ml (135 ± 53 mg/dl vs 119 ± 39 mg/dl, p = 0,01). Los pacientes tratados con IECAS disminuyen los valores de tensión arterial sistólica pero la diastólica no muestra cambios. Conclusiones: Telmisartan tiene un efecto neutro a nivel de los marcadores del remodelado óseo (AU)

Introduction: The telmisartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) with a few own characteristics that it allows us to obtain a few additional benefits. It displays the ability to act as a partial agonist of PPARgamma. On the other hand, PPAR gamma intervenes in the control of bone remodelling though with not concordant results. The objective of this study to value the effect of telmisartan on bone markers in hypertensive patients. Subjects: A sample of 31 hypertensive patients with hypertension were included. The dose of telmisartan was of 80 mg/24 h and the period of follow-up was 12 weeks. The control group included 32 hypertensive patients treated before with IECA (enalapril-20 mg/24 h - or quinapril - 40 mg/24 hours). The following parameters were determined P1NP, β-CTX, 25OHD and PTH , osteocalcin, insulin and adiponectin. Results: The patients treated with Telmisartan shown a significantly decrease in systolic blood pressure (156 ± 19 mmHg vs 133 ± 15 mmHg, p = 0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (92 ± 9 mmHgvs 82 ± 6 mmHg, p = 0.01) . Changes were not observed in other parameter, PTHi (48 ± 22 pg/ml vs 45 ± 22 pg/ml, p > 0.05) and 25-vitamin D (21 ± 10 ng/ml vs 25 ± 8 ng/ml, p > 0.05), CTX (0.195 ± 0.12 ng/ml vs 0.221 ± 0.13 ng/ml, p > 0.05), PINP (39 ± 20 ng/ml vs 40 ± 19 ng/ml, p > 0.05), osteocalcin (11 ± 9 ng/ml vs 11 ± 5 ng/ml, p > 0.05), glucose, adiponectin, insulin and HOMA. When the patients divided in two groups depending on the levels of vitamin D (insufficient and not insufficient), with a cut of 20 ng/ml, there was changes on bone markers but a decrease of the glucose was observed in patients with levels of vitamin D over 20 ng/ml (135 ± 53 mg/dl vs 119 ± 39 mg/dl, p = 0.01). The patients treated with IECAS decreases the systolic blood pressure but the diastolic blood pressure values of arterial systolic does not show changes. Conclusions: Telmisartan has a neutral effect to level of the bone markers of bone remodelling (AU)

Bases del manejo clínico de la intoxicación por humo de incendios «Docohumo Madrid 2010» / Basis for the clinical management of fire smoke poisoning «Docohumo Madrid 2010»

La intoxicación por humo es la principal causa de morbimortalidad en los incendios. El humo es una mezcla de partículas carbonáceas suspendidas en aire caliente y gases tóxicos. De todos ellos, el monóxido carbono (CO) y fundamentalmente el ácido cianhídrico (CNH) son los que van a provocar la anoxia tisular. Las manifestaciones clínicas de la intoxicación por humo son variables. Algunas de las manifestaciones potenciales podrían ser: irritación ocular, dolor de garganta, estridor laríngeo, disfagia, esputo carbonáceo, tos, disnea, laringoespasmo, broncoespasmo, síndrome coronario, coma, hipoxemia, acidosis láctica, cianosis y muerte. En la evaluación de estos enfermos la presencia de hollín en nariz, boca o esputo sugiere intoxicación grave. Niveles de lactato superiores a 10mmol/l indican cifras de cianuro mayores de 40micromol/l. La pulsicooximetría ha supuesto un avance importante para el diagnóstico, valoración y seguimiento de estos pacientes. En el tratamiento será indispensable valorar la necesidad de una intubación temprana. La administración de oxígeno al 100% será esencial. Como antídoto para el cianuro, el de primera elección es la hidroxicobalamina. Su administración ha de ser precoz. Los criterios de administración son: paciente que ha inhalado humo (restos de hollín en boca, faringe o esputo) y que tenga alteraciones neurológicas (confusión, coma, agitación, convulsiones) y además presenta una de las siguiente circunstancias: bradipnea, parada respiratoria, parada cardiorrespiratoria, shock, hipotensión, láctato >8mmol/l o acidosis láctica. Lógicamente el resto del manejo será convencional en función de síntomas o complicaciones (AU)ies

Poisoning by smoke is the main cause of morbidity and mortality in fires. Smoke is a mixture of carbonaceous particles suspended in hot air and toxic gases. Of these, carbon monoxide (CO) and primarily hydrocyanic acid (CNH), are those that provoke tissue anoxia. The clinical manifestations of smoke poisoning are variables. Some of the potential manifestations could be: eye irritation, sore throat, laryngeal stridor, dysphagia, carbonaceous sputum, cough, dyspnea, laryngospasm, bronchospasm, coronary syndrome, coma, hypoxemia, lactic acidosis, cyanosis and death. In the assessment of these patients the presence of soot in the nose, mouth or sputum suggests serious poisoning. Lactate levels higher than 10mmol/L indicates levels of cyanide major than 40micromole/L. The pulse co-oximetry has assumed an important step forward for the diagnosis, appraisal and monitoring of these patients. In the treatment it will be essential to assess the need of an early intubation. The administration of oxygen to the 100% will be essential. As an antidote to the cyanide, the first-choice is the hydroxocobalamin. Its administration has to be early. Its administration criteria are: patient who has inhaled smoke (remnants of soot in the mouth, pharynx or sputum) and has neurological disorder (confusion, coma, agitation, seizures) and also presents one of the following circumstances: bradypnea, respiratory arrest, cardiorespiratory arrest, shock, hypotension, lactate >8mmol/L or lactic acidosis. Logically, the rest of the management will be conventional depending on symptoms or complications (AU)

[Basis for the clinical management of fire smoke poisoning "Docohumo Madrid 2010"]. / Bases del manejo clínico de la intoxicación por humo de incendios «Docohumo Madrid 2010¼

Poisoning by smoke is the main cause of morbidity and mortality in fires. Smoke is a mixture of carbonaceous particles suspended in hot air and toxic gases. Of these, carbon monoxide (CO) and primarily hydrocyanic acid (CNH), are those that provoke tissue anoxia. The clinical manifestations of smoke poisoning are variables. Some of the potential manifestations could be: eye irritation, sore throat, laryngeal stridor, dysphagia, carbonaceous sputum, cough, dyspnea, laryngospasm, bronchospasm, coronary syndrome, coma, hypoxemia, lactic acidosis, cyanosis and death. In the assessment of these patients the presence of soot in the nose, mouth or sputum suggests serious poisoning. Lactate levels higher than 10mmol/L indicates levels of cyanide major than 40micromole/L. The pulse co-oximetry has assumed an important step forward for the diagnosis, appraisal and monitoring of these patients. In the treatment it will be essential to assess the need of an early intubation. The administration of oxygen to the 100% will be essential. As an antidote to the cyanide, the first-choice is the hydroxocobalamin. Its administration has to be early. Its administration criteria are: patient who has inhaled smoke (remnants of soot in the mouth, pharynx or sputum) and has neurological disorder (confusion, coma, agitation, seizures) and also presents one of the following circumstances: bradypnea, respiratory arrest, cardiorespiratory arrest, shock, hypotension, lactate ≥8mmol/L or lactic acidosis. Logically, the rest of the management will be conventional depending on symptoms or complications.

Bases para el manejo clínico de la intoxicación por humo de incendios / Fundamentals in the clinical management of intoxication due to smoke inhalation

La intoxicación por humo es la principal causa de morbimortalidad en los incendios. El humo es una mezcla de partículas carbonáceas suspendidas en aire caliente y gases tóxicos. De todos ellos, el monóxido carbono (CO) y fundamentalmente el ácido cianhídrico(CNH), son los que van a provocar la anoxia tisular. Las manifestaciones clínicas de la intoxicación por humo son variables. Algunas de las manifestaciones potenciales podrían ser: irritación ocular, dolor de garganta, estridor laríngeo, disfagia, esputo carbonáceo, tos, disnea, laringoespasmo, broncoespasmo, síndrome coronario, coma, hipoxemia,acidosis láctica, cianosis y muerte. En la evaluación de estos enfermos la presencia de hollín en nariz, boca o esputo sugiere intoxicación grave. Los valores delactato superiores a 10 mmol/L indican cifras de cianuro mayores de 40 micromol/L. Lapulsicooximetría ha supuesto un avance importante para el diagnóstico, valoración y seguimiento de estos pacientes. En el tratamiento será indispensable valorar la necesidad de una intubación temprana. La administración de oxígeno al 100% será esencial. Como antídoto para el cianuro, el de primera elección es la hidroxicobalamina. Su administración ha de ser precoz. Los criterios de administración son: paciente que ha inhalado humo (restos de hollín en boca, faringe o esputo) y que tenga alteraciones neurológicas (confusión, coma, agitación, convulsiones) y que además presenta una de las siguiente circunstancias: bradipnea, parada respiratoria, parada cardiorrespiratoria, shock, hipotensión, lactato 8 mmol/L o acidosis láctica. Logicamente, el resto del manejo será el convencional en función de síntomas o complicaciones (AU)

Intoxication due to smoke inhalation is the main cause of morbidity and mortality from fires. Smoke is a mixture of carbon particles suspended in hot air containing toxic gases. Carbon monoxide (CO) and cyanuric acid are the gases that are mainly responsible for tissue anoxia. The clinical signs of intoxication due to smoke inhalation vary. They may include eye irritation, sore throat, laryngeal stridor, dysphagia, soot in sputum, cough, breathlessness, laryngeal spasm,bronchospasm, coronary syndrome, coma, hypoxemia, lactic acidosis, cyanosis, and death. A finding of soot in the nostrils, mouth or sputum suggests severe intoxication. Lactate dehydrogenase levels over 10 mmol/L are indicative of cyanuric acid levels over 40 mmol/L. Pulse oximetry has represented an important advance for diagnosis, examination, and follow-up in this setting. The possible need for early intubation must be assessed and oxygen administration (at100%) is essential. The treatment of choice for cyanuric acid poisoning is hydroxocobalamin. This antidote must be administered promptly whenever a patient has inhaled smoke (soot in mouth, throat or sputum), shows neurologic signs(confusion, coma, agitation, convulsions), or has any of the following signs: bradypnea, respiratory arrest, cardiac arrest,shock, hypotension, lactate dehydrogenase over 8 mmol/L, or lactic acidosis. There after, management will be dictated by symptoms or complications (AU)

[Dietary intakes in a group of marihuana smoking patients]. / Ingesta dietética en un grupo de pacientes fumadores de marihuana.

BACKGROUND: Marihuana use has effects on appetite; studies in the literature on this topic area are limited. The aim of our work was to evaluate the dietary intake of marihuana smoking patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 32 male subjects were enrolled (average age 37.25 +/- 8.8 years). In all patients were determined weight, height and body mass index and a three days nutritional questionnaire. RESULTS: Total calories intakes were higher (3,350.1 +/- 979 kcal/day). Distribution of calories was 44.3% of carbohydrates, 14% of proteins and 41.7% of lipids (50.6% mono-unsaturate fats, 36.3% saturate fats and 13.1% poluunsaturated fats). Total protein intake was 109.6 +/- 38.5 g/day and corrected by weight was 1.62 +/- 0.73 g/kg. Low intake of vitamin D, E, folic, magnesium and iodine were detected. High intake of vitamin A, C, K, thiamine, riboflavine, B6, niacin, B12, calcium, iron and zinc were observed. No statistical differences in dietary intake or weight were detected between groups of marihuana users by median of consumption time of this drug. CONCLUSIONS: Marihuana smoking patients realized a hipercloric and hiperproteic diet, with high amounts of fats and with an intake of micronutrients above international recommendations. This dietary intake has not related with weight.

Ingesta dietética en un grupo de pacientes fumadores de marihuana / Dietary intakes in a group of marihuana smoking patients

Fundamentos: El uso de marihuana (cannabis sativa) tiene efectos sobre el apetito, siendo los estudios en la literatura escasos. El objetivo de nuestro estudio fue evaluar la ingesta de un grupo de sujetos fumadores de marihuana. Pacientes y métodos: Se incluyeron un total de 32 varones. La edad media fue de 37,25 ± 8,8 años. A todos los pacientes se les determinó el peso corporal, la talla y el índice de masa corporal y se realizó una encuesta nutricional. Resultados: La ingesta calórica total fue de 3.350,1 ± 979 kcal/día. La distribución de calorías fue de un 44,3% en forma de hidratos de carbono, un 14% en proteínas y un 41,7% en grasas (50,6% grasas monoinsaturadas, 36,3% grasas saturadas y el 13,1% grasas polinsaturadas). La ingesta absoluta de proteínas fue evelada (109,6 ± 38,5 g/día) así como la ingesta corregida por peso (1,62 ± 0,73). Con referencia a los minerales y vitaminas, existió una baja ingesta de vitamina D, E, ácido fólico, magnesio y yodo. Las ingestas de vitaminas A, C, K, tiamina, riboflavina, B6, niacina, B12, calcio, hierro y zinc fueron superiores a las recomendaciones internacionales. No existieron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la ingesta dietética ni en el peso entre los dos grupos de consumidores de marihuana en funcion de la mediana de tiempo de consumo (19 años). Conclusiones: Los pacientes fumadores de marihuana realizan una dieta hipercalorica e hiperproteica, rica en grasas y con un aporte por encima de lo recomendado de micronutrientes. Todo ello sin relacionarse con el peso del paciente (AU)

Background: Marihuana use has effects on appetite; studies in the literature on this topic area are limited. The aim of our work was to evaluate the dietary intake of marihuana smoking patietns. Patients and methods: A total of 32 male subjects were enrolled (average age 37.25 ± 8.8 years). In all patients were determined weight, height and body mass index and a three days nutritional questionnaire. Results: Total calories intakes were higher (3,350.1 ± 979 kcal/day). Distribution of calories was 44.3% of carbohydrates, 14% of proteins and 41.7% of lipids (50.6% mono-unsaturate fats, 36.3% saturate fats and 13.1% poluunsaturated fats). Total protein intake was 109.6 ± 38.5 g/day and corrected by weight was 1.62 ± 0.73 g/kg. Low intake of vitamin D, E, folic, magnesium and iodine were detected. High intake of vitamin A, C, K, thiamine, riboflavine, B6, niacin, B12, calcium, iron and zinc were observed. No statistical differences in dietary ntake or weight were detected between groups of marihuana users by median of consumtion time of this drug. Conclusions: Marihuana smoking patients realized a hipercloric and hiperproteic diet, with high amounts of fats and with an intake of micronutrients above international recommendations. This dietary intake has not related with weight (AU)

Clinical significance of cross-reactivity between tobacco and latex

Background: Allergen cross-reactivity between tobacco and other species of Solanaceae family (tomato, potato, aubergine and eggplant) have been reported. We have recently studied IgE response to tobacco in asthmatic patients sensitised to Lolium perenne (Perennial rye grass pollen) and have found that 30% of the tobacco responsive patients also have latex sensitisation. Objective: The aim of our study was to investigate the possibility of cross-reactivity between tobacco and latex in asthmatic patients with IgE response to latex. Methods: A study was performed on tobacco and latex exposure in 15 patients who suffered from asthma and latex sensitisation and who were randomly chosen from our database of latex-sensitive patients. To identify tobacco and latex as possible allergens that might cause clinical specific responses, all these patients were tested with prick-tests, specific IgE to tobacco, latex and related allergens, bronchial challenge, and patch tests with tobacco, latex and nicotine. Immunological response was evaluated with immunoblotting, immunoblotting-inhibition and EAST-inhibition tests. Results: Positive prick and bronchial challenge with specific IgE>0.35kU/L to tobacco was demonstrated in 11 asthmatics who were also sensitised to rye grass. Tobacco IgE level was related with sensitisation to latex (p<0.002), but not to other vegetables belonging to the Solanaceae family. EAST-inhibition and immunoblotting-inhibition showed the existence of cross-reactivity between tobacco and latex. Conclusions: Cross-reactivity exists between latex and tobacco allergens. Smoker patients with IgE response to tobacco may be a risk population for latex sensitisation

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Clinical significance of cross-reactivity between tobacco and latex.

BACKGROUND: Allergen cross-reactivity between tobacco and other species of Solanaceae family (tomato, potato, aubergine and egg plant) have been reported. We have recently studied IgE response to tobacco in asthmatic patients sensitised to Lolium perenne (Perennial rye grass pollen) and have found that 30% of the tobacco responsive patients also have latex sensitisation. OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to investigate the possibility of cross-reactivity between tobacco and latex in asthmatic patients with IgE response to latex. METHODS: A study was performed on tobacco and latex exposure in 15 patients who suffered from asthma and latex sensitisation and who were randomly chosen from our database of latex-sensitive patients. To identify tobacco and latex as possible allergens that might cause clinical specific responses, all these patients were tested with prick-tests, specific IgE to tobacco, latex and related allergens, bronchial challenge, and patch tests with tobacco, latex and nicotine. Immunological response was evaluated with immunoblotting, immunoblotting-inhibition and EAST-inhibition tests. RESULTS: Positive prick and bronchial challenge with specific IgE>0.35 kU/L to tobacco was demonstrated in 11 asthmatics who were also sensitised to rye grass. Tobacco IgE level was related with sensitisation to latex (p<0.002), but not to other vegetables belonging to the Solanaceae family. EAST-inhibition and immunoblotting-inhibition showed the existence of cross-reactivity between tobacco and latex. CONCLUSIONS: Cross-reactivity exists between latex and tobacco allergens. Smoker patients with IgE response to tobacco may be a risk population for latex sensitisation.

Vinegar decreases allergenic response in lentil and egg food allergy

Background: Food allergy results from an atypical response of the mucosal immune system to orally consumed allergens. Antacid medication inhibits the digestion of dietary proteins and causes food allergy. A decrease of the gastric pH might enhance the function of digestion and reduce the risk of food allergy. Objective: To test a possible decrease in the allergenicity of powerful food allergens (egg, chicken, lentils) with the addition of vinegar during the cooking process. Methods: We included seven patients who suffered from anaphylaxis due to egg, chicken and lentils. We added vinegar to egg, chicken and lentil processed extracts used for skin prick tests (SPT) and compared the wheal areas obtained with the same extracts sources and the same way but without vinegar addition. Immunodetection was performed with the different processed extracts and patients’ sera. Only one patient consented food challenge with vinegar-marinated-chicken. Results: Wheal areas were significantly minor with the food extract with vinegar. Inmunodetection showed a decrease of the response with vinegar processed extracts. Conclusions: Vinegar addition during the cooking process may decrease lentil and chicken allergenicity