Predictive factors for efficacy and safety of intrathecal infusion devices for oncological pain.

Introduction: In an important percentage of intrathecal infusion therapy, the pain after implantation of a spinal device does not improve. Our objective is to identify factors that can predict therapeutic success and complications, developing a predictive model based on univariate and multivariate analyses.

Methods: Retrospective observational study, including 132 patients with oncological pain who were implanted with a fixed-flow device for intrathecal infusion.

Protein supplement consumption prevalence, habits and complications in adolescents.

Introduction: The consumption of nutritional and protein supplements by adolescents may have important consequences for their health.

Methods: Prospective observational study based on a survey of adolescents enrolled in 6 schools selected at random in the city of Seville. Our primary objective was to determine the actual consumption of dietary supplements in the adolescent population and quantifying their protein content.

Differences in efficacy and safety between intrathecal infusion devices in cancer pain.

Background: Intrathecal infusion therapy is widely accepted for cancer pain patients when conventional analgesic treatments are not sufficient. There are different types of devices for carrying out this therapy: partially externalized devices (PED), used when life expectancy is under 3 months, and totally implanted devices (TID), when it is larger. Our objective is to compare the efficacy, functionality, and complication rate in both types.

Painless cervical dilation with "hourglass membranes": conservative management.

Background: Cervical competence is currently conceived as a continuous biological process with progressive degrees of insufficiency, this substituting the traditional vision of cervical competence as being present or absent. The most extreme expression of cervical insufficiency is known as "hourglass membranes". Currently no consensus exists regarding the treatment of pregnancies complicated by the protrusion of amniotic membranes; however, the majority of authors agree on recommending bed rest and performing cervical cerclage, known as "emergent cerclage.