Análisis de los datos de monitorización del ventilador para la toma de decisiones en ventilación mecánica invasiva crónica / Analysis of ventilator monitoring data for decision-making in chronic invasive mechanical ventilation

El uso de la ventilación mecánica invasiva crónica se ha incrementado progresivamente en pediatría. Su uso tiene importantes beneficios, pero también riesgos asociados. La terapia ventilatoria debe ser supervisada en forma constante y dentro de los métodos de evaluación clínica de la ventilación se encuentra el análisis de los datos de monitorización almacenados en la memoria interna del ventilador. Estos datos contienen información almacenada durante el uso del ventilador que puede ayudarnos a tomar decisiones. Es importante considerar que la precisión de la información depende de la tecnología del ventilador y los componentes utilizados. El objetivo de esta revisión es dar a conocer la utilidad y limitaciones de la información de monitorización del ventilador mecánico en pacientes usuarios de ventilación mecánica crónica por traqueostomía, junto con describir su interpretación estructurada en forma sencilla y con ejemplos clínicos.

Long-term mechanical ventilation has increased in pediatric patients. Its use has important benefits, but also associated risks. Ventilatory therapy must be constantly monitored, and ventilator data analysis it's one of the evaluation methods. The device data contains information stored during the ventilator use and can help us with therapy decisions. The information accuracy depends on ventilator technology and the components that are used for ventilation. The objective of this review is to present the usefulness and limitations of the information on mechanical ventilator monitoring devices in patients using chronic mechanical ventilation by tracheostomy describing and structured interpretation in a simple way with the use of clinical examples.

Implementation of a Postfracture Care Program in a Private Hospital in Colombia.

PURPOSE: To describe the implementation of a postfracture care program in a private hospital in Colombia, the results achieved after the program's first year, and the challenges encountered. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study of the first year's outcomes. The program was implemented following best practices described in the "Capture the Fracture" framework. We assessed the management of fractures before the launch of the program. A multidisciplinary group was established to collaborate on the diagnosis and treatment of patients with osteoporotic fractures. A full-time program coordinator was appointed. We analyzed the program's clinical outcomes and limitations. RESULTS: One-hundred and ninety patients were included in the study, with an average age of 76.7. Hip fracture was the most frequent one (33.6%). After the first year of implementing the program, 39.4% of patients received osteoporosis treatment, with an adherence rate of 73%. The incidence of subsequent falls was 5.8% and 1% for new fractures. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of a program for patients' care with fragility fractures is challenging for healthcare institutions. The role of a full-time coordinator is critical for the proper operation of such programs.

Entrenamiento sobre cinta rodante en niños con enfermedades respiratorias crónicas: serie clínica / Treadmill training in children with chronic respiratory diseases: clinical series

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las enfermedades respiratorias crónicas (ERC) en niños han aumentado en los últimos años siendo la Rehabilitación Respiratoria uno de los tratamientos utilizados en esta población. OBJETIVO: Evaluar el impacto de un programa de entrenamiento aeróbico sobre cinta rodante en pacientes pediátricos con ERC del Hospital Josefina Martínez. METODOLOGÍA: Serie retrospectiva de casos con registro prospectivo de 9 pacientes con una edad promedio de 7,1 ± 3,9 años con ERC y entrenamiento aeróbico. Los pacientes realizaron 24 sesiones. Se analizaron los registros pre-post de los test de marcha de 6 min (TM6) y la velocidad máxima obtenida en el Test Cardiopulmonar Incremental (VTCI). RESULTADOS: Las medias de la distancia recorrida en TM6 pre y post entrenamiento fueron de 383 ± 142,4 m y 451,7 ± 142,4 m respectivamente (p < 0,0001). Las medias de las VTCI pre y post entrenamiento fueron: 4,1 ± 1,1 km/h y 5,4 ± 1,27 km/h (p = 0,001). CONCLUSIONES: La distancia recorrida en el TM6 y la capacidad máxima de trabajo mejoraron significativamente con el entrenamiento aeróbico en estos pacientes con ERC.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic respiratory diseases (CRD) in children have increased in recent years. Respiratory Rehabilitation is one of the treatments used in this population. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of a treadmill training program over pediatric patients with CRD in the Josefina Martínez Children's Hospital at Santiago de Chile. METHODS: Retrospective cases series with prospective record of 9 patients 7.1 ± 3.9 years-old with CRD and treadmill training. The patients performed 24 sessions. The Pre-post records of the 6-minute walk test (6MW) and the maximum speed obtained in the Incremental Load Test (ILT) were analyzed. RESULTS: Averages of the distance traveled pre and post-training were 383 ± 142.4 meters and 451.7 ± 142.4 meters respectively (p < 0.0001). The average maximum speed obtained in the ILT was 4.1 ± 1.1 km/h and 5.4 ± 1.27 km/h (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The distance walked in the 6-minute walk test and the maximum work capacity improve significantly with treadmill training in these patients with CRD.

Presión inspiratoria mantenida en pacientes pediátricos traqueostomizados como indicador de tolerancia al uso de cánula tapada / Maintained inspiratory pressure in pediatric tracheostomized patients as an indicator of tolerance of capped tracheostomy

INTRODUCCIÓN: El uso prolongado de traqueostomía (TQT) conlleva a complicaciones que pueden minimizarse con una decanulación segura y temprana. La presión inspiratoria mantenida (PiMant) evalúa el comportamiento dinámico de la vía aérea en inspiración, la que puede relacionarse con la tolerancia a la oclusión de la TQT en pacientes en vía de decanulación. El OBJETIVO es el de describir la medición de PiMant y relacionar su valor con la tolerancia al uso de cánula tapada. METODOLOGÍA: Se evaluó la PiMant a 16 pacientes traqueostomizados, con vacuómetro anaeroide, registrando la moda de las presiones obtenidas, saturación de oxígeno, frecuencias respiratoria y cardíaca, uso de musculatura accesoria y estridor, a los minutos 1, 5, 10 y 15 de la oclusión de la TQT. RESULTADOS: mediana edad 60 meses, rango de presiones −2 a −40 cmH2O. Valores de PiMant > −7 cmH2O se asocian a mejor tolerancia al uso de cánula tapada. El estridor severo, asociado a aumento en frecuencia respiratoria, frecuencia cardiaca y uso de musculatura accesoria fueron los principales indicadores de fin de la prueba. CONCLUSIONES: PiMant es una prueba segura. PiMant> −7cmH2O, presentan mejor tolerancia a uso de cánula tapada.

INTRODUCTION: The prolonged use of tracheostomy leads to several complications, being necessary a prompt and safe decannulation. Maintained Inspiratory Airway Pressure (PiMant) is a functional evaluation of the dynamic changes of upper airway in inspiration which could indicate the tolerance to capped tracheostomy and adapting to this new airflow resistance, prior to decannulate. METHODS: Sixteen tracheostomized patients were evaluated with PiMant using a vacuum gauge, recording pressure value, oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, heart rate, accesory muscles use and presence of stridor during 15 minutes. RESULTS: Median age 60 months-old, pressure range −2 to −40 cmH2O. PiMant values > −7 cmH2O were associated with better tolerance to capped tracheostomy. Stridor was associated to increase of respiratory effort being the best criteria to bring to a halt the test. CONCLUSIONS: PiMant is a safe assessment, and indicates tolerance to capped tracheostomy when values > −7 cmH2O are found.

Conformational selectivity and high-affinity binding in the complexation of N-phenyl amides in water by a phenyl extended calix[4]pyrrole.

We describe the synthesis of a tetrapyridinium phenyl extended calix[4]pyrrole that is soluble in neutral water solution at mM concentrations. We show that, in pure water, the synthesized calix[4]pyrrole receptor selectively binds the cis-(E) conformers of secondary N-phenyl-amides and tertiary N-methyl-N-phenyl-formamide with binding affinities larger than 103 M-1. The conformational selectivity is remarkable owing to the energetic preference of amides to adopt the trans-(Z) conformation in solution. In this respect, we used two binding models for the mathematical analyses of the titration data and calculated apparent and intrinsic binding constants. The combined action of hydrogen bonding and the hydrophobic effect that operates in the binding of the amides in water is responsible for the large affinities displayed by the receptor.

Care in patients with epidermal necrolysis in burn units. A nursing perspective.

OBJECTIVE: To describe how nursing care is delivered to patients with epidermal necrolysis in burn units/specialized units in Spain and a selection of countries. METHOD: Descriptive cross-sectional study. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire which was sent to nurse managers in all burn units in Spain and a selection of countries. Descriptive statistics was used to summarize the results. RESULTS: All BU/SUs in Spain (n=12) and seven BU/SUs from a selection of countries completed the questionnaire. A lack of specific nursing protocols on Epidermal Necrolysis was observed in most burn units in Spain. Skin cleansing techniques such as showering were only reported by participants from Spain. Use of antiseptics was less frequent in other countries. Conservative skin management was the most extended practice reported by all participants. The use of vaginal molds to prevent synechiae and coverage of the ocular surface with amniotic membrane to minimize sequelae were rarely reported. Pain assessment was not always documented in sedated patients and few participants reported the use of specific scales for this purpose. All nurses agreed in the need for consensus nursing care guidelines on the disease. CONCLUSIONS: Nursing care in patients with epidermal necrolysis varied between burn units in Spain. Differences and similarities were observed when compared with burn units in other countries. Genital and ocular care were outdated in all BU/SUs. Pain assessment documentation was suboptimal. Evidence-based nursing care guidelines were generally demanded by all participants to help reduce mortality and morbidity of this rare and often devastating disease.

Rol del kinesiólogo respiratorio en el proceso de alta domiciliaria en niños con ventilación mecánica prolongada / Role of respiratory physiotherapists in the discharge process in children with long-term ventilation

In chronic children with long-term mechanical ventilation, early discharge improves quality of life and decreases associated health costs. In order to achieve this goal, implementation of hospital and home care programs integrating a multidisciplinary team is necessary. In North America, the Respiratory Therapist (RT) performs an important part of the respiratory care and education to caregivers before patients' discharge. In Chile, the kinesiologist (physical therapist with respiratory care knowledge) assumes part of these functions, including permeability of the airway, education about oxygen therapy systems, mechanical ventilation support adaptation, thermo-humidification, aerosol therapy and monitoring.Additionally, unlike the traditional role of RTs, kinesiologists are involved in respiratory rehabilitation activities designed to optimize cardiorespiratory function prior to discharge, integrating general and specific training strategies, use of phonation devices and implementation of individualized respiratory assessments

En niños crónicos dependientes de ventilación mecánica prolongada (VMP), el alta precoz mejora la calidad de vida y disminuye los costos sanitarios asociados. Para lograrla es necesaria la implementación de programas hospitalarios y domiciliarios que integren a distintos profesionales. En Norteamérica es el Terapista Respiratorio (TR) quien ejecuta parte importante de los cuidados respiratorios y educación a los padres previo al alta. En Chile es el Kinesiólogo quien asume parte de estas funciones, incluyendo permeabilización de la vía aérea, adecuación de sistemas de soporte ventilatorio, oxigenoterapia, termohumedificación, aerosolterapía y monitorización.Adicionalmente, a diferencia del rol clásico del TR, el kinesiólogo desarrolla actividades de rehabilitación respiratoria tendientes a optimizar el estado funcional cardiorespiratorio previo al alta, integrando actividades de acondicionamiento general y especifico, uso de dispositivos fonatorios y ejecución de evaluaciones individualizadas de la función respiratoria

Inclusion of silver nanoparticles for improving regenerated cellulose membrane performance and reduction of biofouling.

The preparation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and their incorporation into the structure of a regenerated cellulose membrane by dip coating is presented. Morphological characterization of the AgNPs (average diameter of 20±2nm) was carried out by SEM/TEM, while elastic, electrical and antimicrobial properties of the hybrid membrane were also analyzed. The presence of silver nanoparticles in the membrane seems to increases its rigidity and its chemical stability against oxidation, but it only induces small changes in the transport parameters. As expected, AgNPs provide antimicrobial properties to the membrane and consequently the reduction of biofouling without affecting significantly other characteristic parameters, opening the application of the modified membrane to wastewaters treatment.

Burnout syndrome among psychiatric trainees in 22 countries: Risk increased by long working hours, lack of supervision, and psychiatry not being first career choice.

BACKGROUND: Postgraduate medical trainees experience high rates of burnout, but evidence regarding psychiatric trainees is missing. We aim to determine burnout rates among psychiatric trainees, and identify individual, educational and work-related factors associated with severe burnout. METHODS: In an online survey psychiatric trainees from 22 countries were asked to complete the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI-GS) and provide information on individual, educational and work-related parameters. Linear mixed models were used to predict the MBI-GS scores, and a generalized linear mixed model to predict severe burnout. RESULTS: This is the largest study on burnout and training conditions among psychiatric trainees to date. Complete data were obtained from 1980 out of 7625 approached trainees (26%; range 17.8-65.6%). Participants were 31.9 (SD 5.3) years old with 2.8 (SD 1.9) years of training. Severe burnout was found in 726 (36.7%) trainees. The risk was higher for trainees who were younger (P<0.001), without children (P=0.010), and had not opted for psychiatry as a first career choice (P=0.043). After adjustment for socio-demographic characteristics, years in training and country differences in burnout, severe burnout remained associated with long working hours (P<0.001), lack of supervision (P<0.001), and not having regular time to rest (P=0.001). Main findings were replicated in a sensitivity analysis with countries with response rate above 50%. CONCLUSIONS: Besides previously described risk factors such as working hours and younger age, this is the first evidence of negative influence of lack of supervision and not opting for psychiatry as a first career choice on trainees' burnout.

Sensorimotor gating, cannabis use and the risk of psychosis.

Sensorimotor gating, measured as the modification of eye blink startle reflexes to loud acoustic stimuli by quieter preceding stimuli, is altered in those with psychosis, their relatives and those at high clinical risk for psychosis. Alterations have also been shown in cannabis users, albeit to a lesser extent, and cannabis is a known risk factor for the onset of psychosis in clinically and genetically susceptible individuals. We examined the interaction between clinical risk for psychosis and cannabis use on sensorimotor gating, both Prepulse Inhibition (PPI) and Prepulse Facilitation (PPF). We tested PPI and PPF in participants with an At Risk Mental State (ARMS) for psychosis and a matched control group. Both groups included a proportion of subjects who had recently used cannabis, as confirmed by urinary drug screening (UDS) on the day of testing. We found that ARMS participants showed reduced PPF and PPI relative to controls, the latter driven by a group by cannabis use interaction, with recent use reducing PPI in ARMS participants but not in controls. When the analysis was limited to UDS-negative participants there was significantly reduced PPF in ARMS subjects relative to controls, but no differences in PPI. Within the ARMS group reduced sensorimotor gating, measured by both PPI and PPF, related to reduced overall level of function. Cannabis use in clinical high risk individuals may increase the risk of psychosis in part through worsening PPI, while PPF is altered in ARMS individuals irrespective of cannabis use. This develops our understanding of cognitive mechanisms leading to the experience of aberrant perceptual phenomena and the subsequent development of psychotic symptoms.

Valores de presión espiratoria mantenida en la vía aérea como indicador de tolerancia al uso de válvula de fonación en pacientes traqueostomizados / Maintained expiratory airway pressure values as an indicator of tolerance of speaking valve in tracheostomized patients

Introduction: Speaking valve (SV) is an unidirectional flow device installed over the tracheostomy tube allowing phonation. Tolerance to this device depends on the permeability of the upper airway (UA), which may be indirectly assessed by measuring UA maintained expiratory pressure (PEMant). Objective: To evaluate the usefulness of the maintained expiratory pressure as a clinical indicator of tolerance to the SV. Method: Twenty three tracheostomized patients (median age 22 months-old) were evaluated with an aneroid manometer during 15 minutes, recording PEMant, arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2), heart rate, respiratory rate, accessory muscle use and wheezing as signs of respiratory distress Results: PEMant values less than 10 cmH2O are associated with tolerance of the SV and values over 20 cmH2O are associated with intolerance. Conclusion: Values under 10 cmH2O of PEMant can be used as an indicator of tolerance to VF.

Introducción: La válvula de fonación (VF), es un dispositivo de flujo unidireccional instalado sobre la cánula de traqueostomía posibilitando la fonación. La tolerancia a este dispositivo depende de la permeabilidad de la vía aérea superior (VAS), pudiendo ser valorada indirectamente a través de la medición de la presión espiratoria mantenida (PEMant) en vía aérea. Objetivo: Estudiar esta técnica como indicador clínico de tolerancia a la VF. Método: Se evaluaron 23 pacientes traqueostomizados (mediana de edad 22 meses) con un manómetro aneroide durante 15 minutos, registrando PEMant, saturación arterial de oxígeno (SaO2), frecuencia cardiaca, frecuencia respiratoria, uso de musculatura accesoria y sibilancias para valorar la dificultad respiratoria. Resultados: Valores de PEMant menores a 10 cmH2O se asocian con tolerancia a la VFy valores sobre 20 cmH2O a intolerancia a ésta. Conclusión: Valores bajo 10cmH2O de PEMant pueden ser indicadores de tolerancia al uso de VF.

Overproduction of cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) is involved in the resistance to apoptosis in vascular smooth muscle cells from diabetic patients: a link between inflammation and apoptosis.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Inflammation is a common feature in cardiovascular diseases, including diabetes mellitus. In addition to the well-known inflammatory role of cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2), this protein has also been implicated in apoptosis resistance in tumour cells. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) from diabetic patients are also resistant to apoptosis because of an increased abundance of B cell lymphoma 2 protein (BCL2). In this work, we investigated whether overproduction of COX-2 was involved in the resistance to apoptosis in VSMC from diabetic patients. METHODS: VSMC were obtained from internal mammary arteries from patients who had undergone coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Apoptosis was measured by DNA fragmentation, BCL2 degradation and cytochrome c release. RESULTS: Apoptosis induced by C-reactive protein in cells from non-diabetic patients was mediated by COX-2. VSMC from diabetic patients showed higher basal levels of COX-2 compared with those from non-diabetic patients. Transfection of VSMC from non-diabetic patients with a plasmid containing COX-2 (also known as PTGS2) increased basal production of COX-2 and BCL2 and mimicked the resistance to apoptosis that occurs in diabetic patients. We also found a significant correlation (R = 0.846, p = 0.016) between COX-2 and BCL2 production in arterial rings from diabetic patients measured by confocal microscopy. However, inhibition of COX-2 production by small interfering RNA proved unable to reverse BCL2 production in diabetic VSMC. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: These results suggest a link between inflammation (COX-2) and apoptosis resistance (BCL2) in the arteries of diabetic patients. This relationship is not causative and the common production of these two proteins may be co-regulated by shared regulatory elements in diabetes.

Chronic administration of risperidone to healthy rats: a behavioural and morphological study.

Taking into account that most of the experimental research into the effects of antipsychotic drugs has mainly focused on behavioural aspects, the aim of the present work is to investigate the effects of a chronic therapeutic dose of risperidone (1 mg/kg/day during 140 days) on both behavioural and morphological aspects in healthy rats. The behavioural results revealed only minor modifications in prepulse inhibition, showing the risperidone-treated group higher values at 70 days of treatment with respect to the vehicle group. Moreover, in the open-field test, this group showed a greater incidence of grooming. In the active avoidance test, no differences were found between the groups studied. Additionally, in the morphological study performed to analyse cortical thickness and the number of GFAP-, CaBP-, PV- and Fos-immunostained cells no differences were seen between the two groups studied. It is important to note that the risperidone-treated group showed a slight increase in the total number of cells counted, although this increase was not significant. Our results indicate that the chronic administration of therapeutic doses of risperidone does not produce any dramatic behavioural or morphological changes in healthy animals.

Use of statins for the treatment of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage: results of a pilot study.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) represents the most fatal kind of stroke, and there is still no treatment available that improves the outcome. Statins are cholesterol reducers, and during the last few years many additional effects have been demonstrated that might be neuroprotective. We designed a pilot clinical study in order to evaluate whether the administration of statins is associated with a better outcome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From August to December 2006 we carried out a prospective/retrospective non-randomized clinical study. The prospective group was treated with rosuvastatin (20 mg) and the retrospective control group was taken from our clinical records with a relation of 1:3. We included patients of both sexes, aged > or =15 years with proven ICH in CT-scan. Exclusion criteria were a history of neoplasm, head injury four weeks before admission, non-hypertensive reasons, brainstem hemorrhage, steroid administration, cranial surgery, initial hydrocephalus, and NIHSS > or =30. RESULTS: We analyzed 18 patients treated with rosuvastatin and 57 controls with similar basic characteristics. The mortality rate during hospitalization was 1 (5.6%) patient in the statin group and 9 (15.8%) in the control group; the hazard ratio adjusted by the initial Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), intubation, admission in intensive care unit, disruption into the subarachnoid space was 0.20 (95% CI 0.02-1.67). The odds ratio for NIHSS > or =15 at release was 0.04 (95% CI 0.003-0.93). CONCLUSIONS: The use of statins during the acute phase of ICH could be associated with a better outcome. Further clinical trials are necessary to confirm a possible therapeutic effect and evaluate the toxicity of statins.

[A clinical-epidemiological approximation to intracerebral hemorrhage in a Mexican hospital: analysis of factors associated to mortality]. / Aproximacion clinicoepidemiológica de la hemorragia intracerebral en un hospital mexicano: analisis de factores asociados a la mortalidad.

INTRODUCTION: Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is the most lethal type of stroke. There are some clinical and radiological factors related to mortality. The time for obtaining medical care could be related with poor prognosis, but there are not available studies in Hispanics that evaluated this one. AIM: To determinate the association between epidemiological factors, time to obtain medical care, origin, and clinical characteristics with hospital mortality due to ICH. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Study of cases and controls in a regional third level center, between January 2000 and December 2006 with patients of both sexes, older than 15 years with tomographic diagnosis of ICH. We excluded patients with NIHSS undetermined or traumatic head injury 4 weeks before. We studied demographic variables, time between beginning of symptoms and medical care, origin in kilometers until hospital, clinical characteristics at admission, including Glasgow and NIHSS. RESULTS: We analyzed 74 men and 101 women with mean age of 65 years. The etiology was hypertension in 77.4% and localization lobar in 39.4%. Eighty-five percent receipt medical care after 3 hours and 75.4% came from a radius < 100 km. Mortality in hospital was 16.6% with an explicative model of regression that included blood pressure < 130/80 mmHg, intubation, Glasgow < 9 at admission or NIHSS > 15, and hospitalization days. CONCLUSIONS: Demographic characteristics, causes, and localization are similar to previously informed series. The time for obtaining medical care is far from ideal, this could delay treatment; allow progression of disease, and then worse prognosis.

Aproximación clinicoepidemiológica de la hemorragia intracerebral en un hospital mexicano: análisis de factores asociados a la mortalidad / Clinical-epidemiological approximation to intracerebral hemorrhage in a Mexican hospital: analysis of factors associated to mortality

La hemorragia intracerebral (HIC) espontánea es la forma más letal de enfermedad cerebrovascular.Existen factores clínicos y radiológicos descritos asociados a mortalidad. El tiempo en recibir atención podría relacionarse con peor pronóstico; sin embargo, no existen estudios en la población latina que hayan analizado esta asociación. Objetivo.Determinar la asociación entre factores epidemiológicos, el tiempo de atención, la procedencia y características clínicas con la mortalidad hospitalaria por HIC. Sujetos y métodos. Es un estudio de casos y controles en un centro regional de tercer nivel,entre enero de 2000 y diciembre de 2006, con pacientes de ambos sexos, mayores de 15 años, con diagnóstico tomográfico de HIC. Se excluyeron aquéllos con la escala del Instituto Nacional de Salud para enfermedades cardiovasculares (NIHSS) basal indeterminada o traumatismo craneal en las cuatro semanas previas. Se estudiaron variables demográficas, tiempo entre inicio de síntomas y atención médica, lugar de procedencia en kilómetros y características clínicas en el momento del ingreso, incluyendo la puntuación de Glasgow y NIHSS. Resultados. Analizamos 74 hombres y 101 mujeres con edad promediode 65 años. La etiología fue hipertensión arterial en el 77,3% y localización lobar en el 39,4%. El 84,5% recibió atención despuésde tres horas y el 75,4% procedía de un radio menor de 100 km. La mortalidad hospitalaria fue del 16,6%, con un modeloexplicativo de regresión logística que incluyó: tensión arterial < 130/80 mmHg, intubación, Glasgow < 9 o NIHSS >15en el momento del ingreso y los días de hospitalización. Conclusiones. Las características demográficas, causas y localizaciónse asemejan a lo descrito en la bibliografía. El tiempo de atención dista de lo ideal, lo que puede retrasar el tratamiento,permitir la progresión de la enfermedad y empeorar el pronóstico

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is the most lethal type of stroke. There are some clinical andradiological factors related to mortality. The time for obtaining medical care could be related with poor prognosis, but there are not available studies in Hispanics that evaluated this one. Aim. To determinate the association between epidemiologicalfactors, time to obtain medical care, origin, and clinical characteristics with hospital mortality due to ICH. Subjects and methods. Study of cases and controls in a regional third level center, between January 2000 and December 2006 with patients of both sexes, older than 15 years with tomographic diagnosis of ICH. We excluded patients with NIHSS undetermined or traumatic head injury 4 weeks before. We studied demographic variables, time between beginning of symptoms and medicalcare, origin in kilometers until hospital, clinical characteristics at admission, including Glasgow and NIHSS. Results. We analyzed 74 men and 101 women with mean age of 65 years. The etiology was hypertension in 77.4% and localization lobar in 39.4%. Eighty-five percent receipt medical care after 3 hours and 75.4% came from a radius < 100 km. Mortality inhospital was 16.6% with an explicative model of regression that included blood pressure < 130/80 mmHg, intubation, Glasgow < 9 at admission or NIHSS > 15, and hospitalization days. Conclusions. Demographic characteristics, causes, and localization are similar to previously informed series. The time for obtaining medical care is far from ideal, this could delaytreatment; allow progression of disease, and then worse prognosis

Efficacy of nitroglycerine infusion versus sublingual nifedipine in severe pre-eclampsia: a randomized, triple-blind, controlled trial.

1. Information regarding the use of continuous i.v. administration of nitroglycerine as an antihypertensive agent in the management of pre-eclampsia is scarce. In the present study, i.v. nitroglycerine or sublingual nifedipine were administered to 32 women with severe pre-eclampsia who were being managed with controlled plasma volume expansion and MgSO(4) loading and maintenance doses. Maternal blood pressure and heart rate responses, fetal heart rate responses and perinatal fetal-maternal adverse effects were evaluated using classical parametric and non-parametric data analysis and data modelling by mixed models. 2. An important hypotensive response was observed in both groups, although this reponse was greater, faster and exhibited less variability (more precision) in the nitroglycerine-treated group. Heart rate also increased in both the nitroglycerine- and nifedipine-treated groups (4.6 +/- 4.4 vs 8.6 +/- 5.3 b.p.m., respectively), although the increase in the nifedipine-treated group was almost twofold that in the nitroglycerine-treated group. There were no significant changes in fetal heart rate in response to vasodilator therapy. The frequency of perinatal fetal-maternal adverse effects was similar in both groups at 40% and the adverse effects observed included flushing, headache, palpitations and nausea. 3. In conclusion, i.v. infusion of nitroglycerine is an effective, safe and alternative therapy for severe pre-eclampsia.

Fuzzy-based controller for glucose regulation in type-1 diabetic patients by subcutaneous route.

This paper presents an advisory/control algorithm for a type-1 diabetes mellitus (TIDM) patient under an intensive insulin treatment based on a multiple daily injections regimen (MDIR). The advisory/control algorithm incorporates expert knowledge about the treatment of this disease by using Mamdani-type fuzzy logic controllers to regulate the blood glucose level (BGL). The overall control strategy is based on a two-loop feedback strategy to overcome the variability in the glucose-insulin dynamics from patient to patient. An inner-loop provides the amount of both rapid/short and intermediate/long acting insulin (RSAI and ILAI) formulations that are programmed in a three-shots daily basis before meals. The combined preparation is then injected by the patient through a subcutaneous route. Meanwhile, an outer-loop adjusts the maximum amounts of insulin provided to the patient in a time-scale of days. The outer-loop controller aims to work as a supervisor of the inner-loop controller. Extensive closed-loop simulations are illustrated, using a detailed compartmental model of the insulin-glucose dynamics in a TIDM patient with meal intake.

Varón de 66 años con fiebre, cefalea y síndrome meníngeo / Sixty-six-year old man with fever, headache and meningeal syndrome

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