Triaging of acutely ill children transported by ambulance. / Hastegradsvurdering av akutt syke barn transportert i ambulanse.

BACKGROUND: The Western Norway Regional Health Authority uses SATS Norge (SATS-N), a modified version of the South African Triage Scale, in all accident and emergency departments (A&E) and ambulance services in the region. The purpose of the study was to examine the validity of the paediatric component of SATS-N used for children transported to hospital by ambulance for emergency medical assistance. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We conducted a retrospective observational study which included all children in the age group 0-14 years, admitted by ambulance to A&E at Haukeland University Hospital for emergency medical assistance in the period from January to June 2020. The five triage levels in SATS-N were dichotomised to high triage level (the two highest triage categories) or low triage level (the three lowest triage categories). Sensitivity was calculated as the proportion of patients assigned to the high triage level among those who were directly transferred from A&E to a high dependency unit, and specificity as the proportion of patients assigned to the low triage level among those who were not directly transferred to a high dependency unit. RESULTS: Of a total of 303 patient transports, 270 (89 %) were triaged in the ambulance and 243 (80 %) in the A&E. In the pre-hospital and A&E settings, the sensitivity of SATS-N was 96 % and 88 %, and specificity was 46 % and 60 %, respectively. INTERPRETATION: For children admitted to hospital by ambulance, SATS-N had high sensitivity and low specificity for identifying patients who needed to be directly transferred from A&E to a high dependency unit.

Perfil socioclínico de pacientes submetidos a transplante de córnea em hospital de referência / Socioclinical profile of patients submitted to corneal transplantation in a reference hospital

RESUMO Objetivo conhecer o perfil clínico e cirúrgico de pacientes que realizaram ceratoplastia em um hospital universitário. Métodos Trata-se de um estudo observacional analítico, do tipo transversal. Foram avaliadas as fichas de descrição cirúrgica dos prontuários dos pacientes transplantados nos anos de 2019 e 2020, a fim de analisar dados sociais e clínicos. Os dados foram tratados por meio do programa Microsoft Office Excel 2017. As variáveis numéricas foram analisadas com auxílio da estatística descritiva no programa Bioestat versão 5.3 (frequência, porcentagem, média). As informações descritivas foram analisadas qualitativamente. Resultados Foram realizados 167 procedimentos nesse período, notando-se faixa etária média de 45 anos, indivíduos do sexo masculino, receptores de tecidos doados no Pará ou provenientes do Estado do Ceará. Os transplantes foram majoritariamente ópticos, eletivos, com botão corneano doador em média de 8mm e receptor de 7,5mm. Quanto às indicações, a maioria era decorrente de distrofias corneanas, seguidas de leucoma e perfuração do globo ocular, com predominância da técnica cirúrgica penetrante, sutura interrompida e anestesia local. Conclusão O conhecimento desses dados é importante para considerar que o perfil clínico e cirúrgico dos pacientes do hospital estudado se aproxima da realidade nacional, sobretudo na indicação clínica.

ABSTRACT Objective to investigate the clinical and surgical profile of patients who performed keratoplasty in a university hospital. Methods It is a cross-sectional, observational study. The surgical description from the medical records of transplanted patients in the years 2019 and 2020 was assessed to analyze social and clinical data. Data were processed using the Microsoft Office Excel 2017 program. Numerical variables were analyzed using descriptive statistics in the Bioestat program version 5.3. Descriptive information was analyzed qualitatively. Results 167 procedures were performed in this period, with an average age of 45 years old, male individuals, recipients of tissue donated in Pará or sent from the State of Ceará. Transplants were mostly optic, elective, with an average corneal donor button of 8mm and recipient of 7.5mm. As for the indications, most were due to corneal dystrophies, followed by leukoma and perforation of the eyeball, with a predominance of the penetrating surgical technique, interrupted suture, and local anesthesia. Conclusion The knowledge of these data is important to consider that the clinical and surgical profile of patients in the hospital studied is close to the national reality, especially in clinical indication.

Potential drug-drug interactions in University Hospital Medical Intensive Care Unit patients in Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: Concomitant use of drugs not only enhances the therapeutic effect, but may also lead to undesirable interactions. Drug interactions are frequently seen in intensive care patients. In this study, we aimed to determine the frequency and clinical severity of drug interactions in Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The ordered drugs and blood analysis results of 314 patients aged ≥18 years who stayed in the MICU for at least 24 h between January and December 2020 were evaluated. Using the Lexi-Interact online database, clinically significant types of drug interactions, frequently interacting drug/drug groups, and potential adverse reactions were identified. RESULTS: The average number of drugs in 314 patients was 8.98±5.19. It was determined that polypharmacy was associated with comorbidity and the amount of drug used increased as the number of diagnoses increased. Potential drug-drug interactions were observed in 69.7% of the MICU patients, and it was determined that the amount of interactions increased as the amount of drug used increased. The most common X, D, and C type potential drug-drug interactions, were found between furosemide and salbutamol, enoxaparin and acetylsalicylic acid, ipratropium and potassium chloride, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Use of frequently interacting drugs in the treatment of critically MICU patients may lead to potential drug-drug interactions and adverse reactions. Daily monitoring and updating of drug therapy can improve patient's quality of life by preventing or reducing potential drug-drug interactions.

PERFIL EPIDEMIOLÓGICO DE PACIENTES COM HEPATITE C CRÔNICA TRATADOS COM ANTIVIRAIS DE AÇÃO DIRETA EM UM CENTRO DE REFERÊNCIA NO ESTADO DO RIO DE JANEIRO / EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PROFILE OF PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC HEPATITIS C TREATED WITH DIRECT ACTION ANTIVIRALS IN A REFERENCE CENTER IN THE STATE OF RIO DE JANEIRO

Segundo o Ministério da Saúde, o número de casos notificados e confirmados de hepatite C no período entre 1999 e 2020 foi de 262.815 casos no Brasil. Em 2016, a OMS estabeleceu como objetivo global que as hepatites não fossem mais um problema de saúde pública em 2030. A partir de 2015, os agentes antivirais de ação direta (DAA) começaram a ser utilizados nessa terapêutica. O tratamento atual da hepatite C com os novos DAA revolucionou o cenário mundial com taxas de cura de até 98%. O objetivo desse artigo é apresentar e discutir o tratamento realizado com DAA em pacientes com hepatite C crônica em um centro de referência no Estado do Rio de Janeiro no período entre novembro de 2015 e julho de 2019. Trata-se de um estudo observacional, prospectivo e descritivo de pacientes com hepatite C crônica tratados com DAA no ambulatório de hepatologia de um hospital de referência. No presente estudo pode ser concluído que a maioria dos pacientes evoluiu para a cura após o tratamento. Foi possível concluir também que os esforços idealizados pela OMS para que o vírus da hepatite C seja erradicado estão ocorrendo de forma positiva e que com as novas DAAs é possível ter um número satisfatoriamente alto de RVS, evitando, assim, desfechos desfavoráveis, como por exemplo, o surgimento de carcinoma hepatocelular.

According to the Ministry of Health, the number of notified and confirmed cases of hepatitis C in the period between 1999 and 2020 was 262,815 cases in Brazil. In 2016, the WHO established as a global goal that hepatitis was no longer a public health problem in 2030. As of 2015, direct action antiviral agents (DAA) began to be used in this therapy. The current treatment of hepatitis C with the new DAA has revolutionized the world scenario with cure rates of up to 98%. The aim of this article is to present and discuss the treatment performed with DAA in patients with chronic hepatitis C in a reference center in the state of Rio de Janeiro between November 2015 and July 2019. This is an observational, prospective and descriptive study of patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with DAA in the hepatology clinic of a reference hospital. In the present study, it can be concluded that most patients evolved to cure after treatment. It was also possible to conclude that the efforts idealized by the WHO to eradicate the hepatitis C virus are occurring in a positive way and that with the new DAAs it is possible to have a satisfactorily high number of SVR, thus avoiding unfavorable outcomes, such as the appearance of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Comparison of Routine Replacement With Clinically Indicated Replacement of Peripheral Intravenous Catheters.

Importance: Peripheral intravenous catheters (PVCs) are the most frequently used indwelling devices in hospitals worldwide. Peripheral intravenous catheter bloodstream infections (PVC-BSIs) are rare, but severe and preventable, adverse events. Objective: To investigate the incidence of PVC-BSIs after changing the policy of routine PVC replacement every 96 hours to clinically indicated replacement. Design, Setting, and Participants: This institution-wide, observational cohort study evaluated all patients hospitalized at a large university-affiliated hospital with 10 sites in Western Switzerland with a PVC insertion between January 1, 2016, and February 29, 2020. Exposures: Peripheral intravenous catheters were routinely replaced every 96 hours until March 31, 2018 (baseline period). Between April 1, 2018, and October 15, 2019, PVCs were replaced if clinically indicated (intervention period). From October 16, 2019, PVCs were again routinely replaced every 96 hours (reversion period). Main Outcomes and Measures: The PVC-BSI rates and PVC-BSI incidence rate ratios (IRRs) during each period. Results: A total of 412 631 PVCs with documented catheter duration were included (164 331 patients; median [interquartile range] patient age, 51 [33-72] years; 88 928 [54.1%] female): 241 432 PVCs at baseline, 130 779 at intervention, and 40 420 at reversion. Eleven PVC-BSIs were observed during the baseline period, 46 during the intervention, and 4 during the reversion period. Although the monthly number of PVC-days remained stable during all study periods, the number of monthly inserted PVCs decreased during the intervention period. The number of PVCs still in place more than 4 or more than 7 days was higher during the intervention period compared with the baseline and reversion periods. A significantly increased IRR of PVC-BSIs was observed for the intervention period (IRR, 7.20; 95% CI, 3.65-14.22; P < .001) compared with baseline, whereas during the reversion period there was no significant increase (IRR, 1.35; 95% CI, 0.30 6.17; P = .69). Conclusions and Relevance: The results of this cohort study using a large, prospective surveillance database suggest that replacement of PVCs only when clinically indicated may be associated with an increased risk of PVC-BSI compared with routine replacement. Even if PVC-associated BSI is a rare event, the use of PVCs in most patients makes this outcome relevant.

SARS-CoV-2 nosocomial infection acquired in a French university hospital during the 1st wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: In healthcare facilities, nosocomial transmissions of respiratory viruses are a major issue. SARS-CoV-2 is not exempt from nosocomial transmission. Our goals were to describe COVID-19 nosocomial cases during the first pandemic wave among patients in a French university hospital and compliance with hygiene measures. METHODS: We conducted a prospective observational study in Grenoble Alpes University Hospital from 01/03/2020 to 11/05/2020. We included all hospitalised patients with a documented SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis. Nosocomial case was defined by a delay of 5 days between hospitalisation and first symptoms. Hygiene measures were evaluated between 11/05/2020 and 22/05/2020. Lockdown measures were effective in France on 17/03/2020 and ended on 11/05/2020. Systematic wearing of mask was mandatory for all healthcare workers (HCW) and visits were prohibited in our institution from 13/03/2021 and for the duration of the lockdown period. RESULTS: Among 259 patients included, 14 (5.4%) were considered as nosocomial COVID-19. Median time before symptom onset was 25 days (interquartile range: 12-42). Eleven patients (79%) had risk factors for severe COVID-19. Five died (36%) including 4 deaths attributable to COVID-19. Two clusters were identified. The first cluster had 5 cases including 3 nosocomial acquisitions and no tested HCWs were positive. The second cluster had 3 cases including 2 nosocomial cases and 4 HCWs were positive. Surgical mask wearing and hand hygiene compliance were adequate for 95% and 61% of HCWs, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The number of nosocomial COVID-19 cases in our hospital was low. Compliance regarding mask wearing, hand hygiene and lockdown measures drastically reduced transmission of the virus. Monitoring of nosocomial COVID-19 cases during the first wave enabled us to determine to what extent the hygiene measures taken were effective and patients protected. Trial registration Study ethics approval was obtained retrospectively on 30 September 2020 (CECIC Rhône-Alpes-Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, IRB 5891).

Comparison of emergency department utilization trends between the COVID-19 pandemic and control period.

ABSTRACT: Infectious disease pandemics has a great impact on the use of medical facilities. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on the use of emergency medical facilities in the Republic of Korea. This single-center, retrospective observational study was conducted in a tertiary teaching hospital located in Incheon Metropolitan City, Republic of Korea. We set the pandemic period as February 19, 2020 to April 18, 2020, and the control period was set to the same period in 2018 and 2019. All consecutive patients who visited the emergency department (ED) during the study period were included. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to age (pediatric patients, younger adult patients and older adult patients). The total number, demographics, clinical data, and diagnostic codes of ED patients were analyzed. The total number of ED patients in the pandemic period was lower than that in the control period, which was particularly pronounced for pediatric patients. The proportion of patients who used the 119 ambulances increased in all 3 groups (P  = .002, P < .001, and P = .001), whereas the proportion of patients who visited on foot was decreased (P  = .006, P < .001, and P = .027). In terms of diagnostic codes, a significant decrease was observed in the proportion of certain infectious or parasitic diseases (A00-B99), and respiratory diseases (J00-J99) in the pediatric and younger adult patient groups (P < .001 and P < .001, respectively). The COVID-19 pandemic reduced the number of ED patients; however, the proportion of patients using ambulances increased. In particular, the proportion of patients with diagnostic codes for infectious and respiratory diseases significantly decreased during the pandemic period.

Understanding of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the practice of preventive measures among doctors and nurses in a university teaching hospital- A cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Knowledge and adequate practice of preventive measures among health care workers (HCWs) are important to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among doctors and nurses in the medical department in Pusat Perubatan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia between November 18, 2020 and December 18, 2020 during the third wave of COVID-19 epidemic in Malaysia. We studied the knowledge and practice of preventive measures of COVID-19 among doctors and nurses in the COVID-19 or sudden acute respiratory infection (SARI) wards and general medical wards. Data was collected using a validated self-designed google form online-questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 407 subjects completed the study and 80.8% were females; 55.8% were aged between 30-39 years; 46.4% were medical doctors. The main source of COVID-19 knowledge was the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) website (35.1%). Majority (97%) had sufficient knowledge and 82% practiced proper preventive measures. Doctors had a higher mean knowledge score compared to nurses (p < 0.001). HCWs working in COVID-19 or SARI wards scored higher in knowledge questions compared to those in the general medical wards (p = 0.020). Nurses practiced better preventive measures (p < 0.001). Good knowledge could not be predicted based on professions (OR: 0.222, 95% CI: 0.048 - 1.028, p = 0.054). Majority were unable to recall the proper steps of donning (85.8%) and doffing (98.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Although majority had good knowledge and practiced proper preventive measures, there was a poor recall in donning and doffing steps regardless of place of practice. The MOH website is a useful platform for tailored continuous medical education and regular updates on COVID-19. Regular training and retraining on donning and doffing of PPE is needed to bridge this gap.

Outcomes of renal replacement therapy in the critically ill with COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: To describe outcomes of critically ill patients with COVID-19, particularly the association of renal replacement therapy to mortality. DESIGN: A single-center prospective observational study was carried out. SETTING: ICU of a tertiary care center. PATIENTS: Consecutive adults with COVID-19 admitted to the ICU. INTERVENTION: Renal replacement therapy. MAIN VARIABLES OF INTEREST: Demographic data, medical history, illness severity, type of oxygen therapy, laboratory data and use of renal replacement therapy to generate a logistic regression model describing independent risk factors for mortality. RESULTS: Of the total of 166 patients, 51% were mechanically ventilated and 26% required renal replacement therapy. The overall hospital mortality rate was 36%, versus 56% for those requiring renal replacement therapy, and 68% for those with both mechanical ventilation and renal replacement therapy. The logistic regression model identified four independent risk factors for mortality: age (adjusted OR 2.8 [95% CI 1.8-4.4] for every 10-year increase), mechanical ventilation (4.2 [1.7-10.6]), need for continuous venovenous hemofiltration (2.3 [1.3-4.0]) and C-reactive protein (1.1 [1.0-1.2] for every 10mg/L increase). CONCLUSIONS: In our cohort, acute kidney injury requiring renal replacement therapy was associated to a high mortality rate similar to that associated to the need for mechanical ventilation, while multiorgan failure necessitating both techniques implied an extremely high mortality risk.

SARS-CoV-2 PCR positivity rate and seroprevalence of related antibodies among a sample of patients in Cairo: Pre-wave 2 results of a screening program in a university hospital.

BACKGROUND: Research has revealed that asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic infections are important contributors to the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in populations. In Egypt, the true prevalence of infections is veiled due to the low number of screening tests. The aim of this study was to determine the SARS-CoV-2 PCR positivity rate as well the seroprevalence of the SARS-CoV-2 antibodies before the ultimate development of a second wave of the epidemic in Cairo, Egypt. METHODS: Our study was carried out between May 5 and the end of October 2020. It included all patients requiring admission to Ain Shams University hospitals. An interview questionnaire was used to collect demographic and clinical data. Laboratory tests for all participants included RT-PCR and total antibody assay for SARS-CoV-2. RESULTS: A total of 4,313 subjects were enrolled in our study, with females representing 56% of the sample. Adults and middle-aged individuals represented around 60% of the study sample. The positivity rate of SARS-CoV-2 PCR was 3.84% (95% CI 3.29-4.48), and the SARS-CoV-2 antibody seroprevalence was 29.82% (95% CI: 28.16-31.51). Males showed a higher risk for getting the COVID-19 infection, while middle-age group had significantly higher antibody seroprevalence rates. CONCLUSION: SARS-CoV-2 infection imposes a high burden on the community as detected by high seroprevalence rates.

Do technically efficient surgeons continue to provide active clinical services in a university hospital?

It is difficult for university hospitals to recruit and retain technically efficient surgeons because their missions include teaching and research as well as clinical services. The authors hypothesized that technically efficient surgeons do not continue to provide active clinical services in a university hospital. The authors collected data from all the surgical procedures performed at Teikyo University Hospital from April 1 through September 30 in 2013-2018. The dependent variable was defined as a length of each surgeon's active clinical services measured by month. Data envelopment analysis was employed to calculate each surgeon's technical efficiency score. Five control variables were selected; experience, medical school, surgical volume, gender, and academic ranks. Multiple regression analysis was performed. Efficiency scores had significantly negative association with length of active clinical services. Experience and surgical volume had significantly positive association with length of active clinical services. The other coefficients of control variables were insignificant. Technically efficient surgeons provide shorter active clinical services in a university hospital.

Uterine cervical neoplasms mass screening at the University Hospital Centre of Libreville, Gabon: Associated factors with precancerous and cancerous lesions.

The objectives of this study were to identify the associated factors with cancerous and precancerous lesions of cervix. In Africa, the incidence of uterine cervical neoplasms varies from one region to another, where most women with uterine cervical neoplasms are seen at an advanced stage. For this reason, uterine cervical neoplasms mass screening reduces the incidence and mortality due to this disease, similar to what is being done in Europe. A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted. Socio-demographic characteristics, gynaecological-obstetrical history, risk factors, data from visual inspection with acetic acid and visual inspection with Lugol, colposcopy impressions and results of cytological analysis were performed. A simple and multiple regression were performed to establish a statistically significant difference between certain factors and the presence of precancerous or cancerous lesions of uterine cervical. In this study, of 63 women diagnosed histologically, 43 had precancerous lesions and 20 had cancerous lesions. we found that being older than 35, having the first intercourse before 18, having an antecedent of STI, being a widow and using of tobacco were risk factors associated with precancerous lesions (p = 0.013 with OR = 3.44 (1.22-9.73), p = 0.009 with OR = 4.07 (1.69-13.08), p < 0.001 with OR = 3.80 (1.94-7.47), p < 0.001 with OR = 9.77 (3.87-24.70) and p < 0.001 with OR = 5.47 (2.60-11.52)) respectively. Only being older than 45, being a widow and using tobacco were risk factors associated with cancerous lesions (p = 0.021 with OR = 2.01 (1.58-3.56), p = 0.02 with OR = 2.96 (2.10-3.87), p = 0.041 with OR = 1.98 (1.46-2.44)) respectively. Among participants diagnosed with uterine cervical neoplasms, there was a significant association with the STI, marital status and smoking. Despite the integration of the detection of precancerous uterine cervical neoplasms lesions into health facilities in Gabon, uterine cervical neoplasms ranks second among women's cancers in terms of incidence and first in terms of mortality.

Management of Chronic Osteomyelitis by an Orthoplastic Team: 7-Year Experience of a University Hospital.

BACKGROUND: Treating chronic osteomyelitis of the lower extremities is challenging. The treatment of acute lower limb trauma by orthoplastic teams has shown good results over the past few decades. This study aimed to characterize surgical outcomes of leg and heel chronic osteomyelitis by an orthoplastic team. METHODS: The cases of 113 consecutive leg and heel chronic osteomyelitis patients undergoing soft-tissue reconstruction with an orthopedic procedure were reviewed in this retrospective single-center observational study. The main objective was to assess surgical outcomes of skin healing and gait recovery at the 1-year follow-up. The secondary objective was to evaluate the global success rate at the last follow-up. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 19.7 months. A free flap was performed for 33 patients (29.2 percent) and a locoregional flap was used in 79 patients (69.9 percent). Seventy-two patients (63.7 percent) had chronic osteomyelitis on continuous bone. The others had a septic pseudarthrosis with a mean bone defect length of 42.9 mm. Forty-four patients (38.9 percent) underwent curettage only, eight (7.1 percent) underwent curettage and cement, 20 (17.7 percent) underwent curettage and bone fixation, and 39 (34.5 percent) underwent the Masquelet technique. At the 1-year follow-up, 72 patients (63.7 percent) had achieved skin healing and had recovered their gait. The success rate at all follow-up time points was 82.3 percent. The median time to achieve skin healing was 6.5 months and that to bone union in cases of septic pseudarthrosis was 7.9 months. CONCLUSION: Orthoplastic management of leg and heel chronic osteomyelitis patients with combined soft-tissue reconstruction using an orthopedic procedure was a viable strategy that offered good results even though the time to complete healing was long. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Risk, III.

Couples' experiences with expanded carrier screening: evaluation of a university hospital screening offer.

Preconception carrier screening offers couples the possibility to receive information about the risk of having a child with a recessive disorder. Since 2016, an expanded carrier screening (ECS) test for 50 severe autosomal recessive disorders has been available at Amsterdam Medical Center, a Dutch university hospital. This mixed-methods study evaluated the experiences of couples that participated in the carrier screening offer, including high-risk participants, as well as participants with a general population risk. All participants received genetic counselling, and pre- (n = 132) and post-test (n = 86) questionnaires and semi-structured interviews (n = 16) were administered. The most important reason to have ECS was to spare a future child a life with a severe disorder (47%). The majority of survey respondents made an informed decision (86%), as assessed by the Multidimensional Measure of Informed Choice. Among the 86 respondents, 27 individual carriers and no new carrier couples were identified. Turn-around time of the test results was considered too long and costs were perceived as too high. Overall, mean levels of anxiety were not clinically elevated. High-risk respondents (n = 89) and pregnant respondents (n = 13) experienced higher levels of anxiety before testing, which decreased after receiving the test result. Although not clinically significant, distress was on average higher for carriers compared to non-carriers (p < 0.0001). All respondents would opt for the test again, and 80.2% would recommend it to others. The results suggest that ECS should ideally be offered before pregnancy, to minimise anxiety. This study could inform current and future implementation initiatives of preconception ECS.

Characteristics, Risk Factors and Predictors for Candidemia in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at the University Hospital Centre Zagreb in Croatia: A 9-Year Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Candidemia is one of the leading causes of bloodstream infections in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). The aim of this study was to define characteristics and risk factors for candidemia in the PICU setting and propose a predictive model to identify the patients at risk. METHODS: This was a retrospective matched case-control study in the PICU during a 9-year period. Patients with candidemia were studied and matched with control patients without candidemia. Univariate analysis was performed for potential risk factors and multivariate analysis was conducted to determine the prediction score for candidemia. RESULTS: Forty-two cases of candidemia were matched with 84 control patients. Candida parapsilosis was the most common (71.4%) species. Risk factors independently associated with candidemia were: the use of >2 antibiotics in a maximum period of 4 weeks before the candidemia (odds ratio [OR]: 10.59; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.05-54.83), a previous bacterial infection in a maximum period of 4 weeks before the candidemia (OR: 5.56; 95% CI: 1.44-21.5) and the duration of PICU stay of >10 days (OR: 4.22; 95% CI: 1.02-17.41). The proposed predictive scoring system has a sensitivity of 95.24%, specificity of 76.12%, OR 64.0, 95% CI 14.2-288.6, the positive predictive value of 66.67% and the negative predictive value of 96.97%. CONCLUSIONS: Previously reported risk factors for candidemia have been confirmed and some new have been detected. The presented scoring system can help identify patients who would benefit from prophylactic antifungal therapy.

Use of healthcare REsources and associated COsts in controlled versus uncontrolled carcinoid SYndrome in patients with neuroendocrine tumours: the RECOSY study.

PURPOSE: To report healthcare resource use and associated costs in controlled versus uncontrolled carcinoid syndrome (CS) in patients with neuroendocrine tumours. METHODS: A cross-sectional, non-interventional multicentre study was conducted with retrospective data analysis. Resource use was compared between two patient groups: those with controlled CS (> 12 months with no uncontrolled CS episodes) and uncontrolled CS (< 12 months since last uncontrolled episode). Patients were matched for age, sex, and origin and grade of tumour. When no matching patients were available, data from deceased patients were used. Information on healthcare resource use came from review of medical records, patient history and physician reports. Working capacity was assessed using the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment General Health questionnaire. RESULTS: Twenty-six university hospitals in Spain participated, between July 2017 and April 2018. 137 patients were enrolled; 104 were analysed (2 groups of 52). Patients with uncontrolled CS had 10 times more emergency department (ED) visits (mean 1.0 vs 0.10 visits; P = 0.0167), were more likely to have a hospital admission (40.4% vs 19.2%; P = 0.0116) and had longer hospital stays (mean 7.87 vs 2.10 days; P = 0.0178) than those with controlled CS. This corresponded to higher annual hospitalisation costs (mean €5511.59 vs €1457.22; P = 0.028) and ED costs (€161.25 vs €14.85; P = 0.0236). The mean annual total healthcare costs were 60.0% higher in patients with uncontrolled than controlled CS (P = NS). CONCLUSION: This study quantifies higher health resource use, and higher hospitalisation and ED costs in patients with uncontrolled CS. Better control of CS may result 3in lower medical costs.

Variants translating reduced expression of the beta estrogen receptor gene were associated with increased carotid intima media thickness: A cross-sectional study in late postmenopausal women.

ABSTRACT: There is debate on the role of estrogens in modulating the risk for atherosclerosis in women. Our purpose was to investigate whether the size of the estrogenic impact was independently associated with variation of carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) in healthy late postmenopausal women. The levels of circulating estrogens have been used in previous studies but the influence of SNPs of the estrogen receptors (ER) α and ß have not been investigated.We performed a crossed-sectional study of 91 women in a university hospital. We used a double approach in which, in addition to the measurement of estradiol levels by ultrasensitive methods, genetic variants (SNPs) associated with differing expression of the ER α and ß genes were assessed. Multivariable analysis was used to examine the association of candidate factors with the value of IMT and plaque detection at both the carotid wall and the sinus.A genotype combination translating reduced gene expression of the ERß was directly associated with IMT at both the carotid wall (P = .001) and the sinus (P = .002). Other predictors of IMT were the levels of glucose, positively associated with IMT at both the carotid wall (P < .001) and the sinus (P = .001), age positively associated with IMT at the sinus (P = .003), and levels of vitamin D, positively associated with IMT at the carotid wall (P = .04).Poorer estrogenic impact, as concordant with a SNP variant imposing reduced expression of the ERß, was directly associated with IMT at both the carotid wall and the sinus. Glucose level, vitamin D only for the carotid wall, and age only for the sinus, also emerged as independent factors in the IMT variance.

Comparación de la tasa de cesáreas de dos maternidades públicas del Uruguay / Comparison of the caesarean section rate of two publics health maternity in Uruguay / Comparação da taxa de cesariana de duas maternidades públicas no Uruguai

Se realizó un analisis de la tasa de cesáreas en dos maternidades públicas de referencia de Uruguay (Hospital de Clínicas y Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell) utilizando la clasificación de Robson para compararlas entre sí, mediante un estudio observacional, descriptivo, retrospectivo y transversal en un periodo de 10 años y 10 meses (2009-2019). Se analizaron 85.526 nacimientos (7.685 (8,9%) en el Clínicas vs 77.841 (91.1%) Pereira Rossell). El porcentaje de cesáreas por año en el Clínicas fue 49,2% ± 5 vs 29,3% ± 3 en Pereira Rossell. Los grupos de Robson más prevalentes fueron 1, 5A y 10 en el Clínicas vs 3, 1 y 5A en Pereira Rossell. En ambos centros los grupos con mayor contribución relativa a la tasa global de cesáreas fueron: 5A, 10 y 1. Ambos centros presentan un aumento en la tasa de cesárea en la última década, pese a que se asisten poblaciones dispares entre cada uno de ellos. Se debe seguir buscando estrategias que ayuden a reducir la tasa de cesáreas principalmente en pacientes sin cesáreas anteriores o con una única cesárea previa, en caso de no presentan contraindicaciones para el parto vaginal.

An analysis of the caesarean section rate was carried out in two reference public maternity wards in Uruguay (Hospital de Clínicas and Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell) using Robson's classification to compare them with each other, through an observational, descriptive, retrospective and cross-sectional study in a period 10 years and 10 months (2009-2019). 85,526 births were analyzed (7,685 (8.9%) in the Clinics vs 77,841 (91.1%) Pereira Rossell). The percentage of caesarean sections per year in the Clinics was 49.2% ± 5 vs 29.3% ± 3 in Pereira Rossell. The most prevalent Robson groups were 1, 5A and 10 in the Clinicas vs 3, 1 and 5A in Pereira Rossell. In both centers, the groups with the highest relative contribution to the overall rate of cesarean sections were: 5A, 10 and 1. Both centers show an increase in the rate of cesarean section in the last decade, despite the fact that different populations are attended between each of them. Strategies should continue to be sought to help reduce the rate of cesarean sections, mainly in patients without previous cesarean sections or with a single previous cesarean section, if they do not present contraindications for vaginal delivery.

Foi realizada análise da taxa de cesárea em duas maternidades públicas de referência do Uruguai (Hospital de Clínicas e Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell), utilizando a classificação de Robson para compará-las, por meio de estudo observacional, descritivo, retrospectivo e transversal. em um período de 10 anos e 10 meses (2009-2019). Foram analisados 85.526 partos (7.685 (8,9%) nas Clínicas vs 77.841 (91,1%) Pereira Rossell). A porcentagem de cesarianas por ano nas Clínicas foi de 49,2% ± 5 vs 29,3% ± 3 em Pereira Rossell. Os grupos de Robson mais prevalentes foram 1, 5A e 10 nas Clínicas vs 3, 1 e 5A em Pereira Rossell. Em ambos os centros, os grupos com maior contribuição relativa para a taxa global de cesárea foram: 5A, 10 e 1. Ambos os centros apresentam aumento da taxa de cesárea na última década, apesar de diferentes populações serem atendidas entre cada um deles. Estratégias devem continuar a ser buscadas para ajudar a reduzir a taxa de cesárea, principalmente em pacientes sem cesárea anterior ou com cesárea única, se não apresentarem contra-indicações para parto normal.

Cambios en las indicaciones en la Unidad de Endoscopia Respiratoria del Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre en los últimos años / Changes in the type of bronchoscopies in last years in the endoscopy respiratory unit of university hospital 12 octubre

Los objetivos de este trabajo son estudiar y valorar si han existido cambios en las indicaciones de broncoscopia en la Unidad de Endoscopia Respiratoria (UER) del Hospital Universitario (H.U.) 12 de Octubre en los últimos años, puesto que se han observado cambios epidemiológicos en distintas patologías respiratorias y se han incorporado nuevas técnicas endoscópicas. Por otra parte y dado que el trasplante pulmonar se introdujo en este hospital en el año 2008, también hemos valorado las diferencias en cuanto a las indicaciones de broncoscopia entre los pacientes sometidos a trasplante frente al resto en un segundo periodo de tiempo. Para realizar el estudio se ha utilizado la base de datos de la Unidad de Endoscopia Respiratoria del H.U. 12 de Octubre. Se han comparado pacientes de dos periodos de tiempo similares de 5 años: 2003-2008 vs. 2013-2018. En este último grupo se han valorado las diferencias entre los pacientes con trasplante pulmonar frente al resto. En los últimos cinco años se ha observado un mayor requerimiento de técnicas diagnósticas más complejas, una utilización mayoritaria de la sedación y un mayor número de pacientes en régimen hospitalario. Los pacientes con trasplante pulmonar tienen mayor necesidad de exploraciones urgentes y en régimen hospitalario, con mayor requerimiento de técnicas como la biopsia transbronquial y el lavado broncoalveolar. Por tanto como conclusión podemos decir que se han producido cambios en las indicaciones con una mayor complejidad en los últimos cinco años (AU)

Since epidemiologic changes regarding bronchogenic carcinoma had been related and new endoscopic techniques are available, one of the objectives of this study is evaluate the changes in bronchoscopy indications in the Unity of Respiratory Endoscopy of the H.U. 12 de Octubre. On the other hand, since lung transplantation has been introduced in H.U. 12 de Octubre in 2008, another objective is evaluate the differences related to bronchoscopy indication between patients with lung transplantation and not. We have used the database from the Unity of Respiratory Endoscopy of the H.U. 12 de Octubre. We have compared patients from two different periods: 2003-2008 (Period 1) and 2013-2018 (Period 2). We have also evaluated the differences between lung transplantation and not during period 2. Along the last five years we have related the following changes: a larger requirement of diagnostic techniques (TBP, BAL), a main use of sedation and a larger number of patients under hospital admission. As a conclusion, the bronchoscopy has become more complex. Patients with lung transplantation have more necessity of urgent examination under hospital admission and a larger request of specific techniques such as transbronchial biopsy and bronchoalveolar lavage. Therefore, this patients had entailed changes in the complexity if the bronchoscopy techniques in the last five years (AU)

Incidencia y resultados de la COVID-19 en una unidad de diálisis domiciliaria en Madrid (España) durante el pico de la pandemia / COVID-19 incidence and outcomes in a home dialysis unit in Madrid (Spain) at the height of the pandemic

INTRODUCCIÓN: La enfermedad por coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) es una infección viral causada por un nuevo coronavirus que está afectando a todo el mundo. Hay estudios previos de pacientes en hemodiálisis en centro, pero hay pocos datos sobre población en diálisis domiciliaria. Nuestro objetivo es estudiar la incidencia y evolución de la COVID-19 en una unidad de diálisis domiciliaria (UDD) durante el pico de la pandemia. MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional y retrospectivo que incluye todos los pacientes diagnosticados de COVID-19 de la UDD del Hospital Universitario La Paz (Madrid, España) entre el 10 de marzo y el 15 de mayo de 2020. Se recogieron los datos clínicos de la UDD (57 pacientes en diálisis peritoneal y 22 pacientes en hemodiálisis domiciliaria) y comparamos las características clínicas y la evolución de los pacientes con o sin infección por COVID-19. RESULTADOS: Doce pacientes fueron diagnosticados de COVID-19 (9 diálisis peritoneal, 3 hemodiálisis domiciliaria). No hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre las características clínicas de los pacientes con COVID-19 y el resto de la unidad. La edad media fue 62 ± 18,5 años; la mayoría eran varones (75%). Todos los pacientes menos uno necesitaron hospitalización. Diez pacientes (83%) fueron dados de alta tras una media de 16,4 ± 9,7 días de hospitalización. Dos pacientes fueron diagnosticados durante su hospitalización por otro motivo y fueron los únicos que fallecieron. Los fallecidos eran de mayor edad que los supervivientes. CONCLUSIÓN: La incidencia de COVID-19 en nuestra UDD en Madrid durante el pico de la pandemia fue alto, especialmente en los pacientes en diálisis peritoneal, sin observarse un potencial beneficio para prevenir la infección en los pacientes en diálisis domiciliaria. La edad avanzada y la transmisión nosocomial fueron los principales factores relacionados con peor pronóstico

INTRODUCTION: The 2019 coronavirus (COVID-19) is a viral infection caused by a new coronavirus that is affecting the entire world. There have been studies of patients on in-center hemodialysis, but home dialysis population data are scarce. Our objective is to study the incidence and course of COVID-19 in a home dialysis unit (HDU) at the height of the pandemic. METHODS: An observational, retrospective study enrolling all patients diagnosed with COVID-19 from the HDU of Hospital Universitario La Paz (La Paz University Hospital) (Madrid, Spain) between March 10 and May 15, 2020. We collected clinical data from the HDU (57 patients on peritoneal dialysis and 22 patients on home hemodialysis) and compared the clinical characteristics and course of patients with and without COVID-19 infection. RESULTS: Twelve patients were diagnosed with COVID-19 (9 peritoneal dialysis; 3 home hemodialysis). There were no statistically significant differences in terms of clinical characteristics between patients with COVID-19 and the rest of the unit. The mean age was 62 ± 18.5 years; most were men (75%). All patients but one required hospitalization. Ten patients (83%) were discharged following a mean of 16.4 ± 9.7 days of hospitalization. Two patients were diagnosed while hospitalized for other conditions, and these were the only patients who died. Those who died were older than those who survived. CONCLUSION: The incidence of COVID-19 in our HDU in Madrid at the height of the pandemic was high, especially in patients on peritoneal dialysis. No potential benefit for preventing the infection in patients on home dialysis was observed. Advanced age and nosocomial transmission were the main factors linked to a worse prognosis