Asociación de la rigidez aórtica con calcificaciones vasculares abdominales y coronarias en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica estadios 3 y 4 / Association of aortic stiffness with abdominal vascular and coronary calcifications in patients with stage 3 and 4 chronic kidney disease

Fundamento y objetivos: El aumento de la rigidez arterial central (aórtica) tiene repercusiones hemodinámicas con efectos nocivos cardiovasculares y renales. En la enfermedad renal crónica (ERC) puede existir un aumento de la rigidez aórtica secundaria a múltiples alteraciones metabólicas, entre ellas la calcificación de la pared vascular (CV). El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la asociación de la rigidez aórtica y de la hemodinámica central con la presencia de CV en dos territorios: aorta abdominal (CAA) y arterias coronarias (CC). Material y métodos: Se incluyeron 87 pacientes con ERC estadios 3 y 4. Usando tonometría de aplanamiento se estudiaron la hemodinámica central y la rigidez aórtica. Esta se determinó mediante la velocidad de pulso carótida-femoral (Vpc-f). A partir de la Vpc-f se calculó el índice de la VPc-f (iVpc-f) que considera otras variables que influyen en la Vpc-f, como edad, presión arterial, sexo y frecuencia cardiaca. La presencia de CAA se valoró mediante radiografía lateral de columna lumbar calculándose el índice de Kauppila (iKauppila) y las CC mediante tomografía computarizada multidetección por el método de Agatston, calculándose su índice (iAgatston). Para el estudio de la asociación entre iVpc-f, iKauppila, iAgatston, presión aórtica central, parámetros clínicos y datos de laboratorio se usaron la regresión múltiple y la regresión logística. La capacidad discriminativa del iVpc-f para evaluar la presencia de CAA y CC se determinó mediante el área bajo la curva (ABC) de ROC (receiver-operating characteristic). Resultados: La Vpc-f y el iVpc-f fueron 11,3±2,6m/s y 10,6m/s, respectivamente. El iVpc-f fue mayor cuando la ERC coexistía con diabetes mellitus (DM). Se detectaron CAA y CC en el 77% y el 87%, respectivamente. La albuminuria (β=0,13, p=0,005) y el iKauppila (β=0,36, p=0,001) se asociaron de forma independiente con la magnitud del iVpc-f... (AU)

Rationale and objectives: Increased central (aortic) arterial stiffness has hemodynamic repercussions that affect the incidence of cardiovascular and renal disease. In chronic kidney disease (CKD) there may be an increase in aortic stiffness secondary to multiple metabolic alterations including calcification of the vascular wall (VC). The objective of this study was to analyze the association of central aortic pressures and aortic stiffness with the presence of VC in abdominal aorta (AAC) and coronary arteries (CAC). Materials and methods: We included 87 patients with CKD stage 3 and 4. Using applanation tonometry, central aortic pressures and aortic stiffness were studied. We investigated the association of aortic pulse wave velocity (Pvc-f) and Pvc-f adjusted for age, blood pressure, sex and heart rate (Pvc-f index) with AAC obtained on lumbar lateral radiography and CAC assessed by multidetector computed tomography. AAC and CAC were scored according to Kauppila and Agatston methods, respectively. For the study of the association between iPvc-f index, Kauppila score, Agatston score, central aortic pressures, clinical parameters and laboratory data, multiple and logistic regression were used. We investigated the diagnosis performance of the Pvc-f index for prediction of VC using receiver-operating characteristic (ROC). Results: Pvc-f and Pvc-f index were 11.3±2.6m/s and 10.6m/s, respectively. The Pvc-f index was higher when CKD coexisted with diabetes mellitus (DM). AAC and CAC were detected in 77% and 87%, respectively. Albuminuria (β=0.13, p=0.005) and Kauppila score (β=0.36, p=0.001) were independently associated with Pvc-f index. In turn, Pvc-f index (β=0.39, p=0.001), DM (β=0.46, p=0.01), and smoking (β=0.53; p=0.006) were associated with Kauppila score, but only Pvc-f index predicted AAC [OR: 3.33 (95% CI: 1.6–6.9; p=0.001)]. The Kauppila score was independently associated with the Agatston score (β=1.53, p=0.001)... (AU)

Are there any completely sterile organs or tissues in the human body? Is there any sacred place?

The human microbiome comprises an ample set of organisms that inhabit and interact within the human body, contributing both positively and negatively to our health. In recent years, several research groups have described the presence of microorganisms in organs or tissues traditionally considered as 'sterile' under healthy and pathological conditions. In this sense, microorganisms have been detected in several types of cancer, including those in 'sterile' organs. But how can the presence of microorganisms be detected? In most studies, 16S and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequencing has led to the identification of prokaryotes and fungi. However, a major limitation of this technique is that it cannot distinguish between living and dead organisms. RNA-based methods have been proposed to overcome this limitation, as the shorter half-life of the RNA would identify only the transcriptionally active microorganisms, although perhaps not all the viable ones. In this sense, metaproteomic techniques or the search for molecular metabolic signatures could be interesting alternatives for the identification of living microorganisms. In summary, new technological advances are challenging the notion of 'sterile' organs in our body. However, to date, evidence for a structured living microbiome in most of these organs is scarce or non-existent. The implementation of new technological approaches will be necessary to fully understand the importance of the microbiome in these organs, which could pave the way for the development of a wide range of new therapeutic strategies.

Association of aortic stiffness with abdominal vascular and coronary calcifications in patients with stage 3 and 4 chronic kidney disease.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Increased central (aortic) arterial stiffness has hemodynamic repercussions that affect the incidence of cardiovascular and renal disease. In chronic kidney disease (CKD) there may be an increase in aortic stiffness secondary to multiple metabolic alterations including calcification of the vascular wall (VC). The objective of this study was to analyze the association of central aortic pressures and aortic stiffness with the presence of VC in abdominal aorta (AAC) and coronary arteries(CAC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included 87 pacientes with CKD stage 3 and 4. Using applanation tonometry, central aortic pressures and aortic stiffness were studied. We investigated the association of aortic pulse wave velocity (Pvc-f) and Pvc-f adjusted for age, blood pressure, sex and heart rate (Pvc-f index) with AAC obtained on lumbar lateral radiography and CAC assessed by multidetector computed tomography. AAC and CAC were scored according to Kauppila and Agatston methods, respecti-vely. For the study of the association between Pvc-f index, Kauppila score, Agatston score, central aortic pressures, clinical parameters and laboratory data, multiple and logistic regression were used. We investigated the diagnosis performance of the Pvc-f index for prediction of VC using receiver-operating characteristic (ROC). RESULTS: Pvc-f and Pvc-f index were 11.3 ± 2.6 and 10.6 m/s, respectively. The Pvc-f index was higher when CKD coexisted with diabetes mellitus (DM). AAC and CAC were detected in 77% and 87%, respectively. Albuminuria (ß = 0.13, p = 0.005) and Kauppila score (ß = 0.36, p = 0.001) were independently associated with Pvc-f index. In turn, Pvc-f index (ß = 0.39, p = 0.001), DM (ß = 0.46, p = 0.01), and smoking (ß = 0.53; p = 0.006) were associated with Kauppila score, but only Pvc-f index predicted AAC [OR: 3.33 (95% CI: 1.6-6.9; p = 0.001)]. The Kauppila score was independently associated with the Agatston score (ß = 1.53, p = 0.001). The presence of AAC identified patients with CAC with a sensitivity of 73%, a specificity of 100%, a positive predictive value of 100% and a negative predictive value of 38%. The Vpc-f index predicted the presence of CAC [OR: 3.35 (95% CI: 1.04-10.2, p = 0.04)]. In the ROC curves, using the Vpc-f index, the AUC for AAC and CAC was 0.82 (95%CI: 0.71-0.93, p = 0.001) and 0.81 (95% CI: 0.67-0.96, p = 0.02), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: When stage 3-4 CKD coexists with DM there is an increase in aortic stiffness determined by the Vpc-f index. In stage 3-4 CKD, AAC and CAC are very prevalent and both often coexist. The Vpc-f index is independently associated with AAC and CAC and may be useful in identifying patients with VC in these territories.

Biophysical effects of a natural peloid on normal skin.

A protocol study was designed to examine cutaneous behavior after continuous application of a peloid in the dry mineral residue of Lanjarón-Capuchina natural mineral water. This study aims to analyze the biomechanical behavior of normal skin using various non-invasive bioengineering techniques after the application of this peloid. We determine the effects of its application for 3 months on 38 healthy volunteers (41.4 ± 5.9 years, range 32-58) without a previous history of skin diseases by courtmetry, sebumetry, pH-metry, reviscometry, and tewametry. It was shown that the production of cutaneous sebum is significantly reduced by 6%, trans epidermal skin loss (TEWL) by 21%, skin fatigue by 30%, elasticity increased by 19%, firmness by 5%, and a skin redensification by 6% was obtained under these experimental conditions. Disparate and non-significant results were obtained concerning pH and viscoelasticity. Continuous skin care with the Lanjarón-Capuchina natural peloid modifies skin behavior, normalizing sebaceous secretion, favoring the biomechanical properties of the skin and the skin barrier function without modifying skin homeostasis.

Optimization of potassium management in patients with chronic kidney disease and type 2 diabetes on finerenone.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at high risk of CKD progression and cardiovascular events. Despite treatment with renin-angiotensin system inhibitors and SGLT-2 inhibitors, the residual risk is substantial. There is preclinical and clinical evidence supporting a key role of mineralocorticoid receptor in cardiorenal injury in T2DM. AREAS COVERED: Finerenone is a selective and nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist that reduces -on preclinical studies- heart and kidney inflammation and fibrosis. Clinical trials have demonstrated that among patients with T2DM and CKD, finerenone reduces CKD progression and the risk of cardiovascular events. The incidence of adverse events is similar than for placebo. Permanent discontinuation of study drug due to hyperkalemia was low (1.7% of finerenone and 0.6% of placebo participants) as was the risk of hyperkalemia-related severe-adverse events (1.1%). We provide an overview of risk factors for hyperkalemia and management of serum potassium in people with CKD and T2DM on finerenone. EXPERT OPINION: As finerenone increases potassium levels in a predictable way, patients at risk of hyperkalemia can be identified early in clinical practice and monitored for an easy management. This will allow people with T2DM and CKD to safely benefit from improved cardiorenal outcomes.

Enoxaparin Posology According to Prothrombotic Status and Bleeding Risk in Hospitalized Patients with SARS-CoV-2 Pneumonia.

Some patients with COVID-19 have complex hypercoagulable abnormalities that are related to mortality. The optimal dosage of low molecular weight heparin in hospitalized patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia is still not clear. Our objective is to evaluate the effects of adapting the dosage of low molecular weight heparin to thrombotic and bleeding risk scales in this setting. We performed a cohort, retrospective, observational, and analytical study at the Hospital Universitario of Jerez de la Frontera, with patients admitted with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia from 1 October 2020 to 31 January 2021. They were classified according to whether they received prophylactic, intermediate, or therapeutic doses of enoxaparin. The primary endpoint was intrahospital mortality. Secondary endpoints were the need for invasive ventilation, thromboembolic events, bleeding, and the usefulness of thrombotic and bleeding scales. After binary logistic regression analysis, considering confounding variables, it was found that the use of enoxaparin at therapeutic doses was associated with lower mortality during admission compared to prophylactic and intermediate doses (RR 0.173; 95% CI, 0.038-0.8; p = 0.025). IMPROVE bleeding risk score correlated with a higher risk of minor bleeding (RR 1.263; 95% CI, 1.105-1.573; p = 0.037). In adult hospitalized patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia presenting elevated D-dimer and severe proinflammatory state, therapeutic doses of enoxaparin can be considered, especially if bleeding risk is low according to the IMPROVE bleeding risk score.

Efecto de la administración de diferentes formas de vitamina D en la presión arterial y rigidez aórticas, y su implicación en la reducción de la albuminuria en la enfermedad renal crónica / Effect of the administration of different forms of vitamin D on central blood pressure and aortic stiffness, and its implication in the reduction of albuminuria in chronic kidney disease

Antecedentes y objetivos: La vitamina D (vitD) ejerce efectos pleiotrópicos como son las modificaciones de la función arterial y descenso de la albuminuria. Existe 1-alfa-hidroxilasa tisular que convierte el 25-hidroxicolecalciferol (25[OH]D) en calcitriol que ejerce acciones autocrinas y paracrinas que intervienen en los efectos pleiotrópicos. El déficit de 25(OH)D podría limitar estos efectos tisulares de la vitD. La administración de vitD nutricional (colecalciferol) y de paricalcitol puede promover beneficios en la función vascular y renal. El objetivo fue estudiar el efecto que tiene, en la enfermedad renal crónica (ERC), la administración de diferentes formas de vitD sobre la rigidez aórtica y sobre la albuminuria, y la relación fisiopatológica entre las modificaciones de estas variables.Pacientes y métodos: Estudiamos, en 97 enfermos con ERC estadios 3-4 y con albuminuria residual, el efecto de la administración de colecalciferol (grupo 2) y paricalcitol (grupo 3) sobre la rigidez aórtica estudiada mediante la velocidad de pulso carótida-femoral (Vpc-f), sobre la presión arterial braquial y aórtica (central) y sobre la albuminuria. Un grupo de enfermos con ERC estadios 3-4 que no recibió terapia con vitD sirvió como grupo control (grupo 1). Todos los parámetros se estudiaron basalmente y tras un periodo de seguimiento de 7 ± 2 meses. Resultados: No hubo diferencias entre los grupos en la rigidez aórtica que estaba aumentada en todos ellos con un valor basal de la Vpc-f de 10,5 (9,2-12,1) m/s. Los valores basales de presión arterial sistólica braquial (PASb), presión arterial sistólica central (PASc), presión de pulso braquial (PPb) y presión de pulso central (PPc) fueron similares en todos los grupos. El valor de albuminuria basal fue 198 (46-832) mg/g, sin diferencias entre los grupos.(AU)

Background and objectives: Vitamin D(vitD) participates in phospho-calcium metabolism and exerts multiple pleiotropic effects. There is tissue 1-α (OH)ase that converts 25-OH cholecalciferol (25 (OH) D) in calcitriol that exerts autocrine and paracrine effects. 25 (OH)D deficiency could limit these tissue effects of vitD. The administration of nutritional vitD and the activator of the vitD receptor, paricalcitol, may promote beneficial effects on vascular and renal function. The objective of this work was to study in subjects with chronic kidney disease (CKD) the effect that the administration of different forms of vitD has on arterial function and albuminuria, and the possible relationship between the modifications of these variables. Patients and methods: We studied in 97 patients with CKD stages 3-4 the effect of the administration of cholecalciferol (group 2; n: 35) and paricalcitol (n: 31; group 3) on parameters derived from brachial blood pressure, aortic blood pressure and on aortic stiffness studied using carotid-femoral pulse velocity (Vpc-f), and on albuminuria. A group of patients with stages 3-4 CKD who did not receive vitD therapy served as a control group (n: 31; group 1). All parameters were studied at baseline and after the follow-up period which was 7 ± 2 months. Results: In the baseline phase, no differences were observed between the groups in brachial systolic blood pressure (bSBP), central systolic blood pressure (SBP), brachial pulse pressure (bPP), and central pulse pressure (pCP) or in aortic stiffness that was increased in all groups with a baseline Vpc-f value of 10.5 (9.2-12.1) m/sec. The baseline albuminuria value in the grouped patients was 229 (43-876) mg / g (median (interquartile range)), with no differences between the groups.(AU)

Effect of the administration of different forms of vitamin D on central blood pressure and aortic stiffness, and its implication in the reduction of albuminuria in chronic kidney disease. / Efecto de la administración de diferentes formas de vitamina D en la presión arterial y rigidez aórticas, y su implicación en la reducción de la albuminuria en la enfermedad renal crónica.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Vitamin D(vitD) participates in phospho-calcium metabolism and exerts multiple pleiotropic effects. There is tissue 1-α (OH)ase that converts 25-OH cholecalciferol (25 (OH) D) in calcitriol that exerts autocrine and paracrine effects. 25 (OH)D deficiency could limit these tissue effects of vitD. The administration of nutritional vitD and the activator of the vitD receptor, paricalcitol, may promote beneficial effects on vascular and renal function. The objective of this work was to study in subjects with chronic kidney disease (CKD) the effect that the administration of different forms of vitD has on arterial function and albuminuria, and the possible relationship between the modifications of these variables. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We studied in 97 patients with CKD stages 3-4 the effect of the administration of cholecalciferol (group 2; n: 35) and paricalcitol (n: 31; group 3) on parameters derived from brachial blood pressure, aortic blood pressure and on aortic stiffness studied using carotid-femoral pulse velocity (Vpc-f), and on albuminuria. A group of patients with stages 3-4 CKD who did not receive vitD therapy served as a control group (n: 31; group 1). All parameters were studied at baseline and after the follow-up period which was 7 ± 2 months. RESULTS: In the baseline phase, no differences were observed between the groups in brachial systolic blood pressure (bSBP), central systolic blood pressure (SBP), brachial pulse pressure (bPP), and central pulse pressure (pCP) or in aortic stiffness that was increased in all groups with a baseline Vpc-f value of 10.5 (9.2-12.1) m/sec. The baseline albuminuria value in the grouped patients was 229 (43-876) mg / g (median (interquartile range)), with no differences between the groups. Serum calcium and phosphorus increased significantly in those treated with cholecal-ciferol (native vitD) and paricalcitol (active vitD). Parathormone (PTH) values decreased in those treated with paricalcitol.bPP and cPP decreased in all groups treated with native and active vitD. No significant changes in bPP and cPP were observed in the control group. Vpc-f did not change significantly in any of the groups, although the variation was quantitatively greater in group 3 (11.2±2 vs. 10.7±1.6 (P=.06)). No differences were observed in the changes in Vpc-f between the groups when adjusted to the baseline values of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), albuminuria, PTH, vitD, brachial and central blood pressure parameters, and their changes with treatment.Those who received treatment with native and active vitD presented a significant decrease in albuminuria of 17% (group 2) and 21% (group 3) compared to a 16% increase in the untreated group (group 1) (P=.01). A decrease in albuminuria ≥30% was observed more frequently in the groups treated with some form of vitD (group 2: 23%; group 3: 45%) than in the control group (13%) (P=.03). The decrease in albuminuria observed in the groups treated with any of the forms of vitD did not vary when the baseline values of the biochemical parameters of phosphorus-calcium metabolism, those of arterial function (PPb, PPc, Vpc-f) or its modifications were introduced as covariates. There was no significant correlation between changes in Vpc-f and albuminuria. In logistic regression, changes in arterial function parameters were also not explanatory for the ≥30% decrease in albuminuria. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with CKD stages 3-4, treated with RAS blockers and with residual albuminuria, the administration of or paricalcitol reduces brachial and aortic pulse pressures, and albuminuria. The decrease in albuminuria does not seem to be mediated, at least not decisively, by changes in central hemodynamics or aortic stiffness.

Papel del aumento de la rigidez arterial central en el daño macro y microvascular en pacientes con enfermedad coronaria / Role of increased central arterial stiffness in macro and microvascular damage in patients with coronary artery disease

Antecedentes: Con frecuencia, los pacientes con cardiopatía tienen disfunción renal manifestada por el descenso del filtrado glomerular (FG) y/o aumento de la albuminuria. Objetivos: El objetivo fue estudiar el papel del aumento de la rigidez aórtica en la presencia y extensión de la enfermedad coronaria (EC) y en la disfunción renal en sujetos con EC. Pacientes y métodos: Estudio observacional transversal de 48 pacientes con sospecha de EC sometidos a coronariografía. Mediante tonometría de aplanamiento sobre la arterial radial y aplicando una función de transferencia, se calcularon los valores de presión arterial central. El estudio de la rigidez aórtica se hizo mediante la determinación de la velocidad de pulso carótida-femoral (Vpc-f). Resultados: De los 48 pacientes, 11 no tenían lesiones coronarias significativas, 24 evidenciaron lesiones significativas en una o dos arterias coronarias y 13 en ≥ tres arterias. El grupo con mayor grado de EC tenía valores de presión de pulso central (PPc) más altos que el grupo sin EC. La Vpc-f aumentaba de forma progresiva y significativa con el grado de EC. La regresión logística mostraba que la VPc-f predecía de forma independiente la presencia de EC. El FG se correlacionaba de forma negativa y significativa con la edad. La Vpc-f se asociaba a la albuminuria. Conclusiones: En pacientes con EC estable, la Vpc-f se relaciona de forma independiente con la existencia y extensión de la EC, así como con la disminución del FG y el aumento de la albuminuria.(AU)

Background: Patients with heart disease frequently have renal dysfunction manifested by a decrease in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and / or increase of albuminuria. Objectives: The objective was to study the possible role of increased aortic stiffness in the presence and extent of coronary artery disease (CAD) and kidney dysfunction in a group of patients with suspected CAD. Patients and methods: We studied forty-eight patients undergoing coronariography for suspected coronary disease (CAD). Using applanation tonometry on the radial artery and applying a transfer function, central blood pressure values were calculated. The study of aortic stiffness was done by determining the carotid-femoral pulse velocity (Pvc-f). Results: Of the 48 patients, 11 had no significant coronary lesions, 24 showed significant lesions in 1 or 2 coronary arteries and 13 in ≥ 3 arteries. The group with a higher degree of CD had significantly higher cPP values than the group without CD. The Pvc-f increased progressively and significantly with the degree of CD. The logistic regression showed that Pvc-f independently predicted the presence of CD. The relative risk of CD increased 2.5 times for each meter of increase in Pvc-f. The GFR was negatively and significantly correlated with age and Pvc-f was associated with albuminuria. Conclusions: In patients with stable CD, Pvc-f, expression of aortic stiffness, is independently associated with the existence of CD and its degree of extension. The increase in arterial stiffness also participates in the decrease in GFR and in the increase in albuminuria.(AU)

Role of increased central arterial stiffness in macro and microvascular damage in patients with coronary artery disease. / Papel del aumento de la rigidez arterial central en el daño macro y microvascular en pacientes con enfermedad coronaria.

BACKGROUND: Patients with heart disease frequently have renal dysfunction manifested by a decrease in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and / or increase of albuminuria. OBJECTIVES: The objective was to study the possible role of increased aortic stiffness in the presence and extent of coronary artery disease (CAD) and kidney dysfunction in a group of patients with suspected CAD. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We studied forty-eight patients undergoing coronariography for suspected coronary disease (CAD). Using applanation tonometry on the radial artery and applying a transfer function, central blood pressure values were calculated. The study of aortic stiffness was done by determining the carotid-femoral pulse velocity (Pvc-f). RESULTS: Of the 48 patients, 11 had no significant coronary lesions, 24 showed significant lesions in 1 or 2 coronary arteries and 13 in ≥ 3 arteries. The group with a higher degree of CD had significantly higher cPP values than the group without CD. The Pvc-f increased progressively and significantly with the degree of CD. The logistic regression showed that Pvc-f independently predicted the presence of CD. The relative risk of CD increased 2.5 times for each meter of increase in Pvc-f. The GFR was negatively and significantly correlated with age and Pvc-f was associated with albuminuria. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with stable CD, Pvc-f, expression of aortic stiffness, is independently associated with the existence of CD and its degree of extension. The increase in arterial stiffness also participates in the decrease in GFR and in the increase in albuminuria.

Evaluation of the Feasibility of a Two-Week Course of Aquatic Therapy and Thalassotherapy in a Mild Post-Stroke Population.

Strokes are a leading cause of disability in developed countries. Patients with disabilities need rehabilitation to improve their physical functioning, mental status, and quality of life. Currently, no high-quality evidence can be found attesting the benefits of any of the interventions that are nowadays used. Water-based exercise may improve the physical conditions and quality of life of people in the post-stroke phase. The objective of this study is to test whether aquatic therapy in an enriched environment at the seaside (a thalassotherapy center) could play a role in this condition. A quasi-experimental prospective study consisting of a specific program assessed 62 patients with a mild-moderate disability pre- and post-2 weeks of intensive treatment. They followed a thalassotherapy regimen including aquatic therapy in a sea water pool at 32-34 °C for 45 min daily five times a week. The outcomes measured were the Berg Balance scale, the Timed Up and Go test, the 10-meter walking test, the 6-min walking test, the Pain Visual Analogue Scale, the WHO Well-being index, EuroQoL VAS and EuroQoL 5D. We observed a significant improvement in all outcomes measured (p < 0.001, except mobility EuroQoL p < 0.05), except in the other four dimensions of the EuroQoL 5D and 10-metre walking test (NS). Conclusion: A two-week intensive course of aquatic therapy and thalassotherapy may be beneficial in the short term by reducing pain and improving the functional status and overall well-being of post-stroke patients.

La importancia del punto de corte para considerar buena adherencia en diabetes / The importance of the cut-off point for considering good adherence in diabetes

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Programa de cribado en cascada para la detección de la hipercolesterolemia familiar / Cascade screening program for familial hypercholesterolemia

Antecedentes y objetivo: La detección precoz de la hipercolesterolemia familiar heterocigota (HFH) es necesaria para prevenir eventos cardiovasculares prematuros. Nuestro objetivo es describir el desarrollo de una jornada de detección de HF (JHF) en el Área de Gestión Sanitaria Norte de Cádiz (AGSNC) para su cribado en España, así como analizar los datos obtenidos. Pacientes y métodos: Estudio transversal de una JHF en cascada a la que acudieron los casos índices (CI) diagnosticados genéticamente y sus familiares de primer y segundo grado subsidiarios de presentar HFH. Se analizaron variables clínicas, sociodemográficas y se recogieron muestras biológicas para estudio genético. Resultados: Se estudiaron 132 sujetos: 21 CI y 111 familiares; 16 eran menores de 18años, con una edad media de 11,4años (DE: 4,57). De los mayores de 18años, el 56% (n=65) fueron mujeres, con una edad media de 45,2años (DE: 15,9). Noventa familiares eran portadores de una mutación. La edad media de diagnóstico de los familiares fue de 25años (DE: 17,7), y la de los CI, de 36,4años (DE: 17,2); p=0,01. El tabaquismo activo fue mayor en los familiares que en los CI (26,3% vs 4,8%; p=0,02) y la presencia de arco corneal en menores de 45años era más frecuente en los CI (47,6% vs 12,6%; p<0,001). El 14,3% de CI habían presentado un infarto de miocardio vs el 4,2% de los familiares; p=0,07. El 43,1% estaban con máximo tratamiento hipolipemiante oral. Conclusiones: La estrategia de detección en cribado identificó al 4% de la población estimada con HF del AGSNC. Esta búsqueda activa de HF en los familiares anticipa su diagnóstico en 11,4años

Introduction and objective: Early detection of heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HFH) is needed to prevent premature cardiovascular events. Our aim isto describe the course of an HFH screening detection day in the Northern Cadiz Health Area in Spain and to analyze the data recorded. Subjects and methods: Descriptive study of an FH cascade screening program. Index cases (ICs) and their 1st and 2nd grade relatives were appointed during a weekend by the FH Foundation. Venous blood samples were taken from the subjects for genetic, blood, and chemistry tests; specialized medical consultation and physical examination were performed. Results: The study sample consisted of 132 subjects: 21 ICs and 111 relatives (16 under 18years old), with a mean age of 11.4years (SD4.57). Mean age of subjects over 18years was 45.2years. A gene mutation was found in 90 relatives. Mean age at diagnosis was 25years (SD17.7) for relatives and for 36.4years (SD17.2; P=.01) for ICs. Smoking rate was higher in relatives than in ICs (26.3% vs 4.8%; P=.02) and corneal arcus was more common in ICs as compared to relatives (47.6% vs 12.6%; P<.001). Prior myocardial infarction was recorded in 14.3% of ICs and 4.2% of relatives respectively (P=.07). Maximum lipid lowering treatment was being administered to 43.1%. Conclusions: The screening detection approach identified the estimated 4% population with HFH in the area, and allows for diagnosing HFH 11.4years earlier

Cascade screening program for familial hypercholesterolemia. / Programa de cribado en cascada para la detección de la hipercolesterolemia familiar.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Early detection of heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HFH) is needed to prevent premature cardiovascular events. Our aim isto describe the course of an HFH screening detection day in the Northern Cadiz Health Area in Spain and to analyze the data recorded. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Descriptive study of an FH cascade screening program. Index cases (ICs) and their 1st and 2nd grade relatives were appointed during a weekend by the FH Foundation. Venous blood samples were taken from the subjects for genetic, blood, and chemistry tests; specialized medical consultation and physical examination were performed. RESULTS: The study sample consisted of 132 subjects: 21 ICs and 111 relatives (16 under 18years old), with a mean age of 11.4years (SD4.57). Mean age of subjects over 18years was 45.2years. A gene mutation was found in 90 relatives. Mean age at diagnosis was 25years (SD17.7) for relatives and for 36.4years (SD17.2; P=.01) for ICs. Smoking rate was higher in relatives than in ICs (26.3% vs 4.8%; P=.02) and corneal arcus was more common in ICs as compared to relatives (47.6% vs 12.6%; P<.001). Prior myocardial infarction was recorded in 14.3% of ICs and 4.2% of relatives respectively (P=.07). Maximum lipid lowering treatment was being administered to 43.1%. CONCLUSIONS: The screening detection approach identified the estimated 4% population with HFH in the area, and allows for diagnosing HFH 11.4years earlier.

[Prevalence of Hypothyroidism in Andalusia, Spain, Determined by Thyroid Hormone Comsumption]. / Prevalencia de hipotiroidismo en Andalucía según el consumo de hormona tiroidea en 2014.

OBJECTIVE: Hypothyroidism is the most common condition linked to a hormone deficiency, nevertheless data on its prevalence are scarce in Spain. For that reason, we have estimated its prevalence through the registration of patients who had used thyroid hormones in Andalusia (South Spain). METHODS: Data of patients who had withdrawn levothyroxine under the public system during 2014 from the base of the Andalusian Health Service were considered. Prevalence were calculated with confidence intervals of 95% for each management area, stratified by sex and age groups, and differences between them were evaluated. RESULTS: 321,368 people (98% older than 18 years and 83% female) were identified as levothyroxine users and a prevalence of hypothyroidism of 3.95% (95%CI:3.94-3.96) was estimated for the general population. The condition was more common in females, in the older 18 years 7.81% (95%CI:7.80 to 7.82) compared to males 1.75% (95%CI:1.73-1.77) with a ratio of 4.5-fold. It increases in the population of women older than 45 years, 10.32% (95%CI:10.30-0.32) and in the over 60 years 11.37% (95%CI: 11.35-11.40). The prevalence in adult women in the western provinces is 7.38% (95%CI:7.36-7.40), in the eastern provinces 8.59% (95%CI:8.57-8.62) and in coastal areas 6.70% (95%CI: 6.68-6.72) compared to the mountainous ones, which is 8.91% (95%CI:8.88-8.94). CONCLUSIONS: The results denote a high prevalence of hypothyroidism in the adult population of Andalusia compared to the nearby countries, with a clear increased associated with females and age. Furthermore, the prevalence of the illness presents also a geographically-related variability.

Expert consensus on the use of liraglutide in the treatment of diabetes in internal medicine.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) is a disease of epidemic proportions. In the adult Spanish population, prevalence of DM2 is nearly 14%, which makes its monitoring and treatment imperative. Liraglutide has achieved relevance due to its efficacy and safety in DM treatment. The aim of this study is to gather expert opinion on diabetes to assess the current role of liraglutide in DM2. MATERIALS/METHODS: The survey was performed by 57 internal medicine specialists using the Delphi method. The questionnaire had 56 items regarding liraglutide in DM treatment. RESULTS: Consensus was reached in 71.4% of items. Panelists stated agreement regarding liraglutide suitability in the treatment of patients with DM2, high cardiovascular risk, and with pathologies related to obesity, highlighting its role in weight loss, low risk of hypoglycemia, and improvement of vascular risks. Moreover, consensus was not reached regarding the suitability of liraglutide in patients with special situations, mainly due to minimal experience caused by the small number of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Due to its safety and hypoglycemic efficacy, liraglutide is an excellent choice for DM treatment in combination with other drugs. Its effects on the reduction of weight and other cardiovascular risk factors, make it an optimal treatment, especially in overweight or obese patients.

Management of patients with type 2 diabetes and multiple chronic conditions: A Delphi consensus of the Spanish Society of Internal Medicine.

AIMS: To develop consensus-based recommendations for the management of chronic complex patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus using a two round Delphi technique. METHODS: Experts from the Diabetes and Obesity Working Group (DOWG) of the Spanish Society of Internal Medicine (SEMI) reviewed MEDLINE, PubMed, SCOPUS and Cochrane Library databases up to September 2014 to gather information on organization and health care management, stratification of therapeutic targets and therapeutic approach for glucose control in chronic complex patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. A list of 6 recommendations was created and rated by a panel of 75 experts from the DOWG by email (first round) and by open discussion (second round). A written document was produced and sent back to DOWG experts for clarification purposes. RESULTS: A high degree of consensus was achieved for all recommendations summarized as 1) there is a need to redesign and test new health care programs for chronic complex patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus; 2) therapeutic targets in patients with short life expectancy should be individualized in accordance to their personal, clinical and social characteristics; 3) patients with chronic complex conditions and type 2 diabetes mellitus should be stratified by hypoglycemia risk; 4) age and specific comorbidities should guide the objectives for glucose control; 5) the risk of hypoglycemia should be a key factor when choosing a treatment; and 6) basal insulin analogs compared to human insulin are cost-effective options. CONCLUSION: The assessment and recommendations provided herein represent our best professional judgment based on current data and clinical experience.

Prevalencia de hipotiroidismo en Andalucía según el consumo de hormona tiroidea en 2014 / Prevalence of hypothyroidism in Andalusia, Sapin, determined by thyroid hormone comsumption

Fundamento: El hipotiroidismo es la condición más común ligada a un déficit hormonal. A pesar de ello existe una escasez de datos en España sobre su su prevalencia. El objetivo fue estimar la prevalencia en Andalucía a través del registro de pacientes que consumieron hormona tiroidea durante el año 2014. Método: Se recuperaron los datos de las personas que habían retirado de la farmacia levotiroxina con cargo al sistema público durante 2014 de la base de datos del Servicio Andaluz de Salud. Se calcularon las prevalencias con sus intervalos de confianza del 95% para cada Área de Gestión, estratificadas por sexo y grupos etarios. Resultados: Se identificaron 321.368 personas (98% mayores de 18 años y 83% mujeres) consumidoras de levotiroxina y se estimó una prevalencia de hipotiroidismo del 3,95% (IC95%: 3,943,96) para población general. La condición era más común en la mujer, en mayores de 18 años un 7,81% (IC95 7,80 a 7,82) comparada con el hombre 1,75% (IC95 1,73 a 1,77) con una razón de 4,5. Aumenta en la población de mujeres mayores de 45 años, 10,32% (IC95 10,30 a 10,32) y más en las mayores de 60 años 11,37% (IC95%: 11,35 a 11,40). La prevalencia en mujer adulta de las provincias occidentales fue 7,38% (IC95%: 7,36-7,40), en las orientales de 8,59% (IC95%: 8,57-8,62) y en las áreas costeras fue de 6,70% (IC95%: 6,68-6,72) frente a las montañosas que fue 8,91% (IC95%: 8,88-8,94). Conclusión: Los resultados indican una elevada prevalencia de hipotiroidismo en la población adulta de Andalucía, con un claro predominio de la mujer y un incremento con la edad. Además, la prevalencia de la enfermedad también presenta una importante variabilidad geográfica (AU)

Background: Hypothyroidism is the most common condition linked to a hormone deficiency, nevertheless data on its prevalence are scarce in Spain. For that reason, we have estimated its prevalence through the registration of patients who had used thyroid hormones in Andalusia (South Spain). Method: data of patients who had withdrawn levothyroxine under the public system during 2014 from the base of the Andalusian Health Service were considered. Prevalence were calculated with confidence intervals of 95% for each management area, stratified by sex and age groups, and differences between them were evaluated. Results: 321,368 people (98% older than 18 years and 83% female) were identified as levothyroxine users and a prevalence of hypothyroidism of 3.95% (95%CI:3.94-3.96) was estimated for the general population. The condition was more common in females, in the older 18 years 7.81% (95%CI:7.80 to 7.82) compared to males 1.75% (95%CI:1.73-1.77) with a ratio of 4.5-fold. It increases in the population of women older than 45 years, 10.32% (95%CI:10.30- 0.32) and in the over 60 years 11.37% (95%CI: 11.35-11.40). The prevalence in adult women in the western provinces is 7.38% (95%CI:7.36-7.40), in the eastern provinces 8.59% (95%CI:8.57-8.62) and in coastal areas 6.70% (95%CI: 6.68-6.72) compared to the mountainous ones, which is 8.91% (95%CI:8.88- 8.94). Conclusion: The results denote a high prevalence of hypothyroidism in the adult population of Andalusia compared to the nearby countries, with a clear increased associated with females and age. Furthermore, the prevalence of the illness presents also a geographically-related variability (AU)