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J Ferrando

Publications and source records attributed to J Ferrando.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Role of individual and contextual effects in injury mortality: new evidence from small area analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the role of individual and contextual variables in injury mortality inequalities from a small area analysis perspective, looking at the data for the city of Barcelona (Spain) for 1992-98. SETTING: Barcelona (Spain). METHODS: All injury deaths in residents older than 19, which occurred in the period 1992-98 were included (n=4393). Age and sex specific mortality rates were calculated for each educational level and each cause of death (traffic injuries, falls, drug overdose, suicide, other injuries). The contextual variables included were the proportion of men unemployed, and the proportion of men in jail, in each neighbourhood. Multilevel Poisson regression models were fitted using data grouped by age, educational level, and neighbourhood for each sex. RESULTS: Death rates were higher in males, at the extremes of the age distribution (under 44 and over 74 years), and for lower educational levels. The results of the Poisson multilevel models indicate that inequalities by educational level follow a gradient, with higher risks for the population with no schooling, after having adjusted for the contextual variables of the neighbourhood. Such inequalities were more important in the youngest age group (20-34 years), as relative risk of 5.41 (95% confidence interval (CI) 3.9 to 7.4) for all injury causes in males and 4.38 (95% CI 2.3 to 8.4) in females. The highest relative risks were found for drug overdose. There was a contextual neighbourhood effect (the higher the deprivation, the higher the mortality) after having taken into account individual variables. CONCLUSION: The findings underscore the need to implement injury prevention strategies not only at the individual level taking into account socioeconomic position, but also at the neighbourhood level.

Adult↗

[The neck cysts and infectious mononucleosis due to cytomegalovirus].

Infectious mononucleosis is usually produced as primoinfection by Epstein-Barr virus, but the second most common cause is cytomegalovirus. Clinical presentation of infectious mononucleosis is a pharyngitis and tonsillitis, associated to neck nodes, fever and general malaise, as well as haematological features such as an absolute lymphomonocytosis. Occasionally it is the neck node that is more severe, even without initial lymphomonocytosis. We report a deep neck abscess within a neck node as subacute presentation of infectious mononucleosis by cytomegalovirus. We review the clinical presentation of infectious mononucleosis, specially due to cytomegalovirus, as well as the importance that this disease could have while dealing with diagnosis and management of neck masses.

Adult↗

Noncoherent-intense-pulsed light for the treatment of relapsing hairy intradermal melanocytic nevus after shave excision.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Few reports about melanocytic lesions treatment by means of noncoherent-intense-pulsed light (NCIPL) have been published. Here we evaluate the clinical results of a relapsing hairy intradermal melanocytic nevus treated with a noncoherent-intense-pulsed light source. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: A facial repigmented hairy intradermal melanocytic nevus that relapsed after shave excision, received four treatment sessions of a noncoherent-intense-pulsed light source (EpiLight, ESC Medical Systems Ltd, Israel) with the following parameters: 755 nm, a fluence energy of 40-42.5 J/cm(2), triple mode, a pulse width of 3.8 ms, and a delay of 20 ms, at 4-week intervals. RESULTS: Complete pigment clearance and hair removal was obtained. We have neither observed repigmentation nor hair regrowth after a 6 month-follow-up. No side effects were documented. CONCLUSIONS: Noncoherent-intense-pulse light is an effective treatment for hairy-pigmented melanocytic nevus.

Adult↗

[Maxillary sinus hypoplasia].

Maxillary sinus hypoplasia is rare, with an estimated prevalence of 1-5%. Out of the CT scans performed in sinusal patients between March 1998 and June 1999, we report on 4 isolated maxillary sinus hypoplasia, 4 maxillary sinus hypoplasia associated to concha bullosa, and 10 isolated conchae bullosas. All cases were evaluated by nasosinusal endoscopy and CT scan. Size, location and uni/bilateral presentation of concha bullosa is correlated to maxillary sinus hypoplasia presence, specially with regards to uncinate process presence, medial or lateral retraction. The pathogenesis of maxillary sinus hypoplasia is reviewed, and its relation to concha bullosa, evaluating how this could explain some cases of the so called chronic maxillary sinus atelectasia, as an acquired and progressive variant of maxillary sinus hypoplasia in adults.

Adolescent↗

Cholelithiasic disease and associated factors in a Spanish population.

In order to analyze the factors associated with cholelithiasic disease, 1268 participants of a population sample were studied. On univariate analysis, 11 of the 23 variables included showed a statistically significant association (P < 0.05). Five of these variables, including obesity, triglyceride level, intake of hypolipidemic drugs, and a diet rich in cholesterol and saturated fats in women, and physical exercise in men, remained significantly associated after controlling for age. On multivariate analysis among women, a positive association was found with age (P < 0.001), obesity, and the use of hypolipidemic agents (P < 0.05) and a negative one with a diet rich in cholesterol and saturated fats (P < 0.05). Among men, the same analysis revealed there was a positive association with age (P < 0.001) and triglycerides (P < 0.05) and a negative one with physical exercise (P < 0.05). In conclusion, obesity and the use of hypolipidemic agents in women and triglycerides in men, were positively associated with cholelithiasic disease, independent of age, while negative associations included the intake of cholesterol and saturated fats in women and physical exercise in men.

Adult↗

Factors associated with severity and hospital admission of motor-vehicle injury cases in a southern European urban area.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the characteristics of motor-vehicle (MV) injury cases admitted to Emergency departments (ED), and to assess factors related to injury severity and hospital admission. SETTING: Subjects were MV injury patients, aged 16 or more, admitted to four EDs in the city of Barcelona (Spain), from July 1995 to June 1996. METHODS: Cross-sectional design. The data analyzed were obtained from the information routinely transmitted from the EDs to the Municipal Institute of Health, based on the processing of ED logs. Severity was assessed with the Abbreviated Injury Scale and the Injury Severity Score. Univariate and bivariate descriptive statistical analyses were performed, as well as multiple logistic regressions. RESULTS: For the 3791 MV-injury cases included in the study period, a larger contribution of cases was noted for males (63.1%), for cases younger than 30 years (55.3%) and for motorcycle or moped occupants (47.1%). After adjusting for age, sex and the presence of multiple injuries, pedestrians, followed by moped and motorcycle occupants were at a higher risk of a more severe injury (OR: 1.77, 1.61 and 1.50 respectively). Correspondingly, these user groups also showed a higher likelihood of a hospital admission (OR: 2.03, 1.92 and 2.00 respectively), when attended to in an ED. Injury cases attended to in the ED during night hours (OR: 2.06) were also at a higher risk of a hospital admission. CONCLUSIONS: In Barcelona, pedestrians and two-wheel MV occupants, besides accounting for two-thirds of MV injury cases, are the user groups with a greater risk of a more severe injury. as well as a higher chance of a hospital admission, independently of demographic and health care factors.

Accidents, Traffic↗

Intense pulsed light for melanocytic lesions.

BACKGROUND: Few reports about melanocytic lesion treatment using intense pulsed light have been published. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical results of diverse melanocytic lesions after treatment with an intense pulsed light source. METHODS: Superficial and deep melanocytic lesions were treated by an intense pulsed light source with the following parameters: filters of 590, 615, and 755 nm, a fluence energy of 34-38 J/cm2, double mode, a pulse width of 3.8-4.5 msec, and a delay of 20 msec, at 4- to 8-week intervals. Two treatment sessions were applied to superficial lesions, while deep ones received four. RESULTS: A clearance of 76-100% (excellent) was obtained for superficial lesions such as ephelides, epidermal melasma, and café au lait macules. Nevus spilus showed good clinical clearance (51-75%); however, deep lesions such as nevus of Becker, epidermal nevus, and mixed melasma showed an average clearance of less than 25%. Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation was observed in melasma. CONCLUSION: Intense pulsed light is an effective treatment for superficial melanocytic lesions; however, those with a deep component improve only if repetitive treatment sessions are applied.

Adolescent↗

Frey's syndrome.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Child, Preschool↗

Trends in social class inequalities in health status, health-related behaviors, and health services utilization in a Southern European urban area (1983-1994).

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to describe the evolution of social class inequalities in Barcelona (Spain) residents in perceived health status, health-related behaviors, and utilization of health services between 1983 and 1994. METHODS: The information was obtained from the Health Interview Surveys conducted in 1983, 1986, 1992, and 1994 in Barcelona. In this study we included noninstitutionalized people ages >14 years. Social class was obtained from the Spanish adaptation of the British Registrar General classification. We studied health status, health-related behaviors, and health services utilization variables. Age-adjusted percentages and the relative index of inequality were obtained. RESULTS: Of the health status variables, having been confined to bed and acute restriction of activity in the 2 weeks prior to the interview showed an increase in inequalities by social class in 1994. The pattern of chronic conditions by social class in men did not change between 1983 and 1994. Women had a higher prevalence of chronic conditions and the inequalities among social classes had increased. In men there were no social class inequalities in smoking in 1983. In 1992 and 1994 smoking was more prevalent in men of social classes IV and V. In women, smoking was more prevalent in social classes I and II in 1983 than in social classes IV and V, something that had changed by 1994. Lack of usual physical activity in men was always more prevalent in social classes I and II, and this difference increased since more people of advantaged classes moved into inactivity. Health services utilization showed no inequalities in the years studied. CONCLUSION: The changing pattern according to social class of smoking and physical activity practice needs to be taken into account by policy-makers and public health workers.

Adolescent↗

Corrective photoepilation for improper hairline placement after hair transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Noncoherent filtered flashlamp pulsed light has not been used for correction of surgical problems after hair transplantation. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical results of photoepilation in a patient with improper hairline placement after hair transplantation. METHODS: A noncoherent filtered flashlamp pulsed light source was used to photoepilate the misplaced frontal hairline in a 37-year-old Caucasian man, skin phototype IV (Fitzpatrick scale), who suffered from common baldness grade IV (Ebling scale) and had undergone a hair transplant 6 years before. The frontal hairline received three treatment sessions at 2-month intervals with the following treatment parameters: 695 nm cutoff filter, fluence 38 J/cm2, 3.5-msec pulse duration, triple-pulse mode, and 30-msec delay. The gulfs received two treatment sessions with the same protocol. RESULTS: Final clinical aspect was good and no hair regrowth in the frontal hairline has been observed after 1.5 years of follow-up. CONCLUSION: Noncoherent filtered flashlamp pulsed light is a novel therapeutic choice that offers a nonsurgical solution to unnatural hairline after hair transplantation.

Adult↗

Impact of a helmet law on two wheel motor vehicle crash mortality in a southern European urban area.

BACKGROUND: In Spain, a federal road safety law went into effect in the fall of 1992 extending to urban areas the unrestricted use of safety helmets by all two wheel motor vehicle occupants. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effect of the law in reducing fatal motorcycle crash injuries; to estimate the number of lives saved; and to determine changes in the distribution of severity and anatomical location of injuries. METHODS: Pre-test/post-test design of all deaths of two wheel motor vehicle occupants from 1990-92 (pre-law period) and from 1993-95 (post-law period) detected by the Barcelona Forensic Institute and the city police department. Injuries were coded using the 1990 version of the abbreviated injury scale. Poisson regression methods were used to model trends in mortality ratios and to provide estimates of the number of lives saved. RESULTS: Between 1993 and 1995, 35 lives of two wheel motor vehicle occupants were spared, representing a decrease of 25% in the observed motorcycle crash mortality in the post-law period when compared with what would be expected if no such law had gone into effect. The proportion of deaths with severe head injuries was also reduced from 76% to 67% in the post-law period. CONCLUSIONS: This study offers the first evaluation of a helmet law using combined forensic and police data in a large south European urban area where there is widespread use of motorcycles. Our results confirm the effectiveness of the helmet law, as measured by the reduction in the number of deaths and mortality ratios after the law implementation. The findings reinforce the public health benefits of mandatory non-restricted motorcycle and moped helmet use, even in urban areas with lower traffic speeds.

Accidents, Traffic↗

Social inequalities in health related behaviours in Barcelona.

OBJECTIVE: This study describes social class inequalities in health related behaviours (tobacco and alcohol consumption, physical activity) among a sample of general population over 14 years old in Barcelona. DESIGN: Cross sectional study (Barcelona Health Interview Survey). SETTING: Barcelona city (Spain). PARTICIPANTS: A representative stratified sample of the non-institutionalised population resident in Barcelona was obtained. This study refers to the 4171 respondents aged over 14. DATA: Social class was obtained from a Spanish adaptation of the British Registrar General classification. In addition, sociodemographic variables such as family structure and employment status were used. As health related behaviours tobacco consumption, alcohol consumption, usual physical activity and leisure time physical activity were analysed. Age adjusted percentages were compared by social class. Multivariate analysis was performed using logistic regression models. MAIN RESULTS: Women in the upper social classes were more likely to smoke, the adjusted odds ratio (OR) for social class V in reference to social class I was 0.36 (95% confidence intervals (95%CI): 0.19, 0.67), while the opposite occurred among men although it was not statistically significant in multivariate analysis. Smoking cessation was more likely among men in the higher classes (OR for class V 0.41, 95%CI: 0.18, 0.90). Excessive alcohol consumption among men showed no differences between classes, while among women it was greater in the upper classes. Engaging in usual physical activity classified as "light or none" in men decreased with lowering social class (OR class IVa: 0.55 and OR class IVb: 0.47). Women of social classes IV and V were less likely to have two or more health risk behaviours (OR for class V 0.33, 95% CI: 0.18, 0.62). CONCLUSION: Health damaging behaviours are differentially distributed among social classes in Barcelona. Health policies should take into account these inequalities.

Adolescent↗

[The effects of enalapril on exercise capacity and right ventricular function in patients with chronic cor pulmonale].

BACKGROUND: Chronic cor pulmonale (CPC) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a predictor of mortality. ACE inhibitors (ACEIs) improve the symptoms and reduce mortality of left ventricular or congestive failure, however their long term use in patients with CPC has not been tested. The aim of this study is to assess the effect on exercise tolerance and cardiorespiratory function of long term administration of enalapril in patients with CPC. METHODS: Placebo-controlled, double blind, randomized study. 28 patients (24 men and 4 women, mean age of 68.11 +/- 7.78, range 51-79) with CPC and without exacerbation of their respiratory symptoms at baseline were double blind randomised to receive enalapril or placebo for 6 months, added to their previous therapy. Respiratory function test, exercise tolerance ("six minutes walking test") and isotopic ventriculography were performed at baseline and at the end of the study. RESULTS: At baseline there were no differences in FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC and exercise tolerance. Both placebo and enalapril were well tolerated. At the end of the study, patients taking enalapril increased their exercise tolerance an 8.9% (19 m) vs 4.7% (33 m) in the placebo group (p 0.44; 95 percent confidence interval, -41.10 to 91.99). RVEF improved a 6.4% with enalapril but worsened a 7.09% in placebo group (p 0.15; 95 percent confidence interval, -12.87 to 2.10). CONCLUSIONS: Long term administration of enalapril do not improve neither exercise tolerance, nor right ventricular (RV) function, although given in increasingly doses is well tolerated and might prevent further worsening in RV systolic function.

Aged↗

Motor-vehicle injury patterns in emergency-department patients in a south-European urban setting.

The objectives are to identify the main injury patterns in the various types of user (of cars, motorcycles/mopeds, bicycles and pedestrians) injured in traffic crashes and treated in hospital emergency services, along with their main demographic characteristics. One-year cumulative survey all of patients attended to emergency departments in Barcelona, Spain, over a 12-month period (1998) for injuries due to motor vehicle crashes. Bivariate descriptive analyses were conducted to identify the different profiles of motor-vehicle injury patients by age, sex, user type, injured body region and type of injuries. ISS scoring was used to determine injury severity. Of the nearly 17,000 injured traffic victims during 1998, 62% were men. Young people between 15 and 39 (71.6%) were most affected. 42% were users of two-wheeled motor vehicles, followed by car occupants (32%) and pedestrians (24%). Neck sprain (33%) was the most common injury among car occupants, multiple contusion and contusion of lower limbs among two-wheeled motor vehicles (23.5% and 14% respectively) and pedestrians (17.3% and 14.4% respectively) and upper limb fractures (20%) among cyclists. Motorcycle and moped users, mainly young males, have the highest probability of suffering injuries, with lower limbs being the most affected anatomical region. Elderly pedestrians sustaining injuries to the lower limbs and the head contribute substantially to the overall injury situation.

Accidents, Traffic↗

Comparison of the hypolipidemic effect of gemfibrozil versus simvastatin in patients with type III hyperlipoproteinemia.

BACKGROUND: Type III hyperlipoproteinemia is characterized by the accumulation of chylomicron and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) remnants. Individuals with this disorder have a high risk of premature atherosclerosis, and hypolipidemic drugs are useful in their management. METHODS: We compared, in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized crossed study, the effects of gemfibrozil (1200 mg/day) and simvastatin (20 mg/day) on lipids, apolipoprotein AI, apolipoprotein B, and apolipoprotein E and on lipids and apolipoprotein B content in VLDL, intermediate-density lipoprotein (IDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in 10 patients with type III hyperlipoproteinemia. RESULTS: Levels of total cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol, IDL cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B decreased with both drugs. Larger reductions in triglycerides (109 +/- 28.2 mg/dL, P =.005), VLDL cholesterol (24.7 +/- 10.9 mg/dL, P =.05), and VLDL triglycerides (86.3 +/- 20.2 mg/dL, P =.003) were obtained with gemfibrozil compared with simvastatin. LDL cholesterol reduction was more effective with simvastatin than with gemfibrozil (44.3 +/- 17.1 mg/dL, P =.03). HDL cholesterol after gemfibrozil was 5.71 +/- 2.37 mg/dL higher than after simvastatin. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with type III hyperlipoproteinemia gemfibrozil is more effective in reducing total triglyceride and VLDL lipid levels than simvastatin, and simvastatin is better in reducing LDL cholesterol than gemfibrozil is. IDL and apolipoprotein E levels were reduced similarly with both drugs.

Adult↗