Hospitalizaciones por y con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica en Galicia: 20 años de evolución / Hospitalizations due to and with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Galicia: 20 years of evolution

Objetivo Analizar la evolución de las hospitalizaciones relacionadas con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) en Galicia en el período 1996-2018, tanto como causa principal del ingreso (POR EPOC) como si se codificaba en cualquier posición diagnóstica (CON EPOC), estudiando la influencia de la edad, el sexo, la estacionalidad u otras causas principales del ingreso. Metodología Se realizó un análisis del conjunto mínimo básico de datos (CMBD) de Galicia sobre el primer ingreso por EPOC entre 1996 y 2018. Se calcularon tasas brutas, específicas y estandarizadas tanto globales como por sexo y por grupos de edad. Resultados En el período 1996-2018 se produjeron en Galicia 310.883 primeros ingresos CON EPOC, de los que el 29,6% fueron POR EPOC. Las tasas de ingresos tanto CON EPOC como POR EPOC aumentaron, fundamentalmente en varones. Existe una clara estacionalidad de los ingresos, especialmente relevante POR EPOC. La razón de masculinidad media es aproximadamente 4 en ambos escenarios, si bien es inferior en los grupos etarios extremos, sin cambios a lo largo del tiempo. La edad media al ingreso ha aumentado tres años en este período en los varones; en las mujeres no hubo variaciones. Las causas principales del ingreso cuando no es POR EPOC son insuficiencia cardíaca y neumonía. Conclusión La evaluación combinada de los registros de ingresos hospitalarios CON y POR EPOC aporta información complementaria para un mejor conocimiento de las tendencias de esta enfermedad y establecer hipótesis que expliquen los resultados descritos, aportando información para una mejor planificación sanitaria (AU)

Objective This work aims to analyze the evolution of COPD-related hospitalizations in Galicia from 1996 to 2018 both as main cause of admission (DUE TO COPD) or when coded in any diagnostic order (WITH COPD), assessing the influence of age, sex, seasonality, and other main causes of the hospitalization. Methods An analysis was conducted of administrative healthcare database (CMBD) data on index COPD-related hospitalizations in Galicia from 1996 to 2018. Crude, specific, and standardized rates were calculated for the entire sample and according to age and sex groups. Results In the period from 1996 to 2018, there were 310,883 index admissions WITH COPD in Galicia, of which 29.6% were DUE TO COPD. Both WITH COPD and DUE TO COPD admission rates increased, mainly in men. There was a clear seasonality that was especially relevant in the DUE TO COPD group. The mean male-to-female ratio was approximately 4:1 in both groups, although it was lower in the extreme age groups, with no change over time. The mean age at admission increased three years in men during this period; there were no changes among women. The main causes of admission in those not hospitalized DUE TO COPD were heart failure and pneumonia. Conclusion The combined evaluation of records of hospital admissions WITH COPD and DUE TO COPD offers additional information for a better understanding of the trends of this disease and allows for establishing hypotheses that explain the results described, providing information for better healthcare planning (AU)

Clinical usefulness of serum angiotensin converting enzyme in silicosis.

INTRODUCTION: Silicosis is an irreversible and incurable disease. Preventive measures to eliminate exposure are the only effective way to reduce morbidity and mortality. In such situations, having a biomarker for early diagnosis or to predict evolution would be very useful in order to improve control of the disease. The elevation of serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (sACE) in silicosis has been described in previous studies, although its relationship with severity and prognosis is not clear. AIMS: To determine the levels of sACE in a cohort of patients with exposure to silica dust with and without silicosis, and to assess their impact on the prognosis of the aforementioned patients. METHOD: Prospective observational study on patients treated in a silicosis clinic from 2009 to 2018. sACE levels and pulmonary function tests were performed. Radiological progression was assessed in patients who had already had 2 X-rays of the thorax and / or two CT scans with at least a 1-year interval, from the time of inclusion in the study. RESULTS: A total of 413 cases of silicosis were confirmed, as well as 73 with exposure to silica dust but without silicosis. The mean sACE level for healthy subjects was 27.5±7.3U/L, for exposed patients without silicosis it was 49.6±24.2U/L, for simple silicosis it was 57.8±31,3U/L and for complicated silicosis it was 74.5±38.6U/L. Patients with a higher sACE generally progressed radiologically during follow-up (73.3±38.0 vs. 60.4±33.7; p<.001) and so the category of silicosis changed (73,9±38.1 vs. 62.5±34.6; p<.021). CONCLUSIONS: sACE was elevated in patients with silicosis, and the greater its severity, the higher it was, which is associated with disease progression measured radiologically or as a category change of silicosis.

Hospitalizations due to and with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Galicia: 20 years of evolution.

OBJECTIVE: This work aims to analyze the evolution of COPD-related hospitalizations in Galicia from 1996 to 2018 both as main cause of admission (DUE TO COPD) or when coded in any diagnostic order (WITH COPD), assessing the influence of age, sex, seasonality, and other main causes of the hospitalization. METHODS: An analysis was conducted of administrative healthcare database (CMBD) data on index COPD-related hospitalizations in Galicia from 1996 to 2018. Crude, specific, and standardized rates were calculated for the entire sample and according to age and sex groups. RESULTS: In the period from 1996 to 2018, there were 310,883 index admissions WITH COPD in Galicia, of which 29.6% were DUE TO COPD. Both WITH COPD and DUE TO COPD admission rates increased, mainly in men. There was a clear seasonality that was especially relevant in the DUE TO COPD group. The mean male-to-female ratio was approximately 4:1 in both groups, although it was lower in the extreme age groups, with no change over time. The mean age at admission increased three years in men during this period; there were no changes among women. The main causes of admission in those not hospitalized DUE TO COPD were heart failure and pneumonia. CONCLUSION: The combined evaluation of records of hospital admissions WITH COPD and DUE TO COPD offers additional information for a better understanding of the trends of this disease and allows for establishing hypotheses that explain the results described, providing information for better healthcare planning.

Características de los debuts diabéticos en los niños ingresados en un hospital terciario durante diez años / Characteristics of diabetic debuts in children admitted to a tertiary hospital for ten years

Introducción. La diabetes mellitus tipo 1 constituye unade las patologías crónicas más frecuentes en la infancia. Suincidencia está sufriendo un incremento en los últimos años.Objetivo. Describir y analizar las características epidemiológicas, clínicas, analíticas y terapéuticas en el momentodel debut de la enfermedad, comparándolas entre gruposde edad de los pacientes que debutan con DM1 en nuestraprovincia.Pacientes y métodos. Estudio observacional retrospectivo mediante revisión de historias clínicas de pacientesmenores de 14 años con debut de diabetes tipo 1 entre 2007y 2017 en un hospital de tercer nivel. La muestra se dividiópor edades en tres grupos (0-4 años, 5-9 años,10-14 años).Resultados. Se recogieron 64 pacientes con edad mediade 8,15 años (DE 3,41), el 48,4% entre 5-9 años. No se hallarondiferencias de sexo ni patrón estacional, aunque los pacientesde menor edad debutaron más frecuentemente en invierno.No se observó aumento en la incidencia con el tiempo nidiferencias en los síntomas entre grupos. Debutaron concetoacidosis diabética el 36%, fundamentalmente leves.Encontramos un porcentaje menor de anticuerpos IAA yantiGAD de lo esperado y mayor frecuencia de antecedentesfamiliares positivos. Se observó correlación lineal positivaentre las cifras de bicarbonato y cuerpos cetónicos en sangrey las necesidades de insulina por kg de peso (p 0,025 y p0,05, respectivamente). Los niños de menor edad presentanniveles de HbA1c más bajos al inicio de la enfermedad.Conclusiones. En nuestro medio no se está produciendoun aumento en el número de casos de esta enfermedad, aunque los mismos se concentran a menor edad de la esperada (AU)

Introduction. Type 1 diabetes mellitus is one of the mostfrequent chronic pathologies in childhood. Its incidence hasincreased in the last years.Objective. To analyze the epidemiological, clinical,analytical and therapeutic characteristics at the time of thedisease’s onset, and to compare them between age groupsof those patients with Diabetes mellitus type 1 in our region.Patients and methods. Retrospective observational studyby reviewing the medical records of patients under 14 yearsof age with onset of type 1 diabetes between 2007 and 2017in a tertiary-level hospital. The sample was divided by ageinto three groups (0-4 years, 5-9 years,10-14 years).Results. 64 patients were studied, the mean age was8.15 years (SD 3.41), 48.4% of them between 5-9 years. Nodifferences in sex or seasonal pattern were found, althoughyounger children became ill more frequently in winter. There was no increase in incidence over time ordifferencesin symptoms between groups. 36% debuted with diabeticketoacidosis, mainly mild. We found a lower percentage ofIAA and antiGAD antibodies than expected and a higherfrequency of positive family history. A positive linear correlation was observed between the levels of bicarbonateand ketone bodies in blood and the insulin needs per kg ofweight (p 0.025 and p 0.05 respectively). Younger childrenhave lower HbA1c levels at the beginning of the disease.Conclusions. In our centre there is not an increase in thenumber of cases of this disease, although we found morecases at a younger age than expected. (AU)

Validity of lung ultrasound to rule out iatrogenic pneumothorax performed by pulmonologists without experience in this procedure.

INTRODUCTION: Ultrasonography has been shown to be a useful tool for diagnosing pneumothorax in the hands of experts. After performing bronchopleural procedures, the recommendation is to perform chest radiography to rule out complications. Our objective was to determine the validity of lung ultrasound, conducted by pulmonologists without experience in this procedure, to tule out pneumothorax after invasive procedures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Our prospective observational study consecutively included patients who underwent transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB), therapeutic thoracentesis (TT) and/or transparietal pleural biopsies (PB) for whom subsequent chest radiography to rule out complications was indicated. In all cases, the same pulmonologist who performed the technique performed an ultrasound immediately after the procedure. A diagnosis of pneumothorax was considered in the presence of a lung point or the combination of the following signs: absence of pleural sliding, absence of B-lines and presence of the "barcode" sign. RESULTS: We included 275 procedures (149 TBLBs, 36 BPs, 90 TTs), which resulted in 14 (5.1%) iatrogenic pneumothoraxes. Ultrasonography presented a sensitivity of 78.5%, a specificity of 85% and positive and negative predictive value of 22% and 98.6%, respectively. Ultrasonography did not help detect the presence of 3 pneumothoraxes, one of which required chest drainage, but adequately diagnosed 2 pneumothoraxes that were not identified in the initial radiography. CONCLUSIONS: Lung ultrasound performed by pulmonologists at the start of their training helps rule out pneumothorax with a negative predictive value of 98.6%, thereby avoiding unnecessary radiographic control studies in a considerable number of cases.

Validez de la ecografía torácica para descartar neumotórax iatrogénico realizada por neumólogos sin experiencia en este procedimiento / Validity of lung ultrasound to rule out iatrogenic pneumothorax performed by pulmonologists without experience in this procedure

Introducción La ecografía ha demostrado ser una herramienta útil para el diagnóstico del neumotórax en manos expertas. Tras los procedimientos broncopleurales se recomienda realizar una radiografía de tórax para descartar complicaciones. Nuestro objetivo ha sido determinar la validez de la ecografía torácica para descartar neumotórax tras procedimientos invasivos, realizada por neumólogos sin experiencia en este procedimiento. Material y métodos Estudio observacional prospectivo que incluyó pacientes consecutivos sometidos a biopsia transbronquial (BTB), toracocentesis evacuadora (TE) y/o biopsias pleurales transparietales (BPT) a los que se les indicó radiografía de tórax posterior para descartar complicaciones. En todos los casos el mismo neumólogo que hizo la técnica, realizó una ecografía inmediatamente después del procedimiento. Se consideró diagnóstica de neumotórax la presencia de punto pulmonar o la combinación de los signos: ausencia de deslizamiento pleural, ausencia de líneas B y presencia del signo de «código de barras». Resultados Se incluyeron 275 procedimientos (149 BTB, 36 BPT, 90 TE) entre los que se produjeron 14 (5,1%) neumotórax iatrogénicos. La ecografía presentó una sensibilidad de 78,5%, una especificidad de 85%, y un valor predictivo positivo y negativo de 22% y 98,6%, respectivamente. La ecografía no permitió detectar la presencia de tres neumotórax, precisando uno de ellos drenaje torácico y diagnosticó adecuadamente dos neumotórax que no se detectaban en la radiografía inicial. Conclusiones La ecografía torácica realizada por neumólogos que inician su curva de aprendizaje permite descartar neumotórax con un valor predictivo negativo (VPN) del 98,6%, evitando realizar en un número considerable de casos estudios radiográficos de control innecesarios (AU)

Introduction Ultrasonography has been shown to be a useful tool for diagnosing pneumothorax in the hands of experts. After performing bronchopleural procedures, the recommendation is to perform chest radiography to rule out complications. Our objective was to determine the validity of lung ultrasound, conducted by pulmonologists without experience in this procedure, to rule out pneumothorax after invasive procedures. Material and methods Our prospective observational study consecutively included patients who underwent transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB), therapeutic thoracentesis (TT) and/or transparietal pleural biopsies (PB) for whom subsequent chest radiography to rule out complications was indicated. In all cases, the same pulmonologist who performed the technique performed an ultrasound immediately after the procedure. A diagnosis of pneumothorax was considered in the presence of a lung point or the combination of the following signs: absence of pleural sliding, absence of B-lines and presence of the “barcode” sign. Results We included 275 procedures (149 TBLBs, 36 BPs, 90 TTs), which resulted in 14 (5.1%) iatrogenic pneumothoraxes. Ultrasonography presented a sensitivity of 78.5%, a specificity of 85% and positive and negative predictive value of 22% and 98.6%, respectively. Ultrasonography did not help detect the presence of 3 pneumothoraxes, one of which required chest drainage, but adequately diagnosed 2 pneumothoraxes that were not identified in the initial radiography. Conclusions Lung ultrasound performed by pulmonologists at the start of their training helps rule out pneumothorax with a negative predictive value of 98.6%, thereby avoiding unnecessary radiographic control studies in a considerable number of cases (AU)

Small-cell lung cancer in never-smokers.

BACKGROUND: Lung cancer is a public health problem worldwide. Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) is the most aggressive histologic type, with a 5-year survival <10%. SCLC is closely associated with tobacco consumption and infrequent in never-smokers. We aim to describe SCLC characteristics in never-smokers recruited in a radon-prone area. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We designed a multicentric case series where SCLC cases were recruited consecutively following histologic confirmation. Detailed information was obtained for indoor radon exposure, occupation and environmental tobacco smoke. We also collected different clinical characteristics such as extended or limited disease at diagnosis. RESULTS: We recruited 32 never-smoking SCLC cases. Median age was 75 years and 87.5% were women; 47% had extended disease. Median radon concentration was 182 Bq/m3. There were no statistically significant differences in residential radon concentration neither regarding age at diagnosis nor regarding sex. The most frequent symptoms were constitutional syndrome (23.1%) and coughing (23.1%). As much as 63% of cases had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Study (ECOG) status of 0-2. The 1- and 2-year survival rates were 34.4% and 21.9%, respectively. The 2-year survival rate with a localized tumor was 26.7%, compared with 18.8% for extended disease. CONCLUSIONS: These results show, for the first time, that indoor radon might not be associated with SCLC characteristics at diagnosis in never-smokers, and also confirms the low survival of this aggressive type of lung cancer also for never-smokers.

Validity of thoracic ultrasonography to rule out iatrogenic pneumothorax performed by pulmonologists without experience in this procedure. / Validez de la ecografía torácica para descartar neumotórax iatrogénico realizada por neumólogos sin experiencia en este procedimiento.

INTRODUCTION: Ultrasonography has been shown to be a useful tool for diagnosing pneumothorax in the hands of experts. After performing bronchopleural procedures, the recommendation is to perform chest radiography to rule out complications. Our objective was to determine the validity of thoracic ultrasonography to rule out pneumothorax after invasive procedures, conducted by pulmonologists without experience in this procedure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Our observational prospective study consecutively included patients who underwent transbronchial biopsy (TBB), evacuating thoracentesis (ECT) and/or transparietal pleural biopsies (TPB) who were indicated subsequent chest radiography to rule out complications. In all cases, the same pulmonologist who performed the technique performed an ultrasound immediately after the procedure. A diagnosis of pneumothorax was considered the presence of a lung point or the combination of the following signs: absence of pleural sliding, absence of B-lines and presence of the «barcode¼ sign. RESULTS: We included 275 procedures (149 TBBs, 36 TPBs, 90 ECTs), which resulted in 14 (5.1%) iatrogenic pneumothoraxes. Ultrasonography presented a sensitivity of 78.5%, a specificity of 85% and a positive and negative predictive value of 22% and 98.6%, respectively. Ultrasonography did not help detect the presence of 3 pneumothoraxes, one of which required chest drainage, but adequately diagnosed 2 pneumothoraxes that were not identified in the initial radiography. CONCLUSIONS: Thoracic ultrasonography performed by pulmonologists at the start of their training helps rule out pneumothorax with a negative predictive value of 98.6%, thereby avoiding unnecessary radiographic control studies in a considerable number of cases.

Predictores sociales y clínicos asociados con estancia hospitalaria prolongada en pacientes con agudización grave de EPOC / Social and clinical predictors associated with prolonged hospital stays for patients with severe exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Objetivo: Analizar si existen factores sociales que influyan en la estancia hospitalaria prolongada (EHP) de pacientes con agudización grave de EPOC (AEPOC), además de factores clínico-demográficos. Metodología: Estudio de cohortes prospectivo. Se incluyeron pacientes consecutivos que ingresaron por AEPOC en un servicio de Neumología. Se registraron variables demográficas, clínicas (tabaquismo, exacerbaciones e infecciones, disnea, impacto según cuestionario CAT, función pulmonar, comorbilidades, oxigenoterapia y ventilación no invasiva) y sociales (situación económica, disponibilidad y sobrecarga de cuidador, dependencia en actividades básicas e instrumentales, riesgo social y uso de servicios sociales), utilizando cuestionarios e índices como Barthel, Lawton-Brody, Zarit, Barber y Gijón. Se realizó un análisis univariante y multivariante mediante un modelo de regresión logística. Resultados: Se incluyeron 253 pacientes, y la edad media fue de 68,9+/-9,8años. El 77,1% fueron varones. En el modelo de regresión logística se incluyeron tabaquismo activo, valor del FEV1, puntuación en CAT >10, disnea 3-4 de la mMRC, presencia de gérmenes en cultivos de esputo, comorbilidad cardiovascular, anemia, oxigenoterapia domiciliaria, vivir solo, residencia en zona rural, sobrecarga del cuidador y la detección de riesgo/problema sociofamiliar. Las variables que se asociaron de forma independiente con la posibilidad de una EHP fueron la puntuación en cuestionario CAT >10 (OR=8,9; p=0,04) y la detección de riesgo/problema sociofamiliar (OR=2,6; p=0,04). Fumar activamente fue predictor de estancia más breve (OR=0,15; p=0,002). Conclusiones: Variables relacionadas con la esfera social juegan un papel relevante en la estancia hospitalaria, además del impacto de la enfermedad y la persistencia del tabaquismo en pacientes con AEPOC graves

Objective: To determine whether there are social factors that affect the prolonged hospital stay (PHS) of patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation (COPDE), as well as clinical-demographic factors. Methodology: We conducted a prospective cohort study that consecutively included patients who were admitted to a Pneumology department for COPDE. We recorded demographic, clinical (tobacco use, exacerbations and infections, dyspnoea, impact according to CAT questionnaire, pulmonary function, comorbidities, oxygen therapy and noninvasive ventilation) and social (financial status, caregiver availability and overload, dependence for basic and instrumental activities, social risk and use of social services) variables, employing questionnaires and indices such as Barthel, Lawton-Brody, Zarit, Barber and Gijón. We performed a univariate and multivariate analysis using a logistic regression model. Results: The study included 253 patients, with a mean age of 68.9+/-9.8years; 77.1% of whom were men. The logistic regression model included active tobacco use, FEV1 value, CAT score >10, dyspnoea 3-4 on the MMRC, the presence of bacteria in sputum cultures, cardiovascular comorbidity, anaemia, home oxygen therapy, living alone, rural residence, caregiver overload and detecting social-family risks/problems. The variables independently associated with the possibility of PHS were a CAT score >10 (OR, 8.9; P=.04) and detecting a social-family risk/problem (OR, 2.6; P=.04). Active smoking was a predictor of shorter stays (OR, 0.15; P=.002). Conclusions: Variables related to the social sphere play a relevant role in hospital stays, as do the impact of the disease and the persistent use of tobacco by patients with severe COPD exacerbation

Social and clinical predictors associated with prolonged hospital stays for patients with severe exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. / Predictores sociales y clínicos asociados con estancia hospitalaria prolongada en pacientes con agudización grave de EPOC.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether there are social factors that affect the prolonged hospital stay (PHS) of patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation (COPDE), as well as clinical-demographic factors. METHODOLOGY: We conducted a prospective cohort study that consecutively included patients who were admitted to a Pneumology department for COPDE. We recorded demographic, clinical (tobacco use, exacerbations and infections, dyspnoea, impact according to CAT questionnaire, pulmonary function, comorbidities, oxygen therapy and noninvasive ventilation) and social (financial status, caregiver availability and overload, dependence for basic and instrumental activities, social risk and use of social services) variables, employing questionnaires and indices such as Barthel, Lawton-Brody, Zarit, Barber and Gijón. We performed a univariate and multivariate analysis using a logistic regression model. RESULTS: The study included 253 patients, with a mean age of 68.9±9.8years; 77.1% of whom were men. The logistic regression model included active tobacco use, FEV1 value, CAT score >10, dyspnoea 3-4 on the MMRC, the presence of bacteria in sputum cultures, cardiovascular comorbidity, anaemia, home oxygen therapy, living alone, rural residence, caregiver overload and detecting social-family risks/problems. The variables independently associated with the possibility of PHS were a CAT score >10 (OR, 8.9; P=.04) and detecting a social-family risk/problem (OR, 2.6; P=.04). Active smoking was a predictor of shorter stays (OR, 0.15; P=.002). CONCLUSIONS: Variables related to the social sphere play a relevant role in hospital stays, as do the impact of the disease and the persistent use of tobacco by patients with severe COPD exacerbation.

Recursos disponibles para el manejo de la agudización de la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica en España / Available resources for the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations in Spain

Objetivo: Las agudizaciones de la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (AEPOC) generan un elevado consumo de recursos. El presente estudio evalúa recursos asistenciales y organizativos disponibles para el manejo de las AEPOC en servicios de atención primaria (AP), neumología, medicina interna y urgencias españoles, y los compara con las recomendaciones vigentes. Material y métodos: Estudio observacional mediante encuestas telefónicas a médicos de AP, neumólogos, internistas y de urgencias. Resultados: Se entrevistaron 284 médicos. Según su opinión, los centros de AP tienen elevada disponibilidad de pulsioximetría (98,9%) y electrocardiografía (100,0%), y baja disponibilidad de radiología de tórax (19,1%) o analítica urgente (17,0%) en el mismo centro. El 76,1% de las salas de hospitalización disponen de equipos de monitorización de ventilación mecánica no invasiva (VMNI), aunque solo el 69,7% del personal de enfermería está adecuadamente formado para manejarlos. El 18,3% de hospitales públicos disponen de unidades de cuidados respiratorios intermedios (UCRI) frente al 41,7% de los privados. El 47,9% de médicos de urgencias recibieron formación de manejo de las AEPOC en el último año. Solo el 31,9% de centros de AP tienen protocolos específicos de derivación a atención especializada. Algo más del 35% de centros de AP y hospitales refieren no disponer de historia informatizada integrada con otros niveles asistenciales. Conclusiones: En líneas generales, los recursos disponibles son adecuados. Sin embargo, se detectan áreas de mejora como el inadecuado nivel de integración de la historia informatizada entre niveles asistenciales, baja dotación de UCRI en hospitales públicos o deficiencias en formación específica del manejo de la VMNI

Objective: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations (COPDE) lead to a high use of healthcare resources. This study assesses the healthcare and organisational resources of Spanish health care centres for the management of COPDE at different care levels (Primary Care (PC), Respiratory Diseases, Internal Medicine, and Emergency Departments), and compare with current recommendations. Material and methods: An observational study was carried out through telephone interviews to General Practitioners, Chest Diseases, Internal Medicine, and Emergency Department doctors. Results: A total of 284 doctors were interviewed. According to their responses, at PC centres there is a high availability of pulse oximetry (98.9%) and electrocardiograph (100%), and a low availability of Chest X-Ray (19.1%), or urgent laboratory tests (17.0%) in sites. In hospital wards, non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIV) availability was 76.1%, with only a 69.7% of nursing staff properly trained in its use. Respiratory intermediate care units (RICUs) were available in 18.3% of public hospitals versus 41.7% of private hospitals. Specific training for COPDE management was received by 47.9% of Emergency Department doctors in the previous year. Only 31.9% of PC centres had specific protocols for referring patients to specialists. More than 35% of PC centres and hospitals do not have their electronic medical records integrated with other healthcare levels. Conclusions: In general terms, there are sufficient resources available in Spanish healthcare centres. However, several areas of improvement were identified, such as an insufficient level of electronic medical record integration between healthcare levels, limited implementation of RICUs in public hospitals, and deficiencies related to specific training in NIV management

[Available resources for the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations in Spain]. / Recursos disponibles para el manejo de la agudización de la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica en España.

OBJECTIVE: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations (COPDE) lead to a high use of healthcare resources. This study assesses the healthcare and organisational resources of Spanish health care centres for the management of COPDE at different care levels (Primary Care (PC), Respiratory Diseases, Internal Medicine, and Emergency Departments), and compare with current recommendations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An observational study was carried out through telephone interviews to General Practitioners, Chest Diseases, Internal Medicine, and Emergency Department doctors. RESULTS: A total of 284 doctors were interviewed. According to their responses, at PC centres there is a high availability of pulse oximetry (98.9%) and electrocardiograph (100%), and a low availability of Chest X-Ray (19.1%), or urgent laboratory tests (17.0%) in sites. In hospital wards, non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIV) availability was 76.1%, with only a 69.7% of nursing staff properly trained in its use. Respiratory intermediate care units (RICUs) were available in 18.3% of public hospitals versus 41.7% of private hospitals. Specific training for COPDE management was received by 47.9% of Emergency Department doctors in the previous year. Only 31.9% of PC centres had specific protocols for referring patients to specialists. More than 35% of PC centres and hospitals do not have their electronic medical records integrated with other healthcare levels. CONCLUSIONS: In general terms, there are sufficient resources available in Spanish healthcare centres. However, several areas of improvement were identified, such as an insufficient level of electronic medical record integration between healthcare levels, limited implementation of RICUs in public hospitals, and deficiencies related to specific training in NIV management.

COPD prevalence and hospital admissions in Galicia (Spain). An analysis using the potential of new health information systems.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major public health problem. The aim of this study was to ascertain the prevalence of COPD and whether such prevalence was positively or negatively associated with COPD admissions, using all the data of a regional health care system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We designed a descriptive cross-sectional study which included all subjects aged over 45 years, diagnosed with COPD in primary care in 2013. We also calculated the number of such patients who had a record of hospital admissions due to this disease. COPD prevalence and incidence of admissions were calculated. Poisson regression models were then used to analyse the association between cases with diagnosis of COPD and admissions due to COPD, by sex, adjusting for socio-demographic variables and distance to hospital. Sensitivity subanalyses were performed by reference to the respective municipal rurality indices. RESULTS: Median municipal prevalence of COPD was 5.29% in men and 2.19% in women. Among patients with COPD, 28.22% of men and 16.00% of women had at least one hospital admission. The relative risk of admission per unit of the standardised prevalence ratio was 0.37 (95% CI 0.34-0.41) for men and 0.39 (95% CI 0.34-0.45) for women. CONCLUSIONS: There is a significant negative association between COPD prevalence and hospital admissions due to this disease. The proportion of admissions is lower in municipalities lying furthest from hospitals. There is considerable municipal variability in terms of COPD prevalence and proportion of admissions. In-depth attention should be given to disease-management training programmes.

Spanish experience on the design of radon surveys based on the use of geogenic information.

One of the requirements of the recently approved EU-BSS (European Basic Safety Standards Directive, EURATOM, 2013) is the design and implementation of national radon action plans in the member states (Annex XVIII). Such plans require radon surveys. The analysis of indoor radon data is supported by the existing knowledge about geogenic radiation. With this aim, we used the terrestrial gamma dose rate data from the MARNA project. In addition, we considered other criterion regarding the surface of Spain, population, permeability of rocks, uranium and radium contain in soils because currently no data are available related to soil radon gas concentration and permeability in Spain. Given that, a Spanish radon map was produced which will be part of the European Indoor Radon Map and a component of the European Atlas of Natural Radiation. The map indicates geographical areas with high probability of finding high indoor radon concentrations. This information will support legislation regarding prevention of radon entry both in dwellings and workplaces. In addition, the map will serve as a tool for the development of strategies at all levels: individual dwellings, local, regional and national administration.

FDG-PET parameters predicting mediastinal malignancy in lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: Staging of mediastinal lymph nodes in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is mandatory. The maximum Standard Uptake Value (SUVmax) obtained using F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) is the best non-invasive technique available for this evaluation, but its performance varies from center to center. The aim of the present study was to identify FDG-PET predictors of mediastinal malignancy that are able to minimize intercenter variability and improve the selection of subsequent staging procedures. METHOD: A multicenter study of NSCLC patients staged through FDG-PET and endobronchial ultrasonography with needle aspiration (EBUS-NA) was performed using therapeutic surgery with systematic nodal dissection as gold standard. Intercenter variability and predictive power for mediastinal malignancy of different FDG-PET measures were assessed, as well as the role of these measures for selecting additional staging procedures. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-one NSCLC patients, of whom 94 (72%) had ≥1 hypermetabolic spots in the mediastinum, were included in the study. Mean SUVmax of the primary tumor was 12.3 (SD 6.3), and median SUVmax of the highest hypermetabolic spots in the mediastinum was 3.9 (IQR 2.4-7). Variability of FDG-PET measures between hospitals was statistically significant (p = 0.016 and p < 0.001 respectively), but lost significance when SUVmax in the mediastinum was expressed as a ratio or a subtraction from the primary tumor (SUVmax mediastinum/tumor, p = 0.083; and SUVmax mediastinum - tumor, p = 0.428 respectively). SUVmax mediastinum/tumor showed higher accuracy in the ROC analysis (AUC 0.77 CI 0.68-0.85, p < 0.001), and showed predictive power for mediastinal malignancy when using a 0.4 cutoff (OR 6.62, 95%CI 2.98-14.69). Sensitivities and negative predictive values of clinical staging through EBUS-NA attained values ranging between 57% and 92% after FDG-PET, which improved with additional techniques when the tumor had a diameter >3 cm and/or a SUVmax mediastinum/tumor ratio >0.4. CONCLUSION: The SUVmax mediastinum/tumor ratio is a good predictor of regional tumor extension in NSCLC. This measure is not influenced by intercenter variability and has an accuracy of over 70% for the identification of malignancy when using a 0.4 cutoff.

La importancia de las unidades especializadas en patología pleural para la formación posgraduada / The importance of units specialising in pleural disease for postgraduate training

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Evaluación de la exposición a factores de riesgo alternativos al tabaco en la EPOC en Neumosur. Resultados del estudio On-Sint / Assessment of exposition to alternative risk factors, other than smoking, in COPD at Neumosur: On-Sint study results

OBJETIVO: El estudio On-Sint es una cohorte retrospectiva que tiene por objetivo la evaluación de la presentación clínica y funcional de la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) al diagnóstico, así como su evolución en el tiempo, tanto en atención primaria como en atención especializada. MÉTODO: estudio observacional, de no intervención, para la generación de una cohorte retrospectiva, en el que 329 médicos de Atención Primaria o Neumología de todo el ámbito nacional (69 en el ámbito de Neumosur) incluyeron 1.214 sujetos fumadores o exfumadores con el diagnóstico de EPOC (269 en Neumosur). Se recogió información en el momento del diagnóstico y en el actual. RESULTADOS: la cohorte On-Sint estaba compuesta por 1.214 pacientes con EPOC, de los que 257 (21,16%) eran del ámbito de Neumosur. Todos los enfermos eran fumadores o exfumadores. El porcentaje de pacientes fumadores descendió durante el seguimiento del 56,4% al diagnóstico al 34,2% (p < 0,001) en el momento actual. Adicionalmente, 45 casos (17,8%) referían exposición a otras sustancias distintas al tabaco. La exposición a estos factores de riesgo resultó más frecuente (p = 0,001) en Atención Primaria (22,7%) que en Especializada (6,5%). No encontramos relación en la distribución de grados funcionales GOLD y la exposición a estos compuestos, ni en el momento del diagnóstico ni en el actual. CONCLUSIONES: además del tabaco, un número considerable de pacientes con EPOC también están expuestos a otras sustancias inhaladas potencialmente tóxicas. De ellas, las químicas profesionales son más frecuentes que la biomasa. No parece que esta exposición tenga un impacto relevante en la evolución de la enfermedad

OBJECTIVE: the On-Sint study is a retrospective cohort that assesses the clinical and functional diagnostic presentation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and its development over time from the perspective of primary and specialized care. METHOD: this was an observational, non-interventional study to generate a retrospective cohort, in which 329 primary care doctors or pneumologists were included from all over Spain (69 from within the scope of Neumosur); the cohort included 1214 smokers or former smokers, who were diagnosed with COPD (269 at Neumosur). Information was collected both at the initial diagnosis and at the time of closing the study. RESULTS: the On-Sint cohort included 1214 patients with COPD, of which 257 (21.16%) were from within the scope of Neumosur. All patients were smokers or ex-smokers. The percentage of smokers decreased throughout follow-up, from 56.4% at the time of the diagnosis to 34.2% (p < 0.001) at the current moment. Likewise, 45 cases (17.8%) referred to the exposition of substances, other than smoking. Exposition to these risk factors was more frequent (p = 0.001) in Primary Care (22.7%) than in specialized care (6.5%). We found no relationship in the GOLD classification distribution and the exposition to these compounds, neither when diagnosed nor currently. CONCLUSIONS: n addition to smoking, a considerable number of COPD patients are exposed to inhaling other potentially toxic substances. Among these, professionals from the chemical sector are more frequent than those from the biomass sector. This exposition does not seem to have a relevant impact on the development of the disease

Actitudes de los médicos hacia los cuestionarios e índices para la EPOC en Neumosur. Resultados del estudio On-Sint / Physician attitudes toward questionnaires and indices for COPD in Neumosur. Results of On-Sint study

INTRODUCCIÓN: el estudio On-Sint es una cohorte retrospectiva que tiene por objetivo la evaluación de la presentación clínica y funcional de la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) al diagnóstico, así como su evolución en el tiempo, tanto en Atención Primaria, como en Especializada. El presente trabajo, muestra la actitud de los médicos participantes ante el uso de la espirometría, cuestionarios de calidad de vida y los índices multidimensionales en el ámbito de Neumosur. MÉTODO: estudio observacional de no intervención para la generación de una cohorte retrospectiva, en el que 329 médicos de Atención Primaria o Neumología de todo el ámbito nacional (69 en el ámbito de Neumosur) incluyeron 1.214 sujetos fumadores o exfumadores con el diagnóstico de EPOC (269 en Neumosur). En la cohorte se recogió información sobre los médicos que intervinieron, registrando si realizaban cuestionarios de calidad de vida o empleaban índices multidimensionales, así como de la frecuencia de las espirometrías o la periodicidad de las visitas mé- dicas. RESULTADOS: de los 69 médicos del ámbito de Neumosur que participaron en el estudio, 49 (71%) completaron la encuesta del investigador (34 de Atención Primaria y 15 de Atención Especializada). La mayoría (95,9%) refirieron tener 10 ó más años de experiencia, el 77,6% pertenecientes al ámbito urbano, 95,9% viendo 30 ó más pacientes a la semana, con un promedio de 18,5 ± 11,9 pacientes con EPOC semanales. En Atención Especializada realizaban principalmente espirometrías en cada visita en el 53,3%, mientras que en Atención Primaria, la mayoría (29,4%) las hacía anualmente (p = 0,016). El 28,6% declaró usar cuestionarios de calidad de vida en su práctica habitual, principalmente el CAT (18,4%). Encontramos diferencias entre Atención Especializada y Atención Primaria en el uso de índices multidimensionales (80,0% vs 41,2%; p < 0,039). De todos los participantes, el 30,6% referían que usaban la escala MRC y el 26,5% el BODE en su práctica habitual.CONCLUSIONES: los resultados de la presente encuesta muestran un uso limitado de los cuestionarios de calidad de vida e índices multidimensionales en el ámbito de Neumosur. Es necesario con-trastar los resultados de esta encuesta con el uso de estos cuestio-narios en la práctica clínica

INTRODUCTION: on-Sint is a retrospective cohort study that aims to evaluate the clinical and functional presentation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) at the moment of diagnosis and its progression in time, both in primary (PC) and Specialized (SC) care. The present work shows the attitude of participating physicians to the use of spirometry, quality of life questionnaires and multidimensional indexes. METHOD: observational non-intervention study to generate a retrospective cohort in which 329 primary care physicians or pulmonologists from Spain included 1214 smokers or former smokers diagnosed with COPD. In the present study we asked the investigator on the use of quality of life questionnaires, multidimensional indexes, spirometry and the frequency of medical visits. RESULTS: of the 69 doctors in the field of Neumosur who participated in the study, 49 (71%) completed the survey researcher (34 SC and 15 PC),of which 95.9% reported having ≥10 years of experience, 77.6 % in urban areas, 95.9 % seeing ≥ 30 (18,5 ± 11,9) patients/week. Medical consultation on demand was inversely proportional to the severity of COPD. In SC, spirometry was performed at each visit in 53.3%, while in PC the majority (29.4%) made them annually (p < 0,001). 28.6 % reported using quality of life questionnaires in their usual practice, mainly the CAT (18.4%). We found differences between SP and PC in the use of multidimensional indexes (80,0% vs 41,2%; p < 0,039).). 30.6 % reported to use the MRC scale and 26.5% the BODE in their usual practice. CONCLUSIONS: the results of this survey show a limited use of quality of life questionnaires and multidimensional indexes in the field of Neumosur. It is necessary to compare the results of this survey with the use of these questionnaires in the clinical setting

Excessive dynamic airway collapse in a small cohort of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of EDAC (Excessive Dynamic Airway Collapse) has not been studied specifically in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of EDAC in COPD and to determine whether there are clinical factors or functional variables that could influence the degree of expiratory collapse of central airways. METHODS: Prospective observational study of a group of patients with COPD. The degree of tracheobronchial collapse was evaluated by low-dose dynamic airway computed tomography (CT). We recorded clinical and pulmonary function tests data, quality of life and BODE index. RESULTS: This study included 53 patients with COPD, 46 (87%) males, mean age 65 (SD, 9) years. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of EDAC observed in a sample of patients with different levels of COPD severity is low. The degree of dynamic central airway collapse was not related to the patient's epidemiological or clinical features, and did not affect lung function, symptoms, capacity for effort, or quality of life.