[Diagnosis of tuberculosis infection].

The prevalence of tuberculosis infection varies between countries, with an estimate in adults in Spain of 25%. The technique for its diagnosis, in spite of its antiquity, is tuberculin. Even today, this test continues to be in use in the majority of countries.

[Sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome. Concept, diagnosis and medical treatment].

The sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (SAHS) is characterised by daytime sleepiness, cardiorespiratory and cognitive disorders, secondary to repeated episodes of obstruction of the upper airway during sleep. This disease is highly prevalent in the general population and has damaging effects on the cardiovascular system; it increases the incidence of traffic accidents due to excessive somnolence, reduces the quality of life and is associated with an excess of mortality. It usually affects obese patients and the most important symptoms are snoring and repeated respiratory pauses.

[Spirometry in primary care in Navarre, Spain].

Objective: To analyze the use and quality of spirometry in primary care settings in Navarre, Spain.

Patients And Methods: A questionnaire was completed simultaneously by professionals responsible for spirometry in all of the primary health care centers in Navarre. Data were collected on availability, model of spirometer, frequency of use, calibration, methods, personnel responsible for testing, and training of personnel.

[Benign pleural diseases induced by asbestos].

Exposure to asbestos is an important cause of pleural pathology and can be produced with light or moderate tendencies given the capacity of asbestos to concentrate in the pleura. Together with the prolonged latency existing between exposure and the disease, this means that for many years we will continue to see pleural clinical manifestations from past exposure, in spite of the increasingly limited use of asbestos in recent decades. This exposure can show itself in different manifestations, both malign, such as mesothelioma, and benign, principally benign pleural effusion, pleural plaques, diffuse pleural fibrosis and massive atelectasis.

[Diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome: the situation in Navarra (Spain)].

Objective: To assess the diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) in Navarra (Spain) and to know the characteristics of patients treated with nasal continuous positive airway pressure (n-CPAP) in our community.

Method: All patients receiving nasal n-CPAP from the public health service of Navarra in July 2000 were enrolled. A nurse visited each patient and filled in a form with epidemiological data, and patient and clinical characteristics.