OBJECTIVE: The \"Impact of scalp pruritus in dermatological consultations in Spain: The SCALP-PR trial\" was initiated to address the common yet often insufficiently examined issue of scalp pruritus in dermatology. This condition leads to an uncontrollable urge to scratch, affecting the patients\' quality of life and potentially causing scalp damage. This study aimed to explore the prevalence, patient profile, underlying conditios, and therapeutic approaches for scalp pruritus in Spain, and to assess the safety and efficacy profile, as well as the tolerability of a non-pharmacologic treatment.
METHODS: From 2021 through 2022, 75 dermatologists enrolled a total of 359 patients in a study on scalp pruritus, approved by the Bellvitge University Hospital Research Ethics Committee, Barcelona, Spain. This evidence-based research combined a meta-analysis with observational study techniques focused on real-world evidence to examine the therapeutic impact on quality of life (QoL). Utilizing the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) for QoL assessments, the study evaluated the effectiveness of the topical product over 15 days. Data collection was conducted via an eCRF and analyzed with statistical methods to provide reliable insights into the management of scalp pruritus.
RESULTS: The prevalence of scalp pruritus in Spain was found to be 6.9%, predominantly among women with a mean age of 52.5 years. The leading causes identified were seborrheic dermatitis and pruritus of undetermined etiology or sensitive scalp. Stress was noted as a key factor, with corticosteroids and hygienic measures being common therapies. The topical product demonstrated significant reductions in pruritus and scratching in more than 90% of patients after 15 days. Improvements were also seen in dermatological quality of life, with 87.1% of patients showing enhancements in DLQI scores. The product was well-received thanksto its cosmetic properties, with high ratings in texture, ease of application, and fragrance.
CONCLUSIONS: The topical product studied is a safe, effective, and cosmetically appealing treatment, improving scalp pruritus in various etiologies for most patients. The results highlight the need for patient-center treatments in dermatology, providing important insights for clinical practice and future research.

BACKGROUND: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic skin condition causing lesions in which high levels of interleukin (IL)-23 and T-helper17 cells are found. Adalimumab remains the only approved treatment. Guselkumab, an antibody targeting the p19 protein subunit of extracellular IL-23, is approved for the treatment of moderate-severe psoriasis, but evidence on its efficacy in treating HS is limited.
OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness and safety of guselkumab in treating moderate-severe HS under clinical practice conditions.
METHODS: A multicentre retrospective observational study was carried out in 13 Spanish hospitals including adult HS patients treated with guselkumab within a compassionate use programme (March 2020-March 2022). Data referred to patient demographic and clinical characteristics at treatment initiation (baseline), patient-reported outcomes (Numerical Pain Rating Scale [NPRS] and Dermatology Life Quality Index [DLQI]), physician scores (International Hidradenitis Suppurativa Severity Score System [IHS4], HS Physical Global Score [HS-PGA] and Hidradenitis Suppurativa Clinical Response [HiSCR]) were recorded at baseline and at 16, 24, and 48weeks of treatment.
RESULTS: A total of 69 patients were included. Most (84.10%) had severe HS (HurleyIII) and had been diagnosed for over ten years (58.80%). The patients had been subjected to multiple non-biological (mean: 3.56) or biological (mean: 1.78) therapies, and almost 90% of those treated with biologics had received adalimumab. A significant decrease in IHS4, HS-PGA, NPRS, and DLQI scores was observed from baseline to 48weeks of guselkumab treatment (all P<.01). HiSCR was achieved in 58.33% and 56.52% of the patients at 16 and 24weeks, respectively. Overall, 16 patients discontinued treatment, mostly due to inefficacy (n=7) or loss of efficacy (n=3). No serious adverse events were observed.
CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that guselkumab may be a safe and effective therapeutic alternative for patients with severe HS that fail to respond to other biologics.

BACKGROUND: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic skin condition causing lesions in which high levels of interleukin (IL)-23 and T-helper 17 cells are found. Adalimumab remains the only approved treatment. Guselkumab, an antibody targeting the p19 protein subunit of extracellular IL-23, is approved for the treatment of moderate-severe psoriasis, but evidence on its efficacy in treating HS is limited.
OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness and safety of guselkumab in treating moderate-severe HS under clinical practice conditions.
METHODS: A multicentre retrospective observational study was carried out in 13 Spanish Hospitals including adult HS patients treated with guselkumab within a compassionate use programme (March 2020-March 2022). Data referred to patient demographic and clinical characteristics at treatment initiation (baseline), patient-reported outcomes (Numerical Pain Rating Scale [NPRS] and Dermatology Life Quality Index [DLQI]), physician scores (International Hidradenitis Suppurativa Severity Score System [IHS4], HS Physical Global Score [HS-PGA] and Hidradenitis Suppurativa Clinical Response [HiSCR]) were recorded at baseline and at 16, 24, and 48 weeks of treatment.
RESULTS: A total of 69 patients were included. Most (84.10%) had severe HS (Hurley III) and had been diagnosed for over ten years (58.80%). The patients had been subjected to multiple non-biological (mean 3.56) or biological (mean 1.78) therapies, and almost 90% of those treated with biologics had received adalimumab. A significant decrease in IHS4, HS-PGA, NPRS, and DLQI scores was observed from baseline to 48 weeks of guselkumab treatment (all p<0.01). HiSCR was achieved in 58.33% and 56.52% of the patients at 16 and 24 weeks, respectively. Overall, 16 patients discontinued treatment, mostly due to inefficacy (n=7) or loss of efficacy (n=3). No serious adverse events were observed.
CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that guselkumab may be a safe and effective therapeutic alternative for patients with severe HS that fail to respond to other biologics.

To estimate prevalence of diabetes in outpatient care and to describe its epidemiological characteristics, comorbidities, and related vascular complications.
Observational cross-sectional study which included all adults affiliated from a private insurance health plan on March 2019, at Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, from Argentina.
The global prevalence of diabetes resulted in 8.5% with 95% CI 8.3-8.6 (12,832 out of a total of 150,725 affiliates). The age stratum with the highest prevalence was the group between 65 and 80 years old with 15.7% (95% CI 15.3-16.1). People with diabetes had a mean age of 70 years (SD 14), 52% were women, and the most frequently associated cardiovascular risk factors were: dyslipidaemia (88%), arterial hypertension (74%) and obesity (55%). In relation to metabolic control, 60% had at least one glycosylated hemoglobin measured in the last year, 70% of which were less than 7%. Almost 80% have LDL measured at least once in the last 2 years, 55% of them had an LDL value equal to or less than 100 mg/dl. The macrovascular complications present in order of frequency were: acute myocardial infarction (11%), cerebrovascular accident (8%) and peripheral vascular disease (4%); while the microvascular complications were found to be diabetic neuropathy (4%) and retinopathy (2%). 7% had diabetic foot, with less than 1% amputations.
Diabetes represents a prevalent problem, even in elderly patients. This population continues to present a high cardiovascular risk, with little compliance with therapeutic goals.
Estimar la prevalencia de diabetes en atención ambulatoria y describir sus características epidemiológicas, comorbilidades y complicaciones vasculares relacionadas.
Corte transversal que incluyó la totalidad de adultos afiliados a la prepaga del Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires en marzo de 2019, Argentina.
La prevalencia global de diabetes resultó del 8.5% con intervalo de confianza del 95% (IC95%): 8.3-8.6 (12,832 de un total de 150,725 afiliados). El estrato etario con mayor prevalencia fue el grupo entre 65 y 80 años, con un 15.7% (IC95%: 15.3-16.1). Las personas con diabetes presentaban una media de edad de 70 años (desviación estándar: 14), el 52% eran mujeres, y los factores de riesgo cardiovasculares más frecuentemente asociados fueron: dislipidemia (88%), hipertensión arterial (74%) y obesidad (55%). En relación con el control metabólico, el 60% tenía al menos una hemoglobina glucosilada medida en el último año, siendo el 70% de estas menores al 7%. Casi el 80% tiene medido el colesterol vinculado a lipoproteínas de baja densidad (c-LDL) al menos una vez en los últimos dos años, de ellos el 55% presentaba un valor de c-LDL igual o menor a 100 mg/dl. Las complicaciones macrovasculares presentes en orden de frecuencia fueron: infarto agudo de miocardio (11%), accidente cerebrovascular (8%) y enfermedad vascular periférica (4%); mientras que las complicaciones microvasculares resultaron ser neuropatía diabética (4%) y retinopatía (2%). El 7% tuvo pie diabético, con menos del 1% de amputaciones.
La diabetes representa un problema prevalente, incluso en pacientes ancianos. Esta población sigue presentando un elevado riesgo cardiovascular, con escaso cumplimiento de objetivos terapéuticos.

Carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (CRGN) are an urgent public health threat because of the limited treatment options, its rapid spreading and high clinical impact and mortality rates. However, the burden and the use of resources of these infections have not been investigated. The aim of the current study is to understand the use of resources associated to the clinical management of CRGN infections in real clinical practice conditions.
An observational retrospective chart review study was performed. Data regarding patient demographics, clinical management and use of resources associated to hospitalization were retrieved from clinical charts of ICU inpatients with a confirmed CRGN infection. Three reference Spanish hospitals were selected according to their patient volume and geographical coverage. Descriptive analyses of the clinical management and the use of resources and its cost were performed and then total costs by type of resource were calculated.
A total of 130 patients were included in the study. The higher number of patients (n=43; 33%) were between 61 and 70 years old. Ninety-four (72%) patients were male and 115 (88%) suffered from comorbidities. The mean total cost associated to the resources used in patients with CRGN infections hospitalized in ICU was 96,878€ per patient. These total costs included 84,140€ of total hospital stay, 11,021€ of treatments (558€ of antibiotics; 10,463€ of other treatments) and 1717€ costs of diagnostic tests.
CRGN infection causes a high use of hospital resources, being the length of stay either in hospital wards or ICU the driver of the total costs. Diagnostic tests and treatments, including antibiotics, represent the lowest part of the use of resources and costs (13% of total costs).