[Retrospective analysis of the use of the Spanish words severo and severidad in CIRUGIA ESPANOLA during 2007].
BACKGROUND
The Spanish words severo (severe) and severidad (severity) are usually used as a synonyms of grave (serious) and gravedad (seriousness), although the Spanish Royal Academy of Language (Real Academia Española [RAE]) specifically recommends not to use them in this sense. A retrospective analysis to evaluate the use of the words severo and severidad in Cirugía Española during 2007 was performed.


METHODS
All the articles published in Cirugía Española during 2007 were reviewed. The articles in which severo and/or severidad were present were selected. For each article, the month of publication, the type of article, the geographic origin and the exact sentence containing these words were analyzed. Correctness and incorrectness of their use was studied according to the RAE normative.


RESULTS
A total of 33 articles were selected. Every month (except for January) had, at least, 2 articles. Thirty-one of the articles were from Spain whereas 2 were from Hispano-America. Eleven cases were original articles, 7 reviews, 6 case reports, 3 editorials, 3 special articles and 3 letters to the editor.


CONCLUSIONS
The Spanish words severo and severidad are inadequately used too often in scientific texts. It must be avoided using them as a synonym of grave, importante or serio, incorrect translations of the English word severe.
Martínez-Ramos
David
D
Servicio de Cirugía General y del Aparato Digestivo, Hospital General de Castellón, Castellón de la Plana, Avda. Benicàssim s/n, Castellón, Spain. davidmartinez@comcas.es
D013502:General Surgery / Q000266:history*; D049674:History, 21st Century; D006801:Humans; D007802:Language; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013030:Spain; D009626:Terminology as Topic; D014825:Vocabulary