Synergistic impact of N-antigenemia profiled by a rapid antigen test and low anti-S1 antibodies on the risk of hospitalization in COVID-19.

OBJECTIVES: Identifying patients with COVID-19 who are at risk of poor evolution is key to early decide on their hospitalization. We evaluated the combined impact of nucleocapsid (N)-antigenemia profiled by a rapid test and antibodies against the S1 subunit of the SARS-CoV S protein (S1) on the hospitalization risk of patients with COVID-19. METHODS: N-antigenemia and anti-S1 antibodies were profiled at admission to the emergency department in 146 patients with COVID-19 using the Panbio® antigen Rapid Test and the SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G II Quant/SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G assay from Abbott. A multivariable analysis was used to evaluate the impact of these factors on hospitalization. RESULTS: Patients with a positive N-antigen test in plasma and anti-S1 levels <2821 arbitrary units/mL needed hospitalization more frequently (20 of 23, 87%). A total of 20 of 71 (28.2%) of those showing a negative N-antigen test and anti-S1 ≥2821 arbitrary units/mL were hospitalized for 18 of 52 (34.6%) of the patients with only one of these conditions. Patients with a positive N-antigen test and low antibody levels showed an odds ratio, 95% confidence interval, and P-value for hospitalization of 18.21, 2.74-121.18, and 0.003, respectively, and exhibited the highest mortality (30.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Simultaneous profiling of a rapid N-antigen test in plasma and anti-S1 levels could help to early identify patients with COVID-19 needing hospitalization.

[Addressing sexual violence in health services]. / La violencia sexual y su abordaje en el sistema de salud.

Sexual violence is a very underdetected public health problem, with important short and long-term consequences on physical, mental, social, sexual and reproductive health, which must be taken into account by health services. Health systems are part of the set of resources necessary for a comprehensive approach from the ecological model: prevention and promotion of healthy sexuality with equality, adequate and coordinated care in the event of sexual assault and subsequent support to prevent sequelae. All sexual violence has health consequences, even those that may seem less serious such as sexual harassment or sexual cyberviolence. We must know the needs of the victim and their possible emotional reactions. A risk assessment will be carried out, the victim will be referred to a hospital if necessary and comprehensive and integrated care will be provided. Care and follow-up must focus on the survivor and with professionals trained in trauma to understand the consequences of sexual violence, offer a safe and trusting environment and know how to reinforce their qualities and support.

Sex- and age-related patterns in the use of analgesics in older patients in the emergency department.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of acute pain in older patients is a common challenge faced in emergency departments (EDs). Despite many studies that have investigated chronic analgesic use in the elderly, data on patterns of acute use, especially in EDs, of analgesics according to patient characteristics is scarce. OBJECTIVE: To investigate sex- and age-related patterns of analgesic use in the Spanish EDs and determine differences in age-related patterns according to patient sex. DESIGN: A secondary analysis of the Emergency Department and Elderly Needs (EDEN) multipurpose cohort. SETTING: Fifty-two Spanish EDs (17% of Spanish EDs covering 25% of Spanish population). PARTICIPANTS: All patients' ≥65 years attending ED during 1 week (April 1-7, 2019). Patient characteristics recorded included age, sex, chronic treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opiates, comorbidity, dependence, dementia, depression, ability to walk and previous falls. Analgesics used in the ED were categorized in three groups: non-NSAID non-opioids (mainly paracetamol and metamizole, PM), NSAIDs, and opiates. OUTCOME MEASURES: Frequency of analgesic use was quantified, and the relationship between sex and age and analgesic use (in general and for each analgesic group) was assessed by unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression and restricted cubic spline models. Interaction between sex and age was explored. MAIN RESULTS: We included 24 573 patients, and 6678 (27.2%) received analgesics in the ED: 5551 (22.6%) PM, 1661 (6.8%) NSAIDs and 937 (3.8%) opiates (1312 received combinations). Analgesics were more frequently used in women (adjusted OR = 1.076, 95%CI = 1.014-1.142), as well as with NSAID (1.205, 1.083-1.341). Analgesic use increased with age, increasing PM and decreasing NSAIDs use. Opiate use remained quite constant across age and sex. Interaction of sex with age was present for the use of analgesics in general ( P  = 0.006), for PM ( P  < 0.001) and for opiates ( P  = 0.033), with higher use of all these analgesics in women. CONCLUSION: Use of analgesics in older individuals in EDs is mildly augmented in women and increases with age, with PM use increasing and NSAIDs decreasing with age. Conversely, opiate use is quite constant according to sex and age. Age-related patterns differ according to sex, with age-related curves of women showing higher probabilities than those of men to receive any analgesic, PM or opiates.

Influence of income on in-hospital mortality in older adults during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic: results from the EDEN-33 study. / Influencia de la renta económica en la mortalidad intrahospitalaria de las personas mayores durante la primera ola de la pandemia por COVID-19: resultados del estudio EDEN-33.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether income was associated with unexpected in-hospital mortality in older patients treated in Spanish public health system hospital emergency departments. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty-one public health system hospital emergency departments in Spain voluntarily participated in the study. Together the hospitals covered 25% of the population aged 65 years or older included in all patient registers during a week in the pre-pandemic period (April 1-7, 2019) and a week during the COVID-19 pandemic (March 30 to April 5, 2020). We estimated a patient's gross income as the amount published for the postal code of the patient's address. We then calculated the standardized gross income (SGI) by dividing the patient's estimated income by the mean for the corresponding territory (Spanish autonomous community). The existence and strength of an association between the SGI and in-hospital mortality was evaluated by means of restricted cubic spline (RCS) curves adjusted for 10 patient characteristics at baseline. Odds ratios (ORs) for each income level were expressed in relation to a reference SGI of 1 (the mean income for the corresponding autonomous community). We compared the COVID-19 and pre-pandemic periods by means of first-order interactions. RESULTS: Of the 35 280 patients attended in the 2 periods, gross income could be ascertained for 21 180 (60%), 15437 in the pre-pandemic period and 5746 during the COVID-19 period. SGIs were slightly higher for patients included before the pandemic (1.006 vs 0.994; P = .012). In-hospital mortality was 5.6% overall and higher during the pandemic (2.8% pre-pandemic vs 13.1% during COVID-19; P .001). The adjusted RCS curves showed that associations between income and mortality differed between the 2 periods (interaction P = .004). Whereas there were no significant income-influenced differences in mortality before the pandemic, mortality increased during the pandemic in the lowest-income population (SGI 0.5 OR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.32-3.37) and in higher-income populations (SGI 1.5 OR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.04-1.68, and SGI 2 OR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.14-3.23). We found no significant differences between patients with COVID-19 and those with other diagnoses (interaction P = .667). CONCLUSION: The gross income of patients attended in Spanish public health system hospital emergency departments, estimated according to a patient's address and postal code, was associated with in-hospital mortality, which was higher for patients with the lowest and 2 higher income levels. The reasons for these associations might be different for each income level and should be investigated in the future.

OBJETIVO: Determinar si el nivel económico durante la primera ola pandémica tuvo una influencia diferente a la esperable en la mortalidad intrahospitalaria de los pacientes mayores atendidos en los servicios de urgencias (SU) de los hospitales públicos españoles. METODO: Cincuenta y un SU públicos españoles que participaron voluntariamente y que dan cobertura al 25% de la población incluyeron todos los registros de pacientes de edad 65 años atendidos durante una semana del periodo preCOVID (1-4-2019 a 7-4-2019) y una semana del periodo COVID (30-3-2020 a 5-4-2020). Se identificó la renta bruta (RB) asignada al código postal de residencia de cada paciente y se calculó la RB normalizada (RBN) dividiendo aquella por la RB media de su comunidad autónoma. La existencia y fuerza de la relación entre RBN y mortalidad intrahospitalaria se determinó mediante curvas spline cúbicas restringidas (SCR) ajustadas por 10 características basales del paciente. Las OR para cada situación económica se expresó en relación con una RBN de 1 (referencia, renta correspondiente a la media de la comunidad autónoma). La comparación entre periodo COVID y no COVID se realizó mediante el estudio de interacción de primer grado. RESULTADOS: De los 35.280 registros de pacientes atendidos en ambos periodos, se disponía de la RB en 21.180 (60%): 15.437 del periodo preCOVID y 5.746 del periodo COVID. La RBN de los pacientes incluidos fue discretamente superior en el periodo preCOVID (1,006 versus 0,994; p = 0,012). La mortalidad intrahospitalaria fue del 5,6%, y fue superior durante el periodo COVID (2,8% versus 13,1%; p 0,001). Las curvas SCR ajustadas mostraron una asociación entre nivel económico y mortalidad diferente entre ambos periodos (p interacción = 0,004): en el periodo preCOVID no hubo diferencias significativas de mortalidad en función de la RBN, mientras que en el periodo COVID la mortalidad se incrementó en rentas bajas (OR = 1,82, IC 95% = 1,32-3,37 para RBN de 0,5) y en rentas altas (OR = 1,32, IC 95% = 1,04-1,68 y OR = 1,92, IC 95% = 1,14-3,23 para RBN de 1,5 y 2, respectivamente), sin diferencias significativas entre pacientes con COVID y con otros diagnósticos (p interacción = 0,667). CONCLUSIONES: Durante la primera ola de la pandemia COVID, la RB asignada al código postal de residencia de los pacientes atendidos en los SU públicos españoles se asoció con la mortalidad intrahospitalaria, que aumentó en pacientes de rentas bajas y altas. Las razones de estas asociaciones pueden ser distintas para cada segmento económico y deben ser investigadas en el fututo.

Ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure at discharge as precipitating factors in immediate adverse events in patients treated for decompensated heart failure.

To investigate the relationship of ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure (AP) at patient discharge after an episode of acute heart failure (AHF) with very early post-discharge adverse outcomes. We analyzed 14,656 patients discharged after an AHF episode from 26 hospitals in 16 Spanish cities. The primary outcome was the 7-day post-discharge combined adverse event (emergency department -ED- revisit or hospitalization due to AHF, or all-cause death), and secondary outcomes were these three adverse events considered individually. Associations (adjusted for patient and demographic conditions, and length of stay -LOS- during the AHF index episode) of temperature and AP with the primary and secondary outcomes were investigated. We used restricted cubic splines to model the continuous non-linear association of temperature and AP with each endpoint. Some sensitivity analyses were performed. Patients were discharged after a median LOS of 5 days (IQR = 1-10). The highest temperature at discharge ranged from - 2 to 41.6 °C, and AP was from 892 to 1037 hPa. The 7-day post-discharge combined event occurred in 1242 patients (8.4%), with percentages of 7-day ED-revisit, hospitalization and death of 7.8%, 5.1% and 0.9%, respectively. We found no association between the maximal temperature and AP on the day of discharge and the primary or secondary outcomes. Similarly, there were no significant associations when the analyses were restricted to hospitalized patients (median LOS = 7 days, IQR = 4-11) during the index event, or when lag-1, lag-2 or the mean of the 3 post-discharge days (instead of point estimation) of ambient temperature and AP were considered. Temperature and AP on the day of patient discharge are not independently associated with the risk of very early adverse events during the vulnerable post-discharge period in patients discharged after an AHF episode.

Modelos de riesgo para la predicción de mortalidad hospitalaria en ancianos con neumonía por COVID-19 / Mortality risk model for patients with suspected COVID-19 based on information available from an emergency dispatch center

Objetivo. Los objetivos son comparar la utilidad pronóstica de tres escalas de gravedad (Pneumonia Severity Index: PSI; CURB-65 scale; Severity Community Acquired Pneumonia Score: SCAP) y diseñar un nuevo modelo predictivo de mortalidad hospitalaria en pacientes mayores de 75 años ingresados por neumonía por COVID-19. Método. Estudio retrospectivo de pacientes mayores de 75 años ingresados por neumonía por COVID-19 desde el servicio de urgencias entre el 12 de marzo y el 27 de abril de 2020. Se recogieron variables demográficas (edad, sexo, institucionalización), clínicas (síntomas, comorbilidades, índice de Charlson) y analíticas (bioquímica en suero, gasometría, hematimetría, hemostasia). Se derivó un modelo de riesgo y se compararon las escalas de gravedad PSI, CURB-65 y SCAP para predecir la mortalidad intrahospitalaria por cualquier causa. Resultados. Se incluyeron 186 pacientes, con una mediana de edad de 85 años (RIC 80-89), un 44,1% varones. La mortalidad fue del 47,3%. Las escalas PSI, CURB-65 y SCAP tuvieron un área bajo la curva (ABC) de 0,74 (IC 95% 0,64-0,82), 0,71 (IC 95% 0,62-0,79) y 0,72 (IC 95% 0,63-0,81), respectivamente. El modelo predictivo compuesto por la ausencia o presencia de síntomas (tos y disnea), comorbilidad (índice de Charlson) y datos analíticos (aspartato-aminotransferasa, potasio, urea y lactato-deshidrogenasa) tuvo un ABC de 0,81 (IC 95% 0,73-0,88). Conclusión. Este estudio muestra que la escala PSI tiene una capacidad predictiva de mortalidad moderada, notablemente mejor que las escalas CURB-65 y SCAP. Se propone un nuevo modelo predictivo de mortalidad que mejora significativamente el rendimiento de estas escalas, siendo necesario verificar su validez externa. (AU)

Objectives: To compare the prognostic value of 3 severity scales: the Pneumonia Severity Index (PSI), the CURB-65 pneumonia severity score, and the Severity Community-Acquired Pneumonia (SCAP) score. To build a new predictive model for in-hospital mortality in patients over the age of 75 years admitted with pneumonia due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Material and methods: Retrospective study of patients older than 75 years admitted from the emergency department for COVID-19 pneumonia between March 12 and April 27, 2020. We recorded demographic (age, sex, living in a care facility or not), clinical (symptoms, comorbidities, Charlson Comorbidity Index [CCI]), and analytical (serum biochemistry, blood gases, blood count, and coagulation factors) variables. A risk model was constructed, and the ability of the 3 scales to predict all-cause in-hospital mortality was compared. Results: We included 186 patients with a median age of 85 years (interquartile range, 80-89 years); 44.1% were men. Mortality was 47.3%. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) were as follows for each tool: PSI, 0.74 (95% CI, 0.64-0.82); CURB-65 score, 0.71 (95% CI, 0.62-0.79); and SCAP score, 0.72 (95% CI, 0.63-0.81). Risk factors included in the model were the presence or absence of symptoms (cough, dyspnea), the CCI, and analytical findings (aspartate aminotransferase, potassium, urea, and lactate dehydrogenase. The AUC for the model was 0.81 (95% CI, 0.73-0.88). Conclusion: This study shows that the predictive power of the PSI for mortality is moderate and perceptibly higher than the CURB-65 and SCAP scores. We propose a new predictive model for mortality that offers significantly better performance than any of the 3 scales compared. However, our model must undergo external validation. (AU)

Risk models for predicting in-hospital mortality from COVID-19 pneumonia in the elderly. / Modelos de riesgo para la predicción de mortalidad hospitalaria en ancianos con neumonía por COVID-19.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the prognostic value of 3 severity scales: the Pneumonia Severity Index (PSI), the CURB-65 pneumonia severity score, and the Severity Community-Acquired Pneumonia (SCAP) score. To build a new predictive model for in-hospital mortality in patients over the age of 75 years admitted with pneumonia due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study of patients older than 75 years admitted from the emergency department for COVID-19 pneumonia between March 12 and April 27, 2020. We recorded demographic (age, sex, living in a care facility or not), clinical (symptoms, comorbidities, Charlson Comorbidity Index [CCI]), and analytical (serum biochemistry, blood gases, blood count, and coagulation factors) variables. A risk model was constructed, and the ability of the 3 scales to predict all-cause in-hospital mortality was compared. RESULTS: We included 186 patients with a median age of 85 years (interquartile range, 80-89 years); 44.1% were men. Mortality was 47.3%. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) were as follows for each tool: PSI, 0.74 (95% CI, 0.64-0.82); CURB-65 score, 0.71 (95% CI, 0.62-0.79); and SCAP score, 0.72 (95% CI, 0.63-0.81). Risk factors included in the model were the presence or absence of symptoms (cough, dyspnea), the CCI, and analytical findings (aspartate aminotransferase, potassium, urea, and lactate dehydrogenase. The AUC for the model was 0.81 (95% CI, 0.73-0.88). CONCLUSION: This study shows that the predictive power of the PSI for mortality is moderate and perceptibly higher than the CURB-65 and SCAP scores. We propose a new predictive model for mortality that offers significantly better performance than any of the 3 scales compared. However, our model must undergo external validation.

OBJETIVO: Los objetivos son comparar la utilidad pronóstica de tres escalas de gravedad (Pneumonia Severity Index: PSI; CURB-65 scale; Severity Community Acquired Pneumonia Score: SCAP) y diseñar un nuevo modelo predictivo de mortalidad hospitalaria en pacientes mayores de 75 años ingresados por neumonía por COVID-19. METODO: Estudio retrospectivo de pacientes mayores de 75 años ingresados por neumonía por COVID-19 desde el servicio de urgencias entre el 12 de marzo y el 27 de abril de 2020. Se recogieron variables demográficas (edad, sexo, institucionalización), clínicas (síntomas, comorbilidades, índice de Charlson) y analíticas (bioquímica en suero, gasometría, hematimetría, hemostasia). Se derivó un modelo de riesgo y se compararon las escalas de gravedad PSI, CURB-65 y SCAP para predecir la mortalidad intrahospitalaria por cualquier causa. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 186 pacientes, con una mediana de edad de 85 años (RIC 80-89), un 44,1% varones. La mortalidad fue del 47,3%. Las escalas PSI, CURB-65 y SCAP tuvieron un área bajo la curva (ABC) de 0,74 (IC 95% 0,64-0,82), 0,71 (IC 95% 0,62-0,79) y 0,72 (IC 95% 0,63-0,81), respectivamente. El modelo predictivo compuesto por la ausencia o presencia de síntomas (tos y disnea), comorbilidad (índice de Charlson) y datos analíticos (aspartato- aminotransferasa, potasio, urea y lactato-deshidrogenasa) tuvo un ABC de 0,81 (IC 95% 0,73-0,88). CONCLUSIONES: Este estudio muestra que la escala PSI tiene una capacidad predictiva de mortalidad moderada, notablemente mejor que las escalas CURB-65 y SCAP. Se propone un nuevo modelo predictivo de mortalidad que mejora significativamente el rendimiento de estas escalas, siendo necesario verificar su validez externa.

[Acute diabetic complications attended in a hospital emergency department: a descriptive analysis]. / Estudio descriptivo de las complicaciones agudas diabéticas atendidas en un servicio de urgencias hospitalario.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the characteristics of acute diabetic complications attended in a hospital emergency department. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional, descriptive, retrospective study of patients with hyper- and hypoglycemic emergencies attended in a tertiary-care university hospital emergency department. RESULTS: We included 237 patients with a mean (SD) age of 61 (26) years. Diabetes had been diagnosed previously in 86.5% (type 2 in 74% and type 1 in 26%). Hyperglycemic emergencies were treated in 72%. The most frequent reasons for decompensation were poor control of type 1 diabetes (41.2%) and infections in type 2 diabetes (51.5%). Twenty-eight percent had low blood sugar levels caused by poor control of disease (50%). Patients with hypoglycemia had shorter mean stays. More admissions were made in type 2 diabetes than in type 1. CONCLUSION: Type 2 diabetes leads to more visits to the emergency department, more admissions, and a longer hospital stay than type 1 diabetes.

OBJETIVO: Conocer las complicaciones agudas diabéticas atendidas en un servicio de urgencias hospitalario (SUH). METODO: Estudio descriptivo transversal retrospectivo, realizado en un SUH de un hospital universitario de tercer nivel asistencial de los pacientes diagnosticados de hiperglucemias e hipoglucemias durante el año 2012. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 237 pacientes con una edad media de 61 (± 26) años. El 86,5% presentaba diabetes: el 74% tipo 2 y el 26% tipo 1. Las hiperglucemias supusieron un 72%. Las causas de descompensación más frecuentes fueron el mal control en los diabéticos tipo 1 (41,2%) y las infecciones en los diabéticos tipo 2 (51,5%). Las hipoglucemias supusieron el 28%, producidas principalmente por mal control metabólico (50%). La estancia media fue menor que en las hiperglucemias. Los pacientes diabéticos tipo 2 tuvieron más ingresos que los tipo 1. CONCLUSIONES: Los diabéticos tipo 2 suponen una mayor frecuentación, mayor índice de ingresos y una estancia media mayor que los tipo 1.

Estudio descriptivo de las complicaciones agudas diabéticas atendidas en un servicio de urgencias hospitalario / Acute diabetic complications attended in a hospital emergency department: a descriptive analysis

Objetivo. Conocer las complicaciones agudas diabéticas atendidas en un servicio de urgencias hospitalario (SUH). Metodología. Estudio descriptivo transversal retrospectivo, realizado en un SUH de un hospital universitario de tercer nivel asistencial de los pacientes diagnosticados de hiperglucemias e hipoglucemias durante el año 2012. Resultados. Se incluyeron 237 pacientes con una edad media de 61 (± 26) años. El 86,5% presentaba diabetes: el 74% tipo 2 y el 26% tipo 1. Las hiperglucemias supusieron un 72%. Las causas de descompensación más frecuentes fueron el mal control en los diabéticos tipo 1 (41,2%) y las infecciones en los diabéticos tipo 2 (51,5%). Las hipoglucemias supusieron el 28%, producidas principalmente por mal control metabólico (50%). La estancia media fue menor que en las hiperglucemias. Los pacientes diabéticos tipo 2 tuvieron más ingresos que los tipo 1. Conclusiones. Los diabéticos tipo 2 suponen una mayor frecuentación, mayor índice de ingresos y una estancia media mayor que los tipo 1 (AU)

Objective. To analyze the characteristics of acute diabetic complications attended in a hospital emergency department. Methods. Cross-sectional, descriptive, retrospective study of patients with hyper- and hypoglycemic emergencies attended in a tertiary-care university hospital emergency department. Results. We included 237 patients with a mean (SD) age of 61 (26) years. Diabetes had been diagnosed previously in 86.5% (type 2 in 74% and type 1 in 26%). Hyperglycemic emergencies were treated in 72%. The most frequent reasons for decompensation were poor control of type 1 diabetes (41.2%) and infections in type 2 diabetes (51.5%). Twenty-eight percent had low blood sugar levels caused by poor control of disease (50%). Patients with hypoglycemia had shorter mean stays. More admissions were made in type 2 diabetes than in type 1. Conclusions. Type 2 diabetes leads to more visits to the emergency department, more admissions, and a longer hospital stay than type 1 diabetes (AU)

Fenómeno de ordeñado (milking) como causa de dolor torácico. A propósito de 4 casos / Myocardial bridging, or milking, as a cause of chest pain: report of 4 cases

La existencia de puentes miocárdicos en las arterias coronarias epicárdicas puede producir un efecto de compresión durante la sístole, siendo la arteria descendente anterior la más afectada. Este fenómeno se denomina fenómeno de milking. El espectro clínico es variado: puede no producir clínica o bien ser causa de dolor torácico tanto de esfuerzo como de reposo con las diferentes variantes que ello conlleva. Presentamos 4 casos de pacientes vistos en el servicio de urgencias de un hospital que presentaban fenómeno de milking, dado que creemos importante estar familiarizado con este concepto a fin de conocer las peculiaridades de manejo e implicaciones del mismo (AU)

Myocardial bridging of epicardial coronary arteries can cause a compression effect during systole. The anterior descending artery is the most commonly affected. This phenomenon is also known as milking. The clinical spectrum is varied. The patient may be symptom-free or experience varying degrees of chest pain during exercise or rest. We describe 4 patients treated for myocardial bridging in a hospital emergency department. Physicians should become familiar with this phenomenon in order to understand its management and implications (AU)

[Myocardial bridging, or milking, as a cause of chest pain: report of 4 cases]. / Fenómeno de ordeñado (milking) como causa de dolor torácico. A propósito de 4 casos.

EN: Myocardial bridging of epicardial coronary arteries can cause a compression effect during systole. The anterior descending artery is the most commonly affected. This phenomenon is also known as milking. The clinical spectrum is varied. The patient may be symptom-free or experience varying degrees of chest pain during exercise or rest. We describe 4 patients treated for myocardial bridging in a hospital emergency department. Physicians should become familiar with this phenomenon in order to understand its management and implications.

ES: La existencia de puentes miocárdicos en las arterias coronarias epicárdicas puede producir un efecto de compresión durante la sístole, siendo la arteria descendente anterior la más afectada. Este fenómeno se denomina fenómeno de milking. El espectro clínico es variado: puede no producir clínica o bien ser causa de dolor torácico tanto de esfuerzo como de reposo con las diferentes variantes que ello conlleva. Presentamos 4 casos de pacientes vistos en el servicio de urgencias de un hospital que presentaban fenómeno de milking, dado que creemos importante estar familiarizado con este concepto a fin de conocer las peculiaridades de manejo e implicaciones del mismo.

Violencia y maltrato de género (y III). Nociones prácticas para su detección precoz y abordaje integral en urgencias / Gender-based violence and mistreatment (and III). Practice guidelines for early detection and an integrated approach to emergency care

Los servicios de urgencias son uno de los lugares más accesibles que pueden encontrarlas mujeres víctimas de malos tratos para solicitar ayuda, por lo que se detectan cifras altas de violencia doméstica entre las usuarias de estos centros. Consultan por muy diversas causas, será importante estar sensibilizados con el problema para detectarlo precozmente. Los dos aspectos más importantes en la atención urgente a la violencia hacia las mujeres son la detección precoz con las técnicas de anamnesis adecuadas y la valoración del riesgo vital que tiene la paciente antes de ser dada de alta de urgencias. Se recomienda realizar una entrevista dirigida ante la sospecha de malos tratos, conocer y aplicar el protocolo de actuación ante estos casos e informaremos a la paciente de los recursos existentes y trámites a seguir existentes respetando la decisión que tome (AU)

Emergency rooms are among the most accessible places available to battered women seeking help, and large numbers of domestic violence cases are detected annually during treatment in these facilities. Victims of abuse come to emergency rooms for a variety of reasons and we must raise our awareness of the problem if cases are to be detected early. Key aspects of emergency care of victims of gender-based violence are early detection of cases in the course of taking a full medical history and the assessment of threat to the patient's life before discharge. A directed interview should be undertaken if there is any suspicion of physical abuse, and the caregiver should know the protocol for action in such cases. The patient should be informed of resources that are available and what procedures to follow in order to carry out whatever decision she takes (AU)

Fístula carótido-cavernosa espontánea, un diagnóstico diferencial del ojo rojo / Spontaneous carotid-cavernous fistula, a differential diagnostic of red eye

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Indicación y utilidad de la ecografía urgente en la sospecha de apendicitis aguda / Indication and usefulness of ultrasonography for suspected acute appendicitis at the emergency department

Objetivo: La apendicitis aguda es la patología quirúrgica aguda abdominal más frecuente. Su diagnóstico constituye uno de los problemas más habituales en los servicios de urgencias. El objetivo del presente estudio es evaluar la utilidad de la ecografía abdominal en el diagnóstico de esta entidad. Material y método: Estudio retrospectivo realizado entre enero y junio del 2004 de todas las consultas realizadas en el servicio de urgencias por dolor abdominal indicativo de probable abdomen agudo, en los que se realizó una ecografía abdominal para descartar apendicitis aguda. Resultados: Se realizaron 2.015 ecografías abdominales urgentes de las cuales 296 fueron solicitadas para descartar el diagnóstico de apendicitis aguda, de éstas 288 fueron valorables. En 52 pacientes la ecografía fue indicativa de apendicitis aguda. En 15 casos el diagnóstico ecográfico fue discordante con el diagnóstico final. En 6 pacientes el informe ecográfico de apendicitis no se confirmó a posteriori. En 9 casos la ecografía fue no diagnóstica pese al diagnóstico quirúrgico de apendicitis aguda. Con estos datos, el rendimiento global de la ecografía para el diagnóstico de apendicitis aguda, se tradujo en una sensibilidad del 83,7%, especificidad del 97,4%, valor predictivo positivo del87,7%, valor predictivo negativo del 96,2%.Conclusiones: El rendimiento global de la ecografía abdominal en el diagnóstico de apendicitis aguda en nuestro medio es aceptable. Debido a su accesibilidad y bajo costees la prueba idónea para el diagnóstico en urgencias, sobre todo en casos dudosos (AU)

Objective: The aim of the present study was to assess the usefulness of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Material and methods: Retrospective study which included patients presented in the emergency department with abdominal pain of suspected acute abdominal disorder origin and remitted to undergone ultrasonography to rule out appendicitis from January to July 2004.Results: Among 2015 ultrasonography scans 296 were performed to exclude a diagnosis of acute appendicitis. 288could be interpreted and the diagnosis of acute appendicitis was established in 52. In 15 cases the ultrasonography and the definite diagnosis differed. Ultrasonography and surgical diagnosis were different in 6 patients. In 9 patients the ultrasonography was not diagnostic. Ultrasound sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 83,7%, 97,4%, 87,7% and 96,2%, respectively. Conclusions: The global cost-effectiveness of ultrasonography to diagnose appendicitis is good. Due to its availability and its low cost, ultrasonography is an accurate test for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in emergency departments, specially in uncertain cases (AU)

Carcinoma basocelular múltiple tratado con imiquimod / Multiple basal cell carcinoma treated with imiquimod

El carcinoma basocelular (CB) superficial representa un 15% de todos los CB. El tratamiento del CB mediante cirugía, criocirugía o electrocoagulación puede producir cicatrices inestéticas. Presentamos el caso de un varón de 58 años de edad con múltiples CB superficiales localizados en el tronco. En tratamiento con imiquimod al 5% en crema en pauta de una aplicación diaria tres veces por semana indujo una buena respuesta tras 12 aplicaciones. El imiquimod al 5% en crema es un modificador de la respuesta inmune que induce la liberación de citoquinas e interferón y es eficaz en el tratamiento de diferentes formas de CB (AU)