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Objective: To explore the perceptions of elderly people from diverse cultures regarding the factors relevant to aging, identifying similarities and differences, and describing elements that facilitate or hinder this process, with a focus on the impact of care services., Method: Qualitative study with 48 participants over 50 years old, residing in the Alt Empordà region, Catalonia. Seven focus groups were conducted, including one exploratory multicultural group and six stratified by origin: native, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Latin America, North Africa, and West Africa., Results: All groups valued health and the desire to remain in their homes or communities for as long as possible. African groups emphasized the importance of free health services, while the Latin American group valued personalized end-of-life care. The native group pointed out deficiencies in home care and residential care services. Western European participants mentioned language barriers and challenges with digitalization as the only means of accessing information, and Eastern European participants highlighted the need for empowerment and social participation. Additionally, the importance of new family models, restrictions on non-Catholic funeral practices, and the need for community integration were mentioned., Conclusion: While there are differences in perceptions of aging among the different groups, common factors were identified that either facilitate or hinder this process, regardless of whether there is a migration background., (Copyright © 2024 SEGG. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Acute respiratory failure due to COVID-19 pneumonia often requires a comprehensive approach that includes non-pharmacological strategies such as non-invasive support (including positive pressure modes, high flow therapy or awake proning) in addition to oxygen therapy, with the primary goal of avoiding endotracheal intubation. Clinical issues such as determining the optimal time to initiate non-invasive support, choosing the most appropriate modality (based not only on the acute clinical picture but also on comorbidities), establishing criteria for recognition of treatment failure and strategies to follow in this setting (including palliative care), or implementing de-escalation procedures when improvement occurs are of paramount importance in the ongoing management of severe COVID-19 cases. Organizational issues, such as the most appropriate setting for management and monitoring of the severe COVID-19 patient or protective measures to prevent virus spread to healthcare workers in the presence of aerosol-generating procedures, should also be considered. While many early clinical guidelines during the pandemic were based on previous experience with acute respiratory distress syndrome, the landscape has evolved since then. Today, we have a wealth of high-quality studies that support evidence-based recommendations to address these complex issues. This document, the result of a collaborative effort between four leading scientific societies (SEDAR, SEMES, SEMICYUC, SEPAR), draws on the experience of 25 experts in the field to synthesize knowledge to address pertinent clinical questions and refine the approach to patient care in the face of the challenges posed by severe COVID-19 infection., (Copyright © 2024 SEPAR. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Although older adults represent a significant proportion of patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE), the data on the impact of age-related differences in the clinical presentation, management, and outcomes of VTE are scarce., Methods: We analyzed data from the RIETE registry database, an ongoing global observational registry of patients with objectively confirmed VTE, to compare patient characteristics, clinical presentation, treatments, and outcomes between elderly (≥70 years) vs. non-elderly (<70 years) patients., Results: From January 2001 to March 2021, 100,000 adult patients were enrolled in RIETE. Elderly patients (47.9%) were more frequently women (58.2% vs. 43.5%), more likely had unprovoked VTE (50.5% vs. 45.1%) and most often presented with severe renal failure (10.2% vs. 1.2%) and acute pulmonary embolism (PE) (vs. deep vein thrombosis) (54.3% vs. 44.5%) compared to non-elderly patients (p<0.001 for all comparisons). For the PE subgroup, elderly patients more frequently had non-low risk PE (78.9% vs. 50.7%; p<0.001), respiratory failure (33.9% vs. 21.8%; p<0.001) and myocardial injury (40.0% vs. 26.2%; p<0.001) compared to non-elderly patients. Thrombolysis (0.9% vs. 1.7%; p<0.001) and direct oral anticoagulants (8.8% vs. 11.8%; p<0.001) were less frequently administered to elderly patients. Elderly patients showed a significantly higher 30-day all-cause mortality (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.36, 95%CI: 1.22-1.52) and major bleeding (OR, 2.08; 95%CI, 1.85-2.33), but a lower risk of 30-day VTE recurrences (OR, 0.62, 95%CI, 0.54-0.71)., Conclusions: Compared with non-elderly patients, elderly patients had a different VTE clinical profile. Advanced therapies were less frequently used in older patients. Age was an independent predictor of mortality., (Copyright © 2024 SEPAR. All rights reserved.)

Background: Identification of patients with acute symptomatic pulmonary embolism (PE) who are at low-risk for short-term complications to warrant outpatient care lacks clarity., Method: In order to identify patients at low-risk for 30-day all-cause and PE-related mortality, we used a cohort of haemodynamically stable patients from the RIETE registry to compare the false-negative rate of four strategies: the simplified Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (sPESI); a modified (i.e., heart rate cutoff of 100beats/min) sPESI; and a combination of the original and the modified sPESI with computed tomography (CT)-assessed right ventricle (RV)/left ventricle (LV) ratio., Results: Overall, 137 of 3117 patients with acute PE (4.4%) died during the first month. Of these, 41 (1.3%) died from PE, and 96 (3.1%) died from other causes. The proportion of patients categorized as having low-risk was highest with the sPESI and lowest with the combination of a modified sPESI and CT-assessed RV/LV ratio (32.5% versus 16.5%; P<0.001). However, among patients identified as low-risk, the 30-day mortality rate was lowest with the combination of a modified sPESI and CT-assessed RV/LV ratio and highest with the sPESI (0.4% versus 1.0%; P=0.03). The 30-day PE-related mortality rates for patients designated as low-risk by the sPESI, the modified sPESI, and the combination of the original and modified sPESI with CT-assessed RV/LV ratio were 0.7%, 0.4%, 0.7%, and 0.2%, respectively., Conclusions: The combination of a negative modified sPESI with CT-assessed RV/LV ratio ≤1 identifies patients with acute PE who are at very low-risk for short-term mortality., (Copyright © 2023 SEPAR. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Background: Among patients hospitalized for an exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the SLICE trial showed that the addition of an active diagnostic strategy for pulmonary embolism (PE) to usual care compared with usual care alone did not improve a composite set of health outcomes. The objective of this subanalysis was to determine the frequency and prognostic significance of findings on computed tomography pulmonary angiogram (CTPA) supporting an alternative diagnosis to PE., Methods: We analyzed all patients randomized to the intervention in the SLICE trial who received a CTPA that did not show PE. We used multivariable logistic regression to assess the independent association between findings supporting an alternative diagnosis to PE and a composite of readmission for COPD or death within 90 days after randomization., Results: Among the 746 patients who were randomized, this subanalysis included 175 patients in the intervention group who received a CTPA that did not show PE. Eighty-four (48.0%) patients had acute bronchial infection, 13 (7.4%) had lung cancer, 10 (5.7%) had congestive heart failure, 8 (4.6%), 18 (10.3%) had other diagnoses, and 42 (24.0%) had a normal CTPA. In multivariable analysis, findings supporting an alternative diagnosis to PE were not significantly associated with the primary outcome (odds ratio: 0.64; 95% confidence interval: 0.30-1.38; P=0.26)., Conclusions: Among patients hospitalized for an exacerbation of COPD, CTPA identified an alternative diagnosis in 76% of the patients. However, specific management of these patients was not associated with improved outcomes within 90 days after randomization., (Copyright © 2022 SEPAR. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

We have updated recommendations on 12 controversial topics that were published in the 2013 National Consensus on the diagnosis, risk stratification and treatment of patients with pulmonary embolism (PE). A comprehensive review of the literature was performed for each topic, and each recommendation was evaluated in two teleconferences. For diagnosis, we recommend against using the Pulmonary Embolism Rule Out Criteria (PERC) rule as the only test to rule out PE, and we recommend using a D-dimer cutoff adjusted to age to rule out PE. We suggest using computed tomography pulmonary angiogram as the imaging test of choice for the majority of patients with suspected PE. We recommend using direct oral anticoagulants (over vitamin K antagonists) for the vast majority of patients with acute PE, and we suggest using anticoagulation for patients with isolated subsegmental PE. We recommend against inserting an inferior cava filter for the majority of patients with PE, and we recommend using full-dose systemic thrombolytic therapy for PE patients requiring reperfusion. The decision to stop anticoagulants at 3 months or to treat indefinitely mainly depends on the presence (or absence) and type of risk factor for venous thromboembolism, and we recommend against thrombophilia testing to decide duration of anticoagulation. Finally, we suggest against extensive screening for occult cancer in patients with PE., (Copyright © 2021 SEPAR. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory tract infection caused by a newly emergent coronavirus, that was first recognized in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Currently, the World Health Organization (WHO) has defined the infection as a global pandemic and there is a health and social emergency for the management of this new infection. While most people with COVID-19 develop only mild or uncomplicated illness, approximately 14% develop severe disease that requires hospitalization and oxygen support, and 5% require admission to an intensive care unit. In severe cases, COVID-19 can be complicated by the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), sepsis and septic shock, and multiorgan failure. This consensus document has been prepared on evidence-informed guidelines developed by a multidisciplinary panel of health care providers from four Spanish scientific societies (Spanish Society of Intensive Care Medicine [SEMICYUC], Spanish Society of Pulmonologists [SEPAR], Spanish Society of Emergency [SEMES], Spanish Society of Anesthesiology, Reanimation, and Pain [SEDAR]) with experience in the clinical management of patients with COVID-19 and other viral infections, including SARS, as well as sepsis and ARDS. The document provides clinical recommendations for the noninvasive respiratory support (noninvasive ventilation, high flow oxygen therapy with nasal cannula) in any patient with suspected or confirmed presentation of COVID-19 with acute respiratory failure. This consensus guidance should serve as a foundation for optimized supportive care to ensure the best possible chance for survival and to allow for reliable comparison of investigational therapeutic interventions as part of randomized controlled trials., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier España, S.L.U. y SEMICYUC. All rights reserved.)

Introduction and Objectives: Recent real-world data studies on the use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation, provide data on the use of different DOAC according to patient characteristics. The objective of this work was to elaborate on the suggestions on the use of DOAC based on evidence and clinical experience., Materials and Methods: A multidisciplinary panel of 8 experts developed the agreed content. The document was completed in 10 regional meetings with experts from different specialties. According to these contributions, the panel prepared the final suggestions., Results: The final document includes the contributions generated throughout the entire process in 3 sections. The general conclusions / suggestions on the use of DOAC are detailed. Specific tips on the use of each DOAC are proposed, based on the specific clinical profiles of the patients. Finally, the limitations on the use of DOAC are defined, and a group of actions are proposed to improve the management of anticoagulation., Conclusions: It is necessary to overcome the clinical and administrative barriers that hinder the optimal use of DOAC, in order to improve the treatment of patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation who require anticoagulation., (Copyright © 2018 Sociedad Española de Médicos de Atención Primaria (SEMERGEN). Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Aim: To compare diagnostic accuracy of Ventilation/Perfusion (V/P) single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) combined with simultaneous full-dose CT with a hybrid SPECT/CT scanner versus planar ventilation/perfusion (V/P) SPECT and CT angiography (CTA) in patients suspected with acute pulmonary embolism (PE)., Methods: Between 2009 and 2011, consecutive patients suspected of acute PE were referred for V/P SPECT/CT (reviewed board approved study). A contrast agent was administered to patients who had no contraindications. Non-contrast V/P SPECT/CT was performed on the remaining patients. All patients were followed-up for at least 3 months., Results: A total of 314 patients were available during the study period, with the diagnosis of PE confirmed in 70 (22.29%) of them. The overall population sensitivity and specificity was 90.91% and 92.44%, respectively for V/P SPECT, 80% and 99.15%, respectively, for CTA, and 95.52% and 97.08% for V/P SPECT/CT. SPECT/CT performed better than V/P SPECT (AUC differences=0.0419, P=0.0043, 95% CI; 0.0131-0.0706) and CTA (AUC differences=0.0681, P=0.0208, 95% CI; 0.0103-0.1259)). Comparing imaging modalities when contrast agent could be administered, sensitivity and specificity increased and V/P SPECT/CT was significantly better than CTA (AUC differences=0.0681, P=0.0208, 95% CI; 0.0103-0.1259) and V/P SPECT (AUC differences=0.0659, P=0.0052, 95% CI; 0.0197-0.1121). In case of non-contrast enhancement, there was non-significant increase of specificity. Secondary findings on CT impacted patient management in 14.65% of cases., Conclusion: Our study shows that combined V/P SPECT/CT scanning has a higher diagnostic accuracy for detecting acute PE than V/P SPECT and CTA alone. When feasible, V/P SPECT/CT with contrast enhancement is the best option., (Copyright © 2016. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U.)

Purpose: The aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness, safety and cost of aflibercept in the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) refractory to ranibizumab., Methods: Retrospective observational study was conducted on patients diagnosed with wet ARMD, and previously treated with ranibizumab. Efficacy variables assessed were changes in visual acuity (BCVA) and anatomical improvements in the most affected eye. Factors associated with improvement of BCVA with aflibercept were also studied. Adverse events related to the aflibercept administration were recorded. Cost analysis data were collected from the hospital perspective, and only taking the direct medical costs into account. Cost-effectiveness analysis was calculated using the aflibercept treatment cost, and effectiveness calculated as BCVA gained., Results: A total of 50 eyes corresponding to 46 patients were included. The median follow-up period was 4.6 months (range: 1.0-6.0). Improvement in visual acuity after the first 2 doses and at the end of the follow-up period was observed in 32.0 and 28.0% of treated eyes, respectively. None of the variables studied was associated with an improvement in the BCVA after treatment. No significant differences were found in the average monthly cost between treatments., Conclusions: Aflibercept is shown to be an effective treatment in a significant number of patients resistant to treatment with ranibizumab, presenting a cost similar to that generated during the final stages of treatment with ranibizumab., (Copyright © 2015 Sociedad Española de Oftalmología. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Background and Objectives: The Computerized Registry of Patients with Venous Thromboembolism (RIETE) is a prospective registry that consecutively includes patients diagnosed with venous thromboembolism. We compared the clinical presentation and response to anticoagulant treatment in patients with idiopathic venous thromboembolism (IVT) versus secondary venous thromboembolism (SVT, associated with a risk factor)., Patients and Methods: We analyzed the differences in clinical characteristics, comorbidity, treatment and events during the first 3months after the diagnosis of venous thromboembolism in patients with IVT or SVT and according to their initial clinical presentation., Results: A total of 39,921 patients with IVT (n=18,029; 45.1%) or SVT (n=21,892; 54.9%) were enrolled. The patients with IVT had a greater history of venous thromboembolism than those diagnosed with SVT (p<.001). The initial treatment was similar for the 2 groups, but more inferior vena cava filters were placed in the SVT group (p<.001). In the long term, low-molecular-weight heparin was used more often in the SVT group than in the IVT group. At 90days, bleeding, death and the recurrence of venous thromboembolism were significantly more frequent in the SVT group. The multivariate analysis confirmed that IVT was associated with fewer major (OR, 0.60; 95%CI, 0.50-0.61; p<.001) and fatal (OR, 0.41; 95%CI, 0.29-0.62; p<.001) bleedings, fewer relapses (OR, 0.58; 95%CI, 0.39-0.78; p<.001) and fewer fatal pulmonary embolisms (OR, 0.29; 95%CI, 0.12-0.52; p<.001). These differences were maintained in patients whose venous thromboembolism started with a pulmonary embolism or with deep vein thrombosis., Conclusions: IVT has a better prognosis than SVT at 90days of the diagnosis., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Background: Patients with cardiovascular diseases living in the Mediterranean area have a better outcome than those in other parts of the world, but it is not known whether these differences also occur with venous thromboembolism (VTE)., Methods: We searched the Medline and EMBASE databases to identify clinical trials and cohort studies of patients with VTE who had been treated with anticoagulant therapy for 3 months. Two reviewers independently extracted the data in a standardized manner. A total of 24 studies that included 7,225 patients (2,414 from the Mediterranean region and 4,811 from other regions) were analyzed., Results: The patients from the Mediterranean area were predominately women and older, and the idiopathic VTE was less frequent than in other regions. Compared with patients from other regions, patients from the Mediterranean region had an increased rate of recurrent deep vein thrombosis (4.35% vs. 2.68%; odds ratio [OR], 1.65; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.27-2.15), fatal recurrent VTE (0.75% vs. 0.35%; OR, 2.11; 95% CI 1.09-4.12) and fatal bleeding (0.25% vs. 0.06%; odds ratio: 3.99; 95% CI 1.00-16.0). The case-fatality rate (CFR) for recurrent VTE was 12.8% (95% CI 7.99-19.1) in the Mediterranean region and 8.41% (5.15-12.9) in other areas. The CFR for major bleeding was 11.3% (95% CI 4.72-22.1) and 3.22% (95% CI 0.83-8.53), respectively., Conclusions: Compared to other regions, patients with VTE from the Mediterranean region have greater mortality during the first 3 months of treatment due to a greater incidence of recurrent VTE and severe hemorrhaging., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier España, S.L. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To present and analyze a clinical case that addresses the care plan for a patient with permanent ventricular assist in an intensive care unit (ICU). CLINICAL CASE PRESENTATION: A 65-year-old man admitted to an ICU in a tertiary teaching hospital in September 2011 after receiving an implant of a permanent ventricular assist device (Heartmate II)., Discussion and Implications for Practice: The case analysis has been structured into 3 categories identified in the review of the literature: prevention of risks and complications, management of the device and health education., Conclusion: This study shows the importance of establishing a protocolized care plan for the patients who are carriers of permanent ventricular assist in the ICU. This would avoid postoperative complications, reduce costs and hospitalization time., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier España, S.L. y SEEIUC. All rights reserved.)

This present paper describes the general characteristics, objectives and organizational aspects of the respiratory disease registries in Spain with the aim to report their activities and increase their diffusion. The document compiles information on the following registries: the Spanish Registry of Patients with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, Spanish Registry of Bronchiectasis, International Registry of Thromboembolic Disease, Spanish Registry of Occupational Diseases, Spanish Registry of Pulmonary Artery Hypertension, Registry of Pleural Mesothelioma, Spanish Registry of Tuberculosis and Spanish Multi-center Study of Neuroendocrine Pulmonary Tumors. Our paper provides information on each of the registries cited. Each registry has compiled specific clinical information providing data in real situations, and completes the results obtained from clinical assays. Said information has been published both in national as well as international publications and has lead to the creation of various guidelines. Therefore, the activities of the professionals involved in the registries have spread the knowledge about the diseases studied, promoting the exchange of information among workgroups., (Copyright © 2010 SEPAR. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.)

Background and Objective: Although nowadays there are many cardiovascular disease (CVD) treatment protocols and evidence based guidelines, not many patients achieve the recommended levels for cardiovascular (CV) risk factor (RF) and management of disorders could be improved. Treatment inertia (TI) is the failure of health care providers to initiate or intensify therapy when indicated. The purpose of this study was to quantify TI in secondary CV prevention and identify factors influencing TI., Patients and Method: Observational, transversal study with 1660 patients included in FRENA (The FRENA registry recruited Spanish patients in CVD secondary prevention treated by different specialists), aged 66,3 years, 74% males, 38,5% females, 38,5% coronary heart disease (CHD), 30,8% cerebrovascular disease and 32% peripheral artery disease (PAD). Final variable: TI; three types of inertia where described: treatment failure inertia, RF control inertia and the third one was at least one of the previous. Uni and multivariate analysis were done for each type of inertia., Results: Inertia was detected in 81,5% of the patients. RF control inertia was 85,1% and treatment failure inertia 53%. Diabetic patients are likely to be treated with TI whereas patients with renal insufficiency (RI) or arterial hypertension (AHT) are more likely to be protected against it. There is less treatment failure inertia in cerebrovascular disease or coronary heart disease Vs PAD, AHT and Dyslipemia (DL) where the rate of treatment failure inertia is higher. RF control inertia increases with the coexistence of AHT, DL and diabetes mellitus (DM) and is lower in patients with previous CVD, cerebrovascular disease, AHT and DL., Conclusions: In high risk patient, TI is present in a high percentage of them. DM, PAD and the coexistence of cardiovascular risk factors are associated with a higher inertia., (Copyright (c) 2009 Elsevier España, S.L. All rights reserved.)

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common, severe and preventable disease. The severity of this entity ranges from isolated symptoms of deep vein thrombosis with favorable resolution to severe pulmonary embolism, with a high mortality rate. Several observational studies have reported the risk factors associated with VTE, such as prior surgery or trauma. However, non-traumatic or surgical immobility has also been demonstrated to be an important risk factor for VTE, even after short periods of time, and particularly for VTE associated with certain diseases.

Substantial changes in both the prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) can be expected in the near future. First, we should expand the prescription of thromboprophylaxis to acutely ill medical patients and improve the early detection of VTE in patients at high risk. The new antithrombotic drugs, which will shortly become available, will probably improve adherence to thromboprophylaxis. Future perspectives focus on better identification of which patients with acute pulmonary embolism may safely be treated at home, and on how to individually tailor antithrombotic therapy to VTE patients with special conditions.

Background and Objective: To analyze the trends in the utilization of ventilation/perfusion pulmonary scintigraphy (V/QSc), spiral CT (sCT) and pulmonary angiography for diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) in Spain, taking in account the information from the National System of Health (NSH) and RIETE Registry. To examine the diagnostic conformities of V/QSc and sCT in RIETE, with special reference to V/QSc of intermediate/indeterminate probability (V/QScIP)., Material and Method: We examined annual trends of diagnostic imaging for PE in 5,678 Spanish patients included in RIETE (period 2001-2005) and in those of the NHS Databases (1999-2003 period). In RIETE the agreement between diagnostics was compared in cases with both V/QSc and sCT and angiography and V/QSc or sCT., Results: We observed an increasing trend in sTC use, which overcame to V/QSc in 2002 (RIETE) and 2003 (NHS). In 732 cases with both techniques there was a diagnostic conformity of 53%. In 116 cases with V/QScIP a concomitant sTC was + for PE in 87%. If clinical signs of PE were present, then sTC was + in 95% of cases. In 29 cases with sCT and angiography agreement was 83% and in 31 cases with angiography and V/QSc was 77%., Conclusions: Nowadays in Spain the sTC is the most utilized method to diagnose EP. However, V/QSc studies are also broadly used. In studies V/QScIP it is advisable to look for deep venous thrombosis and, if present, the results of RIETE allow to assure EP coexistence in 87-95% of cases.

Background: Do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders are physician orders that refer to not initiating cardiopulmonary resuscitation in a patient who is in cardiac or respiratory arrest. However, these orders often imply other treatment modifications., Aims: To analyze the effect that do-not-resuscitate orders have on the care plan of the critically ill patient; and to analyze if differences exist in the nursing workload (NEMS), before and after DNR prescription., Method: This descriptive study analyzed the care plan of 50 critically ill adult patients, before and after an electronic DNR order., Results: After the DNR order was written the following variations were found: treatment was withdrawn in 30 patients; initiated in 6; both withdrawn and initiated in 12 patients; and there were no changes in their treatment in 2 patients. Specific modifications were: respiratory support: invasive mechanical ventilation was withdrawn in 7 patients, and non-invasive ventilation in 3, and the FiO(2) of the ventilator was reduced in 15 patients on the day of death; circulatory support: in 10 patients vasoconstrictor drugs were withdrawn and in one patient this therapy was initiated; inotropic drugs were withdrawn in 3 patients and initiated in 2 patients; extrarenal depuration hemofiltration was withdrawn in 4 patients and initiated in 2. The NEMS scores decreased on the patients after the order was written (36.20-34.62; p = 0.03)., Conclusions: Do-not-resuscitate orders have an effect on the care plan of the critically ill adult patient. Also, although the NEMS scores decrease after the order, the nursing workload remains the same due to an increase in the psychosocial intervention with patient and family.

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of erythropoietin use in hematologic patients; to analyze the extent to which recommendations are applied as provided by Spanish prescribing information, American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and American Society of Hematology (ASH) guidelines, as well as specific recommendations for myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs), and to perform a descriptive analysis of costs., Method: A descriptive retrospective study. Patient selection was performed by Unidad de Atención Farmacéutica a Pacientes Externos (UFPE: Pharmaceutical Outpatient Care Unit) during a 3-month period of time. Follow-up was performed to month 9 after selection., Results: Thirty-six patients (37% males) were included. In the group of patients with multiple myeloma and lymphomas, effectiveness was 57%; while in the MDS group it was 45-64% (depending on criteria used to measure erythroid response). Of all 24 patients (MDSs excluded) only 4 (17%) met indication criteria--adjustment to erythroid response at 4 and 8 weeks, and dosage titration when needed. Continued treatment with erythropoietin in all non-responders amounted to 59-69% of total expense for non-responders., Conclusions: There is a high percentage of therapy failures and inconsistency between erythropoietin use recommendations and clinical practice. This circumstance, as well as the high financial impact it entails, makes it essential that monitoring and follow-up strategies are implemented to contribute to an optimal usage of erythropoiesis stimulating factors.

Objective: To develop a module for the prevention of drug-related allergies to be integrated within the assisted electronic prescription software PRISMA., Method: On module design potential sources of medication errors regarding drug allergies were first analyzed, and ideal module characteristics were defined. Then a review of the literature was performed to define "group allergies", and last of all master archives were created, with their required relations being established., Results: A module for the prevention of drug-related allergies in the setting of an assisted electronic prescription software was designed. By interrelating tables listing active ingredients, excipients, chemical structures/functional groups, and "group allergies" prescriptions may be interactively checked, and useful information is provided to the prescribing practitioner--as well as the whole multidisciplinary team--to help him make his/her decisions.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. The clinical signs and symptoms are unspecific, widely varying from asymptomatic to sudden death. The diagnostic algorithm of VTE is an evolving field, in which D-dimers (DD) determination has been used as one of the preferred screening tests. Clinical management studies are clarifying the role of DD in the diagnostic paradigm of VTE. Published reports support the use of plasma DD determination in patients with a low clinical probability of VTE. Patients with moderate or high clinical probability of VTE show a higher probability of false negative plasma DD values. This fact forces the clinician to use more complex diagnostic test in order to either confirm or exclude VTE. A variety of different qualitative and semi-quantifiable assays are available for plasma DD determination. There is a wide variation in performance and there are discrepancies in the comparability of the different assays. Therefore, in order to both appropriately incorporate plasma DD determination in the diagnostic strategies of VTE and to reduce unnecessary investigations, clinicians should ensure that they are familiar with the diagnostic performance of the assay used in their own institution allowing a safer and cost-effective procedure.

Objective: To explore the boundaries and agents which make up women's knowledge about health care., Methods: A qualitative study was carried out in 4 regions in Mexico. Forty middle-aged women (between 35 and 65 years old) were interviewed and their responses analyzed., Results: The findings of this study point out to the relationship of women and their different social interactions with their health care practice. Among these interactions are: the contact with health services (which shapes the way women take care of their own health and their family); mass media (particularly television); use of medicines; traditional healers; knowledge acquired from their grandparents, mothers, and peers; and women's own experience while taking care of their family. Health care at home setting is a mixture of traditional healing practices and the conventional medical practices disseminated among the population., Conclusion: The different social interactions in which women are involved make up the way Mexican women take care of their own health and their family.

Objectives: Evaluate the degree of suspicion of pulmonary embolism (PE) in the emergency department (ED)., Patients and Methods: We analyzed the cases of patients with TEP diagnosed during two years and compared group A (PE suspected) with group B (PE was not initially suspected)., Results: 57 cases of PE were admitted from ED. In 14 (25%) of them the PE was not suspected. There were statistically significant differences in the signs of deep venous thrombosis (more prevalent in group A), heart failure, and pleural effusion (more frequent in group B). The alternative diagnosis were mostly heart failure and pneumonia., Conclusions: The patients with unsuspected PE do not have a different clinical profile. The PE is most of the times confused with heart failure and pneumonia.

Objectives: To review the diagnosis and treatment of ureteral stenosis arising from endometriosis and describe a case of mixed (intrinsic and extrinsic) ureteral endometriosis., Methods: The diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of ureteral stenosis due to endometriosis are reviewed. The case of a patient with a nonfunctioning right kidney and hematuria is described. The patient had previously undergone hysterectomy and double adnexectomy for uterine leiomyofibromas and a right ureteral lesion that warranted cuff ureterocystoneostomy leaving the extreme distal third of the pelvic ureter. CT evaluation disclosed a right retrovesical mass. The therapeutic strategy consisted in performing percutaneous nephrostomy, ureteroscopy of nonfunctioning ureter and determining the nature of the retrovesical mass by fine needle punction aspiration biopsy., Results: Percutaneous nephrostomy achieved functional recovery of the renal unit. Endoscopic incision of the stricture with intravesical invagination of the compromised segment was performed with the combined antegrade and retrograde approach. The anatomopathological findings of ureteroscopic biopsy of an intraureteral lesion in the nonfunctioning ureter disclosed ureteral endometriosis. This finding obviated fine needle punction aspiration biopsy and the patient was treated with danazol for 6 months., Conclusions: Diagnosis by ureteroscopy should be considered in intrinsic and mixed forms of ureteral endometriosis. Endoscopic incision of the ureteral stricture combined with hormone therapy is a valid therapeutic option.