Nomogram and Validity of a Model for Predicting Malnutrition in Patients on Liver Transplant Lists.

Background: Malnutrition is associated with increased morbimortality in liver transplant patients, and it is important to identify factors related to nutritional status in these patients.

Aims: Determine variables associated with malnutrition and create a nomogram in liver transplant candidates.

Methods: Cross-sectional study (n = 110).

Variability between Clarke's angle and Chippaux-Smirak index for the diagnosis of flat feet.

Background: The measurements used in diagnosing biomechanical pathologies vary greatly. The aim of this study was to determine the concordance between Clarke's angle and Chippaux-Smirak index, and to determine the validity of Clarke's angle using the Chippaux-Smirak index as a reference.

Methods: Observational study in a random population sample (n= 1,002) in A Coruña (Spain).

Concordance among methods of nutritional assessment in patients included on the waiting list for liver transplantation.

Background: The aim of the present study was to determine the extent of malnutrition in patients waiting for a liver transplant. The agreement among the methods of nutritional assessment and their diagnostic validity were evaluated.

Methods: Patients on the waiting list for liver transplantation (n = 110) were studied.

How in-office and ambulatory BP monitoring compare: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Purpose: We performed a literature review and meta-analysis to ascertain the validity of office blood pressure (BP) measurement in a primary care setting, using ambulatory blood pressure measurement (ABPM) as a benchmark in the monitoring of hypertensive patients receiving treatment.

Methods: We conducted a literature search for studies published up to December 2013 that included hypertensive patients receiving treatment in a primary care setting. We compared the mean office BP with readings obtained by ABPM.

Effect of diagnostic delay on survival in patients with colorectal cancer: a retrospective cohort study.

Background: Disparate and contradictory results make studies necessary to investigate in more depth the relationship between diagnostic delay and survival in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. The aim of this study is to analyse the relationship between the interval from first symptom to diagnosis (SDI) and survival in CRC.

Methods: Retrospective study of n = 942 CRC patients.

Axillary radiotherapy in conservative surgery for early-stage breast cancer (stage I and II).

Introduction: Several clinical studies analyze axillary treatment in women with early-stage breast cancer because of changes in the indication for axillary lymph node dissection. The aim of the study is to analyze the impact of axillary radiotherapy in disease-free and overall survival in women with early breast cancer treated with lumpectomy.

Methods: Retrospective study in women with initial stages of breast carcinoma treated by lumpectomy.

A randomised crossover trial comparing the Airtraq(®) NT, McGrath(®) MAC and Macintosh laryngoscopes for nasotracheal intubation of simulated easy and difficult airways in a manikin.

Objective: Several devices can aid nasotracheal intubation when managing difficult airways. The McGrath MAC and Airtraq NT were compared with a Macintosh laryngoscope when studying the performance of anaesthetists with different levels of experience, in a manikin model of easy or difficult airway scenarios.

Methods: Sixty-three anaesthetists were recruited into a randomised trial in which each performed nasotracheal intubation with all laryngoscopes, in both scenarios.

A randomized clinical trial to determine the effectiveness of CO-oximetry and anti-smoking brief advice in a cohort of kidney transplant patients who smoke: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Background: The cardiovascular risk in renal transplant patients is increased in patients who continue to smoke after transplantation. The aim of the study is to measure the effectiveness of exhaled carbon monoxide (CO) measurement plus brief advisory sessions, in comparison to brief advice, to reduce smoking exposure and smoking behavior in kidney transplant recipients who smoke. The effectiveness will be measured by: (1) abandonment of smoking, (2) increase in motivation to stop smoking, and (3) reduction in the number of cigarettes smoked per day.

[A randomised crossover trial comparing the Airtraq(®) NT, McGrath(®) MAC and Macintosh laryngoscopes for nasotracheal intubation of simulated easy and difficult airways in a manikin].

Objective: Several devices can aid nasotracheal intubation when managing difficult airways. The McGrath MAC and Airtraq NT were compared with a Macintosh laryngoscope when studying the performance of anaesthetists with different levels of experience, in a manikin model of easy or difficult airway scenarios.

Methods: Sixty-three anaesthetists were recruited into a randomised trial in which each performed nasotracheal intubation with all laryngoscopes, in both scenarios.

Inhibition of Gastric Acid Secretion by H2 Receptor Antagonists Associates a Definite Risk of Enteric Peritonitis and Infectious Mortality in Patients Treated with Peritoneal Dialysis.

Background: Evidences linking treatment with inhibitors of gastric acid secretion (IGAS) and an increased risk of serious infections are inconclusive, both in the population at large and in the particular case of patients with chronic kidney disease. We have undertaken an investigation to disclose associations between treatment with IGAS and infectious outcomes, in patients undergoing chronic Peritoneal Dialysis (PD).

Method: Observational, historic cohort, single center design.

[Prognostic factors in adult patients hospitalized for pneumonia caused by Legionella pneumophila].

Introduction: Legionellosis is a multisystem bacterial disease, which causes pneumonia with high mortality in patients with comorbidity and admitted in intensive care units (ICU).

Objective: Determine predictors of mortality or ICU admission.

Methods: Retrospective follow-up of patients diagnosed with Legionella pneumophila pneumonia in Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña.

Characteristics and pattern of recurrence after curative surgery in oesophageal cancer.

Background And Aim: Recurrence in oesophageal cancer continues to remain high after curative surgery. The aim of this study was to determine the presence of recurrence after curative surgery during follow-up, and the associated variables.

Methods: A retrospective and prospective follow-up study in patients with an anatomical-pathological diagnosis of oesophageal cancer who underwent curative surgery (n = 57) in the health district of A Coruña (Spain) during the period 2003-2008.

Comorbidity as a predictor of mortality and mobility after hip fracture.

Aim: To determine mortality and mobility rates after hip fracture.

Methods: A prospective study (n = 199 patients) was carried out in the Health Care Center of A Coruña (Spain) during the period between January 2009 and December 2011. A descriptive study, and Cox and logistic regression analysis were carried out.

Clinical-pathological characteristics and prognosis of a cohort of oesophageal cancer patients: a competing risks survival analysis.

Background: To determine the clinical course, follow-up strategies, and survival of oesophageal cancer patients using a competing risks survival analysis.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective and prospective follow-up study. The study included 180 patients with a pathological diagnosis of oesophageal cancer in A Coruña, Spain, between 2003 and 2008.

Assessment of nutritional status and health-related quality of life before and after liver transplantation.

Background: Patients with chronic liver disease frequently suffer from malnutrition, together with a decline in their health-related quality of life. This study was carried out with the aim of evaluating the nutritional status, complications of medical and surgical care, anxiety, health-related quality of life and dependence level on basic and instrumental activities of daily living in pre- and post-liver transplant patients.

Methods/design: A prospective observational study with follow-up of patients on the waiting list for liver transplants who subsequently received a transplant at the University Hospital Complex in A Coruña during the period 2012-2014 (n = 110).

Validity of clinic blood pressure compared to ambulatory monitoring in hypertensive patients in a primary care setting.

Aims: To determine the validity of the blood pressure (BP) measurement in a primary care setting in comparison with the measurement obtained from 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM).

Methods: Patients with hypertension (n = 137) were studied in primary care. Immediately after a nurse took two measurements of each patient's BP, the ABPM device was attached.

Compared decline of residual kidney function in patients treated with automated peritoneal dialysis and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis: a multicenter study.

Background: There is controversy concerning the compared rates of decline of residual kidney function (RKF) in patients treated with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and automated peritoneal dialysis (APD).

Objectives And Method: Following an observational, multicenter design, we studied 493 patients initiating peritoneal dialysis (PD) in four different Spanish units. We explored the effect of the PD modality on the rate of decline of RKF and the probability of anuria during follow-up.

Podiatric medical abnormalities in a random population sample 40 years or older in Spain.

Background: Podiatric medical abnormalities are highly prevalent, yet few random population studies exist that determine the presence of pathologic abnormalities in the feet, despite their importance. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of podiatric medical abnormalities in a random sample population 40 years or older.

Methods: An observational study was conducted of a random sample population (n = 1,002) located in A Coruña, Spain.

Dependence for basic and instrumental activities of daily living after hip fractures.

The objective of the study is to determine basic activities of daily living (Barthel Index) and instrumental activities of daily living (Lawton-Brody Index) before and after hip fracture. Follow-up study of patients (n=100) with hip fracture, operated at Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña (Spain). Period January/2009-December/2011.

General anesthesia plus ilioinguinal nerve block versus spinal anesthesia for ambulatory inguinal herniorrhapy.

Objective: The aim was to evaluate general anesthesia (GA) plus ilioinguinal nerve block (IIB) versus spinal anesthesia (SA) in patients scheduled for ambulatory inguinal hernia repair regarding pain management, anesthesia recovery and reducing potential complications.

Materials And Methods: A double-blind, prospective, randomized, controlled study in patients American Society of Anesthesiologists I-III randomized into two groups: GA plus IIB group, induction of anesthesia with propofol, maintenance with sevoflurane, airway management with laryngeal mask allowing spontaneous ventilation and ultrasound-guided IIB; SA group, patients who underwent spinal block with 2% mepivacaine. The study variables were pain intensity, assessed by visual analog scale, analgesic requirements until hospital discharge, time to ambulation and discharge, postoperative complications-related to both techniques and satisfaction experienced.

Validity of footprint analysis to determine flatfoot using clinical diagnosis as the gold standard in a random sample aged 40 years and older.

Background: Research is needed to determine the prevalence and variables associated with the diagnosis of flatfoot, and to evaluate the validity of three footprint analysis methods for diagnosing flatfoot, using clinical diagnosis as a benchmark.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of a population-based random sample ≥ 40 years old (n = 1002) in A Coruña, Spain. Anthropometric variables, Charlson's comorbidity score, and podiatric examination (including measurement of Clarke's angle, the Chippaux-Smirak index, and the Staheli index) were used for comparison with a clinical diagnosis method using a podoscope.

Identification of Targets for Prevention of Peritoneal Catheter Tunnel and Exit-Site Infections in Low Incidence Settings.

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Background: Peritoneal catheter tunnel and exit-site infection (TESI) complicates the clinical course of peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Adherence to recommendations for catheter insertion, exit-site care, and management of Staphylococcus aureus (SAu) carriage reduces, but does not abrogate the risk of these infections. ♦

Objective: To reappraise the risk profile for TESI in an experienced center with a long-term focus on management of SAu carriage and a low incidence of these infections.

Age differences in presentation, diagnosis pathway and management of colorectal cancer.

Background: The gap in survival between older and younger European cancer patients is getting wider. It is possible that cancer in the elderly is being managed or treated differently than in their younger counterparts. This study aims to explore age disparities with respect to the clinical characteristics of the tumour, diagnostic pathway and treatment of colorectal cancer patients.

Diagnostic and treatment delay, quality of life and satisfaction with care in colorectal cancer patients: a study protocol.

Background: Due to recent improvements in colorectal cancer survival, patient-reported outcomes, including health-related quality of life and satisfaction with care, have become well-established endpoints to determine the impact of the disease on the lives of patients.The aim of this study is to determine prospectively, in a cohort of colorectal cancer incident cases: a) health-related quality of life, b) satisfaction with hospital-based care, and c) functional status. A secondary objective is to determine whether diagnostic/therapeutic delay influence quality of life or patients' satisfaction levels.

Impact of ertapenem use on Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii imipenem susceptibility rates: collateral damage or positive effect on hospital ecology?

Background: Conflicting evidence has been reported on the impact of ertapenem use on the susceptibility of Pseudomonas spp. to group 2 carbapenems. No extensive data for Acinetobacter baumannii are currently available.