Impacto de la diabetes, la desnutrición y la sarcopenia en el pronóstico de los pacientes hospitalizados en Medicina Interna / Impact of diabetes, malnutrition and sarcopenia on the prognosis of patients admitted to Internal Medicine

Objetivo Describir los pacientes hospitalizados en medicina interna en términos de desnutrición y sarcopenia, en función de la presencia o no de diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2), así como evaluar la mortalidad a corto y largo plazo relacionada con ambas. Métodos Estudio de cohortes, unicéntrico, que recoge pacientes consecutivos ingresados en Medicina Interna en mayo y octubre del 2021. La desnutrición se determinó mediante el Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF) y la sarcopenia mediante SARC-F y dinamometría. Se excluyó a los pacientes hospitalizados más de 48 h. Resultados Se analiza a 511 pacientes, 49,1% varones, edad media de 75,2±15 años, 210 (41,1%) DM2. Se generan 6 grupos (diseño 2 × 3) en función de la presencia de DM2 y del estado nutricional acorde con el resultado del MNA-SF: 12-14 puntos, sin riesgo; MNA-SF 8-12 puntos, alto riesgo; MNA-SF 0-7 puntos, desnutridos. Los pacientes con DM2 y desnutridos tenían significativamente mayor sarcopenia, comorbilidad, inflamación y úlceras por presión. Los principales determinantes de mortalidad intrahospitalaria fueron la sarcopenia (OR 1,27, IC del 95%, 1,06-1,54, p=0,01), la comorbilidad (OR 1,27, IC del 95%, 1,08-1,49, p=0,003) y la inflamación (OR 1,01, IC del 95%, 1,00-1,02, p=0,02). El pronóstico a 120 días fue peor entre los pacientes desnutridos (p=0,042). Conclusión Los pacientes ingresados con DM2 presentan similar grado de desnutrición que el resto, pero con mayor sarcopenia. Esta sarcopenia, junto a la inflamación y la comorbilidad determinan un peor pronóstico. La identificación activa y temprana de la desnutrición y la sarcopenia, y su abordaje posterior podrían mejorar el pronóstico de los pacientes (AU)

Objective To describe patients hospitalized in internal medicine in terms of malnutrition and sarcopenia, depending on the presence or absence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2), as well as to evaluate short- and long-term mortality related to both. Methods Cross-sectional, single-center study, which included consecutive patients admitted to internal medicine in May and October 2021. Malnutrition was determined using the Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF) and sarcopenia using SARC-F and handgrip strength. Patients hospitalized for more than 48h are excluded. Results Five hundred and 11patients were analyzed, 49.1% male, mean age 75.2±15 years, 210 (41.1%) DM2. Six groups (2×3 design) are generated based on the presence of DM2 and the nutritional status according to the result of the MNA-SF: 12–14 points, without risk; MNA-SF 8–12 points, high risk; MNA-SF 0–7 points, malnourished. Malnourished patients with DM2 had significantly higher sarcopenia, comorbidity, inflammation, and pressure ulcers. The main determinants of in-hospital mortality were sarcopenia (OR 1.27, 95% CI: 1.06–1.54, p=0.01), comorbidity (OR 1.27, 95% CI: 1.08–1.49, p=0.003) and inflammation (OR 1.01, 95% CI: 1.00–1.02, p=0.02). The 120-day prognosis was worse among malnourished patients (p=0.042). Conclusion Patients admitted with DM2 have a similar degree of malnutrition than the rest, but with greater sarcopenia. This sarcopenia, together with inflammation and comorbidity determine a worse prognosis. The active and early identification of malnutrition and sarcopenia and their subsequent approach could improve the prognosis of patients (AU)

Impact of diabetes, malnutrition and sarcopenia on the prognosis of patients admitted to internal medicine.

OBJECTIVE: To describe patients hospitalized in internal medicine in terms of malnutrition and sarcopenia, depending on the presence or absence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2), as well as to evaluate short- and long-term mortality related to both. METHODS: Cross-sectional, single-center study, which included consecutive patients admitted to internal medicine in May and October 2021. Malnutrition was determined using the Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF) and sarcopenia using SARC-F and handgrip strength. Patients hospitalized for more than 48 h are excluded. RESULTS: 511 patients were analyzed, 49.1% male, mean age 75.2 +/- 15 years, 210 (41.1%) DM2. 6 groups (2 × 3 design) are generated based on the presence of DM2 and the nutritional status according to the result of the MNA-SF: 12-14 points, without risk; MNA-SF 8-12 points, high risk; MNA-SF 0-7 points, malnourished. Malnourished patients with DM2 had significantly higher sarcopenia, comorbidity, inflammation, and pressure ulcers. The main determinants of in-hospital mortality were sarcopenia (OR 1.27, 95%CI 1.06-1.54, p = 0.01), comorbidity (OR 1.27, 95%CI 1,08-1,49, p = 0.003) and inflammation (OR 1.01, 95%CI 1.00-1.02, p = 0.02). The 120-day prognosis was worse among malnourished patients (p = 0.042). CONCLUSION: Patients admitted with DM2 have a similar degree of malnutrition than the rest, but with greater sarcopenia. This sarcopenia, together with inflammation and comorbidity determine a worse prognosis. The active and early identification of malnutrition and sarcopenia and their subsequent approach could improve the prognosis of patients.

Usefulness of thermography in the diagnosis and classification of complex regional pain syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: We propose a protocol for study of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) based on a battery of quantitative measures (skin thermography, electrochemical skin conductance and sensory thresholds) and apply such protocol to 5 representative cases of CRPS. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 5 CPRS cases (2 women/3 men) that met the Budapest criteria for the diagnosis of CRPS. RESULTS: All patients showed spontaneous pain and allodynia. Two cases correspond to a stage I, in both the resting basal temperature was increased in the affected limb. Three cases reflect more advanced stages with a decrease in resting temperature and a delay in the recovery of the temperature when compared to contralateral limb. DISCUSSION: These non-invasive quantitative functional tests not only improve the diagnostic accuracy of CRPS but also, they help us to stratify and understand the pathological processes of the disease.

Usefulness of thermography in the diagnosis and classification of complex regional pain syndrome / Utilidad de la termografía en el diagnóstico y clasificación del síndrome de dolor regional complejo

Introduction: We propose a protocol for study of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) basedon a battery of quantitative measures (skin thermography, electrochemical skin conductanceand sensory thresholds) and apply such protocol to 5 representative cases of CRPS.Patients and methods: 5 CPRS cases (2 women/3 men) that met the Budapest criteria for thediagnosis of CRPS. Results: All patients showed spontaneous pain and allodynia. Two cases correspond to a stageI, in both the resting basal temperature was increased in the affected limb. Three cases reflectmore advanced stages with a decrease in resting temperature and a delay in the recovery ofthe temperature when compared to contralateral limb.Discussion: These non-invasive quantitative functional tests not only improve the diagnosticaccuracy of CRPS but also, they help us to stratify and understand the pathological processesof the disease.(AU)

Introducción: Proponemos un protocolo para el estudio del síndrome de dolor regionalcomplejo (SDRC) basado en una batería de medidas cuantitativas (termografía cutánea, con-ductancia electroquímica cutánea y umbrales sensoriales en la prueba sensorial cuantitativa[QST]) y aplicamos dicho protocolo a cinco casos representativos de SDRC. Pacientes y métodos: Se presentan cinco casos de SDRC (dos mujeres/tres hombres) quecumplieron con los criterios de Budapest para el diagnóstico de SDRC. Resultados: Todos los pacientes presentaron dolor espontáneo y alodinia. Dos casos correspon-den a un estadio I, en ambos, la temperatura basal de reposo se incrementó en el miembroafectado. Tres casos muestran estadios más avanzados con disminución de la temperatura dereposo y retraso en la recuperación de la temperatura, en comparación con la extremidadcontralateral, que reflejan fases más avanzadas de la enfermedad. Discusión: Estas pruebas funcionales cuantitativas no invasivas no solo mejoran la precisióndiagnóstica del SDRC sino que también nos ayudan a estratificar las diferentes fases y compren-der los procesos patológicos de la enfermedad.(AU)

Evaluación de los factores relacionados con la aparición de nuevas fracturas por fragilidad: un estudio de casos y controles / Evaluation of factors related to the occurrence of new fragility fractures: A case–control study

Introducción: Las fracturas por fragilidad (FF) son frecuentes en pacientes osteoporóticos. Existen una serie de factores de riesgo y variables clínicas, que podrían predecir su aparición. Material y método: Se realizó un estudio observacional retrospectivo de casos y controles. Los casos estuvieron definidos por la presencia de una FF (326 participantes) y los controles por pacientes de similares características sin FF (629 participantes). Resultados: Ciertos factores aumentan el riesgo de FF, como un diagnóstico previo de DM tipo 2 (OR: 2,001), las elevaciones de 1ng/mL del CTX (OR: 1,88), tener antecedentes parentales de fractura de cadera (OR: 1,667), el aumento en 5 años en la edad (OR: 1,39) y los incrementos de 1kg/m2 del IMC (OR: 1,041). Por el contrario, otros factores evaluados disminuyen ese riesgo, como mantener unos niveles de 25(OH)D≥30ng/mL (OR: 0,686) y una T-score≥−2,5 (OR: 0,642). Conclusiones: Niveles de 25(OH)D≥30ng/mL y una T-score en el cuello femoral≥−2,5 son factores protectores de las FF, mientras que el diagnóstico previo de DM tipo 2, un CTX elevado, el antecedente parental de fractura de cadera, un incremento de 1kg/m2 del IMC y el aumento de la edad en 5 años serían predisponentes a padecer FF.(AU)

Introduction: Fragility fractures (FF) are frequent in osteoporotic patients. There are a series of risk factors and clinical variables that could predict their appearance. Material and method: A retrospective observational study of cases and controls was carried out. Cases were defined by the presence of FF (326 participants) and controls by patients with similar characteristics without FF (629 participants). Results: Certain factors increase the risk of FF, such as a previous diagnosis of type 2 DM (OR: 2.001), 1ng/mL elevations of CTX (OR: 1.88), having a parental history of hip fracture (OR: 1.667), 5-year increase in age (OR: 1.39), and 1kg/m2 increases in BMI (OR: 1.041). In contrast, other factors evaluated decreased this risk, such as maintaining 25(OH)D levels≥30ng/mL (OR: 0.686) and a T-score≥−2.5 (OR: 0.642). Conclusions: Levels of 25(OH)D≥30ng/mL and a T-score at the femoral neck≥−2.5 are protective factors for FF, while a previous diagnosis of type 2 DM, an elevated CTX, a parental history of hip fracture, an increase of 1kg/m2 in BMI and an increase in age by 5 years would be predisposing to FF.(AU)

[Translated article] Evaluation of factors related to the occurrence of new fragility fractures: A case–control study / Evaluación de los factores relacionados con la aparición de nuevas fracturas por fragilidad: un estudio de casos y controles

Introduction: Fragility fractures (FF) are frequent in osteoporotic patients. There are a series of risk factors and clinical variables that could predict their appearance. Material and method: A retrospective observational study of cases and controls was carried out. Cases were defined by the presence of FF (326 participants) and controls by patients with similar characteristics without FF (629 participants). Results: Certain factors increase the risk of FF, such as a previous diagnosis of type 2 DM (OR: 2.001), 1ng/mL elevations of CTX (OR: 1.88), having a parental history of hip fracture (OR: 1.667), 5-year increase in age (OR: 1.39), and 1kg/m2 increases in BMI (OR: 1.041). In contrast, other factors evaluated decreased this risk, such as maintaining 25(OH)D levels≥30ng/mL (OR: 0.686) and a T-score≥−2.5 (OR: 0.642). Conclusions: Levels of 25(OH)D≥30ng/mL and a T-score at the femoral neck≥−2.5 are protective factors for FF, while a previous diagnosis of type 2 DM, an elevated CTX, a parental history of hip fracture, an increase of 1kg/m2 in BMI and an increase in age by 5 years would be predisposing to FF.(AU)

Introducción: Las fracturas por fragilidad (FF) son frecuentes en pacientes osteoporóticos. Existen una serie de factores de riesgo y variables clínicas, que podrían predecir su aparición. Material y método: Se realizó un estudio observacional retrospectivo de casos y controles. Los casos estuvieron definidos por la presencia de una FF (326 participantes) y los controles por pacientes de similares características sin FF (629 participantes). Resultados: Ciertos factores aumentan el riesgo de FF, como un diagnóstico previo de DM tipo 2 (OR: 2,001), las elevaciones de 1ng/mL del CTX (OR: 1,88), tener antecedentes parentales de fractura de cadera (OR: 1,667), el aumento en 5 años en la edad (OR: 1,39) y los incrementos de 1kg/m2 del IMC (OR: 1,041). Por el contrario, otros factores evaluados disminuyen ese riesgo, como mantener unos niveles de 25(OH)D≥30ng/mL (OR: 0,686) y una T-score≥−2,5 (OR: 0,642). Conclusiones: Niveles de 25(OH)D≥30ng/mL y una T-score en el cuello femoral≥−2,5 son factores protectores de las FF, mientras que el diagnóstico previo de DM tipo 2, un CTX elevado, el antecedente parental de fractura de cadera, un incremento de 1kg/m2 del IMC y el aumento de la edad en 5 años serían predisponentes a padecer FF.(AU)

[Translated article] Evaluation of factors related to the occurrence of new fragility fractures: A case-control study.

INTRODUCTION: Fragility fractures (FF) are frequent in osteoporotic patients. There are a series of risk factors and clinical variables that could predict their appearance. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A retrospective observational study of cases and controls was carried out. Cases were defined by the presence of FF (326 participants) and controls by patients with similar characteristics without FF (629 participants). RESULTS: Certain factors increase the risk of FF, such as a previous diagnosis of type 2 DM (OR: 2.001), 1ng/mL elevations of CTX (OR: 1.88), having a parental history of hip fracture (OR: 1.667), 5-year increase in age (OR: 1.39), and 1kg/m2 increases in BMI (OR: 1.041). In contrast, other factors evaluated decreased this risk, such as maintaining 25(OH)D levels≥30ng/mL (OR: 0.686) and a T-score≥-2.5 (OR: 0.642). CONCLUSIONS: Levels of 25(OH)D≥30ng/mL and a T-score at the femoral neck≥-2.5 are protective factors for FF, while a previous diagnosis of type 2 DM, an elevated CTX, a parental history of hip fracture, an increase of 1kg/m2 in BMI and an increase in age by 5 years would be predisposing to FF.

Evaluation of factors related to the occurrence of new fragility fractures: A case-control study. / Evaluación de los factores relacionados con la aparición de nuevas fracturas por fragilidad: un estudio de casos y controles.

INTRODUCTION: Fragility fractures (FF) are frequent in osteoporotic patients. There are a series of risk factors and clinical variables that could predict their appearance. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A retrospective observational study of cases and controls was carried out. Cases were defined by the presence of FF (326 participants) and controls by patients with similar characteristics without FF (629 participants). RESULTS: Certain factors increase the risk of FF, such as a previous diagnosis of type 2 DM (OR: 2.001), 1ng/mL elevations of CTX (OR: 1.88), having a parental history of hip fracture (OR: 1.667), 5-year increase in age (OR: 1.39), and 1kg/m2 increases in BMI (OR: 1.041). In contrast, other factors evaluated decreased this risk, such as maintaining 25(OH)D levels≥30ng/mL (OR: 0.686) and a T-score≥-2.5 (OR: 0.642). CONCLUSIONS: Levels of 25(OH)D≥30ng/mL and a T-score at the femoral neck≥-2.5 are protective factors for FF, while a previous diagnosis of type 2 DM, an elevated CTX, a parental history of hip fracture, an increase of 1kg/m2 in BMI and an increase in age by 5 years would be predisposing to FF.

Brain fog of post-COVID-19 condition and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, same medical disorder?

BACKGROUND: Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is characterized by persistent physical and mental fatigue. The post-COVID-19 condition patients refer physical fatigue and cognitive impairment sequelae. Given the similarity between both conditions, could it be the same pathology with a different precipitating factor? OBJECTIVE: To describe the cognitive impairment, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and general symptomatology in both groups, to find out if it is the same pathology. As well as verify if the affectation of smell is related to cognitive deterioration in patients with post-COVID-19 condition. METHODS: The sample included 42 ME/CFS and 73 post-COVID-19 condition patients. Fatigue, sleep quality, anxiety and depressive symptoms, the frequency and severity of different symptoms, olfactory function and a wide range of cognitive domains were evaluated. RESULTS: Both syndromes are characterized by excessive physical fatigue, sleep problems and myalgia. Sustained attention and processing speed were impaired in 83.3% and 52.4% of ME/CFS patients while in post-COVID-19 condition were impaired in 56.2% and 41.4% of patients, respectively. Statistically significant differences were found in sustained attention and visuospatial ability, being the ME/CFS group who presented the worst performance. Physical problems and mood issues were the main variables correlating with cognitive performance in post-COVID-19 patients, while in ME/CFS it was anxiety symptoms and physical fatigue. CONCLUSIONS: The symptomatology and cognitive patterns were similar in both groups, with greater impairment in ME/CFS. This disease is characterized by greater physical and neuropsychiatric problems compared to post-COVID-19 condition. Likewise, we also propose the relevance of prolonged hyposmia as a possible marker of cognitive deterioration in patients with post-COVID-19.

European Society of Cardiology quality indicators for the prevention and management of cancer therapy-related cardiovascular toxicity in cancer treatment.

AIMS: To develop quality indicators (QIs) for the evaluation of the prevention and management of cancer therapy-related cardiovascular toxicity. METHODS AND RESULTS: We followed the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) methodology for QI development which comprises (i) identifying the key domains of care for the prevention and management of cancer therapy-related cardiovascular toxicity in patients on cancer treatment, (ii) performing a systematic review of the literature to develop candidate QIs, and (iii) selecting of the final set of QIs using a modified Delphi process. Work was undertaken in parallel with the writing of the 2022 ESC Guidelines on Cardio-Oncology and in collaboration with the European Haematology Association, the European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology and the International Cardio-Oncology Society. In total, 5 main and 9 secondary QIs were selected across five domains of care: (i) Structural framework, (ii) Baseline cardiovascular risk assessment, (iii) Cancer therapy related cardiovascular toxicity, (iv) Predictors of outcomes, and (v) Monitoring of cardiovascular complications during cancer therapy. CONCLUSION: We present the ESC Cardio-Oncology QIs with their development process and provide an overview of the scientific rationale for their selection. These indicators are aimed at quantifying and improving the adherence to guideline-recommended clinical practice and improving patient outcomes.

Sintonizando con otro: la teoría polivagal y el proceso de psicoterapia / Tuning into another: the polivagal theory and the psychotherapy process

RESUMEN: El presente trabajo tiene como principal objetivo presentar la teoría polivagal como un modelo bio-comportamental del comportamiento emocional e interpersonal, con la finalidad de identificar ámbitos de contribución de la teoría al estudio de la psicoterapia en torno al estatus clínico de los consultantes, el proceso terapéutico y el cambio. La revisión del modelo neurofisiológico muestra una reconceptualización las relaciones recíprocas entre sistema nervioso autónomo y la emocionalidad en el contexto interpersonal, lo cual permite distinguir condiciones de activación normal y patológica de las estrategias comportamentales defensivas (lucha/huida e inmovilización), así como su inhibición a través del sistema de enganche prosocial. Las investigaciones revisadas muestran evidencia a favor de las hipótesis derivadas del modelo tanto en población normal como clínica. De particular interés clínico resulta el sistema de enganche prosocial, pues habilita la emergencia del comportamiento interpersonal confiable, lo cual resulta ser un elemento pivotal para la psicoterapia por su potencial valor diagnóstico, así como sus efectos sobre el desarrollo y consolidación de la relación terapéutica y los resultados benéficos en el consultante. Finalmente, es posible identificar un cuerpo emergente de estudios de psicoterapia que evalúan la actividad del sistema de enganche prosocial mediante la variabilidad de la frecuencia cardiaca de alta frecuencia, vinculándolo tanto al proceso (p. ej., alianza de trabajo) como al resultado (p. ej., nivel de síntomas), evidenciando el valor de profundizar en esta línea interdisciplinaria de investigación y, eventualmente, incorporar estas mediciones al arsenal clínico de evaluación.

ABSTRACT The present work presents the polivagal theory as a bio-behavioral model of emotional and interpersonal behavior, aiming to identify its theoretical contributions to the study of psychotherapy regarding client's clinical status, therapeutic process as well as change. A review of the model shows a reconceptualization of interactions among autononomic nervous system and emotionality within interpersonal context, allowing for identifying normal and pathological activation of defensive behavioral strategies (figh-or-flight and immobilization), as well as their inhibition through the social engagement system. Empirical research shows evidence in favor of hypotheses derived from the model in normal and clinical populations. In clinical contexts, the social engagement system is of particular interest as it allows the emergence of interpersonal trustworthy behavior, being a cornerstone in psychotherapy due to its potential diagnostic value for clients, the development of the therapeutic relationships, as well as beneficial outcomes. Lastly, a nascent body of psychotherapy studies assessing the social engagement system (through high frequency heart rate variability-) and its relation with the therapeutic process (i.e. working alliance) and outcomes (i.e. symptom level) are identified. The evidence supports the value of further developing this interdisciplinary line of research and, eventually, incorporating these measurements into the clinical assessment arsenal.