Search

Chronic pain is a public health problem suffered by 20% of the world's population. Pharmacological approaches are insufficient, so a multi-therapeutic approach that also includes non-pharmacological therapies (psychological therapies, meditation, physical exercise, healthy habits, etc.) is proposed. The aim of this review was to review the existing scientific evidence on the effect of multicomponent programs with non-pharmacological therapies in people with chronic non-oncologic pain. To this end, a search for scientific articles was carried out in three databases (PubMed, Web of Science and PsycINFO) and 17 articles were selected, following the PRISMA recommendations. The patients who participated in these programs were mostly women, aged 18 to 80years, working or on sick leave due to pain, with secondary education or less and married. The most frequent pain was musculoskeletal, mainly low back pain. All the articles studied the effectiveness of two or more therapies, highlighting psychological therapies, physical exercise and education. Positive results were obtained in the reduction of different variables such as pain, pain catastrophizing, anxiety and depression, in addition to improving functionality and quality of life. It has also been shown that patients' prior expectations regarding the intervention influence its effectiveness. Although throughout the review there was great heterogeneity in the interventions, in the evaluation methods and in the results themselves, it can be concluded that multicomponent programs show positive results in the management of chronic pain, and should therefore be incorporated as a routine therapeutic treatment., (Copyright © 2024 FECA. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The prevalence of chronic pain in Spain is 17%, which causes suffering and significant loss of quality of life. Therapies should not focus only on pain reduction, to improve function and quality of life are necessary. Currently, it is committed to combining drugs and other therapies such as relaxation, meditation, cognitive behavioral therapy, targeted exercises, healthy lifestyles and techniques to increase self-esteem and motivation for change. These therapies can be used as part of a multimodal approach, forming part of multicomponent programs or workshops. In this paper we proposed to evaluate the effectiveness of a workshop developed from the Hospital San Juan de Dios del Ajarafe, that integrated different non-pharmacological therapies in the control of chronic non-oncologic pain and to analyze patients' perceptions of the techniques applied and how they affected pain and lifestyles., Methods: An intragroup before-after study (beginning-end of the workshop) was carried out, comparing pain, well-being, drug use, quality of life, and self-esteem. Surveys were conducted to deepen more qualitative aspects and identify improvements. The workshop consisted of psychoeducational action and training for the mental control of pain and emotions, based on the active participation of the patient in the management of his disease, promoting self-care and self-esteem, and aiming to improve well-being and quality of life. It consisted of 5 sessions of 3 hours (1 per week); of a group, interactive and practical nature. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS vs.27.0. To compare related measures (before-after) we used Student's T tests for paired samples and Wilcoxon's test and to compare independent groups, Student's T and Mann Whitney's U; for the qualitative variables, we used Chi-Square and Fisher's test., Results: Four workshops were evaluated in which 63 patients participated, with a mean age of 57.6 (SD:11.37) years, 60 (95.2%) of them were women. At the end of the workshop pain decreased 1.5 median (-2.0-0) and well-being increased 2.0 (0-2.0); quality of life increased a median of 0.121 (SD: 0.209), health status 16.8 (23.78) and self-esteem 2.74 (4.73); [p<0.001]. The best valued techniques were meditations, mainly mental analgesia, affirmations in the mirror and self-esteem techniques., Conclusions: Overall satisfaction with the workshop is 9.8 out of 10. There is a pain control and improvement in quality of life, self-perception of health status, well-being and self-esteem.

Introduction: The use of smartphones to provide specialist ophthalmology services is becoming a more commonly used method to support patients with eye pathologies. During the COVID-19 pandemic, demand for telehealth services such as tele-ophthalmology, is increasing rapidly., Methods: In 2019, the agreement between diagnostic tests was investigated by comparing the diagnostic performance for eye posterior pole pathologies of the images obtained by a smartphone coupled to a medical device known as open retinoscope (OR), handled by a nurse and subsequently assessed by an ophthalmologist versus the images obtained by an ophthalmologist using a slit lamp associated to a 76 diopter indirect ophthalmic lens (Volk Super FieldVR ) (SL-IOL) at the outpatient department of a hospital. The OR used in this study worked with a 28 diopter indirect lens., Results: An examination of 151 dilated eyes (79 adult patients, mean age of 66.7 years, 59.5% women) was conducted. Sensitivity was 98.9%, specificity was 89.8%, the positive predictive value was 93.8% and the negative predictive value was 98.2%. The kappa index between both tests was 0.90 (95% CI: 0.83-0.97) in basic diagnosis, 0.81 (95% CI: 0.74-0.89) in syndromic diagnosis (13 categories) and 0.70 (95% CI: 0.62-0.77) in advanced diagnosis (23 categories)., Discussion: Images obtained by a nurse using a smartphone coupled to the OR and subsequently assessed by an ophthalmologist showed a high diagnostic performance for eye posterior pole pathologies, which could pave the way for remote ophthalmology systems for this patient group.

Introduction and Objective: Hip fracture in the elderly leads to long hospital stays, readmissions and mortality., Objective: To identify risk factors associated with mortality and readmissions in elderly with hip fracture., Patients and Methods: Prospective observational study in people over 65years with hip fracture between October-2017 and November-2018, followed for 12months (128 patients)., Statistical Analysis: SPSS vs27.0., Results: 6 (4.7%) patients were readmitted at 1 month; at year 24 (19.4%); 55 (44.4%) consulted for emergencies; 4 (3.1%) died during admission, and 26 (20.3%) in 12months; hospital stay 6.5 (SD: 4.80) days. Those with a previous Barthel less than 85 (6 [8.5%] vs 0 [0%]; P=.037) and less EuroQol5D (6 [10.0] vs 0 [0%]; P=.011) were readmitted more at one month. Those taking anticoagulants (OR: 3.33 (1.13-9.81); P=.003) and those with high surgical risk (18 [23.4%] vs 1 [5.6%]) were readmitted more after one year; P=.038). There was higher intra-episode mortality with renal failure (OR: 34.2 [3.25-359.93]; P=.003) and decompensated heart failure (OR: 23.8 [2.76-205.25]; P=.015). Higher mortality at one year in those older than 85years (OR: 4.3 [1.48-12.49]; P=.007); in those taking benzodiazepines (OR: 2.86 [1.06-7.73]; P=.038); if Barthel was less than 85 (OR: 2.96 [1.1-7.99]; P=.027) and if EuroQol5D was low (0.249 vs 0.547; P=.025). Those operated after 72h (24 [57.1%] vs. 29 [38.2%]; P=.047) consulted more for the emergency department., Conclusions: Renal failure and cardiac decompensation increased intra-episode mortality. Older age, benzodiazepines, and previous low functionality and low EuroQol5D increased mortality at one year. They were readmitted more if higher surgical risk, previously anticoagulated and worse quality of life and functionality., (Copyright © 2022 FECA. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Hip fracture (HF) in the elderly carries high mortality and decreases functionality and quality of life after one year. The aim of this paper was to identify risk factors that influenced functionality (Barthel) and quality of life (EQ-5D) of the elderly with osteoporotic HF., Methods: A prospective observational study was made in people over 65 years of age with HF between October 2017 and November 2018. Clinical information was collected from the digital medical record and the scales were measured by telephone at four times: baseline, one month, six months and twelve months. Statistical analysis was made thanks to SPSS vs 25.0. Multivariate analysis was performed using a generalized linear model for repeated measures to determine the relationship of risk factors with functionality and quality of life., Results: Functionality showed significant differences (p<0.001) between baseline measurement and one month (90 points vs 50); baseline and at twelve months (90 vs 60 points); and that of the month and at twelve months (50 points vs 60). Quality of life also presented significant differences (p<0.001) between baseline and one month (0.587 vs 0.113); and baseline and twelve months (0.220). The functionality should be in transfused and with high surgical risk (p<0.05) and the quality of life will arrive in high surgical risk (p=0.017). Those older than 85 years were the ones who recovered the least after one year, as well as patients with delirium on admission and those who received transfusions. Patients with iron therapy recovered better at six months compared to those who did not and maintained this improvement at twelve months., Conclusions: Among the main risk factors are advanced age, male sex, transfused, high surgical risk, delirium on admission and malnutrition., Competing Interests: Disclosure The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.

Background: The clinical spectrum of COVID-19 varies from no or mild symptoms to pneumonia with fatal complications. The aim of the study was to find predictors of mortality and admission in the intensive care unit (ICU) in patients hospitalized for COVID-19., Methods: Retrospective study of a cohort of patients admitted for COVID-19 between March 2020 and February 2021. Demographic, clinical, radiological and laboratory variables were described at admission. Independent predictors of mortality and ICU admission were identified by means of backward stepwise logistic regression and described in terms of odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI)., Results: A total of 883 patients were included, 51.8% men with a mean age of 68; 1.8% readmissions. 17.6% of patients died (n=154). The independent predictors of mortality were age (OR=1.071; 95%CI: 1.046-1.095), percentage of oxygen saturation (SatO2) (OR=0.938; 95%CI: 0.903-0.974), diastolic blood pressure (DBP, OR= 0.972; 95%CI: 0.955-0.989), creatinine (OR=1.516; 95%CI: 1.088-2.113), INR (OR=1.199; 95%CI: 1.012-1.419) and sodium (OR=1.082; 95%CI: 1.037-1.128). Eight percent of patients were admitted to ICU; the independent predictors were: male sex (OR=2.079; 95%CI: 1.099-3.935), age (OR=0.960; 95%CI: 0.942-0.979), SatO2 (OR=0.925; 95%CI: 0.889-0.962), creatinine (OR=1.551; 95%CI: 1.118-2.152) and C-reactive protein (CRP, OR=1.003; 95%CI: 1.000-1.007)., Conclusion: The identification of independent predictors of mortality (age, SatO2, DBP, creatinine, INR, sodium) and ICU admission (sex, age, SatO2, creatinine, and CRP) allowed for the stratification of patients to adapt clinical care protocols to these findings, thereby improving medical decisions.

Background and Objective: Pediatric patient care implies a duplication of user, the children who receive assistance and their parents., Objective: to evaluate the perception and compared experience between children seen in pediatric observation and their parents., Patients and Methods: Cross-sectional study using a survey prior to discharge, to children aged 4-13 years admitted between April 2017 and November 2018 and their parents. A random sample of 125 child-parent pairs was taken. Both groups were compared with the Chi-square test and the child-father agreement with the Kappa index (KI), using SPSS v.25., Results: Overall satisfaction was 99.2% in children and 100% in adults, with no significant differences between the two (p=0.314). There were also no significant differences between children and parents in the best valued aspects: staff interest (100% and 100%; p=not calculable); treatment of staff (100% and 99.2%; p=0.318); space (99.2% and 99.2%; p=1); information (98.4% and 100%; p=0.993); time with relatives (98.4% and 98.4%; p=0.993); cleaning (98.4% and 97.6%; p=0.651). The worst valued aspects in children: food (83.2% and 93.2%; p=0.016) and entertainment (89.5% and 94.2%; p=0.179); in adults: comfort (96.8% and 90.2%; p=0.036). There was moderate child-parent concordance in speed of attention (IK 0.561; p<0.001), time with relatives (0.492; p<0.001) and entertainment (0.489; p<0.001). In four questions, the IK could not be calculated because there were no dissatisfied adults and / or children., Conclusions: The global satisfaction of children and adults was high and consistent in most items. Parent surveys reflect the views of children., (Copyright © 2021 FECA. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Background: The prevalence of chronic pain in Spain is 17%. There is a need for more scientific data on non-drug treat-ments that can be effectively used to treat chronic pain. The aim of this study is to analyze how patients with chronic non-malignant pain perceive non-drug approaches., Method: Mixed, descriptive and phenomenological study. Nineteen patients enrolled in a workshop on pain management and non-drug treatments that consisted of four sessions (one session a week). Each session lasted four hours. The patients then participated in a reflective writing activity about their personal experiences. Data from this activity was then ana-lyzed. Atlas.ti 8 software was used for the qualitative data analysis., Results: Sixteen participants tried an alternative therapy and fourteen assessed its benefits. The participants' expecta-tions were divided into three groups of similar size: relief from physical pain, emotional pain management and tools for use in daily life. All the participants were satisfied with the workshop. Perceived personal benefits were better pain and sleep management, reduced fatigue, reduced drug consumption; a more positive approach to life, better mood, more positive energy, more motivation and improved capacity to cope., Conclusions: The participants commented that the workshop had helped them to reduce pain levels and consume to fewer analgesics, and had reduced other symptoms associated with chronic disease, thus improving their perceived health. They also expressed great satisfaction with the organization and teachers.

Objective: In spite of technical advances, hip fracture causes high mortality in the elderly. We wanted to know early surgery influence to mortality during admission, one year and after five years, as well as readmissions at one month and one year. We also wanted to know how dependence and Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) evolved in the twelve months of follow-up and what factors were associated with poor patient evolution., Methods: A prospective observational study was made in patients over 65 years of age treated for osteoporotic hip fracture in a level III hospital between 2010- 2012, with consecutive sampling. We evaluated functionality (Barthel) and quality of life (EuroQol-5D) basal (before fracture), within 30 days, within six and twelve months; readmissions within the 30 days and within one year; and mortality during admission; within one and five years. We used the statistical program SPSS Version 25.0 for the statistical analysis., Results: We followed 327 patients of 82.9 (SD: 6.9) years of means, 258 (78.9%) were women. Fifty-four (45.9%) were treated within 24 hours and 237 (72.5%) within 48 hours. They returned 14 (4.3%) within the 30 days and 44 (13.5%) within the one year. There were 8 deaths during admission (2.4%) and 61 (19.2%) in the first year and 185 (54,6%) within five years. The pre-fracture quality of life was 0.43 median (0.24-0.74), at the month 0.15 (0.07-0.28), at six months 0.26 (0, 13-0.59) and at twelve 0.24 (0.15-0.58). The previous functionality was 85.0 (55.0-100) at the month 35.0 (20.0-60.0) and 60.0 (25.0-85.0) at six and twelve months. There were significant differences between all visits except between six and twelve months., Conclusions: The patients get worse significantly at the month of surgery and recover in the six months, remaining at twelve, without reaching the baseline value. The results in mortality and readmissions per year are worse for men and older. Early surgery does not reduce mortality, but re-admissions to the year.

Objective: To describe the evolution of prostate cancer mortality in Spain during the period 1980-2013., Subject and Method: The prostate cancer mortality data and population data needed to calculate the indicators were provided by the National Institute of Statistics. We calculated the specific rates by age group, raw and standardised globally using the direct method (European standard population). The rates are expressed for 100,000 person-years. For the analysis of trends in the rates, we used joinpoint regression models., Results: The overall rates adjusted for age in Spain decreased from 21.7 to 15.4 deaths per 100,000 men-years between the starting and ending date of the study period (annual percentage change: -.9%; P<.05). The joinpoint analysis reflects 2 periods: 1980-1998 (.7% annual increase; P<.05) and 1998-2013, during which the rates decreased significantly (-3%; P<.05). Except for the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla where the rates remained stable over the course of the study period, the communities showed 1 or 2 points of inflection in the trends, and all had a final period with a reduction in the rates (except for Galicia and Catalonia, where the rates stabilised in 2008-2013)., Conclusion: The decline in prostate cancer mortality in Spain appears to have stopped in Galicia and Catalonia., (Copyright © 2015 AEU. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)