Biomarkers of frailty.

Several biomarkers have been proposed to identify frailty, a multisystemic age-related syndrome. However, the complex pathophysiology and the absence of a consensus on a comprehensive and universal definition make it challenging to pinpoint a singular biomarker or set of biomarkers that conclusively characterize frailty. This review delves into the main laboratory biomarkers, placing special emphasis on those associated with various pathways closely tied to the frailty condition, such as inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, metabolic and endocrine alterations and microRNA. Additionally, we provide a summary of different clinical biomarkers encompassing different tools that have been proposed to assess frailty. We further address various imaging biomarkers such as Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry, Bioelectrical Impedance analysis, Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Ultrasound and D3 Creatine dilution. Intervention to treat frailty, including non-pharmacological ones, especially those involving physical exercise and nutrition, and pharmacological interventions, that include those targeting specific mechanisms such as myostatin inhibitors, insulin sensitizer metformin and with special relevance for hormonal treatments are mentioned. We further address the levels of different biomarkers in monitoring the potential positive effects of some of these interventions. Despite the availability of numerous biomarkers, their performance and usefulness in the clinical arena are far from being satisfactory. Considering the multicausality of frailty, there is an increasing need to assess the role of sets of biomarkers and the combination between laboratory, clinical and image biomarkers, in terms of sensitivity, specificity and predictive values for the diagnosis and prognosis of the different outcomes of frailty to improve detection and monitoring of older people with frailty or at risk of developing it, being this a need in the everyday clinical practice.

Associação entre ansiedade e depressão em brasileiros durante o isolamento social da pandemia de covid-19 / Association between anxiety and depression in brazilians during the social isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic / Asociación entre ansiedad y depresión en brasileños durante el aislamiento social por la pandemia del COVID-19

O objetivo deste estudo é analisar a associação entre ansiedade e depressão durante o isolamento social da pandemia de covid-19 no Brasil. Dados de 1.053 adultos brasileiros entre 18 e 59 anos foram coletados por meio de questionário online, entre abril e maio de 2020, para este estudo transversal. Foi utilizada a Escala Hospitalar de Ansiedade e Depressão, e foram analisados fatores sociodemográficos e econômicos. Houve 37% e 20% de risco moderado e alto de ansiedade, respectivamente. Foi observada uma relação direta entre ansiedade e ser do sexo feminino (OR: 1,55; IC95%: 1,02-2,34), ser mais jovem (OR: 4,78; IC95%: 2,71-8,42, para pessoas entre 18-28 anos) e ter rendimentos mais baixos (OR: 1,51; IC95%: 1,69-1,96). Os resultados foram na mesma direção para a depressão, e, adicionalmente, foi demonstrada associação entre isolamento social (parcial ou total) e depressão (OR: 1,42; IC95%: 1,01-2,01). Este estudo encontrou uma associação entre mulheres, populações mais jovens e indivíduos de menor renda e o risco de sofrer ansiedade e depressão durante o confinamento decretado devido à pandemia de covid-19. Além disso, o isolamento social foi associado ao risco de depressão.

The aim of this study is to analyze the association between anxiety and depression during the social isolation for COVID-19 in Brazil. Data of 1,053 Brazilian adults between 18 and 59 years old were gathered by an online questionnaire, between April and May 2020, for this cross-sectional study. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was used and sociodemographic and economic factors were analyzed. There was a 37% and 20% of moderate and high risk of anxiety, respectively. A direct relationship was observed between anxiety and being female (OR: 1.55; 95%CI: 1.02-2.34), younger (OR: 4.78; 95% CI: 2.71-8.42, for people between 18-28 years old), and having lower incomes (OR: 1.51, 95%CI: 1.69-1.96). Results were in the same vein for depression and, additionally, an association between social isolation (partial or total) and depression was shown (OR: 1.42; 95%CI: 1.01-2.01). This study reported an association between women, younger populations, and subjects with lower incomes and the risk of suffering anxiety and depression during the confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, social isolation was associated with risk of depression.

El objetivo de este estudio es analizar la asociación entre ansiedad y depresión durante el aislamiento social por la pandemia del COVID-19 en Brasil. Se recolectaron datos de 1.053 adultos brasileños, de entre 18 y 59 años de edad, mediante un cuestionario en línea, entre abril y mayo de 2020, para este estudio transversal. Se utilizó la Escala de Ansiedad y Depresión Hospitalaria, y se analizaron factores sociodemográficos y económicos. Hubo el 37% de riesgo moderado de ansiedad y el 20% de riesgo alto. Se observó una relación directa entre la ansiedad y ser mujer (OR: 1,55; IC 95%: 1,02-2,34), ser más joven (OR: 4,78; IC 95%: 2,71-8,42 para personas de entre 18 y 28 años) y tener menores ingresos (OR: 1,51; IC 95%: 1,69-1,96). Los resultados fueron los mismos para la depresión y, además, se demostró una asociación entre el aislamiento social (parcial o total) y la depresión (OR: 1,42; IC 95%: 1,01-2,01). Este estudio encontró una asociación entre ser mujer, poblaciones más jóvenes y personas de bajos ingresos con el riesgo de experimentar ansiedad y depresión durante el confinamiento por la pandemia del COVID-19. Además, el aislamiento social se asoció con el riesgo de depresión.

Long COVID-19: The Need for an Interdisciplinary Approach.

Long coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is characterized by persistent COVID-19 symptoms that last for at least 2 months. In the elderly population, apart from the typical symptoms (fatigue, cough, or dyspnea), unspecific symptoms coexist (functional deterioration, cognitive impairment, or delirium) that can mitigate the prevalence of this syndrome in this age group. Its main consequence is the functional decline, leading to sarcopenia, frailty, and disability, in addition to the nutritional and cognitive disorders. Thus, a multicomponent and individualized program (exercise, diet, cognitive stimulation) should be designed for older people with persistent COVID, where new technologies could be useful.

Pain Characteristics, Cardiovascular Risk Factors, and Cardiovascular Disease.

BACKGROUND: There is unclear evidence that chronic pain may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) incidence and mortality. This work evaluated the association between chronic pain, incidence of CVD, and changes in CVD risk factors. METHODS: Cohort of 1091 community-dwelling individuals of at least 60 years, free from CVD at baseline, followed up for 6 years. Data on psychosocial factors and CVD risk factors were obtained through validated questionnaires and laboratory measurements. A pain scale ranging from 0 (no pain) to 6 (worst pain) was created according to pain frequency, location, and intensity. RESULTS: The cumulative incidence of CVD was 4.2% at 3 years and 7.7% at 5 years of follow-up. Compared to individuals without pain in the first 3 years (2012-2015), those with maintained scores of at least 2 showed a mean reduction of 3.57 (-5.77 to -1.37) METs-h/week in recreational physical activity, a 0.38-point (0.04-0.73) increase in psychological distress, and a 1.79 (1.03-3.11) higher odds of poor sleep. These associations held in the second follow-up period, when individuals with maintained pain also worsened their diet quality. A 1-point increase in the pain scale in 2012 was associated with a 1.21 (1.03-1.42) and 1.18 (0.97-1.44) increased CVD incidence in 2015 and 2017, respectively; none of the studied factors mediated this relationship. CONCLUSIONS: Older adults with chronic pain show important reductions in recreational physical activity and deterioration in mental health, sleep, and diet quality, which may well aggravate pain. Future studies should evaluate whether these factors mediate the increased risk of CVD observed in older adults with chronic pain.

Prevalencia de hipercolesterolemias severas observadas en los distintos hospitales de Andalucía y Ceuta / Prevalence of severe hypercholesterolemia observed in different hospitals in Andalusia and Ceuta

La hipercolesterolemia severa es un importante factor de riesgo cardiovascular. Su detección precoz y tratamiento puede reducir la incidencia de las enfermedades cardiovasculares. Dada la alta prevalencia de hipercolesterolemia en Andalucía, el desarrollo de una estrategia oportunista para su detección en atención primaria puede ser una medida eficiente. Objetivo: Identificar pacientes en atención primaria con hipercolesterolemias severas que puedan incrementar su riesgo cardiovascular mediante una consulta del colesterol- LDL al sistema informático de laboratorio. Material y métodos: Estudio observacional, retrospectivo, multicéntrico, en 16 hospitales de Andalucía y Ceuta. Se adquirieron datos analíticos anonimizados de los diferentes sistemas informáticos de laboratorio del año 2018 y exclusivamente del Hospital Virgen Macarena para el año 2019. Resultados: De un total de 1.969.035 determinaciones≥18 años se detectaron 2.791 pacientes (0,14%) con colesterol-LDL>250mg/dl, y en menores de 18 años, sobre un total de 2.327.211 determinaciones estudiadas, se detectaron 3.804 pacientes (0,16%) con colesterol-LDL>135mg/dl. La mayor incidencia de posibles hipercolesterolemias genéticas en adultos correspondió a la provincia Sevilla con 23,6 casos/1.000 determinaciones, mientras que en menores la mayor incidencia correspondió a la provincia de Cádiz, con 75 posibles casos/1.000 determinaciones. Se observa un triángulo geográfico de mayor prevalencia entre las provincias de Sevilla, Huelva y Cádiz. Conclusiones: El desarrollo de una estrategia oportunista mediante consulta informática del colesterol-LDL en atención primaria detecta un gran número de sujetos con hipercolesterolemias severas que se podrían beneficiar de una intervención precoz.(AU)

Severe hypercholesterolaemia is a major cardiovascular risk factor. Early detection and treatment can reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease. Given the high prevalence of hypercholesterolaemia in Andalusia, the development of a screening strategy for its detection in Primary Care may be an efficient measure. Objective: To identify patients in Primary Care with severe hypercholesterolaemia that may increase their cardiovascular risk by reviewing LDL-cholesterol results in computerised laboratory systems. Material and methods: Observational, retrospective, multi-centre study in 16 hospitals in Andalusia and Ceuta. Anonymous analytical data were acquired from the different laboratory computer systems for the year 2018, and exclusively from Macarena Hospital for the year 2019. Results: From a total of 1,969,035 determinations on≥18 years old, 2,791 patients (0.14%) were detected with LDL-cholesterol>250mg/dl and from a total of 2.327.211 determinations studied in children under 18 years old, 3,804 patients (0.16%) were detected with LDL-cholesterol>135mg/dL. The highest incidence of possible genetic hypercholesterolaemia in adults corresponded to the province of Seville with 23.6 cases/1,000 determinations, while in minors, the highest incidence corresponded to the province of Cadiz with 75 possible cases/1,000 determinations. A geographical triangle of greater prevalence is observed between the provinces of Seville, Huelva and Cadiz. Conclusions: The development of a screening strategy using a computerised review of LDL-cholesterol in Primary Care detects a large number of subjects with severe hypercholesterolaemia that could benefit from an early intervention.(AU)

Probable síndrome neurológico tardío tras intoxicación por monóxido de carbono. Caso clínico y revisión de la literatura / Probable delayed neurological syndrome after carbon monoxide poisoning: a clinical case and a review of the literature

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Hepatopatía fatal por amoxicilina-clavulánico en paciente nonagenaria / Fatal liver disease due to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid in nonagenarian patient

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Gender Differences in Pain Risk in Old Age: Magnitude and Contributors.

OBJECTIVES: To identify the factors associated with the excess risk of pain observed among older women compared with men. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We used information from a cohort of 851 women and men age 63 years and older who were free of pain during 2012 and were followed up to December 31, 2015. Sociodemographic variables, health behaviors, psychosocial factors, morbidity, and functional limitations were assessed in 2012 during home visits. Incident pain in 2015 was classified according to its frequency, intensity, and number of localizations into lowest, middle, and highest categories. RESULTS: During a mean follow-up of 2.8 years, the incidence of middle and highest pain was 12.5% and 22.6% in women and 12.4% and 12.6% in men, respectively. The age-adjusted relative risk ratios and 95% CIs of middle and highest pain in women versus men were 1.20 (0.79-1.83) and 2.03 (1.40-2.94), respectively. In a mediation analysis, a higher frequency in women than men of osteomuscular disease, impaired mobility, and impaired agility accounted, respectively, for 31.1%, 46.6%, and 32.0% of the excess risk of highest pain in women compared with men. Other relevant mediators were psychological distress (25.2%), depression (8.7%), poor sleep quality (10.7%), and lower recreational physical activity (12.6%). CONCLUSION: A greater frequency of some chronic diseases, worse functional status, psychological distress, and lower physical activity can mediate the excess risk of pain in older women compared with men. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT02804672.

Diagnostic Value of Mid-Thigh and Mid-Calf Bone, Muscle, and Fat Mass in Osteosarcopenia: A Pilot Study.

Osteosarcopenia is defined as the concomitant occurrence of osteoporosis and sarcopenia. Current lack of consensus on sarcopenia definitions, combined with the low sensitivity and specificity of screening methodologies, has resulted in varying prevalences of sarcopenia, and consequently osteosarcopenia diagnosis. Previous research indicates that mid-thigh is a potential surrogate region for the assessment of bone, muscle, and fat mass in a single, efficient and low-radiation dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan. We hypothesized that muscle and bone mass measurements in the mid-thigh region can be used to evaluate bone and muscle health and function. A retrospective study was conducted on community-dwelling older subjects (> 65 y.o., n = 260) who were at risk of falls and fractures. Mid-thigh and mid-calf bone, lean muscle, and fat masses, as well as their association with muscle function, falls, and fractures were compared against conventional measures (hip/spine bone, appendicular lean, and gynoid/android fat masses). Mid-thigh bone, lean, and fat masses showed strong correlation with conventional measures. Mid-thigh lean mass showed similar associations with grip strength, gait speed, and timed up and go (TUG) test as appendicular lean mass. Appendicular, mid-thigh and mid-calf lean masses corrected for body mass index (BMI) showed stronger associations than when corrected for height2. None of the indices were associated with fractures; but fat mass was invariably associated with falls. Those with falls and fractures history had lower bone and muscle mass at mid-thigh. Mid-thigh is a potential new surrogate to study bone, muscle, and fat mass in older people, with comparable ability in predicting muscle performance and falls.

Bezoar esofágico en paciente con espasmo esofágico difuso / Esophageal bezoar in a patient with a diffuse esophageal spasm

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Envejecimiento, sarcopenia y fragilidad en el contexto de las enfermedades crónicas respiratorias / Aging, Sarcopenia, and Frailty in Chronic Respiratory Diseases

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