Breast-Conserving Surgery Guided with Magnetic Seeds vs. Wires: A Single-Institution Experience.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to describe our initial experience using magnetic seeds (Magseed®) to guide breast-conserving surgery in non-palpable breast lesions and compare the use of magnetic seed with wires to guide breast-conserving surgery in terms of clinical and pathological characteristics. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study including all breast-conserving surgeries for non-palpable breast lesions under 16 mm from June 2018 to May 2021. We compared breast-conserving surgeries guided with magnetic seeds (Magseed®) to those guided with wires, analyzing tumor and patient characteristics, surgical time, and pathological results of the surgical specimens. RESULTS: Data from 225 cases were collected, including 149 cases guided by magnetic seeds and 76 cases guided by wires. The breast lesion was localized in every case. Both cohorts were similar regarding clinical and pathological characteristics. We found significant statistical differences (p < 0.02) in terms of the median volume (cm3) of the excised specimen, which was lower (29.3%) in the magnetic seed group compared with the wire group (32.5 [20.5-60.0]/46.0 [20.3-118.7]). We did not find significant differences regarding surgical time (min) or the affected or close margins. CONCLUSION: In our experience, the use of magnetic seed (Magseed®) is a feasible option to guide breast-conserving surgery of non-palpable lesions and enabled us to resect less breast tissue.

Early detection of new pandemic waves. Control chart and a new surveillance index.

The COVID-19 pandemic highlights the pressing need for constant surveillance, updating of the response plan in post-peak periods and readiness for the possibility of new waves of the pandemic. A short initial period of steady rise in the number of new cases is sometimes followed by one of exponential growth. Systematic public health surveillance of the pandemic should signal an alert in the event of change in epidemic activity within the community to inform public health policy makers of the need to control a potential outbreak. The goal of this study is to improve infectious disease surveillance by complementing standardized metrics with a new surveillance metric to overcome some of their difficulties in capturing the changing dynamics of the pandemic. At statistically-founded threshold values, the new measure will trigger alert signals giving early warning of the onset of a new pandemic wave. We define a new index, the weighted cumulative incidence index, based on the daily new-case count. We model the infection spread rate at two levels, inside and outside homes, which explains the overdispersion observed in the data. The seasonal component of real data, due to the public surveillance system, is incorporated into the statistical analysis. Probabilistic analysis enables the construction of a Control Chart for monitoring index variability and setting automatic alert thresholds for new pandemic waves. Both the new index and the control chart have been implemented with the aid of a computational tool developed in R, and used daily by the Navarre Government (Spain) for virus propagation surveillance during post-peak periods. Automated monitoring generates daily reports showing the areas whose control charts issue an alert. The new index reacts sooner to data trend changes preluding new pandemic waves, than the standard surveillance index based on the 14-day notification rate of reported COVID-19 cases per 100,000 population.

Surgical Interest of an Accurate Real-World Prediction of Primary Systemic Therapy Response in HER2 Breast Cancers.

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-enriched breast cancers (BC) present the highest rates of pathological response to primary systemic therapy (PST), but they are also the ones that tend to be larger at diagnosis, with microcalcifications and, often, with axillary involvement. If we do not have a reliable method to predict the degree of response, we may not be able to transfer the benefits of PST to surgery. The post-PST surgery planning is guided by the findings in the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), whose predictive capacity, although high, is far from optimal. Thus, it seems interesting to find other variables to improve it. A retrospective observational study including women with HER2 BC treated with PST and further surgery was conducted. Information regarding clinical, radiological, and histopathological variables was gathered from a total of 132 patients included. Radiological complete response (rCR) was achieved in 65.9% of the sample, and pathological complete response (pCR), according to Miller and Payne criteria, in 58.3% of cases. A higher Ki67 value, the absence of Hormonal Receptors expression, and an rCR was significantly related to a pCR finding. This information impacts directly in surgery planning, as it permits adjustment of the breast resection volume.

Detection of unsuspected cathinone and piperazine-type drugs in urine samples positive for methamphetamine and amphetamine collected in emergency departments. / Detección no sospechada de catinonas y piperacinas en pacientes consumidores de metanfetamina y anfetamina atendidos en servicios de urgencias hospitalarios.

OBJECTIVES: To detect the presence of unsuspected and/or undeclared cathinone and piperazine-type designer drugs in methamphetamine (METH) and amphetamine users treated in emergency departments, and to compare clinical and toxicologic profiles. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective observational study of emergency department patients treated for confirmed acute intoxication by recreational drugs (METH and amphetamines) between March 2019 and December 2020. We ordered high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry to detect cathinones (methylone, fluoromethcathinone, mexedrone, fluoromethamphetamine, mephedrone, methylenedioxypyrovalerone) and synthetic piperazines (meta-chlorophenylpiperazine and trifluoromethylphenylpiperazine). Demographic, clinical, and toxicologic variables were analyzed with SPSS software (version 23). RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients were included: 24 (61.5%) had used METH and 15 (38.5%) an amphetamine. Synthetic cathinones were detected in samples from 11 patients (28.2%), 10 (90.9%) in the METH group and 1 (9.1%) in the amphetamine group (P = .028). The METH users had taken mephedrone (8 patients) or methylone (2 patients); the amphetamine user had taken mephedrone. None of the patients had declared use of a cathinone; nor was use suspected. The mean (SD) number of substances involved was higher among users of cathinones (3.5 [1.13] vs 2.5 [1.40] in those who took no cathinones; P = .036). Among the cathinone users, 90.9% were men, 90.9% had used METH, and 45.5% had practiced chemsex. HIV positivity was significantly associated with cathinone use (in 45.5% vs 10.7% of those not using cathinones; P = .028). All 5 of the patients who had taken cathinones and also practiced chemsex were HIV positive. Significantly more patients who had taken cathinones presented with anxiety (72.7% vs 21.43%; P = .007). No differences in clinical management were found. CONCLUSION: Detection of METH in intoxicated patients should raise suspicion of probable use of a synthetic cathinone. Patients in whom new psychoactive substances are detected should be kept under observation, and clinical protocols should include referring them to addiction treatment centers.

OBJETIVO: Determinar la incidencia de catinonas y piperazinas, no sospechadas y/o declaradas en consumidores de metanfetamina (MANF) y anfetamina (ANF) atendidos en servicios de urgencias hospitalarios (SUH) y comparar los perfiles clínicos y toxicológicos. METODO: Estudio retrospectivo de pacientes con intoxicación aguda por drogas recreativas con MANF y ANF confirmadas analíticamente atendidos en 3 SUH entre marzo de 2019 y diciembre de 2020. Se detectaron por HPLC-MS/MS las catinonas [metilona, fluorometcatinona, mecedrona, fluorometanfetamina, mefedrona, metilendioxipirovalerona (MDPV)] y las piperazinas sintéticas [meta-clorofenilpiperazina (mCPP), trifluorometilfenilpiperazina (TFMPP)]. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 39 pacientes: 24 (61,5%) en el grupo MANF y 15 (38,5%) en el ANF. En 11 (28,2%), se detectaron catinonas sintéticas (grupo CAT), 10 en el grupo MANF (8 mefedrona, 2 metilona) y 1 en el grupo ANF (1 mefedrona) (90,9% vs 9,1%; p = 0,028). Ninguno de los pacientes declaró consumo de catinonas. El número de drogas implicadas en la intoxicación fue superior en el grupo CAT (3,5 [1,13] vs 2,5 [1,40]; p = 0,036). El perfil clínico del grupo CAT fue: varón (90,9%), consumidor de MANF (90,9%) y usuario de chemsex (45,5%). El diagnóstico de VIH se asoció significativamente al grupo CAT (45,5% vs 10,7%; p = 0,028). Los pacientes del grupo CAT presentaron mayor ansiedad (72,7% vs 21,4%; p = 0,007). No se hallaron diferencias en su manejo clínico. CONCLUSIONES: La detección de MANF debería considerarse un dato de sospecha de consumo de catinonas sintéticas, y en esos casos debería contemplarse la detección de nuevas sustancias psicoactivas de abuso.

Detección no sospechada de catinonas y piperacinas en pacientes consumidores de metanfetamina y anfetamina atendidos en servicios de urgencias hospitalarios / Detection of unsuspected cathinone and piperazine-type drugs in urine samples positive for methamphetamine and amphetamine collected in emergency departments

Objetivos. Determinar la incidencia de catinonas y piperazinas, no sospechadas y/o declaradas en consumidores de metanfetamina (MANF) y anfetamina (ANF) atendidos en servicios de urgencias hospitalarios (SUH) y comparar los perfiles clínicos y toxicológicos. Método. Estudio retrospectivo de pacientes con intoxicación aguda por drogas recreativas con MANF y ANF confirmadas analíticamente atendidos en 3 SUH entre marzo de 2019 y diciembre de 2020. Se detectaron por HPLC-MS/MS las catinonas [metilona, fluorometcatinona, mecedrona, fluorometanfetamina, mefedrona, metilendioxipirovalerona (MDPV)] y las piperazinas sintéticas [meta-clorofenilpiperazina (mCPP), trifluorometilfenilpiperazina (TFMPP)]. Resultados. Se incluyeron 39 pacientes: 24 (61,5%) en el grupo MANF y 15 (38,5%) en el ANF. En 11 (28,2%), se detectaron catinonas sintéticas (grupo CAT), 10 en el grupo MANF (8 mefedrona, 2 metilona) y 1 en el grupo ANF (1 mefedrona) (90,9% vs 9,1%; p = 0,028). Ninguno de los pacientes declaró consumo de catinonas. El nú- mero de drogas implicadas en la intoxicación fue superior en el grupo CAT (3,5 [1,13] vs 2,5 [1,40]; p = 0,036). El perfil clínico del grupo CAT fue: varón (90,9%), consumidor de MANF (90,9%) y usuario de chemsex (45,5%). El diagnóstico de VIH se asoció significativamente al grupo CAT (45,5% vs 10,7%; p = 0,028). Los pacientes del grupo CAT presentaron mayor ansiedad (72,7% vs 21,4%; p = 0,007). No se hallaron diferencias en su manejo clínico. Conclusiones. La detección de MANF debería considerarse un dato de sospecha de consumo de catinonas sintéticas, y en esos casos debería contemplarse la detección de nuevas sustancias psicoactivas de abuso.

Objectives. To detect the presence of unsuspected and/or undeclared cathinone and piperazine-type designer drugs in methamphetamine (METH) and amphetamine users treated in emergency departments, and to compare clinical and toxicologic profiles. Method. Retrospective observational study of emergency department patients treated for confirmed acute intoxication by recreational drugs (METH and amphetamines) between March 2019 and December 2020. We ordered high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry to detect cathinones (methylone, fluoromethcathinone, mexedrone, fluoromethamphetamine, mephedrone, methylenedioxypyrovalerone) and synthetic piperazines (meta-chlorophenylpiperazine and trifluoromethylphenylpiperazine). Demographic, clinical, and toxicologic variables were analyzed with SPSS software (version 23). Results. Thirty-nine patients were included: 24 (61.5%) had used METH and 15 (38.5%) an amphetamine. Synthetic cathinones were detected in samples from 11 patients (28.2%), 10 (90.9%) in the METH group and 1 (9.1%) in the amphetamine group (P = .028). The METH users had taken mephedrone (8 patients) or methylone (2 patients); the amphetamine user had taken mephedrone. None of the patients had declared use of a cathinone; nor was use suspected. The mean (SD) number of substances involved was higher among users of cathinones (3.5 [1.13] vs 2.5 [1.40] in those who took no cathinones; P = .036). Among the cathinone users, 90.9% were men, 90.9% had used METH, and 45.5% had practiced chemsex. HIV positivity was significantly associated with cathinone use (in 45.5% vs 10.7% of those not using cathinones; P = .028). All 5 of the patients who had taken cathinones and also practiced chemsex were HIV positive. Significantly more patients who had taken cathinones presented with anxiety (72.7% vs 21.43%; P = .007). No differences in clinical management were found. [...]

The Clinical Impact of Neoadjuvant Endocrine Treatment on Luminal-like Breast Cancers and Its Prognostic Significance: Results from a Single-Institution Prospective Cohort Study.

Purpose: Neoadjuvant endocrine treatment (NET) has become a useful tool for the downstaging of luminal-like breast cancers in postmenopausal patients. It enables us to increase breast- conserving surgery (BCS) rates, provides an opportunity for us to assess in vivo NET effectiveness, and allows us to study any biological changes that may act as valid biomarkers. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of NET, and to assess the role of Ki67 proliferation rate changes as an indicator of endocrine responsiveness. Methods: From 2016 to 2020, a single-institution cohort of patients, treated with NET and further surgery, was evaluated. In patients with Ki67 ≥ 10%, a second core biopsy was performed after four weeks. Information regarding histopathological and clinical changes was gathered. Results: A total of 115 estrogen receptor-positive (ER+)/HER2-negative patients were included. The median treatment duration was 5.0 months (IQR: 2.0−6.0). The median maximum size in the surgical sample was 40% smaller than the pretreatment size measured by ultrasound (p < 0.0001). The median pretreatment Ki67 expression was 20.0% (IQR: 12.0−30.0), and was reduced to 5.0% (IQR: 1.8−10.0) after four weeks, and to 2.0% (IQR: 1.0−8.0) in the surgical sample (p < 0.0001). BCS was performed on 98 patients (85.2%). No pathological complete responses were recorded. A larger Ki67 fold change after four weeks was significantly related to a PEPI score of zero (p < 0.002). No differences were observed between luminal A- and B-like tumors, with regard to fold change and PEPI score. Conclusions: In our cohort, NET was proven to be effective for tumor size and Ki67 downstaging. This resulted in a higher rate of conservative surgery, aided in therapeutic decision making, provided prognostic information, and constituted a safe and well-tolerated approach.

Harmonized D-dimer levels upon admission for prognosis of COVID-19 severity: Results from a Spanish multicenter registry (BIOCOVID-Spain study).

Coagulopathy is a key feature of COVID-19 and D-dimer has been reported as a predictor of severity. However, because D-dimer test results vary considerably among assays, resolving harmonization issues is fundamental to translate findings into clinical practice. In this retrospective multicenter study (BIOCOVID study), we aimed to analyze the value of harmonized D-dimer levels upon admission for the prediction of in-hospital mortality in COVID-19 patients. All-cause in-hospital mortality was defined as endpoint. For harmonization of D-dimer levels, we designed a model based on the transformation of method-specific regression lines to a reference regression line. The ability of D-dimer for prediction of death was explored by receiver operating characteristic curves analysis and the association with the endpoint by Cox regression analysis. Study population included 2663 patients. In-hospital mortality rate was 14.3%. Harmonized D-dimer upon admission yielded an area under the curve of 0.66, with an optimal cut-off value of 0.945 mg/L FEU. Patients with harmonized D-dimer ≥ 0.945 mg/L FEU had a higher mortality rate (22.4% vs. 9.2%; p < 0.001). D-dimer was an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality, with an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.709. This is the first study in which a harmonization approach was performed to assure comparability of D-dimer levels measured by different assays. Elevated D-dimer levels upon admission were associated with a greater risk of in-hospital mortality among COVID-19 patients, but had limited performance as prognostic test.

Cardiac troponin and COVID-19 severity: Results from BIOCOVID study.

BACKGROUND: Myocardial injury is a common finding in COVID-19 strongly associated with severity. We analysed the prevalence and prognostic utility of myocardial injury, characterized by elevated cardiac troponin, in a large population of COVID-19 patients, and further evaluated separately the role of troponin T and I. METHODS: This is a multicentre, retrospective observational study enrolling patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 who were hospitalized in 32 Spanish hospitals. Elevated troponin levels were defined as values above the sex-specific 99th percentile upper reference limit, as recommended by international guidelines. Thirty-day mortality was defined as endpoint. RESULTS: A total of 1280 COVID-19 patients were included in this study, of whom 187 (14.6%) died during the hospitalization. Using a nonspecific sex cut-off, elevated troponin levels were found in 344 patients (26.9%), increasing to 384 (30.0%) when a sex-specific cut-off was used. This prevalence was significantly higher (42.9% vs 21.9%; P < .001) in patients in whom troponin T was measured in comparison with troponin I. Sex-specific elevated troponin levels were significantly associated with 30-day mortality, with adjusted odds ratios (ORs) of 3.00 for total population, 3.20 for cardiac troponin T and 3.69 for cardiac troponin I. CONCLUSION: In this multicentre study, myocardial injury was a common finding in COVID-19 patients. Its prevalence increased when a sex-specific cut-off and cardiac troponin T were used. Elevated troponin was an independent predictor of 30-day mortality, irrespective of cardiac troponin assay and cut-offs to detect myocardial injury. Hence, the early measurement of cardiac troponin may be useful for risk stratification in COVID-19.

Characteristics and laboratory findings on admission to the emergency department among 2873 hospitalized patients with COVID-19: the impact of adjusted laboratory tests in multicenter studies. A multicenter study in Spain (BIOCOVID-Spain study).

Identification of predictors for severe disease progression is key for risk stratification in COVID-19 patients. We aimed to describe the main characteristics and identify the early predictors for severe outcomes among hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in Spain. This was an observational, retrospective cohort study (BIOCOVID-Spain study) including COVID-19 patients admitted to 32 Spanish hospitals. Demographics, comorbidities and laboratory tests were collected. Outcome was in-hospital mortality. For analysis, laboratory tests values were previously adjusted to assure the comparability of results among participants. Cox regression was performed to identify predictors. Study population included 2873 hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Nine variables were independent predictors for in-hospital mortality, including creatinine (Hazard ratio [HR]:1.327; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.040-1.695, p = .023), troponin (HR: 2.150; 95% CI: 1.155-4.001; p = .016), platelet count (HR: 0.994; 95% CI: 0.989-0.998; p = .004) and C-reactive protein (HR: 1.037; 95% CI: 1.006-1.068; p = .019). This is the first multicenter study in which an effort was carried out to adjust the results of laboratory tests measured with different methodologies to guarantee their comparability. We reported a comprehensive information about characteristics in a large cohort of hospitalized COVID-19 patients, focusing on the analytical features. Our findings may help to identify patients early at a higher risk for an adverse outcome.

Automated cell count in body fluids: a review.

Body fluid cell counting provides valuable information for the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of conditions. Chamber cell count and cellularity analysis by optical microscopy are considered the gold-standard method for cell counting. However, this method has a long turnaround time and limited reproducibility, and requires highly-trained personnel. In the recent decades, specific modes have been developed for the analysis of body fluids. These modes, which perform automated cell counting, are incorporated into hemocytometers and urine analyzers. These innovations have been rapidly incorporated into routine laboratory practice. At present, a variety of analyzers are available that enable automated cell counting for body fluids. Nevertheless, these analyzers have some limitations and can only be operated by highly-qualified laboratory professionals. In this review, we provide an overview of the most relevant automated cell counters currently available for body fluids, the interpretation of the parameters measured by these analyzers, their main analytical features, and the role of optical microscopy as automated cell counters gain ground.

Social and economic costs of home parenteral nutrition.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Home parenteral nutrition (HPN) is a lifesaving treatment for people with chronic intestinal failure. Although HPN has been studied from an economic point of view, the categories of costs usually included direct costs, frequently excluding personal costs and productivity costs. The purpose of the present paper was to study the total costs of HPN from a societal perspective. METHODS: Observational, retrospective, transverse study of all adult patients who were on HPN for more than 3 months and were treated at Gregorio Marañón University Hospital (Madrid, Spain), from June 2018-2019. Data on personal costs and productivity costs were collected from questionnaires completed by patients receiving HPN. We also updated the direct healthcare and non-healthcare costs studied by our group previously to Euros (€) for the year 2019. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients were included. Personal costs were €729.49 per patient (€3.45 per patient per day) and productivity costs were €256.39 per patient (€1.21 per patient per day). Total HPN costs amounted to €14,460.87 per patient (€131.58 per patient per day). The direct healthcare and non-healthcare costs accounted for 96.46% of overall costs, the personal costs for the patients receiving HPN accounted for 2.62% and productivity costs for 0.92%. CONCLUSIONS: From a societal perspective, the direct healthcare and non-healthcare costs accounted for the majority of HPN expenditure, followed by personal costs and productivity costs.

Intoxicaciones por anfetamina y metanfetamina atendidas en los servicios de urgencias: características clínicas y utilidad de la confirmación analítica / Amphetamine and methamphetamine poisonings attended in hospital emergency departments: clinical features and the usefulness of laboratory confirmation

Objetivo: Investigar si existen diferencias clínicas y toxicológicas en pacientes intoxicados por anfetamina (ANF) y metanfetamina (MANF) atendidos en servicios de urgencias. Método: Estudio observacional retrospectivo de intoxicaciones por ANF y MANF con confirmación analítica en Baleares (2013-2018). Se compararon variables clínicas, toxicológicas y de manejo clínico entre grupos. Resultados: 1) Se incluyeron 120 pacientes, 86 (71,7%) grupo ANF y 34 (28,3%) grupo MANF. 2) La confirmación de derivados anfetamínicos se realizó por cromatografía de gases-espectrometría de masas en 787 muestras de orina previamente positivas mediante un método de cribado cualitativo. Se confirmaron 154 (19,6%) muestras. De ellas, 34 fueron excluidas. 3) Se encontraron diferencias significativas entre ANF y MANF en: edad (32,3 vs 28,4 años); sexo (72,1 vs 94,1% hombres); nacionalidad española (64,0 vs 29,4%); en motivos de admisión: alteración de conducta (15,1 vs 0%) y palpitaciones (1,2 vs 20,6%); y en características clínicas: agitación (27,9 vs 8,8%). No hubo diferencias de manejo clínico. El 76,6% de casos fueron polintoxicaciones, más comunes en ANF (82,6 vs 61,8%). En estos casos se detectó principalmente cocaína (63,0%), cannabis (48,9%), MDMA (38,0%) y alcohol (35,9%). La mayor asociación del cannabis con el grupo de ANF fue estadísticamente significativa (45,3 vs 17,6%). La causa de los falsos positivos se identificó en el 78,7% de muestras, siendo el MDMA (71,2%) la principal. Conclusiones: Se observaron diferencias entre ANF y MANF en cuanto a variables demográficas y motivo de asistencia; no obstante en esta serie hubo un alto porcentaje de polintoxicaciones

Objective: To determine whether clinical and toxicologic findings differed between cases of amphetamine (AMP) and methamphetamine (mAMP) poisoning attended in 2 Balearic Island hospital emergency departments. Methods: Retrospective observational study of AMP and mAMP cases with laboratory confirmation between 2013 and 2018. We compared clinical and toxicologic variables as well as clinical management between groups. Results: 1) A total of 120 cases were found: 86 (71.7%) with AMP poisoning and 34 (28.3%) with mAMP poisoning. 2) Drug poisoning was confirmed by gas chromatography associated with mass spectrometry (GC–MS) in 787 urine samples found to be positive during screening. One hundred fifty-four (19.6%) were confirmed by GC–MS. Thirtyfour of them did not meet the inclusion criteria. 3) Significant differences between AMP and mAMP cases were found for age (32.3 vs 28.4 y, respectively); sex (72.1% vs 94.1% men); and Spanish nationality (64.0% vs 29.4%). Reasons for admission and clinical features also differed: the reasons were aberrant behavior (15.1% in the AMP group vs 0% in the mAMP group) and palpitations (1.2% vs 20.6%); agitation was observed in 27.9% and 8.8%, respectively. Clinical management was similar in the 2 groups. Multiple drug poisoning was detected in 76.6% patients and was more common in patients in the AMP group (82.6% vs 61.8%). The additional drugs in these cases were mainly cocaine (63.0%), cannabis (48.9%), 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methamphetamine (MDMA) (38.0%), and alcohol (35.9%). Cannabis was detected in a significantly higher proportion in the AMP group (45.3%) than in the mAMP group (17.6%). False positives were found in 78.7% of the samples. The culprit drug was most often MDMA (71.2%). Conclusions: AMP poisonings were associated with age over 30 years, Spanish nationality, aberrant behavior, agitation, multiple drug findings, and the use of cannabis. Poisonings caused by mAMP abuse were associated with age under 30 years, non-Spanish nationality, palpitations, and single-drug use

Amphetamine and methamphetamine poisonings attended in hospital emergency departments: clinical features and the usefulness of laboratory confirmation. / Intoxicaciones por anfetamina y metanfetamina atendidas en los servicios de urgencias: características clínicas y utilidad de la confirmación analítica.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether clinical and toxicologic findings differed between cases of amphetamine (AMP) and methamphetamine (mAMP) poisoning attended in 2 Balearic Island hospital emergency departments. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective observational study of AMP and mAMP cases with laboratory confirmation between 2013 and 2018. We compared clinical and toxicologic variables as well as clinical management between groups. RESULTS: 1) A total of 120 cases were found: 86 (71.7%) with AMP poisoning and 34 (28.3%) with mAMP poisoning. 2) Drug poisoning was confirmed by gas chromatography associated with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in 787 urine samples found to be positive during screening. One hundred fifty-four (19.6%) were confirmed by GC-MS. Thirtyfour of them did not meet the inclusion criteria. 3) Significant differences between AMP and mAMP cases were found for age (32.3 vs 28.4 y, respectively); sex (72.1% vs 94.1% men); and Spanish nationality (64.0% vs 29.4%). Reasons for admission and clinical features also differed: the reasons were aberrant behavior (15.1% in the AMP group vs 0% in the mAMP group) and palpitations (1.2% vs 20.6%); agitation was observed in 27.9% and 8.8%, respectively. Clinical management was similar in the 2 groups. Multiple drug poisoning was detected in 76.6% patients and was more common in patients in the AMP group (82.6% vs 61.8%). The additional drugs in these cases were mainly cocaine (63.0%), cannabis (48.9%), 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methamphetamine (MDMA) (38.0%), and alcohol (35.9%). Cannabis was detected in a significantly higher proportion in the AMP group (45.3%) than in the mAMP group (17.6%). False positives were found in 78.7% of the samples. The culprit drug was most often MDMA (71.2%). CONCLUSION: AMP poisonings were associated with age over 30 years, Spanish nationality, aberrant behavior, agitation, multiple drug findings, and the use of cannabis. Poisonings caused by mAMP abuse were associated with age under 30 years, non-Spanish nationality, palpitations, and single-drug use.

OBJETIVO: Investigar si existen diferencias clínicas y toxicológicas en pacientes intoxicados por anfetamina (ANF) y metanfetamina (MANF) atendidos en servicios de urgencias. METODO: Estudio observacional retrospectivo de intoxicaciones por ANF y MANF con confirmación analítica en Baleares (2013-2018). Se compararon variables clínicas, toxicológicas y de manejo clínico entre grupos. RESULTADOS: 1) Se incluyeron 120 pacientes, 86 (71,7%) grupo ANF y 34 (28,3%) grupo MANF. 2) La confirmación de derivados anfetamínicos se realizó por cromatografía de gases-espectrometría de masas en 787 muestras de orina previamente positivas mediante un método de cribado cualitativo. Se confirmaron 154 (19,6%) muestras. De ellas, 34 fueron excluidas. 3) Se encontraron diferencias significativas entre ANF y MANF en: edad (32,3 vs 28,4 años); sexo (72,1 vs 94,1% hombres); nacionalidad española (64,0 vs 29,4%); en motivos de admisión: alteración de conducta (15,1 vs 0%) y palpitaciones (1,2 vs 20,6%); y en características clínicas: agitación (27,9 vs 8,8%). No hubo diferencias de manejo clínico. El 76,6% de casos fueron polintoxicaciones, más comunes en ANF (82,6 vs 61,8%). En estos casos se detectó principalmente cocaína (63,0%), cannabis (48,9%), MDMA (38,0%) y alcohol (35,9%). La mayor asociación del cannabis con el grupo de ANF fue estadísticamente significativa (45,3 vs 17,6%). La causa de los falsos positivos se identificó en el 78,7% de muestras, siendo el MDMA (71,2%) la principal. CONCLUSIONES: Se observaron diferencias entre ANF y MANF en cuanto a variables demográficas y motivo de asistencia; no obstante en esta serie hubo un alto porcentaje de polintoxicaciones.

Registro del Grupo NADYA-SENPE de Nutrición Enteral Domiciliaria en España; años 2016 y 2017 / Spanish home enteral nutrition registry of the year 2016 and 2017 from the NADYA-SENPE Group

Objetivo: exponer los resultados del registro de nutrición enteral domiciliaria (NED) de los años 2016 y 2017 del Grupo NADYA-SENPE. Material y métodos: se recopilaron los pacientes introducidos en el registro del 1 de enero al 31 de diciembre de 2016 y la mismas fechas de 2017 para proceder al análisis descriptivo y analítico de los datos. Resultados: en el año 2016 se obtuvieron 4.578 pacientes activos (prevalencia = 98,33 pacientes/millón de habitantes) y en 2017 fueron 4.777 (prevalencia = 102,57). Por sexos, hubo un 50,8% de varones en 2016 y un 50,5% en 2017. En el periodo 2016-17, la edad mediana fue de 71,5 años (IIQ 57-83); asimismo, finalizaron 1.558 episodios de NED y la causa principal fue el fallecimiento (793 pacientes, 50,89%). Los varones adultos fueron más jóvenes que las mujeres (65,3 vs. 73,3 años, p-valor < 0,001) y el diagnóstico más frecuente fue la enfermedad neurológica que cursa con afagia o disfagia severa (59%). La sonda nasogástrica (SNG) fue la vía de acceso más utilizada (48,3%) y se observa, además, que esta es la vía que se utiliza en los pacientes más ancianos (p < 0,001). Se registraron 126 pacientes pediátricos (57,1% niñas). La edad mediana de inicio de la NED fue de cuatro meses. Otras patologías fue el grupo diagnóstico más registrado (41,3%), seguido por la enfermedad neurológica que cursa con afagia o disfagia severa. Se alimentaban a través de gastrostomía en el 57,6% de los casos. Se observó que los niños más pequeños eran los que se alimentaban preferentemente por SNG (p-valor 0,001). Conclusiones: el número de pacientes del registro, así como el número de centros participantes, se va incrementando progresivamente. Las principales características de los pacientes no han variado. A pesar del aumento de posibilidades diagnósticas en la población pediátrica, llama la atención la clasificación dentro del grupo de Otras patologías

Objective: to present the results of the Spanish home enteral nutrition (HEN) registry of the NADYA-SENPE group for the year 2016 and 2017. Material and methods: from January 1st 2016 to December 31st 2017, the HEN registry was recorded and afterwards a further descriptive and analytical analysis was done. Results: in 2016, 4,578 active patients were recorded and prevalence was 98.33 patients per one million inhabitants; in 2017, 4,777 patients were recorded, with a prevalence of 102.57 per one million inhabitants; 50.8% were males in 2016 and 50.5% in 2017. During the period 2016-17, median age was 71.5 years (IIQ 57-83), 1,558 HEN episodes were finished and the main cause was death (793 patients, 50.89%). Adult males were younger than females (65.3 vs. 73.3 years, p-value < 0.001). The most frequent diagnosis was the neurological disorder that presents with aphagia or severe dysphagia (59%). Nasogastric tube was the most frequent administration route (48.3%) and it is the most widely used in elderly patients (p < 0.001). One hundred and twenty-six pediatric patients were registered (57.1% females). Median age at the beginning of HEN in children was four months. "Other disorders" was the most recorded diagnostic group (41.3%), followed by the group of neurological disorder that presents with aphagia or severe dysphagia. Regarding children, 57.6% were fed through gastrostomy and the younger ones were fed through nasogastric tube (p-value 0.001). Conclusions: the number of patients in the registry, as well as the number of participating centers, is progressively increasing. The main characteristics of the patients have not changed. Despite the increase in diagnostic possibilities in the pediatric population, the classification within the group of "Other pathologies" is quite significant

Identificación de líquidos biológicos de origen desconocido / Identification of body fluids of unknown origin

Los laboratorios clínicos son frecuentemente requeridos para la identificación de líquidos corporales de los que se desconoce su origen. La información bibliográfica con respecto a la identificación de líquidos biológicos de procedencia incierta es escasa. El objetivo de este documento es actualizar los conocimientos sobre aquellos constituyentes útiles como marcadores para la identificación y diferenciación de estos líquidos. Se abordan aspectos como la identificación de una punción lumbar traumática o de líquido cefalorraquídeo en fístulas, la identificación de un derrame quiloso o pseudoquiloso, de secreción biliar, pancreática, gastroesofágica o de orina en las cavidades serosas así como del líquido amniótico

Clinical laboratories are regularly requested to analyze unusual body fluids of unknown origin. There is little in the literature about the identification of body fluids of uncertain origin. The purpose of this document is to perform an updated review on those constituents that may be useful as markers for identifying and diferentiating these unusual fluids. A review is presented on aspects such as the identification of a traumatic lumbar puncture or a cerebrospinal fluid leakage, the identification of a chylous or pseudochylous effusion, leakage of bile, pancreatic fluid, gastroesophageal fluid, or urine, in the serous cavities, as well as the amniotic fluid

Outcomes of a general hospital-based home parenteral nutrition (HPN) program; report of our experience from a 26-year period.

BACKGROUND: Home parenteral nutrition (HPN) was introduced in Spain in the late 1980s. Our hospital was a pioneering medical centre in this field. AIM: Analyze outcomes of our HPN program. METHODS: Retrospective study of patients receiving HPN between 1986-2012. Study variables are expressed as frequency, mean ± SD (range), median [interquartile range]. Parametrics, non-parametrics test and survival analysis (p < 0.05) were applied. RESULTS: 91 patients (55 females and 36 males, mean age: 50.6 ± 5 yrs.) who received HPN for an accrual period of 55,470 days (median: 211 days [range: 63-573]) were included. The most prevalent underlying condition was cancer (49.5%), with the commonest HPN indication being short bowel syndrome (41.1%). The most frequently used catheter type was the tunneled catheter (70.7%). The complication rate was 3.58/1,000 HPN days (2.68, infection; 0.07, occlusion; 0.07 thrombosis; and 0.59, metabolic complications). Complications were consistently associated with both the underlying condition and HPN length. Infections were most frequent within the first 1,000 days of HPN. Liver disease incidence was related to HPN duration. HPN could be discontinued in 42.3% of patients. Ten-year survival rate was 42%, and varied across the underlying conditions. CONCLUSIONS: In the present series, the commonest reason for HPN was cancer. Our complication rate is in keeping with that reported in the literature. The overall survival rate was 42%, and varied across the underlying conditions.

Introducción: La nutrición parenteral domiciliaria (NPD) se introdujo en España a finales de 1980. Nuestro hospital fue pionero en este campo. Objetivo: Analizar los resultados de nuestro programa de NPD. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de los pacientes que recibieron NPD entre 1986-2012. Las variables se expresan como frecuencias, media ± DE (rango), mediana [intervalo intercuartílico]. Se aplicaron pruebas paramétricas, no paramétricas y análisis de la supervivencia (p < 0,05). Resultados: 91 pacientes (55 mujeres, edad media: 50,6 ± 5 años). La duración total del tratamiento con NPD fue de 55.470 días (mediana: 211 días [rango: 63-573]). El diagnóstico principal y la indicación de NPD más frecuentes fueron el cáncer (49,5%) y el síndrome del intestino corto (41,1%). El tipo de catéter más utilizado fue el tunelizado (70,7%). La tasa de complicaciones totales fue de 3,58/1.000 días HPN (2,68 para infecciones; 0,07, oclusiones; 0,07 trombosis, y 0,59, complicaciones metabólicas) y se asoció al diagnóstico principal y la duración de la NPD. Las infecciones fueron más frecuentes en los primeros 1.000 días de NPD. La incidencia de hepatopatía se relacionó con la duración de este tratamiento. En el 42,3% de los pacientes se pudo suspender la NPD. La tasa de supervivencia global a los diez años fue del 42% con diferencias entre los diagnósticos principales. Conclusiones: En nuestra serie, la razón más común para la NPD fue el cáncer. Nuestra tasa de complicaciones esta acorde con la literatura. La tasa de supervivencia global fue del 42%.

Document of standardization of enteral nutrition access in adults.

The group of standardization and protocols of the Spanish Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (SENPE) published in 2011 a consensus document SENPE/SEGHNP/ANECIPN/SECP on enteral access for paediatric nutritional support. Along the lines of this document, we have developed another document on adult patients to homogenize the clinical practice and improve the quality of care in enteral access in this age group. The working group included health professionals (nurses, dietitians and doctor) with extensive experience in enteral nutrition and access. We tried to find scientific evidence through a literature review and we used the criteria of the Agency for Health-care Research and Quality (AHRQ) to classify the evidence (Grade of Recommendation A, B or C). Later the document was reviewed by external experts to the group and requested the endorsement of the Scientific and Educational Committee (CCE) and the group of home artificial nutrition (NADYA) of the SENPE. The full text will be published as a monograph number in this journal.

El grupo de estandarización y protocolos de la Sociedad Española de Nutrición Parenteral y Enteral (SENPE) publicó en el año 2011 un Documento de Consenso SEN - PE/SEGHNP/ANECIPN/SECP sobre vías de acceso en nutrición enteral (NE) pediátrica. Siguiendo las líneas de este documento, hemos querido realizar un documento similar centrado en los pacientes adultos que sirva para homogeneizar la práctica clínica y mejorar la calidad de los cuidados de las vías de acceso en NE en este grupo de edad. El grupo de trabajo incluyó a profesionales (enfermeras, dietistas y médico) con extensa experiencia en NE y vías de acceso Se intentó buscar la evidencia científica mediante una revisión bibliográfica y se utilizaron los criterios de la Agency for Health-care Research and Quality (AHRQ) para clasificar la evidencia (grados de recomendación A-B-C). Posteriormente el documento fue revisado por expertos externos al grupo y se solicitó el aval del Comité Científico Educacional (CCE) y del Grupo de Nutrición Artificial Domiciliaria y Ambulatoria (NADYA) de la SENPE. El texto completo se publicará como número monográfico.