[CONSULTENOS: hospital discharge information programmes. Development and results from the first year of operation in 5 hospitals]. / CONSULTENOS: programa de información al alta hospitalaria. Desarrollo y resultados del primer año de funcionamiento en 5 hospitales.

INTRODUCTION: The increased number of adverse effects from medicines occurring due to various discrepancies and medication errors at the time of a patient's discharge from hospital has lead us to develop measures to resolve these issues. The aim of this study is to present the methodology and design of a hospital discharge information programme and to describe the most representative findings. METHODS: A common methodology was established and patients from 5 different hospitals were included in a hospital discharge information programme. An informative interview was carried out at the time of discharge and oral and written information was given regarding the patient's complete treatment at that point. After 7 days a follow up telephone call was made to assess our intervention. The information was collated and the patients' satisfaction with the programme was measured. RESULTS: 6,198 patients were included in the programme, 4,955 (79.86%) were informed. 6,454 interventions were carried out (980 to improve the efficiency of treatment, 531 the efficiency of safety, 4,770 informative interventions and 107 directed at other levels of care). Seven days later 4174 patients were contacted. 14.53% presented a problem with their medications, 8.96% had solved the problem by the time the call was made and 4.4% found that the instructions given to them at the time of being discharged from hospital helped them to solve the problem. There was a high level of satisfaction with the service (4.64 points out of 5). CONCLUSIONS: It is possible to develop a hospital discharge information programme as a care service. A high level of satisfaction has been achieved and safety has improved with regards the use of medication.

Utilización del soporte nutricional parenteral en pacientes oncológicos al final de la vida / Use of parenteral nutritional support in cancer patients at the end of life

Objetivo: De acuerdo con la evidencia disponible sobre soporte nutricional parenteral (SNP) en pacientes oncológicos, el tratamiento en los últimos días de vida debe basarse en el confort, y el SNP no aporta beneficios ni está exento de riesgos. El objetivo del estudio es analizar el uso del SNP en pacientes oncológicos durante la última semana de vida. Metodología: Estudio observacional retrospectivo. Se incluyeron todos los pacientes oncológicos que recibieron SNP en un servicio de salud con 350.000 habitantes entre 2016-2021. Se seleccionaron aquellos que habían recibido SNP en la última semana de vida. Se registraron las variables demográficas: edad, sexo, peso, talla; variables clínicas: diagnóstico, estado funcional; variables relacionadas con el SNP: duración, acceso venoso, días desde la retirada hasta el exitus. Resultados: 287 pacientes con cáncer recibieron SNP. 75 pacientes (26%) mantuvieron SNP en la última semana de vida, mediana de edad de 69 años (60-75). Diagnósticos más frecuentes: cáncer de colon (29,3%) y de pulmón (20%). Mediana de duración de 8,1 días (2-9). De los pacientes con SNP en la última semana de vida, el 28% lo recibieron hasta el día del exitus. Conclusión: Más de la cuarta parte de los pacientes oncológicos que recibieron SNP lo mantuvieron hasta la última semana de vida. El objetivo en estos pacientes no debe ser tratar de corregir la desnutrición sino controlar los síntomas y mejorar la calidad de vida. Se deben evitar enfoques intervencionistas como el SNP, que pueden prolongar el sufrimiento y aumentar los costes asociados innecesarios. (AU)

Objetive: According to the available evidence on parenteral nutritional support (PNS) in cancer patients, treatment in the last days of life should be based on comfort, and the PNS does not provide benefits or is free of risks. The objective of the study is to analyze the use of the SNP in cancer patients during the last week of life. Methodology: Retrospective observational study. All cancer patients who received PNS in a health service with 350,000 inhabitants between 2016-2021 are included. Those who had received PNS in the last week of life were selected. Demographic variables recorded: age, sex, weight, height; clinical variables: diagnosis, functional status; PNS-related variables: duration, venous access, days from removal to death. Results: 287 cancer patients received PNS. 75 patients (26%) maintained PNS in the last week of life, median age 69 years (60-75). Most frequent diagnoses: colon cancer (29.3%) and lung cancer (20%). Median duration of 8.1 days (2-9). Of the patients with SNP in the last week of life, 28% received it until the day of death. Conclusion: More than a quarter of cancer patients who received PNS maintained it until the last week of life. The goal in these patients should not be to try to correct malnutrition but to control symptoms and improve quality of life. Interventional approaches such as PNS, which can prolong suffering and increase the necessary associated costs, should be avoided. (AU)

Evaluación del focus group con personas trans realizado en el proyecto "Igualdad y no discriminación en la atención farmacéutica a personas transexuales en España. Elaboración de un libro blanco" / Evaluation of the focus group with trans people carried out in the project "Equality and non-discrimination in pharmaceutical care for transsexual people in Spain. Preparation of a white paper"

El artículo aborda el análisis de los resultados de la realización de un focus group con personas trans en el contexto del proyecto de investigación “Igualdad y no discriminación en la atención farmacéutica a personas transexuales en España. Elaboración de un libro blanco”. Se establece la metodología empleada, distinguiéndola de otras afines, describiendo su desarrollo y posterior evaluación de su aplicación. Se describe la contribución de los participantes en el focus group, mostrando los resultados más relevantes del focus. Estos resultados se comparan con otro focus group realizado en el contexto del mismo proyecto con farmacéuticos comunitarios en su atención a persona trans. Se concluye que la realización de ambos focus group ha sido una fuente de información y de base de trabajo muy adecuada para intentar dar respuesta a una necesidad no cubierta y dar al farmacéutico comunitario una herramienta que le permita realizar la mejor atención a las personas trans, pudiendo abordar los múltiples aspectos que puedan estar relacionados con sus necesidades y particularidades. (AU)

The article deals with the analysis of the results of the realization of a focus group with trans people in the context of the research project «Equality and non-discrimination in pharmaceutical care for transsexual people in Spain. Preparation of a white paper». The methodology used is established, distinguishing it from other related ones, describing its development and subsequent evaluation of its application. The contribution of the participants in the focus group is described, showing the most relevant results of the focus. These results are compared with another focus group carried out in the context of the same project with community pharmacists in their care for trans people. It is concluded that the realization of both focus groups has been a source of information and a very adequate work base to try to respond to an unmet need and give the community pharmacist a tool that allows him to perform the best care for trans people, being able to address the multiple aspects that may be related to their needs and particularities. (AU)

Evaluación del focus group con farmacéuticos realizado en el proyecto “Igualdad y no discriminación en la atención farmacéutica a personas transexuales en España. Elaboración de un libro blanco” / Evaluation of the focus group with pharmaceuticals carried out in the project “Equality and non-discrimination in the pharmaceutical care of transsexual people in Spain. Preparation of a white paper”

En este artículo se presentan los resultados y la evaluación del focus group con farmacéuticos realizado en el colegio Oficial de Farmacéuticos de Madrid, como parte del proyecto “Igualdad y no discriminación en la atención farmacéutica a personas transexuales en España. Elaboración de un libro blanco”. El focus group ha permitido detectar actitudes, comportamientos y opiniones de los farmacéuticos comunitarios, evidenciándose el desconocimiento de numerosos aspectos relacionados con la realidad transexual, lo que lleva a pensar que se requiere de una formación adecuada del farmacéutico, tanto en los aspectos farmacológicos, como humanos y de comunicación. Sin embargo, no hay ninguna duda de que el farmacéutico comunitario, por su accesibilidad y cercanía, es un elemento de vital importancia para el asesoramiento, acompañamiento y ayuda de las personas transexuales y, en su caso, de sus familiares. (AU)

This article presents the results and the evaluation of the focus group with pharmacists carried out at the Official College of Pharmacists of Madrid, as part of the project “Equality and non-discrimination in pharmaceutical care for transgender people in Spain. Preparation of a white book”. The focus group has made it possible to detect attitudes, behaviors and opinions of community pharmacists, evidencing the ignorance of numerous aspects related to the transsexual reality, which leads to think that adequate training of the pharmacist is required, in both pharmacological aspects, as well as human and communication. However, there is no doubt that the community pharmacist, due to its accessibility and proximity, is an element of vital importance for the advice, accompaniment and help of transsexual people and, where appropriate, their families. (AU)

[Survival of HIV women and HAART therapy]. / Supervivencia de las mujeres infectadas por el VIH tras la aparición del TARGA.

OBJECTIVES: To assess antiretroviral treatment in women with HIV infection, to evaluate the evolution of the disease and to establish the survival rate of these patients. DESIGN: A retrospective study performed from 1985 to December, 2004. Seventy-five women, chosen randomly from all patients attending the Out-patients Department, Arnau de Vilanova Hospital, Spain. All patients were over 18 years of age, with HIV infection and undergoing antiretroviral treatment. Patients were divided into two groups according to the starting date of therapy, before or after the year 1997 when a significant change in antiretroviral therapy took place, referring both to the number of drugs used and their potency. METHODS: A comparison was made regarding the epidemiological and demographic profile, the initial and final treatment, the efficacy of antiretroviral treatment, the evolution of the HIV infection and the survival rate between both groups of patients. RESULTS: Sixty-six point seven per cent (66.7%) of the patients in the first group and 85.2% of patients in the second had negative viral loads at study end. Forty-seven point nine per cent (47.9%) of patients starting treatment before 1997, maintained CD4 lymphocyte counts above 500 cells/mL compared with 59.3% of the patients who started treatment after 1997. There were only 6 deaths, which corresponded to the first group of patients. CONCLUSIONS: The data obtained from our study suggests that antiretroviral treatment is effective in both groups of patients, and has enabled good evolution and lengthened the survival rate.

Tecnologías de la información y la comunicación al servicio de la atención farmacéutica: “Tu farmacéutico de guardia”, una web por y para los pacientes / Information and communication technologies at the service of pharmaceutical care: «Your pharmacist on duty», a website by and for patients

Objetivo: Alineado con la recomendación de la OMS de incorporar a la atención sanitaria diferentes estrategias de salud digital, el objetivo es doble: describir las funcionalidades y recursos de una página web creada para formar e informar a los pacientes y analizar la actividad de la herramienta tras un periodo de funcionamiento de seis años.Material y métodos: Los pasos que se siguieron en la creación de la web fueron: 1) desarrollo del logotipo y sistema de marca; 2) creación de contenidos tanto escritos como audiovisuales y 3) campaña de lanzamiento. Para evaluar su uso se realizó un estudio descriptivo retrospectivo (septiembre 2015 – noviembre 2021) en el que se recogieron los indicadores clave de rendimiento.Resultados: La web se estructuró en 11 grupos de patologías disponiendo de información escrita (179 fichas) y audiovisual (61 videos) sobre medicamentos y un repositorio de temas actuales sobre la salud a modo de noticias (515 reseñas publicadas). Desde su lanzamiento se han registrado un total de 176.530 visitas por 150.004 usuarios diferentes. En noviembre de 2020 se rediseñó la web, optimizándola para móviles con un diseño de marca renovado; hecho que reportó un importante crecimiento de las visitas, siendo el móvil (74,9%) el dispositivo de visualización más utilizado en este último periodo. (AU)

Objectives: To write the functionalities and resources of a web page created to train and inform patients and to analyze the activity of the tool after a six-year operating period. These two objectives are aligned with the WHO recommendation to incorporate different digital health strategies into health care.Material and methods: To create the web page we followed the next steps: 1) development of the logo and brand system; 2) creation of written and audiovisual content and 3) launch campaign. To evaluate the use of the web page, a retrospective descriptive study was carried out (September 2015 – November 2021) and key performance indicators were collected.Results: The website was structured into 11 groups of pathologies, including written information (179 files) and audiovisual information (61 videos) about drugs and a repository of current health topics shown as news (515 published reviews). Since its launch, a total of 176,530 visits have been registered by 150,004 different users. In November 2020 the web was redesigned, optimizing it for mobile devices and with a renewed brand design. This update reported a significant growth in visits, with mobile phones being the most used display (74.9%) in this last period. (AU)

Resultados en salud y aspectos farmaco-económicos del tratamiendo con PRGF-Endoret en ojo seco / Health outcomes and pharmacoeconomic aspects of the treatment with PRGF-Endoret in dry eye

Objetivo: Evaluar la efectividad, la seguridad y la satisfacción del tratamiento con colirio de PRGF-Endoret en pacientes con ojo seco patológico, así como los costes de adquisición, elaboración y dispensación en comparación con suero autólogo. Metodología: Estudio observacional retrospectivo. Se incluyeron todos los pacientes para los que se prescribió PRGF-Endoret entre febrero de 2019 y enero de 2020, para el tratamiento de varios trastornos con sequedad ocular como síntoma. Los datos demográficos y clínicos se obtuvieron del historial médico electrónico (Orion Clinic). Además, se realizó una encuesta anónima evaluando la frecuencia de varios síntomas, la efectividad, seguridad y satisfacción con el tratamiento. Resultados: Se estudiaron 24 pacientes. Un 62,5% eran mujeres, con una mediana de edad de 64 años. Un 79% habían sido diagnosticados de queratitis y/o úlcera corneal. En el 75% de los casos la evolución clínica fue favorable a los tres meses. El 100% de los pacientes estaban satisfechos. En cuanto a los síntomas, el 100% percibieron una mejoría en la sequedad ocular, el 80% en la molestia a la luz y el 60% en el dolor. El 50% de los pacientes había recibido previamente suero autólogo, de los cuales el 82% tuvo una evolución favorable con el cambio de tratamiento. Conclusión: PRGF-Endoret mejoró los síntomas del ojo seco en el grupo de pacientes tratado, siendo efectivo y seguro y proporcionando alta satisfacción. Los costes directos sanitarios son mayores que con la alternativa de suero autólogo, pero son necesarios nuevos estudios que evalúen los costes indirectos evitados y la calidad de vida proporcionada. (AU)

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy, safety and costs of acquisition, preparation and dispensing of PRGF-Endoret eye drops, as well as patient satisfaction in patients with pathological dry eye. Methodology: Retrospective observational study. All patients for whom PRGF-Endoret were prescribed between February 2019 and January 2020 for the treatment of various disorders with ocular sequence as a symptom were included. Demographic and clinical data were obtained from the electronic medical record (Orion Clinic). In addition, an anonymous survey was carried out evaluating the frequency of various symptoms, the difficulty, safety and satisfaction with the treatment. Results: 24 patients were studied. 62.5% were women, with a median age of 64 years. 79% had been diagnosed with keratitis and/or corneal ulcer. In 75% of the cases, the clinical evolution was favourable after three months. 100% of the patients were satisfied. Regarding symptoms, 100% perceived an improvement in dry eyes, 80% in light discomfort and 60% in pain. 50% of the patients had previously received autologous serum, of which 82% had a favourable evolution with the change of treatment. Conclusion: PRGF-Endoret improved dry eye symptoms in our patients being effective and safe, with high satisfaction from the patients. Although evaluating direct healthcare costs is more expensive than the autologous serum alternative, quality of life and indirect costs should be considered. (AU)

[Antiretroviral pharmaceutical expenditure and possibilities for optimization]. / Gasto farmacéutico en medicación antirretroviral y posibilidades de optimización.

INTRODUCTION: A lack of treatment compliance, resistances and non-advanced stages of the disease are the reasons why not all HIV-infected patients benefit from the demonstrated efficacy of antiretroviral drug combinations--with the consequent important increase in costs. A prospective cohort follow-up study is conducted to analyze the distribution of antiretroviral pharmaceutical expenditure in a district hospital, and the possibilities for improving its efficiency. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study comprised 128 HIV-infected patients seen for 12 consecutive weeks (September to November, 2004). The characteristics of previous follow-up were analyzed, and the patients were divided into groups according to the course over the following weeks and the results of prescribed treatment: group 1 (effective treatment), group 2 (ineffective treatment), and group 3 (treatment dropout). Based on the prescription history, corroborated with drug retrieval and the acquisition costs (FARMASYS software), the cost of antiretroviral medication was calculated for each of the 108 patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). The statistical analysis was carried out with the SPSS version 11.5 statistical package, and considering statistical significance for p < 0.05. RESULTS: The cost generated by the 108 patients included during the study period who received HAART was 232,366 euros, with an average of 2,151 euros per patient and 19,363 euros per day of consultation. The distribution of patients and of the costs generated by the above defined groups was as follows: group 1: 79 patients (80.6%); group 2: 11 patients (10.6%); group 3: 18 patients (8.8%). In the group 1 patients, 15.2% of the antiretroviral expenditure corresponded to patients who had started therapy with a CD4+ count of > 350 cells/ml, while 45% had > 350 cells/ml at the present time, and 25.9% had > 500 cells/ml. Previous medication dropout was identified as a predictor of new dropouts and treatment failures. COMMENT: While the cost generated by antiretroviral medication is high, 19.4% is administered to patients who do not benefit from such treatment due to a lack of efficacy or dropouts, and in another 40-60% of cases the need for such treatment could be subject to consideration in view of the good immune status of the patients.

Los Comités de Ética Asistencial y los Comités de Ética de la Investigación en España: organización, regulación y funciones / Healthcare Ethics Committees and Institutional Review Boards in Spain: organization, regulation and functions

En las últimas décadas hemos asistido a una evolución en la medicina que obliga a una reflexión ética más cuidadosa y a una organización e institucionalización de los procesos de toma de decisiones que puedan resultar controvertidos. Los Comités de Ética Asistencial se constituyen para analizar y asesorar en la resolución de los conflictos éticos que se producen durante la práctica clínica asistencial y garantizar que los pacientes estén informados y puedan tomar las decisiones referentes a su salud, de acuerdo con su libre y propia voluntad. El objetivo de los Comités de Ética de la Investigación es la protección y el respeto de las personas participantes en estudios de investigación. En ambos casos, juegan un papel importante en la protección de los derechos, la equidad y la dignidad de la personas. Un marco normativo adecuado permite dar respuesta a los nuevos retos científicos y garantiza la protección de los ciudadanos en el ámbito de la salud. Sin embargo, la extensa red de comités locales, autonómicos y estatales en España, puede comprometer la eficiencia en la gestión administrativa de los procedimientos de evaluación y en la resolución de conflictos y dar lugar a duplicidades o incoherencias en los mismos. En este artículo se realiza una revisión y descripción de los diferentes comités de ética asistencial y de la investigación en España y se analizan aspectos relevantes en relación a su organización, regulación y ámbito de actuación

Recent decades have witnessed major advances in medical science that require a careful ethical reflection, organization and institutionalization of controversial decision-making processes. The Healthcare Ethics Committees (HECs) are independent interdisciplinary bodies to provide support in ethical dilemmas in healthcare settings, ensuring that patients are informed about their treatments and procedures and make their own decisions. The Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) are focus on the rights and welfare of the potential participants in the research. Nevertheless both HECs and IRBs play an important role in promoting respect and protection of dignity and human right in an attempt to achieve health equity and social justice. The regulation of HECs and IRBs provides an appropriate framework to address new scientific challenges in the field of health. Nevertheless the large number of local, regional and national HECs and IRBs in Spain might compromise the efficiency in the assessment procedures leading to duplication of reports and inconsistent opinions. In this article a review and description of the different HECs and IRBs in Spain is performed and relevant issues related to their organization, regulation and functions are also analyzed

Terapia combinada con bevacizumab y alteplasa para el tratamiento de hemorragias submaculares / Combined therapy with bevacizumab and alteplasa for the treatment of submacular hemorrhages

INTRODUCCIÓN: El uso combinado de bevacizumab y alteplasa intrarretiniano supone una alternativa de tratamiento de las hemorragias maculares que adquiere cada vez más relevancia. Además, su utilización en una única jeringa evita una inyección intrarretiniana reduciendo los posibles riesgos que conllevan. OBJETIVO: Confirmar la efectividad y seguridad de la combinación de bevacizumab y alteplasa in vivo para el tratamiento de hemorragias submaculares en pacientes con degeneración macular asociada a la edad y determinar si supone una alternativa de tratamiento válida. METODOLOGÍA: Estudio retrospectivo observacional de pacientes tratados con bevacizumab y alteplasa para hemorragias submaculares desde febrero de 2017 a febrero de 2018. Se revisó la situación clínica pre-intervención y a los 3 meses. Las variables revisadas para determinar la efectividad del tratamiento fueron el tamaño de la superficie de la hemorragia, el grosor retiniano y la agudeza visual. La seguridad se evaluó con la aparición de reacciones adversas. RESULTADOS: Fueron incluidos cinco pacientes, cuatro con un ojo afectado y uno con ambos, 60% hombres, con una mediana de edad de 78 años (68-89). Objetivamente se redujo el porcentaje de ocupación de la hemorragia de una media del 70% al 6% tras la intervención. El grosor retiniano disminuyó de 1.531 micras (1.891-1.195) a 516,8 micras (324-667). La agudeza visual mejoró en dos pacientes manteniéndose en el resto. Todos los pacientes refirieron subjetivamente mejoría tras la intervención. El tratamiento fue seguro por la ausencia de aparición de reacciones adversas. CONCLUSIONES: El tratamiento estudiado ha demostrado ser efectivo y seguro clínicamente

INTRODUCTION: The combined use of bevacizumab and intraretinal alteplase is an alternative treatment for macular hemorrhage that is becoming more and more relevant. In addition, its use in a single syringe prevents an intraretinal injection reducing the possible risks involved. OBJECTIVE: To confirm the effectiveness and safety of the combination of bevacizumab and alteplase in vivo for submacular hemorrhage in patients with macular degeneration associated with age and to determine whether it is a valid treatment alternative. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational retrospective study of patients treated with bevacizumab and alteplase for submacular hemorrhages from February 2017 to February 2018. The clinical situation was reviewed pre-intervention and at 3 months later. The variables reviewed to determine the effectiveness of the treatment were the size of the hemorrhage surface, the retinal thickness and the visual acuity. Safety was determined with the appearance of adverse reactions. RESULTS: Six eyes of five patients were included, 60% men, with a median age of 78 years (68-89). Objectively the percentage of occupation of the hemorrhage was reduced from an average of 70% to 6% after the intervention. The retinal thickness decreased from 1,531 microns (1,891-1,195) to 516.8 microns (324-667). Visual acuity improved in two patients and remained in the rest. All patients reported subjectively improvement after the intervention. The treatment was safe due to the absence of adverse reactions. CONCLUSIONS: The reviewed treatment has shown to be clinically effective and safe

Abordaje nutricional en pacientes críticos diagnosticados de neumonía por COVID-19 / Nutritional approach in critical patients diagnosed with pneumonia by COVID-19

OBJETIVO: Evaluar las actuaciones nutricionales en pacientes con diagnóstico de neumonía COVID-19 en una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI) y su ajuste a las guías de las sociedades Europea y Americana de Nutrición Clínica. METODOLOGÍA: Estudio retrospectivo observacional de 2 meses de duración en pacientes con diagnóstico de neumonía COVID-19 con ingreso en UCI. Se utilizaron los programas ICCA(R), OrionClinic(R) y Kabisoft(R) para obtener las variables de los pacientes. RESULTADOS: Ingresaron 27 pacientes, de los cuales 20 precisaron soporte nutricional. Un 65% eran hombres y la media de edad fue 62 ± 13,2 años. Los requerimientos energéticos teóricos fueron entre 1.535-1.800 Kcal/día. Permanecieron 2,5 ± 4,5 días en planta previo a su estancia en UCI, que fue de 17 ± 6,9 días. Al término del estudio, el 15% de pacientes fueron alta, el 35% seguían hospitalizados y el 50% fueron éxitus. La variación de los datos analíticos al ingreso y alta fue: proteínas +1,3 g/dl, albúmina +1,2 g/dl, linfocitos +0,5*103/mm3, PCR -114,5 mg/l y triglicéridos +19,4 mg/dl. Un 10% recibieron remdesivir y un 30% tocilizumab como tratamientos de segunda línea. Todos fueron intubados y tratados con propofol; el 75% requirió posición decúbito prono. Todos los pacientes requirieron nutrición enteral, siendo la fórmula hiperproteica-hipercalórica con fibra la más utilizada. Un 70% necesitó nutrición parenteral total, utilizándose formulaciones hiperproteicas-hipocalóricas de forma prioritaria y suplementadas con vitaminas y oligoelementos. CONCLUSIÓN: Dentro del complicado manejo de este tipo de pacientes, las intervenciones nutricionales han sido necesarias en un 75% de ellos y la adherencia a las guías actuales se ha dado en todos los casos, con resultados favorables

PURPOSE: Evaluate nutritional performance in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Adjustment done following the guidelines of the European and American societies for Clinical Nutrition. METHODOLOGY: Retrospective observational during 2 months study of some patients with pneumonia by COVID-19 in ICU. Informatic programs ICCA(R), OrionClinic(R) and Kabisoft(R) were used to obtain variables of patients. RESULTS: 27 patients were admitted in ICU, while 20 of them required nutritional support. There were 65% of men with average age about 62 ± 13.2. Their theoretical nutritional requirements were between 1,535-1,800 kcal/day. They stayed 2.5 ± 4.5 days in the hospital before their ICU admission. They were 17 ± 6.9 days on average in ICU. At the end of this study, 15% of patients were discharged, 35% were hospitalized, and 50% were dead. The variation of the analytical data at admission and discharge was: proteins +1.3 g/dl, albumin +1.2 g/dl, lymphocytes +0.5*103/mm3, PCR -114.5 mg/l and triglycerides +19.4 mg/dl. 10% took remdesivir and 30% tocilizumab. All of them were intubated and treated with propofol and 75% required prone position. All of patients required enteral nutrition being the hyperprotein-hypercaloric with fiber formula the most used. 70% required central total parenteral nutrition being mostly hyperprotein-hypocaloric and supplemented with vitamins and trace elements. CONCLUSION: Within the complicated management of this type of patients, nutritional interventions have been necessary in 75% of them and adherence to current guidelines has occurred in all cases, with favorable results

[Generic drugs in a district hospital. Intervention strategies]. / Especialidades farmacéuticas genéricas en un hospital comarcal. Impacto de dos estrategias de intervención.

OBJECTIVE: To know the prescription of generic drugs in specialized attention and the impact of two different intervention strategies: MATERIAL AND METHODS: Intervention trial with evaluation and later comparison. The data on the use of generic drugs are obtained from the medical reports. After an informative note of general character we repeated the taking of data one month later. In the service of Medicine we also analysed each doctor's profile prescriptions and a personalized informative note was edited and accompanied by a brief verbal explication of the campaign. Then repeated the collection of data to the week and the month. RESULTS: 1545 reports were revised (3460 prescribed drugs). 42% of the medication could be prescribed as generic but it was only made in 10% (21% in Internal Medicine). After the informative note no significant variations were observed. Only in Internal Medicine an initial increment was obtained (21 to 56%, RR 0.38, IC 0.26-0.55) that it disappeared at month. COMMENTS: The utility of the intervention to generic promotion is limited and transitory. Besides improve the information, seems necessary the implication of the physician in the promotion campaigns.

[Cost distribution of highly active antiretroviral therapy]. / Distribución del gasto farmacéutico en medicación antirretroviral.

UNLABELLED: The efficacy of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) implies a high pharmaceutical cost. Deficient patient adhesion to therapy means that not all individuals benefit from treatment, while some patients are in non-advanced stages of the disease where such management may not be necessary. A study is made of the cost distribution of HAART. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An analysis was made of 199 HIV-infected adults subjected to HAART at least once during 2001. The medication history was used to calculate the cost of HAART in the global group, in the patients who abandoned treatment (group A), in the group in which viral load was not controlled (group B), and in the patients starting with or reaching a CD4+ count > 500 cells/mm3 (groups C1 and C2, respectively). RESULTS: The global annual cost of HAART (discounting returned medication) was 961,720 Euro (21.3% of the global hospital pharmacological expenditure), group A accounting for 6.3%, group B 14.26%, and subgroups C1 and C2 for 12.1 and 8.1, respectively. COMMENTS: In our center, almost 40% of antiretroviral drug expenditure may be considered of little use.

[Cost-minimization study on the prescription of intravenous proton pump inhibitors: pantoprazole versus omeprazole]. / Estudio de minimización de costes en la prescripción de inhibidores de la bomba de protones intravenosos: pantoprazol versus omeprazol.

OBJECTIVE: To compare and quantify intravenous omeprazole versus intravenous pantoprazole prescription habits in common acid-related diseases such as gastro-esophageal reflux disease, duodenal ulcer, and gastric ulcer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We designed an observational, longitudinal prospective and multicenter cost-minimization study to be carried out in Spanish hospitals. RESULTS: The pantoprazole regimen consisted of 40 mg/day (median), one half of that of omeprazole with 80 mg/day overall for these conditions (p < 0.05). This dosage was significantly different for duodenal ulcer (40.0 +/- 0.0 versus 90.6 +/- 22.5 mg/day, p < 0.05), and gastric ulcer (50.3 +/- 17.8 versus 85.8 +/- 39 mg/day, p < 0.05), but not for gastro-esophageal reflux disease (50.9 +/- 18.7 versus 62.2 +/- 21.1, p > 0.05). Costs for these regimens make treatments using pantoprazole 54% less expensive than treatments using omeprazole. By indication, the cost of duodenal ulcer treatment was 65% less expensive, and that of gastric ulcer 53% less expensive. CONCLUSIONS: Cost differences amount to approximately one half in treatments using pantoprazole, which is primarily due to the use of doses higher than indicated in treatments using intravenous omeprazole. To reduce expenses stemming from the inadequate use of intravenous proton pump inhibitors the use of pantoprazole is brought forward as a valid option.

[Factors affecting postoperative pain]. / Identificación de los factores que influyen en el dolor postoperatorio.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the influence on the intensity of postoperative pain of the following variables: sex, age, type of surgery, surgical approach, anesthetic technique and analgesia administered. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Six hundred twenty-three hospitalized patients were enrolled from the units of general and digestive surgery, gynecology and obstetrics, ophthalmology, otorhinolaryngology, traumatology and orthopedics, and urology. Pain intensity was measured on a visual analog scale (VAS) when the patient left the post-anesthesia recovery ward (PARU) and 24 and 48 h after surgery, and on a verbal evaluation scale (VES) during the first and second days after surgery. RESULTS: Gynecology is the department where the most pain is reported, both when the patient leaves the PARU (>= 4 for 56.6% of patients) and during the first day on the ward (71.3% of patients suffer pain of moderate or high intensity). The correlation of pain with duration of procedure was strongest in the urology and surgery units, with common variances of 32.3% and 23.4%, respectively. More pain is felt during open procedures in the traumatology and urology units, which is not the case in gynecology and surgery. Patients receiving general anesthesia leave the PARU with pain at 3.4 +/- 1.8 cm on the VAS scale, versus 1.3 +/- 1.6 cm for patients receiving locoregional anesthesia. Patients who received only ketorolac for pain in the PARU generally experienced less intense pain (2.5 +/- 2.0 cm) than did those who received metamizol (3.3 +/- 1.5 cm), morphine (4.0 +/- 1.8 cm) or tramadol (4.5 +/- 1.8 cm). CONCLUSIONS: Surgical department, surgical approach, anesthetic technique and, finally, analgesic administered are the factors that determine the intensity of postoperative pain. These factors should therefore be taken into account when establishing treatment protocols to assure adequate control of postoperative pain. Neither sex nor age were determining factors for the intensity of postoperative pain.

[Comparative analysis of the safety of triple therapy with telaprevir between HCV monoinfected and HIV coinfected patients]. / Análisis comparativo de la seguridad de la triple terapia con telaprevir entre pacientes monoinfectados por VHC y coinfectados por VIH.

PURPOSE: To know the possible differences in the toxicity profile of triple therapy with telaprevir between monoinfected and coinfected patients. METHOD: A retrospective observational study (January 2012- November 2013) of patients with HCV genotype 1, both monoinfected and coinfected with HIV, who had completed 12 weeks of treatment with telaprevir. The necessary variables were collected to characterize patients and the treatment received. The classification was made according to the toxicity criteria of the Division of AIDS v.1.0. A descriptive and comparative statistical analysis using the SPSS v.15.0 software was performed. RESULTS: 100 patients were included, 41% coinfected with HIV. Cirrhosis rate was observed at higher coinfected patients (97.6% vs 52.5%, p <0.001). TOXICITY: increased incidence in coinfected hyperbilirubinemia (51.2% vs 27.1% p = 0.012). TOXICITY grades: no differences in mild-moderate toxicity were observed between the two groups,while severe hyperbilirubinemia was higher in coinfected (26.8% (39.9% vs 12.2% p = 0.003) was observed, and dose adjustment of ribavirin (64.4% vs 26.8% p <0.001) in monoinfected patients. CONCLUSIONS: The study shows a similar toxicity profile between the two groups except for hyperbilirubinemia appears greater in coinfected patients (possibly related to the use of atazanavir) and less use of exogenous erythropoietin and dose reduction of ribavirin in them.

[Safety in the clinical practice of the triple therapy with telaprevir in chronic hepatitis C]. / Seguridad en la práctica clínica de la triple terapia con telaprevir en la hepatitis C crónica.

PURPOSE: To study the safety of triple therapy with telaprevir and the time of appearance of the RAM in the treatment of hepatitis C. METHOD: A retrospective observational study (January 2012- June 2013) of patients with HCV genotype 1 who had completed 12 weeks of triple therapy with telaprevir. The following variables were needed to characterize patients, and those relating to the treatment received. The classification of ADR was performed according to criteria of the SIDA Division 1.0. RESULTS: We included 88 patients (78% male), 75% cirrhotic patients. 40.9% were coinfected with HIV. The main ADR (incidence > 40%) including all grades: haematological toxicity, fatigue, hyperuricemia, hyperbilirubinemia and pruritus. Serious ADR (incidence > 15%): thrombocytopenia, anemia and neutropenia. 3.4% had severe toxicodermia. 51.1% required ribavirin dose adjustment, blood transfusions 13.6%, and 28.4% exogenous erythropoietin. The 8% required hospitalization motivated by treatment toxicity. The treatment was stopped for toxicity in 6.8% of patients: 3 severe toxicodermia, 2 severe haematological toxicity, and 1 severe emesis. Thrombocytopenia and hyperbilirubinemia occurred at an early stage in its higher degree of toxicity, while the other ADR presented progression longer periods. CONCLUSIONS: The study shows a superior toxicity profile to that described in clinical trials, mainly with regard to hematologic toxicity, and predicts a time range of highest probability of occurrence of ADR.

Objetivos: Estudiar la seguridad de la triple terapia con telaprevir y el momento de aparición de las RAM en el tratamiento de la hepatitis C. Método: Estudio observacional retrospectivo (Enero 2012- Junio 2013) de los pacientes con VHC genotipo 1 que hubieran finalizado las 12 semanas de triple terapia con telaprevir. Se recogieron las variables necesarias para caracterizar a los pacientes, y aquellas referentes al tratamiento recibido. La clasificación de las RAM se realizó según criterios de la División del SIDA versión 1.0. Resultados: Se incluyeron 88 pacientes (78% hombres), 75% pacientes cirróticos. El 40,9% estaba coinfectado con VIH. Las principales RAM (incidencia > 40%) incluyendo todos los grados: toxicidad hematológica, cansancio, hiperuricemia, hiperbilirrubinemia y prurito. Las RAM graves (incidencia > 15%): trombocitopenia, anemia y neutropenia. El 3,4% presentó toxicodermia grave. El 51,1% requirió ajuste de dosis de ribavirina, 13,6% transfusiones de sangre, y 28,4% eritropoyetina exógena. El 8% requirió ingreso hospitalario motivado por la toxicidad del tratamiento. El tratamiento fue suspendido por toxicidad en el 6,8% de los pacientes: 3 por toxicodermia grave, 2 por toxicidad hematológica grave, y 1 por emesis grave. La trombocitopenia y la hiperbilirrubinemia se registraron de manera temprana en su mayor grado de toxicidad, mientras que el resto de RAM presentaron periodos de progresión más prolongados. Conclusiones: El estudio señala un perfil de toxicidad superior al descrito en los ensayos clínicos, principalmente en cuanto a toxicidad hematológica, y permite predecir un rango de tiempo de mayor probabilidad de aparición de las RAM.