Publications (12)32.57 Total impact
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Article: Genetic variability in the severity and outcome of community-acquired pneumonia.
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ABSTRACT: Several studies have investigated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in candidate genes associated with susceptibility, severity or outcome in patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) with conflicting results. Multi-centre, prospective observational study. We studied 1162 white Spanish patients with CAP and 1413 controls. Severe forms of sepsis were recorded in 325 patients. Subjects were genotyped for the following polymorphisms: TNF -238 and -308, LTA +252, IL6 -174, IL1RN 86bp variable number of tandem repeats and TNFRSF1B+676 (TNFR2 M196R). No significant differences in genotype or allele frequencies were seen among patients and controls. We did not find any association between TNF, LTA, IL6 and IL1RN polymorphisms with disease severity or outcome. Analysis of 28-day mortality showed a significant difference in the distribution of TNFRSF1B+676 G/T genotypes (p=0.0129). Sequential Kaplan-Meier survival analysis of TNFRSF1B+676 G/T polymorphism showed a protective role of the GT genotype. Cox regression analysis adjusted for age, gender, hospital of origin and comorbidities showed that patients with GT genotypes had lower mortality rates compared to patients with GG or TT genotypes (p=0.02; HR 0.53; 95% CI 0.31-0.90 for 90-day survival; p=0.01; HR 0.41; 95% CI 0.21-0.81 for 28-day survival and p=0.049; HR 0.48; 95% CI 0.23-0.997 for 15-day survival). Our study does not support a role for the controversial studied polymorphisms of the TNF, LTA, IL6 and IL1RN genes in the susceptibility or outcome of CAP. A protective role of heterozygosity for the functionally relevant TNFRSF1B+676 polymorphism in the outcome of CAP was observed.Respiratory medicine 11/2009; 104(3):440-7. · 2.33 Impact Factor -
Article: Sensorimotor recovery after partial facial (mystacial pad) transplantation in rats.
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ABSTRACT: Most research in facial transplantation has been conducted in rats. This skill demanding model has a steep learning curve and is accompanied by high mortality rates. Investigations were carried out to minimize these disadvantages and a whiskers flap properly named mystacial pad flap, was developed. The mystacial pad contains the whiskers follicles of the rat, and our aim was to investigate the effect of repairing the nerves on the whiskers function after mystacial pad allotransplantation in rats. A total of 56 animals were studied in 6 groups. In the main study group (VI), 16 semi-allogenic vascularized mystacial flaps were transplanted from Lewis-Brown-Norway (RT1(l+n)) to Wistar-Lewis (RT1(l)) rats. This group was divided in 2 subgroups; in subgroup VIa (nonneurotized alloflap transplant group, n = 8), alloflaps were transplanted without nerve repairs, whereas in subgroup VIb (neurotized alloflap transplant group, n = 8) the facial and trigeminal nerves were repaired. Animals were kept under tapered doses of tacrolimus immunosuppression monotherapy. Clinical and neurophysiological explorations were performed to evaluate sensitivity and motor voluntary activity of the mystacial region after 6 weeks. Animals were euthanized after 8 weeks and histologic studies were performed. In group VI, each procedure required an average of 3.5 hours, and 87.5% of the recipients survived for 8 weeks. Sensitivity, motor activity, and histologic signs of recovery were found in the mystacial pad allotransplants after 6 weeks. Mystacial pad allotransplants in which nerves were repaired showed clinical, neurophysiological, and histologic signs of recovery. A functional facial subunit was successfully transplanted and sensorimotor function recovery could be demonstrated in rats.Annals of plastic surgery 10/2009; 63(4):428-35. · 1.29 Impact Factor -
Article: [Analysis of the current situation and outlook of thoracic surgery].
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ABSTRACT: The objective of this descriptive study was to analyze the current situation and forecast the future requirements for specialists in thoracic surgery, taking into account the number of doctors entering and those possibly leaving this specialty. The data for this study were taken from the Spanish Society of Pulmonology and Thoracic Surgery (SEPAR) (n=304), Thoracic Surgeons' Club (n=122), and the Spanish Council of Medical Associations (n=225). We also took into account the current number of resident surgeons (n=84). Other specialists were included who are not recorded in these databases but who are known to be practicing (n=10). The total number of practicing specialists obtained was 211. There are currently 52 working thoracic surgery departments and the highest number of practicing specialists was recorded in Madrid (n=44), Catalonia (n=33), and Andalusia (n=33). The forecast number of retirements (at age 65 years) and incorporations of new specialists means that there will be a surplus of 57 thoracic surgeons in the next 5 years. Thoracic surgery needs to limit the intake of new trainee specialists for at least the next 5 years.Archivos de Bronconeumología 04/2009; 45(3):107-10. · 2.17 Impact Factor -
Article: Evaluation of noncompliance in schizophrenia patients using electronic monitoring (MEMS) and its relationship to sociodemographic, clinical and psychopathological variables.
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ABSTRACT: Noncompliance is common in patients with schizophrenia and can have serious consequences; therefore research of the variables associated with noncompliance is a priority. Although the MEMS device is regarded as the "reference standard" for evaluating compliance, it has been used in very few published studies. Compliance was evaluated in 102 outpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia according to ICD-10 criteria. Compliance was evaluated with the MEMS device for 3 months in 79 patients who were on oral antipsychotic treatments. Baseline evaluations included sociodemographic, clinical, treatment-related and psychopathological variables. The psychiatrist, patients and relatives also provided compliance estimates. Noncompliant behaviors were observed in 42.3% of patients. Agreement between estimations by the psychiatrist and the MEMS findings was fair, and agreements between those of both patients and relatives and the MEMS findings were slight. Noncompliant patients showed poor insight, conceptual disorganization, stereotyped thinking and poor attention as compared to compliant patients. A large percentage of schizophrenic patients failed to adequately comply with their prescribed treatment. Compliance was overestimated by the psychiatrist, by patients and by relatives. Poorer insight and increased conceptual disorganization were independently associated with noncompliance. Identification of factors associated with noncompliance and strategies to reduce these behaviors would help improve the prognosis of schizophrenia.Schizophrenia Research 11/2008; 107(2-3):213-7. · 4.75 Impact Factor -
Article: Electrocardiographic changes in rats undergoing thoracic surgery under combined parenteral anesthesia.
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ABSTRACT: To compare two protocols of combined parenteral general anesthesia, the authors analyzed electrocardiographic changes in anesthetized rats undergoing left pneumonectomy. One group of rats was anesthetized with a combination of medetomidine and ketamine (group 1, n = 10), and the other was injected with diazepam and ketamine (group 2, n = 10). Investigators obtained two electrocardiograms from each rat, one before surgery (5 min after anesthesia) and one after surgery (60 min after anesthesia). Anesthetic induction was quick for all rats, though four rats in group 2 died before surgery. Mean cardiac frequency and R-wave amplitude were significantly lower in rats in group 1 than in rats in group 2. Rats in group 1 received injections of atipamezole about 60 min after surgery, which reversed the effects of medetomidine; these rats regained voluntary respiratory movement more quickly than did rats in group 2. Two additional rats in group 2 died during postsurgical recovery. These results suggest that for thoracic surgery in rats, medetomidine-ketamine is an appropriate anesthetic combination, may be safer than diazepam-ketamine and yields a shorter recovery time.Lab Animal 11/2008; 37(10):469-74. · 0.38 Impact Factor -
Article: Usefulness of hyperemic venous return angiography for studying coronary venous anatomy prior to cardiac resynchronization device implantation.
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ABSTRACT: Implantation of electrodes via the coronary sinus (CS) can be very challenging because access to the target vessel is restricted by anatomical obstacles. Consequently, prior knowledge of coronary venous anatomy is crucial. The objective of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of hyperemic venous return angiography relative to that of occlusive retrograde venography prior to cardiac resynchronization device implantation. Coronary venous anatomy was studied in 200 patients both by videoing venous coronary return, which was optimized by inducing hyperemia, and by occlusive venography. The visibility of different portions of the coronary venous system was scored. Overall, sufficient anatomic information was obtained in 99.5% of patients. Visibility scores for the CS and the lateral vein of the left ventricle were slightly higher in the group studied using occlusive venography, though there was no significant difference between the two techniques. In contrast, the middle cardiac vein and the anterior interventricular vein could be visualized in greater detail using venous return angiography. There were no complications in the group studied using venous return angiography whereas dissection of the great cardiac vein occurred in three patients studied using occlusive venous angiography, though this did not prevent electrode implantation. With venous return angiography, it was possible to visualize accurately the venous anatomy of the lateral wall of the left ventricle and, consequently, to anticipate the level of difficulty posed by electrode implantation.Revista Espa de Cardiologia 10/2008; 61(9):936-44. · 2.53 Impact Factor -
Article: Mannose-binding lectin and mannose-binding lectin-associated serine protease 2 in susceptibility, severity, and outcome of pneumonia in adults.
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ABSTRACT: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is the leading cause of death from infection in developed countries. Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) and MBL-associated serine protease 2 (MASP-2) deficiencies are common primary immunodeficiencies the clinical penetrance of which remains controversial. MBL is a serum lectin that mediates phagocytosis and activates the lectin pathway of complement involving MASP-2. We sought to evaluate the significance of MBL deficiency (O/O genotypes) and insufficiency (O/O plus XA/O genotypes), as well as MASP-2 deficiency (D105G mutation), in the susceptibility to and severity and outcome of CAP in adults. MBL and MASP-2 serum levels, as well as lectin pathway activity with regard to MBL2 and MASP2 genotypes, were measured in healthy control subjects. For susceptibility, 848 patients with CAP, 1447 healthy control subjects, and a control group of 519 patients without relevant infectious diseases were studied in a case-control study. Severity and outcome were evaluated in a prospective study of the 848 patients. We found similar frequencies of MBL2 and MASP2 alleles and genotypes among patients and control subjects. However, in a multivariate analysis MBL insufficiency was associated with the development of the most severe forms of sepsis (P = .007), acute respiratory failure (P = .009), multiorgan dysfunction syndrome (P = .036), intensive care unit admission (P = .020), and death (P = .003). Our large study suggests that MBL plays a redundant role in human defenses against primary infection, at least in adults with CAP, and provides, for the first time, evidence that MBL insufficiency predisposes to higher severity and fatal outcome in patients with CAP, irrespective of the causal microorganisms.The Journal of allergy and clinical immunology 07/2008; 122(2):368-74, 374.e1-2. · 9.17 Impact Factor -
Article: Side effects, complications and outcome of thoracoscopic sympathectomy for palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis in 406 patients.
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ABSTRACT: Thoracic sympathectomy (TS) is the treatment of choice for severe primary hyperhidrosis. However, complications, side effects and satisfaction have not been well defined. To analyze the complications, side effects, satisfaction degree and quality of life of patients after TS for primary upper limb hyperhidrosis. One-year follow-up after 406 consecutive TS for primary upper limb hyperhidrosis. Bilateral TS was completed in all patients. Complications arose in 23 cases (5.6%), with pneumothorax being the most frequent. The success rate after discharge, 6 and 12 months was respectively, 100%, 98.1% and 96.5% for palmo-axillary hyperhidrosis; 100%, 99.3% and 97.8% for isolated palmar hyperhidrosis and 100%, 85.7% and 71.4% for isolated axillary hyperhidrosis. No persistence of hyperhidrosis was observed. Global recurrence was 3.7% (28.5% axillary hyperhidrosis group). Compensatory sweating (CS) appeared in 55% and was not related to the extension of the TS. Being female was a predisposing factor of CS (p<0.004). Excessive dryness appeared at 9% and was associated with extensive TS (P<0.001). Plantar hyperhidrosis improved at 33.6%, worsened at 10% and remained stable during the follow-up. Satisfaction degree decreased with the passage of time and was associated with recurrence. Quality of life was excellent at discharge, 6 and 12 month in 100%, 100% and 97%, respectively. Pneumothorax is the most frequent complication of TS. CS is the main and undesirable side effect, appears with the passage of time, and is not related to the extension of TS. Being female is the only predictor factor of suffering CS. Plantar hyperhidrosis improves initially, although tends to reappear. Excessive dryness appears in extensive TS and does not improve over time. Postoperative satisfaction degree is high but decreases over time owing to the appearance of recurrence. Effectiveness and the absence of CS determine an excellent quality of life. Six percent of the patients regret the surgery because of severe CS. Informing patients of possible side effects before TS is essential.European journal of cardio-thoracic surgery: official journal of the European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery 07/2008; 34(3):514-9. · 2.40 Impact Factor -
Article: [Etiology of acute viral respiratory tract infections in children from Gran Canaria, the Canary Islands (Spain)].
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ABSTRACT: Acute respiratory tract infections (ARTI) of viral origin are a frequent cause of pediatric consultations and hospital admissions. The aim of this study was to investigate the etiology of these infections in Gran Canaria, the Canary Islands, (Spain). From May 2002 through May 2005, 1957 nasopharyngeal washings were collected from 1729 children presenting with ARTI to the Pediatric Emergency Unit. A rapid antigen detection method was performed in every sample to identify respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). An immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and cell culture (CC) was used in RSV-negative samples. Median age was 2 months (range, 0.03-119). A viral agent was identified in 1032 children (59.7%). RSV was detected in 769 children (74.5%). Other viruses identified, in order of frequency, were parainfluenza viruses, rhinoviruses, adenoviruses, influenza viruses, enteroviruses, and coronaviruses. Statistical differences were found between age and the type of virus detected: Adenoviruses caused respiratory infections in older children (median age: 6 months; range: 1-74). There were 6 mixed infections. Sensitivity of IFA as compared to CC was 55.8%, and specificity was 99.2%. Respiratory viruses are responsible for a large number of ARTI cases in children from Gran Canaria, RSV being the major cause. Viral identification is determinant for managing these patients and making a proper use of antibacterial and antiviral drugs.Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología Clínica 12/2006; 24(9):556-61. · 1.49 Impact Factor -
Article: Are there subtypes of suicidal schizophrenia? A prospective study.
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ABSTRACT: Tragically, suicide is not uncommon in schizophrenia. The principal objective of this study was to examine possible subtypes of suicidal schizophrenic patients and identify their clinical and psychopathological profiles at long-term follow-up. The study involved 62 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia according to ICD-10 criteria, who were consecutively admitted following a suicide attempt. Of these subjects, 47 (75.8%) could be re-evaluated after 1 year. Sociodemographic, general clinical, and psychopathological variables were evaluated. Two predominant subgroups were identified according to suicidal motivation: psychotic motivation and depressive motivation. At re-evaluation after 1 year, the depressive motivation subgroup showed higher depression and hopelessness scores. This subgroup also had greater educational level, age, and duration of illness, and more frequent existence of previous suicide attempts compared to the psychotic motivation subgroup. Of note in the psychotic motivation subgroup was the presence of hopelessness. The variables of educational level, duration of illness, and previous suicide attempts were the ones that best distinguished these subgroups. These findings reinforce the notion that meaningful subgroups occur among suicidal schizophrenic patients. The different psychopathological profiles of the two prominent subgroups suggest the need for a different management approach in each case. The identification of these profiles in both subtypes at long-term follow-up may facilitate their detection by clinicians and, therefore, foster the adoption of appropriate preventive measures against subsequent suicidal behavior.Schizophrenia Research 10/2006; 86(1-3):215-20. · 4.75 Impact Factor -
Article: [Analysis of factors related to smoking initiation and continued smoking in young adolescents].
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ABSTRACT: To analyse the determining of the acquisition and later consolidation of the tobacco consumption in young adolescents. Longitudinal study of three years of duration (2000-2002). Subjects were students of secondary education between 13 and 14 years old at the beginning of the study. The research was performed in Gran Canaria Island with a final sample of 745 subjects. Models of conditional binary election were considered for longitudinal data where the dependent variable reflects decisions of the adolescents through time, with regard to the probability of beginning to smoke, "beginning model", and the probability of being occasional or habitual smoker, "experimentation model". In the last year, 57% of the young teenagers surveyed use tobacco, a 25% more than in the first year, some of them, 9% on a daily basis. In the "beginning model" the determining of the tobacco consumption are interest in studies (odds ratio [OR] = 0.27; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.08-0.87 and OR = 0.14; 95% CI, 0.03-0.58 for the students having enough and much interest in studies, respectively), to have a smoker as the best friend (OR = 7.44; 95% CI, 2.59-21.4), the alcohol consumption (OR = 11.82; 95% CI, 4.96-28.2 and OR=15.42; 95% CI, 4.68-50.7 for youngs who drink alcohol occasionally or frequently) and having more pocket money (euros per week) (OR = 1.13; 95% CI, 1.07-1.19). For the "experimentation model", to have a smoker as the best friend (OR = 7.01; 95% CI, 2.96-16.5), the alcohol consumption (OR = 5.71; 95% CI, 1.98-16.4 and OR = 5.22; 95% CI, the 1.56-17.5 for youngs who drink alcohol occasionally or frequently) and the number of years since the student started smoking (OR = 1.44; 95% IC, 1.11-1.86). Our study emphasizes, peer group effect, drinking alcoholic beverages and lack of interest in studies as factors associated to the tobacco consumption.Gaceta Sanitaria 19(6):440-7. · 1.33 Impact Factor -
Article: Diagnóstico etiológico de las infecciones respiratorias agudas de origen vírico en un hospital pediátrico de Gran Canaria
Enfermedades infecciosas y microbiología clínica, ISSN 0213-005X, Vol. 24, Nº. 9, 2006, pags. 556-561.
