Eficacia y seguridad del uso de novo y precoz de tacrolimus de liberación prolongada en el trasplante cardiaco

Introduction and objectives

The extended-release formulation of tacrolimus (ERT) allows once-daily dosage, thus simplifying the immunosuppressive regimen. This study aimed to describe the safety and efficacy of the de novo and early use of ERT in heart transplantation.

Objetivos y metodología de la fase iii de BIOBADASER

ObjectiveDescribe the objectives, methods and results of the first year of the new version of the Spanish registry of adverse events involving biological therapies and synthetic drugs with an identifiable target in rheumatic diseases (BIOBADASER III).MethodologyMulticenter prospective registry of patients with rheumatic inflammatory diseases being treated with biological drugs or synthetic drugs with an identifiable target in rheumatology departments in Spain. The main objective of BIOBADASER Phase III is the registry and analysis of adverse events; moreover, a secondary objective was added consisting of assessing the effectiveness by means of the registry of activity indexes. Patients in the registry are evaluated at least once every year and whenever they experience an adverse event or a change in treatment. The collection of data for phase iii began on 17 December 2015.ResultsDuring the first year, 35 centers participated. The number of patients included in this new phase in December 2016 was 2,664. The mean age was 53.7 years and the median duration of treatment was 8.1 years. In all, 40.4% of the patients were diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. The most frequent adverse events were infections and infestations.ConclusionsBIOBADASER Phase III has been launched to adapt to a changing pharmacological environment, with the introduction of biosimilars and small molecules in the treatment of rheumatic diseases. This new stage is adapted to the changes in the reporting of adverse events and now includes information related to activity scores.     

Características al diagnóstico y supervivencia de estadios i y ii de cáncer de pulmón

Introduction

The objective of our study was to describe the characteristics of patients diagnosed with stage I and II lung cancer in the health area of A Coruña (Galicia) and to determine their overall survival according to certain variables.

Calidad de vida y grado de satisfacción de pacientes postoperados de funduplicatura de Nissen laparoscópica

BackgroundToday, antireflux surgery has an established position in the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Some case series have shown good short-term results, but there is still little information regarding long-term results. Studies have recently focused on evaluating residual symptomatology and its impact on quality of life.ObjectivesTo determine the postoperative quality of life and degree of satisfaction in patients that underwent laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication.Patients and methodsA total of 100 patients (59 women and 41 men) were studied after having undergone laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. The variables analyzed were level of satisfaction, gastrointestinal quality of life index (GIQLI), residual symptoms, and the Visick scale.ResultsNo variation was found in relation to sex; 49 men and 51 women participated in the study. The mean age was 49 years. The degree of satisfaction encountered was: satisfactory in 81 patients, moderate in 3, and bad in 2 patients. More than 90% of the patients would undergo the surgery again or recommend it. The Carlsson score showed improvement at the end of the study (p < 0.05). In relation to the GIQLI, a median of 100.61 points ± 21.624 was obtained. Abdominal bloating, regurgitation, and early satiety were the most frequent residual symptoms. The effect on lifestyle measured by the Visick scale was excellent.ConclusionsThe level of satisfaction and quality of life obtained were comparable with reported standards; and the residual symptoms after antireflux surgery were easily controlled.     

Criterios de cribado de enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal y espondiloartritis para derivación de pacientes entre Reumatología y Gastroenterología

Objective

To define clinical screening criteria for spondyloarthritis (SpA) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and vice versa, which can be used as a reference for referring them to the rheumatology or gastroenterology service.

Criterios de cribado de enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal y espondiloartritis para derivación de pacientes entre Reumatología y Gastroenterología

Objective

To define clinical screening criteria for spondyloarthritis (SpA) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and vice versa, which can be used as a reference for referring them to the rheumatology or gastroenterology service.

Hoja de información al paciente y consentimiento informado de casos clínicos y series de casos: propuesta de un modelo estandarizado para comunicaciones en congresos y otras publicaciones científicas

A standard model of the Patient Information Sheet (PIS) and Informed Consent (IC) would facilitate compliance with the guaranteed rights of the patient when their health data is used in any form for purposes other than medical assistance, like the release of case reports and case series. This model would be suitable for the presentation of case reports in a congress in any form (verbal communication, poster or presentation), for its publication in a journal that does not require the completion of its own model, or even for teaching practice.A standard model of the PIS and IC would facilitate the application of the current regulations and good clinical practices in clinical research: it would guarantee the compliance of the professionals’ duty of protection of the patient's privacy against the use of their health data for purposes other than medical assistance.     

Sobrecarga de los cuidadores de pacientes de diálisis peritoneal. Validación de cuestionario y baremos

Introduction

Carers of peritoneal dialysis patients may suffer from burden, the characteristics of which differ from burden due to dementia, cancer or other dependent conditions.

Experiencia de 4 años de funcionamiento de una unidad multidisciplinar de psoriasis y artritis psoriásica

Introduction and objectivesUp to 30% of patients with psoriasis develop joint disease, the course of which can be improved by early diagnosis and treatment. The aim of this study was to describe our experience with a new multidisciplinary psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis unit over a period of 4 years (2009-2012).Material and methodsImplementation of a PSOriasis Rheumatology and Dermatology unit (PSORD) to provide patient care and physician training. In the first phase of the project, referral criteria for the unit were defined and several meetings were organized to train and prepare the specialists involved in the program. In the second phase, a schedule was drawn up for monthly patient visits with the PSORD team. Starting in 2011, training was offered to dermatologists and rheumatologists from other hospitals interested in implementing a similar model.ResultsA total of 259 visits (71% first visits, 8% no-shows) were scheduled during the period analyzed, with a median of 8 visits (range, 2-14 visits) per session. Sixty-three percent of the patients were referred from the rheumatology department. Diagnosis and treatment were modified in 32% and 47% of cases, respectively. Three training courses were held with 15 physicians from 6 hospitals, 3 of which created similar units.ConclusionsThe PSORD model improved the management of difficult-to-diagnose and/or uncontrolled disease, the early diagnosis and treatment of psoriatic arthritis, and collaboration between dermatologists and rheumatologists. Finally, the model lends itself to being exported to other settings.     

Recomendaciones del Grupo Español de Trabajo en Enfermedad de Crohn y Colitis Ulcerosa (GETECCU) y de la Confederación de Asociaciones de Enfermedad de Crohn y Colitis Ulcerosa (ACCU) para el manejo de los aspectos psicológicos en la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal

Aims

To establish recommendations for the management of psychological problems affecting patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Aspectos prácticos de la medición de los niveles de fármacos biológicos y de anticuerpos antifármaco en artritis reumatoide y espondiloartritis

ObjectivesIssue recommendations on practical aspects of the monitoring of levels of biological drugs that may be useful for rheumatologists.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review of studies in which drug and anti-drug antibody levels were determined in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or spondyloarthritis (SpA) to study whether they could predict different outcomes. In light of the results of the review, a group of experts discussed under what circumstances testing biological drug levels and their antibodies could be useful. The discussion resulted in a series of clinical questions that were answered with the scientific evidence collected, and in algorithms that facilitate decision making.ResultsIt was established that the determination of drug levels can be especially useful in two clinical situations, on treatment failure (primary or secondary) and on sustained remission. It is also reviewed which laboratory technique and timing for sample drawing are the most suitable for the measurement. Recommendations are issued on the interpretation of drug levels and on factors to be taken into account (for example, body mass index and disease modifying drugs).ConclusionsEvidence-based algorithms and guidelines have been established to test drug levels and anti-drug antibodies in patients with RA and SpA, which can help clinical decision making.     

Diversidad de los genotipos vacA y cagA de Helicobacter pylori y expresión de interferón gamma en pacientes con gastritis crónica y cáncer gástrico

BackgroundHelicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is the main risk factor for the development of chronic gastritis, gastric ulcer, and gastric cancer. In H. pylori-infected individuals, the clinical result is dependent on various factors, among which are bacterial components, the immune response, and environmental influence.AimsTo compare IFN-γ expression with the H. pylori vacA and cagA genotypes in patients with chronic gastritis and patients with gastric cancer.MethodsNinety-five patients diagnosed with chronic gastritis and 20 with gastric cancer were included in the study. Three gastric biopsies were taken; one was used for the molecular detection and genotyping of H. pylori; another was fixed in absolute alcohol and histologic sections were made for determining IFN-γ expression through immunohistochemistry.ResultsNo differences were found in the cells that expressed IFN-γ between the patients with chronic gastritis (median percentage of positive cells: 82.6% in patients without H. pylori and 82% in infected persons) and those with gastric cancer (70.5% in H. pylori-negative patients and 78.5% in infected persons). IFN-γ expression was 69% in chronic gastritis patients infected with H. pylori vacAs2m2/cagA^-, it was 86.5% in patients infected with H. pylori vacAs1m2/cagA^-, 86.5% in vacAs1m1/cagA^-, and 82% in vacAs1m1/cagA⁺. Similar data were found in the patients with gastric cancer.ConclusionsIFN-γ expression varied depending on the H. pylori vacA and cagA genotype, but not in accordance with the presence of chronic gastritis or gastric cancer.     

Asociación de obesidad general y abdominal con hipertensión,dislipemia y presencia de prediabetes en el estudio PREDAPS

Introduction and objectives

Some anthropometric measurements show a greater capacity than others to identify the presence of cardiovascular risk factors. This study estimated the magnitude of the association of different anthropometric indicators of obesity with hypertension, dyslipidemia, and prediabetes (altered fasting plasma glucose and/or glycosylated hemoglobin).