Influencia de la capacidad manipulativa en la calidad de vida y actividades de la vida diaria en la esclerosis múltiple / Influence of manipulative skills on quality of life and activities of daily living in multiple sclerosis

Introducción: Más de un 50% de los pacientes diagnosticados con esclerosis múltiple (EM) comunican problemas con la función manipulativa e impedimentos en su vida diaria a causa de esta alteración. Por ello, el objetivo del presente estudio es determinar la afectación que la fuerza de pinza, la fuerza de presa y la destreza manipulativa ejercen sobre la calidad de vida y la autonomía personal de las personas diagnosticadas de EM, y estudiar si existe diferencia de estos aspectos entre los distintos tipos de esta enfermedad. Sujetos y métodos: Se contó con una muestra total de 126 participantes, de los cuales 57 fueron controles, y 69, casos. A todos ellos se les evaluó con el Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54, el Nine-Hole Peg Test, la dinamometría de pinza y de presa para la medición de la fuerza, y el índice de Barthel para la evaluación de las actividades básicas de la vida diaria. Resultados: Las personas con EM presentaron peores fuerza de pinza, fuerza de presa, destreza manipulativa, desempeño en actividades básicas de la vida diaria y calidad de vida (p < 0,001). La fuerza de presa es un factor condicionante en el desempeño de actividades básicas y calidad de vida en personas con EM. En cuanto al tipo de EM, el tipo remitente-recurrente presentó mejores valores (p < 0,001).Conclusiones: Los hallazgos de este estudio apuntan a que los pacientes diagnosticados con EM presentan una disminución en la fuerza de pinza, la fuerza de presa, la destreza manipulativa, la calidad de vida y la autonomía en las actividades de la vida diaria en comparación con la población sana.(AU)

Introduction: More than 50% of patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis report problems with manipulative function and impairments in their daily lives due to this disorder. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to determine how pinch strength, prey strength and manipulative dexterity affect the quality of life and personal autonomy of people diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and to study whether there is a difference in these aspects between different types of multiple sclerosis.Subjects and methods: There was a total sample of 126 participants, of which 57 were controls and 69 cases. All of them were assessed with a Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54 test, Nine-Hole Peg Test and Barthel Index.Results: People with multiple sclerosis have worse pinch strength, prey strenght, manipulative dexterity, performance in basic activities of daily living and quality of life (p < 0.001). Prey strength is a conditioning factor for performance and quality of life in people with multiple sclerosis. As for the type of multiple sclerosis, relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis presented better values (p < 0.001).Conclusions: The findings of this study point to the fact that patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis have a decrease in prey strength, pinch strength, manipulative dexterity, quality of life and autonomy in activities of daily living compared to the healthy population.(AU)

Influence of manipulative skills on quality of life and activities of daily living in multiple sclerosis. / Influencia de la capacidad manipulativa en la calidad de vida y actividades de la vida diaria en la esclerosis múltiple.

INTRODUCTION: More than 50% of patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis report problems with manipulative function and impairments in their daily lives due to this disorder. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to determine how pinch strength, prey strength and manipulative dexterity affect the quality of life and personal autonomy of people diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and to study whether there is a difference in these aspects between different types of multiple sclerosis. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: There was a total sample of 126 participants, of which 57 were controls and 69 cases. All of them were assessed with a Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54 test, Nine-Hole Peg Test and Barthel Index. RESULTS: People with multiple sclerosis have worse pinch strength, prey strenght, manipulative dexterity, performance in basic activities of daily living and quality of life (p < 0.001). Prey strength is a conditioning factor for performance and quality of life in people with multiple sclerosis. As for the type of multiple sclerosis, relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis presented better values (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study point to the fact that patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis have a decrease in prey strength, pinch strength, manipulative dexterity, quality of life and autonomy in activities of daily living compared to the healthy population.

TITLE: Influencia de la capacidad manipulativa en la calidad de vida y actividades de la vida diaria en la esclerosis múltiple.Introducción. Más de un 50% de los pacientes diagnosticados con esclerosis múltiple (EM) comunican problemas con la función manipulativa e impedimentos en su vida diaria a causa de esta alteración. Por ello, el objetivo del presente estudio es determinar la afectación que la fuerza de pinza, la fuerza de presa y la destreza manipulativa ejercen sobre la calidad de vida y la autonomía personal de las personas diagnosticadas de EM, y estudiar si existe diferencia de estos aspectos entre los distintos tipos de esta enfermedad. Sujetos y métodos. Se contó con una muestra total de 126 participantes, de los cuales 57 fueron controles, y 69, casos. A todos ellos se les evaluó con el Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54, el Nine-Hole Peg Test, la dinamometría de pinza y de presa para la medición de la fuerza, y el índice de Barthel para la evaluación de las actividades básicas de la vida diaria. Resultados. Las personas con EM presentaron peores fuerza de pinza, fuerza de presa, destreza manipulativa, desempeño en actividades básicas de la vida diaria y calidad de vida (p < 0,001). La fuerza de presa es un factor condicionante en el desempeño de actividades básicas y calidad de vida en personas con EM. En cuanto al tipo de EM, el tipo remitente-recurrente presentó mejores valores (p < 0,001). Conclusiones. Los hallazgos de este estudio apuntan a que los pacientes diagnosticados con EM presentan una disminución en la fuerza de pinza, la fuerza de presa, la destreza manipulativa, la calidad de vida y la autonomía en las actividades de la vida diaria en comparación con la población sana.

Elastography in musculoskeletal imaging: A tool or a toy?

Elastography is a novel imaging technique based on ultrasound that evaluates the deformability of tissues to help characterize lesions. It is widely used and has been validated in many tissues (e.g., liver, breast, thyroid). It is also used in the study of musculoskeletal disease. Although the use of elastography in musculoskeletal radiology is limited by the variability and heterogeneity of tissues, it is a very promising technique. In this article, we aim to review the usefulness, possible indications, limitations, and future perspectives of this technique in musculoskeletal radiology.

Elastografía en musculoesquelético. ¿Herramienta o juguete? / Elastography in musculoskeletal imaging: a tool or a toy?

La elastografía es una novedosa técnica de imagen basada en los ultrasonidos que valora la deformabilidad de los tejidos para ayudar a caracterizar las lesiones. Su uso está muy extendido y ha sido validada en muchos tejidos (hígado, mama, tiroides, etc.). También se aplica en el estudio de la patología musculoesquelética, aunque con limitaciones debido a la variabilidad y heterogeneidad de los tejidos; no obstante, es una técnica muy prometedora. En este artículo trataremos de revisar su utilidad, posibles indicaciones, limitaciones y perspectivas de futuro.(AU)

Elastography is a novel imaging technique based on ultrasound that evaluates the deformability of tissues to help characterize lesions. It is widely used and has been validated in many tissues (e.g., liver, breast, thyroid). It is also used in the study of musculoskeletal disease. Although the use of elastography in musculoskeletal radiology is limited by the variability and heterogeneity of tissues, it is a very promising technique. In this article, we aim to review the usefulness, possible indications, limitations, and future perspectives of this technique in musculoskeletal radiology.(AU)

Long-term antibody response following SPUTNIK V primary vaccination in healthcare workers with and without history of SARS-CoV-2 infection: Prospective cohort study from a hospital in Argentina.

Background: In December 2020, Sputnik V was incorporated to the National COVID-19 Immunization Plan in Argentina. Studies had shown 98% of antibody response rate. To date, data on immunogenicity and antibody persistence in Argentina are scarce.The objective was to assess humoral immune response after two doses of Sputnik V in Health Care Workers (HCWs) at the Ricardo Gutierrez Children's Hospital (RGCH). Methods: A prospective, cohort study in HCWs immunized with two doses of Sputnik V between February and March 2021. The following variables were assessed: age, gender, risk factors for severe COVID-19 or mortality, immunosuppressive therapy and history of SARS-CoV-2. Blood samples were drawn on the day of the first dose, 28 days and 180 days after the second. Anti-Spike IgG was measured using an ELISA assay. Differences in immune response were evaluated according to study variables. Comparison analyses between groups with or without history of infection were performed, with T-test and ANOVA or Mann-Whitney tests. For each subject, we compared baseline values with 28 days and 180 days after the second vaccine.STATA version 14 and R Sofware were used for data analyses. Results: We included 528 individuals, mean age 41.5 years, 82.9% female, 14.4% (76/528) reported previous SARS-CoV-2 infection.All subjects developed antibodies post-vaccination. At day 28, concentrations were significantly higher in previously infected than naïve subjects (p < 0.001) with no differences according to age, gender and comorbidities.At day 180, 17% (95% CI 13.17-21.53) of naïve subjects were negative. Antibody concentrations decreased significantly in all subjects except in those who reported SARS-CoV-2 infection after vaccination (n = 31). This last group had significantly higher antibody concentrations. Conclusion: This study assessed immune response to a new COVID-19 vaccine in real life in a cohort of subjects. Antibody concentrations varied according to history of SARS-COV-2 infection and decreased over time.

[Inbreeding and serious mental illness in the first Spanish Bourbons]. / Consanguinidad y enfermedad mental grave en los primeros Borbones españoles.

TITLE: Consanguinidad y enfermedad mental grave en los primeros Borbones españoles.

Sintomatología derivada de los pares craneales: Clínica y topografía / Cranial nerve disorders: clinical manifestations and topography

La detección de la patología relacionada con los doce pares craneales representa un importante desafío, tanto para los clínicos como para los radiólogos. Las técnicas de imagen son fundamentales para el manejo de muchos de los pacientes. Adicionalmente al conocimiento anatómico y de las entidades patológicas que potencialmente puedan afectarlos, la evaluación por imagen de los pares craneales requiere protocolos de exploración y técnicas de adquisición y procesado específicas. En este artículo se efectúa un repaso de los principales síntomas y síndromes relacionados con los nervios craneales que pueden precisar la realización de pruebas de imagen y la patología subyacente, así como una breve revisión de la anatomía y de las técnicas de imagen más adecuadas a la indicación

The detection of pathological conditions related to the twelve cranial pairs represents a significant challenge for both clinicians and radiologists; imaging techniques are fundamental for the management of many patients with these conditions. In addition to knowledge about the anatomy and pathological entities that can potentially affect the cranial pairs, the imaging evaluation of patients with possible cranial pair disorders requires specific examination protocols, acquisition techniques, and image processing. This article provides a review of the most common symptoms and syndromes related with the cranial pairs that might require imaging tests, together with a brief overview of the anatomy, the most common underlying processes, and the most appropriate imaging tests for different indications

Biochar reduces the efficiency of nitrification inhibitor 3,4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP) mitigating N2O emissions.

Among strategies suggested to decrease agricultural soil N2O losses, the use of nitrification inhibitors such as DMPP (3,4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate) has been proposed. However, the efficiency of DMPP might be affected by soil amendments, such as biochar, which has been shown to reduce N2O emissions. This study evaluated the synergic effect of a woody biochar applied with DMPP on soil N2O emissions. A incubation study was conducted with a silt loam soil and a biochar obtained from Pinus taeda at 500 °C. Two biochar rates (0 and 2% (w/w)) and three different nitrogen treatments (unfertilized, fertilized and fertilized + DMPP) were assayed under two contrasting soil water content levels (40% and 80% of water filled pore space (WFPS)) over a 163 day incubation period. Results showed that DMPP reduced N2O emissions by reducing ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) populations and promoting the last step of denitrification (measured by the ratio nosZI + nosZII/nirS + nirK genes). Biochar mitigated N2O emissions only at 40% WFPS due to a reduction in AOB population. However, when DMPP was applied to the biochar amended soil, a counteracting effect was observed, since the N2O mitigation induced by DMPP was lower than in control soil, demonstrating that this biochar diminishes the efficiency of the DMPP both at low and high soil water contents.

Cranial nerve disorders: clinical manifestations and topography. / Sintomatología derivada de los pares craneales: Clínica y topografía.

The detection of pathological conditions related to the twelve cranial pairs represents a significant challenge for both clinicians and radiologists; imaging techniques are fundamental for the management of many patients with these conditions. In addition to knowledge about the anatomy and pathological entities that can potentially affect the cranial pairs, the imaging evaluation of patients with possible cranial pair disorders requires specific examination protocols, acquisition techniques, and image processing. This article provides a review of the most common symptoms and syndromes related with the cranial pairs that might require imaging tests, together with a brief overview of the anatomy, the most common underlying processes, and the most appropriate imaging tests for different indications.

Macitentan in daily clinical practice: A single centre, 1-year experience.

The effectiveness and safety of macitentan, a dual endothelin-receptor antagonist (ERA) approved for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), were shown in an extensive clinical trial oriented towards morbidity and mortality events. Our aim was to describe a single centre's experience of the utilization of macitentan in patients with PAH in clinical practice settings. Thirteen patients with different aetiologies and previous PAH treatments were studied. After 12 months of macitentan treatment, 11 patients improved their functional class (FC), all patients improved their 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) test, and 10 patients lowered their NT-proBNP plasma levels. Additionally, cardiac imaging parameters were also improved. No cases resulted in hospitalization, septostomy, transplant or death.

Aspectos metodológicos de los procesos asistenciales integrados (PAI) / Methodological aspects of integrated care pathways

Un proceso asistencial integrado (PAI) es una herramienta cuyo propósito es aumentar la efectividad de las actuaciones clínicas a través de una mayor coordinación y garantía de continuidad asistencial. Los PAI sitúan al paciente como el eje central de la organización asistencial. Se definen como el conjunto de actividades que realizan los proveedores de la atención sanitaria con la finalidad de incrementar el nivel de salud y el grado de satisfacción de la población que recibe los servicios. La elaboración de un PAI precisa analizar el flujo de actividades, la interrelación entre profesionales y dispositivos asistenciales y las expectativas del paciente. En este artículo se presenta y se discute la metodología para la elaboración de un PAI, así como los factores de éxito para su definición y su efectiva implantación. Se explica también, a modo de ejemplo, el reciente PAI para hipoglucemias en personas con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 elaborado por un equipo multidisciplinar y avalado por varias sociedades científicas (AU)

An Integrated Healthcare Pathway (PAI) is a tool which has as its aim to increase the effectiveness of clinical performance through greater coordination and to ensure continuity of care. PAI places the patient as the central focus of the organisation of health services. It is defined as the set of activities carried out by the health care providers in order to increase the level of health and satisfaction of the population receiving services. The development of a PAI requires the analysis of the flow of activities, the inter-relationships between professionals and care teams, and patient expectations. The methodology for the development of a PAI is presented and discussed in this article, as well as the success factors for its definition and its effective implementation. It also explains, as an example, the recent PAI for Hypoglycaemia in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus developed by a multidisciplinary team and supported by several scientific societies (AU)

Manejo de comunicaciones respiratorio-digestivas inusuales de origen neoplásico / No disponible

Las fístulas respiratorio-digestivas secundarias a procesos malignos broncogénicos son complicaciones infrecuentes que generan gran morbimortalidad, ensombreciendo el pronóstico de la neoplasia, más aún cuanto más se demora su diagnóstico. A continuación, describimos 2 casos con inusuales complicaciones de este tipo, el proceso de identificación y su manejo terapéutico. A pesar de la escasa evidencia disponible, se recomienda un abordaje multidisciplinar con un enfoque esencialmente paliativo y mediante técnicas endoscópicas, sobre todo, resolver de forma segura y duradera la disfagia, origen de fatales infecciones respiratorias, que se traducirá en una aceptable calidad de vida y una mayor supervivencia para estos pacientes

Respiratory-digestive fistulas secondary to malignant bronchogenic carcinomas are uncommon complications, which have high morbidity and mortality rates and worsen the prognosis of the neoplasm, particularly if their diagnosis is delayed. In this study we describe 2 cases of this rare complication, together with their identification process and therapeutic management. In spite of the scarce evidence available, a multidisciplinary approach is recommended, mainly with palliative management and through endoscopic techniques in order to achieve a safe and lasting correction of dysphagia, which is the cause of fatal respiratory infections. The treatment will lead to an acceptable quality of life and higher survival rates for these patients

[Methodological aspects of integrated care pathways]. / Aspectos metodológicos de los procesos asistenciales integrados (PAI).

An Integrated Healthcare Pathway (PAI) is a tool which has as its aim to increase the effectiveness of clinical performance through greater coordination and to ensure continuity of care. PAI places the patient as the central focus of the organisation of health services. It is defined as the set of activities carried out by the health care providers in order to increase the level of health and satisfaction of the population receiving services. The development of a PAI requires the analysis of the flow of activities, the inter-relationships between professionals and care teams, and patient expectations. The methodology for the development of a PAI is presented and discussed in this article, as well as the success factors for its definition and its effective implementation. It also explains, as an example, the recent PAI for Hypoglycaemia in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus developed by a multidisciplinary team and supported by several scientific societies.

Arritmias cardiacas en la unidad de ictus: análisis de los datos de la monitorización cardiaca / Cardiac arrhythmias in stroke unit patients. Evaluation of the cardiac monitoring data

Introducción: Las arritmias cardiacas son frecuentes en el ictus agudo. La monitorización cardiaca telemétrica es una técnica extendida en las unidades de ictus. La aparición de arritmias en el ictus agudo puede relacionarse con las interacciones cerebro-corazón o con la patología cardiaca. Se analiza las arritmias relevantes en pacientes ingresados en una unidad de ictus. Método: Estudio descriptivo observacional prospectivo de pacientes ingresados en una unidad de ictus con monitorización cardiaca. Se analizan las características de los pacientes y las arritmias registradas durante un año (2013). Se investigó el tiempo de aparición, su asociación con factores predisponentes y las consecuencias terapéuticas de la detección. Todos los pacientes al menos tuvieron 48 h de monitorización cardiaca. Resultados: Se analizó a 332 pacientes, de los cuales 98 (29,5%) presentaron algún tipo de arritmia relevante. Se registraron taquiarritmias (taquiarritmias ventriculares, taquiarritmias supraventriculares, actividad ectópica ventricular compleja) en 90 pacientes (27,1%), y bradiarritmias en 13 pacientes (3,91%). La aparición de arritmias se asoció a un mayor tamaño de la lesión y mayor edad de los pacientes. La detección de arritmias relevantes tuvo consecuencia terapéuticas en el 10% de todos los pacientes. La incidencia de arritmias fue mayor durante las primeras 48 h. Conclusiones: La evaluación sistemática de la monitorización cardiaca en pacientes con ictus agudo permite detectar arritmias cardiacas clínicamente relevantes. Su incidencia es mayor durante las primeras 48 h. La edad y el tamaño de la lesión cerebral se relacionan con su aparición. La detección de arritmias en una unidad de ictus tiene consecuencias terapéuticas fundamentales

Introduction: Cardiac arrhythmias are frequent in acute stroke. Stroke units are widely equipped with cardiac monitoring systems. Pre-existing heart diseases and heart-brain interactions may be implicated in causing cardiac arrhythmias in acute stroke. This article analyses cardiac arrhythmias detected in patients hospitalised in a stroke unit. Method: Prospective observational study of consecutive patients admitted to a stroke unit with cardiac monitoring. We collected clinical data from patients and the characteristics of their cardiac arrhythmias over a 1-year period (2013). Time of arrhythmia onset, associated predisposing factors, and the therapeutic decisions made after detection of arrhythmia were examined. All patients underwent continuous cardiac monitoring during no less than 48 hours. Results: Of a total of 332 patients admitted, significant cardiac arrhythmias occurred in 98 patients (29.5%) during their stay in the stroke unit. Tachyarrhythmia (ventricular tachyarrhythmias, supraventricular tachyarrhythmias, complex ventricular ectopy) was present in 90 patients (27.1%); bradyarrhythmia was present in 13 patients (3.91%). Arrhythmias were independently associated with larger size of brain lesion and older age. In 10% of the patient total, therapeutic actions were taken after detection of significant cardiac arrhythmias. Most events occurred within the first 48 hours after stroke unit admission. Conclusions: Systematic cardiac monitoring in patients with acute stroke is useful for detecting clinically relevant cardiac arrhythmias. Incidence of arrhythmia is higher in the first 48 hours after stroke unit admission. Age and lesion size were predicted appearance of arrhythmias. Detection of cardiac arrhythmias in a stroke unit has important implications for treatment

[The dementia of King Ferdinand VI and the year with no king]. / La demencia del rey Fernando VI y el año sin rey.

INTRODUCTION: Ferdinand VI was king of Spain from 1746 until 1759. His last year of reign is known as the year without a king. Over this year the king suffered a rapidly progressive deterioration of his mental health status. The clinical condition has been always attributed to a pure psychiatric disorder, generally a bipolar disorder. DEVELOPMENT: We review the sources of information in the Spanish archives and libraries, in order to find clinical information about the illness suffered by the king. We made a clinical evaluation and discussion about the disease of the king according to the information that has been obtained and the different diseases that could have caused the illness. CONCLUSIONS: Last year clinical deterioration of Ferdinand VI started with the death of his lovely wife. At first, the symptoms were similar to the symptoms of a mayor depressive disorder. Although the king had a rapidly progressive deterioration with severe changes in behavior and conduct, long stay in bed, loss of sphincters control and seizures. During the last months of his life, the king fell into a state of prostration with a marked cognitive impairment. Although it is possible that Ferdinand VI could have had a previous psychiatric disorder, there is enough information to think about a rapidly progressive dementia as the main cause of his clinical worsening and dead.

TITLE: La demencia del rey Fernando VI y el año sin rey.Introduccion. Fernando VI fue rey de España entre 1746 y 1759. Su ultimo año de reinado se conoce como el año sin rey. Durante ese año, el monarca sufrio un rapido empeoramiento de sus condiciones mentales. La enfermedad generalmente ha sido atribuida a una condicion psiquiatrica primaria, generalmente por un trastorno bipolar. Desarrollo. Se realiza un estudio de investigacion en los archivos documentales españoles y bibliotecas en busca de informacion clinica sobre la enfermedad de Fernando VI. Se realiza una evaluacion y discusion clinica de la enfermedad del rey sobre la base de la informacion obtenida. Conclusiones. El inicio del empeoramiento clinico del ultimo año de Fernando VI empezo tras la muerte de su amada esposa. Los sintomas iniciales descritos pueden ser similares a los de un episodio depresivo mayor, sin embargo, el monarca sufrio un empeoramiento rapidamente progresivo con alteraciones de la personalidad, conductuales, encamamiento, perdida de control de esfinteres y crisis epilepticas. Los ultimos meses de su vida estuvo en un estado de postracion con un estado cognitivo compatible con una demencia grave. Por todo ello, aunque es posible que Fernando VI pudiera padecer previamente algun tipo de trastorno psiquiatrico, la enfermedad que le llevo a su muerte precoz seria compatible con lo que hoy conocemos como una demencia rapidamente progresiva.

Análisis del proceso asistencial de los pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 y comorbilidad asociada atendidos en el Sistema Nacional de Salud en España: una perspectiva de los profesionales médicos. Estudio IMAGINE / Analysis of the healthcare process of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and associated comorbidity treated in Spain's National Health System: A perspective of medical professionals. IMAGINE study

Objetivos. Analizar la atención que reciben los pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2) y comorbilidad en el Sistema Nacional de Salud español. Pacientes y métodos. Estudio transversal mediante encuesta online. Participaron 302 médicos de familia, internistas y endocrinólogos, reclutados por sus respectivas sociedades científicas, de manera voluntaria y no retribuida. Resultados. Los pacientes con DM2 y comorbilidad son atendidos mayoritariamente en Atención Primaria (71,8%). Un 40% son derivados a atención hospitalaria, principalmente por insuficiencia renal, mal control glucémico y evaluación de retinopatía. Solo el 52% de los encuestados realizaban conciliación farmacológica en la transición entre niveles asistenciales. El 58% manifestaron realizar interconsultas, sesiones clínicas o consultorías entre niveles asistenciales. Los 3 principales factores identificados para mejorar el seguimiento y control de la DM2 con comorbilidad fueron el trabajo multidisciplinar (80,8%), la formación continuada de los profesionales sanitarios (72,3%) y los programas de educación terapéutica (72%). La falta de tiempo, la carencia de personal cualificado en intervenciones sobre el estilo de vida y las deficiencias organizativas fueron citadas como las principales barreras para la mejora asistencial en estos pacientes. Conclusiones. La mayoría de los pacientes con DM2 y comorbilidad son atendidos en Atención Primaria. Promover la atención multidisciplinaria y los programas formativos para profesionales y pacientes puede contribuir a mejorar la calidad asistencial. La conciliación terapéutica representa un área prioritaria de mejora en esta población (AU)

Objectives. To analyse the care received by patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) and comorbidity in Spain's National Health System. Patients and methods. Cross-sectional study using an online survey. A total of 302 family physicians, internists and endocrinologists participated in the study. The participants were recruited voluntarily by their respective scientific societies and received no remuneration. Results. Patients with DM2 and comorbidity are mostly treated in Primary Care (71.8%). Forty percent are referred to hospital care, mainly due to renal failure, poor glycaemic control and for a retinopathy assessment. Only 52% of those surveyed conducted medication reconciliation in the transition between healthcare levels. Fifty-eight percent reported conducting interconsultations, clinical meetings or consultancies between healthcare levels. The 3 main factors identified for improving the follow-up and control of DM2 with comorbidity were the multidisciplinary study (80.8%), the continuing education of health professionals (72.3%) and therapeutic education programmes (72%). A lack of time, a lack of qualified personnel for lifestyle interventions and organisational shortcomings were mentioned as the main obstacles for improving the care of these patients. Conclusions. Most patients with DM2 and comorbidity are treated in Primary Care. Promoting multidisciplinary care and training programmes for practitioners and patients can help improve the quality of care. Therapy reconciliation represents a priority area for improvement in this population (AU)

Analysis of the healthcare process of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and associated comorbidity treated in Spain's National Health System: A perspective of medical professionals. IMAGINE study.

OBJECTIVES: To analyse the care received by patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) and comorbidity in Spain's National Health System. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study using an online survey. A total of 302 family physicians, internists and endocrinologists participated in the study. The participants were recruited voluntarily by their respective scientific societies and received no remuneration. RESULTS: Patients with DM2 and comorbidity are mostly treated in Primary Care (71.8%). Forty percent are referred to hospital care, mainly due to renal failure, poor glycaemic control and for a retinopathy assessment. Only 52% of those surveyed conducted medication reconciliation in the transition between healthcare levels. Fifty-eight percent reported conducting interconsultations, clinical meetings or consultancies between healthcare levels. The 3 main factors identified for improving the follow-up and control of DM2 with comorbidity were the multidisciplinary study (80.8%), the continuing education of health professionals (72.3%) and therapeutic education programmes (72%). A lack of time, a lack of qualified personnel for lifestyle interventions and organisational shortcomings were mentioned as the main obstacles for improving the care of these patients. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients with DM2 and comorbidity are treated in Primary Care. Promoting multidisciplinary care and training programmes for practitioners and patients can help improve the quality of care. Therapy reconciliation represents a priority area for improvement in this population.

Cardiac arrhythmias in stroke unit patients. Evaluation of the cardiac monitoring data. / Arritmias cardiacas en la unidad de ictus: análisis de los datos de la monitorización cardiaca.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiac arrhythmias are frequent in acute stroke. Stroke units are widely equipped with cardiac monitoring systems. Pre-existing heart diseases and heart-brain interactions may be implicated in causing cardiac arrhythmias in acute stroke. This article analyses cardiac arrhythmias detected in patients hospitalised in a stroke unit. METHOD: Prospective observational study of consecutive patients admitted to a stroke unit with cardiac monitoring. We collected clinical data from patients and the characteristics of their cardiac arrhythmias over a 1-year period (2013). Time of arrhythmia onset, associated predisposing factors, and the therapeutic decisions made after detection of arrhythmia were examined. All patients underwent continuous cardiac monitoring during no less than 48hours. RESULTS: Of a total of 332 patients admitted, significant cardiac arrhythmias occurred in 98 patients (29.5%) during their stay in the stroke unit. Tachyarrhythmia (ventricular tachyarrhythmias, supraventricular tachyarrhythmias, complex ventricular ectopy) was present in 90 patients (27.1%); bradyarrhythmia was present in 13 patients (3.91%). Arrhythmias were independently associated with larger size of brain lesion and older age. In 10% of the patient total, therapeutic actions were taken after detection of significant cardiac arrhythmias. Most events occurred within the first 48hours after stroke unit admission. CONCLUSIONS: Systematic cardiac monitoring in patients with acute stroke is useful for detecting clinically relevant cardiac arrhythmias. Incidence of arrhythmia is higher in the first 48hours after stroke unit admission. Age and lesion size were predicted appearance of arrhythmias. Detection of cardiac arrhythmias in a stroke unit has important implications for treatment.