Role of factor XIII in ischemic stroke: a key molecule promoting thrombus stabilization and resistance to lysis.

BACKGROUND: Active coagulation factor XIII (FXIII) catalyzing crosslinking of fibrin and other hemostatic factors plays a key role in clot stability and lysis. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of FXIII inhibition in a mouse model of ischemic stroke (IS) and the role of activated FXIII (FXIIIa) in clot formation and lysis in patients with IS. METHODS: A ferric chloride IS murine model was performed before and after administration of a FXIIIa inhibitor (FXIIIinh). Thromboelastometry in human and mice blood was used to evaluate thrombus stiffness and lysis with FXIIIinh. FXIIIa-dependent fibrin crosslinking and lysis with fibrinolytic drugs (tissue plasminogen activator and tenecteplase) were studied on fibrin plates and on thrombi and clotted plasma of patients with IS. Finally, circulating and thrombus FXIIIa were measured in 85 patients with IS. RESULTS: FXIIIinh administration before stroke induction reduced infarct size, α2-antiplasmin (α2AP) crosslinking, and local microthrombosis, improving motor coordination and fibrinolysis without intracranial bleeds (24 hours). Interestingly, FXIII blockade after stroke also reduced brain damage and neurologic deficit. Thromboelastometry in human/mice blood with FXIIIinh showed delayed clot formation, reduced clot firmness, and shortened tissue plasminogen activator lysis time. FXIIIa fibrin crosslinking increased fibrin density and lysis resistance, which increased further after α2AP addition. FXIIIinh enhanced ex vivo lysis in stroke thrombi and fibrin plates. In patients with IS, thrombus FXIII and α2AP were associated with inflammatory and hemostatic components, and plasma FXIIIa correlated with thrombus α2AP and fibrin. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest a key role of FXIIIa in thrombus stabilization, α2AP crosslinking, and lysis resistance, with a protective effect of FXIIIinh in an IS experimental model.

Delayed Neurological Improvement After Full Endovascular Reperfusion in Acute Anterior Circulation Ischemic Stroke.

Background and Purpose: We aimed to determine the prevalence and predictors of delayed neurological improvement (DNI) after complete endovascular reperfusion in anterior circulation acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Methods: Retrospective analysis of an online multicenter prospective reperfusion registry of patients with consecutive anterior circulation AIS treated with endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) from January 2018 to June 2019 in tertiary stroke centers of the NORDICTUS (NORD-Spain Network for Research and Innovation in ICTUS) network. We included patients with AIS with a proximal occlusion in whom a modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction 3 reperfusion pattern was obtained. DNI was defined if, despite absence of early neurological improvement during the first 24 hours, patients achieved functional independence on day 90. Clinical and radiological variables obtained before EVT were analyzed as potential predictors of DNI. Results: Of 1565 patients with consecutive AIS treated with EVT, 1381 had proximal anterior circulation occlusions, 803 (58%) of whom achieved a modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction 3. Of these, 628 patients fulfilled all selection criteria and were included in the study. Mean age was 73.8 years, 323 (51.4%) were female, and median baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale was 16. Absence of early neurological improvement was observed in 142 (22.6%) patients; 32 of these (22.5%) achieved good long-term outcome and constitute the DNI group. Predictors of DNI in multivariable-adjusted logistic regression were male sex (odds ratio, 6.4 [95% CI, 2.1­22.3] P=0.002), lower pre-EVT National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (odds ratio, 1.4 [95% CI, 1.2­1.5], P<0.001), and intravenous thrombolysis (odds ratio, 9.1 [95% CI, 2.7­30.90], P<0.001). Conclusions: One-quarter of patients with anterior circulation AIS who do not clinically improve within the first 24 hours after complete cerebral endovascular recanalization will achieve long-term functional independence, regardless of the poor early clinical course. Male sex, lower initial clinical severity, and use of intravenous thrombolysis before EVT predicted this clinical pattern.

Oral Anticoagulation and Risk of Symptomatic Hemorrhagic Transformation in Stroke Patients Treated With Mechanical Thrombectomy: Data From the Nordictus Registry.

Introduction: We aimed to evaluate if prior oral anticoagulation (OAC) and its type determines a greater risk of symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) subjected to mechanical thrombectomy. Materials and Methods: Consecutive patients with AIS included in the prospective reperfusion registry NORDICTUS, a network of tertiary stroke centers in Northern Spain, from January 2017 to December 2019 were included. Prior use of oral anticoagulants, baseline variables, and international normalized ratio (INR) on admission were recorded. Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) was the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcome was the relation between INR and sICH, and we evaluated mortality and functional outcome at 3 months by modified Rankin scale. We compared patients with and without previous OAC and also considered the type of oral anticoagulants. Results: About 1.455 AIS patients were included, of whom 274 (19%) were on OAC, 193 (70%) on vitamin K antagonists (VKA), and 81 (30%) on direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). Anticoagulated patients were older and had more comorbidities. Eighty-one (5.6%) developed sICH, which was more frequent in the VKA group, but not in DOAC group. OAC with VKA emerged as a predictor of sICH in a multivariate regression model (OR, 1.89 [95% CI, 1.01-3.51], p = 0.04) and was not related to INR level on admission. Prior VKA use was not associated with worse outcome in the multivariate regression model nor with mortality at 3 months. Conclusions: OAC with VKA, but not with DOACs, was an independent predictor of sICH after mechanical thrombectomy. This excess risk was associated neither with INR value by the time thrombectomy was performed, nor with a worse functional outcome or mortality at 3 months.

Diagnóstico y tratamiento del trombo móvil carotídeo. A propósito de un caso / Diagnosis and treatment of a mobile carotid thrombus. A case report

No disponible

Baseline Chronic Comorbidity and Mortality in Laboratory-Confirmed COVID-19 Cases: Results from the PRECOVID Study in Spain.

We aimed to analyze baseline socio-demographic and clinical factors associated with an increased likelihood of mortality in men and women with coronavirus disease (COVID-19). We conducted a retrospective cohort study (PRECOVID Study) on all 4412 individuals with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 in Aragon, Spain, and followed them for at least 30 days from cohort entry. We described the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of all patients of the cohort. Age-adjusted logistic regressions models were performed to analyze the likelihood of mortality based on demographic and clinical variables. All analyses were stratified by sex. Old age, specific diseases such as diabetes, acute myocardial infarction, or congestive heart failure, and dispensation of drugs like vasodilators, antipsychotics, and potassium-sparing agents were associated with an increased likelihood of mortality. Our findings suggest that specific comorbidities, mainly of cardiovascular nature, and medications at the time of infection could explain around one quarter of the mortality in COVID-19 disease, and that women and men probably share similar but not identical risk factors. Nonetheless, the great part of mortality seems to be explained by other patient- and/or health-system-related factors. More research is needed in this field to provide the necessary evidence for the development of early identification strategies for patients at higher risk of adverse outcomes.

Casuística de códigos ictus atendidos por 061 ARAGÓN en el período 2010-2016. Factores que influyen en los tiempos de respuesta y de acceso a la fibrinólisis / Characteristics of the stroke alert process attended by 061 ARAGON assistance units from 2010 to 2016. Factors influencing times of response and access to fibrinolytic treatment

Objetivo: Estudiar los tiempos de respuesta en la atención al código ictus por unidades asistenciales del 061 ARAGÓN, analizando los factores implicados y su relación con el acceso al tratamiento fibrinolítico en la fase hiperaguda. Pacientes y métodos: Estudio descriptivo transversal sobre la asistencia extrahospitalaria a partir del registro de casos atendidos por unidades asistenciales del 061 ARAGÓN a pacientes con código ictus durante el período 2010-2016. Resultados: Se recogieron 1.743 pacientes con código ictus (54,6%, varones), con una edad media de 72,83 ± 13,1 años. El número de ictus atendidos en 2015 y 2016 (372 y 366, respectivamente) fue mayor que la media de 201 ictus anuales en el resto de los años. El 27,2% de los pacientes fueron atendidos entre las 08:00 y las 11:59 h, intervalo horario con mayor frecuentación. Respecto al tiempo que se tardó en atender al paciente, la media fue de 71,93 ± 33,64 minutos, con mayor tiempo de respuesta en Teruel. Cuando se analizó la influencia del intervalo horario sobre el porcentaje de casos tratados con fibrinólisis, se observó una mayor tasa de fibrinólisis cuando se activó entre las 12:00 y las 15:59 h (28,1%). Conclusión: En el 55,3% de los pacientes, el tiempo de respuesta del 061 fue mayor de 60 minutos, pero este tiempo no se vio condicionado por la hora de activación. Sin embargo, sí había diferencias en el porcentaje de casos de fibrinólisis en los diferentes intervalos horarios, lo que sugiere que factores distintos al tiempo de respuesta del 061 influyen en la indicación del tratamiento fibrinolítico

Aim: To study the response times of stroke code assistance by care units of 061 ARAGON, analyzing factors involved and their relationship with availability to fibrinolytic treatment in the hyperacute phase. Patients and methods: Transversal descriptive study on outpatient care from the registry of cases attended by 061 ARAGÓN health care units to patients with stroke code during the period 2010-2016. Results: A total of 1743 patients were attended (54.6% males), with a mean age of 72.83 ± 13.1 years. There was a higher number of strokes attended in 2015 and 2016 (372 and 366 respectively), compared to the average of 201 strokes per year in the rest of the years. 27,2% of patients were treated between 08:00-11:59 h, the most frequent time interval. Regarding the time, it took to take care of the patient, the average was 71.93 ± 33.64 minutes with a longer response time in Teruel. When influence of the hour interval on the percentage of cases treated with fibrinolysis was analyzed, a higher rate of fibrinolysis was observed when it was activated between 12:00-15:59 h (28.1%). Conclusions: In 55,3% of patients, the 061 response time was greater than 60 minutes, but this time were not conditioned by the activation time. However, there were differences in the percentage of cases fibrinolysed in the different time intervals, suggesting that factors other than the response time of 061 influence the indication of fibrinolytic treatment

Influencia de la trombectomía mecánica en la incidencia de infarto estriatocapsular aislado y descripción de sus características clínicas / Influence of mechanical thrombectomy on the incidence of isolated striatocapsular infarction and a description of its clinical characteristics

Introducción. La gran vulnerabilidad a la isquemia de la región estriatocapsular hace que la trombectomía mecánica tenga sus limitaciones en las oclusiones de vaso de gran calibre a la hora de evitar que la región estriatocapsular se infarte. Objetivos. Analizar el efecto del tratamiento endovascular en la incidencia de infarto estriatocapsular aislado (IECa) y describir sus características clínicas. Pacientes y métodos. Estudio retrospectivo en el que se analiza la incidencia de IECa tras el tratamiento de reperfusión cerebral. Se describen las características basales y clínicas de los pacientes identificados con IECa y se compara la incidencia del IECa entre dos grupos según la disponibilidad de trombectomía mecánica: uno (grupo pretrombectomía) que recibió fibrinólisis intravenosa como único tratamiento de reperfusión cerebral disponible en ese momento, y otro (grupo postrombectomía) que recibió trombectomía mecánica con o sin fibrinólisis intravenosa. Resultados. Del total de 390 pacientes reperfundidos, un 8,2% tuvo un IECa. De 135 pacientes tratados con fibrinólisis intravenosa, un 4,4% (n = 6) desarrolló un IECa (grupo pretrombectomía), y de 255 pacientes tratados en el grupo postrombectomía, se visualizó IECa en un 10,2%. El análisis estadístico de la incidencia de IECa entre ambos grupos mostró diferencias significativas (p = 0,034). La clínica sensomotora fue la más frecuente entre los pacientes con IECa (63,33%), con una frecuencia de síntomas corticales de un 55,17%. Conclusiones. Según los datos, hemos presenciado un aumento en la incidencia de IECa en nuestro medio tras la instauración de la trombectomía mecánica

Introduction. The great vulnerability of the striatocapsular region to ischaemia means that mechanical thrombectomy has its limitations in occlusions of large-calibre vessels when it comes to preventing the striatocapsular region from undergoing infarction. Aims. To analyse the effect of endovascular treatment on the incidence of isolated striatocapsular infarction (iSCI) and to describe its clinical characteristics. Patients and methods. We conducted a retrospective study to analyse the incidence of iSCI following treatment of cerebral reperfusion. The baseline and clinical characteristics of the patients identified with iSCI and the incidence of iSCI is compared between two groups according to the availability of mechanical thrombectomy: one (pre-thrombectomy group) that received intravenous fibrinolysis as the only treatment for cerebral reperfusion available in that moment; and another (post-thrombectomy group) that received a mechanical thrombectomy with or without intravenous fibrinolysis. Results. Of the 390 patients who received reperfusion, 8.2% had iSCI. Of the 135 patients treated with intravenous fibrinolysis, 4.4% (n = 6) developed iSCI (pre-thrombectomy group), and of the 255 patients treated in the post-thrombectomy group, iSCI was observed in 10.2%. The statistical analysis of the incidence of iSCI between the two groups showed significant differences (p = 0.034). A sensory-motor clinical picture was the most frequent among the patients with iSCI (63.33%), with a frequency of cortical symptoms of 55.17%. Conclusions. According to the data, there has been an increase in the incidence of iSCI in our setting following the establishment of mechanical thrombectomy

Signos predictores de crecimiento precoz de la hemorragia intracerebral en la tomografía computarizada sin contraste y mortalidad / Signs predicting early growth of intracerebral haemorrhage in computer tomography without enhancement and mortality

Introducción. La hemorragia intracerebral está asociada a una elevada morbimortalidad y su aumento de volumen en fases iniciales conlleva un peor pronóstico. El signo de la mezcla, la densidad heterogénea, la morfología irregular y un nivel líquido en el hematoma se relacionan con un crecimiento precoz del hematoma. Objetivo. Determinar si esas cuatro características se asocian a una mayor mortalidad a los 7, 30 y 90 días de ocurrida la hemorragia intracerebral. Pacientes y métodos. Estudio de cohortes retrospectivo que incluyó a todos los pacientes atendidos en nuestro hospital, entre 2010 y 2015, por una hemorragia intracerebral espontánea con tomografía computarizada cerebral realizada en las primeras seis horas tras el inicio de los síntomas. Resultados. De los 158 pacientes incluidos, 23 (14,6%) presentaban signo de la mezcla, 39 (24,7%) heterogeneidad, 53 (33,5%) irregularidad y 33 (20,9%) nivel líquido. En el análisis bivariante, sólo la heterogeneidad y la irregularidad se asociaron a mayor mortalidad a los 7, 30 y 90 días. En el análisis por regresión logística multivariante, el tratamiento previo con antiagregante plaquetario, una puntuación en la escala de coma de Glasgow menor de 13 y la irregularidad se asociaron a una mayor mortalidad en los siete primeros días. Conclusión. El estudio muestra asociación entre la irregularidad del hematoma y la mortalidad en los siete primeros días. La irregularidad permitiría identificar a pacientes con peor pronóstico, en los que una vigilancia estricta, especialmente de factores relacionados con el crecimiento del hematoma, podría mejorar su pronóstico

Introduction. Intracerebral haemorrhage is associated with high morbidity and mortality, and an increase in its volume in the early phases entails a poorer prognosis. The blend sign, the heterogeneous density, the irregular morphology and a fluid level in the haematoma are related to an early growth of the haematoma. Aim. To determine whether these four characteristics are associated with greater mortality at 7, 30 and 90 days of the occurrence of the intracerebral haemorrhage. Patients and methods. A retrospective cohort study that included all the patients attended in our hospital between 2010 and 2015 for spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage with a computed tomography brain scan performed in the first six hours following the onset of symptoms. Results. Of the 158 patients included in the sample, 23 (14.6%) presented blend sign; 39 (24.7%), heterogeneity; 53 (33.5%), irregularity; and 33 (20.9%), fluid level. In the bivariate analysis, only heterogeneity and irregularity were associated with increased mortality at 7, 30 and 90 days. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, previous treatment with an antiplatelet drug, a score on the Glasgow Coma Scale below 13 and irregularity were associated with higher mortality in the first seven days. Conclusion. The study shows an association between irregularity of the haematoma and mortality in the first seven days. Irregularity would allow identification of patients with a more unfavourable prognosis; in these cases, strict surveillance, especially of factors related to the growth of the haematoma, could improve their prognosis

Repeated Mechanical Thrombectomy in the Same Intracranial Artery Segment.

We report a patient with an important scenario that may arise in the management of an acute ischemic stroke: the need for a repeated mechanical thrombectomy in the same intracranial artery segment. The patient had a history of atrial fibrillation and a mechanical mitral valve replacement. In her first stroke, she had an occlusion of the proximal segment of the right middle cerebral artery; 58 days later, she presented with an occlusion in the same segment of that cerebral artery. In both instances, the thrombus was extracted by a stent retriever with good clinical and radiographic results. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a repeated mechanical thrombectomy in the same intracranial artery segment using stent retriever devices.

Concordancia del registro de demencia en las principales fuentes de información clínica / Concordance in the registry of dementia among the main sources of clinical information

Introducción. El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar la concordancia del registro del diagnóstico de demencia entre las principales fuentes de información clínica, con el fin de explorar su utilidad en investigación epidemiológica y clínica. Material y métodos. Estudio descriptivo de pacientes adscritos al Servicio Aragonés de Salud en 2010 (n=1.344.891). La identificación de pacientes con demencia se realizó en 3 bases de datos distintas: a)cinta de facturación de farmacia (n=9.392); b)historia clínica electrónica (HCE) de atención primaria (n=9.471), y c)conjunto mínimo básico de datos (CMBD) hospitalarios (n=3.289). Para analizar la concordancia entre las diferentes bases de datos se toman como referencia los pacientes con tratamiento específico para demencia (p.ej., inhibidores de la acetilcolinesterasa y/o memantina). Resultados. En el 47,3% de los pacientes con tratamiento específico no constaba el diagnóstico en la HCE. Lo mismo sucedió en el 38,3% de los pacientes con demencia que ingresaron en el hospital. De entre los pacientes con diagnóstico de demencia en la HCE, la mitad (52,3%) tenían prescrito tratamiento específico. Este porcentaje descendió hasta un 34,4% en el caso de los pacientes con el diagnóstico reflejado en el informe de alta hospitalaria. Conclusiones. Existe una escasa concordancia en el registro de este diagnóstico en las principales fuentes de información asistenciales, lo que cuestiona la utilidad de su empleo de forma aislada para estudios epidemiológicos y obliga a consultar las distintas bases de datos disponibles si queremos obtener una visión global de la realidad epidemiológica y clínica de esta enfermedad (AU)

Background. The objective of this work was to analyse the concordance in the registry of dementia among the main sources of clinical information, with the aim of determining their usefulness for epidemiological and clinical research. Methods. Descriptive study of patients assigned to the Aragon Health Service in 2010 (n=1,344,891). Databases used: (i)the pharmacy billing database (n=9,392); (ii)Primary Care electronic health records (EHR) (n=9,471), and (iii)the hospital minimum basic data set (n=3,289). When studying the concordance of the databases, the group of patients with a specific treatment for dementia (i.e., acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and/or memantine) was taken as the reference. Results. The diagnosis in Primary Care was missing for 47.3% of patients taking anti-dementia drugs. The same occurred with 38.3% of dementia patients admitted to hospital during the study year. Among patients with a diagnosis of dementia in the EHR, only half (52.3%) was under treatment for this condition. This percentage decreased to 34.4% in patients with the diagnosis registered in the hospital database. Conclusions. The weak concordance in the registry of the dementia diagnosis between the main health information systems makes their use and analysis more complex, and supports the need to include all available health data sources in order to gain a global picture of the epidemiological and clinical reality of this health condition (AU)

El audit como herramienta de mejora continua en el Plan de Atención al Ictus de Aragón / Auditing as a tool for ongoing improvement in the Stroke Care Plan of the Region of Aragón

Introducción. El Plan de Atención al Ictus de Aragón (PAIA) se creó en 2008 en el marco de la Estrategia Nacional en Ictus del Sistema Nacional de Salud. La monitorización de la atención hospitalaria al ictus mediante auditorías periódicas se definió como una de sus líneas de trabajo. Objetivo. Determinar la calidad del proceso asistencial hospitalario prestado al paciente con ictus en Aragón mediante el uso de indicadores de calidad. Materiales y métodos. Se realizaron tres audits (en los años 2008, 2010 y 2012) siguiendo la misma metodología, basada en la revisión retrospectiva de una muestra representativa de ingresos por ictus en cada uno de los hospitales generales del Servicio Aragonés de Salud. Se recogió información sobre 48 indicadores seleccionados según su evidencia científica o relevancia clínica. Resultados. Se estudiaron 1.011 casos (331 en el primer audit, y 340 en el segundo y en el tercero). Treinta y un indicadores presentaron una mejoría significativa (entre ellos destacan los indicadores de calidad de la historia clínica, de evaluación neurológica, las medidas preventivas iniciales y, con especial relevancia, la realización de test de deglución), dos sufrieron empeoramiento (relacionados con el tratamiento rehabilitador) y 15 no registraron variaciones significativas. Conclusiones. La implantación del PAIA ha supuesto una mejoría notable en la mayoría de los indicadores de calidad evaluados, reflejo de una mejora continua en la atención hospitalaria del ictus. La generalización progresiva de la atención especializada y la creación de las áreas de ictus son algunos de los factores determinantes (AU)

Introduction. The Aragón Stroke Care Plan (PAIA) was created in 2008 within the framework of the Spanish National Health System. Monitoring hospital care of strokes by means of periodic audits was defined as one of its lines of work. Aim. To determine the quality of the hospital care process for stroke patients in Aragón by using quality indicators. Materials and methods. Three audits were carried out (in the years 2008, 2010 and 2012) following the same methodology, based on the retrospective review of a representative sample of admissions due to stroke in each of the general hospitals belonging to the Aragonese Health Service. Information was collected on 48 indicators selected according to their scientific evidence or clinical relevance. Results. Altogether 1011 cases were studied (331 in the first audit, and 340 in the second and the third). Thirty-one indicators showed a significant improvement (some of the most notable being the indicators of quality of the medical record, neurological assessment, initial preventive measures and, especially relevant, performing the swallowing test), two underwent a decline in their condition (related with rehabilitation treatment) and 15 did not register any significant variation. Conclusions. The implementation of the PAIA has given rise to a notable improvement in most of the quality indicators evaluated, which reflects an ongoing improvement in hospital stroke care. The progressive generalisation of specialised care and the creation of stroke units are some of the determining factors (AU)

[Concordance in the registry of dementia among the main sources of clinical information]. / Concordancia del registro de demencia en las principales fuentes de información clínica.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this work was to analyse the concordance in the registry of dementia among the main sources of clinical information, with the aim of determining their usefulness for epidemiological and clinical research. METHODS: Descriptive study of patients assigned to the Aragon Health Service in 2010 (n=1,344,891). DATABASES USED: (i)the pharmacy billing database (n=9,392); (ii)Primary Care electronic health records (EHR) (n=9,471), and (iii)the hospital minimum basic data set (n=3,289). When studying the concordance of the databases, the group of patients with a specific treatment for dementia (i.e., acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and/or memantine) was taken as the reference. RESULTS: The diagnosis in Primary Care was missing for 47.3% of patients taking anti-dementia drugs. The same occurred with 38.3% of dementia patients admitted to hospital during the study year. Among patients with a diagnosis of dementia in the EHR, only half (52.3%) was under treatment for this condition. This percentage decreased to 34.4% in patients with the diagnosis registered in the hospital database. CONCLUSIONS: The weak concordance in the registry of the dementia diagnosis between the main health information systems makes their use and analysis more complex, and supports the need to include all available health data sources in order to gain a global picture of the epidemiological and clinical reality of this health condition.

Comorbidity of dementia: a cross-sectional study of primary care older patients.

BACKGROUND: The epidemiologic study of comorbidities of an index health problem represents a methodological challenge. This study cross-sectionally describes and analyzes the comorbidities associated with dementia in older patients and reviews the existing similarities and differences between identified comorbid diseases using the statistical methods most frequently applied in current research. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of 72,815 patients over 64 seen in 19 Spanish primary care centers during 2008. Chronic diseases were extracted from electronic health records and grouped into Expanded Diagnostic Clusters®. Three different statistical methods were applied (i.e., analysis of prevalence data, multiple regression and factor analysis), stratifying by sex. RESULTS: The two most frequent comorbidities both for men and women with dementia were hypertension and diabetes. Yet, logistic regression and factor analysis demonstrated that the comorbidities significantly associated with dementia were Parkinson's disease, congestive heart failure, cerebrovascular disease, anemia, cardiac arrhythmia, chronic skin ulcers, osteoporosis, thyroid disease, retinal disorders, prostatic hypertrophy, insomnia and anxiety and neurosis. CONCLUSIONS: The analysis of the comorbidities associated with an index disease (e.g., dementia) must not be exclusively based on prevalence rates, but rather on methodologies that allow the discovery of non-random associations between diseases. A deep and reliable knowledge about how different diseases are grouped and associated around an index disease such as dementia may orient future longitudinal studies aimed at unraveling causal associations.

¿Están indicadas las estatinasen la prevención del infarto cerebral? / Are statins indicated in the prevention of cerebral infarct?

Introducción. Determinados estudios en cardiopatía isquémica han mostrado una reducción de la pravastatina en la prevención del ictus. En espera de los ensayos clínicos apropiados, se discute el posible papel terapéutico de estos fármacos en este subgrupo de pacientes. Desarrollo. Un panel de expertos multidisciplinar evalúan los datos existentes sobre el papel de las dislipemias en la epidemiología de los ictus, la posible acción de las estatinas en la prevención del infarto cerebral y en pacientes con estenosis de carótida de origen ateromatoso, así como su mecanismo de acción. Conclusiones. La pravastatina estaría indicada en todos los pacientes con ictus de origen ateromatoso como prevención primaria de la cardiopatía isquémica, en pacientes con ictus e hipercolesterolemia y en pacientes con estenosis carotídea, sintomática y asintomática, en espera de los ensayos clínicos específicos (AU)