Mood Disorders and Severity of Addiction in Alcohol-Dependent Patients Could Be Mediated by Sex Differences.

Background: Alcohol dependence is highly prevalent in the general population; some differences in alcohol use and dependence between women and men have been described, including outcomes and ranging from biological to social variables. This study aims to compare the severity of alcohol dependence with clinical and psychopathological characteristics between sexes. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in alcohol-dependent outpatients; the recruitment period was 7 years. The assessment of these patients was carried out by obtaining sociodemographic characteristics and using the Semi-structured Clinical Interview for Axis I and II (SCID-I and SCID-II), European version of the Addiction Severity Index (EuropASI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) scales. Variables were compared and analyzed. Results: The sample was composed of 178 patients (74.2% males and 25.8% females) with a mean age of 46.52 ± 9.86. No sociodemographic differences were found between men and women. Females had a higher rate of suicide attempts and depression symptoms at the treatment onset. When results of EuropASI were compared, females had worse psychological and employment results than males. According to consumption variables, males had an earlier onset of alcohol use, had more regular alcohol use, and develop alcohol dependence earlier than females. Conclusions: According to results, there are sex-dependent differences (severity and other variables such as mood or suicide) in alcohol dependence. Thus, this may implicate the need of future specific research and treatment programs based on the specific necessities of each sex.

Relationship between craving and impulsivity in patients with alcohol dependence with or without dual disorders in an outpatient treatment center: a descriptive study.

OBJECTIVES: To compare alcohol and other drugs abuse, state impulsivity, craving and the relationship between craving and impulsivity in alcohol-dependent patients with or without dual disorder attending to an alcohol treatment center in Cadiz town. METHOD: An observational, descriptive and transversal study performed on 112 alcohol dependent patient sample who were seeking treatment in ARCA outpatient treatment center in Cadiz. The sample was divided in two groups, according to present dual diagnosis or not. The sample was assessed with an AdHoc sociodemographic and clinical questionnaire and specific scales and interviews that included: 5.0 Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview results (MINI), State Impulsivity Scale (SIS), and Multidimensional Alcohol Craving Scale (MACS). RESULTS: The prevalence of dual diagnosis was 50%, being the most prevalent disorders: Current and recurrent Major Depressive Episode Mood Disorder, Current Dysthymic Mood Disorder, Panic Disorder and Anxiety Disorder. 52,7% of the total sample had a positive result on the State Impulsivity Scale. No statistically significant results were found on the Craving Scale (neither in the score or in the sub-sections). A relationship between craving and impulsivity were found for all groups and researched items. CONCLUSIONS: As a relationship between craving and impulsivity was observed, these aspects should be considered as main factors for the treatment and evolution of alcohol- dependent patients.

Relación entre craving e impulsividad en pacientes con dependencia alcohólica con o sin patología dual en tratamiento ambulatorio: un estudio descriptivo / elationship between craving and impulsivity in patients with alcohol dependence with or without dual disorders in an outpatient treatment center: a descriptive study

Introducción: Comparar el consumo de alcohol y otras drogas, la impulsividad estado, el craving y la relación entre estos últimos en pacientes con dependencia alcohólica con o sin patología dual que acuden a un centro de tratamiento específico de alcoholismo en la ciudad de Cádiz. Metodología. Estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal de una muestra de 112 pacientes con dependencia alcohólica que acuden para solicitar tratamiento al Centro de Tratamiento Ambulatorio ARCA, de Cádiz. Se divide a los pacientes en dos grupos, según padezcan o no patología dual, mediante la entrevista MINI 5.0. Se evalúa la impulsividad mediante la Escala de Impulsividad de Estado (EIE) y el craving mediante la Escala Multidimensional de Craving de Alcohol (EMCA) y se rellena un cuestionario de información adicional que recoge datos sociobiográficos, educativos, económicos y relativos al consumo de alcohol y otras drogas. Resultados. La prevalencia de patología dual es del 50%, las patologías más prevalentes son: Episodio Depre-sivo Mayor actual y recurrente, Trastorno Distímico actual, Trastorno de Angustia y Trastorno de Ansiedad. El 52,7% de la muestra global presenta un resultado positivo en la escala EIE. No existen diferencias de puntuación significativas, tanto en la valoración global como en los subapartados de la escala de craving. Existe una asociación entre el craving y la impulsividad en todos los subgrupos de población y en todas las categorías. Conclusiones. Existe una relación entre craving e impulsividad, lo que debe ser tenido en cuenta en el momento e planificar el tratamiento y diseñar estrategias de prevención de recaídas

Objectives: To compare alcohol and other drugs abuse, state impulsivity, craving and the relationship between craving and impulsivity in alcohol-dependent patients with or without dual disorder attending to an alcohol treatment center in Cadiz town. Method. An observational, descriptive and transversal study performed on 112 alcohol dependent patient sample who were seeking treatment in ARCA outpatient treatment center in Cadiz. The sample was divided in two groups, ac-cording to present dual diagnosis or not. The sample was assessed with an AdHoc sociodemographic and clinical questionnaire and specific scales and interviews that included: 5.0 Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview results (MINI), State Impulsivity Scale (SIS), and Multidimensional Alcohol Craving Scale (MACS). Results. The prevalence of dual diagnosis was 50%, be-ing the most prevalent disorders: Current and recurrent Ma-jor Depressive Episode Mood Disorder, Current Dysthymic Mood Disorder, Panic Disorder and Anxiety Disorder. 52,7% of the total sample had a positive result on the State Impulsivity Scale. No statistically significant results were found on the Craving Scale (neither in the score or in the subsecions). A relationship between craving and impulsivity were found for all groups and researched items. Conclusions. As a relationship between craving and impulsivity was observed, these aspects should be considered as main factors for the treatment and evolution of alcohol-dependent patients

Psychiatric Comorbidity in Treatment-Seeking Alcohol Dependence Patients With and Without ADHD.

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of ADHD in adult patients treated for alcohol dependence and to analyze the characteristics of consumption and psychiatric comorbidity, in function of a possible ADHD in adulthood. Method: We administered the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) to 726 alcohol-dependent patients. Clinical diagnosis, following Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed., text rev.; DSM-IV-TR) criteria was made in the first four weeks of treatment. A subsample of 297 patients was evaluated using Conners' Adult ADHD Diagnostic Interview for DSM-IV (CAADID-II) to test the psychometric properties of ASRS. Results: After analyzing the properties of the ASRS (sensitivity: 83.3%; specificity: 66.1%), the prevalence of ADHD, in the whole sample, was estimated to be 16.2%. Being younger, lifetime history of cocaine dependence and the presence of an affective, anxiety or personality disorder were associated with a possible ADHD. Conclusion: The estimated prevalence of ADHD in patients being treated for alcohol dependence is high, and the presence of a possible ADHD in adulthood is associated with an increase in psychiatric comorbidity.

Diferencias entre craving y calidad de vida relacionada con la salud en pacientes con dependencia alcohólica con o sin enfermedad dual en tratamiento ambulatorio: estudio descriptivo / Differences between craving and health-related quality of life in patients with alcohol dependence with or without dual pathology in outpatient treatment: A descriptive study

Fundamentos y objetivo: Enfermedad dual es la coexistencia al mismo tiempo de un trastorno adictivo y otro trastorno mental. El objetivo es estimar el craving y la calidad de vida autopercibida en una muestra de pacientes con dependencia alcohólica, con o sin enfermedad dual, que acuden a un centro de tratamiento ambulatorio. Pacientes y método: Estudio transversal de 112 pacientes (56 duales y 56 no duales) diagnosticados de dependencia de alcohol según el DSM-IV-TR. Se determina la presencia de craving mediante la Escala Multidimensional de Craving de Alcohol y la calidad de vida mediante el Cuestionario de Salud SF-36. Resultados: No existen diferencias estadísticamente significativas en el craving entre ambos subgrupos; los duales tienden a referir menor craving de alcohol que los pacientes no duales. Los dualestienen una peor calidad de vida en todas las categorías evaluadas, destacando una peor calidad de vida en las categorías: función social, rol emocional, vitalidad y salud general. El sexo femenino presenta una menor calidad de vida, destacando las categorías de función social y rol emocional. No se detectan diferencias en relación al craving entre los 2 grupos. Conclusiones: Para realizar un correcto abordaje clínico y terapéutico de los pacientes con dependencia alcohólica se debe plantear evaluar el craving y la calidad de vida, puesto que son parámetros importantes para la evaluación del paciente con dependencia alcohólica. Además, el cravinges un parámetro propio de la dependencia alcohólica, no de la dualidad (AU)

Background and objective: Dual diagnosis is the coexistence of an addictive disorder and another mental disorder. The objective is to estimate cravings and self-reported quality of life in a sample of patients with alcoholic dependence, with or without dual pathology, who attend an outpatient treatment centre. Patients and method: A cross-sectional study of 112 patients (56 dual and 56 non-dual), diagnosed with alcohol dependence according to DSM-IV-TR. The presence of cravings is determined by the Multidimensional Alcohol Craving Scale and quality of life through the SF-36 Health Questionnaire. Results: There are no statistically significant differences in cravings in either subgroup; the latter tend to refer to lower alcohol cravings than non-dual patients. The dual patients have a worse quality of life in all categories evaluated, highlighting a worse quality of life in the categories: social function, emotional role, vitality and general health. Females present a lower quality of life emphasising those of social function and emotional role. No differences were detected in relation to cravings between the 2 groups. Conclusions: In order to perform a correct clinical and therapeutic approach for patients with alcohol dependence, we should consider focusing on the evaluation of cravings and quality of life. In order to perform a correct clinical and therapeutic approach for patients with alcohol dependence, it is necessary to consider cravings and quality of life, since these parameters are important for the evaluation of patients with alcohol dependence (AU)

Differences between craving and health-related quality of life in patients with alcohol dependence with or without dual pathology in outpatient treatment: A descriptive study. / Diferencias entre craving y calidad de vida relacionada con la salud en pacientes con dependencia alcohólica con o sin enfermedad dual en tratamiento ambulatorio: estudio descriptivo.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Dual diagnosis is the coexistence of an addictive disorder and another mental disorder. The objective is to estimate cravings and self-reported quality of life in a sample of patients with alcoholic dependence, with or without dual pathology, who attend an outpatient treatment centre. PATIENTS AND METHOD: A cross-sectional study of 112 patients (56 dual and 56 non-dual), diagnosed with alcohol dependence according to DSM-IV-TR. The presence of cravings is determined by the Multidimensional Alcohol Craving Scale and quality of life through the SF-36 Health Questionnaire. RESULTS: There are no statistically significant differences in cravings in either subgroup; the latter tend to refer to lower alcohol cravings than non-dual patients. The dual patients have a worse quality of life in all categories evaluated, highlighting a worse quality of life in the categories: social function, emotional role, vitality and general health. Females present a lower quality of life emphasising those of social function and emotional role. No differences were detected in relation to cravings between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: In order to perform a correct clinical and therapeutic approach for patients with alcohol dependence, we should consider focusing on the evaluation of cravings and quality of life. In order to perform a correct clinical and therapeutic approach for patients with alcohol dependence, it is necessary to consider cravings and quality of life, since these parameters are important for the evaluation of patients with alcohol dependence.

Incidence of peripheral arterial disease in the ARTPER population cohort after 5 years of follow-up.

BACKGROUND: To know the epidemiology (prevalence, incidence, progression and morbidity and mortality associated) of peripheral artery disease in general population and the factors associated with this progression is essential to know the evolution of atherosclerosis and develop preventive strategies. The aim of the study was to determine the incidence of PAD after 5 years of follow-up population-based cohort ARTPER, and the evolution of Ankle brachial Index (ABI) in this period. METHODS: Peripheral artery disease incidence analysis after 5 years of follow-up of 3786 subjects > 50 years old. Peripheral artery disease incident when the second cross section Ankle brachial Index was <0.9 in any of the lower limbs, with normal baseline (0.9 to 1.4). RESULTS: Between 2012 and 2013 2762 individuals (77% participation) were re-examined . Finally analyzed 2256 subjects (after excluding pathological Ankle brachial Index) followed for 4.9 years (range 3.8 to 5.8 years), totalling 11,106 person-years. Peripheral artery disease 95 new cases were detected, representing an incidence of 4.3% at 5 years and 8.6 per 1000 person-years (95% CI 6.9 to 10.5) being higher in men (10.2, 95% CI 7.4 to 13.5) than in women (7.5, 95% CI 5.5 to 9.9). Linear correlation between the baseline Ankle brachial Index and the second cross section was low (r = 0.23). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of peripheral artery disease in ARTPER cohort was 8.6 cases per 1000 person-years, being higher in men, especially <65 years. The correlation between two measures Ankle brachial Index after 5 years of follow-up was low. One might consider whether Ankle brachial Index repeated measures could improve the correlation.

Ankle-brachial index and the incidence of cardiovascular events in the Mediterranean low cardiovascular risk population ARTPER cohort.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) of the lower limbs is a cardiovascular disease highly prevalent particularly in the asymptomatic form. Its prevalence starts to be a concern in low coronary risk countries like Spain. Few studies have analyzed the relationship between ankle-brachial index (ABI) and cardiovascular morbi-mortality in low cardiovascular risk countries like Spain where we observe significant low incidence of ischemic heart diseases together with high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors. The objective of this study is to determine the relationship between pathological ABI and incidence of cardiovascular events (coronary disease, cerebrovascular disease, symptomatic aneurism of abdominal aorta, vascular surgery) and death in the >49 year population-based cohort in Spain (ARTPER). METHODS: Baseline ABI was measured in 3,786 randomly selected patients from 28 Primary Health Centers in Barcelona, distributed as: ABI<0.9 peripheral arterial disease (PAD), ABI ≥1.4 arterial calcification (AC), ABI 0.9-1.4 healthy; and followed during 4 years. RESULTS: 3,307 subjects were included after excluding those with previous vascular events. Subjects with abnormal ABI were older with higher proportion of men, smokers and diabetics. 260 people presented cardiovascular events (incidence 2,117/100,000 person-years) and 124 died from any cause (incidence 978/100,000 person-years). PAD had two-fold greater risk of coronary disease (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 2.0, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3-3.2) and increased risk of vascular surgery (HR = 5.6, 95%CI 2.8-11.5) and mortality (HR = 1.8, 95%CI 1.4-2.5). AC increased twice risk of cerebrovascular events (HR = 1.9, 95%CI 1.0-3.5) with no relationship with ischemic heart disease. CONCLUSIONS: PAD increases coronary disease risk and AC cerebrovascular disease risk in low cardiovascular risk Mediterranean population. ABI could be a useful tool to detect patients at risk in Primary Health Care.

Integración entre cardiología y atención primaria: impacto sobre la práctica clínica / Integration between cardiology and primary care: impact on clinical practice

Introducción y objetivos. Evaluar el impacto de un programa de integración entre cardiología y atención primaria en la práctica clínica, comparado con la atención convencional. La integración consiste en un cardiólogo hospitalario en cada centro de atención primaria, historia clínica común, guías clínicas consensuadas, sesiones de consultoría y otras herramientas de coordinación. Métodos. Estudio observacional de dos muestras transversales sobre prevalencias en periodos antes y después de la intervención: atención convencional y atención integrada. Se analiza: distribución de pacientes atendidos, impacto en indicadores de buena práctica clínica en los pacientes con cardiopatía isquémica, insuficiencia cardiaca y fibrilación auricular, satisfacción de atención primaria y uso de recursos. Resultados. Se incluyó a 3.194 pacientes (1.572 en atención convencional y 1.622 en integrada). La integración redistribuyó a los pacientes y aumentó el control del cardiólogo sobre enfermedades graves y el control desde primaria de los factores de riesgo y pacientes estables. En cardiopatía isquémica, mejoró el control de colesterolemia, presión arterial, optimización del tratamiento y documentación de la función ventricular. En insuficiencia cardiaca, aumentó el tratamiento con bloqueadores beta y la valoración funcional. En fibrilación auricular, mejoró el estudio con ecocardiografía e indicación de anticoagulación. El uso de recursos no aumentó. La satisfacción de los médicos de primaria se incrementó con la integración. Conclusiones. Tras la integración, mejoró el control y el tratamiento crónico de los pacientes con cardiopatía isquémica, insuficiencia cardiaca y fibrilación auricular, se redistribuyó a los pacientes crónicos entre atención primaria y cardiología, y aumentó la satisfacción de los médicos de familia, sin objetivarse incremento en el uso de recursos (AU)

Introduction and objectives. To assess the impact of a program integrating cardiology and primary care in clinical practice, compared with usual care. The integrated care consists of a hospital cardiologist in each primary care clinic, shared clinical history, joint practice guidelines, consultation sessions, and other coordinating tools. Methods. Observational, cross-sectional study of 2 series of chronic outpatients: conventional and integrated care. We analyzed patient distribution and the impact on good clinical practice indicators in patients with ischemic heart disease, heart failure and atrial fibrillation, along with primary care practitioner satisfaction and use of resources. Results. We included 3194 patients (1572 usual care, 1622 integrated care). Integrated care changed the patient distribution, allowing the cardiologist to focus on serious pathologies while cardiovascular risk factors and stable patients were monitored in primary care. In ischemic heart disease, improvement was observed in cholesterol management and blood pressure control; optimal medical treatment was more frequently prescribed and ventricular function evaluated more often. In heart failure, Beta-blockers treatment increased and functional class was assessed more often. In atrial fibrillation, an increase in anticoagulation prescription and echocardiography evaluation was observed. Satisfaction parameters improved with integrated care. The use of resources was not increased. Conclusions. Using our integration model, follow-up and chronic treatment of patients with ischemic heart disease, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation were improved. Monitoring of chronic patients was redistributed between primary care and cardiology, and family physicians¡¯ satisfaction levels improved. There was no increase in use of resources (AU)

[Integration between cardiology and primary care: impact on clinical practice]. / Integración entre cardiología y atención primaria: impacto sobre la práctica clínica.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: To assess the impact of a program integrating cardiology and primary care in clinical practice, compared with usual care. The integrated care consists of a hospital cardiologist in each primary care clinic, shared clinical history, joint practice guidelines, consultation sessions, and other coordinating tools. METHODS: Observational, cross-sectional study of 2 series of chronic outpatients: conventional and integrated care. We analyzed patient distribution and the impact on good clinical practice indicators in patients with ischemic heart disease, heart failure and atrial fibrillation, along with primary care practitioner satisfaction and use of resources. RESULTS: We included 3194 patients (1572 usual care, 1622 integrated care). Integrated care changed the patient distribution, allowing the cardiologist to focus on serious pathologies while cardiovascular risk factors and stable patients were monitored in primary care. In ischemic heart disease, improvement was observed in cholesterol management and blood pressure control; optimal medical treatment was more frequently prescribed and ventricular function evaluated more often. In heart failure, ß-blockers treatment increased and functional class was assessed more often. In atrial fibrillation, an increase in anticoagulation prescription and echocardiography evaluation was observed. Satisfaction parameters improved with integrated care. The use of resources was not increased. CONCLUSIONS: Using our integration model, follow-up and chronic treatment of patients with ischemic heart disease, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation were improved. Monitoring of chronic patients was redistributed between primary care and cardiology, and family physicians' satisfaction levels improved. There was no increase in use of resources. Full English text available from: www.revespcardiol.org.

El índice tobillo-brazo mejora la clasificación del riesgo cardiovascular: estudio ARTPER/PERART / Ankle-brachial index improves the classification of cardiovascular risk: PERART/ARTPER study

Introducción y objetivos. Las funciones de riesgo cardiovascular tienen una baja sensibilidad, pues frecuentemente los eventos cardiovasculares se producen en personas en riesgo bajo o intermedio. El objetivo de este trabajo es estudiar cómo el índice tobillo-brazo (ITB) reclasifica a estos pacientes. Métodos. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal, multicéntrico (28 centros), con 3.171 pacientes de edad > 49 años seleccionados aleatoriamente. Se estudiaron variables demográficas, antecedentes y factores de riesgo cardiovasculares, ITB (patológico si era<0,9) y riesgo cardiovascular a 10 años con Framingham-Wilson, REGICOR y SCORE, con las siguientes categorías: bajo (Framingham<10%, REGICOR<5% y SCORE<2,5%), intermedio (10-19,9%, 5-9,9% y 2,5-4,9%, respectivamente) y alto (≥ 20%, ≥ 10% y ≥ 5%, respectivamente). Se reclasificó a los pacientes con riesgo bajo o intermedio a la categoría de riesgo alto si presentaban un ITB < 0,9. Resultados. Los pacientes con ITB < 0,9, comparados con los que lo tenían ≥ 0,9, eran significativamente mayores, con predominio de varones, peor perfil de antecedentes y factores de riesgo cardiovasculares y superior proporción de pacientes en riesgo alto, con Framingham-Wilson (el 42,7 contra el 18,5%), REGICOR (el 25,8 contra el 9,3%) y SCORE (el 42,2 contra el 15,9%). En varones la utilización del ITB supuso un aumento en la categoría de riesgo alto del 5,8% con Framingham-Wilson, el 19,1% con REGICOR y el 4,4% con SCORE. En mujeres fue del 78,6% con Framingham-Wilson, el 151,6% con REGICOR y el 50% con SCORE. Conclusiones. El ITB reclasifica a una importante proporción de personas hacia la categoría de riesgo alto, sobre todo en mujeres y con la función REGICOR(AU)

Introduction and objectives: The sensitivity of cardiovascular risk functions is low because many cardiovascular events occur in low- or intermediate-risk patients. The aim of the present study was to evaluate how the ankle-brachial index (ABI) reclassifies these patients. Methods: We conducted a descriptive, transversal, multicenter study (28 centers) of 3171 randomly selected patients aged >49 years. We studied demographic variables, clinical history and cardiovascular risk factors, ABI (defined as pathologic if <0.9) and 10-year cardiovascular risk with the Framingham- Wilson, REGICOR and SCORE equations, dividing risk into three categories: low (Framingham < 10%, REGICOR < 5% and SCORE < 2.5%, intermediate (10-19.9%, 5-9.9% and 2.5-4.9%, respectively) and high ( 20%, 10% and 5%, respectively). Low- or intermediate-risk patients were reclassified as high-risk if they presented ABI <0.9. Results: We compared patients with ABI <0.9 and patients with ABI 0.9 and found the former were significantly older, more frequently men, had a worse history and more cardiovascular risk factors, and included more high-risk patients than when the classification used Framingham-Wilson (42.7% vs. 18.5%), REGICOR (25.8% vs. 9.3%) and SCORE (42.2% vs. 15.9%) equations. In men, using ABI led to a 5.8% increase in the high-risk category versus Framingham-Wilson, a 19.1% increase versus REGICOR and a 4.4% increase versus SCORE. In women, the increases were 78.6% versus Framingham-Wilson, 151.6% versus REGICOR and 50.0% versus SCORE. Conclusions: The ABI reclassifies a substantial proportion of patients towards the high-risk category. This is particularly marked in women and by comparison with REGICOR scores(AU)

Ankle-brachial index improves the classification of cardiovascular risk: PERART/ARTPER Study.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The sensitivity of cardiovascular risk functions is low because many cardiovascular events occur in low- or intermediate-risk patients. The aim of the present study was to evaluate how the ankle-brachial index (ABI) reclassifies these patients. METHODS: We conducted a descriptive, transversal, multicenter study (28 centers) of 3171 randomly selected patients aged >49 years. We studied demographic variables, clinical history and cardiovascular risk factors, ABI (defined as pathologic if <0.9) and 10-year cardiovascular risk with the Framingham-Wilson, REGICOR and SCORE equations, dividing risk into three categories: low (Framingham<10%, REGICOR<5% and SCORE<2.5%, intermediate (10-19.9%, 5-9.9% and 2.5-4.9%, respectively) and high (≥20%, ≥10% and ≥5%, respectively). Low- or intermediate-risk patients were reclassified as high-risk if they presented ABI <0.9. RESULTS: We compared patients with ABI <0.9 and patients with ABI ≥0.9 and found the former were significantly older, more frequently men, had a worse history and more cardiovascular risk factors, and included more high-risk patients than when the classification used Framingham-Wilson (42.7% vs. 18.5%), REGICOR (25.8% vs. 9.3%) and SCORE (42.2% vs. 15.9%) equations. In men, using ABI led to a 5.8% increase in the high-risk category versus Framingham-Wilson, a 19.1% increase versus REGICOR and a 4.4% increase versus SCORE. In women, the increases were 78.6% versus Framingham-Wilson, 151.6% versus REGICOR and 50.0% versus SCORE. CONCLUSIONS: The ABI reclassifies a substantial proportion of patients towards the high-risk category. This is particularly marked in women and by comparison with REGICOR scores.

The peripheral arterial disease study (PERART/ARTPER): prevalence and risk factors in the general population.

BACKGROUND: The early diagnosis of atherosclerotic disease is essential for developing preventive strategies in populations at high risk and acting when the disease is still asymptomatic. A low ankle-arm index is a good marker of vascular events and may be diminished without presenting symptomatology (silent peripheral arterial disease). The aim of the study is to know the prevalence and associated risk factors of peripheral arterial disease in the general population. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional, multicentre, population-based study in 3786 individuals >49 years, randomly selected in 28 primary care centres in Barcelona (Spain). Peripheral arterial disease was evaluated using the ankle-arm index. Values < 0.9 were considered as peripheral arterial disease. RESULTS: The prevalence (95% confidence interval) of peripheral arterial disease was 7.6% (6.7-8.4), (males 10.2% (9.2-11.2), females 5.3% (4.6-6.0); p < 0.001).Multivariate analysis showed the following risk factors: male sex [odds ratio (OR) 1.62; 95% confidence interval 1.01-2.59]; age OR 2.00 per 10 years (1.64-2.44); inability to perform physical activity [OR 1.77 (1.17-2.68) for mild limitation to OR 7.08 (2.61-19.16) for breathless performing any activity]; smoking [OR 2.19 (1.34-3.58) for former smokers and OR 3.83 (2.23-6.58) for current smokers]; hypertension OR 1.85 (1.29-2.65); diabetes OR 2.01 (1.42-2.83); previous cardiovascular disease OR 2.19 (1.52-3.15); hypercholesterolemia OR 1.55 (1.11-2.18); hypertriglyceridemia OR 1.55 (1.10-2.19). Body mass index > or =25 Kg/m2 OR 0.57 (0.38-0.87) and walking >7 hours/week OR 0.67 (0.49-0.94) were found as protector factors. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of peripheral arterial disease is low, higher in males and increases with age in both sexes. In addition to previously described risk factors we found a protector effect in physical exercise and overweight.

Psicosis y diferencias sociales: comparando la prevalencia de las psicosis en dos medios urbanos diferenciados / Psychosis and social differences: comparing psychosis prevalence between two socially differentiated urban settings

Objetivos: Contribuir a la reflexión sobre la etiología y/o los factores de riesgo para las psicosis comparando la prevalencia en población general y población de riesgo de la esquizofrenia y otras psicosis en dos barrios de Barcelona (España). Método: Nuestras aportaciones en este trabajo se apoyan sobre todo en un estudio descriptivo transversal de todos los pacientes con psicopatología detectados en la USM de Sant Martí-La Mina: un territorio geodemográfica y asistencialmente delimitado formado por 5 Áreas Básicas de Salud (103.615 habitantes. Resultados: Sobre un total de 21.536 pacientes con registro de casos abierto desde el año 1982 hasta el año 2000, se halló que 838 cumplían los criterios restrictivos para ser diagnosticados como «esquizofrénicos» (N=476) o «afectados por otras psicosis» (N=362). Sin embargo, las prevalencias de esquizofrenia y otras psicosis en el barrio sujeto a más factores de riesgo psicosociales eran alrededor de 2 veces mayores que las encontradas en el barrio colindante por el mismo equipo y en el mismo período temporal. Conclusión: Es necesario tener en cuenta el gran peso de los factores de sociales y psicosociales para poderse explicar las diferencias de prevalencia de la esquizofrenia y otras psicosis entre diferentes poblaciones (AU)

Objectives: To contribute to the discussion about aetiology and risk factors of psychosis comparing the prevalence in general population and in «age of risk population» for schizophrenias and other psychoses on two neighbourhoods of Barcelona (Spain). Method: We base our reflections in a transversal study about the results of an informatized case register of all the patients' with detected psychopathology in this geodemographic and assistencially differentiated area: 5 Basic Areas of Health (103.615 inhabitants). Results: The total «psychopathological patients» detected were 21.536. From them, 838 completed the restrictive criteria to be diagnosed as «schizophrenics» (476) or «affected by other psychoses» (362). Among the neighborhood charged with psychosocial risk factors and the other 4 adjacent basic areas of health, assisted for the same team, so much clinical as investigator, the incidence and the prevalence of the schizophrenia and other psychoses is twice as much, almost in each group diagnosis. Conclusion: It seems necessary to keep in mind the great weight of the social and psychosocial factors to explain those differences of incidence and prevalence of the schizophrenia and the psychoses in different populations (AU)

Neighborhood differences in psychoses: prevalence of psychotic disorders in two socially-differentiated metropolitan areas of Barcelona.

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of schizophrenia and other psychoses can vary between close geographic locations and can be biased by the use of epidemiological designs. With data derived from a public mental health centre with close relations to primary care teams we have compared the distribution of psychotic disorders in two neighborhoods in Barcelona with marked psycho-social differences. METHODS: Using a computerized database from Barcelona's National Health Service covering 5 basic health-care areas with a total population of 103,615 inhabitants, we have accessed case records showing any psycho-pathology between the years of 1982 and 2000. RESULTS: From the case records of 21,536 registered patients showing any psycho-pathology, and using strict diagnostic, clinical and assistance criteria, we found that there were 476 patients diagnosed as "schizophrenic" and 362 that were "affected by other psychoses." Despite being evaluated by the same mental health personal, the same research team using identical criteria and over the same period of time (thus precluding operator and selection bias) the prevalence of these disorders was twice as high in La Mina (a district with a marked accumulation of psycho-social risk-factors) as compared to the neighboring district of La Verneda. CONCLUSIONS: When assessing prevalence of psychoses, it is necessary to consider the impact of social and psycho-social factors, even in neighboring communities.

Ischemic stroke incidence in Santa Coloma de Gramenet (ISISCOG), Spain. A community-based study.

BACKGROUND: In Spain, stroke is one of the major causes of death and the main cause of severe disability in people over 65 years. We analyzed the incidence of ischemic stroke, stroke subtypes, case fatality and disability at 90 days after the event in a Spanish population. METHODS: A prospective community-based register of ischemic strokes was established in Santa Coloma de Gramenet (Barcelona) [116,220 inhabitants of all ages, according to the municipal census of December 31,2001], from January 1 to December 31, 2003. Standard definitions and case finding methods were used to identify all cases in all age groups. Every patient underwent a complete clinical evaluation and systematic tests including neuroimaging (CT/MRI) and vascular studies (carotid duplex ultrasound intra and extracranial and MR angiography). RESULTS: Over a one year period, 196 ischemic strokes were registered [107 men; median age = 76 years (range 39-98)], being the first event in 159 patients (81.1%) and a recurrent stroke in 37 (18.9%). After age-adjustment to the European population, the incidence of ischemic stroke per 100,000 inhabitants was 172 (95% CI, 148-196); 219 (176-261) in men and 133 (105-160) in women, with an annual incidence for first ischemic stroke of 139 (118-161); 165 (128-201) in men and 115 (89-140) in women. The incidence of stroke increased with age. Stroke subtypes (TOAST classification criteria) were lacunar in 28.8%, atherothrombotic in 18.6%, cardioembolic in 26.6% and undetermined in 26.0% of patients. At 90 days, the case-fatality was 12%, and among survivors, moderate-to-severe disability was present in 45 % at 3 months. CONCLUSION: This prospective community-based study shows one of the lowest incidences of stroke in Europe, as well as one of the lowest case fatality and disability rates at 90 days after stroke.

Peripheral Arterial Disease study (PERART): prevalence and predictive values of asymptomatic peripheral arterial occlusive disease related to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

BACKGROUND: The early diagnosis of atherosclerotic disease is essential for developing preventive strategies in populations at high risk and acting when the disease is still asymptomatic. A low ankle-arm index (AAI) is a good marker of vascular events and may be diminished without presenting symptomatology (silent peripheral arterial disease). The aim of the PERART study (PERipheral ARTerial disease) is to determine the prevalence of peripheral arterial disease (both silent and symptomatic) in a general population of both sexes and determine its predictive value related to morbimortality (cohort study). METHODS/DESIGN: This cross-over, cohort study consists of 2 phases: firstly a descriptive, transversal cross-over study to determine the prevalence of peripheral arterial disease, and secondly, a cohort study to evaluate the predictive value of AAI in relation to cardiovascular morbimortality. From September 2006 to June 2007, a total of 3,010 patients over the age of 50 years will be randomly selected from a population adscribed to 24 healthcare centres in the province of Barcelona (Spain). The diagnostic criteria of peripheral arterial disease will be considered as an AAI < 0.90, determined by portable Doppler (8 Mhz probe) measured twice by trained personnel. Cardiovascular risk will be calculated with the Framingham-Wilson tables, with Framingham calibrated by the REGICOR and SCORE groups. The subjects included will be evaluted every 6 months by telephone interview and the clnical history and death registries will be reviewed. The appearance of the following cardiovascular events will be considered as variables of response: transitory ischaemic accident, ictus, angina, myocardial infartction, symptomatic abdominal aneurysm and vascular mortality. DISCUSSION: In this study we hope to determine the prevalence of peripheral arterial disease, especially the silent forms, in the general population and establish its relationship with cardiovascular morbimortality. A low AAI may be a better marker of arterial disease than the classical cardiovascular risk factors and may, therefore, contribute to improving the predictive value of the equations of cardiovascular risk and thereby allowing optimisation of multifactorial treatment of atherosclerotic disease.

Hijos de pacientes psicóticos en el proyecto SASPE: investigar para cuidar un futuro comprometido / Children of psychotic patients in the SASPE projects: research for a future of commitment

Objetivos: Contribuir al conocimientod e la fertilidad y la fecundidad de una muestra urbana de pacientes diagnosticados bajo los rótulos de «trastorno esquizofrénico» y «otras psicosis» (estudio SASPE), así como de la psicopatología de su descendencia. Diseño:Estudio retrospectivo fundamentado en el procesamiento informático de los datos del Proyecto SASPE, en el vaciado de historias clínicas de cinco Equipos deSalud Mental Comunitaria estrechamente vinculada con la Atención Primaria a la Salud (APS) y en entrevistas con pacientes, hijos de pacientes y profesionales de losEquipos de Atención Primaria (EAP) y de Pediatría de AP. Emplazamiento del Proyecto: Unitat de Salut Mental (USM) de Sant Martí-La Mina, cinco Áreas Básicas de Salud (ABS) de Barcelona y Sant Adria (provincia de Barcelona),además de la Unidad Funcional de Atención a la Primera Infancia de Sant Martí(Institut Catalá de la Salut).Sujetos: 838 pacientes esquizofrénicos y con «otras psicosis» detectados por la USM. 917 descendientedse los mismos. Personal asistencial de la USM,5 ABS y de la Unidad Funcional de Atención a la Primera Infancia ( UFAP1).N iños con señalesd e alerta detectadase n los diversosC entrosd e la USM,y niños con señalesd e alerta o factoresd e riesgo detectadose n los EAP y en los Equiposd e Pediatríad e APS. Metodologíae instrumentos:D iagnósticosD SM-1V.E ntrevistase structuradasE RIElRAOS. E scalaso sistemasd e cribado en la infancia: cribadosA RBB-ADBB,C BCL y USMEP. Based e datos informatizadosd e la USM-SASPE

Objectives: To contribute to the knowledge of the fertility and fecundity of an urban sample of patients diagnosed with schizophrenic disorder or «other psychoses» (SASPE study), as well as of the offspring's psychopathology. Design: A retrospective study based in the computer treatment of the data of Project SASPE, in the casting of clinical histories of five Units of Community Mental Health closely linked with the Primary Health CaTe (PHC) and in interviews with patients, patient's offspring and professionals of the PHC and of Pediatrics of PHC. Location of the Project: Mental Health Unir (USM) of Sant Martí -The Mine, five Basic Health Areas of Barcelona and Sant Adria (Barcelona), besides the Functional Unir of Attention to the Early Childhood of Sant Martí (Catalan lnstitute of Health). Participants: 838 schizophrenic patients and with «delirant psychoses» detected by the USM. 917 descendants of the same ones. Staff of the USM, 5 Basic Health Areas and of the Functional Unir of Attention to the Early Childhood (UFAPI). Children with alert signs detected in the diverse Centers of the USM, and children with signs of alert or factors of risk detected in the PHC Teams and Pediatrics PHC teams. Methodology and instruments: Diagnoses DSM-IV. Structured'interview ERIE-lRAOS. Screening for childhood mental health ARBB-ADBB, CBCL and LISMEP. Informatized Data Base USM-SASPE