Hospitalizaciones por y con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica en Galicia: 20 años de evolución / Hospitalizations due to and with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Galicia: 20 years of evolution

Objetivo Analizar la evolución de las hospitalizaciones relacionadas con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) en Galicia en el período 1996-2018, tanto como causa principal del ingreso (POR EPOC) como si se codificaba en cualquier posición diagnóstica (CON EPOC), estudiando la influencia de la edad, el sexo, la estacionalidad u otras causas principales del ingreso. Metodología Se realizó un análisis del conjunto mínimo básico de datos (CMBD) de Galicia sobre el primer ingreso por EPOC entre 1996 y 2018. Se calcularon tasas brutas, específicas y estandarizadas tanto globales como por sexo y por grupos de edad. Resultados En el período 1996-2018 se produjeron en Galicia 310.883 primeros ingresos CON EPOC, de los que el 29,6% fueron POR EPOC. Las tasas de ingresos tanto CON EPOC como POR EPOC aumentaron, fundamentalmente en varones. Existe una clara estacionalidad de los ingresos, especialmente relevante POR EPOC. La razón de masculinidad media es aproximadamente 4 en ambos escenarios, si bien es inferior en los grupos etarios extremos, sin cambios a lo largo del tiempo. La edad media al ingreso ha aumentado tres años en este período en los varones; en las mujeres no hubo variaciones. Las causas principales del ingreso cuando no es POR EPOC son insuficiencia cardíaca y neumonía. Conclusión La evaluación combinada de los registros de ingresos hospitalarios CON y POR EPOC aporta información complementaria para un mejor conocimiento de las tendencias de esta enfermedad y establecer hipótesis que expliquen los resultados descritos, aportando información para una mejor planificación sanitaria (AU)

Objective This work aims to analyze the evolution of COPD-related hospitalizations in Galicia from 1996 to 2018 both as main cause of admission (DUE TO COPD) or when coded in any diagnostic order (WITH COPD), assessing the influence of age, sex, seasonality, and other main causes of the hospitalization. Methods An analysis was conducted of administrative healthcare database (CMBD) data on index COPD-related hospitalizations in Galicia from 1996 to 2018. Crude, specific, and standardized rates were calculated for the entire sample and according to age and sex groups. Results In the period from 1996 to 2018, there were 310,883 index admissions WITH COPD in Galicia, of which 29.6% were DUE TO COPD. Both WITH COPD and DUE TO COPD admission rates increased, mainly in men. There was a clear seasonality that was especially relevant in the DUE TO COPD group. The mean male-to-female ratio was approximately 4:1 in both groups, although it was lower in the extreme age groups, with no change over time. The mean age at admission increased three years in men during this period; there were no changes among women. The main causes of admission in those not hospitalized DUE TO COPD were heart failure and pneumonia. Conclusion The combined evaluation of records of hospital admissions WITH COPD and DUE TO COPD offers additional information for a better understanding of the trends of this disease and allows for establishing hypotheses that explain the results described, providing information for better healthcare planning (AU)

Hospitalizations due to and with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Galicia: 20 years of evolution.

OBJECTIVE: This work aims to analyze the evolution of COPD-related hospitalizations in Galicia from 1996 to 2018 both as main cause of admission (DUE TO COPD) or when coded in any diagnostic order (WITH COPD), assessing the influence of age, sex, seasonality, and other main causes of the hospitalization. METHODS: An analysis was conducted of administrative healthcare database (CMBD) data on index COPD-related hospitalizations in Galicia from 1996 to 2018. Crude, specific, and standardized rates were calculated for the entire sample and according to age and sex groups. RESULTS: In the period from 1996 to 2018, there were 310,883 index admissions WITH COPD in Galicia, of which 29.6% were DUE TO COPD. Both WITH COPD and DUE TO COPD admission rates increased, mainly in men. There was a clear seasonality that was especially relevant in the DUE TO COPD group. The mean male-to-female ratio was approximately 4:1 in both groups, although it was lower in the extreme age groups, with no change over time. The mean age at admission increased three years in men during this period; there were no changes among women. The main causes of admission in those not hospitalized DUE TO COPD were heart failure and pneumonia. CONCLUSION: The combined evaluation of records of hospital admissions WITH COPD and DUE TO COPD offers additional information for a better understanding of the trends of this disease and allows for establishing hypotheses that explain the results described, providing information for better healthcare planning.

Predictores sociales y clínicos asociados con estancia hospitalaria prolongada en pacientes con agudización grave de EPOC / Social and clinical predictors associated with prolonged hospital stays for patients with severe exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Objetivo: Analizar si existen factores sociales que influyan en la estancia hospitalaria prolongada (EHP) de pacientes con agudización grave de EPOC (AEPOC), además de factores clínico-demográficos. Metodología: Estudio de cohortes prospectivo. Se incluyeron pacientes consecutivos que ingresaron por AEPOC en un servicio de Neumología. Se registraron variables demográficas, clínicas (tabaquismo, exacerbaciones e infecciones, disnea, impacto según cuestionario CAT, función pulmonar, comorbilidades, oxigenoterapia y ventilación no invasiva) y sociales (situación económica, disponibilidad y sobrecarga de cuidador, dependencia en actividades básicas e instrumentales, riesgo social y uso de servicios sociales), utilizando cuestionarios e índices como Barthel, Lawton-Brody, Zarit, Barber y Gijón. Se realizó un análisis univariante y multivariante mediante un modelo de regresión logística. Resultados: Se incluyeron 253 pacientes, y la edad media fue de 68,9+/-9,8años. El 77,1% fueron varones. En el modelo de regresión logística se incluyeron tabaquismo activo, valor del FEV1, puntuación en CAT >10, disnea 3-4 de la mMRC, presencia de gérmenes en cultivos de esputo, comorbilidad cardiovascular, anemia, oxigenoterapia domiciliaria, vivir solo, residencia en zona rural, sobrecarga del cuidador y la detección de riesgo/problema sociofamiliar. Las variables que se asociaron de forma independiente con la posibilidad de una EHP fueron la puntuación en cuestionario CAT >10 (OR=8,9; p=0,04) y la detección de riesgo/problema sociofamiliar (OR=2,6; p=0,04). Fumar activamente fue predictor de estancia más breve (OR=0,15; p=0,002). Conclusiones: Variables relacionadas con la esfera social juegan un papel relevante en la estancia hospitalaria, además del impacto de la enfermedad y la persistencia del tabaquismo en pacientes con AEPOC graves

Objective: To determine whether there are social factors that affect the prolonged hospital stay (PHS) of patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation (COPDE), as well as clinical-demographic factors. Methodology: We conducted a prospective cohort study that consecutively included patients who were admitted to a Pneumology department for COPDE. We recorded demographic, clinical (tobacco use, exacerbations and infections, dyspnoea, impact according to CAT questionnaire, pulmonary function, comorbidities, oxygen therapy and noninvasive ventilation) and social (financial status, caregiver availability and overload, dependence for basic and instrumental activities, social risk and use of social services) variables, employing questionnaires and indices such as Barthel, Lawton-Brody, Zarit, Barber and Gijón. We performed a univariate and multivariate analysis using a logistic regression model. Results: The study included 253 patients, with a mean age of 68.9+/-9.8years; 77.1% of whom were men. The logistic regression model included active tobacco use, FEV1 value, CAT score >10, dyspnoea 3-4 on the MMRC, the presence of bacteria in sputum cultures, cardiovascular comorbidity, anaemia, home oxygen therapy, living alone, rural residence, caregiver overload and detecting social-family risks/problems. The variables independently associated with the possibility of PHS were a CAT score >10 (OR, 8.9; P=.04) and detecting a social-family risk/problem (OR, 2.6; P=.04). Active smoking was a predictor of shorter stays (OR, 0.15; P=.002). Conclusions: Variables related to the social sphere play a relevant role in hospital stays, as do the impact of the disease and the persistent use of tobacco by patients with severe COPD exacerbation

Social and clinical predictors associated with prolonged hospital stays for patients with severe exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. / Predictores sociales y clínicos asociados con estancia hospitalaria prolongada en pacientes con agudización grave de EPOC.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether there are social factors that affect the prolonged hospital stay (PHS) of patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation (COPDE), as well as clinical-demographic factors. METHODOLOGY: We conducted a prospective cohort study that consecutively included patients who were admitted to a Pneumology department for COPDE. We recorded demographic, clinical (tobacco use, exacerbations and infections, dyspnoea, impact according to CAT questionnaire, pulmonary function, comorbidities, oxygen therapy and noninvasive ventilation) and social (financial status, caregiver availability and overload, dependence for basic and instrumental activities, social risk and use of social services) variables, employing questionnaires and indices such as Barthel, Lawton-Brody, Zarit, Barber and Gijón. We performed a univariate and multivariate analysis using a logistic regression model. RESULTS: The study included 253 patients, with a mean age of 68.9±9.8years; 77.1% of whom were men. The logistic regression model included active tobacco use, FEV1 value, CAT score >10, dyspnoea 3-4 on the MMRC, the presence of bacteria in sputum cultures, cardiovascular comorbidity, anaemia, home oxygen therapy, living alone, rural residence, caregiver overload and detecting social-family risks/problems. The variables independently associated with the possibility of PHS were a CAT score >10 (OR, 8.9; P=.04) and detecting a social-family risk/problem (OR, 2.6; P=.04). Active smoking was a predictor of shorter stays (OR, 0.15; P=.002). CONCLUSIONS: Variables related to the social sphere play a relevant role in hospital stays, as do the impact of the disease and the persistent use of tobacco by patients with severe COPD exacerbation.

Evaluación de la exposición a factores de riesgo alternativos al tabaco en la EPOC en Neumosur. Resultados del estudio On-Sint / Assessment of exposition to alternative risk factors, other than smoking, in COPD at Neumosur: On-Sint study results

OBJETIVO: El estudio On-Sint es una cohorte retrospectiva que tiene por objetivo la evaluación de la presentación clínica y funcional de la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) al diagnóstico, así como su evolución en el tiempo, tanto en atención primaria como en atención especializada. MÉTODO: estudio observacional, de no intervención, para la generación de una cohorte retrospectiva, en el que 329 médicos de Atención Primaria o Neumología de todo el ámbito nacional (69 en el ámbito de Neumosur) incluyeron 1.214 sujetos fumadores o exfumadores con el diagnóstico de EPOC (269 en Neumosur). Se recogió información en el momento del diagnóstico y en el actual. RESULTADOS: la cohorte On-Sint estaba compuesta por 1.214 pacientes con EPOC, de los que 257 (21,16%) eran del ámbito de Neumosur. Todos los enfermos eran fumadores o exfumadores. El porcentaje de pacientes fumadores descendió durante el seguimiento del 56,4% al diagnóstico al 34,2% (p < 0,001) en el momento actual. Adicionalmente, 45 casos (17,8%) referían exposición a otras sustancias distintas al tabaco. La exposición a estos factores de riesgo resultó más frecuente (p = 0,001) en Atención Primaria (22,7%) que en Especializada (6,5%). No encontramos relación en la distribución de grados funcionales GOLD y la exposición a estos compuestos, ni en el momento del diagnóstico ni en el actual. CONCLUSIONES: además del tabaco, un número considerable de pacientes con EPOC también están expuestos a otras sustancias inhaladas potencialmente tóxicas. De ellas, las químicas profesionales son más frecuentes que la biomasa. No parece que esta exposición tenga un impacto relevante en la evolución de la enfermedad

OBJECTIVE: the On-Sint study is a retrospective cohort that assesses the clinical and functional diagnostic presentation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and its development over time from the perspective of primary and specialized care. METHOD: this was an observational, non-interventional study to generate a retrospective cohort, in which 329 primary care doctors or pneumologists were included from all over Spain (69 from within the scope of Neumosur); the cohort included 1214 smokers or former smokers, who were diagnosed with COPD (269 at Neumosur). Information was collected both at the initial diagnosis and at the time of closing the study. RESULTS: the On-Sint cohort included 1214 patients with COPD, of which 257 (21.16%) were from within the scope of Neumosur. All patients were smokers or ex-smokers. The percentage of smokers decreased throughout follow-up, from 56.4% at the time of the diagnosis to 34.2% (p < 0.001) at the current moment. Likewise, 45 cases (17.8%) referred to the exposition of substances, other than smoking. Exposition to these risk factors was more frequent (p = 0.001) in Primary Care (22.7%) than in specialized care (6.5%). We found no relationship in the GOLD classification distribution and the exposition to these compounds, neither when diagnosed nor currently. CONCLUSIONS: n addition to smoking, a considerable number of COPD patients are exposed to inhaling other potentially toxic substances. Among these, professionals from the chemical sector are more frequent than those from the biomass sector. This exposition does not seem to have a relevant impact on the development of the disease

Actitudes de los médicos hacia los cuestionarios e índices para la EPOC en Neumosur. Resultados del estudio On-Sint / Physician attitudes toward questionnaires and indices for COPD in Neumosur. Results of On-Sint study

INTRODUCCIÓN: el estudio On-Sint es una cohorte retrospectiva que tiene por objetivo la evaluación de la presentación clínica y funcional de la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) al diagnóstico, así como su evolución en el tiempo, tanto en Atención Primaria, como en Especializada. El presente trabajo, muestra la actitud de los médicos participantes ante el uso de la espirometría, cuestionarios de calidad de vida y los índices multidimensionales en el ámbito de Neumosur. MÉTODO: estudio observacional de no intervención para la generación de una cohorte retrospectiva, en el que 329 médicos de Atención Primaria o Neumología de todo el ámbito nacional (69 en el ámbito de Neumosur) incluyeron 1.214 sujetos fumadores o exfumadores con el diagnóstico de EPOC (269 en Neumosur). En la cohorte se recogió información sobre los médicos que intervinieron, registrando si realizaban cuestionarios de calidad de vida o empleaban índices multidimensionales, así como de la frecuencia de las espirometrías o la periodicidad de las visitas mé- dicas. RESULTADOS: de los 69 médicos del ámbito de Neumosur que participaron en el estudio, 49 (71%) completaron la encuesta del investigador (34 de Atención Primaria y 15 de Atención Especializada). La mayoría (95,9%) refirieron tener 10 ó más años de experiencia, el 77,6% pertenecientes al ámbito urbano, 95,9% viendo 30 ó más pacientes a la semana, con un promedio de 18,5 ± 11,9 pacientes con EPOC semanales. En Atención Especializada realizaban principalmente espirometrías en cada visita en el 53,3%, mientras que en Atención Primaria, la mayoría (29,4%) las hacía anualmente (p = 0,016). El 28,6% declaró usar cuestionarios de calidad de vida en su práctica habitual, principalmente el CAT (18,4%). Encontramos diferencias entre Atención Especializada y Atención Primaria en el uso de índices multidimensionales (80,0% vs 41,2%; p < 0,039). De todos los participantes, el 30,6% referían que usaban la escala MRC y el 26,5% el BODE en su práctica habitual.CONCLUSIONES: los resultados de la presente encuesta muestran un uso limitado de los cuestionarios de calidad de vida e índices multidimensionales en el ámbito de Neumosur. Es necesario con-trastar los resultados de esta encuesta con el uso de estos cuestio-narios en la práctica clínica

INTRODUCTION: on-Sint is a retrospective cohort study that aims to evaluate the clinical and functional presentation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) at the moment of diagnosis and its progression in time, both in primary (PC) and Specialized (SC) care. The present work shows the attitude of participating physicians to the use of spirometry, quality of life questionnaires and multidimensional indexes. METHOD: observational non-intervention study to generate a retrospective cohort in which 329 primary care physicians or pulmonologists from Spain included 1214 smokers or former smokers diagnosed with COPD. In the present study we asked the investigator on the use of quality of life questionnaires, multidimensional indexes, spirometry and the frequency of medical visits. RESULTS: of the 69 doctors in the field of Neumosur who participated in the study, 49 (71%) completed the survey researcher (34 SC and 15 PC),of which 95.9% reported having ≥10 years of experience, 77.6 % in urban areas, 95.9 % seeing ≥ 30 (18,5 ± 11,9) patients/week. Medical consultation on demand was inversely proportional to the severity of COPD. In SC, spirometry was performed at each visit in 53.3%, while in PC the majority (29.4%) made them annually (p < 0,001). 28.6 % reported using quality of life questionnaires in their usual practice, mainly the CAT (18.4%). We found differences between SP and PC in the use of multidimensional indexes (80,0% vs 41,2%; p < 0,039).). 30.6 % reported to use the MRC scale and 26.5% the BODE in their usual practice. CONCLUSIONS: the results of this survey show a limited use of quality of life questionnaires and multidimensional indexes in the field of Neumosur. It is necessary to compare the results of this survey with the use of these questionnaires in the clinical setting

Excessive dynamic airway collapse in a small cohort of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of EDAC (Excessive Dynamic Airway Collapse) has not been studied specifically in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of EDAC in COPD and to determine whether there are clinical factors or functional variables that could influence the degree of expiratory collapse of central airways. METHODS: Prospective observational study of a group of patients with COPD. The degree of tracheobronchial collapse was evaluated by low-dose dynamic airway computed tomography (CT). We recorded clinical and pulmonary function tests data, quality of life and BODE index. RESULTS: This study included 53 patients with COPD, 46 (87%) males, mean age 65 (SD, 9) years. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of EDAC observed in a sample of patients with different levels of COPD severity is low. The degree of dynamic central airway collapse was not related to the patient's epidemiological or clinical features, and did not affect lung function, symptoms, capacity for effort, or quality of life.

Effectiveness of a protocolized system to alert pulmonologists of lung cancer radiological suspicion

PURPOSE: When lung cancer (LC) is suspected in chest radiography, an adequate interpretation and management by experts would improve the selection, the access to rapid diagnostic units, the diagnostic effectiveness and prevent the loss of patients with suspected LC. To ensure this, we planned a system for alerting pulmonologists by radiologists to radiological suspicion of LC. METHODS: This system consists of an alert from radiologists to pulmonologists through a specific email. The pulmonologists alerted has to contact the study doctor petitioner who must refer the patient for study to the Lung Cancer Rapid Diagnostic Unit (LCRDU). We have prospectively analyzed all patients studied in a 2-year period including clinical variables, time invested in the different diagnostic steps and the degree of collaboration and satisfaction among the involved professionals. RESULTS: Of 118 alerts received, 84 (71 %) were studied in our LCRDU. The median of days until petitioner contact, patient consulted at LCRDU and to obtain a diagnosis was 1 (IQR 0-1.5), 2 (IQR 1-5) and 13 (IQR 7.5-30), respectively. In 45 cases (53 %), the suspicion of malignancy was confirmed (LC 84.4 % and metastasic 10.1 %). After staging was complete, 33 % of non-small cell lung cancer was potentially resectable (clinical TNM stage I-II). The level of satisfaction was high so that only one of the petitioner's studies chose other diagnostic pathways. CONCLUSION: This strategy for radiological suspicion of LC ensures the communication between general practitioners, radiologists and pulmonologist improving the LC diagnostic effectiveness. This system can be easily implemented in health care systems (AU)

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Effectiveness of a protocolized system to alert pulmonologists of lung cancer radiological suspicion.

PURPOSE: When lung cancer (LC) is suspected in chest radiography, an adequate interpretation and management by experts would improve the selection, the access to rapid diagnostic units, the diagnostic effectiveness and prevent the loss of patients with suspected LC. To ensure this, we planned a system for alerting pulmonologists by radiologists to radiological suspicion of LC. METHODS: This system consists of an alert from radiologists to pulmonologists through a specific email. The pulmonologists alerted has to contact the study doctor petitioner who must refer the patient for study to the Lung Cancer Rapid Diagnostic Unit (LCRDU). We have prospectively analyzed all patients studied in a 2-year period including clinical variables, time invested in the different diagnostic steps and the degree of collaboration and satisfaction among the involved professionals. RESULTS: Of 118 alerts received, 84 (71 %) were studied in our LCRDU. The median of days until petitioner contact, patient consulted at LCRDU and to obtain a diagnosis was 1 (IQR 0-1.5), 2 (IQR 1-5) and 13 (IQR 7.5-30), respectively. In 45 cases (53 %), the suspicion of malignancy was confirmed (LC 84.4 % and metastasic 10.1 %). After staging was complete, 33 % of non-small cell lung cancer was potentially resectable (clinical TNM stage I-II). The level of satisfaction was high so that only one of the petitioner's studies chose other diagnostic pathways. CONCLUSION: This strategy for radiological suspicion of LC ensures the communication between general practitioners, radiologists and pulmonologist improving the LC diagnostic effectiveness. This system can be easily implemented in health care systems.

Validity of procalcitonin and C-reactive protein measurement when differentiating between benign and malignant pleural effusion.

BACKGROUND: Procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) measurements in pleural fluid and plasma have been proposed to facilitate differential diagnosis of pleural effusion (PE). The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of these measurements when differentiating between benign (BPE) and malignant pleural effusion (MPE). METHODS: We prospectively studied 100 patients with the specific diagnosis of exudative PE. We analyzed the demographic data and the usual biochemical studies in PE. CRP and PCT were measured in pleural fluid and plasma before starting treatment. RESULTS: The CRP levels in pleural fluid were higher in patients with BPE than in patients with MPE [33.1 mg/L (16.8 to 52.1) vs. 11.8 (5.1 to 22); p = 0.001], as were the plasma CRP levels [68.4 mg/L (26.1 to 119.1) vs. 30.2 (11.7 to 64.8); p = 0.007]. No differences in PCT levels were detected between the two patient populations. The AUC derived from the ROC curve analysis for plasma CRP and pleural fluid CRP were 0.667 (CI 95%: 0.551 - 0.782) and 0.752 (CI 95%: 0.653 - 0.852), respectively. Plasma CRP levels > or = 35.5 mg/L exhibited 71% sensitivity and 56% specificity in discriminating between BPE and MPE. Pleural fluid CRP levels > or = 16.7 mg/L had 75% sensitivity and 68% specificity in the diagnosis of BPE. CONCLUSIONS: CRP levels in the pleural fluid and plasma were higher in patients with BPE, particulary infectious PE. However, the measurement of CRP and PCT is not a useful parameter for discriminating between BPE and MPE and does not provide useful information in clinical practice.

Mujer de 32 años con disnea progresiva / 32 year old woman with progressive dyspnea

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