Recommendations for the future management of thrombocytopenia in patients with liver cirrhosis: A modified RAND/UCLA appropriateness method / Recomendaciones para el futuro manejo de la trombocitopenia en pacientes con cirrosis hepática: una versión modificada de la Metodología RAND/UCLA

Objective The lack of consensus and specific guidelines, and the introduction of new treatments in thrombocytopenia management in liver cirrhosis patients, required a series of recommendations by experts to improve knowledge on this disease. This study's aim was to improve the knowledge around thrombocytopenia in liver cirrhosis patients, in order to contribute to the generation of future evidence to improve the management of this disease. Patients and methods A modified version of the RAND/UCLA appropriateness method was used. The scientific committee, a multidisciplinary team of 7 experts in managing thrombocytopenia in liver cirrhosis patients, identified the expert panel, and participated in elaborating the questionnaire. Thirty experts from different Spanish institutions were invited to answer a 48-item questionnaire covering 6 areas on a nine-point Likert scale. Two rounds were voted. The consensus was obtained if >77.7% of panelists reached agreement or disagreement. Results A total of 48 statements were developed by the scientific committee and then voted by the experts, resulting in 28 defined as appropriate and completely necessary, relating to evidence generation (10), care circuit, (8), hemorrhagic risk assessment, decision-making and diagnostic tests (14), professionals’ role and multidisciplinary coordination (9) and patient education (7). Conclusions This is the first consensus in Spain on the management of thrombocytopenia in liver cirrhosis patients. Experts indicated several recommendations to be carried out in different areas that could help physicians make better decisions in their clinical practice (AU)

Objetivo La falta de consenso y guías específicas, y la introducción de nuevos tratamientos para el manejo de la trombocitopenia en pacientes con cirrosis hepática, requerían recomendaciones expertas para mejorar el conocimiento sobre dicha patología. El objetivo de este estudio es mejorar el conocimiento sobre la trombocitopenia en pacientes con cirrosis hepática de cara a contribuir en la generación de futuras evidencias que mejoren el manejo de esta patología. Metodología Ae utilizó una versión modificada de la metodología Delphi RAND/UCLA. El comité científico, formado por 7 expertos en el manejo de la trombocitopenia en pacientes con cirrosis hepática, identificó un panel de expertos y participó en la elaboración del cuestionario de recomendaciones. Treinta expertos de diferentes hospitales españoles fueron invitados a responder al cuestionario. Los expertos respondieron a 48 ítems divididos en 6 áreas en una escala Likert de 9 puntos. La votación tuvo lugar en 2 rondas, en las que se obtuvo consenso siempre y cuando >77,7% de los panelistas alcanzasen acuerdo o desacuerdo. Resultados Cuarenta y ocho recomendaciones fueron elaboradas por el comité científico para su votación por parte del panel de expertos. Finalmente 28 recomendaciones fueron consideradas apropiadas y completamente necesarias: 10 de ellas relativas a la generación de evidencia; 8 al circuito de cuidados; 14 a la evaluación de riesgo hemorrágico, la toma de decisiones y los test diagnósticos; 9 al papel de los profesionales y la coordinación multidisciplinar, y 7 a la educación de los pacientes. Conclusiones Se trata del primer consenso español en el manejo de la trombocitopenia en pacientes con cirrosis hepática. Los expertos definieron un amplio número de recomendaciones que podrían contribuir a la toma de decisiones clínicas y a la mejora en el manejo de estos pacientes en la práctica clínica real (AU)

Recommendations for the future management of thrombocytopenia in patients with liver cirrhosis: A modified RAND/UCLA appropriateness method.

OBJECTIVE: The lack of consensus and specific guidelines, and the introduction of new treatments in thrombocytopenia management in liver cirrhosis patients, required a series of recommendations by experts to improve knowledge on this disease. This study's aim was to improve the knowledge around thrombocytopenia in liver cirrhosis patients, in order to contribute to the generation of future evidence to improve the management of this disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A modified version of the RAND/UCLA appropriateness method was used. The scientific committee, a multidisciplinary team of 7 experts in managing thrombocytopenia in liver cirrhosis patients, identified the expert panel, and participated in elaborating the questionnaire. Thirty experts from different Spanish institutions were invited to answer a 48-item questionnaire covering 6 areas on a nine-point Likert scale. Two rounds were voted. The consensus was obtained if >77.7% of panelists reached agreement or disagreement. RESULTS: A total of 48 statements were developed by the scientific committee and then voted by the experts, resulting in 28 defined as appropriate and completely necessary, relating to evidence generation (10), care circuit, (8), hemorrhagic risk assessment, decision-making and diagnostic tests (14), professionals' role and multidisciplinary coordination (9) and patient education (7). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first consensus in Spain on the management of thrombocytopenia in liver cirrhosis patients. Experts indicated several recommendations to be carried out in different areas that could help physicians make better decisions in their clinical practice.

219Three-dimensional printing as a cutting-edge, versatile and personalizable vascular stent manufacturing procedure: Toward tailor-made medical devices.

Vascular stents (VS) have revolutionized the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, as evidenced by the fact that the implantation of VS in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients has become a routine, easily approachable surgical intervention for the treatment of stenosed blood vessels. Despite the evolution of VS throughout the years, more efficient approaches are still required to address the medical and scientific challenges, especially when it comes to peripheral artery disease (PAD). In this regard, three-dimensional (3D) printing is envisaged as a promising alternative to upgrade VS by optimizing the shape, dimensions and stent backbone (crucial for optimal mechanical properties), making them customizable for each patient and each stenosed lesion. Moreover, the combination of 3D printing with other methods could also upgrade the final device. This review focuses on the most recent studies using 3D printing techniques to produce VS, both by itself and in combination with other techniques. The final aim is to provide an overview of the possibilities and limitations of 3D printing in the manufacturing of VS. Furthermore, the current situation of CAD and PAD pathologies is also addressed, thus highlighting the main weaknesses of the already existing VS and identifying research gaps, possible market niches and future directions.

Future scenarios and opportunities for interventional radiology in the post COVID-19 era.

Pandemic outbreak has led health systems worldwide into a rapid reorganization in response to coronavirus infections, forcing interventional radiology units to adapt. Interventional procedures have evolved in number, type and setting and have arguably been optimized as a direct consequence of this pandemic; a result that will undoubtedly lead to radical change within the specialty. This paper explores the future of interventional radiology from various perspectives, and forecasts the new opportunities that will be presented, from the adaptation of the interventional radiology staff and angiography suite, to the immunological environment, and through to digital medical education. We analyze the economic impact and the future relationship we can expect with the rest of the medical industry.

Mechanical thrombectomy in patients with tumour-related ischaemic stroke.

Ischaemic stroke is a common cause of death and incapacity and is related in most cases to vascular disease. Intracranial vessel occlusion due to tumour emboli is a rare entity and adequate treatment for this condition is not defined. The use of mechanical thrombectomy devices is considered the treatment of choice for major intracranial vessel occlusion; however, no recommendation can be made in the case of tumour thrombembolia. This report describes two cases who presented with a middle cerebral artery occlusion due to tumour emboli and that were treated using the Solitaire thrombectomy device.