[Prognostic factors on mortality in patients admitted to hospital with heart failure]. / Factores predictores de mortalidad en pacientes hospitalizados por insuficiencia cardíaca.

BACKGROUND: Heart failure (HF) is the leading cause of hospitalization for aging populations in Western countries, and is showing an increasing mortality. The aim of this study was to assess the probable long-term mortality risk factors for patients admitted because of HF. METHODS: Retrospective study of a cohort of 202 patients consecutively hospitalized because of HF and followed up for a maximum period of 5 years. Clinical and epidemiological factors and their relationship to in-hospital and long-term mortality were analyzed. RESULTS: In-hospital mortality was 16%.The independent predictors were: age >75 years (HR?=?2.68, 95%?IC: 1.65-4.36, p?=?0.001); cognitive impairment (HR?=?2.77, 95%?IC: 1.40-5.48, p?=?0.004); Barthel index =60 (HR?=?0.54, 95%?IC: 0.37-0.78, p?=?0,009); creatinine levels >1.16 mg/dl at admission (HR?=?1.57, 95%?IC: 1.12-2.20, p?=?0.009); and number of diagnostics >10 on discharge (HR?=?1. 64, 95%?IC: 1.14-2.36, p?=?0.007). Accumulated mortality at 12, 24, 36 and 48 months after hospital discharge were 43%, 51%, 67% and 70%, respectively; the independent predictors for this were: age >75 years (HR?=?2.55, 95%?IC: 1.56-4.15, p?<0.001); cognitive impairment (HR?=?2.45, 95%?IC: 1.22-4.90, p?=?0.011); creatinine levels >1.16 mg/dl on admission (HR?=?1.59, 95%?IC: 1.12-2.24, p?=?0.009); systolic blood pressure >140 mm Hg on admission (HR?=?0.56, 95%?IC: 0.40-0.80, p?<0.001); and number of diagnostics >10 on discharge (HR?=?1. 49, 95%?IC: 1.03-2.16, p?=?0.033). CONCLUSIONS: Clinical and epidemiological factors related to in-hospital and long-term mortality could help to improve the management of patients with HF.

Factores predictores de mortalidad en pacientes hospitalizados por insuficiencia cardíaca / Prognostic factors on mortality in patients admitted to hospital with heart failure

FUNDAMENTO: La insuficiencia cardíaca (IC) es la primera causa de hospitalización en países occidentales, con una mortalidad creciente. El objetivo fue describir los posibles factores pronósticos de mortalidad en pacientes hospitalizados por IC. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo de una cohorte de 202 pacientes consecutivos hospitalizados por IC, y seguidos durante un período máximo de 5 años. Se analizaron variables basales epidemiológicas y clínicas y su relación con la mortalidad hospitalaria y a largo plazo. RESULTADOS: La mortalidad durante el episodio índice de hospitalización fue del 16%. Las variables predictoras independientes de la mortalidad hospitalaria fueron: edad >75 años (HR = 2,68; IC 95%: 1,65-4,36; p = 0,001), presencia de deterioro cognitivo (HR = 2,77; IC 95%: 1,40-5,48; p = 0,004), índice de Barthel >60 (HR = 0,54; IC 95%: 0,37-0,78; p = 0,009), creatinina >1,16 mg/dL al ingreso (HR = 1,57; IC 95%: 1,12-2,20; p = 0,009) y >10 diagnósticos al alta (HR = 1,64; IC 95%: 1,14-2,36; p = 0,007). La mortalidad global acumulada a los 12, 24, 36 y 48 meses fue del 43%, 51%, 67% y 70%, respectivamente, y sus predictores independientes fueron: edad >75 años (HR = 2,55; IC 95%: 1,56-4,15; p <0,001), deterioro cognitivo al ingreso (HR = 2,45; IC 95%: 1,22-4,90; p = 0,011), creatinina >1,16 mg/dL al ingreso (HR = 1,59; IC 95%: 1,12-2,24; p = 0,009), presión arterial sistólica <140 mm Hg al ingreso (HR = 0,56; IC 95%: 0,40-0,80; p <0,001) y >10 diagnósticos al alta (HR = 1,49; IC 95%: 1,03-2,16; p = 0,033). CONCLUSIONES: Existen variables relacionadas con la mortalidad hospitalaria y a largo plazo que podrían ayudar a un mejor manejo de estos pacientes

BACKGROUND: Heart failure (HF) is the leading cause of hospitalization for aging populations in Western countries, and is showing an increasing mortality. The aim of this study was to assess the probable long-term mortality risk factors for patients admitted because of HF. METHODS: Retrospective study of a cohort of 202 patients consecutively hospitalized because of HF and followed up for a maximum period of 5 years. Clinical and epidemiological factors and their relationship to in-hospital and long-term mortality were analyzed. RESULTS: In-hospital mortality was 16%.The independent predictors were: age >75 years (HR = 2.68, 95% IC: 1.65-4.36, p = 0.001); cognitive impairment (HR = 2.77, 95% IC: 1.40-5.48, p = 0.004); Barthel index ≥60 (HR = 0.54, 95% IC: 0.37-0.78, p = 0,009); creatinine levels >1.16 mg/dl at admission (HR = 1.57, 95% IC: 1.12-2.20, p = 0.009); and number of diagnostics >10 on discharge (HR = 1. 64, 95% IC: 1.14-2.36, p = 0.007). Accumulated mortality at 12, 24, 36 and 48 months after hospital discharge were 43%, 51%, 67% and 70%, respectively; the independent predictors for this were: age >75 years (HR = 2.55, 95% IC: 1.56-4.15, p <0.001); cognitive impairment (HR = 2.45, 95% IC: 1.22-4.90, p = 0.011); creatinine levels >1.16 mg/dl on admission (HR = 1.59, 95% IC: 1.12-2.24, p = 0.009); systolic blood pressure >140 mm Hg on admission (HR = 0.56, 95% IC: 0.40-0.80, p <0.001); and number of diagnostics >10 on discharge (HR = 1. 49, 95% IC: 1.03-2.16, p = 0.033). CONCLUSIONS: Clinical and epidemiological factors related to in-hospital and long-term mortality could help to improve the management of patients with HF

Artroplastia de fijación con hemibandeleta del palmar mayor en el tratamiento de la rizartrosis: Resultados preliminaries / Fixing arthroplasty with a slip of major palmar in the treatment of the trapeziometacarpal arthrosis: preliminary results

Objetivo: Evaluar los primeros resultados tras la realización de una artroplastia de fijación e interposición utilizando una bandeleta cubital del tendón palmar mayor en el tratamiento de la rizartrosis. Material y método: Desde abril de 2014 hasta enero de 2017, 16 pacientes con rizartrosis en estadio 3 y 4 de Eaton fueron intervenidos con hemitrapeziectomia y reconstrucción ligamentosa utilizando una plaslos pacientes fue de 64,3 (DS 7,4) años. El seguimiento medio postquirúrgico fue de 20,7 (DS 10,6) meses. Resultados: Los resultados funcionales según la clasificación Green y O'Brien fueron excelentes en 4 pacientes (25%), buenos en 10 pacientes (62,5%) y regulares en 2 pacientes (12,5%). La escala Quick-Dash preoperatoria pasó de 74,8 (DS 10,6) puntos a 10,8 (DS 9,9) puntos al final del seguimiento. De acuerdo a la escala Mayo, la muestra tenía una media de 85,4 (DS 14,6) puntos. Radiográficamente, no encontramos colapso articular trapecio-metacarpiano al final del seguimiento. Conclusiones: Esta técnica permite reproducir la función de los ligamentos trapeciometacarpianos y al realizar una plastia de fijación de la base del primer metacarpiano, lo estabiliza y evita el colapso articular, consiguiendo una articulación indolora y estable, con un buen arco de movilidad del pulgar. Los resultados clínicos y radiológicos al final del seguimiento son buenos y esperanzadores pero se necesita un mayor número de pacientes y mayor seguimiento para obtener conclusiones más definitivas

Purpose: To evaluate the early results after the fixing and interposition artroplasty using a cubital slip of the flexor carpi radialis for the treatment of ostheoarthritis of the thumb. Methods: From April 2014, to January 2017, 16 patients with ostheoarthritis of the thumb in stage 3 and 4 of Eaton underwent reconstruction with hemitrapeziectomy and ligaments reconstruction using a plasty of the palmar major. Mean patient age at surgery was 64, 3 (DS 7, 4) years. The minimum follow-up was 20, 7 (DS 10, 6) months. Results: The functional outcome according to Green and O’Brien score was excellent in 4 patients (25%) good in 10 patients (62, 5%) and satisfactory in 2 patients (12, 5%). The mean according Quick-Dash score was 74, 8 (DS 10, 6) points before the surgery to 10.8 (DS 9, 9) points at the end of the follow-up and according modified Mayo score, the result was 85, 4 (DS 14, 6) points. On the X-rays, there isn't collapse postoperative and the end of the follow-up. Conclusions: This technique enables to simulate the function of carpometacarpal ligaments and to perform a fixing arthroplasty of the base of the first metacarpal to stabilizes it and avoids the collapse of the joint, getting a painless and stable joint, with a good range motion of the thumb. The clinical and radiographic findings at follow-up were good and encouraging but more patients and longer follow-up is needed to reach definitive conclusions

Inter-rater reliability of clinical mobility measures in ankylosing spondylitis.

BACKGROUND: Several measurements are often used in daily clinical practice in the assessment of Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) patients. The Assessment in SpondyloArthiritis International Society (ASAS) recommend in its core set: chest expansion modified Schöber test, Occiput to wall distance, lateral lumbar flexion, cervical rotation and The Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI). BASMI also includes five measurements, some of them recommended by ASAS. Three versions of BASMI have been published with different scales and intervals for each component of the index. Though studies about reliability of these measurements are needed. The aim of this study was to analyze inter-rater reliability of recommended spinal mobility measures in AS. METHODS: We examined reproducibility of spinal mobility measurements on 33 AS patients performed by two experienced rheumatologists in the same day. Descriptive statistics, Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC), and Smallest Detectable Difference (SDD) using the Bland-Altman criteria were obtained for all the measurements. RESULTS: Chest expansion showed the lowest value of ICC (0.66) and occiput-wall the highest (0.97). SDD was 2.43 units for BASMI2 and 1.27 units for BASMI10. CONCLUSIONS: Reliability according to ICC was moderate to high in all measurements. BASMI10, instead BASMI2, must be used: measurements used to calculate are the same but there is better reliability. Inter-rater variation, expressed as SDD, must be taken in account: smaller improvements do not demonstrate the efficacy of treatment because they can be due to experimental error and not to the treatment itself.

Impacto de la visión 3D sobre la carga mental y el rendimiento laparoscópico en individuos sin experiencia / Impact of 3D vision on mental workload and laparoscopic performance in inexperienced subjects

Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto de la visión en 3 dimensiones (3D) en comparación con 2 dimensiones (2D) sobre la carga mental de trabajo soportada y el rendimiento laparoscópico en ejercicios de simulación. Material y métodos: Se llevó a cabo un estudio prospectivo aleatorizado cruzado en sujetos sin experiencia en laparoscopia. Se incluyeron 46 participantes, los cuales completaron 5 ejercicios en pelvitrainer basados en un programa validado usando ambos sistemas de visión. El rendimiento se evaluó mediante el tiempo transcurrido y el número de errores cometidos, y la carga mental de trabajo a través del cuestionario validado NASA-TLX. Resultados: Los participantes realizaron las actividades mejor con la visión 3D de forma global en términos de tiempo (3D = 1.006,08 ± 315,94 vs. 2D = 1.309,17 ± 300,28; p < 0,001) y número total de errores (3D = 0,84 ± 1,26 vs. 2D = 1,86 ± 1,60; p < 0,001). Cuando se analizó el tiempo de forma independiente por ejercicios, el uso de 3D mostró diferencias estadísticamente significativas en: «transferencia de objetos» (p = 0,001), «sutura» (p < 0,001), «clipar y cortar» (p < 0,05) y «manejo de la aguja» (p < 0,001). Además, el uso de la visión 3D produjo menos carga mental de trabajo de acuerdo con los resultados del NASA-TLX (p < 0,001), aunque se asoció con un mayor malestar visual (p < 0,01) y dolor de cabeza (p < 0,05). Conclusión: La incorporación de sistemas 3D en cirugía laparoscópica facilitaría la adquisición más temprana de habilidades laparoscópicas, ya que se asocia a un mejor rendimiento y menor carga mental de trabajo en sujetos sin experiencia, si bien existen inicialmente algunos efectos indeseables como malestar visual o dolor de cabeza (AU)

Objective: To assess the effect of vision in three dimensions (3D) versus two dimensions (2D) on mental workload and laparoscopic performance during simulation-based training. Materials and methods: A prospective, randomized crossover study on inexperienced students in operative laparoscopy was conducted. Forty-six candidates executed five standardized exercises on a pelvitrainer with both vision systems (3D and 2D). Laparoscopy performance was assessed using the total time (in seconds) and the number of failed attempts. For workload assessment, the validated NASA-TLX questionnaire was administered. Results: 3D vision improves the performance reducing the time (3D = 1006.08 ± 315.94 vs. 2D = 1309.17 ± 300.28; P < .001) and the total number of failed attempts (3D = .84 ± 1.26 vs. 2D = 1.86 ± 1.60; P < .001). For each exercise, 3 D vision also shows better performance times: «transfer objects» (P = .001), «single knot» (P < .001), «clip and cut» (P < .05), and «needle guidance» (P < .001). Besides, according to the NASA-TLX results, less mental workload is experienced with the use of 3 D (P < .001). However, 3 D vision was associated with greater visual impairment (P < .01) and headaches (P < .05). Conclusion: The incorporation of 3 D systems in laparoscopic training programs would facilitate the acquisition of laparoscopic skills, because they reduce mental workload and improve the performance on inexperienced surgeons. However, some undesirable effects such as visual discomfort or headache are identified initially (AU)

Impact of 3D vision on mental workload and laparoscopic performance in inexperienced subjects.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of vision in three dimensions (3D) versus two dimensions (2D) on mental workload and laparoscopic performance during simulation-based training. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective, randomized crossover study on inexperienced students in operative laparoscopy was conducted. Forty-six candidates executed five standardized exercises on a pelvitrainer with both vision systems (3D and 2D). Laparoscopy performance was assessed using the total time (in seconds) and the number of failed attempts. For workload assessment, the validated NASA-TLX questionnaire was administered. RESULTS: 3D vision improves the performance reducing the time (3D = 1006.08 ± 315.94 vs. 2D = 1309.17 ± 300.28; P < .001) and the total number of failed attempts (3D = .84 ± 1.26 vs. 2D = 1.86 ± 1.60; P < .001). For each exercise, 3D vision also shows better performance times: "transfer objects" (P = .001), "single knot" (P < .001), "clip and cut" (P < .05), and "needle guidance" (P < .001). Besides, according to the NASA-TLX results, less mental workload is experienced with the use of 3D (P < .001). However, 3D vision was associated with greater visual impairment (P < .01) and headaches (P < .05). CONCLUSION: The incorporation of 3D systems in laparoscopic training programs would facilitate the acquisition of laparoscopic skills, because they reduce mental workload and improve the performance on inexperienced surgeons. However, some undesirable effects such as visual discomfort or headache are identified initially.

Valor pronóstico de la invasión microvascular en la predicción de la supervivencia en el carcinoma de células renales / Prognostic value of microvascular invasion in predicting survival in renal cell carcinoma

Objetivos: Evaluar el significado de la invasión microvascular y de otras variables clínicas e histológicas como factores predictivos de supervivencia libre de progresión y supervivencia cáncer-específica de pacientes con carcinoma renal tras cirugía. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio analítico retrospectivo sobre 238 pacientes consecutivos con carcinoma renal sometidos a cirugía radical o parcial entre 1990 y 2006, incluyendo tanto casos de enfermedad localizada como aquellos con afectación locorregional o con enfermedad metastásica a distancia en el momento del diagnóstico (pT1-4; N0-1; M0-1). Se evaluó la supervivencia libre de progresión y la supervivencia cáncer-específica tras un seguimiento medio de 75 meses (rango: 1-189). Las variables analizadas incluyeron: edad, sexo, tamaño tumoral, clasificación TNM 2010, gradación nuclear, subtipo histológico e invasión microvascular. Resultados: Se evidenció existencia de invasión microvascular en 79 casos (33,2%). La presencia de invasión microvascular tumoral en el estudio histológico se asoció estadísticamente con la edad (p = 0,010), el tamaño tumoral (p = 0,000), el grado de Fuhrman (p = 0,000), el estadio pT 2010 (p = 0,000), el estadio N 2010 (p = 0,000) y el estadio M 2010 (p = 0,000). En el análisis múltiple las variables que finalmente se mostraron como factores predictores de supervivencia libre de progresión fueron el sexo, el grado de Fuhrman, el estadio pT y el tipo histológico, mientras que lo fueron para supervivencia cáncer específica el sexo, el grado de Fuhrman, el estadio pT 2010, el estadio M 2010, el tipo histológico y la invasión microvascular. Conclusiones: Los resultados de nuestro estudio muestran que la invasión microvascular es un factor predictor de supervivencia cáncer-específica en pacientes con carcinoma renal (AU)

Objective: To assess microvascular tumor invasion and other clinical and histological parameters as potential prognostic factors in surgically treated renal cell carcinoma. Materials and methods: Surgical specimens from 238 consecutive patients who underwent radical or partial surgery between 1990 and 2006 were retrospectively evaluated. The series included clinically localized or metastatic renal cell carcinoma (pT1-4; N0-1; M0-1). Disease-free and cancer-specific survival assessments were the end points with median follow-up of 75 months (range 1-189 months). Variables studied included: age, sex, tumor size, TNM 2010 classification, Fuhrman grade, histological subtype and microvascular tumor invasion. Results: Microvascular tumor invasion was observed in 79 patients (33,2%) and was significantly associated with age (P =0 .010), tumor size (P =0 .000), Fuhrman grade (P = 0.000), pT stage 2010 (P = 0.000), N stage 2010 (P =0 .000) and M stage 2010 (P = 0.000). Multivariate analyses determined that sex, Fuhrman grade, pT stage 2010 and histological subtipe were independent prognostic factors of disease-free survival, while sex, Fuhrman grade, pT stage 2010, M stage 2010, histological subtype and microvascular invasion were prognostic factors for cancer-specific survival. Conclusions: Our study shows that microvascular tumor invasion is an independent prognostic factor for cancer-specific survival in surgically treated patients with renal cell carcinoma (AU)

Prognostic value of microvascular invasion in predicting survival in renal cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To assess microvascular tumor invasion and other clinical and histological parameters as potential prognostic factors in surgically treated renal cell carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Surgical specimens from 238 consecutive patients who underwent radical or partial surgery between 1990 and 2006 were retrospectively evaluated. The series included clinically localized or metastatic renal cell carcinoma (pT1-4; N0-1; M0-1). Disease-free and cancer-specific survival assessments were the end points with median follow-up of 75 months (range 1-189 months). Variables studied included: age, sex, tumor size, TNM 2010 classification, Fuhrman grade, histological subtype and microvascular tumor invasion. RESULTS: Microvascular tumor invasion was observed in 79 patients (33,2%) and was significantly associated with age (P=.010), tumor size (P=.000), Fuhrman grade (P=.000), pT stage 2010 (P=.000),N stage 2010 (P=.000) and M stage 2010 (P=.000). Multivariate analyses determined that sex, Fuhrman grade, pT stage 2010 and histological subtipe were independent prognostic factors of disease-free survival, while sex, Fuhrman grade, pT stage 2010, M stage 2010, histological subtype and microvascular invasion were prognostic factors for cancer-specific survival. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that microvascular tumor invasion is an independent prognostic factor for cancer-specific survival in surgically treated patients with renal cell carcinoma.

[Immunotherapy with an oral Alternaria extract in childhood asthma. Clinical safety and efficacy and effects on in vivo and in vitro parameters]. / Inmunoterapia con un extracto oral de Alternaria en el asma infantil. Eficacia clínica, seguridad, repercusiones sobre parámetros in vivo e in vitro.

Studies of immunotherapy with oral Alternaria extracts are scarce. We decided to perform a clinical trial of the clinical safety and efficacy of this extract as well as of its effects on in vivo and in vitro parameters in 39 patients with Alternaria allergy, aged between 7 and 17 years, who are also sensitized extract was used. Allergic activity was determined through RAST inhibition and skin prick test. Quantification of the principal allerten (Alt a 1) was performed through the 2-site binding assay, with a mean content of 34.2 ng Alt a 1/micro g protein. The parameters analyzed were the symptom-medication score, skin prick using the end-point technique, specific bronchial challenge test, peak flow, total and specific IgE and IgG4. Nineteen patiens received active treatment with oral immunotherapy and another 19 received symptomatic treatment. The initial phase of immunotherapy lasted 3 months until the maximum dose was reached. This was maintained for 12 months; the mean accumulated dos was 280,000 PNU. Significant differences were found in reduction in the symptom-medication score in the treated group after 12 months of immunotherapy. No differences were found in the control group. Immunotherapy was well tolerated with 0.42 adverse reactions per 100 doses administered. All adverse reactions were mild-to-moderate. In the treated group, papule size was significantly reduced. Values for the specific bronchial challenge test, expressed through PD20, were significantly higher in the immunotherapy group. Peak flow showed no changes in either group. Values of IgG4 were significantly higher in the immunotherapy group. Total and specific IgE levels showed no significant changes in either group. In conclusion, oral immunotherapy with Alternaria extract is clinically effective in pediatric patients. In general, the therapy was well tolerated. It modified specific cutaneous and bronchial reactivity in our sample and increased levels of specific IgG4, wich are implicated in humoral response.

Inmunoterapia con un extracto oral del Alternaria en el asma infantil. Eficacia clínica, seguridad, repercusines sobre parámetros in vivo e in vitro / Immunotherapy with an oral Alternaria extract in chilhood asthma. Clinical safety and efficacy and effects on in vivo and in vitro

Ante la escasez de trabajos con inmunoterapia oral de Alternaria, planteamos la realización de un ensayo clínico en 39 pacientes, con edades comprendidas entre 7 y 17 años, alérgicos a Alternaria, y sensibilizados también a pólenes y epitelios para evaluar su eficacia clínica y seguridad, así como las repercusiones sobre parámetros in vivo e in vitro. Se empleó un extracto estandarizado, determinando la actividad alérgica mediante RAST inhibición y prick test cutáneo. La cuantificación del alergeno principal (Alt a 1) se llevó a cabo mediante la técnica de fijación en dos lugares, siendo el contenido medio de 34,2 ng Alt a 1/ g de proteína. Los parámetros analizados fueron la puntuación de síntomas-medicación, prick test cutáneo a punto final (TC), test de bronco provocación específico (TBPE), pico de flujo (PF), IgE total y específica e IgG4.Diecinueve pacientes recibieron tratamiento activo con inmunoterapia oral (ITO) y otros diecinueve recibieron tratamiento sintomático. La fase de inicio de la inmunoterapia duró 3 meses, hasta llegar a dosis máxima, que se mantuvo durante 12 meses, alcanzando una dosis acumulada media de 280.000 PNU. Se hallaron diferencias significativas en la disminución de la puntuación de síntomas-medicación en el grupo tratado, tras los 12 meses de inmunoterapia (ITO). No se encontraron diferencias en el grupo control. La inmunoterapia fue bien tolerada, presentando 0,42 reacciones adversas (RA) por 100 dosis administradas, siendo de carácter leve-moderado exclusivamente. Se encontró disminución significativa del tamaño de pápula en el grupo tratado. El TBPE expresado mediante la PD20 mostró cifras significativamente más altas en el grupo con ITO. El pico de flujo no mostró cambios en ninguno de los dos grupos. Los valores de la IgG4 fueron significativamente más altos en el grupo con inmunoterapia. Los niveles de IgE total y específica no mostraron cambios significativos en ambos grupos. En conclusión, la Inmunoterapia Oral con extracto de Alternaria ha demostrado eficacia clínica en pacientes pediátricos, siendo en general bien tolerada, modificando la reactividad específica cutánea y bronquial con incremento de los niveles de IgG4 específica implicados en la respuesta humoral (AU)

Studies of immunotherapy with oral Alternaria extracts are scarce. We decided to perform a clinical trial of the clinical safety and efficacy of this extract as well as of its effects on in vivo and in vitro parameters in 39 patients with Alternaria allergy, aged between 7 and 17 years, who are also sensitized extract was used. Allergic activity was determined through RAST inhibition and skin prick test. Quantification of the principal allerten (Alt a 1) was performed through the 2-site binding assay, with a mean content of 34.2 ng Alt a 1/μg protein. The parameters analyzed were the symptom-medication score, skin prick using the end-point technique, specific bronchial challenge test, peak flow, total and specific IgE and IgG4. Nineteen patiens received active treatment with oral immunotherapy and another 19 received symptomatic treatment. The initial phase of immunotherapy lasted 3 months until the maximum dose was reached. This was maintained for 12 months; the mean accumulated dos was 280,000 PNU. Significant differences were found in reduction in the symptom-medication score in the treated group after 12 months of immunotherapy. No differences were found in the control group. Immunotherapy was well tolerated with 0.42 adverse reactions per 100 doses administered. All adverse reactions were mild-to-moderate. In the treated group, papule size was significantly reduced. Values for the specific bronchial challenge test, expressed through PD20, were significantly higher in the immunotherapy group. Peak flow showed no changes in either group. Values of IgG4 were significantly higher in the immunotherapy group. Total and specific IgE levels showed no significant changes in either group. In conclusion, oral immunotherapy with Alternaria extract is clinically effective in pediatric patients. In general, the therapy was well tolerated. It modified specific cutaneous and bronchial reactivity in our sample and increased levels of specific IgG4, wich are implicated in humoral response (AU)

[Prevalence of malnutrition among candidates for lung transplantation]. / Prevalencia de desnutrición en enfermos candidatos a trasplante pulmonar.

OBJECTIVES: To analyse the prevalence of malnutrition in candidates for lung transplantation and to establish if there are any differences in the prevalence of malnutrition among the different groups of patients regarding their illness. METHODS: We reviewed the nutritional evaluation of 163 consecutive transplant candidates referred to our hospital (1996-2001). The nutritional assessment included: clinical history, anthropometric measurements, bioelectrical impedance analysis, and biochemical measurements. The nutritional status diagnosis was determined following RWS Chang protocol. RESULTS: 163 patients (108 male/55 female; 42.9 +/- 14.7 yr.) agrupped into four main lung diseases groups: obstructive (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease): 60 (36.8%); interstitial (idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis): 45 (27.6%); septic (cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis): 47 (28.8%); and vascular (primary pulmonary hypertension and miscellaneous etiology): 11 (6.7%). The prevalence of malnutrition is 60.9% (IC 95%; 53.4-68.4) and the most prevalent type is moderate caloric malnutrition (23.3%). Percentage of triceps skinfold thickness was lower in the septic group (65.1 +/- 43.0) than in the obstructive (94.8 +/- 53.9; p < 0.05) or in the interstitial one (130.3 +/- 61.5; p < 0.0001). Interstitial group had also the higher weight, BMI and percentage of ideal weight. Percentage of arm muscle circumference was only different between interstitial and septic groups (105.5 +/- 18.3 vs 95.9 +/- 11.1; p < 0.01). Resting energy expenditure was lower in septic patients. This group had lower levels of prealbumin than obstructive (17.6 +/- 4.7 vs 24.4 +/- 4.8 mg/dl; p < 0.0001) or interstitial groups (17.6 +/- 4.7 vs 27.3 +/- 7.7 mg/dl; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Malnutrition in patients awaiting lung transplantation is highly prevalent, specially in septic and vascular lung diseases. Anthropometric measurements are a good and easy option to explore this problem. Nutritional rehabilitation of these patients could improve their postoperative course.

Prevalencia de desnutrición en enfermos candidatos a trasplante pulmonar / Prevalence of malnutrition in lung transplantation candidates

Objetivos: Determinar la prevalencia de desnutrición en candidatos a trasplante pulmonar y establecer los grupos de patología pulmonar con mayor frecuencia de desnutrición. Metodología: Estudio de la evaluación nutricional de 163 candidatos a trasplante pulmonar remitidos a nuestro hospital entre 1996-2001. La evaluación incluyó: historia clínica, antropometría, impedanciometría y medidas bioquímicas. El diagnóstico nutricional se estableció según RWS Chang. Resultados: 163 enfermos (108 hombre/55 mujeres; 42,9+/- 14,7 años) clasificados según los siguientes grupos de enfermedad pulmonar: obstructivo (enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica): 60 (36,8 por ciento); intersticial (fibrosis pulmonar idiopática): 45 (27,6 por ciento); séptico (fibrosis quística y bronquiectasias): 47 (28,8 por ciento) y vascular (hipertensión pulmonar primaria y miscelánea): 11 (6,7 por ciento). La prevalencia de desnutrición es del 60,9 por ciento (IC 95 por ciento: 53,4-68,4) siendo la más frecuente la calórica moderada (23,3 por ciento). El porcentaje de pliegue triccipital es menor en el grupo séptico ( 65,1+/- 43,0) que en el obstructivo ( 94,8 +/- 53,9; p<0,05) o en el intersticial (130,3+/- 61,5; p<0,0001). El grupo intersticial tiene mayores peso, IMC y porcentaje de peso ideal. El porcentaje de circunferencia muscular del brazo sólo resultó diferente entre los grupos intersticial y séptico (105,5 +/- 18,3 frente a 95,9 +/- 11,1; p<0,01). El gasto energético basal es menor en los enfermos sépticos. Este grupo tiene niveles de prealbúmina menores que el obstructivo (17,6 +/- 4,7 frente a 24,4 +/- 4,8 mg/dl; p<0,0001) o el intersticial (17,6 +/- 4,7 frente a 27,3 +/- 7,7 mg/dl; p<0,0001). Conclusiones: La desnutrición en candidatos a trasplante pulmonar es altamente prevalente, especialmente en enfermedades sépticas o vasculares. Las antropometría es una técnica adecuada para detectar precozmente este problema. La mejoría del estado nutricional de estos enfermos puede favorecer su evolución postrasplante (AU)

Objectives: To analyse the prevalence of malnutrition in candidates for lung transplantation and to establish if there are any differences in the prevalence of malnutrition among the different groups of patients regarding their illness. Methods: We reviewed the nutritional evaluation of 163 consecutive transplant candidates referred to our hospital (1996-2001). The nutritional assessment included: clinical history, anthropometric measurements, bioelectrical impedance analysis, and biochemical measurements. The nutritional status diagnosis was determined following RWS Chang protocol. Results: 163 patients (108 male/55 female; 42,9 ± 14,7 yr.) agrupped into four main lung diseases groups: obstructive (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease): 60 (36,8%); interstitial (idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis): 45 (27,6%); septic (cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis): 47 (28,8%); and vascular (primary pulmonary hypertension and miscellaneous etiology): 11 (6,7%). The prevalence of malnutrition is 60,9% (IC 95%; 53,4-68,4) and the most prevalent type is moderate caloric malnutrition (23,3%). Percentaje of triceps skinfold trickness was lower in the septic group (65,1 ± 43,0) than in the obstructive (94,8 ± 53,9; p < 0,05) or in the interstitial one (130,3 ± 61,5; p < 0,0001). Interstitial group had also the higher weight, BMI and percentaje of ideal weight. Percentaje of arm muscle circumference was only different between interstitial and septic groups (105,5 ± 18,3 vs 95,9 ± 11,1; p < 0,01). Resting energy expenditure was lower in septic patients. This group had lower levels of prealbumin than obstructive (17,6 ± 4,7 vs 24,4 ± 4,8 mg/dl; p < 0,0001) or interstitial groups (17,6 ± 4,7 vs 27,3 ± 7,7 mg/dl; p < 0,0001). Conclusions: Malnutrition in patients awaiting lung transplantation is highly prevalent, specially in septic and vascular lung diseases. Anthropometric measurements are a good and easy option to explore this problem. Nutritional rehabilitation of these patients could improve their postoperative course (AU)