Reversible Homonymous Inferior Quadrantanopia in a Nonketotic Hyperglycemic Patient.

Homonymous hemianopia is frequently associated with retrochiasmal lesions. Vascular etiology is the most common and usually evident on magnetic resonance imaging. When the results of neuroimaging are normal, there are other etiologies that we should consider, like nonketotic hyperglycemia (NKH). We report a 62-year-old female diabetic patient with headache, colour vision and sudden homonymous inferior quadrantanopia and elevated blood sugar levels with normal pH. The neuroimaging was normal and the visual lost improved after the correction of the hyperglycemia. NKH should be considered in patients with sudden and transient hemianopia and normal neuroimaging.

Classification of the transverse pattern of Mason II radial head fractures and its usefulness in arthroscopic osteosynthesis. Anatomo-surgical study. / Clasificación del patrón transversal de las fracturas de la cabeza del radio tipo Mason II y su utilidad en la osteosíntesis mediante técnica artroscópica. Estudio anatomoquirúrgico.

OBJECTIVE: The management of MasonII fracture pattern assisted by arthroscopy is a valid technique that provides good results. The objective of this study was to draw attention to the usefulness of the location of the fracture in the head of the radius in defined quadrants with respect to the bicipital tuberosity through CT. This would help to plan the optimal forearm position to access each quadrant and foresee the specific difficulties of each one. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We dissected 4 specimens of cryopreserved cadaver. We divided the radial head into 4 quadrants with regard to the bicipital tuberosity, objectifying the change of position in pronation and maximum supination with respect to the sigmoid cavity and neurovascular structures. RESULTS: The head of the radio moves with pronosupination, so there are areas of convergence between the different quadrants. Quadrant1 is approached in supination via an anteromedial portal. Quadrant2 is approached in maximum pronation through a lateral portal. Quadrant3 can be approached through lateral portals, with the forearm in neutral position and in pronation. Quadrant4 is accessible with the forearm in a neutral position and in supination through a lateral portal. CONCLUSIONS: Depending on the location of the fracture in the head of the radius with respect to the bicipital tuberosity, we will need access through a specific arthroscopic portal, with the medial quadrants (anteromedial and posteromedial) being the most technically demanding.

[A cost-effectiveness study of hepatic venous pressure gradient measurement in the secondary prevention of variceal bleeding]. / Estudio coste-efectividad sobre la medición del gradiente de presión venosa hepática en la profilaxis secundaria de la hemorragia digestiva varicosa.

OBJECTIVE: variceal rebleeding is common following a first episode of hemorrhage in cirrhotic patients. The objective of this study was to determine the cost-effectiveness of monitoring hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) to guide secondary prophylaxis. METHODS: we created a Markov decision model to calculate cost-effectiveness for two strategies: Group 1: HVPG monitoring to decide treatment -when portal pressure was reduced by at least 20 percent or HVPG was less than 12 mmHg after beta-blocker administration, patients received beta-blockers; when portal pressure did not meet these criteria therapy was endoscopic band ligation. Group 2: in this group there was no monitoring of HVPG. Patients with large varices received treatment with beta-blockers combined with EBL; patients with small varices received beta-blockers plus isosorbide mononitrate. RESULTS: there was no recurrent variceal bleeding in group 1 for good responders, and for 17% of poor responders. In group 2 a 25% rebleeding rate was detected in patients with small varices and 13% for those with big varices. Overall cost in group 1 was 14,100.49 euros, and 14,677.16 in group 2. CONCLUSIONS: HVPG measurement is cost-effective for the secondary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding.

Micro-ureteroscopy: Initial experience in the endoscopic treatment of pelvic ureteral lithiasis.

OBJECTIVES: To present to report the first case of ureteral lithiasis resolved using a new endoscopic approach, which we call microureteroscopy (m-URS) and attempts to reduce the ureteral damage caused by conventional instrumentation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We selected a 53-year-old patient with a 16-mm calculus in the right distal ureter. For endoscopic access, we used a 4.8 Fr sheath from the microperc set and fragmented the stone with a 230-micron laser fiber. RESULTS: Complete fragmentation of the stone was achieved. We placed a JJ catheter due to significant ureteral edema. The surgical time and postsurgical stay were 156minutes and 24hours, respectively. There were no complications, the requirements for analgesia were minimal, and the patient was free of residual stones. CONCLUSIONS: The m-URS technique is feasible, simple and effective for the treatment of pelvic ureteral lithiasis in women and optimizes minimal invasion, with results that can be comparable to conventional endoscopic techniques in terms of ease of access and quality of endoscopic vision without affecting the resolution capacity. Larger studies and greater technological development is needed to define the definitive role of this procedure. Currently, its major limitations lie in the treatment of proximal ureter lithiasis and in the treatment of men. This technique could also be a viable alternative for pediatric patients.

Resultados de la implantación de un protocolo de corrección de anemia preoperatoria en la recuperación intensificada de cirugía colorrectal electiva / Results of the implantation of a protocol for correction of preoperative anemia in the intensified recovery of elective colorectal surgery

Resumen Introducción Los protocolo ERAS recomiendan la detección y optimización de la anemia preoperatoria. Objetivo Evaluar si la implantación de un protocolo de corrección de anemia preoperatoria en cirugía colorrectal electiva con un protocolo ERAS (grupo ERAS) reduce las transfusiones con respecto a un grupo de pacientes operado de la misma patología previo a su implantación (grupo preERAS). Objetivos secundarios Valorar estancia hospitalaria, complicaciones y reingresos a los 30 días tras el alta. Materiales y Método Comparamos los primeros 121 pacientes consecutivos que participaron en un protocolo ERAS con un protocolo corrección de anemia preoperatoria con los 135 previos a su implantación. Se consideraron resultados significativos p < 0,05. Resultados Se redujo el número de pacientes transfundidos en el grupo ERAS (31 (22,96%) vs 15 (12,4%), p = 0,028) y el número total de concentrados de hematíes transfundidos (3 ± 1,57 vs 1,8 ± 0,56, p < 0,001) con la aplicación del protocolo. No se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en los pacientes que recibieron hierro oral, pero sí en los que recibieron hierro intravenoso (3 vs 31, p < 0,001). Se redujo la estancia hospitalaria (11 ± 3,8 vs 9,8 ± 3,7, p = 0,018), sin aumentar la tasa de complicaciones ni los reingresos a los 30 días. Conclusión La aplicación de un protocolo de optimización de anemia preoperatoria en pacientes sometidos a cirugía colorrectal electiva siguiendo las guías ERAS redujo el número total de pacientes transfundidos, el número de concentrados de hematíes trasfundidos y la estancia hospitalaria.

Introduction An enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol, recommends detection and optimization in treatment of preoperative anemia. Aim Evaluate if introducing a preoperative anemia correcting protocol in elective colorectal surgery, by means of an ERAS protocol (ERAS Group), reduces the need for transfusions with regards to a group of patients undergoing surgery for the same pathology before the protocol´s implementation (ERAS Group). Secondary objectives Evaluate length of stay, complications and readmission rates 30 days post discharge. Materials and Method We compared the first 121 consecutive patients who participated in an ERAS protocol with a preoperative correcting anemia protocol, with the previous 135 patients operated on before the protocol was introduced. A value of p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results The number of patients who needed a transfusion was reduced in the ERAS group (31 (22.96%) vs 15 (12.4%), p = 0.028) as was the total number of red blood cells transfused (3 ± 1.57 vs 1.8 ± 0.56, p < 0.001) with the use of the protocol. No statistical differences were noted in the patients who received oral iron although there was in those who received intravenous iron. (3 vs 31, p < 0.001). Overall length of stay was reduced (11 ± 3.8 vs 9.8 ± 3.7, p = 0.018), but no increase in complications or readmission rates at 30 days. Conclusions The implementation of an optimization in the treatment of preoperative anemia protocol in patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery following the ERAS guidelines, reduced the total number of patients who needed transfusions, the total concentrate of red blood cells transfused, and the length of stay.

Does consumption of beer, alcohol, and bitter substances affect bitterness perception?

The relation between consumption of beer, alcohol, and bitter substances was investigated by comparing 20 each of male adults, low users ( < 720 ml/week) and high users ( > 3.61/week) of beer for sensitivity to and like/dislike for the bitterness of isohumulones. Intake of beer, alcohol, and bitter substances was measured with a food frequency questionnaire and a 14-day recall journal. Intake of alcohol (including alcohol from sources other than beer) and bitter substances was higher for high users of beer than for low users. The average bitterness units (BUs) in the beers consumed by the two groups did not differ, indicating that high users do not consume more bitter beers than low users. Detection thresholds for isohumulones in water did not differ between the two groups, but high users had higher difference thresholds for isohumulones in beer (p < 0.10). In time-intensity measurements of bitterness in beer, low users of beer recorded significantly higher maximum intensities (p < 0.001) and shorter total durations (p < 0.001) than high users, with no difference between the two groups for time to maximum intensity and area under the TI curve. There was no significant difference between the two groups for BUs of beers produced by ad lib mixing of low- and high-bitterness beers, or for mean hedonic ratings of various concentrations of isohumulones in beer. These results suggest that intakes of beer, alcohol, and bitter substances are not major determinants of taste responses to the bitterness of isohumulones.

Study of predictive factors for complications after percutaneous nephrolithotomy according to the Clavien classification.

OBJECTIVE: Set predictors of complications in percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) using the modified Clavien system. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study included 172 PCNL in Galdakao position made in the La Ribera Hospital between January 2005 and December 2011. They classified the complications of these procedures using the modified Clavien system. We performed a univariate analysis (Chi(2) Test and Cramer's V) and multivariate (logistic regression) of predictors of these complications (P < .05). RESULTS: In 49 of the 172 procedures complications were detected (28.5%).The most frequent complications were grade 1 (9.9%), 12 complications (6.9%) were classified as grade 2 by requiring additional medical treatment, 6 as grade 3A (3.5%), 7 as grade 3B (4.1%), 2 and 4A (1.1%), 4 and 4B (2.3%) and one and 5 (0.6%). In the univariate analysis, positive urine culture before surgery, the stones complex and larger than 40 mm of the same, showed a statistically significant association with the occurrence of complications (P < .05). The positive culture (OR: 2.96) and complex stones (OR: 3.03) proved to be independent variables predicting complications in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Clavien system allows a common language for classifying complications, expressing the degree of the same as the complexity of treatment required for resolution. The preoperative urine culture positivity and complex stone proved predictors of these complications in our serie.

Treatment of hemorrhagic complications of percutaneous nephrolithotomy in Galdakao position.

OBJECTIVE: Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is a technique with good results for the treatment of kidney stones, however, bleeding complications derived can be serious if not diagnosed and treated effectively. The aim of this study is to assess bleeding complications resulting from PCNL in Galdakao position and therapeutic management. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective-longitudinal study of 172 PCNL performed in La Ribera Hospital between January 2005 and December 2011, analyzing their bleeding complications and the treatment provided for resolution. RESULTS: Had bleeding complications 20 patients (11.6%). The need for transfusion in this series was 8.1% and the most common cause of blood transfusion the presence of postoperative retroperitoneal (7.5%). There were 6 arterial injuries (3.5%), 5 of them successfully treated with angiography and arterial selective embolization. CONCLUSIONS: The arterial injuries following PCNL are rare but can be serious. The possibility of an urgent arteriography and selective embolization to the diagnosis permits an effective and safe treatment of bleeding without risk to the affected renal unit.

[Surgical therapy of lithiasis in horseshoe kidney]. / Tratamiento quirúrgico de la litiasis en riñón en herradura.

OBJECTIVE: To present our centre's experience in the surgical treatment of lithiasis in patients with horseshoe kidney. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From October 2007 to March 2011 we treated 10 patients with renal lithiasis in their horseshoe kidneys. Retrospectively, we reviewed the symptoms, medical and surgical history, the characteristics of the stones (size, location, composition) and treatments that were carried out. In all the cases, the study was carried out by CT, with volume reconstruction and with an angiographic study. A percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) or an endoscopic retrograde intrarrenal surgery (RIRS) was carried out, depending on the size and location of the stone. RESULTS: Three percutaneous nephrolithotomies were carried out (2 on staghorn lithiasis stones, 1 pseudocoraliform stone) with a combined rigid and flexible single-access nephroscopy. In one case there was haemorrhage that required treatment by selective embolization. In the rest, RIRS was carried out, all with stones < 30 mm in their greatest diameter without any complications. The mean surgical times were 120 (60-180) minutes for the percutaneous route and of 105 (65-160) minutes for the retrograde route. In all the cases the treatment achieved a complete elimination of the stones or remains of less than 5 mm. CONCLUSIONS: The treatment of renal lithiasis in horseshoe kidneys is complex, given their peculiar anatomy. The usual surgical techniques can be reproduced in these cases with good results. We opt for PCNL in complete staghorn stone and pseudocoraiform stones, whereas RIRS is a valid option in cases with stones < 3 cm.

[An analysis of the papers presented in national congresses of the Spanish Society of Intensive Nursing and Coronary Units in an 8-year period]. / Análisis de las comunicaciones admitidas en los congresos nacionales de la SEEIUC en 8 años (1998-2005).

INTRODUCTION: The research on critical care nursing is generally presented in the annual national congresses of the Spanish Society of Intensive Nursing and Coronary Units (SEEIUC). This study has aimed to analyze the main features of the papers presented in the above-mentioned congresses in order to get a deeper knowledge of the research capacity of our professional group. MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY: A descriptive, observational and retrospective study. SAMPLE: all the papers. Dimension studied: structure and process. Time: 8 years. DATA SOURCE: a collection of the papers presented in congresses. DEVELOPMENT: collected variables: number of authors, type of paper, city and region, type of study, timing, nursing role, dimension analyzed, topic, hospital, department, type of statistics, relevance, financing, structural quality and others. Statistical processing: descriptive statistics for quantitative variables with means and standard deviation (SD); qualitative variables are written in percentages. We have contrasted hypotheses with chi(2) accepting if p < 0.05 as a statistical significance. RESULTS: Papers 736 (65-119), oral papers 270 (40.4%), mean of authors 4.87 (1-16), SD 1.97; per provinces: Barcelona 146 (19.8%); per autonomous communities: Catalonia 166 (22.6%); hospitals: University Hospital from Bellvitge 27 (4.2%); research studies 426 (65.3%); prospective studies 333 (51%), quantitative 345 (53%); with descriptive statistics 305 (46.9%); with a health perception and health management pattern 76 (10.3%); analyzed quality area: structure 379 (51.5%); with the presence of an autonomous role 380 (51.6%); most mentioned theme: respiratory care 100 (13.6%), with relevance and/or applicability 450 (69%); financed 23 (3.5%). Fulfillment of scientific structure: 97%. CONCLUSIONS: Intensive Nursing Care shows an important amount of oral papers. Research studies stand out among these papers, the former having high structural quality and relevance and/or applicability.

[Acute ICU syndrome. Contributing factors and attitude of the nursing staff]. / Síndrome confusional agudo en UCI: factores que influyen y actitud de enfermería.

It is not uncommon for patients in intensive care units (ICUs) to suddenly and unexpectedly present what is known as acute ICU syndrome. This syndrome appears independently of the patient's situation and diagnosis. The aim of the present study was to determine the incidence of this nursing diagnosis in our department, to identify the possible environmental factors that could contribute to its appearance and to evaluate nursing interventions to resolve this syndrome in the ICU.Data were collected from a register of 62 items containing information on the health status of the patient on presenting the syndrome (vital signs, laboratory investigations, etc.), data on the environment, drugs used and other factors that could, a priori, play a role. The statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS program. This prospective study was carried out in a general ICU with ten beds: six beds in an open ward and four individual rooms. Two hundred forty-three patients were admitted during the 6-month study period. The incidence of ICU syndrome was 8.1 % (20 cases). Factors influencing its appearance were the timing of the shifts, the temperature, and whether patients were in individual rooms or open wards. The frequency of the syndrome was much higher in open wards and in the afternoon (from 15:00 to 22:00). In conclusion, the attitude of the nursing staff should be alert to identify the syndrome early and initiate appropriate measures, such as orienting the patient in time and space, achieving an appropriate temperature, using relaxation techniques, facilitating access to the family, etc., since in 35 % of cases these measures are sufficient to stabilize and/or resolve the problem, without the need of drugs.