Patrones y resultados del cambio de anticoagulantes orales directos en la fibrilación auricular no valvular: experiencia en la práctica clínica en España / Patterns and outcomes of switching direct oral anticoagulants in non-valvular atrial fibrillation: A real-world experience from Spain

Objetivos El objetivo consistía en evaluar un programa de gestión de anticoagulantes orales directos (ACOD) en pacientes con fibrilación auricular no valvular (FANV) según sus perfiles, idoneidad de la dosis, patrones de cambio de tratamiento, efectividad y seguridad Se trató de un estudio observacional, prospectivo y longitudinal en una cohorte de pacientes atendidos en la práctica clínica cotidiana en un hospital regional español con un plan de seguimiento de 3 años para pacientes que iniciaron el tratamiento con dabigatrán, rivaroxabán o apixabán entre enero de 2012 y diciembre de 2016. Métodos Se analizaron 490 episodios de tratamiento (apixabán 2,5mg, 9,4%; apixabán 5mg, 21,4%; dabigatrán 75mg, 0,6%; dabigatrán 110mg, 12,4%; dabigatrán 150mg, 19,8%; rivaroxabán 15mg, 17,8%; rivaroxabán 20mg, 18,6%) en 445 pacientes. En el 13,6% de los pacientes tratados con dabigatrán, el 9,7% de los tratados con rivaroxabán y el 3,9% de los tratados con apixabán se cambió a otros ACOD o se modificó la dosis. Resultados El ACOD al que se cambió con mayor frecuencia fue el apixabán. Los motivos más frecuentes para cambiar de tratamiento fueron toxicidad (23,8%), hemorragia (21,4%) y deterioro renal (16,7%). En el 23,8% de los episodios se constató una inadecuación de la dosis. Las tasas de ictus y accidentes isquémicos transitorios (AIT) fueron de 1,64 y 0,54 eventos/100 años/paciente, respectivamente, mientras que las de hemorragias importantes, no importantes, pero clínicamente relevantes (NICR) e intracraneales fueron de 2,4, 5 y 0,5 eventos/100 años/paciente, respectivamente. Las hemorragias digestivas y genitourinarias fueron el tipo más frecuente de eventos hemorrágicos. En el análisis multifactorial, el ictus previo y la edad fueron factores predictivos independientes de ictus/AIT. El uso concomitante de antiagregantes plaquetarios, el sexo masculino y la edad fueron factores predictivos independientes de eventos hemorrágicos (AU)

Aims The aim is to evaluate a management program for direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients according to their profiles, appropriateness of dosing, patterns of crossover, effectiveness and safety. This is an observational and longitudinal prospective study in a cohort of patients attended in daily clinical practice in a regional hospital in Spain with 3-year a follow-up plan for patients initiating dabigatran, rivaroxaban or apixaban between Jan/2012 and Dec/2016. Methods We analyzed 490 episodes of treatment (apixaban 2.5, 9.4%; apixaban 5, 21.4%; dabigatran 75, 0.6%; dabigatran 110, 12.4%; dabigatran 150, 19.8%; rivaroxaban 15, 17.8% and rivaroxaban 20, 18.6%) in 445 patients. 13.6% of patients on dabigatran, 9.7% on rivaroxaban, and 3.9% on apixaban switched to other DOACs or changed dosing. Results Apixaban was the most frequent DOAC switched to. The most frequent reasons for switching were toxicity (23.8%), bleeding (21.4%) and renal deterioration (16.7%). Inappropriateness of dose was found in 23.8% of episodes. Rates of stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA) were 1.64/0.54 events/100 patients-years, while rates of major, clinically relevant non-major (CRNM) bleeding and intracranial bleeding were 2.4, 5, and 0.5 events/100 patients-years. Gastrointestinal and genitourinary bleeding were the most common type of bleeding events (BE). On multivariable analysis, prior stroke and age were independent predictors of stroke/TIA. Concurrent platelet inhibitors, male gender and age were independent predictors of BE. Conclusion This study complements the scant data available on the use of DOACs in NVAF patients in Spain, confirming a good safety and effectiveness profil (AU)

[Findings in brainstem auditory evoked potentials in patients under 2 years of age with a history of intraventricular haemorrhage]. / Hallazgos en los potenciales evocados auditivos del tallo cerebral en pacientes menores de 2 años con antecedente de hemorragia intraventricular.

INTRODUCTION: There are few studies that describe the results of auditory pathway assessment in patients with a history of intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) during the early years of life. Hypoacusis can occur from the earliest stages of IVH. Brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs) are a useful tool for diagnosing auditory pathway disorders in early childhood. The aim of the present study was to describe the BAEPs findings in patients under 2 years of age with a history of IVH. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective observational study in patients under 2 years of age with a history of IVH referred to our hospital for BAEPs over a period of three years. Patients with genetic syndromes associated with hypoacusis were excluded. BAEPs were used to evaluate the presence or absence of any bioelectrical response and latencies of waves I, III and V, as well as of the intervals I-III, III-V and I-V, and also their morphology, amplitude, synchrony and reproducibility. A descriptive analysis was carried out with the calculation of frequencies and percentages. RESULTS: A total of 122 patients were included. Fifty-one per cent of them had a history of Grade I IVH; 42%, Grade II; and 7%, Grades III or IV. A bioelectrical response was obtained in 243 auditory pathways (99.6%). The morphology was found to be altered in 6.2% of the auditory pathways, while amplitudes were decreased in 2.5% of those tested. Latencies for waves I and III were found to be prolonged in 2% and for wave V in 3.6% of patients. The hearing threshold was normal in 64.8%, and 35.2% of cases presented hypoacusis. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of hypoacusis was high in the sample analysed. Systematic follow-up using BAEPs is recommended in order to detect and treat problems in the auditory pathway in patients with IVH in a timely manner.

TITLE: Hallazgos en los potenciales evocados auditivos del tallo cerebral en pacientes menores de 2 años con antecedente de hemorragia intraventricular.Introducción. Existen pocos estudios que describan los resultados de la evaluación de la vía auditiva en pacientes con antecedente de hemorragia intraventricular (HIV) durante los primeros años de vida. La hipoacusia puede presentarse desde los grados iniciales de la HIV. Los potenciales evocados auditivos del tallo cerebral (PEATC) son una herramienta útil para diagnosticar alteraciones de la vía auditiva en la infancia temprana. El objetivo del presente estudio fue describir los hallazgos en los PEATC en pacientes menores de 2 años con antecedente de HIV. Pacientes y métodos. Es un estudio observacional retrospectivo realizado en pacientes menores de 2 años con antecedente de HIV enviados a nuestro hospital para la realización de PEATC en un período de tres años. Se excluyó a pacientes con síndromes genéticos asociados a hipoacusia. A través de los PEATC se evaluó la presencia o la ausencia de respuesta bioeléctrica y latencias de las ondas I, III y V, así como de los intervalos I-III, III-V y I-V, además de su morfología, amplitud, sincronía y la replicabilidad. Se realizó un análisis de tipo descriptivo con cálculo de frecuencias y porcentajes. Resultados. Se incluyó a un total de 122 pacientes. El 51% de ellos tenía antecedente de HIV de grado I; el 42%, de grado II; y el 7%, de grados III o IV. La respuesta bioeléctrica se obtuvo en 243 vías auditivas (99,6%). La morfología se encontró alterada en el 6,2% de las vías auditivas, mientras que las amplitudes estuvieron disminuidas en el 2,5% de las evaluadas. Las latencias para las ondas I y III se encontraron prolongadas en el 2%, y, para la onda V, en el 3,6% de los pacientes. El umbral auditivo fue normal en el 64,8%, y el 35,2% de los casos presentó hipoacusia. Conclusiones. La prevalencia de la hipoacusia fue alta en la muestra analizada. Se recomienda realizar el seguimiento mediante PEATC de forma sistemática con la finalidad de detectar y atender oportunamente problemas de la vía auditiva en pacientes con HIV.

Hallazgos en los potenciales evocados auditivos del tallo cerebral en pacientes menores de 2 años con antecedente de hemorragia intraventricular / Findings in brainstem auditory evoked potentials in patients under 2 years of age with a history of intraventricular haemorrhage

Introducción: Existen pocos estudios que describan los resultados de la evaluación de la vía auditiva en pacientes con antecedente de hemorragia intraventricular (HIV) durante los primeros años de vida. La hipoacusia puede presentarse desde los grados iniciales de la HIV. Los potenciales evocados auditivos del tallo cerebral (PEATC) son una herramienta útil para diagnosticar alteraciones de la vía auditiva en la infancia temprana. El objetivo del presente estudio fue describir los hallazgos en los PEATC en pacientes menores de 2 años con antecedente de HIV. Pacientes y métodos: Es un estudio observacional retrospectivo realizado en pacientes menores de 2 años con antecedente de HIV enviados a nuestro hospital para la realización de PEATC en un período de tres años. Se excluyó a pacientes con síndromes genéticos asociados a hipoacusia. A través de los PEATC se evaluó la presencia o la ausencia de respuesta bioeléctrica y latencias de las ondas I, III y V, así como de los intervalos I-III, III-V y I-V, además de su morfología, amplitud, sincronía y la replicabilidad. Se realizó un análisis de tipo descriptivo con cálculo de frecuencias y porcentajes. Resultados: Se incluyó a un total de 122 pacientes. El 51% de ellos tenía antecedente de HIV de grado I; el 42%, de grado II; y el 7%, de grados III o IV. La respuesta bioeléctrica se obtuvo en 243 vías auditivas (99,6%). La morfología se encontró alterada en el 6,2% de las vías auditivas, mientras que las amplitudes estuvieron disminuidas en el 2,5% de las evaluadas. Las latencias para las ondas I y III se encontraron prolongadas en el 2%, y, para la onda V, en el 3,6% de los pacientes. El umbral auditivo fue normal en el 64,8%, y el 35,2% de los casos presentó hipoacusia. Conclusiones: La prevalencia de la hipoacusia fue alta en la muestra analizada. Se recomienda realizar el seguimiento mediante PEATC de forma sistemática con la finalidad de detectar y atender oportunamente problemas...(AU)

Introduction: There are few studies that describe the results of auditory pathway assessment in patients with a history of intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) during the early years of life. Hypoacusis can occur from the earliest stages of IVH. Brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs) are a useful tool for diagnosing auditory pathway disorders in early childhood. The aim of the present study was to describe the BAEPs findings in patients under 2 years of age with a history of IVH. Patients and methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study in patients under 2 years of age with a history of IVH referred to our hospital for BAEPs over a period of three years. Patients with genetic syndromes associated with hypoacusis were excluded. BAEPs were used to evaluate the presence or absence of any bioelectrical response and latencies of waves I, III and V, as well as of the intervals I-III, III-V and I-V, and also their morphology, amplitude, synchrony and reproducibility. A descriptive analysis was carried out with the calculation of frequencies and percentages. Results: A total of 122 patients were included. Fifty-one per cent of them had a history of Grade I IVH; 42%, Grade II; and 7%, Grades III or IV. A bioelectrical response was obtained in 243 auditory pathways (99.6%). The morphology was found to be altered in 6.2% of the auditory pathways, while amplitudes were decreased in 2.5% of those tested. Latencies for waves I and III were found to be prolonged in 2% and for wave V in 3.6% of patients. The hearing threshold was normal in 64.8%, and 35.2% of cases presented hypoacusis.Conclusions: The prevalence of hypoacusis was high in the sample analysed. Systematic follow-up using BAEPs is recommended in order to detect and treat problems in the auditory pathway in patients with IVH in a timely manner.(AU)

Patterns and outcomes of switching direct oral anticoagulants in non-valvular atrial fibrillation: A real-world experience from Spain.

AIMS: The aim is to evaluate a management program for direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients according to their profiles, appropriateness of dosing, patterns of crossover, effectiveness and safety. This is an observational and longitudinal prospective study in a cohort of patients attended in daily clinical practice in a regional hospital in Spain with 3-year a follow-up plan for patients initiating dabigatran, rivaroxaban or apixaban between JAN/2012-DEC/2016. METHODS: We analyzed 490 episodes of treatment (apixaban 2.5 9.4%, apixaban 5 21.4%, dabigatran 75 0.6%, dabigatran 110 12,4%, dabigatran 150 19.8%, rivaroxaban 15 17.8% and rivaroxaban 20 18.6%) in 445 patients. 13.6% of patients on dabigatran, 9.7% on rivaroxaban, and 3.9% on apixaban switched to other DOACs or changed dosing. RESULTS: Apixaban was the most frequent DOAC switched to. The most frequent reasons for switching were toxicity (23.8%), bleeding (21.4%) and renal deterioration (16.7%). Inappropriateness of dose was found in 23.8% of episodes. Rates of stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA) were 1.64/0.54 events/100 patients-years, while rates of major, clinically relevant non-major (CRNM) bleeding and intracranial bleeding were 2.4, 5, and 0.5 events/100 patients-years. Gastrointestinal and genitourinary bleeding were the most common type of bleeding events (BE). On multivariable analysis, prior stroke and age were independent predictors of stroke/TIA. Concurrent platelet inhibitors, male gender and age were independent predictors of BE. CONCLUSION: This study complements the scant data available on the use of DOACs in NVAF patients in Spain, confirming a good safety and effectiveness profile.

Pandemia y atencion ambulatoria pediatrica de alta complejidad en un hospital publico. Experiencia de un modelo de atención con uso de telemedicina en niños/as con nutrición parenteral domiciliaria / Pandemic and highly complex pediatric outpatient care in a public hospital. Experience of a care model with the use of telemedicine in children with home parenteral nutrition

Introducción: Los pacientes que reciben nutrición parenteral domiciliaria (NPD) en seguimiento desde el Hospital requieren un monitoreo que debió modificarse por la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2. Objetivo: Valorar la utilización y el impacto en los resultados, de estrategias alternativas a la atención presencial de pacientes con NPD, empleando telemedicina, durante el inicio de la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2, comparándolas con las prácticas habituales previas. Materiales y métodos: Estudio analítico descriptivo retrospectivo que analizó el monitoreo, la evolución y las complicaciones de pacientes con NPD asistidos en el Hospital en el período previo a la pandemia (1/4/2019 y 31/3/2019) y durante su primer año (1/4/2020 a 31/3/2021), basado en la revisión de historias clínicas y bases de datos de complicaciones. Resultados: Las características demográficas, diagnósticos, procedencia y provisión de la NPD fueron similares en los dos períodos. Durante el período de la pandemia se redujeron en forma significativa el número de controles presenciales y aumentaron los realizados por telemedicina en forma sincrónica (con una modalidad pautada previamente), y los controles por profesionales locales. La participación de los cuidadores en los procedimientos de administración de la NPD aumentó en pandemia. Las tasas de complicaciones, re-internaciones, el número de inicios y suspensiones de tratamiento fueron similares en ambos períodos. Conclusiones: En pandemia fue posible implementar y monitorizar la NPD utilizando telemedicina sin observar afectación significativa de la evolución, las complicaciones de la enfermedad y del tratamiento. El seguimiento mediante telemedicina sincrónica resultó útil y se incorporará como una herramienta más al monitoreo habitual sin reemplazarlo

Introduction: Patients receiving home parenteral nutrition (HPN) under follow-up from the Hospital require monitoring that had to be modified due to the SARSCoV-2 pandemic. Objective: To assess the use and the impact on the results of other care strategies for patients with HPN, using telemedicine, during the beginning of the SARS CoV2 pandemic, compared with previous usual practices.Materials and methods: Retrospective descriptive analytical study that analyzed the monitoring, evolution and complications of patients with HPN assisted in the Hospital, in the period before pandemic ( 4/1/2019 to 3/31/2020) and during the first year of SARS CoV-2 pandemic (4/1/2020 to 3/31/2021), according to data obtained from medical records and databases. Results: demographic characteristics, diagnoses, place of residence and HPN provision were similar in both periods. During the pandemic period, the number of face-to-face controls were significantly reduced and those carried out by telemedicine synchronously, and by local professionals increased. The participation of caregivers in the administration procedures of the HPN increased in the pandemic period. The rates of complications, readmissions, number of initiations and suspensions of home treatment were similar in both periods. Conclusions: It was possible to implement and monitor HPN during pandemic. The evolution and complications of the disease and treatment were not significantly affected. Synchronous telemedicine follow-up was successfully useful and will be incorporated as another tool to regular monitoring

Estudio experimental aleatorizado para la evaluación de la efectividaddel proyecto Flebitis Zero en Navarra / Randomized experimental study to evaluate the effectiveness of the Flebitis Zero project in Navarre

Fundamento:La flebitis es una de las complicaciones más frecuentes en los catéteres venosos periféricos (CVP). El objetivo fue comparar la frecuencia de flebitis previa y tras la implantación del proyecto Flebitis Zero, para conocer la efectividad del mismo y los factores relacionados con dicha complicación.Material y métodos:Estudio aleatorizado de comparación pre-post intervención (proyecto Flebitis Zero) realizado en el Hospital Universitario de Navarra (Pamplona, España) entre 2015 y 2019. La intervención consistió en la formación del personal y en la implementación de medidas que permitan disminuir la incidencia de complicaciones de los catéteres venosos periféricos. El grupo control (GC) se seleccionó antes de la puesta en marcha del proyecto Flebitis Zero, y el grupo intervención (GI) a lo largo de los cinco años posteriores.Resultados:Se incluyeron 656 pacientes, 96 en el GC (14,6%) y 569 en el GI. En el GI se observó menor frecuencia de complicaciones (49 vs 37,1%; p<0,001), especialmente salida accidental del dispositivo (18,8 vs 8,1%), y de flebitis (13,5 vs 11,8%). La intervención y el uso de apósitos totalmente reforzados se asociaron a la no aparición de flebitis La instauración del proyecto Flebitis Zero fue un factor protector de flebitis (OR = 0,78; IC95%: 0,42-0,86; p = 0,042).Conclusiones:La implantación de las medidas trabajadas con el proyecto Flebitis Zero se asociaron a una reducción significativa de las complicaciones asociadas al uso de los catéteres venosos periféricos; la frecuencia de flebitis disminuyó, pero lejos aún de los niveles recomendados.(AU)

Background: Phlebitis is one of the most frequent complications in peripheral venous catheters. The aim was to compare the frequency of phlebitis before and after the implementation of the Flebitis Zero project, in order to ascertain its effectiveness and what factors were associated with this complication.Methods: Randomized pre-post intervention (Flebitis Zero project) study performed in the Hospital Universitario de Navarra (Pamplona, Spain) between 2015 and 2019. The intervention consisted of training of professionals along with the implementation of measures in order to lower the incidence of complications associated with the peripheral venous catheters. The control group (CG) was selected prior the intervention and the Intervention Group (IG) in the subsequent five years. Results: The study included 656 patients, 96 (14.6%) in the CG and 569 in the IG. Lower frequency of complications (49.0 vs 37.1%; p<0.001), especially accidental PVC exit (18.8 vs 8.1%), and of phlebitis (13.5 vs 11.8%). The intervention and the use of fully reinforced dressings were associated to happening of phlebitis. The implantation of the Flebitis Zero project prevented the occurrence of phlebitis (OR= 0.78; IC95%: 0.42-0.86; p= 0.042). Conclusion: The implementation of the measures used in the Phlebitis Zero project was associated with a significant reduction of the complications linked to the use of the peripheral venous catheters; the frequency of phlebitis dropped, although nowhere near the recommended level.(AU)

[Randomized experimental study to evaluate the effectiveness of the Flebitis Zero project in Navarre].

BACKGROUND: Phlebitis is one of the most frequent complications in peripheral venous catheters. The aim was to compare the frequency of phlebitis before and after the implementation of the Flebitis Zero project, in order to ascertain its effectiveness and what factors were associated with this complication. METHODS: Randomized pre-post intervention (Flebitis Zero project) study performed in the Hospital Universitario de Navarra (Pamplona, Spain) between 2015 and 2019. The intervention consisted of training of professionals along with the implementation of measures in order to lower the incidence of complications associated with the peripheral venous catheters. The control group (CG) was selected prior the intervention and the Intervention Group (IG) in the subsequent five years. RESULTS: The study included 656 patients, 96 (14.6%) in the CG and 569 in the IG. Lower frequency of complications (49.0 vs 37.1%; p<0.001), especially accidental PVC exit (18.8 vs 8.1%), and of phlebitis (13.5 vs 11.8%). The intervention and the use of fully reinforced dressings were associated to happening of phlebitis. The implantation of the Flebitis Zero project prevented the occurrence of phlebitis (OR = 0.78; IC95%: 0.42-0.86; p = 0.042). CONCLUSION: The implementation of the measures used in the Phlebitis Zero project was associated with a significant reduction of the complications linked to the use of the peripheral venous catheters; the frequency of phlebitis dropped, although nowhere near the recommended level.

Percolation-intercropping strategies to prevent dissemination of phytopathogens on plantations.

Phytophthora is one of the most aggressive and worldwide extended phytopathogens that attack plants and trees. Its effects produce tremendous economical losses in agronomy and forestry since no effective fungicide exists. We propose to combine percolation theory with an intercropping sowing configuration as a non-chemical strategy to minimize the dissemination of the pathogen. In this work, we model a plantation as a square lattice where two types of plants are arranged in alternating columns or diagonals, and Phytophthora zoospores are allowed to propagate to the nearest and next-to-nearest neighboring plants. We determine the percolation threshold for each intercropping configuration as a function of the plant's susceptibilities and the number of inoculated cells at the beginning of the propagation process. The results are presented as phase diagrams where crop densities that prevent the formation of a spanning cluster of susceptible or diseased plants are indicated. The main result is the existence of susceptibility value combinations for which no spanning cluster is formed even if every cell in the plantation is sowed. This finding can be useful in choosing a configuration and density of plants that minimize damages caused by Phytophthora. We illustrate the application of the phase diagrams with the susceptibilities of three plants with a high commercial value.

Site-bond percolation solution to preventing the propagation of Phytophthora zoospores on plantations.

We propose a strategy based on the site-bond percolation to minimize the propagation of Phytophthora zoospores on plantations, consisting in introducing physical barriers between neighboring plants. Two clustering processes are distinguished: (i) one of cells with the presence of the pathogen, detected on soil analysis, and (ii) that of diseased plants, revealed from a visual inspection of the plantation. The former is well described by the standard site-bond percolation. In the latter, the percolation threshold is fitted by a Tsallis distribution when no barriers are introduced. We provide, for both cases, the formulas for the minimal barrier density to prevent the emergence of the spanning cluster. Though this work is focused on a specific pathogen, the model presented here can also be applied to prevent the spreading of other pathogens that disseminate, by other means, from one plant to the neighboring ones. Finally, the application of this strategy to three types of commercially important Mexican chili plants is also shown.

Long-Term Outcomes of Intestinal and Multivisceral Transplantation at a Single Center in Argentina.

BACKGROUND: Intestinal failure (IF) patients received parenteral nutrition (PN) as the only available therapy until intestinal transplantation (ITx) evolved as an accepted treatment. The aim of this article is to report the long-term outcomes of a series of ITx performed in pediatric and adult patients at a single center 9 years after its creation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of the ITx performed between May 2006 and January 2015. Diagnoses, pre-ITx mean time on PN, indications for ITx, time on the waiting list for types of ITx, mean total ischemia time, and warm ischemia time, time until PN discontinuation, incidence of acute and chronic rejection, and 5-year actuarial patient survival are reported. RESULTS: A total of 42 patients received ITx; 80% had short gut syndrome (SG); the mean time on PN was 1620 days. The main indication for ITx was lack of central venous access followed by intestinal failure-associated liver disease (IFALD) and catheter-related infectious complications. The mean time on the waiting list was 188 days (standard deviation, ±183 days). ITx were performed in 26 children and 14 adults. In all, 32 procedures were isolated ITx (IITX); 10 were multiorgan Tx (MOT; 3 combined, 7 multivisceral Tx (MVTx), 1 modified MVTx and 2 with kidney); 2 (4.7 %) were retransplantations: 1 IITx, 1 MVTx, and 5 including the right colon. Thirteen patients (31%) received abdominal rectus fascia. All procedures were performed by the same surgical team. Total ischemia time was 7:53 ± 2:04 hours, and warm ischemia time was 40.2 ± 10.5 minutes. The mean length of implanted intestine was 325 ± 63 cm. Bishop-Koop ileostomy was performed in 67% of cases. In all, 16 of 42 Tx required early reoperations. The overall mean follow-up time was 41 ± 35.6 months. The mean time to PN discontinuation after Tx was 68 days (P = .001). The total number of acute cellular rejection (ACR) episodes until the last follow-up was 83; the total number of grafts lost due to ACR was 4; and the total graft lost due to chronic rejection was 3. At the time of writing, the overall 5-year patient survival is 55% (65% for IITx vs 22% for MOT; P = .0001); 60% for pediatric recipients vs 47% for adults (P = NS); 64% when the indication for ITx was SG vs 25% for non-SG (P = .002). CONCLUSIONS: At this center, candidates with SG, in the absence of IFALD requiring IITx, showed the best long-term outcomes, independent of recipient age. A multidisciplinary approach is mandatory for the care of intestinal failure patients, to sustain a rehabilitation and transplantation program over time.

[Incidence of nutritional support complications in critical patients: multicenter study]. / Incidencia de complicaciones del soporte nutricional en pacientes críticos: estudio multicéntrico.

INTRODUCTION: Nutritional support (NS) leads complications that must be detected and prompt treated. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the incidence of some complications of nutritional support in critically ill patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multicenter, descriptive, prospective study in patients with NS in intensive care units. Studied variables included medical diagnosis, nutritional status, length of NS, path, type of formula and ten complications. RESULTS: 419 patients evaluated, 380 received enteral nutrition (EN) and 39 parenteral nutrition (PN). The high gastric residue was the most incident complication in the ENS (24.2%), followed by diarrhea (14%) and withdrawal tube (6.6%). The high gastric residue and diarrhea were associated with the duration of the NS (p < 0.05). For the PNS the complication most incidents were hypophosphatemia (38.5%), followed by catheter sepsis (15.4%). The duration of the NS was associated with cholestasis, sepsis and hypophosphatemia (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: complications of highest incidence were the high gastric residue for EN and hypophosphatemia for the PN; the withdrawal of the tube is a complication that claims further monitoring. The duration of the NS was the variable that showed greater association with the complications studied. Is a must to get consensus on complications definitions for comparisons establishment and best international standards target, furthermore propose protocols in order to decrease complications incidence of NS to fulfill the critical ill patient requirements.

Oral desensitization as a useful treatment in 2-year-old children with cow's milk allergy.

BACKGROUND: Limited published evidence shows oral desensitization to be a potential intervention option for cow's milk protein (CMPs) allergy. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of oral desensitization in 2-year-old children with cow's milk allergy, as a treatment alternative to elimination diet. METHODS: A total of 60 children aged 24-36 months with IgE-mediated allergy to CMPs were included in this multi-center study and were randomized into two groups. Thirty children (group A: treatment group) began oral desensitization immediately, whereas the remaining 30 (group B: control group) were kept on a milk-free diet and followed-up for 1 year. RESULTS: After 1-year follow-up period, 90% of the children in group A had become completely tolerant vs. 23% of the children in group B. In group A, cow's milk skin reactivity and serum-specific IgE to milk and casein decreased significantly from the initial assessment, whereas group B showed no significant change after 1 year of follow-up. Twenty-four patients (80%) developed some reaction during the treatment period: 14 children developed moderate reaction (47%) and 10 mild reaction (33%). The most common manifestations were urticaria-angioedema, followed by cough. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In this study, oral desensitization was found to be effective in a significant percentage of 2-year-old children with cow's milk allergy. Oral desensitization appears to be efficacious as an alternative to elimination diet in the treatment of 2-year-old children with cow's milk allergy. The side-effect profile appears acceptable but requires further study.

Motivos de elección de una asignatura por parte de los alumnos / Some reasons which could induce to the students to choose an academic subject

El motivo de elección de una determinada asignatura por parte de los alumnos, ha sidofrecuentemente interpretado bajo diferentes puntos de vista. En esta comunicación nuestro objetivo hasido analizar los motivos de elección en distintos tipos de asignaturas con características peculiarescada una de ellas, concretamente dos de ellas son de libre configuración, siendo una de impartición enel campus andaluz virtual –Fotoprotección- y la otra en el campus virtual de la Universidad deGranada –Aplicación de la Tecnología Farmacéutica en el tratamiento del cáncer y del dolor-. Latercera asignatura seleccionada es una optativa -Farmacia Práctica- que se imparte actualmente en laLicenciatura en Farmacia. Se ha realizado un análisis de los diferentes motivos que impulsan a unalumno a la elección de una disciplina frente a otra, para ello se ha utilizado una de las herramientas demayor uso, la encuesta anónima a todos aquellos que estaban matriculados. Las conclusiones de esteestudio son diversas pero ante todo cabe señalar en el caso de las virtuales la facilidad de acceso yrealización de las asignaturas virtuales, y destacar también que un título atractivo es fundamental en suelección. En el caso de la optativa el motivo fundamental ha sido aprender algo nuevo relacionado consu licenciatura y seguido muy de cerca por la facilidad de horario. Por tanto como conclusióndefinitiva es interesante destacar que tanto en un caso como en otro el alumno desea aprender algoatractivo y que se acomode fácilmente a su horario de estudio(AU)

The reason why a specific subject is chosen by the students has been frequently interpretedfrom several points of view. The aim of this study is to analyze the reasons why different types ofsubjects with particular characteristics are chosen. Specifically, two of these subjects are freeelectives: one of them –Fotoprotección- is imparted through the Andalusian Virtual Campus, and theother one –Aplicación de la Tecnología Farmacéutica en el tratamiento del cáncer y del dolorthroughthe virtual campus of the University of Granada. The third subject chosen is optional -Farmacia Práctica- and it is at present imparted within the Degree in Pharmacy. The different reasonswhy a student chooses one subject against other have been analyzed using one of the most used tools:an anonymous survey to all the students enrolled. The conclusions of this study are diverse, but it ismainly to be remarked in the case of the virtual subjects their accessibility and easy implementation aswell as the importance of an attractive title for the selection of a subject. The main reason in the caseof the optional subject is to learn something new in relation to their Degree, followed very closely byits timetable. Therefore, as final conclusion, it is interesting to remark that the students want in bothcases to learn something attractive that can be easily adapted to their study schedule(AU)

Creación de un espacio virtual para el apoyo de la docencia en Química Física (Farmacia) / Creation of a virtual environment for supporting the teaching in Physical-Chemistry (Pharmacy)

Un aspecto importante de la práctica docente en el EEES es su interés en el trabajo global del alumno a partir del cual se establece el sistema ECTS de créditos curriculares. Este enfoque requiere una revisión de la metodología docente.Es reconocido que la irrupción de las TIC en todos los sectores sociales, ha tenido una repercusión directa en el sistema educativo. En este contexto, Internet ha demostrado no sólo su importancia como canal de transmisión de contenidos sino su potencial como herramienta docente ya que incorpora interactividad, permite la personalización en la utilización de recursos, se adapta a necesidades particulares en el proceso formativo y permite combinar diferentes tipos de recursos.La aplicación de las TIC en la educación superior es cada día más palpable. Con las limitaciones que imponen los grupos numerosos de alumnos, es clara la tendencia hacia la creación de entornos virtuales como apoyo de la docencia presencial con una integración lo más completa posible en la programación didáctica.La presente comunicación analiza estas cuestiones desde la experiencia acumulada en el desarrollo de diversos recursos docentes y la creación de un entorno específico para algunos grupos de alumnos del curso primero adscritos a las enseñanzas impartidas por el Departamento de Química Física en su sección de Farmacia.El entorno virtual se propone como a) un espacio diseñado no como acumulación de páginas HTML, sino como estructurado de una forma flexible de manera que permita ser actualizado por aportaciones múltiples; b) un espacio interactivo que facilite tanto los intercambios más habituales: profesor-alumnos, como los intercambios transversales entre los alumnos; c) una referencia para alojar recursos que complementen la actividad presencial y d) un lugar de integración de diversas herramientas de aplicación docente(AU)

A important issue regarding the educational practice in the EEES, is the interest in the students’ global work from which curricular ECST system has been established. This particular approach requires a revision of the methodology applied in teaching.It is well known that the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) have been extended to all social sectors and have produced a special impact on the educational system. In this context, Internet has proved to be not only important as a channel for the transmission of contents but also as a potential educational tool since incorporates interactivity, allows a personalized use of multiple resources, is adaptable to particular needs in the formative process and allows to combine different kinds of resources.The application of ICT in the University studies is more extended every day. In spite of the limitations imposed by the existence of groups formed by a high number of students, a clear trend seems to consolidate nowadays: the creation of virtual environments supporting on-site teaching and which are integrated as much as possible in the study schedules.The present communication focuses on these general aspects in relation with the experience accumulated in the development of several educational resources and the creation of a specific virtual environment for students which enrolled in Physical- Chemistry (Pharmacy section) during the past academic years.The virtual environment developed is a) a designed space not for accumulating static HTML pages but structured for allowing to update it with periodical contributions; b) an interactive space where the usual communicative exchange between students and teacher as well as between students is facilitated; c) a reference in which to incorporate complementary resources in order to support 'on site' teaching; and d) a place to integrate different tools with application in educational matters(AU)

[Development of a program of nutritional education and valuation of the change of healthful nourishing habits in a population of students of Obligatory Secondary Education]. / Desarrollo de un programa de educación nutricional y valoración del cambio de hábitos alimentarios saludables en una población de estudiantes de Enseñanza Secundaria Obligatoria.

INTRODUCTION: Adolescence is a critical period for the acquisition and configuration of healthy dietary habits and lifestyle for the young future, which will likely persist throughout the adulthood. Paediatric and juvenile obesity is a public health problem which control necessarily implies prevention and nutritional education. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the nutritional status of the adolescents and determine the proportion with overweight or obesity, and to establish a Nutritional Intervention Programme and analyse the improvement in the pattern of dietary habits among the adolescents. METHODS: The study has been carried out in a population of 372 Obligatory Secondary Education (OSE) students from the Institute of Secondary Education of Gandía (Valencia). RESULTS: 37.8% of the adolescents have improved the level of their diet quality. Those consuming a high quality diet have increased from 30.0% to 58.6%. Also significant is the number of students that have taken up having breakfast and those having discontinued taking industrial bakery with this meal. The decrease in the number of adolescents going to fast food places and of those that have discontinued eating candies regularly is statistically significant. The data from the KIDMED index show that 47.4% (p < 0.001) of de the students have improved the quality of their diet and in none of them it has worsened. DISCUSSION: Before starting the programme, 30% of the students followed a high quality diet comparable to the traditional Mediterranean Diet, and after the education programme, this percentage increased to 58.6%. Forty-seven point four percent of overweighed or obese students receiving the Nutritional Education and Intervention have improved their diet quality and the percentage of those following a high quality diet varied from 28.9% to 71.0%.

Early auditory middle latency evoked potentials correlates with recovery from aphasia after stroke.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between the latency of Pa and Nb peaks of the middle latency auditory responses and the score on the Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination, during a 6-month follow-up after stroke in the territory of the left mid cerebral artery. METHODS: The middle latency auditory potentials of 10 aphasic stroke patients were recorded within the first 3 days post-onset, at the time of hospital discharge and 2, 4 and 6 months afterwards, along with that of 30 control subjects; in patients, the evolution of aphasia was evaluated using the Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination score. RESULTS: During follow-up decreasing potential latencies and increasing language scores were observed (ANCOVA, R(2) 0.75, p<0.01); the Nb peak latency recorded during the first days after stroke was related to the language score difference after 6 months (Pearson, r=0.66, p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with aphasia after stroke, the auditory electrical response recorded at hospital discharge, after stroke is related to their recovery from aphasia, evaluated by the Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination. SIGNIFICANCE: Early middle latency auditory evoked responses may have a prognostic value in aphasic stroke patients.

Oral desensitization in children with cow's milk allergy.

INTRODUCTION: Current treatment of food allergies consists of the elimination of the offending food from the diet. Desensitization or tolerance induction can be an alternative for those children who have not achieved tolerance spontaneously. We propose a cow's milk desensitization protocol carried out in an outpatient setting over a 9-10 week period. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Eighteen children older than 4 years with cow's milk protein allergy confirmed by open oral challenge with milk underwent a desensitization protocol beginning with 0.05 mL of cow's milk, reaching 1 mL on the first day, and increasing the dosage weekly until a dose of 200-250 mL of milk taken once a day was tolerated. RESULTS: By the end of the desensitization protocol, 16 of the 18 patients tolerated 200-250 mL of cow's milk in a single daily dose. The median length of the process was 14 weeks (interquartile range, 11-17 weeks). One patient withdrew due to recurrent symptoms with 2 mL and another reached a tolerance of 40 mL of milk a day. During the program, 11 children (68.75%) presented symptoms that were generally mild but which increased the length of the protocol. At the time of writing, the 16 patients who completed the program continue to tolerate milk, 13 of them for more than a year. CONCLUSIONS: Tolerance of cow's milk was achieved in 16 out of 18 patients who took part in this study. One patient only tolerated 40 mL, which prevents the risk of reactions caused by the inadvertent intake of the food substance; 1 patient is still on a milk-free diet. We believe this cow's milk desensitization protocol to be effective and reasonably safe.

Safety and immunogenicity of a combined hepatitis B virus-Haemophilus influenzae type B vaccine comprising a synthetic antigen in healthy adults.

The combined HB-Hib vaccine candidate Hebervac HB-Hib (CIGB, La Habana), comprising recombinant HBsAg and tetanus toxoid conjugate synthetic PRP antigens has shown to be highly immunogenic in animal models. A phase I open, controlled, randomized clinical trial was carried out to assess the safety and immunogenicity profile of this bivalent vaccine in 25 healthy adults who were positive for antibody to HBsAg (anti-HBs). The trial was performed according to Good Clinical Practices and Guidelines. Volunteers were randomly allocated to receive the combined vaccine or simultaneous administration of HB vaccine Heberbiovac-HB and Hib vaccine QuimiHib (CIGB, La Habana). All individuals were intramuscularly immunized with a unique dose of 10 microg HBsAg plus 10 microg conjugated synthetic PRP. Adverse events were actively recorded after vaccine administration. Total anti-HBs and IgG anti-PRP antibody titers were evaluated using commercial ELISA kits at baseline and 30 days post-vaccination. The combined vaccine candidate was safe and well tolerated. The most common adverse reactions were local pain, febricula, fever and local erythema. These reactions were all mild in intensity and resolved without medical treatment. Adverse events were mostly reported during the first 6-72 hours post-vaccination. There were no serious adverse events during the study. No severe or unexpected events were either recorded during the trial. The combined vaccine elicited an anti-HBs and anti-PRP booster response in 100% of subjects at day 30 of the immunization schedule. Anti-HBs and anti-PRP antibody levels had at least a two-fold increase compared to baseline sera. Even more, anti-HBs antibody titer showed a four-fold increase in 100% of volunteers in the study group. The results indicate that the combined HB-Hib vaccine produces increased antibody levels in healthy adults who have previously been exposed to these two antigens. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of safety and immunogenicity for a combined vaccine comprising recombinant HBV and synthetic Hib antigens. The present results support phase I-II clinical trial in the target population, two months old healthy infants.

Phase I clinical trial in healthy adults of a nasal vaccine candidate containing recombinant hepatitis B surface and core antigens.

BACKGROUND: The nasal vaccine candidate (NASVAC), comprising hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface (HBsAg) and core antigens (HBcAg), has been shown to be highly immunogenic in animal models. METHODS: A phase I double-blinded, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial was carried out in 19 healthy male adults with no serologic markers of immunity/infection to HBV. This study was aimed at exploring the safety and immunogenic profile of nasal co-administration of both HBV recombinant antigens. The trial was performed according to Good Clinical Practice guidelines. Participants ranged in age from 18 to 45 years and were randomly allocated to receive a mixture of 50 microg HBsAg and 50 microg HBcAg or 0.9% physiologic saline solution, as a placebo, via nasal spray in a five-dose schedule at 0, 7, 15, 30, and 60 days. A total volume of 0.5 ml was administered in two dosages of 125 microl per nostril. Adverse events were actively recorded 1 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, 7 days and 30 days after each dose. Anti-HBs and anti-HBc titers were evaluated using corresponding ELISA kits at days 30 and 90. RESULTS: The vaccine candidate was safe and well tolerated. Adverse reactions included sneezing (34.1%), rhinorrhea (12.2%), nasal stuffiness (9.8%), palate itching (9.8%), headache (9.8%), and general malaise (7.3%). These reactions were all self-limiting and mild in intensity. No severe or unexpected events were recorded during the trial. The vaccine elicited anti-HBc seroconversion in 100% of subjects as early as day 30 of the immunization schedule, while a seroprotective anti-HBs titer (>or=10 IU/l) was at a maximum at day 90 (75%). All subjects in the placebo group remained seronegative during the trial. CONCLUSION: The HBsAg-HBcAg vaccine candidate was safe, well tolerated and immunogenic in this phase I study in healthy adults. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of safety and immunogenicity for a nasal vaccine candidate comprising HBV antigens.