Recomendaciones para la selección del donante para la transferencia de microbiota fecal. Documento de posicionamiento avalado por la Societat Catalana de Digestologia,la Societat Catalana de Malalties Infeccioses i Microbiologia Clínica y el grupo GEMBIOTA de la Sociedad Española de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología Clínica

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is an effective and safe treatment to treat recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection. It is essential to make every effort to perform FMT rigorously and based on scientific knowledge. Selection of the fecal microbiota donor is a key point of the process to ensure recipient safety. It is necessary to have protocols of action that allow clinicians to act with the maximum guarantees and to minimize the risks of the procedure. For this reason, a multidisciplinary working group has been set up in Cataluña with the aim of establishing recommendations for the selection of the fecal microbiota donor.     

Pancreatitis crónica para el clínico. Parte 2: Tratamiento y seguimiento. Documento de posicionamiento interdisciplinar de la Societat Catalana de Digestologia y la Societat Catalana de Pàncrees

Chronic pancreatitis is associated with impaired quality of life, high incidence of comorbidities, serious complications and mortality. Healthcare costs are exorbitant. Some medical societies have developed guidelines for treatment based on scientific evidence, but the gathered level of evidence for any individual topic is usually low and, therefore, recommendations tend to be vague or weak.In the present position papers on chronic pancreatitis from the Societat Catalana de Digestologia and the Societat Catalana de Pàncrees we aimed at providing defined position statements for the clinician based on updated review of published literature and on multidisciplinary expert agreement. The final goal is to propose the use of common terminology and rational diagnostic/therapeutic circuits based on current knowledge. To this end 51 sections related to chronic pancreatitis were reviewed by 21 specialists from 6 different fields to generate 88 statements altogether. Statements were designed to harmonize concepts or delineate recommendations.Part 2 of these paper series discuss topics on treatment and follow-up. The therapeutic approach should include assessment of etiological factors, clinical manifestations and complications. The complexity of these patients advocates for detailed evaluation in multidisciplinary committees where conservative, endoscopic, interventional radiology or surgical options are weighed. Specialized multidisciplinary units of Pancreatology should be constituted. Indications for surgery are refractory pain, local complications, and suspicion of malignancy. Enzyme replacement therapy is indicated if evidence of exocrine insufficiency or after pancreatic surgery. Response should be evaluated by nutritional parameters and assessment of symptoms. A follow-up program should be planned for every patient with chronic pancreatitis.     

Documento de posicionamiento de la Societat Catalana de Digestologia y la Societat Catalana de Radiologia: ecografía para especialistas en enfermedad digestiva en Catalunya

Over recent years, ultrasonography has been used increasingly in various medical specialties and is now an indispensable diagnostic tool. In gastroenterology, bedside or point-of-care ultrasound allows the early diagnosis and monitoring of multiple intraabdominal conditions. Ultrasound guidance is also highly useful in certain therapeutic procedures, increasing procedural safety.Ultrasound is a non-invasive technique but has the drawback of being very operator dependent. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that the professionals who perform ultrasonography have a sufficient level of training in the technique.In Catalonia, abdominal ultrasound is usually carried out by radiologists and has not yet been incorporated as an investigation performed by gastroenterologists. In view of this, the Societat Catalana de Radiologia and the Societat Catalana de Digestologia judged it necessary to develop a consensus framework document on ultrasound use and training for gastroenterologists.The document establishes the suggested format for training, the appropriate indications, the minimum material requirements and appropriate documentation of the procedure to ensure that gastroenterologist-performed ultrasound is useful and safe.     

Actualización en el manejo de la infección por Helicobacter pylori. Documento de posicionamiento de la Societat Catalana de Digestologia

More than 30 years after its discovery, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection remains the most common cause of gastric and duodenal diseases. H. pylori is the leading cause of chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer, gastric MALT lymphoma and gastric adenocarcinoma. Several consensuses have recently been published on the management of H. pylori infection. The general guidelines of the Spanish consensus, the Toronto Consensus and the Maastricht V Consensus of 2016 are similar but concrete recommendations can vary significantly. In addition, the recommendations of some of these consensuses are decidedly complex. This position paper from the Catalan Society of Digestology is an update of evidence-based recommendations on the management and treatment of H. pylori infection. The aim of this document is to review this information in order to make recommendations for routine clinical practice that are simple, specific and easily applied to our setting.     

Manejo de la insuficiencia hepática aguda grave. Documento de posicionamiento de la Societat Catalana de Digestologia

Acute liver failure is an uncommon and severe disease characterised by a rapid onset of severe hepatocellular failure in individuals without previous liver disease. Initial management of this entity determines the outcome of the patient. Initial contact with the acute liver failure patients usually occurs in the emergency department, digestology clinic or, in more severe cases, intensive care units. The management of acute liver failure patients in all these cases must be multidisciplinary, involving surgeons and hepatologists who are experts in this condition, meaning those from hospitals with active liver transplant programmes.This article reviews the current body of evidence concerning the medical management of acute liver failure patients, from the suspected diagnosis and initial management to intensive medical treatment, including the need for an emergency liver transplantation. Moreover, we also review the use of artificial liver support systems in this setting.     

Documento de información y consenso para la detección y manejo de la enfermedad renal crónica

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major public health problem worldwide that affects more than 10% of the Spanish population. CKD is associated with high comorbidity rates, poor prognosis and major consumption of health system resources. Since the publication of the last consensus document on CKD seven years ago, little evidence has emerged and few clinical trials on new diagnostic and treatment strategies in CKD have been conducted, apart from new trials in diabetic kidney disease. Therefore, CKD international guidelines have not been recently updated. The rigidity and conservative attitude of the guidelines should not prevent the publication of updates in knowledge about certain matters that may be key in detecting CKD and managing patients with this disease. This document, also prepared by 10 scientific societies, provides an update on concepts, clarifications, diagnostic criteria, remission strategies and new treatment options.The evidence and the main studies published on these aspects of CKD have been reviewed. This should be considered more as an information document on CKD. It includes an update on CKD detection, risk factors and screening; a definition of renal progression; an update of remission criteria with new suggestions in the older population; CKD monitoring and prevention strategies; management of associated comorbidities, particularly in diabetes mellitus; roles of the Primary Care physician in CKD management; and what not to do in Nephrology.The aim of the document is to serve as an aid in the multidisciplinary management of the patient with CKD based on current recommendations and knowledge.     

Eliminación de la hepatitis C. Documento de posicionamiento de la Asociación Española para el Estudio del Hígado (AEEH)

The Spanish Association for the Study of the Liver (AEEH) is convinced that the elimination of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Spain is possible as long as we are able to use the resources and tools necessary for it. This document reflects the position of the AEEH regarding the elimination of HCV, establishing a wide range of recommendations that can be grouped into five categories: 1) Screening of HCV according to age, of the existence of classic acquisition risk factors of infection, active search of previously diagnosed patients and development of micro-elimination strategies in vulnerable populations; 2) Simplification of HCV diagnosis (one-step diagnosis and diagnosis at the point of patient care); 3) Simplification of patient treatment and improvement of care circuits; 4) Health policy measures, and, finally, 5) Establishment of HCV elimination indicators.     

Enfermedades vasculares del hígado. Guías Clínicas de la Sociedad Catalana de Digestología y de la Asociación Española para el Estudio del Hígado

Despite their relatively low prevalence, vascular diseases of the liver represent a significant health problem in the field of liver disease. A common characteristic shared by many such diseases is their propensity to cause portal hypertension together with increased morbidity and mortality. These diseases are often diagnosed in young patients and their delayed diagnosis and/or inappropriate treatment can greatly reduce life expectancy.This article reviews the current body of evidence concerning Budd-Chiari syndrome, non-cirrhotic portal vein thrombosis, idiopathic portal hypertension, sinusoidal obstruction syndrome, hepatic vascular malformations in hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia, cirrhotic portal vein thrombosis and other rarer vascular diseases including arterioportal fistulas. It also includes a section on the diagnostic imaging of vascular diseases of the liver and their treatment from a haematological standpoint (study of thrombotic diathesis and anticoagulation therapy). All recommendations are based on published studies extracted from PubMed. The quality of evidence and strength of recommendations were rated in accordance with the GRADE system (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment Development and Evaluation). In the absence of sufficient evidence, recommendations were based on the opinion of the committee that produced the guide.     

Documento de consenso para la formación en ecografía en la especialidad de Nefrología

Ultrasound is an essential tool in the management of the nephrological patient allowing the diagnosis, monitoring and performance of kidney intervention. However, the usefulness of ultrasound in the hands of the nephrologist is not limited exclusively to the ultrasound study of the kidney. By ultrasound, the nephrologist can also optimize the management of arteriovenous fistula for hemodialysis, measure cardiovascular risk (mean intimate thickness), implant central catheters for ultrasound-guided HD, as well as the patient's volemia using basic cardiac ultrasound, ultrasound of the cava inferior vein and lungs.From the Working Group on Interventional Nephrology (GNDI) of the Spanish Society of Nephrology (SEN) we have prepared this consensus document that summarizes the main applications of ultrasound to Nephrology, including the necessary basic technical requirements, the framework normative and the level of training of nephrologists in this area. The objective of this work is to promote the inclusion of ultrasound, both diagnostic and interventional, in the usual clinical practice of the nephrologist and in the Nephrology Services portfolio with the final objective of offering diligent, efficient and comprehensive management to the nephrological patient.     

Documento de consenso sobre el diagnóstico y tratamiento de la infección bronquial crónica en la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica

Although the chronic presence of microorganisms in the airways of patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) confers a poor outcome, no recommendations have been established in disease management guidelines on how to diagnose and treat these cases.In order to guide professionals, the Spanish Society of Pulmonology and Thoracic Surgery (SEPAR) has prepared a document which aims to answer questions on the clinical management of COPD patients in whom microorganisms are occasionally or habitually isolated. Since the available scientific evidence is too heterogeneous to use in the creation of a clinical practice guideline, we have drawn up a document based on existing scientific literature and clinical experience, addressing the definition of different clinical situations and their diagnosis and management. The text was drawn up by consensus and approved by a large group of respiratory medicine experts with extensive clinical and scientific experience in the field, and has been endorsed by the SEPAR Scientific Committee.     

Propuestas para la incorporación del rol de enfermería en la certificación de unidades de espondiloartritis axial. Revisión bibliográfica y consenso entre expertas

ObjectiveTo analyse the role of nursing in the approach to axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and to make proposals to include the role of rheumatology nursing consultations (RECs) in the quality certification of these specialized units.MethodsA systematic review of the nursing role in quality certification systems in the management of axSpA was conducted. Subsequently a consensus conference was held with the participation of 3 rheumatology nurses to determine elements that should be considered in future revisions of certification standards.ResultsThe systematic review yielded 5 papers as relevant. None of the publications reviewed explicitly proposed standards applicable to nursing care in the management of patients with axSpA, although they contemplated the activities of this professional group. The proposals agreed upon to incorporate the role of RECs in the certification standards for axSpA monographic units included the following: basic equipment and resources, organization, administration of pharmacological treatments and promotion of adherence, standardized programmes for axSpA, telematic consultation (e-consultation) for monitoring the stable patient and promoting continuity of care and registry of patient-reported outcome measures.ConclusionsThe literature on quality standards and certification standards for axSpA monographic units is scarce and hardly reflects the role of RECs in providing quality care. The consensus proposals in this study would incorporate RECs into quality certification standards. In the future, the increased presence of RECs in Spain should be accompanied by a review of the indicators regarding their role.     

Construcción y validación de la escala EsVida para la valoración del requerimiento de manejo en urgencias de una gastroenteritis infecciosa

IntroductionInfectious gastroenteritis can result in unnecessary emergency room consultations. Instruments are needed to detect the risks for unfavorable progression.AimTo develop and validate a comprehensive severity scale for acute gastroenteritis in children.Materials and methodsData associated with complications (probable items) were determined through a MeSH search. The EsVida scale was developed with 4 theoretic domains: personal history (3 items), social problems (2 items), risks for severe gastroenteritis (4 items), and signs of fluid and electrolyte imbalance (4 items). The items were evaluated as present (one point) or absent (zero points) on a 0 to 13-point scale. To validate the instrument, an observational study was conducted at the emergency service on children from one to 13 years of age with acute gastroenteritis. The scale was re-developed utilizing the risks calculated by logistic regression analysis.ResultsNinety-seven pediatric patients were evaluated using the EsVida scale (theoretic development). Its initial version showed an area under the ROC curve of 0.69 (95% CI of 0.6 to 0.79). After risk adjustment, it was simplified to a total of 5 items, with a score of 0 to 42.5. The new scale produced an area under the ROC curve of 0.85 (95% CI of 0.75 to 0.90). At a cutoff value of 12 points, the scale had 69.8% sensitivity and 70.5% specificity. A score below 6 indicated that patients could be managed at home at no risk.ConclusionsThe modified EsVida scale could be used as an aid in deciding on at-home management in cases of acute infectious gastroenteritis.     

Documento de posicionamiento de la AEG,la SEED y la SEAP sobre calidad de la endoscopia digestiva alta para la detección y vigilancia de las lesiones precursoras de cáncer gástrico

This position paper, sponsored by the Asociación Española de Gastroenterología [Spanish Association of Gastroenterology], the Sociedad Española de Endoscopia Digestiva [Spanish Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Society] and the Sociedad Española de Anatomía Patológica [Spanish Anatomical Pathology Society], aims to establish recommendations for performing an high quality upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for the screening of gastric cancer precursor lesions (GCPL) in low-incidence populations, such as the Spanish population. To establish the quality of the evidence and the levels of recommendation, we used the methodology based on the GRADE system (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation). We obtained a consensus among experts using a Delphi method. The document evaluates different measures to improve the quality of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in this setting and makes recommendations on how to evaluate and treat the identified lesions. We recommend that upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for surveillance of GCPL should be performed by endoscopists with adequate training, administering oral premedication and use of sedation. To improve the identification of GCPL, we recommend the use of high definition endoscopes and conventional or digital chromoendoscopy and, for biopsies, NBI should be used to target the most suspicious areas of intestinal metaplasia. Regarding the evaluation of visible lesions, the risk of submucosal invasion should be evaluated with magnifying endoscopes and endoscopic ultrasound should be reserved for those with suspected deep invasion. In lesions amenable to endoscopic resection, submucosal endoscopic dissection is considered the technique of choice.