[Recommendations for thromboembolic disease in oncological processes. A view from primary care]. / Recomendaciones sobre enfermedad tromboembólica venosa en procesos oncológicos. Una visión desde la medicina de familia.

Venous thromboembolic disease (VTE) is a frequent complication in patients diagnosed with cancer and a cause of morbidity and mortality. Approximately 20% of thromboembolic episodes develop in association with active cancer. On the other hand, it is estimated that about 2-12% of cases, the thromboembolic episode is the first manifestation of an occult cancer, diagnosed at that time or subsequently, which offers an opportunity for early diagnosis and treatment. There are multiple factors that contribute to increase the risk of VTE in oncological patients in relation to specific characteristics of the patient, the tumor and the treatments. Knowledge of these risk factors will contribute to early diagnosis when signs of VTE appear, as well as the assessment of thromboprophylaxis if indicated. The diagnosis of VTE in patients with cancer does not differ of those who do not suffer from it. Regarding the treatment of VTE in these patients, low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), direct acting anticoagulants (DACs) and antivitamin K (VKA) are the most commonly used, although the dosing regimen and length are not clear yet. The management of these patients should be interdisciplinary and early, so the primary care physician plays a key role in this process as he/she is liaise with his/her patients. It is also necessary to update knowledge in order to improve the care of these patients. For these reasons, this document has been prepared by the Working Group on Vasculopathies of the Spanish Society of Primary Care Physicians (SEMERGEN) whose objective is to present the available information regarding the management of VTE that may appear in oncological patients, as well as the assessment of thromboprophylaxis and treatment, if appropriate, from an approach focused on a primary care field.

Home blood pressure self-measurement: “Current situation and new perspectives” / Automedidas domiciliarias de presión arterial: «situación actual y nuevas perspectivas»

The method typically used to diagnose and monitor hypertensive patients has been to measure blood pressure in the physician's surgery; however, it is a well-known fact that this approach poses certain drawbacks, such as observer bias, failure to detect an alert reaction in the clinic, etc., difficulties that affect its accuracy as a diagnostic method.In recent years, the varying international scientific societies have persistently recommended the use of blood pressure measurements outside the clinic (at home or in the outpatient setting), using validated automatic devices. Data from some studies suggest that if we rely solely on in-office measurements, approximately 15–20% of the time we may be wrong when making decisions, both in terms of diagnosis and patient follow-up.Home blood pressure measurements are a simple and very affordable method that has a similar reproducibility and prognostic value as ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, the availability of which is currently very limited. Moreover, ambulatory self-measurements have the significant benefit of being able to improve control of hypertensive individuals.Healthcare professionals and patients should be aware of the methodology of home blood pressure measurement, its usefulness and limitations. (AU)

El método utilizado habitualmente para el diagnóstico y seguimiento de los pacientes hipertensos ha sido la medida de la presión arterial en la consulta, pero es un hecho conocido que este método plantea problemas (sesgos del observador, no detecta reacción de alerta en consulta…) que afectan a su precisión como método diagnóstico.Las diferentes sociedades científicas internacionales, en los últimos años, recomiendan de forma insistente el uso de medidas de presión arterial fuera de la consulta (domiciliarias o ambulatorias) con aparatos automáticos validados para tomar decisiones. Datos de algunos estudios sugieren que si solo utilizamos las medidas de la consulta nos podemos equivocar en torno a un 15-20% de las veces que tomemos decisiones en el diagnóstico y seguimiento de los pacientes.Las medidas domiciliarias de presión arterial son un método sencillo y muy accesible que tienen una reproducibilidad y valor pronóstico similar al de las medidas ambulatorias, cuya disponibilidad actualmente e muy limitada, y que además tienen una utilidad importante que es la posibilidad de mejora del control de los hipertensos.Los profesionales sanitarios y los pacientes deben conocer la metodología de uso de la medida de presión arterial domiciliaria y sus utilidades y limitaciones. (AU)

Home blood pressure self-measurement: "Current situation and new perspectives".

The method typically used to diagnose and monitor hypertensive patients has been to measure blood pressure in the physician's surgery; however, it is a well-known fact that this approach poses certain drawbacks, such as observer bias, failure to detect an alert reaction in the clinic, etc., difficulties that affect its accuracy as a diagnostic method. In recent years, the varying international scientific societies have persistently recommended the use of blood pressure measurements outside the clinic (at home or in the outpatient setting), using validated automatic devices. Data from some studies suggest that if we rely solely on in-office measurements, approximately 15-20% of the time we may be wrong when making decisions, both in terms of diagnosis and patient follow-up. Home blood pressure measurements are a simple and very affordable method that has a similar reproducibility and prognostic value as ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, the availability of which is currently very limited. Moreover, ambulatory self-measurements have the significant benefit of being able to improve control of hypertensive individuals. Healthcare professionals and patients should be aware of the methodology of home blood pressure measurement, its usefulness and limitations.

Evaluation of prophylaxis in primary prevention with acetylsalicylic acid in people with diabetes: A scoping review.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy and safety of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) prophylaxis for the primary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ACVD) remain controversial in people with diabetes (DM) without ACVD, because the possible increased risk of major bleeding could outweigh the potential reduction in the risk of mortality and of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) considered individually or together. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the overall risk-benefit of ASA prophylaxis in primary prevention in people with DM and to compare the recommendations of the guidelines with the results of the meta-analyses (MA) and systematic reviews (SR). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We searched Medline, Google Scholar, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for SR and MA published from 2009 to 2020 which compared the effects of ASA prophylaxis versus placebo or control followed up for at least one year in people with DM without ACVD. Heterogeneity among the randomized clinical trials (RCT) included in the SR and MA was assessed. Cardiovascular outcomes of efficacy (all-cause mortality [ACM], cardiovascular mortality [CVM], myocardial infarction [MI], stroke and MACE) and of safety (major bleeding events [MBE], major gastrointestinal bleeding events [MGIBE], and intracranial and extracranial bleeding) were shown. RESULTS: The recommendations of 12 guidelines were evaluated. The results of 25 SR and MA that included a total of 20 RCT were assessed. None of the MA or SR showed that ASA prophylaxis decreased the risk of ACM, CVM or MI. Only two of the 19 SR and MA that evaluated ischemic stroke showed a decrease in the stroke risk (mean 20.0% [SD±5.7]), bordering on statistical significance. Almost half of the MA and SR showed, bordering on statistical significance, a risk reduction for the MACE composite endpoint (mean 10.5% [SD±3.3]). The significant increases in MGIBE risk ranged from 35% to 55%. The significant increases in the risk of MBE and extracraneal bleeding were 33.4% (SD±14.9) and 54.5% (SD±0.7) respectively. CONCLUSION: The overall risk-benefit assessment of ASA prophylaxis in primary prevention suggests that it should not be applied in people with DM.

[Knowledge of thromboprophylaxis-COVID-19 in healthcare professionals in Spain]. / Conocimiento de la tromboprofilaxis-COVID-19 en los profesionales sanitarios en España.

INTRODUCTION: Patients suffering from coronavirus infection have an increased risk of venous thromboembolic disease (VTE) associated with COVID-19, which confers a higher risk of mortality. For this reason, it is necessary to analyze the knowledge and the different actions in the management of thromboprophylaxis in work environments. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study with data collection through a Google® form with 19 questions for professionals involved in the care of COVID-19. 414 surveys were received. The quantitative variables were represented with means and standard deviation and the qualitative variables with percentages and confidence intervals. RESULTS: 414 surveys analyzed. 58.2% were women. The most participatory age group was 56-65 years. 95.2% stated that COVID-19 patients had a higher risk of VTE and peripheral arterial microthrombosis. 93.6% considered that outpatient COVID-19 patients should receive thromboprophylaxis. 60.5% of the physicians did not know any protocol for the evaluation of thrombotic risk in these patients. Low molecular weight heparin was considered the main treatment for thromboprophylaxis. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of doctors consider that COVID-19 patients have a higher risk of suffering VTE and peripheral arterial microthrombosis than the general population, however more than a third do not assess the thrombotic risk and a significant percentage claim not to know protocols to evaluate said risk. The survey highlights the training needs of our professionals in thromboprophylaxis so that our patients receive healthcare with the highest possible quality.

[COVID-19 and thromboprophylaxis: Recommendations for our clinical practice in Primary Care]. / COVID-19 y tromboprofilaxis: recomendaciones para nuestra práctica clínica en Atención Primaria.

The new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for a severe acute respiratory syndrome. Among its manifestations, it can develop a thrombotic disease, both venous and arterial, due to excessive inflammation that affects the vascular system, with platelet activation and endothelial dysfunction, among other mechanisms. Thrombosis is associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection, increasing its severity and conferring a worse prognosis. Our performance as Family Physicians can contribute important actions in the management and control of this severe complication. Considering that many of our patients already receive antithrombotic or anticoagulant therapy, the fact that they may develop a COVID-19 infection will have implications for the choice, dosage and control of their treatment. In this document we review, with the information currently available, the relationship between disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 and thrombosis, as well as its management with a focus on Primary Care.

COVID-19 y tromboprofilaxis: recomendaciones para nuestra práctica clínica en Atención Primaria / COVID-19 and thromboprophylaxis: recommendations for our clinical practice in Primary Care

El nuevo coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) es el responsable de un síndrome respiratorio agudo severo (SARS). Entre sus manifestaciones puede desarrollar una enfermedad trombótica, tanto venosa como arterial, debido a la inflamación excesiva que afecta al sistema vascular, con activación plaquetaria y disfunción endotelial, entre otros mecanismos. La trombosis se asocia a la infección producida por el SARS- CoV-2, aumentando su gravedad y confiriendo un peor pronóstico. Nuestra actuación como Médicos de Familia puede aportar acciones importantes en el manejo y control de esta severa complicación. Teniendo en cuenta que muchos de nuestros pacientes ya reciben terapia antitrombótica o anticoagulante, el hecho de que puedan desarrollar una infección por COVID-19 tendrá implicaciones para la elección, la dosificación y el control en su tratamiento. En este documento, revisamos, con la información actualmente disponible, la relación entre enfermedad producida por el SARS-CoV-2 y trombosis, así como su manejo con un enfoque centrado en Atención Primaria

The new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for a severe acute respiratory syndrome. Among its manifestations, it can develop a thrombotic disease, both venous and arterial, due to excessive inflammation that affects the vascular system, with platelet activation and endothelial dysfunction, among other mechanisms. Thrombosis is associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection, increasing its severity and conferring a worse prognosis. Our performance as Family Physicians can contribute important actions in the management and control of this severe complication. Considering that many of our patients already receive antithrombotic or anticoagulant therapy, the fact that they may develop a COVID-19 infection will have implications for the choice, dosage and control of their treatment. In this document we review, with the information currently available, the relationship between disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 and thrombosis, as well as its management with a focus on Primary Care

Manejo de la diabetes mellitus tipo 2 en adolescentes y adultos jóvenes en atención primaria / Management of type 2 diabetes mellitus in adolescents and young adults in primary care

La prevalencia de la diabetes tipo 2 diagnosticada en la infancia/juventud está aumentando y se caracteriza por una disminución acelerada de la función de las células beta pancreáticas y resistencia a la insulina. Los principales factores de riesgo para su desarrollo son obesidad e inactividad física. Los criterios diagnósticos son similares a los utilizados en adultos, aunque la HbA1c como método diagnóstico está cuestionada. Las complicaciones son más agresivas que en la diabetes tipo 2 del adulto, siendo la nefropatía la más frecuente. Las complicaciones macrovasculares aparecen precozmente y su mortalidad es elevada. La alimentación saludable y el ejercicio físico continuado son los pilares básicos del tratamiento, y la metformina, insulina y liraglutide (aprobado por la FDA en Estados Unidos) las opciones farmacológicas con indicación en esta población. Es importante establecer modelos de transición de la atención pediátrica a la atención adulta para garantizar la continuidad asistencial y evitar pérdidas en el seguimiento de estos pacientes

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes (DM2) diagnosed in childhood and adolescence is currently increasing, and is characterised by a rapidly progressive decline in beta-cells and insulin resistance. Physical inactivity and obesity are the main risk factors for its development. Diagnostic criteria are similar to those used in adults, although HbA1c as a diagnostic method is questioned. Diabetes-related complications are more aggressive than in adults. Diabetic nephropathy is the most frequent complication in the young population and macrovascular complications appear early, leading to high mortality rates. Healthy lifestyles are the basis of the treatment, and metformin, insulin and liraglutide (approved by FDA for its use in the United States) are the pharmacological options indicated in this population. It is important to establish models of health care transition from paediatric to adult care to ensure continuity of care and avoid patient disengagements

[Management of type 2 diabetes mellitus in adolescents and young adults in primary care]. / Manejo de la diabetes mellitus tipo 2 en adolescentes y adultos jóvenes en atención primaria.

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes (DM2) diagnosed in childhood and adolescence is currently increasing, and is characterised by a rapidly progressive decline in beta-cells and insulin resistance. Physical inactivity and obesity are the main risk factors for its development. Diagnostic criteria are similar to those used in adults, although HbA1c as a diagnostic method is questioned. Diabetes-related complications are more aggressive than in adults. Diabetic nephropathy is the most frequent complication in the young population and macrovascular complications appear early, leading to high mortality rates. Healthy lifestyles are the basis of the treatment, and metformin, insulin and liraglutide (approved by FDA for its use in the United States) are the pharmacological options indicated in this population. It is important to establish models of health care transition from paediatric to adult care to ensure continuity of care and avoid patient disengagements.