Improvement in Olfaction in Patients With CRSwNP and Severe Asthma Taking Anti-IgE and Anti-IL-5 Biologics: A Real-Life Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), which is characterized by partial loss of smell (hyposmia) or total loss of smell (anosmia), is commonly associated with asthma and/or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-exacerbated respiratory disease (N-ERD). CRSwNP worsens disease severity and quality of life. The objective of this real-world study was to determine whether biological treatments prescribed for severe asthma can improve olfaction in patients with CRSwNP. A further objective was to compare the improvement in in olfaction in N-ERD and non-N-ERD subgroups. METHODS: We performed a multicenter, noninterventional, retrospective, observational study of 206 patients with severe asthma and CRSwNP undergoing biological treatment (omalizumab, mepolizumab, benralizumab, or reslizumab). RESULTS: Olfaction improved after treatment with all 4 monoclonal antibodies (omalizumab [35.8%], mepolizumab [35.4%], reslizumab [35.7%], and benralizumab [39.1%]), with no differences between the groups. Olfaction was more likely to improve in patients with atopy, more frequent use of short-course systemic corticosteroids, and larger polyp size. The proportion of patients whose olfaction improved was similar between the N-ERD (37%) and non-N-ERD (35.7%) groups. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first real-world study to compare improvement in olfaction among patients undergoing long-term treatment with omalizumab, mepolizumab, reslizumab, or benralizumab for severe asthma and associated CRSwNP. Approximately 4 out of 10 patients reported a subjective improvement in olfaction (with nonsignificant differences between biologic drugs). No differences were found for improved olfaction between the N-ERD and non-N-ERD groups.

Serum microRNAs Catalog Asthma Patients by Phenotype.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition of the airways with a complex pathophysiology. Stratification of asthma subtypes into phenotypes and endotypes should move the field forward, making treatment more effective and personalized. Eosinophils are the key inflammatory cells involved in severe eosinophilic asthma. Given the health threat posed by eosinophilic asthma, there is a need for reliable biomarkers to identify affected patients and treat them properly with novel biologics. microRNAs (miRNAs) are a promising diagnostic tool. The aim of this study was to identify serum miRNAs that can phenotype asthma patients. METHODS: Serum miRNAs of patients with eosinophilic asthma (N=40) and patients with noneosinophilic asthma (N=36) were evaluated using next-generation sequencing, specifically miRNAs-seq, and selected miRNAs were validated using RT-qPCR. Pathway enrichment analysis of deregulated miRNAs was performed. RESULTS: Next-generation sequencing revealed 15 miRNAs that were expressed differentially between eosinophilic and noneosinophilic asthma patients, although no differences were observed in the miRNome between atopic and nonatopic asthma patients. Of the 15 miRNAs expressed differentially between eosinophilic and noneosinophilic asthma patients, hsa-miR-26a-1-3p and hsa-miR-376a-3p were validated by RT-qPCR. Expression levels of these 2 miRNAs were higher in eosinophilic than in noneosinophilic asthma patients. Furthermore, expression values of hsa-miR-26a-1-3p correlated inversely with peripheral blood eosinophil count, and hsa-miR-376a-3p expression values correlated with FeNO values and the number of exacerbations. Additionally, in silico pathway enrichment analysis revealed that these 2 miRNAs regulate signaling pathways associated with the pathogenesis of asthma. CONCLUSIONS: hsa-miR-26a-1-3p and hsa-miR-376a-3p could be used to differentiate between eosinophilic and noneosinophilic asthma.

Serum microRNAs Catalog Asthma Patients by Phenotype

Background: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition of the airways with a complex pathophysiology. Stratification of asthma subtypes into phenotypes and endotypes should move the field forward, making treatment more effective and personalized. Eosinophils are the key inflammatory cells involved in severe eosinophilic asthma. Given the health threat posed by eosinophilic asthma, there is a need for reliable biomarkers to identify affected patients and treat them properly with novel biologics. microRNAs (miRNAs) are a promising diagnostic tool. Objective: The aim of this study was to identify serum miRNAs that can phenotype asthma patients. Methods: Serum miRNAs of patients with eosinophilic asthma (N=40) and patients with noneosinophilic asthma (N=36) were evaluated using next-generation sequencing, specifically miRNAs-seq, and selected miRNAs were validated using RT-qPCR. Pathway enrichment analysis of deregulated miRNAs was performed. Results: Next-generation sequencing revealed 15 miRNAs that were expressed differentially between eosinophilic and noneosinophilic asthma patients, although no differences were observed in the miRNome between atopic and nonatopic asthma patients. Of the 15 miRNAs expressed differentially between eosinophilic and noneosinophilic asthma patients, hsa-miR-26a-1-3p and hsa-miR-376a-3p were validated by RT-qPCR. Expression levels of these 2 miRNAs were higher in eosinophilic than in noneosinophilic asthma patients. Furthermore, expression values of hsa-miR-26a-1-3p correlated inversely with peripheral blood eosinophil count, and hsa-miR-376a-3p expression values correlated with FeNO values and the number of exacerbations. Additionally, in silico pathway enrichment analysis revealed that these 2 miRNAs regulate signaling pathways associated with the pathogenesis of asthma. Conclusion: hsa-miR-26a-1-3p and hsa-miR-376a-3p could be used to differentiate between eosinophilic and noneosinophilic asthma (AU)

Agreement and differences between macular values in children using two types of spectral optical coherence tomography.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the degree of agreement and differences between macular parameters according to sex, age, laterality, ethnicity and type of optical coherence tomography (OCT) in paediatric patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective, transversal, and comparative study. OCT Spectralis and OCT Cirrus were used to obtain the macular values of both eyes in 100 patients between 5 and 15 years without ocular pathology. Due to the similarity between the values of both eyes, in the final sample we only considered the right eyes (OD) (n = 100). RESULTS: The average central macular thickness (CMT) was 244.2 µm with Cirrus and 261.7 µm with Spectralis. The degree of agreement for the GMC was moderate (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient: 0.66) and from low to very low in the other quadrants. The GMC values of both systems were significantly higher in men than in women (P < .05). The macular retinal nerve fibre layer (mRNC), ganglion cell layer (GCC), the inner plexiform layer (IPLC), and the inner nuclear layer (INFL) had significantly higher values in men than in women (P < .01). There were no statistically significant differences in the GMC by age and laterality, however it was significantly higher in ethnic European children than in ethnic Latin American children; Cirrus (P = .042) and Spectralis (P = .033). CONCLUSIONS: Macular parameters obtained by OCT Spectralis and OCT Cirrus should not be interchangeable in pediatric patients.

Beneficial effects of manually assisted chiropractic adjusting instrument in a rabbit model of osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease characterized by injury of all joint tissues. Our previous study showed that in experimental osteoporosis, chiropractic manipulation (CM) exerts protective effects on bone. We here assessed whether CM might ameliorate OA by improving subchondral bone sclerosis, cartilage integrity and synovitis. Male New-Zealand rabbits underwent knee surgery to induce OA by anterior cruciate ligament injury. CM was performed using the chiropractic instrument ActivatorV 3 times/week for 8 weeks as follows: force 2 setting was applied to the tibial tubercle of the rabbit right hind limb (TM-OA), whereas the corresponding left hind limb received a false manipulation (FM-OA) consisting of ActivatorV firing in the air and slightly touching the tibial tubercle. After sacrifice, subchondral bone integrity was assessed in the tibiae by microCT and histology. Cartilage damage and synovitis were estimated by Mankin's and Krenn's scores, respectively, and histological techniques. Bone mineral density and content in both cortical and trabecular compartments of subchondral bone decreased in OA rabbits compared to controls, but partially reversed in the TM-OA group. Trabecular bone parameters in the latter group also showed a significant improvement compared to FM-OA group. Moreover RANKL, OPG, ALP and TRAP protein expression in subchondral bone significantly decreased in TM-OA rabbits with respect to FM-OA group. CM was associated with lower Mankin's and Krenn's scores and macrophage infiltrate together with a decreased protein expression of pro-inflammatory, fibrotic and angiogenic factors, in TM-OA rabbits with respect to FM-OA. Our results suggest that CM may mitigate OA progression by improving subchondral bone as well as cartilage and synovial membrane status.

Grado de concordancia y diferencias entre los valores de capa de fibras nerviosas de la retina peripapilar en niños mediante dos tipos de tomografía de coherencia óptica espectral / Agreement in retinal nerve fiber layer values and comparison in children using two optical coherence tomography devices

OBJETIVO: Determinar el grado de concordancia y las diferencias entre los valores medios de las capas de fibras nerviosas de la retina (CFNRm) peripapilar en función del sexo, la edad, la lateralidad, la etnia y el tipo de tomografía de coherencia óptica (OCT) en pacientes pediátricos. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio prospectivo, transversal y comparativo. Se utilizó tanto la OCT Spectralis como la OCT Cirrus para medir los valores del disco óptico de ambos ojos en 100 pacientes de entre 5 y 15 años sin patología ocular. Debido al alto grado de semejanza en los valores de ambos ojos al llevar a cabo el análisis estadístico, y para evitar sesgos, en la muestra final solo consideramos los ojos derechos (n = 100). RESULTADOS: Los valores de CFNRm fueron de 99,6μm con Cirrus y de 106,7 μm con Spectralis. Las mediciones de CFNRm mostraron correlación negativa con los valores de la longitud axial (p < 0,01) para ambas OCT. Mediante el coeficiente de correlación intraclase (CCI), el grado de concordancia entre los valores de CFNRm y entre los valores de CFNR inferior fue moderado (CCI: 0,67 y 0,61, respectivamente), y bajo en el resto de los sectores. Los valores de CFNRm para ambas OCT fueron mayores en mujeres que en varones (p > 0,05), y tampoco se obtuvo significación estadística según la edad o la lateralidad (p > 0,05). El valor de CFNRm fue significativamente más alto en pacientes de etnia latinoamericana que en pacientes de etnia europea. CONCLUSIONES: Los valores de CFNR peripapilar obtenidos mediante OCT Spectralis y OCT Cirrus no deberían ser usados indistintamente en pacientes pediátricos

OBJECTIVE: To assess absolute agreement and differences in peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) values according to sex, age, laterality, origin and optical coherence tomography (OCT) type in normal pediatric patients undergoing OCT scans using both Cirrus and Spectralis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective, cross-sectional, and comparative study. We used Spectralis OCT and Cirrus OCT to measure optic disc values of both eyes in one hundred pediatric patients (age 5 to 15 years), with no previous ocular pathology or systemic disease that could affect the eye. Due to the similarity between eyes, only right eyes were considered (n = 100). RESULTS: The average peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) values were 99.6 μm with Cirrus and 106.7 μm with the Spectralis system. The four quadrants followed the ISNT rule (inferior-superior-nasal-temporal). The average pRNFL measures correlated negatively with the AL (P < .01) in both OCTs, and the degree of agreement between OCTs for pRNFL and inferior RNFL was moderate (CCI: 0.67 and 0.61, respectively), and low in the rest of the sectors. The average pRNFL values of both OCTs were higher in women than in men (P > .05) and there were also no statistical differences in the pRNFL according to age or laterality (P > .05). All RNFL values were significantly different between both types of OCTs (P < .05) and average pRNFL values were significantly thicker (P < .05) in Latin American than in European children in both eyes

Agreement in retinal nerve fiber layer values and comparison in children using two optical coherence tomography devices. / Grado de concordancia y diferencias entre los valores de capa de fibras nerviosas de la retina peripapilar en niños mediante dos tipos de tomografía de coherencia óptica espectral.

OBJECTIVE: To assess absolute agreement and differences in peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) values according to sex, age, laterality, origin and optical coherence tomography (OCT) type in normal pediatric patients undergoing OCT scans using both Cirrus and Spectralis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective, cross-sectional, and comparative study. We used Spectralis OCT and Cirrus OCT to measure optic disc values of both eyes in one hundred pediatric patients (age 5 to 15years), with no previous ocular pathology or systemic disease that could affect the eye. Due to the similarity between eyes, only right eyes were considered (n=100). RESULTS: The average peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) values were 99.6µm with Cirrus and 106.7µm with the Spectralis system. The four quadrants followed the ISNT rule (inferior-superior-nasal-temporal). The average pRNFL measures correlated negatively with the AL (P<.01) in both OCTs, and the degree of agreement between OCTs for pRNFL and inferior RNFL was moderate (CCI: 0.67 and 0.61, respectively), and low in the rest of the sectors. The average pRNFL values of both OCTs were higher in women than in men (P>.05) and there were also no statistical differences in the pRNFL according to age or laterality (P>.05). All RNFL values were significantly different between both types of OCTs (P<.05) and average pRNFL values were significantly thicker (P<.05) in Latin American than in European children in both eyes. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that the respective peripapillary RNFL values obtained using these two OCTs should not be considered interchangeable in pediatric patients.

Increasing Incidence of Pediatric Eosinophilic Esophagitis in the Southwest of Madrid, Spain.

OBJECTIVES: The incidence of eosinophilic esophagitis is unknown in our area. The aim of our study was to determine the incidence of eosinophilic esophagitis and its possible association with the most frequent absolute annual pollen counts. METHODS: A descriptive retrospective multicenter observational study was designed to calculate the incidence of eosinophilic esophagitis in children aged under 15 years in the southwest region of Madrid, Spain in 2002-2013 (data were provided by the Statistics Institute of Madrid). We collected data on age, sex, clinical presentation, and date of endoscopic diagnosis. Relative risk (RR) was estimated (Stata v.11) using negative binomial regression models to assess the association between incidence and pollen counts (provided by Subiza Clinic). RESULTS: The study population comprised 254 patients (192 male [75.6%], aged 0.5-14.99 years). The clinical presentation was esophageal impaction in 23.6%, dysphagia in 22%, gastroesophageal reflux-like symptoms in 44.9%, and other findings in 9.4%. The annual incidence from 2002 to 2013 per 100 000 children aged <15 years per year was, respectively, 0.81, 1.5, 0.37, 3.17, 3.07, 4.36, 6.87, 7.19, 8.38, 9.05, 9.14, and 9.68. The incidence of eosinophilic esophagitis increased by an average of 19% annually (RR, 1.19; 95%CI, 1.14-1.25; P<.001). In the overall analysis, the relationship between incidence and absolute annual and monthly counts during the pollen seasons of the respective pollen types was analyzed only for Platanus species, which had an RR >1 (1.17 and 1.06, respectively) (P<.05). CONCLUSION: The incidence of diagnosis of pediatric eosinophilic esophagitis increased by an average of 19% annually. No significant association was found between incidence and pollen counts, except for a weak association with Platanus species.

Increasing incidence of pediatric eosinophilic esophagitis in the Southwest of Madrid, Spain

Objectives: The incidence of eosinophilic esophagitis is unknown in our area. The aim of our study was to determine the incidence of eosinophilic esophagitis and its possible association with the most frequent absolute annual pollen counts. Methods: A descriptive retrospective multicenter observational study was designed to calculate the incidence of eosinophilic esophagitis in children aged under 15 years in the southwest region of Madrid, Spain in 2002-2013 (data were provided by the Statistics Institute of Madrid). We collected data on age, sex, clinical presentation, and date of endoscopic diagnosis. Relative risk (RR) was estimated (Stata v.11) using negative binomial regression models to assess the association between incidence and pollen counts (provided by Subiza Clinic). Results: The study population comprised 254 patients (192 male [75.6%], aged 0.5-14.99 years). The clinical presentation was esophageal impaction in 23.6%, dysphagia in 22%, gastroesophageal reflux-like symptoms in 44.9%, and other findings in 9.4%. The annual incidence from 2002 to 2013 per 100 000 children aged <15 years per year was, respectively, 0.81, 1.5, 0.37, 3.17, 3.07, 4.36, 6.87, 7.19, 8.38, 9.05, 9.14, and 9.68. The incidence of eosinophilic esophagitis increased by an average of 19% annually (RR, 1.19; 95%CI, 1.14-1.25; P<.001). In the overall analysis, the relationship between incidence and absolute annual and monthly counts during the pollen seasons of the respective pollen types was analyzed only for Platanus species, which had an RR >1 (1.17 and 1.06, respectively) (P<.05). Conclusion: The incidence of diagnosis of pediatric eosinophilic esophagitis increased by an average of 19% annually. No significant association was found between incidence and pollen counts, except for a weak association with Platanus species

Objetivo: La incidencia de esofagitis eosinofílica es desconocida en nuestra área. El objetivo de nuestro estudio es determinar la incidencia de diagnóstico de esofagitis eosinofílica y su posible asociación con los recuentos absolutos anuales de los pólenes más frecuentes. Métodos: Se diseñó un estudio descriptivo multicéntrico retrospectivo para el cálculo de la incidencia de esofagitis eosinofílica en niños menores de 15 años en el suroeste de la Comunidad de Madrid entre 2002-2013 (datos poblacionales obtenidos del Instituto de Estadística de la Comunidad de Madrid). Se recoge de cada paciente: edad, sexo, presentación clínica y fecha de diagnóstico endoscópico. Se estimó la asociación entre la incidencia y los recuentos polínicos (aportados por la Clínica Subiza) mediante cálculo del riesgo relativo usando modelos de regresión binomial negativa (Stata v.11).Resultados: Se incluyeron 254 pacientes, 75,6% varones (n=192), de edades comprendidas entre 0,5-14,99 años. La presentación clínica fue: impactación esofágica 23,6%, disfagia 22%, síntomas sugerentes de reflujo gastroesofágico 44,9% y otros 9,4%. Las incidencias anuales desde 2002 a 2013 (nº casos/100.000 niños menores de 15 años/año) fueron respectivamente: 0,81; 1,5; 0,37; 3,17; 3,07; 4,36; 6,87; 7,19; 8,38; 9,05; 9,14 y 9,68. La incidencia de esofagitis eosinofílica se incrementó en una media anual de 19% (RR 1,19, 95% IC: 1,14-1,25, p <0,001). En nuestro estudio únicamente existió asociación (RR>1) entre la incidencia y los recuentos polínicos absolutos de Platanus spp anuales y durante los meses de máxima polinización (1,17 and 1,06, respectivamente) (p <0,05).Conclusión: La incidencia de diagnóstico de esofagitis eosinofílica en la edad pediátrica se ha incrementado en una media anual de un 19%. No se encontró una asociación estadísticamente significativa entre la incidencia y los recuentos polínicos, excepto con el Platanus spp aunque ésta fue débil

Existe asociación entre la mención en los medios sociales de los artículos científicos y su número de citas? Análisis de las revistas médicas más influyentes / Are article's social media mentions associated to citation counts? An analysis in highly influential medical journals

No disponible

La ansiedad y la depresión como predictores de los trastornos músculo-esqueléticos en los trabajadores sanitarios / Anxiety and depression predict musculoskeletal disorders in health care workers

Los trastornos músculo-esqueléticos (TME) presentan una prevalencia e incidencia altas en los trabajadores sanitarios. El objetivo de este estudio ha sido analizar la posible asociación entre los TME y la ansiedad y/o depresión, así como su relación con otros factores de riesgo laborales o no laborales. Estudio de 56 casos y 55 controles de trabajadoras sanitarias de un hospital terciario. Se valoraron nuevos episodios de TME de reciente aparición mediante el cuestionario validado Nórdico, y la ansiedad y depresión percibidas mediante el cuestionario validado de Goldberg contestado en su reconocimiento médico anterior, así como variables demográficas y laborales (incluyendo el puesto y área de trabajo, el turno y la asistencia a la movilización y/o deambulación de pacientes). El riesgo de presentar TME fue analizado mediante regresión logística múltiple de las variables consideradas. El riesgo de nuevos episodios de TME fue cinco veces superior en las trabajadoras que presentaban ansiedad y/o depresión previamente en comparación con quienes no las presentaban (OR 5,01, IC 2,20-12,05, p< 0,01). El otro factor de riesgo de TME identificado en el modelo de regresión fue la asistencia a la movilización y/o deambulación de pacientes (OR 2,59, IC 1,03-6,92, p= 0,04). En conclusión, la ansiedad y/o la depresión percibidas por las trabajadoras sanitarias del estudio han precedido a la aparición de nuevos episodios de TME. Parece necesario profundizar en el conocimiento de la interrelación de la salud mental y los TME de cara a su prevención

Incidence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) is high among health care workers (HCWs). To determine whether MSDs are associated with preexisting anxiety and/or depression, a case-control study was carried out in female HCWs (56 cases/55 controls). Cases were HCWs with a first-time clinical diagnosis of MSD within the previous 2 years. Occupation, workplace, work shift, direct patient assistance, and anxiety/depression scores (Goldberg scale) were assessed. Increased risk of incident MSDs (multivariate logistic regression) was found in workers with preexisting anxiety/depression compared to those without (OR 5.01; 95% CI 2.20-12.05; p < .01). Other significant risk factors were direct patient assistance (OR 2.59; 95% CI 1.03-6.92; p = .04) and morning work shift (OR 2.47; 95% CI 0.99-6.48; p = .05). Preexisting anxiety/depression was associated with incident MSDs in HCWs, adjusting for occupational exposure risk factors

Impact of Chiropractic Manipulation on Bone and Skeletal Muscle of Ovariectomized Rats.

Evidence suggests that chiropractic manipulation might exert positive effects in osteoporotic patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of chiropractic manipulation on bone structure and skeletal muscle in rats with bone loss caused by ovariectomy (OVX). The 6-month old Sprague-Dawley rats at 10 weeks following OVX or sham operation (Sh) did not suffer chiropractic manipulation (NM group) or were submitted to true chiropractic manipulation using the chiropractic adjusting instrument Activator V® three times/week for 6 weeks as follows: Force 1 setting was applied onto the tibial tubercle of the rat right hind limb (TM group), whereas the corresponding left hind limb received a false manipulation (FM group) consisting of ActivatorV® firing in the air and slightly touching the tibial tubercle. Bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) were determined in long bones and L3-L4 vertebrae in all rats. Femora and tibia were analyzed by µCT. Mechano growth factor (MGF) was detected in long bones and soleus, quadriceps and tibial muscles by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. The decrease of BMD and BMC as well as trabecular bone impairment in the long bones of OVX rats vs Sh controls was partially reversed in the TM group versus FM or NM rats. This bone improvement by chiropractic manipulation was associated with an increased MGF expression in the quadriceps and the anterior tibial muscle in OVX rats. These findings support the notion that chiropractic manipulation can ameliorate osteoporotic bone at least partly by targeting skeletal muscle.

Derrame pleural maligno como debut de neoplasia no conocida / No disponible

Objetivo: Conocer el origen de la neoplasia en los pacientes con derrame pleural maligno (DPM) como primera manifestación de enfermedad tumoral. Diseño: Estudio retrospectivo y multicéntrico, desarrollado en 11 hospitales públicos de la Comunidad de Madrid, en el que se incluyeron todos los pacientes consecutivos con DPM, sin antecedentes de neoplasia conocida entre el 1 de abril de 2008 y el 1 de abril de 2013. Resultados: El diagnóstico del tumor primario se realizó mediante muestras citohistológicas en 339 pacientes (84%). El cáncer de pulmón destacó como el origen más frecuente del DPM tanto en hombres (59%) como en mujeres (46%), siendo el adenocarcinoma la estirpe histológica más frecuente. Los tumores pleurales primarios ocuparon el segundo lugar en frecuencia (20%), de los que el 92% fueron mesoteliomas. En tercer lugar se situaron en igual proporción (5,5%), las neoplasias hematológicas y los tumores ováricos. El cáncer mamario, junto con los tumores digestivos, renales y urológicos fueron muy infrecuentes (<2%). En 39 pacientes (9,7%) no fue posible determinar el origen neoplásico. Se hallaron otras metástasis a distancia en 187 pacientes (47%). Conclusión: El pulmón es el órgano que con mayor frecuencia produce DPM como primera manifestación de enfermedad neoplásica, seguido por las neoplasias pleurales. En ausencia de otros síntomas, el clínico debe dirigir sus esfuerzos iniciales a descartar uno de estos órganos como el origen tumoral. En mujeres, nuestro estudio obliga a cambiar la sospecha y enfoque clínico, ya que en esta situación el carcinoma mamario es muy infrecuente

Objective: To determine the origin of neoplasms in patients with malignant pleural effusion (MPE) as the initial manifestation of tumor disease. Material and methods: This is a retrospective, multicenter study. It was developed at 11 public hospitals in the Community of Madrid, and included all consecutive patients with MPE and no history of previously detected neoplasm between April 1, 2008 and April 1, 2013. Results: We studied 402 patients with MPE. We obtained a cytohistological diagnosis of the primary tumor in 339 of them (84%). Lung cancer was the most frequent origin of the MPE in both men (59%) and in women (46%), while adenocarcinoma was the most frequent histological type. Primary pleural tumors were the second most frequent (20%), 92% of which were mesotheliomas. Third were both hematological cancers and ovarian tumors (5,5%). Breast cancer, along with gastrointestinal, renal and urological tumors, were very rare (<2%). It was not possible to determine the origin of the neoplasm in 39 patients (9,7%). Other distant metastases were found in 187 patients (47%). Conclusion: The lungs are the organs that most frequently produce MPE as the initial manifestation of neoplastic disease, which is followed in frequency by pleural neoplasms. Therefore, in the absence of other symptoms, clinicians should aim their initial efforts at ruling out one of these organs as the tumor origin. Our study shows that the clinical suspicion and focus should be changed when diagnosing women, because MPE is uncommon as the first manifestation of breast cancer

Parathormone Levels Are Independently Associated with the Presence of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease.

BACKGROUND: Abnormalities of mineral metabolism and inflammation may affect the cardiovascular system. We have assessed the relationship of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) with inflammation and mineral metabolism. METHODS: LVH was measured in 146 outpatients with stable coronary artery disease (SCAD) using echocardiography. Calcidiol (a vitamin D metabolite), parathyroid hormone (PTH), fibroblast growth factor-23, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, MCP-1 (monocyte chemoattractant protein-1), galectin-3, NGAL (neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin), and sTWEAK (soluble TNF-related weak inducer of apoptosis) plasma levels were studied. RESULTS: LVH, defined as septal thickness ≥11 mm, was present in 19.9% of cases. These patients were older [75.0 (61.0-81.0) vs 64.0 (51.0-76.0) years; p=0.002], had higher prevalence of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)>40%, and had higher PTH [84.7 (59.6-104.7) vs 63.2 (49.2-85.2) pg/ml; p=0.007], galectin-3 [9.6 (8.0-11.1) vs 8.3 (6.9-9.9) ng/ml; p=0.037], and NGAL (208.5±87.6 vs 173.9±73.4 ng/ml; p=0.031) plasma levels than those without LVH. Glomerular filtration rate was lower in patients with LVH than in those without it (65.1±20.0 vs 74.7±19.9 mL/min/1.73 m2; p=0.021). There were no significant differences in hypertension (79.3 vs 68.4%; p=0.363) or sex between both groups. Variables showing differences based on univariate analysis and hypertension were entered into a logistic regression analysis. Only age [odds ratio (OR) =1.052 (1.011-1.096); p=0.013], PTH plasma levels [OR=1.017 (1.003-1.031); p=0.021], and LVEF>40% [OR=7.595 (1.463-39.429); p=0.016] were independent predictors of LVH. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with SCAD, elevated PTH levels are independently associated with the presence of LVH. Further studies are needed to elucidate the role of PTH in the development of myocardial hypertrophy.

Suicide ideation among oncologic patients in a Spanish ward.

Oncologic patients are exposed to a higher risk of suicidal behaviors than the general population. In this study, we aim to examine the severity of suicidal ideation in a sample of oncologic patients considering different psychological and clinical features. We interviewed 202 inpatients receiving curative or palliative treatment in a medical oncology ward of a Spanish hospital during the period 2012-2014. A complete assessment of psychosocial factors, cancer diagnoses (lung, colon rectum, and genitourinary system), and suicidal behaviors were made during admission, including validated questionnaires about depression, anxiety, personality, quality of life, body image, life threatening events, hopelessness, and suicidal ideation. The characteristics of inpatients with high and low suicidal ideation were retrospectively compared. A logistic regression model was constructed to examine the relationship between the significant factors retained after the univariate analyses. One of every four patients (n = 51; 25.24%) presented high scores of suicidal ideation. Logistic regression analyses retained depression (OR = 3.55; 95% CI = 1.25-11.68; p = .016), hopelessness (OR = 8.78; 95% CI = 3.44-25.88; p ≤ .001), personality (OR = .44; 95% CI = .2-.96; p = .038), and advanced age (OR = 2.60; 95% CI = 1.18-5.98; p = .016) as the main risk factors for high suicidal ideation. Suicidal ideation was frequent among oncologic patients. These patients should receive closer monitoring, especially, when old, retired, or severely depressed.

Protocolo Bruce: errores habituales en la evaluación de la capacidad funcional y en el diseño de un entrenamiento físico en cardiopatía isquémica / Bruce protocol: common errors in the evaluation of functional capacity and in exercise prescription in ischemic heart disease

Introducción. La utilización de pruebas de esfuerzo con incrementos bruscos en la carga de trabajo puede acentuar la pérdida de relación lineal entre el VO2 y la frecuencia cardíaca. La falta de datos objetivos para considerar la frecuencia cardíaca como máxima puede ocasionar aplicaciones de intensidades de trabajo insuficientes durante los entrenamientos. Objetivos. Determinar la variabilidad de la capacidad funcional y de la frecuencia cardíaca máxima, realizando en un mismo paciente una prueba de esfuerzo indirecta y directa. Determinar la intensidad de entrenamiento óptima con una prueba de esfuerzo indirecta. Métodos. Veintinueve pacientes con cardiopatía isquémica realizaron, en un plazo inferior a 4 semanas, una prueba de esfuerzo indirecta (protocolo Bruce) y una directa (ergoespirometría). Se analizaron parámetros de trabajo, metabólicos y cardíacos. Resultados. Objetivamos una sobrestimación de la capacidad funcional con el protocolo Bruce del 10,4%. La frecuencia cardíaca máxima fue de 125 lpm en el protocolo Bruce y de 132 lpm en la ergoespirometría. Los umbrales aerobio/anaerobio se produjeron a 99 y 119 lpm. La intensidad de entrenamiento diseñada a partir del protocolo Bruce y según el método de 75-85% de la frecuencia cardíaca máxima fue de 95 vs. 107 lpm. Utilizando el método Karvonen al 60-80% fue de 103 vs. 113 lpm. Conclusiones. La capacidad funcional está sobrestimada con la utilización del protocolo Bruce estandarizado. El diseño de un entrenamiento en función de porcentajes de frecuencia cardíaca puede hacernos trabajar de una forma submáxima. La metodología de Karvonen estima la intensidad de trabajo de una manera más óptima(AU)

Introduction. The use of stress tests with sudden increases in the workload may accentuate the loss of the linear relationship between VO2 and heart rate. Lack of objective data to consider heart rate as maximum may result in the application of submaximum workloads during exercise training. Objectives. To determine variability in functional capacity and maximum heart rate by means of an indirect and direct exercise test in the same patient. To determine optimum training intensity using an indirect stress test. Methods. In a period under 4 weeks, 29 patients with ischemic heart disease performed an indirect exercise test (Bruce protocol) and a direct exercise test (ergospirometry). Work, metabolic and cardiac parameters were analyzed. Results. We observed an overestimation of functional capacity with the Bruce protocol of 10.4%. Maximum heart rate was 125 bpm in the Bruce protocol and 132 bpm in the ergospirometry test. Aerobic and anaerobic thresholds occurred at 99 vs 119 bpm, respectively. Workload intensity designed according to the Bruce Protocol and in accordance with the 75-85% maximum heart rate method was 95 vs 107 bpm. This was 103 vs 113 bpm with the Karvonen method at 60 - 80%. Conclusions. Functional capacity is overestimated when the standardized Bruce protocol is used. The design of training based on heart rate percentages may cause us to work submaximally. The Karvonen method estimates work load more optimally (AU)