41 research outputs found

    Online audio-visual information on oral cancer for Spanish-speaking laypersons. A cross-sectional study

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    Lack of knowledge and awareness of oral cancer seem to be the main causes of diagnostic delay. Online resources are often used by patients to obtain health/medical information. However, there are no reports on the quality and usefulness of oral cancer audio-visual resources in Spanish. The aims of this investigation were to disclose the type of information about oral cancer available, and whether it may be useful to shorten the patients? oral cancer appraisal time-interval. Cross-sectional study undertaken at three video-sharing sites on October, 13th 2019. Keywords: ?Cáncer oral?; ?cáncer de boca?. The first 100 results in each viewing list were retrieved by three reviewers. Demographical data was recorded, and interaction indexes, viewing rates, comprehensiveness, and usefulness were calculated for each video. The presence of non-scientifically supported information was also assessed. A descriptive analysis was undertaken, and relationships between variables were explored using the Spearman correlation test. A total of 127 videos were selected. They were produced mainly by mass-media (46.5%; n=59) and their length ranged from 0.28 to 105.38 minutes (median 4.15 minutes; IQR: 2.34-9.67). The most viewed video (10,599,765 views; visualization rate 726,508.9) scored 0 both in usefulness and comprehensiveness. The most useful video gathered 44,119 views (visualization rate 2.033.13). A highly significant positive correlation (0.643; p<0.001) could be observed between usefulness and comprehensiveness of the videos, together with negative correlations between the visualization rate and usefulness (-0.186; p<0.05), and visualization rate and comprehensiveness (-0.183; p<0.05). Online audio-visual material about oral cancer in Spanish is incomplete, of limited usefulness, and often includes non-scientifically supported information. Most of these resources are produced by mass media and healthcare professionals, with minor contributions from educational and healthcare institutions. Visualization rates negatively correlated with the usefulness and comprehensiveness of the contents in these digital objects

    Value contribution of blood-based neurofilament light chain as a biomarker in multiple sclerosis using multi-criteria decision analysis

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    IntroductionMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune demyelinating disease that represents a leading cause of non-traumatic disability among young and middle-aged adults. MS is characterized by neurodegeneration caused by axonal injury. Current clinical and radiological markers often lack the sensitivity and specificity required to detect inflammatory activity and neurodegeneration, highlighting the need for better approaches. After neuronal injury, neurofilament light chains (NfL) are released into the cerebrospinal fluid, and eventually into blood. Thus, blood-based NfL could be used as a potential biomarker for inflammatory activity, neurodegeneration, and treatment response in MS. The objective of this study was to determine the value contribution of blood-based NfL as a biomarker in MS in Spain using the Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) methodology.Materials and methodsA literature review was performed, and the results were synthesized in the evidence matrix following the criteria included in the MCDA framework. The study was conducted by a multidisciplinary group of six experts. Participants were trained in MCDA and scored the evidence matrix. Results were analyzed and discussed in a group meeting through reflective MCDA discussion methodology.ResultsMS was considered a severe condition as it is associated with significant disability. There are unmet needs in MS as a disease, but also in terms of biomarkers since no blood biomarker is available in clinical practice to determine disease activity, prognostic assessment, and response to treatment. The results of the present study suggest that quantification of blood-based NfL may represent a safe option to determine inflammation, neurodegeneration, and response to treatments in clinical practice, as well as to complement data to improve the sensitivity of the diagnosis. Participants considered that blood-based NfL could result in a lower use of expensive tests such as magnetic resonance imaging scans and could provide cost-savings by avoiding ineffective treatments. Lower indirect costs could also be expected due to a lower impact of disability consequences. Overall, blood-based NfL measurement is supported by high-quality evidence.ConclusionBased on MCDA methodology and the experience of a multidisciplinary group of six stakeholders, blood-based NfL measurement might represent a high-value-option for the management of MS in Spain

    Prevalence of hyponatraemia in patients over the age of 65 who have an in-hospital fall

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    Background and aim: Hyponatraemia is the most common electrolyte disorder. Some studies have found that it increases morbidity and mortality. There are new lines of research that are investigating the link between hyponatraemia and patient falls. Aim: To determine if hyponatraemia is associated with falls in elderly hospitalised patients. Methods: Design observational, analytical, case-control study. Study population: Patients older than 65 years who had fallen during their hospitalisation at Gregorio Marañón Hospital (Madrid) were considered cases. Patients who did not fall were considered to be controls, paired according to the following variables: hospital ward, age, length of hospital stay, gender and Downton fall risk index. The sample size was 206 subjects. Data collection: Socio-demographic factors, variables included in the falls record sheet, Downton fall risk index and sodium levels were studied (hyponatraemia was considered Na+&lt; 135 mmol/l). Analysis: A descriptive analysis was performed to determine the sample homogeneity. The OR was calculated, and an analytical analysis using Chi-square test and a multivariate logistic regression analysis were also performed. Results: Of 103 cases recruited, 61 were men (50.4%) and 42 were women (49.4%). Hyponatraemia was detected in 29 cases with an association with falls of P: 0.002. The adjusted OR was 3.708 (1.6-8.3), 95% CI. Risk factors for falls were identified as hyponatraemia and limb sensory deficits. Conclusions: Given that hyponatraemia could be considered a risk factor for falls, the inclusion of the determination of sodium level would be important for fall prevention strategies in the elderly.Fundamento y objetivo: La hiponatremia es el trastorno electrolítico más frecuente. Algunos estudios afirman que aumenta la morbimortalidad. Existen nuevas líneas de investigación que buscan la relación entre hiponatremia y caídas. Objetivo: Determinar si la hiponatremia es un factor relacionado con las caídas en ancianos hospitalizados. Método: Disen˜ o observacional analítico de casos y controles. Población de estudio: Se consideraron casos los pacientes mayores de 65 an˜ os que experimentaron una caída durante su ingreso en unidades de hospitalización del Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Maran˜ ón de Madrid. Los controles fueron pacientes que no wxperimentaron caída, pareados según las variables: unidad, edad, periodo de ingreso, género y Downton. El taman˜ o fue de 206 sujetos. Recogida de datos: Se estudiaron factores sociodemográficos, las variables incluidas en la ficha de registro de caídas y escala de Downton, y el sodio sérico. Se consideró hiponatremia Na+ < 135 mmol/l. Análisis: Se realizó un análisis descriptivo para valorar la homogeneidad de la muestra, un análisis analítico utilizando el test chi cuadrado, calculando la OR y un análisis multivariante con regresión logística. Resultados: De 103 casos, 61 eran hombres (50,4%) y 42 mujeres (49,4%). En 29 se detectó hiponatremia; la relación con las caídas fue p: 0,002. La OR ajustada fue de 3,708 (1,6-8,3), IC 95%. Se identificaron como factores de riesgo para las caídas: hiponatremia y déficits sensoriales en extremidade

    Importance of Timely Treatment Initiation in Infantile-Onset Pompe Disease, a Single-Centre Experience

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    Abstract Classic infantile Pompe disease (IPD) is a rare lysosomal storage disorder characterized by severe hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and profound muscle weakness. Without treatment, death occurs within the first 2 years of life. Although enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with alglucosidase alfa has improved survival, treatment outcome is not good in many cases and is largely dependent on age at initiation. The objective of the study was (a) to analyse the different stages in the diagnosis and specific treatment initiation procedure in IPD patients, and (b) to compare clinical and biochemical outcomes depending on age at ERT initiation (<1 month of age vs. <3 months of age). Here, we show satisfactory clinical and biochemical outcomes in two IPD patients after early treatment initiation before 3 months of life with immunomodulatory therapy in the ERT-naïve setting, with a high ERT dose from the beginning. Despite the overall good evolution, the patient who initiated treatment <1 month of life presented even better outcomes than the patient who started treatment <3 months of life, with an earlier normalization of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, along with CK normalization, highlighting the importance of early treatment initiation in this progressive disease before irreversible muscle damage has occurred.This work was partially funded by the Basque Department of Education (IT1281-19)

    Effectiveness and Safety of the Sequential Use of a Second and Third Anti-TNF Agent in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Results From the Eneida Registry

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    Background: The effectiveness of the switch to another anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) agent is not known. The aim of this study was to analyze the effectiveness and safety of treatment with a second and third anti-TNF drug after intolerance to or failure of a previous anti-TNF agent in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. Methods: We included patients diagnosed with IBD from the ENEIDA registry who received another anti-TNF after intolerance to or failure of a prior anti-TNF agent. Results: A total of 1122 patients were included. In the short term, remission was achieved in 55% of the patients with the second anti-TNF. The incidence of loss of response was 19% per patient-year with the second anti-TNF. Combination therapy (hazard ratio [HR], 2.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.8-3; P < 0.0001) and ulcerative colitis vs Crohn's disease (HR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.1-2.1; P = 0.005) were associated with a higher probability of loss of response. Fifteen percent of the patients had adverse events, and 10% had to discontinue the second anti-TNF. Of the 71 patients who received a third anti-TNF, 55% achieved remission. The incidence of loss of response was 22% per patient-year with a third anti-TNF. Adverse events occurred in 7 patients (11%), but only 1 stopped the drug. Conclusions: Approximately half of the patients who received a second anti-TNF achieved remission; nevertheless, a significant proportion of them subsequently lost response. Combination therapy and type of IBD were associated with loss of response. Remission was achieved in almost 50% of patients who received a third anti-TNF; nevertheless, a significant proportion of them subsequently lost response

    Connected Insulin Pens and Caps : An Expert's Recommendation from the Area of Diabetes of the Spanish Endocrinology and Nutrition Society (SEEN)

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    Undoubtedly, technological advances have revolutionised diabetes management in recent years. The development of advanced closed hybrid loop insulin pumps or continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems, among others, have increased the quality of life and improved glycaemic control of people with diabetes. However, only some patients have access to such technology, and only some want to use it. CGM has become much more widespread, but in terms of insulin delivery, most people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and almost all people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) on insulin therapy are treated with multiple-dose insulin injections (MDI) rather than an insulin pump. For these patients, using connected insulin pens or caps has shown benefits in reducing missed insulin injections and promoting correct administration over time. In addition, using these devices improves the quality of life and user satisfaction. The integration of insulin injection and CGM data facilitates both users and the healthcare team to analyse glucose control and implement appropriate therapeutic changes, reducing therapeutic inertia. This expert's recommendation reviews the characteristics of the devices marketed or in the process of being marketed and their available scientific evidence. Finally, it suggests the profile of users and professionals who would benefit most, the barriers to its generalisation and the changes in the care model that implementing these devices can bring with it

    Risk Factors for COVID-19 in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A National, ENEIDA-Based Case–Control Study (COVID-19-EII)

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    (1) Scant information is available concerning the characteristics that may favour the acquisition of COVID-19 in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess these differences between infected and noninfected patients with IBD. (2) This nationwide case-control study evaluated patients with inflammatory bowel disease with COVID-19 (cases) and without COVID-19 (controls) during the period March-July 2020 included in the ENEIDA of GETECCU. (3) A total of 496 cases and 964 controls from 73 Spanish centres were included. No differences were found in the basal characteristics between cases and controls. Cases had higher comorbidity Charlson scores (24% vs. 19%; p = 0.02) and occupational risk (28% vs. 10.5%; p < 0.0001) more frequently than did controls. Lockdown was the only protective measure against COVID-19 (50% vs. 70%; p < 0.0001). No differences were found in the use of systemic steroids, immunosuppressants or biologics between cases and controls. Cases were more often treated with 5-aminosalicylates (42% vs. 34%; p = 0.003). Having a moderate Charlson score (OR: 2.7; 95%CI: 1.3-5.9), occupational risk (OR: 2.9; 95%CI: 1.8-4.4) and the use of 5-aminosalicylates (OR: 1.7; 95%CI: 1.2-2.5) were factors for COVID-19. The strict lockdown was the only protective factor (OR: 0.1; 95%CI: 0.09-0.2). (4) Comorbidities and occupational exposure are the most relevant factors for COVID-19 in patients with IBD. The risk of COVID-19 seems not to be increased by immunosuppressants or biologics, with a potential effect of 5-aminosalicylates, which should be investigated further and interpreted with caution

    Impact of Biological Agents on Postsurgical Complications in Inflammatory Bowel Disease : A Multicentre Study of Geteccu

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    Background: The impact of biologics on the risk of postoperative complications (PC) in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is still an ongoing debate. This lack of evidence is more relevant for ustekinumab and vedolizumab. Aims: To evaluate the impact of biologics on the risk of PC. Methods: A retrospective study was performed in 37 centres. Patients treated with biologics within 12 weeks before surgery were considered "exposed". The impact of the exposure on the risk of 30-day PC and the risk of infections was assessed by logistic regression and propensity score-matched analysis. Results: A total of 1535 surgeries were performed on 1370 patients. Of them, 711 surgeries were conducted in the exposed cohort (584 anti-TNF, 58 vedolizumab and 69 ustekinumab). In the multivariate analysis, male gender (OR: 1.5; 95% CI: 1.2-2.0), urgent surgery (OR: 1.6; 95% CI: 1.2-2.2), laparotomy approach (OR: 1.5; 95% CI: 1.1-1.9) and severe anaemia (OR: 1.8; 95% CI: 1.3-2.6) had higher risk of PC, while academic hospitals had significantly lower risk. Exposure to biologics (either anti-TNF, vedolizumab or ustekinumab) did not increase the risk of PC (OR: 1.2; 95% CI: 0.97-1.58), although it could be a risk factor for postoperative infections (OR 1.5; 95% CI: 1.03-2.27). Conclusions: Preoperative administration of biologics does not seem to be a risk factor for overall PC, although it may be so for postoperative infections

    Impact of Biological Agents on Postsurgical Complications in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Multicentre Study of Geteccu

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    Background: The impact of biologics on the risk of postoperative complications (PC) in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is still an ongoing debate. This lack of evidence is more relevant for ustekinumab and vedolizumab. Aims: To evaluate the impact of biologics on the risk of PC. Methods: A retrospective study was performed in 37 centres. Patients treated with biologics within 12 weeks before surgery were considered “exposed”. The impact of the exposure on the risk of 30-day PC and the risk of infections was assessed by logistic regression and propensity score-matched analysis. Results: A total of 1535 surgeries were performed on 1370 patients. Of them, 711 surgeries were conducted in the exposed cohort (584 anti-TNF, 58 vedolizumab and 69 ustekinumab). In the multivariate analysis, male gender (OR: 1.5; 95% CI: 1.2–2.0), urgent surgery (OR: 1.6; 95% CI: 1.2–2.2), laparotomy approach (OR: 1.5; 95% CI: 1.1–1.9) and severe anaemia (OR: 1.8; 95% CI: 1.3–2.6) had higher risk of PC, while academic hospitals had significantly lower risk. Exposure to biologics (either anti-TNF, vedolizumab or ustekinumab) did not increase the risk of PC (OR: 1.2; 95% CI: 0.97–1.58), although it could be a risk factor for postoperative infections (OR 1.5; 95% CI: 1.03–2.27). Conclusions: Preoperative administration of biologics does not seem to be a risk factor for overall PC, although it may be so for postoperative infections
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