Life-BaselPub Date : 2025-01-17DOI: 10.3390/life15010118
Marina Stojanović, Milana Marinković, Milana Jurišić, Biljana Miličić, Milan Stojičić, Milan Jovanović, Jelena Jeremić, Nemanja Dimić, Svetlana Srećković, Irina Drača Cetušić, Marko Jović
{"title":"Epidemiological Characteristics of Hospitalized Burn Patients-A 10-Year Retrospective Study in a Major Burn Center in Serbia.","authors":"Marina Stojanović, Milana Marinković, Milana Jurišić, Biljana Miličić, Milan Stojičić, Milan Jovanović, Jelena Jeremić, Nemanja Dimić, Svetlana Srećković, Irina Drača Cetušić, Marko Jović","doi":"10.3390/life15010118","DOIUrl":"10.3390/life15010118","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Many European countries' epidemiological data on burns were analyzed. This research aimed to analyze the key epidemiological characteristics of hospitalized burn patients in Serbia's major burn unit over 10 years, as well as to create the very first national epidemiological dataset with the basic requirements for future epidemiological studies.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted, and demographic, clinical, and burn characteristics, as well as predictors of mortality, were analyzed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 996 patients were included. The mean age of the population was 54.65 ± 27.15 years. Regarding etiology, flame was the most common (49.0%). Patient comorbidities were noted on admission in 50.1% of cases. The mean % of total burn surface area (TBSA) was 16.89 ± 18.72%. Inhalation injury was confirmed in 7.5% of patients, and a total of 10.3% of patients required mechanical ventilation during hospitalization. The requirement for mechanical ventilation support was the strongest independent predictor of mortality, while other independent predictors of mortality were male gender, higher %TBSA, deep burns, mechanism of injury, an extended total length of stay (LOS), the occurrence of complications during hospitalization, and conservative treatment modalities.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Burn injury mortality remains high, and %TBSA, burn depth, mechanical ventilation requirement, inhalation injury, and the presence of comorbidities on admission unfavorably influence mortality rates.</p>","PeriodicalId":56144,"journal":{"name":"Life-Basel","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-01-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11766564/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143043206","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Mydriasis Stability During Cataract Surgery in Patients with Systemic Comorbidities Using a Standardised Combination of Intracameral Mydriatics and Anaesthetic.","authors":"Joanna Dereń-Szumełda, Mariola Dorecka, Mirosław Dereń, Ewa Mrukwa-Kominek","doi":"10.3390/life15010119","DOIUrl":"10.3390/life15010119","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>This study aimed to evaluate mydriasis stability during cataract surgery in patients with systemic comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus (DM) and pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PXF) after a standardised combination of intracameral mydriatics and anaesthetic (SCIMA). Stable mydriasis is crucial for safe and effective phacoemulsification.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Patients were included if they achieved pupil dilation ≥6.0 mm during the qualifying visit. A total of 103 patients were enrolled, divided into three groups: cataract with diabetes (C + DM group, <i>n</i> = 35), cataract with PXF (C + PXF group, <i>n</i> = 32), and cataract without those comorbidities (C group, <i>n</i> = 36). SCIMA was administered, and pupil diameters were measured at key surgical stages. Stability was defined as a pupil diameter of ≥6.0 mm without additional pharmacological intervention and no significant change in its diameter (≥3.0 mm).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Stable mydriasis was achieved in 90.3% of patients: 97.1% in the C + DM group, 90.6% in the C + PXF group, and 83.3% in the C group, with no statistically significant differences (<i>p</i> = 0.14).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>SCIMA effectively maintains mydriasis stability during cataract surgery, even in patients with systemic comorbidities, ensuring greater surgical safety.</p>","PeriodicalId":56144,"journal":{"name":"Life-Basel","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-01-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11767065/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143043620","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Resilience of <i>Chlorella vulgaris</i> to Simulated Atmospheric Gas Compositions of Mars, Jupiter, and Titan.","authors":"Ariela Likai, Aikaterini Papazi, Kiriakos Kotzabasis","doi":"10.3390/life15010117","DOIUrl":"10.3390/life15010117","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study investigates the resilience of the unicellular green microalga <i>Chlorella vulgaris</i> to extreme atmospheric conditions simulating those of Mars, Jupiter, and Titan. Using Earth as a control, experiments were conducted under autotrophic and mixotrophic conditions to evaluate the organism's photosynthetic efficiency, oxygen production, and biomass growth over 2, 5, and 12 days. Photosynthetic performance was analyzed through chlorophyll a fluorescence induction (JIP-test), metabolic activity via gas chromatography, and biomass accumulation measurements. Despite the extreme atmospheric compositions-ranging from the CO<sub>2</sub>-rich, low-pressure Martian atmosphere to the anoxic atmospheres of Jupiter and Titan-<i>C. vulgaris</i> demonstrated resilience and a functional photosynthetic apparatus, maintaining growth and oxygen production. Notably, the Martian atmosphere enhanced photosynthetic performance, with fluorescence curves and Fv/Fm ratios surpassing Earth-like conditions, likely due to elevated CO<sub>2</sub> and low pressure. Under mixotrophic conditions, the addition of glucose further enhanced metabolic activity and biomass growth across all atmospheres. These findings highlight the potential of <i>C. vulgaris</i> for bioregenerative life support systems, enabling oxygen production, CO<sub>2</sub> sequestration, and resource cultivation in extraterrestrial habitats. The study showcases the organism's adaptability to extreme environments, with implications for astrobiology, space exploration, and sustainable extraterrestrial ecosystems. These findings expand habitability criteria and explore extremophiles' potential to support life beyond Earth.</p>","PeriodicalId":56144,"journal":{"name":"Life-Basel","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-01-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11766941/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143042816","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Life-BaselPub Date : 2025-01-17DOI: 10.3390/life15010120
Lauren A Jeffries, Christie A Flanagan, Lila J Finney Rutten, John B Kisiel, Diana G Redwood
{"title":"Factors Influencing the Choice Between Multi-Target Stool DNA and Colonoscopy for Colorectal Cancer Screening Among Alaska Native Peoples.","authors":"Lauren A Jeffries, Christie A Flanagan, Lila J Finney Rutten, John B Kisiel, Diana G Redwood","doi":"10.3390/life15010120","DOIUrl":"10.3390/life15010120","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The Alaska Tribal Health System is increasing colorectal cancer (CRC) screening among Alaska Native (AN) peoples, who experience the highest CRC rate in the world. Through a clinical trial (NCT04336397), AN people living in rural/remote Alaska were offered either the previously unavailable multi-target stool DNA test (mt-sDNA; Cologuard<sup>®</sup>) or colonoscopy. From April 2022 to August 2024, 113 (59%) people who completed mt-sDNA testing and 51 (39%) who completed a colonoscopy procedure participated in a survey on factors influencing their screening test choice. The majority of mt-sDNA participants (79%) were aware of the colonoscopy option, while most colonoscopy participants (72%) reported being unaware of the mt-sDNA option. Key mt-sDNA preference themes included not having to travel, less time commitment, childcare and work responsibilities, physical limitations, greater convenience, and the test being less invasive and dangerous than a colonoscopy. In contrast, colonoscopy preference themes included wanting to adhere to screening recommendations, be proactive about preventative health, family history of cancer, awareness of the higher CRC risk among AN peoples, as well as the belief that colonoscopy is more reliable and accurate since it is performed by medical providers. These findings underscore the complex factors influencing CRC screening preferences among rural and remote AN people. Limited access to medical facilities, financial burdens, and personal commitments, along with personal factors, have a substantial bearing on the screening decision-making process. Recognizing and addressing these multifaceted influences can help CRC screening programs better meet community member needs and preferences, ultimately improving screening rates and colorectal health outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":56144,"journal":{"name":"Life-Basel","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-01-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11767093/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143043536","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Impact of Surgery Delay on Early-Stage Ovarian Cancer.","authors":"Dimitrios Zouzoulas, Dimitrios Tsolakidis, Iliana Sofianou, Tilemachos Karalis, Michalis Aristotelidis, Panagiotis Tzitzis, Evangelia Deligeoroglou, Maria Topalidou, Eleni Timotheadou, Grigoris Grimbizis","doi":"10.3390/life15010122","DOIUrl":"10.3390/life15010122","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>(1) Background: Suspicious adnexal masses should be referred to gynecological oncology units. However, when surgery waiting lists are prolonged, these patients usually suffer from a delay in surgery. This could have a negative impact on their prognosis when the final diagnosis is ovarian cancer (OC). The primary aim of this study was to investigate the impact of surgery delay on the oncological results of early-stage ovarian cancer patients. (2) Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of early-stage OC patients who underwent surgery in the 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology from 2012 to 2019. Time to surgery was defined as the time interval from the day of first examination to the day of surgery. (3) Results: A total of 72 patients were categorized into two groups, with a cut-off point of 5 weeks: 32 were treated ≤ 5 weeks (group A), and 40 > 5 weeks (group B). Concerning age, BMI or comorbidities, no differences were found between the two groups. Furthermore, no differences were presented in the post-operative complications rate, hospital stay, ICU admittance, or in disease-free (<i>p</i> = 0.48) and overall survival rates (<i>p</i> = 0.703). (4) Conclusions: Suspicious adnexal masses should undergo careful differential diagnosis to avoid delays in the \"wait and see\" period when the final diagnosis is positive for malignancy. However, the time to surgery for early-stage OC over 5 weeks seems to be relatively safe, with no impact on the mortality, morbidity, or recurrence rate.</p>","PeriodicalId":56144,"journal":{"name":"Life-Basel","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-01-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11766659/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143043550","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Spatial-Temporal Dynamics of Adventitious Roots of <i>Typha domingensis</i> Pers. Seedlings Grown with Auxin/Cytokinin.","authors":"Guadalupe Hernández-Piedra, Violeta Ruiz-Carrera, Alberto J Sánchez, Erika Escalante-Espinosa, Graciano Calva-Calva","doi":"10.3390/life15010121","DOIUrl":"10.3390/life15010121","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The spatial-temporal dynamics of an in vitro radicular system of <i>Typha domingensis</i> for the development of rhizofiltration technologies, with the potential for use as a phytotreatment of eutrophicated water, were studied for the first time in the roots of seedlings and in rhizotron systems. The effect of indole-3-acetic acid (AIA) in combination with kinetin (CIN) or 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) on seedlings cultivated in the light and dark in three radicular systems and in a rhizotrophic regime for the screening of dynamic rhizogenic lines, by weekly allometric measurements of the length and number of roots, were studied. Inhibition of the elongation and branching velocities of roots by BAP and light was observed but CIN increased elongation and branching. In rhizotrons cultivated in light and dark conditions with different AIA/CIN ratios, isolated root explants remained inactive; however, roots attached to a meristematic base presented a significant increase in growth development, with values comparable to those of roots attached to seedlings cultivated in light without hormones. The results revealed that six adventitious rhizogenic root lines with basal meristems have the potential for use in a wide range of environmental and innovative applications in phytotreatment technologies involving eutrophicated water.</p>","PeriodicalId":56144,"journal":{"name":"Life-Basel","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-01-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11767029/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143043230","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Life-BaselPub Date : 2025-01-17DOI: 10.3390/life15010123
Irina Maria Margarint, Tammam Youssef, Cristina Filip, Ana-Mihaela Bizubac, Alexandru Popescu, Iulian Rotaru, Olguta Untaru, Stefan Manolache, Vlad Anton Iliescu, Radu Vladareanu
{"title":"A Rare Case of Neonatal Desmoid Tumor Leading to Severe Aortic Coarctation: Review of Literature and Case Report.","authors":"Irina Maria Margarint, Tammam Youssef, Cristina Filip, Ana-Mihaela Bizubac, Alexandru Popescu, Iulian Rotaru, Olguta Untaru, Stefan Manolache, Vlad Anton Iliescu, Radu Vladareanu","doi":"10.3390/life15010123","DOIUrl":"10.3390/life15010123","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Desmoid tumors are a rare entity, especially in the pediatric population. There are no reports of such a tumor in newborns. They are associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality, even though they are benign soft tissue tumors. This is due to them exhibiting locally aggressive growth with the compression or invasion of adjacent structures. Abdominal localization is most commonly reported, although there are reports of mediastinal desmoid tumors. We present the case of a 6-day male patient with a mediastinal desmoid tumor that led to severe aortic coarctation with hemodynamic instability. The tumor also compressed the left pulmonary artery and obstructed the left main bronchus. The initial management consisted of successful emergency surgery with partial resection of the tumor mass and coarctation repair. In the postoperative setting, the patient evolved with severe respiratory dysfunction which was managed with tracheostomy, allowing weaning the child from the mechanical ventilation one month after surgery, along with chemotherapy. We also review the literature, focusing on the management of desmoid tumors.</p>","PeriodicalId":56144,"journal":{"name":"Life-Basel","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-01-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11766888/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143043559","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Immune-Boosting and Antiviral Effects of Antioxidants in COVID-19 Pneumonia: A Therapeutic Perspective.","authors":"Stefano Sanduzzi Zamparelli, Alessandro Sanduzzi Zamparelli, Marialuisa Bocchino","doi":"10.3390/life15010113","DOIUrl":"10.3390/life15010113","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The COVID-19 pandemic caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has profoundly impacted global health, with pneumonia emerging as a major complication in severe cases. The pathogenesis of COVID-19 is marked by the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and an excessive inflammatory response, resulting in oxidative stress and significant tissue damage, particularly in the respiratory system. Antioxidants have garnered considerable attention for their potential role in managing COVID-19 pneumonia by mitigating oxidative stress and modulating immune responses. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the literature on the use of antioxidants in hospitalized patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19. Studies exploring antioxidants, including vitamins, trace elements, nitric oxide (NO), ozone (O<sub>3</sub>), glutathione (GSH), L-carnitine, melatonin, bromelain, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), and numerous polyphenols, have yielded promising outcomes. Through their ROS-scavenging properties, these molecules support endothelial function, reduce the thrombosis risk, and may help mitigate the effects of the cytokine storm, a key contributor to COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. Clinical evidence suggests that antioxidant supplementation may improve patient outcomes by decreasing inflammation, supporting immune cell function, and potentially shortening recovery times. Furthermore, these molecules may mitigate the symptoms of COVID-19 by exerting direct antiviral effects that inhibit the infection process and genomic replication of SARS-CoV-2 in host cells. Moreover, antioxidants may work synergistically with standard antiviral treatments to reduce viral-induced oxidative damage. By integrating findings from the literature with real-world data from our clinical experience, we gain a more profound understanding of the role of antioxidants in managing COVID-19 pneumonia. Further research combining comprehensive literature reviews with real-world data analysis is crucial to validate the efficacy of antioxidants and establish evidence-based guidelines for their use in clinical practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":56144,"journal":{"name":"Life-Basel","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-01-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11766556/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143043608","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Life-BaselPub Date : 2025-01-16DOI: 10.3390/life15010106
Pasquale Tondo, Giulia Scioscia, Cosimo C De Pace, Fabiola Murgolo, Federica Maci, Giulia M Stella, Dalila Pescatore, Maria Pia Foschino Barbaro, Donato Lacedonia
{"title":"Gender Differences Are a Leading Factor in 5-Year Survival of Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis over Antifibrotic Therapy Reduction.","authors":"Pasquale Tondo, Giulia Scioscia, Cosimo C De Pace, Fabiola Murgolo, Federica Maci, Giulia M Stella, Dalila Pescatore, Maria Pia Foschino Barbaro, Donato Lacedonia","doi":"10.3390/life15010106","DOIUrl":"10.3390/life15010106","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive lung disease with a median survival of 3-5 years. Antifibrotic therapies like pirfenidone and nintedanib slow progression, but the outcomes vary. Gender may influence disease presentation, progression, and response to treatment. This study evaluates the impact of gender on the 5-year survival, pharmacological management, and clinical outcomes of patients with IPF.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A retrospective cohort study of 254 IPF patients was conducted, with 164 (131 males:33 females) having complete data. Patients underwent spirometry, DLCO, and 6 min walk tests. Data on comorbidities, smoking, antifibrotic therapy type, dosage adjustments, and adverse events were collected. We used Kaplan-Meier survival curves and logistic regression to assess gender-related differences in outcomes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Men had worse lung function at diagnosis (FVC 74.9 ± 18.5 vs. 87.2 ± 20.1% of pred.; <i>p</i> < 0.001) and a higher smoking prevalence (74% vs. 30%; <i>p</i> < 0.001). Women had better survival (51.2 vs. 40.8 ± 19.2 months; <i>p</i> = 0.005) despite more frequent biopsy use (36% vs. 17%; <i>p</i> = 0.013). Women tolerated longer therapy better (<i>p</i> = 0.001). No differences were found between patients receiving reduced antifibrotic dosing and those receiving full dosing.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Gender has a significant impact on IPF outcomes, with women demonstrating better survival and tolerance to long-term therapy. In contrast, reducing antifibrotic treatment does not appear to significantly affect survival outcomes. These findings underscore the need for future research on gender-specific management approaches.</p>","PeriodicalId":56144,"journal":{"name":"Life-Basel","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-01-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11766819/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143043574","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Life-BaselPub Date : 2025-01-16DOI: 10.3390/life15010114
Rodrigo Enríquez de Salamanca Gambara, Ana María Sierra Santos, Ana María Ruiz San Pedro, Federico Montero Cuadrado, Irene Muñoz León, Miguel Ángel Castro Villamor, Alicia Córdoba Romero, Ana María Del Olmo Tornero, Lucía Pérez Pérez, León Morales-Quezada
{"title":"Prescription of Strong Opioids in Chronic Non-Cancer Pain in the Province of Valladolid (Spain).","authors":"Rodrigo Enríquez de Salamanca Gambara, Ana María Sierra Santos, Ana María Ruiz San Pedro, Federico Montero Cuadrado, Irene Muñoz León, Miguel Ángel Castro Villamor, Alicia Córdoba Romero, Ana María Del Olmo Tornero, Lucía Pérez Pérez, León Morales-Quezada","doi":"10.3390/life15010114","DOIUrl":"10.3390/life15010114","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Chronic non-cancer pain (CNCP) is one of the leading causes of disability. The use of strong opioids (SOs) in the management of CNCP is increasing, although evidence supporting their use remains limited. Primary care (PC) plays a key role in this context. <b>Objectives:</b> Our objectives were to determine the prevalence and profile of patients using SOs for CNCP in PC consultations in Valladolid in 2022, and to describe the consumption of SO prescribed for CNCP from 2020 to 2023. <b>Methods:</b> We conducted a descriptive and retrospective study using data extracted from the Pharmaceutical Consumption Information System of Castilla y León. Patients in Valladolid with SO use for more than three months due to CNCP were analyzed. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of these patients in 2022 were described. The number of defined daily doses (nº DDDs) and costs from 2020 to 2023 were analyzed. <b>Results:</b> A total of 3642 patients were included (0.7% of the population of Valladolid), 71.8% of whom were women. Of the patients, 62.4% were aged 70 or older, 39.8% lived in rural areas, and 9.9% resided in nursing homes. The most frequently prescribed SOs in nº DDDs were fentanyl and tapentadol. The highest consumption in nº DDDs was in patients who lived in nursing homes, were over 70 years old and were resident in rural areas. The number of DDDs from 2020 to 2023 for SOs in DCNO increased by 41%. <b>Conclusions:</b> In total, 0.7% of the population of Valladolid consumes SOs for CNCP, mostly women and people over 70 years old. The consumption of strong opioids in DDDs grew by 41% from 2020 to 2023.</p>","PeriodicalId":56144,"journal":{"name":"Life-Basel","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-01-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11766594/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143043630","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}