Evaluación de la musculatura respiratoria en la predicción del resultado de la extubación de pacientes con ictus

Background

Patients with cerebral infarction often present impaired consciousness and unsatisfactory extubation. We aimed to assess the respiratory mechanics components that might be associated with the success of extubation in stroke patients.

Methods

Twenty consecutive patients with stroke who needed mechanical ventilation support were enrolled. The maximal inspiratory pressure, gastric and the esophageal pressure (Pdi/Pdimax), minute volume, respiratory rate, static compliance, airway resistance, rapid and superficial respiration index (RSRI), inspiratory time/total respiratory cycle (Ti/Ttot), and PaO₂/FiO₂ were measured.

Results

The group who presented success to the extubation process presented 12.5 ± 2.2 = days in mechan-ical ventilation and the group who failed presented 13.1 ± 2 = days. The mean Ti/Ttot and Pdi/Pdimax for the failure group was 0.4 ± 0.08 (0.36-0.44) and 0.5 ± 0.7 (0.43-0.56), respectively. The Ti/Ttot ratio was 0.37 ± 0.05 (0.34-0.41; p = 0.0008) and the Pdi/Pdimax was 0.25 ± 0.05 for the success group (0.21-0.28; p < 0.0001). A correlation was found between Pdi/Pdimax ratio and the RSRI (r = 0.55; p = 0.009) and PaO₂/FiO₂ (r = −0.59; p = 0.005). Patients who presented a high RSRI (OR, 3.66; p = 0.004) and Pdi (OR, 7.3; p = 0.002), and low PaO₂/FIO₂ (OR, 4.09; p = 0.007), Pdi/Pdimax (OR, 4.12; p = 0.002) and RAW (OR, 3.0; p = 0.02) developed mechanical ventilation extubation failure.

Conclusion

Muscular fatigue index is an important predicting variable to the extubation process in prolonged mechanical ventilation of stroke patients.     

Asociación entre presión arterial y mortalidad en una cohorte de individuos de edad igual o superior a 65 años de España: un modelo dinámico

Introduction and objectives

Few studies have used time-dependent correction to analyze the relationship between blood pressure and all-cause mortality, and to our knowledge none has been performed in older people from the Mediterranean area. This study aimed to estimate the relationship between baseline blood pressure and blood pressure as a time-dependent covariate with the risk of all-cause mortality in a population cohort of persons aged 65 or older in Spain.

Methods

Data were taken from the population-based study «Aging in Leganés» with 17 years of follow-up, launched in 1993 in a random sample (n=1560) of persons aged ≥65 years. Mortality was assessed in 2010. Cox proportional hazards models were fitted to examine the effects on mortality of blood pressure at baseline and of blood pressure as a time-dependent covariate.

Results

The lowest mortality was observed at baseline systolic blood pressure of 136 mmHg and time-dependent covariate value of 147 mmHg. The highest risk of mortality for time-dependent covariates occurred with systolic blood pressure<115 mmHg and >93 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure<80 mmHg. Diastolic blood pressure over 85 mmHg did not increase the risk of death.

Conclusions

Based on the dynamic association between blood pressure and mortality, a U-shaped relationship was found for systolic blood pressure and a negative relationship for diastolic blood pressure and all-cause mortality. The lowest mortality corresponded to a systolic blood pressure level slightly over the diagnostic hypertension value and suggests that a value of 140 mmHg is not adequate as a diagnostic and therapeutic threshold in an elderly population.Full English text available from:www.revespcardiol.org/en.     

Valor predictivo de la infiltración por linfocitos T intraepiteliales (CD3) en el pronóstico del cáncer colorrectal resecado

Introduction

Colorectal cancer (CRC) can induce an anti-tumoral immune response mediated by T-lymphocytes, which express CD3.

Objectives

To analyze the prognostic value of tissue expression of intraepithelial CD3 (CD3I) both overall and in the early tumoral stages.

Methods

We revised 251 patients with resected CRC and favorable clinical course. CD3I expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Multivariate analysis was used to analyze the variables independently associated with survival. We analyzed CD3I(+) expression in relation to survival and tumoral progression, both overall and in patients with pTNM(I-II) stage tumors. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and diagnostic accuracy of CD3I expression were analyzed.

Results

A total of 25.9% of patients with CRC were CD3I(+). After a mean follow-up of 74 months, CD3I(+) expression showed a favorable prognostic value for survival in the multivariate analysis (p = 0.045). Survival curves and absence of tumoral progression were more favorable in CD3I(+) cases, both overall (p = 0.009 and p = 0.004, respectively), and in stages I-II (p = 0.029 and p = 0.015). The specificity and positive predictive value of CD3I(+) were as follows: Survival: overall: specificity =0.89; positive predictive value =0.91. Stage (I-II): specificity =0.94; positive predictive value =0.98. Absence of tumoral progression: overall: specificity = 0.89; positive predictive value =0.88. Stage (I-II): specificity =0.92; positive predictive value =0.96.

Conclusions

CD3I expression has an favorable independent prognostic value, with statistically significantly higher percentages of survival and absence of tumoral progression. This more favorable outcome is maintained in the less advanced stages (I-II). CD3I expression shows high specificity and positive predictive value.     

Validez y aplicabilidad de un nuevo método de registro para la hipertensión arterial

Introduction and objectives

Blood pressure measurement methods and conditions are determinants of hypertension diagnosis. A recent British guideline recommends systematic 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. However, these devices are not available at all health centers and they can only be used by 1 patient per day. The aim of this study was to test a new blood pressure recording method to see if it gave the same diagnostic results as 24-h blood pressure monitoring.

Methods

One-hour blood pressure monitoring under routine clinical practice conditions was compared with standard method of day time recording by analyzing the coefficient of correlation and Bland-Altman plots. The Kappa index was used to calculate degree of agreement. Method sensitivity and specificity were also analyzed.

Results

Of the 102 participants, 89 (87.3%) obtained the same diagnosis regardless of method, with high between-method agreement (κ= 0.81; 95% confidence interval, 0.71-0.91). We observed robust correlations between diastolic (r = 0.85) and systolic blood pressure (r = 0.76) readings. Sensitivity and specificity for the new method for diagnosing white coat hypertension were 85.2% (95% confidence interval 67.5%-94.1%) and 92% (95% confidence interval, 83.6%-96.3%), respectively.

Conclusions

One-hour blood pressure monitoring is a valid and reliable method for diagnosing hypertension and for classifying hypertension subpopulations, especially in white coat hypertension and refractory hypertension. This also leads to a more productive use of monitoring instruments.Full English text available from:www.revespcardiol.org/en     

Prevalencia y distribución del depósito pulmonar de amianto en población urbana española

Introduction

The purpose of the present study is to analyse the prevalence and distribution of asbestos lung residue in the Barcelona urban population.

Material and methods

Lung autopsy samples were obtained from 35 individuals who had lived in Barcelona. The close family were interviewed in order to rule out asbestos exposure. Samples were obtained from three areas of the right lung during the autopsy: upper lobe apex, lower lobe apex, and lower lobe base. The samples were treated to remove organic material. The inorganic residue was analysed using a light microscope. The results were expressed as asbestos bodies (AB) per gram of dry tissue. Levels greater than 1000 AB/g of dry tissue were considered as potentially causing disease.

Results

AB were detected in 29(83%) of the subjects, of which 86% had levels less than 300 AB/g. Only one individual (3%) had values greater than 1000 AB/g dry tissue. The asbestos residue was higher in the lower lung lobe in 17 individuals (48%) than in the rest, although no significant differences were seen as regards AB residue in the three lung areas studied.

Conclusions

The results of this study show that the urban population of Barcelona have asbestos levels in the lung that vary between 0 and 300 AB/g dry tissue. No differences in the asbestos residues were detected in the lung areas studied in this population.     

Enfermedades de declaración obligatoria: conocimiento y notificación en el ámbito hospitalario

Introduction

Notifiable infectious diseases represent a public health hazard, which is why they are under surveillance and must be reported. We tried to assess hospital physicians’ knowledge of hospital physicians on notifiable infectious diseases and their self-reported attitudes to notification.

Methods

An observational study was conducted using a questionnaire with 11 multiple choice questions, two yes/no questions and one short-answer question. It was distributed to all senior doctors and residents in 19 medical and surgical departments.

Results

A total of 248 questionnaires were sent out, with a response rate of 79.84%. More than three-quarters (76.3%) of the respondents were senior doctors. As regards specific knowledge about whether a particular disease is a notifiable disease, 29.5% identified correctly 100% of the named diseases, 3.2% could not identify any of them. All urgent named notifiable infectious diseases were correctly identified by 25.3% of physicians. Statistically significant differences were found in the knowledge of notifiable diseases knowledge in medical and surgical departments, as well as for senior doctors (P = .047) and residents (P = .035). A high percentage of medical services (40%) and surgical (70%) department reported never failing to notify. When asked about the causes of under-reporting, 72% did not know whether notification was mandatory or not, and 88% did not know what diseases must be notified.

Conclusions

Although many respondents are aware that diseases notification is part of their daily activity, many of them admit under-reporting. There is insufficient knowledge about what diseases are considered notifiable infectious diseases and how to notify them.     

Implantación de endoprótesis para el tratamiento del síndrome de vena cava superior maligno: serie de 56 pacientes de un solo centro

Objective

To report a series of stenting procedures for the treatment of malignant superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome.

Material and methods

A review conducted from October 2005 to July 2013 retrieved 56 consecutive patients treated for symptomatic malignant SVC syndrome with stenting.

Results

SVC stenting was attempted in 56 patients (46 males, 10 females), aged 34-84 years (mean 59.3).The success rate was 49/57 (86%). Success was associated with the type of obstruction classified as: group 1 (a —SVC stenosis, or b —unilateral innominate vein occlusion with contralateral innominate vein stenosis and normal SVC), group 2 (SVC occlusion excluding bilateral innominate vein occlusion) and group 3 (bilateral innominate vein occlusion irrespective of SVC status). Success rates were 100% (39/39), 75% (9/12) and 16.6% (1/6), respectively. These differences were significant for group 1 versus group 2 + 3 (p < 0.001) and for group 2 versus group 3 (p = 0.032). Acute complications occurred in 9 patients. Patients in whom acute complications occurred were older than the others (67.8 vs. 57.6 years, p = 0.019). The procedure-related death rate was 3.5% (n = 2). Stent occlusion occurred in 3.5% (n = 2). The patient survival was poor (median 2.6; range < 1-29.6 months), independently of the success of stenting.

Conclusions

Stenting for malignant SVC syndrome provides immediate and sustained symptomatic relief that lasts until death in this set of patients with a short life expectancy and restores the central venous access for administration of chemotherapy. Technical failure was associated with SVC occlusions and primarily with bilateral innominate vein occlusion.     

Comparación de la respiración con presión positiva intermitente y la presión espiratoria positiva temporal en pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica grave

Background

Results supporting the use and the effectiveness of positive expiratory, pressure devices in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients are still controversial, We have tested the hypothesis that adding TPEP or IPPB to standard pharmacological therapy may provide additional clinical benefit over, pharmacological therapy only in patients with severe COPD.

Methods

Fourty-five patients were randomized in three groups: a group was treated; with IPPB,a group was treated with TPEP and a group with pharmacological; therapy alone (control group).Primary outcome measures included the measurement of scale or, questionnaire concerning dyspnea (MRC scale),dyspnea,cough, and, sputum (BCSS) and quality of life (COPD assessment test) (CAT). Secondary, outcome measures were respiratory function testing,arterial blood gas,analysis,and hematological examinations.

Results

Both patients in the IPPB group and in the TPEP group showed a significant, improvement in two of three tests (MRC,CAT) compared to the control, group.However,in the group comparison analysis for, the same variables between IPPB group and TPEP group we observed a, significant improvement in the IPPB group (P ≤ .05 for MRC and P ≤ .01 for, CAT).The difference of action of the two techniques are evident in the results of, pulmonary function testing: IPPB increases FVC, FEV1, and MIP; this reflects, its capacity to increase lung volume. Also TPEP increases FVC and FEV1 (less, than IPPB), but increases MEP, while decreasing total lung capacity and, residual volume.

Conclusions

The two techniques (IPPB and TPEP) improves significantly dyspnea; quality of; life tools and lung function in patients with severe COPD. IPPB demonstrated a greater effectiveness to improve dyspnea and quality of life tools (MRC, CAT) than TPEP.     

Elaboración de un score predictivo preoperatorio de coledocolitiasis

Introduction

Choledocholithiasis is the most common cause of obstructive jaundice and occurs in 5-10% of patients with cholelithiasis.

Objectives

To design a preoperative predictive score for choledocholithiasis.

Material and methods

A prospective study was carried out in 556 patients admitted to our department for biliary disease. Preoperative clinical, laboratory, and ultrasound variables were compared between patients without choledocholithiasis and 65 patients with this diagnosis. A multivariate logistic analysis was performed to obtain a predictive model of choledocholithiasis, determining sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV).

Results

Predictors of choledocholithiasis were the presence of a prior history of biliary disease (history of biliary colic, acute cholecystitis, choledocholithiasis or acute biliary pancreatitis) (p = 0.021, OR = 2.225, 95% CI: 1.130-4.381), total bilirubin values > 4 mg/dl (p = 0.046, OR = 2.403, 95% CI: 1.106-5.685), alkaline phosphatase values > 150 mg/dl (p = 0.022 income, OR = 2.631, 95%: 1.386-6.231), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) values > 100 mg/dl (p = 0.035, OR = 2.10, 95% CI: 1.345-5.850), and an ultrasound finding of biliary duct > 8 mm (p = 0.034, OR = 3.063 95% CI: 1086-8649). A score superior to 5 had a specificity and PPV of 100% for detecting choledocholithiasis and a score less than 3 had a sensitivity and NPV of 100% for excluding this diagnosis.

Conclusions

The preoperative score can exclude or confirm the presence of choledocholithiasis and allows patients to directly benefit from laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) or prior endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).     

Factores predictores de recanalización arterial en pacientes con hemoptisis amenazante que requieren embolización arterial

Introduction

Artery embolization (AE) is a safe and useful procedure in the management of massive hemoptysis. The objective of our study was to describe the experience of AE in a tertiary referral center, to characterize angiographic findings at the time of recurrence, and to analyze factors associated with these findings.

Material and methods

Observational retrospective study of patients presenting with life-threatening hemoptysis. All consecutive patients with at least one episode of hemoptysis that required AE during a 13-year period were included. The effects of i) time to recurrence; ii) use of coils, and iii) number of arteries embolized on the likelihood that the recurrence was secondary to recanalization were assessed.

Results

One hundred seventy-six patients were included in the study. Twenty-two patients (12.5%) died due to hemoptysis. Probability of recurrence-free survival at one month was 0.91 (95% CI: 0.87 to 0.95), at 12 months was 0.85 (95% CI: 0.79 to 0.91), and after 3 years was 0.75 (95% CI: 0.66 to 0.83). A longer time to recurrence was associated with a higher probability that the hemorrhage affected the same artery (estimate = 0.0157, z-value = 2.41, p-value = 0.016).

Conclusion

AE is a safe and useful technique in the management of massive and recurrent hemoptysis. Nevertheless, recurrence after embolization is not uncommon. Recurring hemoptysis due to recanalization is related to time to recurrence, but not to the use of coils or number of arteries embolized.     

Efectividad a corto y largo plazo de un programa tutelado de formación en espirometrías para profesionales de atención primaria

Introduction

Despite the importance of spirometry, its use and quality are limited in the Primary Care setting. There are few accredited training programs that have demonstrated improvement in the quality of spirometric studies. In this paper, we analyze the short- and long-term effectiveness of a supervised training program for performing and interpreting spirometries.

Methodology

Ours is an intervention study with before and after measurements. The target population included teams of physicians and nursing staff at 26 health-care centers in the area of Vigo (Galicia, Spain). The structured training program involved 2 theoretical and practical training sessions (that were 2 months apart), an intermediate period of 30 supervised spirometries performed in the respective centers and weekly e-mail exercises. Effectiveness was evaluated using exercises at the beginning (test 1) and the end (test 2) of the 1 st day, 2 nd day (test 3) and one year later (test 4), as well as the analysis of spirometries done in month 1, month 2 and one year later. Participants also completed a survey about their satisfaction.

Results

74 participants initiated the program; 72 completed the program, but only 45 participated in the one-year evaluation. Mean test scores were: 4.1 ± 1.9 on test 1; 7.5 ± 1.6 on test 2; 8.9 ± 1.3 on test 3, and 8.8 ± 1.4 on test 4. During month 1, the percentage of correctly done/interpreted tests was 71%, in month two it was 91% and after one year it was 83% (P < .05).

Conclusions

A training program based on theoretical and practical workshops and a supervised follow-up of spirometries significantly improved the ability of Primary Care professionals to carry out and interpret spirometric testing, although the quality of the tests diminished over time.     

Efectividad de la vacunación antigripal para evitar el ingreso hospitalario por agudización de la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica

Introduction

The main objective was to determine the effectiveness of influenza vaccination in preventing hospitalization due to exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). One secondary objective was to estimate the prevalence of vaccination, and to describe the factors that were associated with being vaccinated.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted that included 1,323 patients diagnosed with COPD in the Health Centre of the Pla d’Urgell (Lleida, Spain). They were classified into two cohorts: cohort 1, patients vaccinated against seasonal influenza (campaign 2011/12), and cohort 2, non-vaccinated. The number of patients in both cohorts requiring hospital admission for exacerbation of the disease between the 12/01/2011 and the 03/15/2012 was quantified. Information about the variables of interest was recorded for each patient. A univariate and multivariate analysis was performed. The effectiveness of vaccination was calculated with the formula: E = (1 – OR) × 100. The ORs and their 95% confidence interval (95%CI) were determined by multivariate logistic regression models.

Results

Just over half (55.3%) of the patients had been vaccinated. Vaccinated patients were older and had more associated comorbidity. At the same time, they were less hospitalized (3.0% versus 8.9%; P = .001). The crude and adjusted effectiveness of influenza vaccination in this population subgroup was 68.4% (95%CI: 47.5-81.0) and 90.8 (95%CI: 96.8-88.2), respectively.

Conclusion

Influenza vaccination is effective in preventing hospitalization due to acute exacerbations in COPD patients. However, immunization coverage is not as high as desired. Designing programs to increase the rate of vaccination in this population would reduce the number of hospital admissions for COPD exacerbation.     

Evolución del uso de la ventilación mecánica no invasiva en enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica en una región española, 1997-2010

Introduction

Noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIV) appeared in the 1980s as an alternative to invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) in patients with acute respiratory failure. We evaluated the introduction of NIV and the results in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the Region of Murcia (Spain).

Subjects and methods

A retrospective observational study based on the minimum basic hospital discharge data of all patients hospitalised for this pathology in all public hospitals in the region between 1997 and 2010. We performed a time trend analysis on hospital attendance, the use of each ventilatory intervention and hospital mortality through joinpoint regression.

Results

We identified 30.027 hospital discharges. Joinpoint analysis: downward trend in attendance (annual percentage change [APC] = −3.4, 95% CI: − 4.8; −2.0, P <.05) and in the group without ventilatory intervention (APC = −4.2%, −5.6; −2.8, P <.05); upward trend in the use of NIV (APC = 16.4, 12.0; 20. 9, P <.05), and downward trend that was not statistically significant in IMV (APC = −4.5%, −10.3; 1.7). We observed an upward trend without statistical significance in overall mortality (APC = 0.5, −1.3; 2.4) and in the group without intervention (APC = 0.1, −1.6; 1.9); downward trend with statistical significance in the NIV group (APC = −7.1, −11.7; −2.2, P <.05) and not statistically significant in the IMV group (APC = −0,8, −6, 1; 4.8). The mean stay did not change substantially.

Conclusions

The introduction of NIV has reduced the group of patients not receiving assisted ventilation. No improvement in results was found in terms of mortality or length of stay.     

Clasificación de la gravedad de la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica según la nueva guía Iniciativa Global para la Enfermedad Obstructiva Crónica 2011: COPD Assessment Test versus modified Medical Research Council

Introduction

The GOLD 2011 revision proposes to stratify patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by measuring the impact of the disease using the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) scale or COPD assessment test (CAT). Our aim was to determine whether both methods are equivalent.

Patients and methods

Observational study on a cohort of 283 patients diagnosed with COPD. We analyzed the demographic and lung function results. Patients were assessed by CAT and mMRC on the same day by the same interviewer, and divided into GOLD 2011 categories according to the result of the evaluation. The degree of concordance and Spearman correlation were determined. We used ANOVA on the clinical and functional variables of the four GOLD 2011 categories.

Results

Assessing the classification of patients according to the method used, an overall correlation ρ = 0.613 and a degree of concordance κ = 0.63 (moderate) were obtained. κ = 0.44 was obtained for the 152 patients in categories A and B (moderate-low), and 0.38 for the 131 patients in categories C and D (low). Differences were observed between categories in terms of functional parameters.

Conclusions

The classification of patients with COPD using the assessment proposed by GOLD 2011 varies according to the method used (CAT or mMRC); more than 25% of patients were reclassified into different categories, implying differences in the recommended therapeutic strategy. Longitudinal studies are needed to appraise which method better classifies patients, according to its prognostic ability.     

Cambios en el estadio y presentación clínica del cáncer de pulmón a lo largo de dos décadas

Introduction

Important clinical and epidemiological changes have been observed in lung cancer (LC) in our healthcare area compared to the previous decade. In the last 10 years, specific LC care circuits have been implemented and the active search for cases has been stepped up. The aim of this study was to analyze the progress of these changes over the last 20 years.

Methods

This is a retrospective study comparing clinical and epidemiological changes between 2 historical cohorts of LC patients (1992-1994 [group 1, 164 patients] and 2004-2006 [group 2, 250 patients]) and a current group from the period 2011-2012 (group 3, 209 patients)

Results

Two hundred and nine (209) LC patients were included in group 3 (2011-2012 period). After comparing groups 3 and 2, a non-significant rise in smoking was observed in women (59% vs 41%, p = .25), while the prevalence of adenocarcinoma was unchanged (45% vs 44%, p = .9). The main changes observed were the increase in cases with previous malignancies (23% vs 16%, p = .04), the rise in patients with no associated LC symptoms (33% vs 16%, p < .001), and an increased number of localized NSCLC (non-small cell LC) diagnoses (42% vs 24% in series 2, p < .001 and 14.2% in series 1, p < .001).

Conclusions

The number of LC patients diagnosed in localized stages has increased significantly. Furthermore, the number of patients with no symptoms associated with LC and with a history of previous malignancy were significantly increased.     

Manejo de la hipertensión resistente en una unidad multidisciplinaria de denervación renal: protocolo y resultados

Introduction and objectives

Resistant hypertension is a clinical problem because of its difficult management and increased morbidity and mortality. Catheter-based renal denervation has been demonstrated to improve control in these patients. The results of establishing a multidisciplinary unit for the implementation of renal denervation in the management of resistant hypertension are described.

Methods

A team of nephrologists and cardiologists created a protocol for patient selection, intervention, and follow-up. One hundred and ninety-seven patients with poorly controlled essential hypertension, despite taking 3 or more drugs, were included. The ablation technique previously described was supported by a navigator based on rotational angiography. Blood pressure at baseline and after follow-up was compared using the Wilcoxon test for paired samples.

Results

One hundred and eight patients (55%) with pseudo-resistant hypertension were excluded. The other 89 were given antialdosteronic drugs, to which 60 patients (30%) responded. The remaining 29 patients (15%) were candidates for denervation. Eleven patients, with blood pressure 164/99 mmHg and taking 4.4 antihypertensive drugs, were ablated. After 72 days of follow-up, systolic and diastolic blood pressure fell by 25 mmHg (P=.02) and 10 mmHg (P=.06), respectively. In 10 patients (91%) at least 1 drug was discontinued.

Conclusions

Renal denervation performed by a multidisciplinary team led to an improvement in blood pressure similar to previous studies, with a greater reduction of antihypertensive drugs.Full English text available from:www.revespcardiol.org/en.     

Trasplante bipulmonar en hipertensión pulmonar. Una serie de 15 pacientes

Background

Pulmonary hypertension is a serious disease that, in its terminal phase, requires lung transplantation.

Patients and methods

A retrospective study was undertaken of 15 patients with pulmonary hypertension who underwent lung transplantation between 1994 and 2004. Clinical data recorded before the procedure and during follow-up were reviewed.

Results

Pulmonary hypertension was reported as idiopathic in 8 patients (53%) and related to consumption of toxic oil in 2. The remaining causes were documented as chronic peripheral pulmonary embolism, histiocytosis X, venoocclusive disease, scleroderma, and simple corrected congenital heart defect in 1 patient each. The mean values of the hemodynamic variables were 100, 50, and 67 mm Hg for systolic, diastolic, and mean pulmonary artery pressure, respectively; 2.63 L/min for cardiac output; and 20.9 Wood units for total pulmonary resistance. The mean time between diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension and lung transplantation was 5.9 years (range, 0.4–20 y). Seven patients were in functional class III and 8 in functional class IV. The mean 6-minute walk distance was 204 m (range, 0–360 m). Four patients (26%) died during the during the perioperative period and 9 (60%), 7 (46%), and 6 (40%) were still alive at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively.

Conclusions

Double-lung transplantation is a therapeutic option that, in certain cases, has similar outcomes to those achieved with the most aggressive medical treatment for pulmonary hypertension.     

Preparación con picosulfato sódico/citrato de magnesio en dosis fraccionadas para colonoscopias en turno de mañana realizadas entre las 2 y 6 horas posteriores a la ingesta de líquidos

Background

Split dosage of bowel preparations has been shown to substantially improve bowel cleansing.

Aim

To compare the split dose (SD) sodium picosulphate/magnesium oxide/anhydrous citric acid (Citrafleet^®) regimen for morning colonoscopies with standard cleansing the day before.

Methods

Consecutive outpatients were randomized to receive Citrafleet^® the day before colonoscopy or SD, in whom the second half was administered on an individual basis from 2 to 6 hours before the procedure. No bisacodyl was administered. All procedures were performed with non-anesthesiologist administered propofol sedation. The Boston scale was used to assess the quality of bowel preparation (adequate cleansing if score ≥ 6, with no score of 0/1 in any segment).

Results

A total of 193 patients were included. Overall bowel cleansing was significantly better in the SD group (7 vs. 5.2, p < 0.001), as well as in the cecum (2.4 vs. 1.4, p < 0.001), ascending colon (2.5 vs. 1.6, p < 0.001) and transverse colon (2.4 vs. 2, p = 0.004). A significant proportion of SD patients had adequate bowel cleansing (71% vs. 30%, p < 0.001). Patients in the SD group drank a greater amount of liquid (4.9 vs. 4 liters, p = 0.006) and more frequently perceived the cleansing process to be easy or very easy to complete (89 vs. 68%, p = 0.04), although they slept significantly fewer hours (6.5 vs. 7.9, p < 0.001). No bronchoaspiration pneumonia was reported.

Conclusions

SD Citrafleet^® 2 to 6 hours before colonoscopy increased the rate of procedures with adequate bowel cleansing by 40%, especially in the proximal colon, allowed more liquids to be drunk and increased the perception of ease in completing the preparation, with no sedation-related complications.     

Calidad de vida relacionada con la salud en una cohorte nacional de pacientes con hipertensión arterial pulmonar o hipertensión pulmonar tromboembólica crónica

Background

Patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) experience impaired health-related quality of life (HRQL). The objective of this study was to evaluate HRQL in a nation-wide sample.

Patients and methods

This is a prospective, multicenter, non-interventional study of HRQL including 139 (89%) PAH and 17 (11%) CTEPH patients (women 70.5%; mean age, 52.2) recruited from 21 Spanish hospitals. 55% had idiopathic PAH, 34% other PAH and 11% CTEPH. HRQL was measured using the Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) and EuroQoL-5D (baseline and after 6 months).

Results

HRQL in the patients with PAH or CTEPH was impaired. The physical component of SF-36 and the EuroQol-5D correlated with the functional class (FC). Mean EuroQol-5D visual analogical scale (EQ-5D VAS) scores were 73.5 ± 18.4, 62.9 ± 20.7 and 51.3 ± 16.0 (P < .0001) in patients with FC I, II and III, respectively. Every increase of one FC represented a loss of 4.0 on the PCS SF-36 and a loss of 9.5 on the EQ-5D VAS. Eight patients who died or received a transplant during the study period presented poorer initial HRQL compared with the rest of the population. No significant changes in HRQL were observed in survivors after 6 months of follow-up.

Conclusions

HRQL is impaired in this population, especially in PAH/CTEPH patients near death. HRQL measurements could help predict the prognosis in PAH and CTPH and provide additional information in these patients.