The Spanish Scientific Societies before the ESC 2021 guidelines on vascular disease prevention: Generalizing the measurement of albuminuria to identify vascular risk and prevent vascular disease

The 2021 guidelines on the prevention of vascular disease (VD) in clinical practice published by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and supported by 13 other European scientific societies recognize the key role of screening for chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the prevention of VD. Vascular risk in CKD is categorized based on measurements of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urine albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR). Thus, moderate CKD is associated with a high vascular risk and severe CKD with a very high vascular risk requiring therapeutic action, and there is no need to apply other vascular risk scores when vascular risk is already very high due to CKD. Moreover, the ESC indicates that vascular risk assessment and the subsequent decision algorithm should start with measurement of eGFR and ACR. To optimize the implementation of the ESC 2021 guidelines on the prevention of CVD in Spain, we consider that: 1) Urine testing for albuminuria using ACR should be part of the clinical routine at the same level as blood glucose, cholesterolemia, and GFR estimation when these are used to make decisions on CVD risk. 2) Spanish public and private health services should have the necessary means and resources to optimally implement the ESC 2021 guidelines for the prevention of CVD in Spain, including ACR testing.

How the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the training of Endocrinology and Nutrition Residents. Results of a survey by the Spanish Society of Endocrinology and Nutrition

Introduction

Material and methods

Results

Conclusions

Portfolio of services in Endocrinology and Nutrition. 2020 update

Endocrinology and Nutrition is a medical specialty covering the study and treatment of diseases of the endocrine system, metabolism and those derived from the nutritional process, including knowledge of diagnostic techniques and dietary and therapeutic measures. In order to develop these activities and plan the management of resources allocated for this purpose, the so-called Portfolio of Services of the specialty has to be defined. A Portfolio of Services is defined as the set of techniques, technologies or procedures through which care services are provided in a healthcare centre, department or institution. It is an essential tool for organization of a hospital Unit or Department by defining the roles and procedures of its healthcare professionals, and also for structuring the resources required to perform the activity. It also allows for defining how to use these resources and identifying the objectives to be achieved, improving the quality of clinical care. Finally, the definition and preparation of the portfolio of services makes it possible to have an inventory of the offer of healthcare services and to detect new healthcare needs.

[How the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the training of endocrinology and nutrition residents. Results of a survey by the spanish society of endocrinology and nutrition]

INTRODUCTION

COVID-19 disease has become a priority for our healthcare system. The resident physicians training in endocrinology and nutrition (E&N residents) have been integrated into the COVID-19 teams. This study has been designed with the aim of analysing the educational, occupational and health impact on E&N residents.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Cross-sectional observational study via a web survey, aimed at E&N residents who are members of the SEEN, carried out in November 2020. The following data were analysed: demographic variables, number of beds in the training hospital, alteration of rotations, integration in COVID-19 teams, participation in telemedicine, scientific activity and impact on physical and emotional health.

RESULTS

87 responses were obtained (27% of all E&N residents), 67.8% women, 28.1 ± 1.8 years, 60% 4th year E&N residents. 84% participated in COVID-19 teams and 93% in the telemedicine consultations of their service. Most have had their rotations interrupted. 97.7% have participated in scientific meetings or virtual congresses and a third of them have collaborated in scientific work on COVID-19 in relation to endocrinology and nutrition. Overall, 75.8% think the pandemic has affected their mood a lot or quite a lot, and 73.8% think that the pandemic has negatively impacted their training.

CONCLUSIONS

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has compromised the training, work activity and health of E&N residents. They have been integrated both in COVID-19 teams and in the restructured activity of their departments. However, they have managed to continue their training in virtual format and have participated in scientific work.

Portfolio of services in Endocrinology and Nutrition. 2020 update

Endocrinology and Nutrition is a medical specialty covering the study and treatment of diseases of the endocrine system, metabolism and those derived from the nutritional process, including knowledge of diagnostic techniques and dietary and therapeutic measures. In order to develop these activities and plan the management of resources allocated for this purpose, the so-called Portfolio of Services of the specialty has to be defined. A Portfolio of Services is defined as the set of techniques, technologies or procedures through which care services are provided in a healthcare centre, department or institution. It is an essential tool for organization of a hospital Unit or Department by defining the roles and procedures of its healthcare professionals, and also for structuring the resources required to perform the activity. It also allows for defining how to use these resources and identifying the objectives to be achieved, improving the quality of clinical care. Finally, the definition and preparation of the portfolio of services makes it possible to have an inventory of the offer of healthcare services and to detect new healthcare needs.

What may GLP1 receptor agonists contribute to the treatment of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease?

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) poses a challenge to health services both in developed and developing countries, with a significant increase in incidence and prevalence that is related to the currently increased prevalence of obesity. Besides an acknowledged higher risk for advanced liver disease (cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma), morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease both increase in people with NAFLD. As a matter of fact, NAFLD is a cardiovascular risk factor.