Outcomes in patients with acute pulmonary embolism and patent foramen ovale: Findings from the RIETE registry.

INTRODUCTION: An increased risk of ischemic stroke in patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE) and patent foramen ovale (PFO) was reported but few data exist regarding prognostic outcomes of those patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Using data in the RIETE registry, we compared the characteristics, therapeutic approaches and outcomes of patients with PE according to the presence or absence of PFO. RESULTS: From August 2016 to January 2020, 4148 patients with acute PE were enrolled. Of these, 2775 (67%) had no transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE), 993 (24%) underwent TTE but had no reported results on PFO. Among the remaining 380 patients, 287 (74%) did not have PFO and 93 (26%) had PFO. Patients with PFO were more likely to have chronic heart failure, prior myocardial infarction or ischemic stroke than those without PFO. Patients with PFO had a higher rate of subsequent ischemic stroke than those without PFO (hazard ratio (HR): 9.28; 95% CI: 1.83-69.1), than those with TTE but no data on PFO (HR: 10.1; 95% CI: 2.56-42.4) or without TTE (HR: 9.78; 95% CI: 3.02-28.4). On multivariable analysis, patients with PFO were at increased risk for subsequent ischemic stroke than those without PFO (HR: 8.96; 95% CI: 1.68-47.7). CONCLUSIONS: PFO was searched in a minority of patients with an acute PE in real life setting. Subject to possible selection and measurement biases, our results confirmed a higher risk of ischemic stroke in PE patients with PFO compared to those without PFO. This association warrants further investigation before determining the best therapeutic option in patients with acute PE and concomitant PFO.

Epidemiological and sociodemographic factors associated with complicated alcohol withdrawal syndrome. / Factores epidemiológicos y sociodemográficos asociados al síndrome de abstinencia alcohólica complicado.

OBJECTIVES: To analyse the influence of epidemiological and sociodemographic factors in complicated alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A multicentre, observational prospective study was conducted on consecutively added patients with AWS hospitalised in internal medicine departments. We recorded sociodemographic, epidemiological, clinical and progression data. Complicated AWS was defined as that which progressed with seizures or delirium tremens. RESULTS: We studied 228 episodes of AWS in 219 patients. The mean age was 54.5 years (SD, 11.5), and 90.8% were men. AWS was the cause for hospitalisation in 39.9% of the patients. Some 27.1% of the cases presented seizures, and 32.4% presented delirium tremens. The daily quantity of alcohol ingested was 17.8 standard drink units (SD, 21.4), with 16.6 years of dependence (SD, 11.3). The pattern of alcohol abuse was regular in 82.8% of the patients. Some 38.4% of the patients were married or had a partner, and 45.6% had children. Some 72.7% of the patients were unemployed or retired. Some 68.5% had only completed primary studies. Some 4.8% consumed cannabis, 5.2% consumed cocaine and 3% consumed opioids. The independent variables related to complicated AWS were consumption of a drug other than alcohol (OR, 5.3; 95% CI 1.5-18.7), low education level (OR, 3.4; 95% CI 1.6-7.3) and hospitalisation for AWS (OR, 2.9; 95% CI 1.5-5.6). The model's receiver operating characteristic area was 0.718 (95% CI 0.643-0.793). CONCLUSIONS: Concomitant drug abuse and a low educational level could help identify patients at risk of complicated AWS.

Medición de la microcirculación retiniana luego del tratamiento antihipertensivo / Measuring retinal circulation after antihypertensive treatment

Background and objective: With the development of image processing techniques, it has become possible to measure the changes in retinal vessels of hypertensive patients by means of eye fundus photographs. Patients and method: In this paper we aim to classify retinal vessels automatically into arterioles and venules. In order to do so, we have compared three different strategies based on the colour of the pixels in images through an analysis of 78 hypertensive patients' eye fundus images. The first strategy classifies all the vessels by applying a clustering algorithm. The second divides the retinal image into four quadrants and classifies the vessels that belong to the same quadrant independently from the rest of the vessels. The third strategy classifies the vessels by dividing the retinal image into four quadrants that are rotated inside the mentioned image. Results: The third strategy was the one that obtained the best results, since it minimizes the number of unclassified vessels. In the initially analysed set of 20 images, we correctly classified 86.53% of the vessels, and this percentage remains similar in a set of 58 images examined by three medical experts. This confirms the validity of the method that automatically calculates the arteriovenous ratio (AVR).Conclusion: Our results are an improvement on those previously described in the bibliography, reducing the number of non-classified vessels. Furthermore, the method entails low computational costs.

Fundamento y objetivo: El desarrollo de técnicas de procesado de imágenes ha devuelto interés para poder medir de una forma objetiva los cambios en la estructura microvascular del hipertenso a través de las fotografías digitales del fondo de ojo. Pacientes y método: Para clasificar de forma automática los vasos de la retina en arteriolas y vénulas, con una elevada precisión, hemos comparado tres estrategias diferentes basadas en la información del color de los pixeles de la imagen del fondo de ojo, analizando 78 imágenes de fondo de ojo de hipertensos. La primera estrategia clasificaría todos los vasos aplicando un algoritmo de agrupamiento. La segunda divide la retina en cuatro cuadrantes y clasifica los vasos que pertenecen al mismo cuadrante independientemente del resto de los vasos. La tercera estrategia clasifica los vasos dividiendo la retina en cuadrantes que son rotados. Resultados: La mejor estrategia resultó la tercera porque minimiza el error y el número de vasos no clasificados. La característica vectorial más determinante está basada en la media o la mediana del componente gris del espacio de color RGB. Para las 20 imágenes inicialmente analizadas hemos clasificado correctamente el 86.53% de los vasos, y este porcentaje permanece similar en el grupo de 58 imágenes examinadas por tres expertos, lo que confirma la validez del método, para el cálculo del índice arteriovenoso de forma automática. Conclusión: Nuestros resultados son superiores a los descritos previamente, reduciendo además el número de vasos no clasificados. Por otro lado, el costo computacional del método es bajo

A prognostic score to identify low-risk outpatients with acute deep vein thrombosis in the upper extremity.

BACKGROUND: No studies have identified which patients with upper-extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT) are at low risk for adverse events within the first week of therapy. METHODS: We used data from Registro Informatizado de la Enfermedad TromboEmbólica to explore in patients with upper-extremity DVT a prognostic score that correctly identified patients with lower limb DVT at low risk for pulmonary embolism, major bleeding, or death within the first week. RESULTS: As of December 2014, 1135 outpatients with upper-extremity DVT were recruited. Of these, 515 (45%) were treated at home. During the first week, three patients (0.26%) experienced pulmonary embolism, two (0.18%) had major bleeding, and four (0.35%) died. We assigned 1 point to patients with chronic heart failure, creatinine clearance levels 30-60 mL min(-1) , recent bleeding, abnormal platelet count, recent immobility, or cancer without metastases; 2 points to those with metastatic cancer; and 3 points to those with creatinine clearance levels < 30 mL min(-1) . Overall, 759 (67%) patients scored ≤ 1 point and were considered to be at low risk. The rate of the composite outcome within the first week was 0.26% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.004-0.87) in patients at low risk and 1.86% (95% CI 0.81-3.68) in the remaining patients. C-statistics was 0.73 (95% CI 0.57-0.88). Net reclassification improvement was 22%, and integrated discrimination improvement was 0.0055. CONCLUSIONS: Using six easily available variables, we identified outpatients with upper-extremity DVT at low risk for adverse events within the first week. These data may help to safely treat more patients at home.

Splenic artery aneurysm presenting with abdominal discomfort and weight loss.

Splenic artery aneurysm (SAA) is uncommon, but it is the most frequent visceral artery aneurysm. It is more common in women, especially during pregnancy. SAA is usually asymptomatic, but abdominal pain and rupture may develop. At present, computerized tomography (CT) angiogram is the best diagnostic test but not the only. Surgical or endovascular treatment may be considered both in symptomatic or asymptomatic aneurysms greater then 2 cm in diameter. We present the case of an elderly woman with an SAA and review the literature.

Eficacia y seguridad de ezetimiba en unidades de riesgo vascular / Efficacy and safety of ezetimibe in vascular risk units

Objetivos Desconocemos la eficacia hipolipemiante y la seguridad de ezetimiba en monoterapia o combinada con estatinas en atención especializada y condiciones de práctica clínica. Pacientes y métodos Estudio retrospectivo multicéntrico (unidades hospitalarias de medicina interna y endocrinología) de pacientes tratados con ezetimiba durante al menos 12 semanas. Los pacientes fueron incluidos en tres grupos: a) ezetimiba como único hipolipemiante; b) ezetimiba añadida a estatina, y c) ezetimiba combinada de inicio con estatina. La variable principal fue el porcentaje medio de reducción de colesterol de las lipoproteínas de baja densidad (cLDL) en el último análisis disponible respecto al documentado antes de comenzar el tratamiento con ezetimiba. Resultados Incluimos a 217 pacientes (media de edad, 59 años), 61% mujeres. Un 21% padecía diabetes mellitus tipo 2 y el 20% había sufrido un evento cardovascular previo, por lo que el tratamiento hipolipemiante debía satisfacerr objetivos de prevención secundaria. En el subgrupo de monoterapia (n=92; tratamiento medio, 41 semanas) el cLDL descendió un 28% (p<0,001). En el subgrupo de ezetimiba añadido a estatinas (n=94; tratamiento medio, 73 semanas) el cLDL disminuyó un 34% (p<0,001). En el subgrupo ezetimiba más estatina de inicio (n=31; tratamiento medio, 118 semanas) el cLDL descendió un 53% (p<0,001). En total, un 64% de los pacientes alcanzó el objetivo terapéutico propuesto por el Adult Treatment Panel III (ATPIII) para cLDL. En los pacientes con bajo riesgo (cLDL<160 mg/dl), riesgo moderado (cLDL<130 mg/dl) y riesgo alto-muy alto (cLDL<100-70 mg/dl), los enfermos en objetivo terapéutico fueron el 81%, el 64% y el 44%, respectivamente. Conclusiones En condiciones de práctica clínica habitual, ezetimiba resulta eficaz y segura para reducir el cLDL, permitiendo alcanzar los objetivos terapéuticos propuestos por ATPIII en un elevado número de pacientes, especialmente si se combina con estatinas (AU)

Objectives. This study was intended to assess the efficacy and safety of ezetimibe when taken alone or combined with statins in a specialized care setting and under standard clinical practice conditions. Patients and methods. A multicenter, retrospective study in patients with dyslipidemia seen in a specialized outpatient clinic and treated with ezetimibe for at least 12weeks. Patients were divided into three groups: monotherapy, add-on ezetimibe, and initial coadministration. Results. A total of 217 patients (mean age 59years; 37% ¡Ý65years) were enrolled. Of these, 61% were women, 21% had type 2 diabetes and 20% had had a previous cardiovascular event so that the lipid lower drug treatment should satisfy the objectives of secondary prevention. Mean change in the monotherapy group (n=92; mean 41weeks) included: decrease of LDLc of 28% (P<.001). In the group where ezetimibe was added on to different ongoing statins (n=94, mean 73weeks), mean changes was as follows: LDLc ¨C34%, significant change as compared to monotherapy (P<.001). In the group with initial coadministration of ezetimibe with different statins (n=31; mean 118weeks), mean change included: LDLc ¨C53% (P<.001). Overall, 64% of patients reached the thereapeutic objective proposed for the Adult Treatment Panel III (ATPIII) for cLDL. In patients with low risk (LDLc<160mg/dL), moderate risk (LDLc<130mg/dL) and high-very high risk (LDLc<100-70mg/dL), the percentage of patients who reached the therapeutic objective was 81%, 64% and 44%, respectively. Conclusions. Under standard clinical practice conditions, ezetimibe appears to be effective and safe for the control LDLc, thus making it possible to reach the therapeutic objectives proposed by the ATP-III in a high number of patients, especially when associated to statins(AU)

[Efficacy and safety of ezetimibe in vascular risk units]. / Eficacia y seguridad de ezetimiba en unidades de riesgo vascular.

OBJECTIVES: This study was intended to assess the efficacy and safety of ezetimibe when taken alone or combined with statins in a specialized care setting and under standard clinical practice conditions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A multicenter, retrospective study in patients with dyslipidemia seen in a specialized outpatient clinic and treated with ezetimibe for at least 12 weeks. Patients were divided into three groups: monotherapy, add-on ezetimibe, and initial coadministration. RESULTS: A total of 217 patients (mean age 59 years; 37% ≥65 years) were enrolled. Of these, 61% were women, 21% had type 2 diabetes and 20% had had a previous cardiovascular event so that the lipid lower drug treatment should satisfy the objectives of secondary prevention. Mean change in the monotherapy group (n = 92; mean 41 weeks) included: decrease of LDLc of 28% (P <.001). In the group where ezetimibe was added on to different ongoing statins (n = 94, mean 73 weeks), mean changes was as follows: LDLc -34%, significant change as compared to monotherapy (P < .001). In the group with initial coadministration of ezetimibe with different statins (n = 31; mean 118 weeks), mean change included: LDLc -53% (P < .001). Overall, 64% of patients reached the thereapeutic objective proposed for the Adult Treatment Panel III (ATPIII) for cLDL. In patients with low risk (LDLc < 160 mg/dL), moderate risk (LDLc < 130 mg/dL) and high-very high risk (LDLc < 100-70 mg/dL), the percentage of patients who reached the therapeutic objective was 81%, 64% and 44%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Under standard clinical practice conditions, ezetimibe appears to be effective and safe for the control LDLc, thus making it possible to reach the therapeutic objectives proposed by the ATP-III in a high number of patients, especially when associated to statins.

Valor diagnóstico y pronóstico de la determinación de tripsinógeno-2 urinario en pacientes con pancreatitis aguda / Usefulness of determining urinary trypsinogen-2 in diagnosis and prognosis of patients with acute pancreatitis

Fundamento. Estudiar el papel del tripsinógeno-2 urinarioen el diagnóstico y pronóstico inicial de pacientescon pancreatitis aguda (PA) así como su relación con laestancia media hospitalaria y la mortalidad.Método. Se incluyeron 42 pacientes diagnosticados dePA a los que se realizó hematimetría, bioquímica sanguínea,amilasuria y tripsinógeno-2 urinario. Se establecióun punto de corte de 50 μg/L y una segunda dilución a2.000 μg/L. Otras variables incluidas fueron etiología, estanciamedia hospitalaria, traslado a UCI y fallecimiento.Resultados. De los 42 pacientes, 29 (69%) eran hombresy 13 (31%) mujeres; edad media 61 años. La etiologíamás frecuente era la biliar, seguida del alcohol. Estanciamedia: 8,38 días. Traslado a UCI en 4 (9,5%) pacientes.Dos de los pacientes trasladados a UCI y otro que norequirió traslado fallecieron (7,14%). La amilasa séricafue elevada en 33 (78,57%) pacientes y la lipasa en36 (85,71%). El tripsinógeno urinario fue positivo en34 pacientes (80,95%). Se evidenció asociación entretripsinógeno-2 urinario y edad (p=0,016; r=0,893), glucemia(p=0,005, r=0,901), amilasa plasmática (p=0,029;r=0,852), lipasa (p=0,022; r=0,809) e hipoxemia (p=0,001;r=0,962). En cuanto a la estancia media, se observóasociación estadística con edad (p=0,046; r=0,784) yacidosis metabólica (p=0,016; r=0,839). La mortalidadse asoció a hipocalcemia (p=0,008; r=0,899) y acidosismetabólica (p=0,032; r=0,814).Conclusión. La determinación del tripsinógeno-2 urinarioen pacientes con PA es un test útil y rápido. Lospacientes mayores de 65 años, con hipoxemia, acidosismetabólica e hipocalcemia tienen tendencia a presentaruna estancia media hospitalaria prolongada y mayormortalidad(AU)

Background. To study the role of urinary trypsinogen-2in diagnosing and early prognosis of patients with acutepancreatitis (AP) and the relationship to length of hospitalstay and mortality.Methods. Forty-two patients were included in the study.In all cases, blood cell count, serum chemistry, urineamylase and urine trypsinogen-2 were measured. Acut-off of 50 μg/L was established and, when positive, asecond dilution was made (2000 μg/L). Other variablesincluded were etiology, mean length of hospital stay,transfer to an ICU and death.Results. Out of the 42 patients, 29 (69%) were men and13 (31%) women. Average age was 61 years. The most frequentcause was biliary, followed by alcohol. Mean hospitalstay was 8.38 days. Transferred to an ICU: 4 (9.5%)patients. Two of them and a third, who had not beentransferred, died (7.14%). High serum amylase was foundin 33 (78.57%) patients and high lipase in 36 (85.71%).Urinary trypsinogen-2 was positive in 34 patients(80.95%). Statistical association between urinary trypsinogen-2 and age (p=0.016; r=0.893), glucose (p=0.005;r=0.901), serum amylase (p=0.029; r=0.852), lipase(p=0.022; r=0.809) and hypoxemia (p=0.001; r=0.962) wasfound. Regarding hospital stay, there was statistical associationwith age (p=0.046; r=0.784) and metabolic acidosis(p=0.016; r=0.839). With respect to mortality therewas statistical association with hypocalcemia (p=0.008;r=0.899) and metabolic acidosis (p=0.032; r=0.814).Conclusion. Testing urinary trypsiongen-2 in patientswith AP is rapid and useful. Patients over the age of 65with hypoxia, metabolic acidosis and hypocalcemiatend to present a prolonged average hospital stay andhigher mortality(AU)

Immunoglobulin-E reactivity to a glycosylated food allergen (peanuts) due to interference with cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants in heavy drinkers.

BACKGROUND: N-glycans in plant and invertebrate glycoproteins can induce extensive IgE cross-reactivity therefore limiting the specificity of in vitro allergy tests. IgE sensitization to N-glycans (cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants, CCDs) may be increased in heavy drinkers, who therefore show IgE reactivity to aeroallergens, latex, and Hymenoptera venoms. The peanut, a CCD-bearing allergen, is the leading cause of severe food allergic reactions in many populations. AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the potential interference of CCDs with determinations of IgE to peanuts in heavy drinkers. METHODS: We determined IgE to peanuts and IgE to a CCD marker (MUXF(3), the N-glycan from bromelain) in 41 heavy drinkers admitted to the hospital and 54 healthy controls. None of the participants reported symptoms of peanut allergy. In cases with positive (>or=0.35 kU/l) IgE to peanuts, we performed inhibition assays with a neoglycoprotein consisting of MUXF(3) molecules coupled to bovine serum albumin (MUXF(3)-BSA) and a similar neoglycoprotein lacking xylose and fucose (MM-BSA). In the same cases, we screened for IgE to a panel of recombinant nonglycosylated peanut allergens. SDS-PAGE immunoblotting and inhibition assays were performed in selected cases. RESULTS: The prevalence of positive IgE to peanuts was 22 and 3.7% in heavy drinkers and healthy controls, respectively (p < 0.001). Peanut-IgE positivity was closely related to the presence of IgE to CCDs. In most (8/9) heavy drinkers with positive IgE to peanuts, reactivity was inhibited by preincubation with MUXF(3)-BSA, but not with MM-BSA. IgE binding to multiple bands on immunoblotting studies was also inhibited by MUXF(3)-BSA preincubation. IgE to nonglycosylated recombinant peanut allergens was uniformly negative. CONCLUSION: Heavy drinking is associated with clinically asymptomatic IgE reactivity to peanuts, a relevant food allergen, in relation to CCD interference.

[Usefulness of determining urinary trypsinogen-2 in diagnosis and prognosis of patients with acute pancreatitis]. / Valor diagnóstico y pronóstico de la determinación de tripsinógeno-2 urinario en pacientes con pancreatitis aguda.

BACKGROUND: To study the role of urinary trypsinogen-2 in diagnosing and early prognosis of patients with acute pancreatitis (AP) and the relationship to length of hospital stay and mortality. METHODS: Forty-two patients were included in the study. In all cases, blood cell count, serum chemistry, urine amylase and urine trypsinogen-2 were measured. A cut-off of 50 microg/L was established and, when positive, a second dilution was made (2000 microg/L). Other variables included were etiology, mean length of hospital stay, transfer to an ICU and death. RESULTS: Out of the 42 patients, 29 (69%) were men and 13 (31%) women. Average age was 61 years. The most frequent cause was biliary, followed by alcohol. Mean hospital stay was 8.38 days. Transferred to an ICU: 4 (9.5%) patients. Two of them and a third, who had not been transferred, died (7.14%). High serum amylase was found in 33 (78.57%) patients and high lipase in 36 (85.71%). Urinary trypsinogen-2 was positive in 34 patients (80.95%). Statistical association between urinary trypsinogen-2 and age (p=0.016; r=0.893), glucose (p=0.005; r=0.901), serum amylase (p=0.029; r=0.852), lipase (p=0.022; r=0.809) and hypoxemia (p=0.001; r=0.962) was found. Regarding hospital stay, there was statistical association with age (p=0.046; r=0.784) and metabolic acidosis (p=0.016; r=0.839). With respect to mortality there was statistical association with hypocalcemia (p=0.008; r=0.899) and metabolic acidosis (p=0.032; r=0.814). CONCLUSION: Testing urinary trypsinogen-2 in patients with AP is rapid and useful. Patients over the age of 65 with hypoxia, metabolic acidosis and hypocalcemia tend to present a prolonged average hospital stay and higher mortality.

Antipsicóticos atípicos: mecanismos de inducción de alteraciones metabólicas / No disponible

Se ha relacionado el uso de antipsicóticos atípicoscon un incremento del riesgo cardiovascular de lospacientes que los reciben de forma habitual. Un aspectoimportante a tener en cuenta es la mayor prevalencia dealgunos factores de riesgo cardiovascular en la poblaciónpsiquiátrica. Sin embargo, varios estudios apuntana un papel importante en la génesis o empeoramiento dedicho riesgo por parte de los fármacos antipsicóticosatípicos. Como mecanismos se han involucrado las alteracionesde la regulación del apetito mediada sobre todopor la acción de dichos fármacos a nivel de variosreceptores farmacológicos, destacando los serotoninérgicos.En el presente trabajo se revisan los posiblesmecanismos que contribuyen tanto al incremento delpeso corporal como a las alteraciones del metabolismohidrocarbonato y lipídico que son mediadas por el usode antipsicóticos atípicos

Atypical antipsychotics have been related to anincrease in cardiovascular risk among patients takingsuch drugs. An important issue is the greater prevalenceof some cardiovascular risk factors in psychiatricpatients. Nevertheless, some studies point to an importantrole in developing or worsening cardiovascular riskby atypical antipsychotics. As possible underlyingmechanism alteration in appeptite regulation mediatedby atypical antipsychotics has been proposed especiallyinvolving serotonine receptors. In the present paper, arevision of the possible mechanisms contributing to theincrease in body weight and impared glucose and lipidmetabolism has been made

[Adequancy of the pharmacological disponibility in a Department of Internal Medicine to the WHO essential drug list]. / Adecuación de la disponibilidad farmacológica en un Servicio de Medicina Interna a la lista de medicamentos esenciales de la OMS.

INTRODUCTION: Since several years ago, the World Health Organization (WHO), publishes the Essential Drug List (EDL) including medicines that are used to cover the mayor health community problems. Drugs are selected in terms of importance, usefulness, safety and cost-effectiveness. There is no enough data about adequacy between this list and the current medical practise in Internal Medicine. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Both EDL (13 edition, reviewed on April 2003) and the list of medicines used in the Internal Medicine Department from the Hospital da Barbanza, Riveira, A Coruña (Spain), Fundación Pública del Servizo Galego de Saúde in 2004-2005 were compared. RESULTS: From the 27 groups included in the EDL, 2 groups were excluded because no regular use in Internal Medicine. Among the other 25 groups there were significant differences in 24 groups. Just in one group both lists were identical. In all the 24 groups with differences, we used an smaller amount of drugs that recommended in the EDL. We analysed 15 groups (the groups with at least 5 differences between both lists). Causes identified were as follows: drugs used in diseases that we used to send to another hospital (Reference Hospital) in groups 6,8 and 12; drugs not commonly prescribed in Internal Medicine in groups 1,4,13,14,18,19 and 21, and finally drugs not currently financed by the National Health System (group 27). CONCLUSIONS: After examining the adequacy of the list of drugs prescribed in Internal Medicine in a Community Hospital we conclude that its use is significantly lower than the standard recommendations derived from de WHO. Identified causes are treatments not covered in a Community Hospital needing to transfer patients to another hospital and the inclusion of drugs not commonly used in Internal Medicine. The WHO estimates that over 2000 million people can not currently access to essential drugs nor vaccines all over the world. The problem is not just a health problem but also a social, economic and ethic one. So, an accurate use of such essential drugs in developed Health Systems could be a good example of efficiency.

Adecuación de la disponibilidad farmacológica en un Servicio de Medicina Interna a la lista de medicamentos esenciales de la OMS / Adequacy of the pharmacological disponibility in a department of internal medicine to the who essential drug list

Introducción: Desde hace años la organización mundial de la salud (OMS) elabora una lista de medicamentos esenciales (LME), considerando como tales a los que cubren las necesidades de atención de salud prioritarias de la población. Son seleccionados según su importancia, eficacia, inocuidad y relación costo-eficacia. No existe información suficiente sobre la adecuación de esta lista al uso habitual en la práctica común en Medicina Interna. Material y métodos: Se comparó la LME de la OMS (13ª edición, revisada en abril de 2003) con los utilizados en el Servicio de Medicina Interna del Hospital da Barbanza, Riveira, A Coruña (España), Fundación Pública del Servizo Galego de Saúde en el período 2004-2005. Resultados: De los 27 grupos de la lista de la OMS se excluyeron 2 porque su uso no es habitual en Medicina Interna. De los restantes 25 grupos, se encontraron diferencias en 24 grupos. En 1 grupo ambas listas eran idénticas. En los 24 grupos con diferencias se usaban menos fármacos de los recomendados por la OMS. Se analizaron 11 grupos; aquéllos en los que el número de diferencias era mayor que 5. Las causas resultaron ser: grupos 6,8 y 12, fármacos para pacientes habitualmente remitidos a nuestro hospital de referencia; fármacos no utilizados habitualmente en Medicina Interna (grupos 1,4,13,14,18,19 y 21) y medicamentos que no cubre el Sistema Nacional de Salud (Grupo 27). Conclusiones: La valoración de la adecuación de los fármacos utilizados en Medicina Interna en un Hospital Comarcal muestra un uso significativamente inferior a las recomendaciones estándar de la OMS. Las causas identificadas son terapias no cubiertas por un Centro como el nuestro y aquellos fármacos no utilizados habitualmente en Medicina Interna. La OMS estima que unos 2000 millones de personas no tienen acceso regular a medicamentos esenciales y vacunas de calidad en el mundo. La dimensión del problema trasciende el ámbito de la salud, suponiendo un problema social, económico y ético por lo que el buen uso de los fármacos esenciales en sistemas sanitarios desarrollados es un buen ejemplo de eficiencia

Introduction: Since several years ago, the World Health Organization (WHO), publishes the Essential Drug List (EDL) including medicines that are used to cover the mayor health community problems. Drugs are selected in terms of importance, usefulness, safety and cost-effectiveness. There is no enough data about adequacy between this list and the current medical practise in Internal Medicine. Material and methods: Both EDL (13 edition, reviewed on April 2003) and the list of medicines used in the Internal Medicine Department from the Hospital da Barbanza, Riveira, A Coruña (Spain), Fundación Pública del Servizo Galego de Saúde in 2004-2005 were compared. Results: From the 27 groups included in the EDL, 2 groups were excluded because no regular use in Internal Medicine. Among the other 25 groups there were significant differences in 24 groups. Just in one group both lists were identical. In all the 24 groups with differences, we used an smaller amount of drugs that recommended in the EDL. We analysed 15 groups (the groups with at least 5 differences between both lists). Causes identified were as follows: drugs used in diseases that we used to send to another hospital (Reference Hospital) in groups 6,8 and 12; drugs not commonly prescribed in Internal Medicine in groups 1,4,13,14,18,19 and 21, and finally drugs not currently financed by the National Health System (group 27). Conclusions: After examining the adequacy of the list of drugs prescribed in Internal Medicine in a Community Hospital we conclude that its use is significantly lower than the standard recommendations derived from de WHO. Identified causes are treatments not covered in a Community Hospital needing to transfer patients to another hospital and the inclusion of drugs not commonly used in Internal Medicine. The WHO estimates that over 2000 million people can not currently access to essential drugs nor vaccines all over the world. The problem is not just a health problem but also a social, economic and ethic one. So, an accurate use of such essential drugs in developed Health Systems could be a good example of efficiency

[Erectile dysfunction: an insufficiently valued problem in Internal Medicine. Study of patients and related medication]. / Disfunción eréctil: un problema poco valorado en Medicina Interna. Estudio de pacientes y medicación relacionada.

INTRODUCTION: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common disease and may be due to psychological or organic causes. It might point to a silent disease and its value could not only be in life quality but also directly resolving the health problem laying beneath. The evaluation of ED begins with sexual records and physical examination which have been reported to have a 95 percent sensitivity, and a 50 percent specificity. Additional diagnostic tests are needed to maximize specificity. Sexual impairment in general Internal Medicine patients has not been sufficiently studied yet. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Unselected ambulatory and hospital admitted patients were interviewed during 2003 using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) ad the Sexual Health Interview for Men (SHIM). The cut-off point was 21. RESULTS: A total of 51 male patients were interviewed, middle age was 65 years old (30-88). Of these, 27 denied sexual activity (group I). Middle age in this group was 64 years old. In the 24 patients with sexual activity (group II) middle age was 61 years old. The IIEF score was less than 45 in 11 patients (groups I and II of erectile dysfunction) The SHIM middle score was 26 points. The score was < 21 in 10 patients (41.6%). Concordance between both test was 90.9%. Risk factors included: tobacco (12 patients), alcohol (9), hypertension (8), and diabetes (7) among others. CONCLUSION: Our investigation seems to show that a great number of patients attended by Internists have sexual impairment (41.6%). None of these were under specific therapy nor consulted for this disease. Middle age is lower among patients with sexual activity as compared with the group without sexual activity. This assessment should be included in the medical interview with the aim of prescribing specific therapy to improve patient's quality of life.

Disfunción eréctil: un problema poco valorado en Medicina Interna. Estudio de pacientes y medicación relacionada / Erectile dysfunction: a non sufficiently valued problem in internal medicine. Study of patients and related medication

Introducción: La disfunción eréctil (DE) es habitual y puede estar relacionada con causas psicológicas u orgánicas. La realización de una historia sexual y la exploración física, demuestran una sensibilidad del 95%, y especificidad del 50% en la determinación de la causa de la DE. Se precisan test diagnósticos adicionales para incrementar la especificidad. No hay información disponible sobre las alteraciones en la función sexual en pacientes de Medicina Interna. Pacientes y métodos: Entrevistas a pacientes no seleccionados tanto ambulatorios como hospitalizados aplicando el Índice Internacional de Disfunción Eréctil (IIDE) y la Entrevista de Salud Sexual para Hombres (ESSH) durante el año 2003. Resultados: Se entrevistaron 51 varones de edad media 65 años (30-88). Entre ellos, 27 negaron actividad sexual (grupo I), la edad media en este grupo fue de 64 años. En los 24 pacientes con actividad sexual (grupo II) la edad media fue de 61 años. El IIDE mostró puntuaciones menores de 45 puntos en 11 pacientes (grupos I y II de disfunción eréctil). La puntuación media para el ESSH fue de 26 puntos. La puntuación fue < 21 en 10 pacientes (41,6%). La concordancia entre ambos test fue del 90,9%. Los factores de riesgo incluían: tabaco (12 pacientes), alcohol (9), HTA (8) y DM (7). Conclusión: Parece existir una alta prevalencia de DE entre los pacientes atendidos por Internistas (41,6%). Ninguno de éstos recibía tratamiento por esta enfermedad ni habían consultado nunca por ello. La edad media es inferior en los pacientes que mantienen actividad sexual. Consideramos necesario incluir esta patología en la anamnesis a todo paciente asistido para posibilitar la prescripción de tratamiento que podría mejorar notablemente su calidad de vida

Introduction: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common disease and may be due to psychological or organic causes. It might point to a silent disease and its value could not only be in life quality but also directly resolving the health problem laying beneath. The evaluation of ED begins with sexual records and physical examination which have been reported to have a 95 percent sensitivity, and a 50 percent specificity. Additional diagnostic tests are needed to maximize specificity. Sexual impairment in general Internal Medicine patients has not been sufficiently studied yet. Patients and methods: Unselected ambulatory and hospital admitted patients were interviewed during 2003 using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) ad the Sexual Health Interview for Men (SHIM). The cut-off point was 21. Results: A total of 51 male patients were interviewed, middle age was 65 years old (30-88). Of these, 27 denied sexual activity (group I). Middle age in this group was 64 years old. In the 24 patients with sexual activity (group II) middle age was 61 years old. The IIEF score was less than 45 in 11 patients (groups I and II of erectile dysfunction) The SHIM middle score was 26 points. The score was < 21 in 10 patients (41,6%). Concordance between both test was 90.9%. Risk factors included: tobacco (12 patients), alcohol (9), hypertension (8), and diabetes (7) among others. Conclusion: Our investigation seems to show that a great number of patients attended by Internists have sexual impairment (41.6%). None of these were under specific therapy nor consulted for this disease. Middle age is lower among patients with sexual activity as compared with the group without sexual activity. This assessment should be included in the medical interview with the aim of prescribing specific therapy to improve patient’s quality of life

Unidades de Ictus y Medicina Interna / Stroke and Internal Medicine Units

No disponible

Disnea aguda y TAC helicoidal torácico / Acute dyspnea and thoracic helical CT

No disponible

Influence of gadolinium-induced kupffer cell blockade on portal venous tolerance in rat skin allograft transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Intraportal injection of donor antigens delays rejection of allografts (portal venous tolerance). The study aimed to investigate the possible influence of prior gadolinium chloride (Gd)-induced Kupffer cell blockade on tolerance to non-vascularized skin allografts induced by means of donor-specific intraportal blood transfusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Wistar rats (n = 10) were used as donors and Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 70) as recipients of a non-vascularized skin graft. Recipients were divided into groups according to the manipulations prior to transplantation, as follows: (1) no manipulation; (2) donor-specific intrajugular blood transfusion; (3) donor-specific intraportal blood transfusion; (4) Gd administration and donor-specific intrajugular blood transfusion; (5) Gd administration and donor-specific intraportal blood transfusion; (6) Gd administration, and (7) intraportal saline infusion. In a first set of experiments, these manipulations were performed once. In a second set of experiments, the same manipulations were performed twice. Skin allograft was performed 7 days after the last manipulation in all groups. RESULTS: Group 3 showed the highest skin graft survival, particularly after repeated blood transfusion. Graft survival in this group was significantly higher than in any other group. Conversely, group 5 showed the lowest graft survival, particularly after repeated blood transfusion. Graft survival in this group was significantly lower than that of groups 1, 2, 3 and 7. CONCLUSIONS: In this model of skin allograft transplantation, Gd administration abrogates and can even reverse the tolerogenic effect of repeated donor-specific intraportal blood transfusion.