Implementation of positron emission tomography with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose associated with computed tomography in patients with sarcoidosis. Its effect on disease staging and the therapeutic approach

Objetives: to evaluate the benefit of implementing 18F-FDG PET/TC in the staging and treatment adjustment of patients with sarcoidosis, compared with the signs and symptoms and complementary test results usually employed. Materials and methods: an observational, analytical electronic chart review of a retrospective cohort of patients seen for sarcoidosis in the internal medicine department of a Spanish university hospital. Results: a total of 31 patients (18 males) were evaluated, with an average age of 54.6±14.71 years and 11±5.75 years since their sarcoidosis diagnosis. In the 84.6% of the reviews, positive uptake was objectified on the 18F-FDG PET/TC. In the 42.3% of the occasions, the objectified find ing allowed restaging of the patient. The 18F-FDG PET/TC result justified the choice of treatment in the 71% of the reviews. Conclusions: 18F-FDG PET/TC provided additional advantages in the staging and therapeutic management of patients with sarcoidosis, compared with the evaluation of signs and symptoms and other clinical tests usually employed in follow up, due to its greater accuracy in determining the activity and extension of the disease. (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 48. DOI: https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2023.2778).

Gastrointestinal manifestations of COVID-19 in a Colombian population. A cross-sectional study

Introduction: gastrointestinal involvement in COVID-19 occurs in approximately 20% of patients and may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea or abnormal liver function tests. In our country, the characteristics of gastrointestinal involvement in COVID-19 patients have not been studied. Objectives: to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal and liver involvement in patients with COVID-19 treated at two hospitals in Bogotá, Colombia. To determine the association between COVID-19 gastrointestinal involvement and length of hospital stay, severity and mortality. Design and methodology: a cross-sectional study carried out at two hospitals in a hospital subnetwork in Bogotá, Colombia from February 2020 to March 2021. Results: a total of 1,176 patients with a positive reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were included. Gastrointestinal manifestations occurred in 50% (95%CI 47-52%), with the most frequent being diarrhea in 18.4%, odynophagia in 17.6%, anorexia in 14.7% and abdominal pain in 8.8%. An association was found between diarrhea during hospitalization and prolonged hospitalization (OR 1.93 95%CI 1.19-3.13), and between gastrointestinal bleeding on admission and death (OR 3.13, 95%CI 1.1-9.1), among others. Abnormal liver function tests occurred in 46% (95%CI 43-49%) and were more frequent in patients with severe disease and those who died. Conclusions: the prevalence of gastrointestinal manifestations in patients with COVID-19 was 50%. Diarrhea was associated with a longer hospital stay, and gastrointestinal bleeding was associated with respiratory failure and death. Forty-six percent of patients had abnormal liver function tests, with elevated transaminases being the most frequent. Elevated aspartate transaminase (AST) on admission was associated with greater mortality. (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 48. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2023.2729).

Follow up of a cohort of patients with acute coronary syndrome without obstructive coronary disease. At a tertiary care center during 2019 and 2020

Introduction: 10% of acute myocardial infarctions occur with nonobstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA). These myocardial infarctions represent a group of conditions with less than 50% stenosis. The characteristics of the population with MINOCA in the region are unknown. The objective is to characterize the population with MINOCA and identify the factors associated with adverse outcomes. Materials and methods: this was an analytical cohort study which identified various char acteristics of patients with MINOCA at a tertiary care center in Pereira. From January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2020, 1,500 coronary arteriographies were reviewed; 292 met the angiographic criteria for MINOCA and, of these, 163 patients met the inclusion criteria. The primary outcome was a composite of hospitalization for angina/heart failure, reperfusion therapy, and death from cardiovascular causes and from any cause at six months and one year. Results: the median age was 64 years; 54% (n=88) were men. Arterial hypertension was the most prevalent comorbidity (n=100; 61.3%), and the most common electrocardiographic presenta tion was T wave inversion (29.7%; n=47). Altogether, 19.3% (n=28) and 25.5% (n=37) had some outcome at six months and one year. One-year mortality was 5.5%. On multivariate analysis, the initial troponin, moderate to severe aortic regurgitation and right bundle branch block were associ ated with the event. Conclusion: we have presented the Colombian study with the largest cohort of patients with MINOCA, identifying factors associated with adverse outcomes. (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 48. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2023.2742).

Clinical outcomes and complications following percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale

Introduction: patent foramen ovale (PFO) has been associated with systemic embolic events, and evidence in favor of its closure is increasing. Our objective is to describe the main clinical outcomes and complications of percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale. Materials and methods: patients who underwent percutaneous PFO closure from January 1, 2016, through September 1, 2021, were recorded retrospectively. Immediate outcomes (<72 hours), and early and late-onset clinical outcomes were evaluated. In-hospital and follow-up mortality were evaluated through medical chart reviews or telephone calls. Results: forty patients who underwent percutaneous PFO closure were included. There was a mean follow up of 2.3 years, the mean age was 43 ± 13.6 years, 7% were over 60 years old, 72.5% were women, 25% were hypertensive, 20% had diabetes, and 10% had a history of migraines. The mean RoPE score was 6, and 50% had a score greater than 7. Out of all the cases, three (7.5%) had serious adverse events and four had immediate complications. During follow-up, 2.5% had early-onset events consisting of atrial fibrillation and 2.5% had late-onset events due to CVA recurrence. There were no deaths from neurological causes and we reported a 100% survival. Discussion: From our experience, we highlight a low percentage of serious adverse events, and a low number of immediate, early and late-onset events, with a 100% survival, showing excellent results for percutaneous PFO closure. (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 48. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2023.2585).

Opportunistic infections according to the CD4+ T lymphocyte count in patients with HIV at a tertiary care referral center

Opportunistic infections (OIs) have marked the prognosis in the natural course of patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Objective: identifying the most common OIs and determining their relationship with the CD4+ lymphocyte count (CD4+TL) can improve our clinical practice and facilitate early diagnosis, the use of empiric treatments and prompt targeted treatment. Materials and methods: an observational, retrospective study aimed at describing the characteristics and variations of the OIs diagnosed clinically, using direct or indirect methods, which occur in patients with HIV (related to their CD4+TL count) who are admitted to a tertiary care center in Cali, Colombia. Adult patients hospitalized from January 2018 to January 2019 with a diagnosis of HIV/AIDS and a history or current diagnosis of OI were included. Individuals under the age of 18 and pregnant women were excluded. Results: a sample of 190 patients with at least one opportunistic infection was obtained, of whom 65.3% were men with a median age of 37 years (29.0-46.0), and the rest were women with a median age of 35.5 years (31.2-43.0). Eighty-three percent had a C3 classification on admission, 86% with a CD4+TL count < 200 cells/mm3. The most frequent OIs included tuberculosis, with 28.4%, pneumocystosis with 27.9% and toxoplasmosis with 27.4%. Conclusions: in our population, despite advances in and greater availability of highly-effective antiretroviral therapy, most patients with HIV are hospitalized in advanced stages with opportunistic infections, in some cases with two or more concomitant infections, and with evidence of severe virological and immunological involvement. (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 48. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2023.2327).

The script clinical reasoning test An internal medicine educational practice perspective

One of the main skills in internal medicine is clinical decision making. To make clinical decisions, physicians in training reorganize their knowledge in order to optimally perform their clinical functions (diagnosis, research methods and treatment), which are organized according to disease scripts. This ability develops with experience and is acquired during their academic training. The script concordance test has been described as an innovative evaluation tool, designed to evaluate clinical decision making (clinical reasoning) in addition to the degree of knowledge. The script theory, understood as the organization of knowledge, is the basis for decision making. Disease scripts play a key role in supporting and developing clinical reasoning skills, which should be acquired in order to produce differential diagnoses and interpret clinical data. (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 48. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2023.2569).

Medical mistakes and their absence in medical schools

Medical mistakes are any unintentional acts which are detrimental to patients' health, most of which have multiple causes or arise from the complexity of modern healthcare systems. Since no medical specialty is free of mistakes, training is needed beginning in undergraduate school to learn how to deal with them. (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 48. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2023.2522).

Auto-brewery syndrome A diagnostic challenge

Auto-brewery syndrome is defined as intestinal distillation syndrome and is probably caused by an overgrowth of microorganisms which metabolize carbohydrates to ethanol. In this report, we describe the case of a patient with classical symptoms of auto-brewery syndrome, with no prior alcohol ingestion and clinical improvement after medical treatment was instituted. It is a very rare case and, due to its inadequate description in the medical literature, we attempt to describe the essentials of the disease and the diagnostic challenge it represents. (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 48. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2023.2565).

Complete atrioventricular block secondary to the BBIBP-CorV vaccine The report of a rare adverse event; the first description in Colombia

Introduction: cardiovascular complications due to COVID-19 infection are very frequent. However, these complications are rarely reported as a vaccine reaction. Case presentation: a female patient with no significant cardiovascular history developed functional class deterioration 14 days after her third dose of the BBIBP-CorV vaccine, along with three syncopal episodes. She was seen at a primary care level and an electrocardiogram was ordered which showed Mobitz 2 atrioventricular block which progressed to a complete block. Molecular tests for COVID-19 infection were negative, as were immunological studies for collagen disease, Chagas, and viral myocarditis. A transthoracic echocardiogram showed no regional kinetic disturbances, and the ejection fraction was preserved at 60%. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging showed edema in the T2-STIR sequences, and subepicardial enhancement in the medial distal lateral region was compatible with acute myocarditis. The patient required a permanent pacemaker. Discussion: electrical or mechanical dysfunction secondary to a COVID-19 vaccine is anecdotal, with few reports in the literature. In a review of both the 2021 European Society of Cardiology and the 2018 American Heart Association Guidelines on cardiac pacing and cardiac resynchronization therapy, no recommendation was found for these types of events associated with COVID-19 or following vaccination. An international network should be created to report these events and thus determine general management guidelines. For now, the recommendations must be individualized for these patients. (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 48. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2023.2602).

Autoimmune hepatitis and systemic sclerosis A rare overlap

Autoimmune hepatitis concomitant with other immune-mediated diseases is an increasingly recognized condition which is difficult to diagnose. We present the case of a 42-year-old woman with no significant medical history who consulted due to progressive growth of an abdominal mass in the right hypochondriac region and associated constitutional syndrome. The physical exam showed hepatomegaly, calcinosis and salt-and-pepper depigmentation of the skin, and Raynaud's phenomenon in the hands. Paraclinical tests reported elevated transaminases and IgM immunoglobulin, as well as positive antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) and smooth muscle antibodies (SMAs), along with imaging signs of portal hypertension. A liver biopsy was compatible with autoimmune hepatitis, and treatment was begun with corticosteroids, with an adequate response. Systemic sclerosis is one of the autoimmune diseases which can present in a patient with autoimmune hepatitis. Suspecting, diagnosing and following up these diseases in this type of patients is key in their comprehensive management. (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 48. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2023.2609).

Enteral nutrition and refeeding syndrome in a patient with anorexia nervosa and COVID-19

Introduction: the evidence on the health problem-related prevalence of COVID-19 is an emergency. Case report: we present the case of a 28-year-old woman who had had a behavioral eating disorder (BED) since age 12. Her body mass index (BMI) was 13.6 kg/m2. She was hospitalized for a respiratory condition (bronchospasm) due to COVID-19, with supplementary oxygen at two liters. During her stay, she refused food and was started on standard enteral nutrition via a naso-gastric tube. She developed refeeding syndrome (RFS), which was managed with electrolytes, and her enteral diet was changed to a low-carbohydrate high-protein diet. She received psychological therapy through video calls, recovered, and was discharged to home. Discussion: refeeding complications increase when a high caloric rate is begun. The standard enteral formula has 54% carbohydrates, which contributes to the risk of developing RFS. The consequences of BED and COVID-19 are unknown, and it is likely to become more evident over time. (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 48. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2023.2626).

Choreiform movements and basal ganglia calcification as a presentation of Fahr's disease

Basal ganglia calcifications may be a radiological finding in approximately 20% of the general population. When they are associated with neuropsychiatric and motor symptoms in an idiopathic form, they are known as Fahr's disease. They are termed "Fahr's syndrome" when they are secondary to an identifiable and potentially treatable cause. In this report, we present the clinical case of a 69-year-old woman with the onset of subacute chorea, with no other associated symptoms, in whom extensive basal ganglia calcifications were found on neuroimaging, due to which metabolic disorders were subsequently ruled out. The objective is to contribute to the characterization of the potential motor manifestations which would give rise to clinical suspicion. Due to its low incidence and the little information on this condition in the region, we want to encourage documentation of other cases and the process for ruling out other differential diagnoses, in order to obtain more information on its actual epidemiology and signs and symptoms in Colombia. (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 48. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2023.2635).

Consenso para el manejo práctico de la urticaria en atención primaria

Introduction: urticaria has a high impact on the quality of life of patients with this condition. While there are multiple evidence-based guidelines, these tend to be aimed at providing management recommendations for specialists rather than primary care physicians, who are usually the first to care for patients with urticaria. Objective: to develop a consensus document aimed at presenting evidence-based recommendations to help general practitioners, family doctors, pediatricians, internists and emergency physicians provide timely care for patients with urticaria, facilitating its diagnosis and timely care, and thus avoiding delays for the patients. Methods: international urticaria guidelines with recommendations based on the GRADE system were used as the source of information. Delegates of the interested scientific societies were convened, and, through structured meetings, treatment barriers and possible solutions for the application of the recommendations in primary care were identified. Results: the main barriers for primary care physicians in applying the guidelines were identified: confusion in the diagnosis, proper timing of treatment, first-line medications, and management of special situations. Possible consensus solutions were proposed for each identified barrier. Conclusion: this consensus document contains recommendations for the management and treatment of acute and chronic urticaria which help primary care physicians provide timely and effective treatment for patients with this disease. (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 48. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2023.2722).

A description of the risk factors related to fragility fractures in adults and their associated costs

Objective: to identify bone fragility risk factors associated with increased total fracture care costs at a clinic in Medellín, Colombia. Design: an observational study with retrospective and prospective measurements taken from the medical charts of patients admitted for fractures and followed until discharge. Frame of reference: Hospital Alma Mater de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia. Participants: four hundred fifty-two patients diagnosed with fragility fractures on admission. Main measurements: the prevalence of bone fragility risk factors, a description of the total care cost by risk factor and an estimate of the association between the risk factors and total costs. Results: Diabetes (24.3%) and active or passive smoking (21%) were the most prevalent fragility risk factors. Hip fractures were the most frequent and costly (36%, Md: COP 7,882,579). Fracture care was more costly for active or passive smokers (Md: COP 7,484,185), and those 75 years old or older (Md: COP7,057,678). According to the significant adjusted estimates (p<0.05), the median cost for active or passive smokers exceeds that of nonsmokers by more than COP 2,300,000, and every year of age increases the median cost by more than COP 90,000. Conclusions: this study emphasized that bone fragility is a public health problem. Factors like active or passive smoking and age were found to increase fragility fracture care costs, implying more complications and need for services. This adds to the evidence for strengthening monitoring programs to reduce the morbidity, mortality and direct costs of this disease in Colombia. (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 47. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2022.2351).

Objetivo: identificar factores de riesgo de fragilidad ósea asociados al aumento de costos totales de atención de fracturas en una clínica de Medellín, Colombia. Diseño: estudio observacional con medidas retrospectivas y prospectivas tomadas de la historia clínica de pacientes atendidos por fractura y seguidos hasta su egreso. Marco de referencia: Hospital Alma Máter de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia. Participantes: cuatrocientos cincuenta y dos pacientes diagnosticados con fracturas por fragi lidad al ingreso. Mediciones principales: prevalencia de factores de riesgo de fragilidad ósea, descripción de costos totales de atención según factores de riesgo, y estimación de asociaciones entre factores de riesgo y costos totales. Resultados: diabetes (24.3%) y tabaquismo activo o pasivo (21%) fueron los factores de riesgo de fragilidad más prevalentes. Las fracturas de cadera fueron las más frecuentes y costosas (36%, Md: COP7 882 579). La atención de fracturas fue más costosa para pacientes fumadores activos o pasivos (Md: COP7 484 185), y de 75 años o más (Md: COP7 057 678). Según las estimaciones ajustadas significativas (p<0.05), los fumadores activos o pasivos tienen una mediana de costos de más de COP2 300 000 mayor que la de no fumadores, y cada año de edad incrementa la mediana de costos más de COP90 000. Conclusiones: este estudio enfatizó que la fragilidad ósea es un problema de salud pública. Se identificó que factores como fumar activa o pasivamente, y la edad aumenta los costos de atención de fractura por fragilidad implicando mayores complicaciones y necesidad de servicios. Esto añade a la evidencia para fortalecer los programas de vigilancia que reduzcan la morbimortalidad y costos directos de esta enfermedad en Colombia. (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 47. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2022.2351).

Neurological disease in the time of COVID-19. A case series

Introduction: we present a series of patients with neurological problems and SARS-CoV-2 infection, and review the respective evidence. Patients and methods: a retrospective descriptive study of consecutive RT-PCR SARS-CoV-2-positive patients in a neurology department from August 1 to December 31, 2020. Results: we recorded 30 patients: 16 men (53%), with a mean age of 65±17.3. In 53%, the neu rological problem preceded the respiratory symptoms and SARS-CoV-2 infection diagnosis. At the syndromic level, the following were found: CVAs 43% (13), seizures 10% (3), posterior reversible encephalopathy 10% (3), encephalopathy 7% (2), brief psychotic disorder 7% (2), myelopathy 3% (1), Guillain-Barré syndrome 3% (1), headache 3% (1), vasculitis 3% (1), intracerebral hemorrhage 3% (1), myasthenic crisis 3% (1) and recurrent optic neuritis 3% (1). Conclusions: SARS-CoV-2 induced neurological problems produce a wide variety of symptoms and may be the first manifestation, even without the development of respiratory symptoms from this infection. (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 47. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2022.2233).

Introducción: se presenta una serie de pacientes con compromiso neurológico e infección por SARS-CoV-2 y se revisa la evidencia al respecto. Pacientes y métodos: estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo de pacientes consecutivos RT-PCR positivos para SARS-CoV-2 del servicio de neurología desde el 1° de agosto hasta 31 de diciembre de 2020. Resultados: registramos 30 pacientes, 16 hombres (53%), edad media: 65±17.3. En el 53% el compromiso neurológico antecedió los síntomas respiratorios y el diagnóstico de infección por SARS-CoV-2. A nivel sindromático se observó: ACV 43% (13), crisis convulsivas 10% (3), encefalopatía posterior reversible 10% (3), encefalopatía 7% (2), trastorno psicótico breve 7% (2), mielopatía 3% (1), síndrome de Guillain-Barré 3% (1), cefalea 3% (1), vasculitis 3% (1), hemorragia intracerebral 3% (1), crisis miasténica 3% (1) y neuritis óptica recurrente 3% (1). Conclusiones: el compromiso neurológico por el SARS-CoV-2 produce una gran variedad de síntomas y puede ser la primera manifestación incluso sin el desarrollo de síntomas respiratorios por esta infección. (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 47. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2022.2233).

Classification of patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome according to the universal definition

Objective: to describe the clinical, imaging and laboratory characteristics of patients undergo ing coronary arteriography with a presumptive diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome between January 2017 and December 2019, as well as the frequencies of the types of infarction according to the universal definition. Methods: an observational, cross-sectional study of patients over the age of 18 undergoing coronary angiography at a university hospital in Bogotá. Statistical analysis was carried out using STATA software, calculating absolute frequencies, proportions, and measures of central tendency and dispersion, according to the behavior of the variables. Patients were classified according to the fourth universal definition of infarction, determining each respective frequency. Results: a total of 714 medical charts were analyzed, corresponding to 459 men and 255 women, with high blood pressure, dyslipidemia, obesity, diabetes and prior coronary disease being the most common cardiovascular risk factors. Altogether, 68.9% of the patients had an electrocardiogram with an abnormal reading, and only 43.8% of the patients had obstructive lesions, of whom 33.2% were patients with type I infarction. A 12.2% prevalence was found for type II infarction, and 17% for the MINOCA category. Inpatient mortality was 2.5%, mainly due to cardiogenic shock. Conclusions: patients with acute coronary syndrome were predominantly males with cardio vascular risk factors. In this study, most patients did not have obstructive lesions on arteriography. However, type I infarction was the most common type. (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 47. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2022.2350).

Objetivo: describir las características clínicas, imagenológicas y de laboratorio de pacientes llevados a arteriografía coronaria con diagnóstico presuntivo de síndrome coronario agudo, en el periodo comprendido entre enero de 2107 y diciembre 2019; así como las frecuencias de los tipos de infarto según la definición universal. Metodología: estudio observacional de corte transversal, de pacientes mayores de 18 años llevados a coronariografía, en un hospital universitario de Bogotá. Mediante el software STATA, se realizó el análisis estadístico, con cálculo de frecuencias absolutas, proporciones, medidas de tendencia central y dispersión según el comportamiento de las variables. Se realizó la clasificación de pacientes según la cuarta definición universal de infarto, identificando cada una de las frecuen cias respectivas. Resultados: se analizaron 714 historias clínicas, correspondientes a 459 hombres y 255 mu jeres, con hipertensión arterial, dislipidemia, obesidad, diabetes y enfermedad coronaria previa como factores de riesgo cardiovascular más frecuentes. El 68.9% de pacientes tuvo un electrocar diograma interpretado como anormal y solo 43.8% de pacientes tuvo lesiones obstructivas, de los cuales 33.2% correspondió a pacientes con infarto tipo I. Se encontró una prevalencia de 12.2% para infarto tipo II y del 17% para la categoría de MINOCA. La mortalidad intrahospitalaria fue de 2.5%, principalmente por choque cardiogénico. Conclusiones: la población masculina con factores de riesgo cardiovascular, predominó en la presentación del síndrome coronario agudo. Para este estudio, la mayoría de los pacientes no tuvo lesiones obstructivas en la arteriografía. Sin embargo, dentro de los tipos de infarto; el infarto tipo I fue el más frecuente. (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 47. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2022.2350).

Malignant hypercalcemia at a national referral center. A retrospective analysis

Malignant hypercalcemia is the most frequent endocrinological emergency in cancer. The factors related to its occurrence have not been evaluated, nor are there any related studies in Colombia. Objective: to determine the factors associated with the onset of malignant hypercalcemia (MH) in patients hospitalized at Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (2014-2019). Design: a retrospective analytical case-control study Population: 230 cases of adults with cancer and calcium corrected for albumin equal to or greater than 10.5 mg/dL and 223 controls of cancer patients with normal corrected calcium (8.5 to 10.4 mg/ dL) were included. Squamous cell carcinoma was used as the pairing variable. Analysis: univariate and bivariate analyses between the variables and the occurrence of MH were conducted to determine association, and raw ORs were calculated. Depending on their statis tical significance (p<0.05), they were included in the logistic regression for multivariate analysis and to rule out bias. Results: the median calcium for cases: 12.98 mg/dL (11.64-14.42) vs. 9.4 mg/dL (9.02-9.74) (p < 0.0001). The two groups were similar in age and sex. There was more metastasis in the cases (60.0% vs. 39.91%) (p< 0.0001). Altogether, 54.34% of the cases developed neurological symp toms. The median hospital stay was 16 days (IQR 9-27) vs. 9 days (IQR 6-17) for the controls (p< 0.0001), and inpatient deaths occurred in 48.70% vs. 16.59% (p < 0.0001). The following showed an association with MH: normal albumin, OR 0.41 (95% CI 0.29-0.55); a Karnofsky Index greater than or equal to 70, OR 0.98 (95% CI 0.97-0.99); and metastasis, OR 1.87 (95% CI 1.23-2.84). (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 47. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2022.2555).

La hipercalcemia maligna es la urgencia endocrinológica en cáncer más frecuente, los factores relacionados a su presentación no han sido evaluados, ni hay estudios relacionados en Colombia. Objetivo: determinar los factores asociados a la presentación de hipercalcemia maligna (HM), en pacientes hospitalizados en el Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (2014-2019). Diseño: estudio analítico retrospectivo de casos y controles. Población: se incluyeron 230 casos de adultos con cáncer y calcio corregido por albúmina mayor e igual a 10.5 mg/dL y 223 controles de pacientes oncológicos con calcio corregido normal (8.5 a 10.4 mg/dL), se usó el carcinoma escamocelular como variable pareadora. Análisis: para establecer asociación se realizó el análisis univariado y bivariado entre las variables y la presentación de HM, se calcularon OR crudos, según significancia estadística (p<0.05) fueron incluidas en regresión logística para el análisis multivariado y excluir sesgos. Resultados: mediana de calcio en los casos: 12.98 mg/dL (11.64-14.42) vs. 9.4 mg/dL (9.02-9.74) (p < 0.0001). Los dos grupos presentaron edad y sexo similares. Hubo mayor proporción de metástasis en los casos (60.0% vs. 39.91%) (p < 0.0001). El 54.34% de los casos desarrolló síntomas neuro lógicos. La mediana de estancia hospitalaria fue de 16 días (RIC 9-27) vs. nueve días (RIC 6-17) para los controles (p < 0.0001) y la muerte intrahospitalaria se presentó en el 48.70% vs. 16.59% (p < 0.0001). Demostraron asociación con HM: albúmina normal OR 0.41 (IC 95% 0.29-0.55), índice de Karnofsky mayor o igual 70 OR 0.98 (IC95% 0.97-0.99) y presencia de metástasis OR 1.87 (IC 95% 1.23-2.84). (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 47. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2022.2555).