[Reconocimiento del mesotelioma de pleura como enfermedad profesional en la Comunidad Valenciana de 2012 a 2018.] / Recognition of pleural mesothelioma as an occupational disease in the Valencian Community from 2012 to 2018.

OBJECTIVE: Pleural mesothelioma is a neoplasm almost exclusively attributed to occupational exposure to asbestos and is legally considered an occupational disease. Nevertheless, only a few cases achieve that official recognition. The objective of this work was to describe and analyse this issue, and to identify the major obstacles to its recognition. METHODS: A descriptive and retrospective epidemiological study of data was carried out, including figures and some characteristics, of all patients with pleural mesothelioma registered in the official health and labor registries of the Valencian Community from 2012 to 2018, using frequencies, proportions, and incidence rates. RESULTS: There were large differences between the two sets of data collected in the different registries, especially regarding the number of cases. During the seven years of data examined, 590 pleural mesotheliomas were diagnosed in the Valencian public health system. Of these, the number of cases that were related to occupational exposure was at least 437. Despite the legal duty of doctors to report such cases, only 31 were reported as suspected occupational disease (7.09%), of which only 13 were ultimately officially recognized as such. It was estimated that the annual economic overcost to the public system of unrecognised patients with this occupational disease by was 2,2270,520 euros. CONCLUSIONS: Only a small proportion of occupational mesotheliomas are officially recognized as such. This has important health care and economic repercussions for the individuals involved as well as for the public health system.

OBJETIVO: El mesotelioma de pleura es un cáncer atribuido casi en exclusiva a la exposición laboral al amianto y que tiene la consideración legal de enfermedad profesional, aunque pocos casos consiguen ese reconocimiento oficial. Describir y analizar este problema y los obstáculos para su reconocimiento fue el objetivo de este trabajo. METODOS: Se realizó un estudio epidemiológico descriptivo y retrospectivo de las cifras y algunas características de todos los pacientes de mesotelioma de pleura recogidos en los principales registros oficiales, sanitarios y laborales, de la Comunidad Valenciana, desde 2012 a 2018, utilizando frecuencias, fracciones y tasas de incidencia. RESULTADOS: Hubo grandes diferencias en el número de casos recogidos en los distintos registros. En los siete años estudiados, los mesoteliomas de pleura diagnosticados en el sistema sanitario público valenciano fueron 590. De ellos, aplicando la fracción atribuible al trabajo con amianto, al menos 437 fueron atribuibles al trabajo. Los facultativos comunicaron 31 casos como sospechas de enfermedad profesional, el 7,09% del total, y, finalmente, 13 casos se reconocieron oficialmente como enfermedad profesional. El coste económico estimado de su atención sanitaria para el sistema público valenciano fue de 2.270.520 euros. CONCLUSIONES: Una mínima parte de los mesoteliomas obtienen el reconocimiento de enfermedad profesional. Este hecho conlleva importantes repercusiones asistenciales y económicas para las personas afectadas y para el sistema sanitario público.

Reconocimiento del mesotelioma de pleura como enfermedad profesional en la Comunidad Valenciana de 2012 a 2018 / Recognition of pleural mesothelioma as an occupational disease in the Valencian Community from 2012 to 2018

Fundamentos: El mesotelioma de pleura es un cáncer atribuido casi en exclusiva a la exposición laboral al amianto y que tienela consideración legal de enfermedad profesional, aunque pocos casos consiguen ese reconocimiento oficial. Describir y analizar esteproblema y los obstáculos para su reconocimiento fue el objetivo de este trabajo. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio epidemiológico descriptivo y retrospectivo de las cifras y algunas características de todos los pa-cientes de mesotelioma de pleura recogidos en los principales registros oficiales, sanitarios y laborales, de la Comunidad Valenciana,desde 2012 a 2018, utilizando frecuencias, fracciones y tasas de incidencia. Resultados: Hubo grandes diferencias en el número de casos recogidos en los distintos registros. En los siete años estudiados,los mesoteliomas de pleura diagnosticados en el sistema sanitario público valenciano fueron 590. De ellos, aplicando la fracciónatribuible al trabajo con amianto, al menos 437 fueron atribuibles al trabajo. Los facultativos comunicaron 31 casos como sospechasde enfermedad profesional, el 7,09% del total, y, finalmente, 13 casos se reconocieron oficialmente como enfermedad profesional. Elcoste económico estimado de su atención sanitaria para el sistema público valenciano fue de 2.270.520 euros. Conclusiones: Una mínima parte de los mesoteliomas obtienen el reconocimiento de enfermedad profesional. Este hechoconlleva importantes repercusiones asistenciales y económicas para las personas afectadas y para el sistema sanitario público.(AU)

Background: Pleural mesothelioma is a neoplasm almost exclusively attributed to occupational exposure to asbestos and islegally considered an occupational disease. Nevertheless, only a few cases achieve that official recognition. The objective of this workwas to describe and analyse this issue, and to identify the major obstacles to its recognition. Methods: A descriptive and retrospective epidemiological study of data was carried out, including figures and some characteristics,of all patients with pleural mesothelioma registered in the official health and labor registries of the Valencian Community from 2012 to2018, using frequencies, proportions, and incidence rates.Results: There were large differences between the two sets of data collected in the different registries, especially regarding thenumber of cases. During the seven years of data examined, 590 pleural mesotheliomas were diagnosed in the Valencian public healthsystem. Of these, the number of cases that were related to occupational exposure was at least 437. Despite the legal duty of doctorsto report such cases, only 31 were reported as suspected occupational disease (7.09%), of which only 13 were ultimately officiallyrecognized as such. It was estimated that the annual economic overcost to the public system of unrecognised patients with thisoccupational disease by was 2,2270,520 euros. Conclusions: Only a small proportion of occupational mesotheliomas are officially recognized as such. This has importanthealth care and economic repercussions for the individuals involved as well as for the public health system.(AU)

Estudio transversal mediante encuesta para evaluar los factores asociados con la vacunación antigripal de convivientes de enfermos de riesgo / Cross-sectional survey to assess the factors associated with influenza vaccination in the household of high-risk patients

Objetivo: La literatura sobre la vacunación de personas que pueden transmitir la gripe a enfermos con alta probabilidad de presentar complicaciones se suele centrar en sanitarios y la de sus convivientes ha sido abordada con escasa frecuencia. Los objetivos fueron estimar la proporción de individuos vulnerables conocedores de la indicación de vacunación antigripal de su entorno y explorar los factores asociados con la inmunización de sus convivientes. Materiales y métodos: Estudio de base individual, observacional, transversal y descriptivo, mediante encuesta. Fueron seleccionados todos los pacientes del grupo 7 de la Estrategia de vacunación COVID-19, citados en el Hospital General de Requena para la administración de la dosis de refuerzo en abril de 2022. La encuesta recogió información del paciente y sus convivientes. El análisis se organizó en una fase descriptiva y otra analítica. Resultados: La muestra final fue de 131 pacientes y 191 convivientes. Solo 29 (22,1%) pacientes conocían la indicación de vacunación de su entorno. De los convivientes únicamente 78 (40,9%) se habían vacunado de la gripe en la campaña 2021-22. Que el paciente se vacunara (odds ratio -OR- 26,2), que conociera la indicación de vacunar a su entorno (OR 5,4), que el conviviente tuviera indicación propia de vacunación (OR 8,6) y su edad (OR 1,1) aumentaron independientemente la probabilidad de vacunación de sus convivientes. Conclusiones: La vacunación antigripal de los convivientes de pacientes de alto riesgo fue escasamente conocida y la implantación de estrategias informativas breves podría paliar esta situación.(AU)

Objective: Research on vaccination of those who can transmit influenza to patients with a high probability of presenting complications has been usually focused on health care workers and the issue of the immunization of their household has been rarely addressed. The aims were to estimate the proportion of vulnerable individuals aware of the indication for influenza vaccination in their household and to explore the factors associated with the immunization of their relatives.Methodology: An observational, cross-sectional, descriptive, survey was performed. All patients belonging to group 7 of the COVID-19 vaccination strategy, who were scheduled in April 2022 at the General Hospital of Requena for a booster dose of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine injection were selected. Information about the patient profile and their household was gathered. Analysis followed two, descriptive and analytical, phases. Results: TA sample of 131 patients and 191 relatives met the selection criteria. Only 29 (22.1%) patients knew the indication for household vaccination. Of their relatives, only 78 (40.9%) had been vaccinated against influenza in the 2021-22 campaign. Whether the patient had been vaccinated (odds ratio -OR- 26.2), whether the patient was aware of the indication to vaccinate his or her family (OR 5.4), whether the relative had an own indication for vaccination (OR 8.6) and their age (OR 1.1) independently increased the probability of vaccination of their household. Discussion: The convenience of the influenza vaccination of those living with high-risk patients was poorly known and the implementation of brief informative strategies could improve this situation.(AU)

Clinical characteristics of admission for mental illness in a Regional Psychiatric Hospitalization Unit. Descriptive study 2008-2018 / Características clínicas del ingreso por enfermedad mental en una Unidad de Hospitalización Psiquiátrica Comarcal. Estudio descriptivo 2008-2018.

Objective: To describe the admissions of patients diagnosed with severe mental illness (SMI) and anxiety disorder in a regional hospital; to explore factors related to the patient's referrer upon admission and prolonged stay. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional study of episodes of admission to the regional Psychiatric Hospitalization Unit over a period of 11 years with ICD-10 diagnostic codesF20-29, F30-39, F60-69 and F40-48. The data was extracted through the Admissions Unit and the information from the electronic medical record. For the statistical treatment, descriptive or inferential tests were used with a confidence level of 95%. Results: 961 patients were included (2,324 total discharges), aged 40.8±14.0 years. The most frequent reasons for admission were: positive symptoms (agitation, delusions and hallucinations), followed by suicidal ideation and attempt. The main remitting agent of the patients was the family itself. Approximately 1/5 of the cases were referred by the health system itself, and » of those admitted had self-excluded themselves from specialized supervision for more than a year. Conclusions: The problems that caused the admission and its origin, as well as its lack of follow-up, can be considered as a clear opportunity for improvement in the follow-up of patients with severe mental illness. An orientation towards proactivity, acting before the decompensation, would contribute to improving the care and quality of life of patients with severe mental illness and their environment.

Objetivo: Describir los ingresos de pacientes diagnosticados de enfermedad mental grave y trastorno de ansiedad en un hospital comarcal; explorar los factores relacionados con la derivación del paciente al ingreso y con estancia prolongada. Materiales y métodos: Estudio de corte transversal de los episodios de ingreso en la Unidad de Hospitalización Psiquiátrica comarcal en un periodo de 11 años con los códigos diagnósticos CIE-10 F20-29, F30-39, F60-69 y F40-48. Se extrajeron los datos a través de la Unidad de Admisión y la información de la historia clínica electrónica. Para el tratamiento estadístico se usaron pruebas descriptivas o inferenciales con nivel de confianza del 95%. Resultados: Se incluyeron 961 pacientes (2.324 altas totales), con edad de 40,8±14,0 años. Los motivos más frecuentes de ingreso fueron: síntomas positivos (agitación, delirios y alucinaciones), seguidos de ideación e intento de suicidio. El principal agente remisor de los pacientes fue la propia familia. Aproximadamente 1/5 de casos fue derivado por el propio sistema sanitario, y » de los ingresados se había autoexcluido de la supervisión especializada durante más de un año. Conclusiones: Los problemas causantes del ingreso y su procedencia, así como su falta de seguimiento, pueden considerarse como una oportunidad clara de mejora en el seguimiento del paciente con enfermedad mental grave. Una orientación hacia la proactividad, actuando antes de la descompensación, contribuiría a mejorar la asistencia y calidad de vida de los pacientes con enfermedad mental grave y su entorno.

Prognostic utility of the IgM oligoclonal bands against myelin lipids in multiple sclerosis.

IgM oligoclonal bands (OCMBs) against myelin-specific lipids have been identified as a marker for poor prognosis in multiple sclerosis (MS). The aim is to examine the relation between lipid-specific OCMBs (LS-OCMBs) and the evolution of MS. An analytical, ambispective and individual-based study was conducted. We selected 116 patients, out of whom 95 had LS-OCMBs. The predominant lipid recognized was phosphatidylcholine. The positive gangliosides OCMB group reached better scores in the 9HPT, and the phosphatidylcholine, sphingolipids and phosphatidylethanolamine OCMB groups showed statistical differences in the magnetic resonance parameters. In conclusion: some LS-OCMBs showed statistically significant differences with functional or imaging tests.

Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio: Can a non-specific marker of inflammation helps to confirm the inflammatory hypothesis of the serious mental diseases? A case-control study.

BACKGROUND: The hypotheses of autoimmune, allergic or infectious etiology of severe mental illness have been reported in the scientific literature repeatedly. The main objective of this work is to study the relationship of inflammatory, autoimmunity or recent infection markers with the fact of suffering Severe Mental Disorders (SMD). METHODS: In the present case-control study, adult patients with a diagnosis of SMD were compared with controls who underwent routine health checks that included analytical control. Cases with psychosis substance-induced and controls with diagnosis of any psychiatric illness were excluded. In both groups, patients with chronic inflammatory diseases or intercurrent infectious disease were also excluded. A set of common analytical parameters, markers of infectious diseases and inflammatory markers were retrieved for both groups, as well as demographic and clinical data. RESULTS: A total of 212 subjects (81 cases and 131 controls) were recruited. From cases, 70 (86.4%) have a diagnosis of Schizophrenia Disease (SD) and 11 (13.6%) of Schizoaffective Disorder (SAD). In the multivariate model the female sex (OR 0.24, 95% CI 0.12-0.46) and the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (OR 3.00, 95% CI 1.91-4.70) were associated with the fact of being case. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with SMD seem to have higher inflammatory markers compared to the general population, being the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, the marker associated with more strength. The role of inflammatory processes in the etiology of this type of disorders, if confirmed, opens interesting and innovative therapeutic possibilities.

[How to increase the health staff adherence to the hands hygiene protocol?] / ¿Cómo incrementar la adhesión del personal sanitario al protocolo de higiene de manos?

OBJECTIVE: Nosocomial infection is a frequent adverse event in health care. Hand hygiene (HH) reduces cross-transmission, but staff adherence is not always adequate. The objectives of this work were evaluating the effectiveness of the HH technique applied in the workplace and monitoring the adherence of the healthcare staff of a Hospital of Medium-Long Stay to the HH protocol. METHODS: Two cross sectional studies were carried out (2010-2012), to determine the prevalence of colonization of the hands of the staff by pathogenic microorganisms, a cross-sectional study (2015), to evaluate their knowledge of the HH technique and two cross-sectional studies (2015-2016), to evaluate the compliance of the protocol in the healthcare practice. The WHO Self-Assessment Framework was applied annually. The hydroalcoholic solution consumption was monitored as a process indicator. RESULTS: The prevalence of colonization of the staff hands went from 28.3% to 21.2%. Compliance with hand hygiene went from 39.5% to 72% and the results of the WHO Self-Assessment Framework went from an intermediate level with 287.5 points to an advanced level with 432.5 points. The consumption of hydroalcoholic solution went from 3.9 to 19.3 liters/1000 stays. CONCLUSIONS: Staff adherence to the HH protocol has increased, having significantly improved the compliance with the recommendations, the hydroalcoholic solution consumption and the HH level assigned to the hospital. The most effective measures to improve the results have been the development of specific improvement plans, having been decisive, the involvement of managers and the use of direct observation as a regular method of work.

OBJETIVO: La infección nosocomial es un evento adverso frecuente en la atención sanitaria. La higiene de manos (HM) reduce la transmisión cruzada, pero la adhesión del personal no siempre es adecuada. Los objetivos de este trabajo fueron evaluar la efectividad de la técnica de HM aplicada en el lugar de trabajo y monitorizar la adhesión del personal sanitario de un Hospital de Media-Larga Estancia al protocolo de HM. METODOS: Se realizaron dos cortes transversales (2010-2012), para conocer la prevalencia de colonización de las manos del personal por microorganismos patógenos, un estudio transversal (2015), para evaluar sus conocimientos sobre la técnica de HM y dos estudios observacionales (2015-2016) para evaluar el cumplimiento del protocolo en la práctica asistencial. Se aplicó anualmente el Marco de Autoevaluación de la OMS. Como indicador de proceso se monitorizó el consumo de solución hidroalcohólica. El análisis estadístico se realizó con el programa SPSS, versión 19.0. RESULTADOS: La prevalencia de colonización pasó del 28,3% al 21,2%. El cumplimiento de la HM pasó del 39,5% al 72%. Aplicando el Marco de Autoevaluación de la OMS se pasó de un nivel intermedio con 287,5 puntos a un nivel avanzado con 432,5 puntos. El consumo de solución hidroalcohólica pasó de 3,9 a 19,3 litros/1000 estancias. CONCLUSIONES: La adhesión al protocolo ha aumentado, habiendo mejorado significativamente el cumplimiento de las recomendaciones, el consumo de solución hidroalcohólica y el Nivel de HM asignado al hospital. Las medidas más eficaces para mejorar los resultados han sido la elaboración de planes de mejora específicos, habiendo sido decisiva la implicación de los directivos y el uso de la observación directa como método habitual de trabajo.

¿Cómo incrementar la adhesión del personal sanitario al protocolo de higiene de manos? / How to increase the health staff adherence to the hands hygiene protocol?

Fundamentos: La infección nosocomial es un evento adverso frecuente en la atención sanitaria. La higiene de manos (HM) reduce la transmisión cruzada, pero la adhesión del personal no siempre es adecuada. Los objetivos de este trabajo fueron evaluar la efectividad de la técnica de HM aplicada en el lugar de trabajo y monitorizar la adhesión del personal sanitario de un Hospital de Media-Larga Estancia al protocolo de HM. Métodos: Se realizaron dos cortes transversales (2010-2012), para conocer la prevalencia de colonización de las manos del personal por microorganismos patógenos, un estudio transversal (2015), para evaluar sus conocimientos sobre la técnica de HM y dos estudios observacionales (2015-2016) para evaluar el cumplimiento del protocolo en la práctica asistencial. Se aplicó anualmente el Marco de Autoevaluación de la OMS. Como indicador de proceso se monitorizó el consumo de solución hidroalcohólica. El análisis estadístico se realizó con el programa SPSS, versión 19.0. Resultados: La prevalencia de colonización pasó del 28,3% al 21,2%. El cumplimiento de la HM pasó del 39,5% al 72%. Aplicando el Marco de Autoevaluación de la OMS se pasó de un nivel intermedio con 287,5 puntos a un nivel avanzado con 432,5 puntos. El consumo de solución hidroalcohólica pasó de 3,9 a 19,3 litros/1000 estancias. Conclusiones: La adhesión al protocolo ha aumentado, habiendo mejorado significativamente el cumplimiento de las recomendaciones, el consumo de solución hidroalcohólica y el Nivel de HM asignado al hospital. Las medidas más eficaces para mejorar los resultados han sido la elaboración de planes de mejora específicos, habiendo sido decisiva la implicación de los directivos y el uso de la observación directa como método habitual de trabajo

Background: Nosocomial infection is a frequent adverse event in health care. Hand hygiene (HH) reduces cross-transmission, but staff adhe-rence is not always adequate. The objectives of this work were evaluating the effectiveness of the HH technique applied in the workplace and monitoring the adherence of the healthcare staff of a Hospital of Medium-Long Stay to the HH protocol. Methods: Two cross sectional studies were carried out (2010-2012), to determine the prevalence of colonization of the hands of the staff by pathogenic microorganisms, a cross-sectional study (2015), to evaluate their knowledge of the HH technique and two cross-sectional studies (2015-2016), to evaluate the compliance of the protocol in the healthcare practice. The WHO Self-Assessment Framework was applied annually. The hydroalcoholic solution consumption was monitored as a process indicator. Results: The prevalence of colonization of the staff hands went from 28.3% to 21.2%. Compliance with hand hygiene went from 39.5% to 72% and the results of the WHO Self-Assessment Framework went from an intermediate level with 287.5 points to an advanced level with 432.5 points. The consumption of hydroalcoholic solution went from 3.9 to 19.3 liters/1000 stays. Conclusions: Staff adherence to the HH protocol has increased, ha-ving significantly improved the compliance with the recommendations, the hydroalcoholic solution consumption and the HH level assigned to the hospital. The most effective measures to improve the results have been the development of specific improvement plans, having been decisive, the involvement of managers and the use of direct observation as a regular method of work

[Description of postauthorisation observational prospective studies with drugs in the valencian region between 2010 and 2015. Factors associated with their authorisation.] / Descripción de los estudios posautorización observacionales prospectivos con medicamentos en la Comunitat Valenciana entre 2010 y 2015.

OBJECTIVE: Postauthorisation observational studies are crucial source of information on drug effectiveness and safety. The objectives of this work were to describe the characteristics of the postauthorisation observational prospective studies (EPA-SP) for which authorisation was requested in the Valencian region, as well as to explore which factors influenced the aforementioned authorisation. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analytical study comprising all the EPA-SP for which authorisation was requested in the Valencian region between 2010 and 2015.The variables associated to the studies (e.g., objectives, studied drug, target disease) as well as those concerning the authorisation process itself (e.g., authorisation status, reason for authorisation refusal, current status of the study) were obtained from relevant databases. The analysis was divided into descriptive and analytical stages. RESULTS: We included a total of 249 studies, out of which 192 (77, 1%) aimed at estimating effectiveness or quality of life. The most frequent types of drugs involved in the studies were the antineoplastic and immunomodulating agents (42%). Only 57% of the studies were granted authorisation, with prescription induction and unusual practice being the most common causes for refusal (40.1% and 39.3%, respectively). The authorisation was linked to the diagnosis (circulatory system OR 10,7, IC95% 2,3 to 49,1), ATC L group (OR 4,2, IC95% 1,9 to 49,1) as well as to whether it had been advocated by the industry (OR 0,5, IC95% 0,3 to 0,9). CONCLUSIONS: Given the importance of having information on effectiveness and safety in usual practice, it is a priority for EPA-SP to be directed towards these aims and to promote independent research.

OBJETIVO: Los estudios posautorización observacionales son una fuente de información clave sobre efectividad y seguridad de los medicamentos. Los objetivos del estudio fueron describir las características de los estudios observacionales de seguimiento prospectivo (EPA-SP) que solicitaron autorización en la Comunitat Valenciana (CV) y explorar qué factores se asociaron con su autorización. METODOS: Se realizó estudio observacional analítico retrospectivo, en el que se incluyeron todos los EPA-SP que solicitaron autorización en la CV desde 2010 hasta 2015. A partir de las bases de datos de la Dirección General de Farmacia y Productos Sanitarios y GESTO se obtuvieron variables referentes al estudio (objetivos, medicamento estudiado, enfermedad diana, etc) y referentes al procedimiento de autorización (autorización, motivo de no autorización y estado actual del estudio). El análisis se organizó en una fase descriptiva y otra analítica mediante regresión logística con variable dependiente la autorización. RESULTADOS: Fueron incluidos un total de 249 estudios, de los que 192 (77,1%) estaban diseñados para estimar efectividad o calidad de vida. Los medicamentos más frecuentemente estudiados fueron los agentes antineoplásicos e inmunomoduladores (42%). Sólo consiguieron la autorización el 57%, siendo las causas más frecuente de denegación la inducción a la prescripción (40,1%) y la práctica no habitual (39,3%). La autorización se asoció con el diagnóstico (aparato circulatorio OR 10,7, IC95% 2,3 a 49,1), grupo ATC L (OR 4,2, IC95% 1,9 a 49,1) y el haber sido promovidos por la industria (OR 0,5, IC95% 0,3 a 0,9). CONCLUSIONES: Dada la importancia de contar con información sobre efectividad y seguridad en la práctica habitual, es prioritario que los EPA-SP sean orientados a estos fines y que se potencie la investigación independiente.

Valoración del cuestionario de Boston como screening en patología laboral por síndrome del tunel carpiano / Boston questionnaire assessment as work for screening in pathology carpal tunnel syndrome

Objetivos: el cuestionario de Boston incluye referidas al dolor, molestias, pérdida de sensibilidad, debilidad, hormigueo y funcionalidad de la mano y muñeca que debe responder el paciente. El objetivo del trabajo es evaluar el cuestionario de Boston como técnica de screening para síndrome del túnel carpiano laboral. Material y métodos: estudio de casos y controles. La población del estudio pertenecen al sector de distribución Se han utilizado las siguientes técnicas estadísticas: Chi cuadrado, T de Student, curvas ROC y regresión logística. Resultados: muestran diferencias significativas en todos sus ítems entre casos y controles, siendo la diferencia global de puntuación entre ambos grupos de 11 puntos. El riesgo de padecer STC es seis veces superior si se puntúa entre 15 y 25 y treinta y siete veces superior si se puntúa por encima de 25 que si se puntúa por debajo de 15. Conclusiones: el Cuestionario de Boston se constituye como una herramienta muy útil en el screening de STC (AU)

Objectives: Boston questionnaire includes referring to pain, discomfort, numbness, weakness, tingling and functionality of the hand and wrist that the patient should respond. The aim of the study is to evaluate the Boston questionnaire as a screening technique for labour carpal tunnel syndrome. Material and methods: a case-control study in workers of distribution sector. We used the following statistical techniques: Chi square, T-test, ROC curves and logistic regression. Results: it showssignificant differences in all items between cases and controls, the overall difference between the two groups scoring 11 points. The risk 2016of STC is six times higher if rate between 15 and 25 and thirty-seven times if you scored above 25 if it is scored below 15. Conclusions: the questionnaire Boston is established as a very useful tool in the screening of STC (AU)

Descripción de los estudios posautorización observacionales prospectivos con medicamentos en la Comunitat Valenciana entre 2010 y 2015. Análisis de los factores relacionados con su autorización / Description of postauthorisation observational prospective studies with drugs in the valencian region between 2010 and 2015. Factors associated with their authorisation

Fundamentos: Los estudios posautorización observacionales son una fuente de información clave sobre efectividad y seguridad de los medicamentos. Los objetivos del estudio fueron describir las características de los estudios observacionales de seguimiento prospectivo (EPA-SP) que solicitaron autorización en la Comunitat Valenciana (CV) y explorar qué factores se asociaron con su autorización. Métodos: Se realizó estudio observacional analítico retrospectivo, en el que se incluyeron todos los EPA-SP que solicitaron autorización en la CV desde 2010 hasta 2015. A partir de las bases de datos de la Dirección General de Farmacia y Productos Sanitarios y GESTO se obtuvieron variables referentes al estudio (objetivos, medicamento estudiado, enfermedad diana, etc) y referentes al procedimiento de autorización (autorización, motivo de no autorización y estado actual del estudio). El análisis se organizó en una fase descriptiva y otra analítica mediante regresión logística con variable dependiente la autorización. Resultados: Fueron incluidos un total de 249 estudios, de los que 192 (77,1%) estaban diseñados para estimar efectividad o calidad de vida. Los medicamentos más frecuentemente estudiados fueron los agentes antineoplásicos e inmunomoduladores (42%). Sólo consiguieron la autorización el 57%, siendo las causas más frecuente de denegación la inducción a la prescripción (40,1%) y la práctica no habitual (39,3%). La autorización se asoció con el diagnóstico (aparato circulatorio OR 10,7, IC95% 2,3 a 49,1), grupo ATC L (OR 4,2, IC95% 1,9 a 49,1) y el haber sido promovidos por la industria (OR 0,5, IC95% 0,3 a 0,9). Conclusión: Dada la importancia de contar con información sobre efectividad y seguridad en la práctica habitual, es prioritario que los EPA-SP sean orientados a estos fines y que se potencie la investigación independiente (AU)

Background: Postauthorisation observational studies are crucial source of information on drug effectiveness and safety. The objectives of this work were to describe the characteristics of the postauthorisation observational prospective studies (EPA-SP) for which authorisation was requested in the Valencian region, as well as to explore which factors influenced the aforementioned authorisation. Methods: We performed a retrospective analytical study comprising all the EPA-SP for which authorisation was requested in the Valencian region between 2010 and 2015.The variables associated to the studies (e.g., objectives, studied drug, target disease) as well as those concerning the authorisation process itself (e.g., authorisation status, reason for authorisation refusal, current status of the study) were obtained from relevant databases. The analysis was divided into descriptive and analytical stages. Results: We included a total of 249 studies, out of which 192 (77, 1%) aimed at estimating effectiveness or quality of life. The most frequent types of drugs involved in the studies were the antineoplastic and immunomodulating agents (42%). Only 57% of the studies were granted authorisation, with prescription induction and unusual practice being the most common causes for refusal (40.1% and 39.3%, respectively). The authorisation was linked to the diagnosis (circulatory system OR 10,7, IC95% 2,3 to 49,1), ATC L group (OR 4,2, IC95% 1,9 to 49,1) as well as to whether it had been advocated by the industry (OR 0,5, IC95% 0,3 to 0,9). Conclusion: Given the importance of having information on effectiveness and safety in usual practice, it is a priority for EPA-SP to be directed towards these aims and to promote independent research (AU)

Description of the Characteristics of Multiple Sclerosis Patients in the Region of Valencia (Spain) Who Requested Treatment with Disease-Modifying Drugs during the 2005-2014 Decade.

BACKGROUND: More than 3,000 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients were treated with disease-modifying drugs (DMDs) in the Region of Valencia during 2005-2014. We aimed at describing the demographic and clinical characteristics of MS patients who requested treatment with DMDs, variations in their use, and the factors associated with change to second-line therapies during this decade. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study with information from Subcomité Especializado de Medicamentos de Alto Impacto Sanitario y/o Económico registers. A statistical analysis was run in 2 phases: descriptive analysis of the sample using classical statistical methods, and of DMD trend by a chi-square test for linear trends; analytic analysis to examine the factors associated with change to second-line treatment (logistic regression model). RESULTS: We selected 2,205 patients (mean age 32.12, SD 9.64; 70% females, and 86.6% remising-remitting MS (RRMS)); 1,012 patients were attended to in highly specialized MS units (45.8%); 525 in monographic units (23.8%); and 668 in general units (30.2%). DMD prescriptions increased, and glatiramer acetate was more widespread at the end of the period (35.4%). CONCLUSION: Variability in access to different treatments was slight. The younger the patient, the higher the risk of first-line RRMS treatment failing in female gender and first treatment with interferon.

Estudio de un método inmunoturbidimétrico para la cuantificación de procalcitonina y su capacidad para el diagnóstico de sepsis / Study of an immunoturbidimetric method for quantifying procalcitonin and its ability to diagnose sepsis

Introducción. La procalcitonina (PCT) es un marcador bioquímico para el diagnóstico de sepsis. La electroquimioluminiscencia se considera actualmente el método de referencia para cuantificar PCT. El objetivo de este trabajo es estudiar un método inmunoturbidimétrico para cuantificar la PCT, comprobar su correlación analítica con el método electroquimioluminiscente y establecer su capacidad para el diagnóstico de sepsis bacteriana. Material y métodos. El método inmunoturbidimétrico fue el Diazyme® Procalcitonin Assay (Diazyme Laboratories, Poway, CA, EE. UU.) y el método electroquimioluminiscente fue el Elecsys Brahms PCT (Roche Diagnostics®). El estudio comparativo se realizó con muestras de plasma de pacientes provenientes de diferentes servicios del Hospital Francesc de Borja. Las muestras se analizaron en paralelo en un modular Cobas 6000 (Roche Diagnostics®). Resultados. Se analizaron 97 muestras. Se obtuvo un coeficiente de correlación intraclase de 0,86 (IC 95%: 0,80-0,91). Comparando los dos métodos según los rangos aceptados en la literatura, se observó un acuerdo total del 79,4%, con un coeficiente k no ponderado de 0,72 (IC 95%: 0,61-0,83) y de 0,82 (IC 95%: 0,74-0,90) tras ponderación con pesos lineales. Se obtuvo un área bajo la curva de 0,88 para el método electroquimioluminiscente y de 0,86 para el método inmunoturbidimétrico. Las odds ratio para la PCT fueron 1,19 (IC 95%: 1,06-1,33) y 1,06 (IC 95%: 1,00-1,11) medida por electroquimioluminiscencia y por inmunoturbidimetría, respectivamente. Conclusiones. El método inmunoturbidimétrico de Diazyme® es un método fiable para el diagnóstico y manejo de los pacientes con sospecha de sepsis tal y como lo es en la actualidad el método electroquimioluminiscente de Brahms® (AU)

Introduction. Procalcitonin (PCT) is a biochemical marker for the diagnosis of sepsis. Electrochemiluminescence is currently considered the reference method for quantifying PCT. The aim of this work is to study an immunoturbidimetric method to measure PCT, compare it with electrochemiluminescence method, and establish its capacity for diagnosis of bacterial sepsis. Material and methods. The immunoturbidimetric method was the Diazyme® Procalcitonin Assay (Diazyme Laboratories, Poway, CA, USA), and the electrochemiluminescence method was the Elecsys Brahms PCT. The comparative study was performed with patient plasma samples from different services of the Hospital Francesc de Borja. Samples were analysed in parallel on a Cobas 6000 modular. Results. A total of 97 samples were analysed. Intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.86 (95% CI: 0.80-0.91) was obtained. Comparing the two methods according to the ranges accepted in the literature, total agreement of 79.4% was observed, with an unweighted k coefficient of 0.72 (95% CI: 0.61 - 0.83) and 0.82 (95% CI: 0.74 - 0.90) after weighting with linear weights. An Area under the curve of 0.88 was obtained for the electrochemiluminescence method and 0.86 for the immunoturbidimetric method. The odds ratio for the PCT were 1.19 (95% CI: 1.06 - 1.33) and 1.06 (95% CI: 1.00 - 1.11) measured by electrochemiluminescence and immunoturbidimetry, respectively. Conclusions. Diazyme® immunoturbidimetric method seems to be as reliable a method for the diagnosis and management of patients with suspected sepsis as the current Brahms® electrochemiluminescence method (AU)

El ingreso hospitalario: una oportunidad para el cribado de diabetes / Hospital admission: an opportunity for diabetes screening

No disponible

[Serological survey of measles, rubella and mumps immunity among pediatric and resident physicians, Valencia, Spain]. / Seroprevalencia frente a sarampión, rubeola y parotiditis en personal facultativo del servicio de pediatría del Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe de Valencia.

BACKGROUND: Health workers are exposed to vaccine-preventable diseases. Therefore, vaccination programs are essential for preventing sanitary environment-acquired infections and avoiding additional damage to patients. The objectives were to estimate the prevalence of antibodies against measles, rubella and mumps among physicians of the Clinical Area of Children Diseases of the La Fe University Hospital (Valencia) and to study its relationship with history of disease, vaccination and professional status. METHODS: Observational, cross-sectional and analytical study. All subjects underwent a serological test for detection of specific antibodies against measles, rubella and mumps. Some of them also completed a questionnaire about the history of disease and vaccination. A descriptive and relation analysis was performed to each disease. RESULTS: 97 physicians participated in the study. 75 participants (77,3%) had positive serology to measles, 85 (87,6%) to rubella and 68 (70,1%) to mumps. The logistic regression model showed a significant effect of age (OR 1,22) in the prevalence of antibodies against measles and a significant effect of sex (OR 5,16) in the prevalence of antibodies against rubella. CONCLUSION: Given the high prevalence of seronegative young physicians and taking into account their professional activity, vaccination in this group would be recommended. Therefore it would be desirable to design strategies to achieve the accession of physicians to the vaccination program.

Seroprevalencia frente a Sarampión, Rubeola y Parotiditis en personal facultativo del Servicio de Pediatría del Hospital Universitario y Politécnico de La Fe de Valencia / Serological survey of measles, Rubella and mumps immunity among pediatric and residents physicians. Valencia, Spain

Fundamentos: El personal sanitario está expuesto a enfermedades prevenibles por vacunación y por tanto, asegurar una adhesión a programas de vacunación es un elemento clave en la prevención de las infecciones adquiridas en el trabajo y evitar causar daño a los pacientes. Los objetivos fueron estimar la prevalencia de anticuerpos frente a sarampión, rubeola y parotiditis entre los facultativos del Área Clínica de Enfermedades del Niño del Hospital Universitario y Politécnico la Fe de Valencia y estudiar su relación con antecedentes de la enfermedad, vacunación y categoría y experiencia profesional. Métodos: Estudio observacional transversal analítico. A todos los participantes se les realizó un análisis serológico para la detección de anticuerpos específicos frente a sarampión, rubeola y parotiditis y se les ofreció la posibilidad de cumplimentar un cuestionario sobre antecedentes de enfermedad y/o vacunación. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo y de relación para cada una de las enfermedades. Resultados: Participaron 97 facultativos, de ellos presentaban serología positiva para sarampión 75 (77,3%), para rubeola 85 (87,6%) y 68 (70,1%) frente a parotiditis. El modelo de regresión logística mostró diferencias significativas en la prevalencia de anticuerpos frente a sarampión en función de la edad (OR 1,22) y frente a rubeola en función del sexo (OR 5,16). Conclusiones: Considerando la alta prevalencia de facultativos jóvenes seronegativos y teniendo en cuenta la actividad profesional que desarrollan, la vacunación en este colectivo estaría recomendada por lo que sería conveniente diseñar estrategias para conseguir la adhesión de los profesionales al programa de vacunación (AU)

Background: Health workers are exposed to vaccine-preventable diseases. Therefore, vaccination programs are essential for preventing sanitary environment-acquired infections and avoiding additional damage to patients. The objectives were to estimate the prevalence of antibodies against measles, rubella and mumps among physicians of the Clinical Area of Children Diseases of the La Fe University Hospital (Valencia) and to study its relationship with history of disease, vaccination and professional status. Methods: Observational, cross-sectional and analytical study. All subjects underwent a serological test for detection of specific antibodies against measles, rubella andmumps. Some of themalso completed a questionnaire about the history of disease and vaccination. A descriptive and relation analysis was performed to each disease. Results: 97 physicians participated in the study. 75 participants (77,3%) had positive serology to measles, 85 (87,6%) to rubella and 68 (70,1%) to mumps. The logistic regression model showed a significant effect of age (OR 1,22) in the prevalence of antibodies againstmeasles and a significant effect of sex (OR 5,16) in the prevalence of antibodies against rubella. Conclusion: Given the high prevalence of seronegative young physicians and taking into account their professional activity, vaccination in this group would be recommended. Therefore it would be desirable to design strategies to achieve the accession of physicians to the vaccination program (AU)

Drug-induced sleep endoscopy: a two drug comparison and simultaneous polysomnography.

The purpose of the present study was to compare pharyngeal and polysomnographical findings during drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) performed with either propofol or midazolam as a single sedative agent. It is prospective, non-randomized, double-blinded case series study. Sixteen patients with sleep disordered breathing were sedated first with propofol and after full wake up with midazolam. Simultaneous polysomnography (PSG) was performed. We compared the zones of obstruction and vibration found with both drugs using the VOTE classification. Simultaneous PSG findings are also compared. There were 15 men and one woman; the mean age was 42.7 years old, mean body mass index 26.9 kg/m(2). Average DISE duration was 20 min with Propofol and 14.3 min with Midazolam. The induced sleep stage obtained was N2 with both drugs. Outpatient physical exam did not correlate with drug-induced sleep findings. There was a good correlation between DISE results with both drugs in all the areas of collapse except the velum (p < 0.005). Using a continuous perfusion, there is a good agreement in the findings observed in DISE performed with propofol and midazolam and PSG.

¿Por qué los pacientes utilizan los servicios de urgencias hospitalarios por iniciativa propia? / Why do patients use hospital emergency services on their own initiative?

Introducción: Se pretende describir el perfil de usuario y determinar su motivación para visitar el servicio de urgencias hospitalario (SUH) por iniciativa propia. Método: Se elaboró un cuestionario ad hoc que se aplicó por selección consecutiva a los pacientes que podían esperar asistencia (nivel 1 del triage) durante una semana de noviembre de 2002. Resultados: Respondieron el cuestionario 348 pacientes, acudiendo por iniciativa propia el 82,5%. De éstos, el 17,7% desconocía el funcionamiento de atención primaria respecto a urgencias; el 18,8% consultó con su centro de salud; el 55,0% refirió preferencia por el SUH y el 13,5% acudió por demora en otros niveles asistenciales. El 50,5% era menor de 40 años y el 9,2%, extranjero. Conclusiones: Los cambios en el patrón de consumo de servicios sanitarios pueden comprometer la organización del Sistema Nacional de Salud, si no se adapta la oferta a la necesidad expresada y/o se interviene modulando el uso racional de los recursos sanitarios

Introduction: The aim of this study was to determine the reasons why patients use hospital emergency services (HES) on their own initiative and the characteristics of these users. Method: An ad hoc questionnaire was designed and applied by consecutive selection to patients who could have waited for medical care (level 1 triage) over a 1-week period in November 2002. Results: A total of 348 patients completed the questionnaire; 82.5% attended on their own initiative; of these, 17.7% reported they did not know how Primary Care worked in relation to the Emergency Services; 18.8% consulted a Primary Care physician; 55.0% preferred the HES and 13.5% attended because of a delay in another health care setting. Half the patients (50.5%) were younger than 40 years old and 9.2% were foreigners. Conclusions: Changes in health services' consumption patterns could jeopardize the public health system unless supply is adapted to the demand expressed and/or interventions are performed to educate the public in rational health services' consumption

[Appropriateness of the utilization of an emergency department]. / Adecuación de la demanda de atención sanitaria en servicios de urgencias hospitalarios.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The increase in the demand of clinical attention in emergency departments justifies the need to evaluate its adequacy to the population health needs requiring emergency attention. The objective of this study is to evaluate the adequacy of patients' visits to the emergency departments of a third level hospital. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Descriptive study with analytic components. Random sample: 499 medical reports of patients treated in the Emergency Department. The HUAP (Appropriateness Hospital Emergencies Protocol) protocol was applied. We carried out a descriptive analysis of the sample, a relation analysis and finally we carried out a multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: 30.7% visits were inadequate. The higher percentage of inappropriateness was found in subjects younger than 40 years (44%); in those without chronic pathology (53.3%) and in those who came spontaneously (88.4%). Half of the appropriate visits owed, exclusively, to achieving "diagnostic tests" criteria. CONCLUSIONS: The Appropriateness Hospital Emergencies Protocol allowed to identify two population groups. It is necessary to implement strategies to change the health services offer, adapted to the differences found and taking into account the increase in the appropriate demand.