Core data set para la generación de datos de la vida real en esclerosis múltiple: adaptación de una iniciativa global para América Latina / Core data set for real world data in multiple sclerosis: customization for latin america from a global task force recommendation

Introducción: Los objetivos primarios del core data set son reducir la heterogeneidad y promover la armonización entre las fuentes de datos en la esclerosis múltiple (EM), reduciendo así el tiempo necesario para ejecutar esfuerzos en la recolección de datos de vida real. Recientemente, un grupo liderado por la Multiple Sclerosis Data Alliance ha desarrollado un core data set para la recolección de datos del mundo real en EM a nivel global. Nuestro objetivo ha sido adaptar y consensuar este conjunto de datos globales a las necesidades de América Latina para que pueda ser implementado por los registros ya desarrollados y en proceso de desarrollo en la región. Material y métodos. Se conformó un grupo de trabajo regionalmente y se adaptó el core data set creado globalmente (proceso de traducción al español, incorporación de variables regionales y consenso sobre variables que se iban a utilizar). El consenso se obtuvo a través de la metodología Delphi remoto de ronda de cuestionarios y discusión a distancia de las variables del core data set. Resultados: Veinticinco profesionales de América Latina llevaron adelante el proceso de adaptación entre noviembre de 2022 y julio de 2023. Se estableció un acuerdo sobre un core data set de nueve categorías y 45 variables, versión 2023, con la sugerencia de implementarlo en registros desarrollados o en vías de desarrollo y cohortes de EM en la región. Conclusión: El core data set busca armonizar las variables recolectadas por los registros y las cohortes de EM en América Latina con el fin de facilitar dicha recolección y permitir una colaboración entre fuentes. Su implementación facilitará la recolección de datos de vida real y la colaboración en la región.(AU)

Introduction: The primary objective of the core data set is to reduce heterogeneity and promote harmonization among data sources in EM, thereby reducing the time needed to execute real life data collection efforts. Recently, a group led by the Multiple Sclerosis Data Alliance has developed a core data set for collecting real-world data on multiple sclerosis (MS) globally. Our objective was to adapt this global data set to the needs of Latin America, so that it can be implemented by the registries already developed and in the process of development in the region. Material and methods: A working group was formed regionally, the core data set created globally was adapted (translation process into Spanish, incorporation of regional variables and consensus on variables to be used). Consensus was obtained through the remote Delphi methodology of a round of questionnaires and remote discussion of the core data set variables. Results: A total of 25 professionals from Latin America carried out the adaptation process between November 2022 and July 2023. Agreement was established on a core data set of nine categories and 45 variables, version 2023 to suggest its implementation in developed or developing registries, and MS cohorts in the region. Conclusion: The core data set seeks to harmonize the variables collected by registries and cohorts in MS in Latin America in order to facilitate said collection and allow collaboration between sources. Its implementation will facilitate real life data collection and collaboration in the region.(AU)

Re: Epidemiology of giant cell arteritis in Waikato, Aotearoa New Zealand.

The interest in epidemiological data on giant cell arteritis (GCA) increased both in New Zealand and in Latin America, resulting in updated articles like those here commented. Of more relevance are two very recent contributions by van Dantzig et al. with novel conclusive findings from their evaluations on GCA performed in the region of Waikato. The authors emphasised that the diagnosis of GCA remained stable in this region from 2014 to 2022, being uncommon among Maori, Pacific peoples and Asian ethnic groups. Short comments on some literature data from Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Peru and Mexico about the systemic arteritis are here addressed to show the Latin American view. The authors strongly believe that this kind of report may enhance the general interest on diagnostic and management issues related to this very important systemic vasculitis.

Advancing Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia Diagnosis through High-Speed Video Microscopy Analysis.

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is an inherited disorder that impairs motile cilia, essential for respiratory health, with a reported prevalence of 1 in 16,309 within Hispanic populations. Despite 70% of Puerto Rican patients having the RSPH4A [c.921+3_921+6del (intronic)] founder mutation, the characterization of the ciliary dysfunction remains unidentified due to the unavailability of advanced diagnostic modalities like High-Speed Video Microscopy Analysis (HSVA). Our study implemented HSVA for the first time on the island as a tool to better diagnose and characterize the RSPH4A [c.921+3_921+6del (intronic)] founder mutation in Puerto Rican patients. By applying HSVA, we analyzed the ciliary beat frequency (CBF) and pattern (CBP) in native Puerto Rican patients with PCD. Our results showed decreased CBF and a rotational CBP linked to the RSPH4A founder mutation in Puerto Ricans, presenting a novel diagnostic marker that could be implemented as an axillary test into the PCD diagnosis algorithm in Puerto Rico. The integration of HSVA technology in Puerto Rico substantially enhances the PCD evaluation and diagnosis framework, facilitating prompt detection and early intervention for improved disease management. This initiative, demonstrating the potential of HSVA as an adjunctive test within the PCD diagnostic algorithm, could serve as a blueprint for analogous developments throughout Latin America.

[Quantification of the burden of chronic kidney disease in Latin America: an invisible epidemicQuantificação da carga da doença renal crônica na América Latina: uma epidemia invisível]. / Cuantificación de la carga de la enfermedad renal crónica en América Latina: una epidemia invisibilizada.

Objective: 1) Describe the burden of chronic kidney disease in Latin American countries between 1990 and 2019; and 2) Estimate the correlation between disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and the Sociodemographic Index and the Healthcare Access and Quality Index. Methods: Secondary and ecological analysis, based on the 2019 Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries and Risk Factors Study. Standardized mortality rates, years of life lost to due to premature death (YLLs),years of healthy life lost due to disability (YLDs) and DALYs due to chronic kidney disease were reported for 1990, 2005, and 2019. Information was disaggregated by country, sex, age group, and sub-cause. Results: Between 1990 and 2019, the burden of chronic kidney disease increased considerably in Latin American countries, becoming one of the main causes of mortality and DALYs. The standardized rate of DALYs for chronic kidney disease was largely due to the weight of premature deaths rather than disability. In 2019, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Mexico, and Guatemala had the highest standardized mortality rates for chronic kidney disease and DALYs, while Uruguay had the lowest. Conclusions: Chronic kidney disease is an invisible epidemic that places an excessive burden in terms of mortality and DALYs on Latin American countries. It is essential to join forces to tackle the disease in the region, and promote local actions that address the particularities of each country.

Objetivo: 1) Descrever a carga da doença renal crônica nos países da América Latina entre 1990 e 2019 e 2) estimar a correlação entre os anos de vida saudável perdidos (AVISA), o índice sociodemográfico e o índice de acesso e qualidade da saúde. Métodos: Análise secundária e ecológica, baseada no estudo Carga Global de Doenças, Lesões e Fatores de Risco 2019 (GBD). Foram informadas taxas de mortalidade padronizadas, anos de vida perdidos por morte prematura (AVP) por morte prematura, anos de vida ajustados por incapacidade (AVAI) e AVISA devido a doença renal crônica de 1990, 2005 e 2019. Os dados foram desagregados por país, sexo, faixas etárias e causas subjacentes. Resultados: Entre 1990 e 2019, a carga de doença renal crônica aumentou consideravelmente nos países da América Latina, tornando-se uma das principais causas de mortalidade e de AVISA. A taxa padronizada de AVISA devido à doença renal crônica foi influenciada em grande parte pelo peso das mortes prematuras, e não da incapacidade. Em 2019, Nicarágua, El Salvador, México e Guatemala se destacaram por terem as maiores taxas padronizadas de mortalidade por doença renal crônica e AVISA, ao passo que Uruguai teve as menores taxas. Conclusões: A doença renal crônica é uma epidemia invisível, que representa uma carga excessiva em termos de mortalidade e de AVISA para os países da América Latina. É essencial unir esforços na região para combater a doença, além de promover ações locais que atendam às particularidades de cada país.

Comfort with LGB people and attitudes toward same-sex parenting in Continental American Hispanic Nations.

Negative attitudes toward Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual (LGB) individuals leads to a perceived inability of LGB individuals to foster 'appropriate' family relationships, inciting negative attitudes specifically toward same-sex parenting. Intergroup and interpersonal relationships play a critical role in fostering attitudes toward others wherein type of contact, frequency, degree of closeness in the relationship, and the positivity/negativity of interactions are potential mediator of these relations, Moreover, the mechanism behind co-constructing positive relationships with sexual and gender minorities is comfort with contact with LGB individuals. The present study explored the effects of interpersonal contact and the mediator role of comfort with LGB people in explaining attitudes toward same-sex parenting in Spanish-speaking countries in North, Central, and South America. These countries are of particular interest given the dearth of research in the region on attitudes toward same-sex parenting as well as the varying degrees of acceptance of and protections for same-sex parented families. A non-probabilistic sample of 1955 heterosexual cisgender participants from 14 countries was asked to complete a series of sociodemographic questions, a questionnaire about their interpersonal contact/comfort experiences with LGB people, and the Attitudes Toward Gay and Lesbian Parenting Scale. Results showed that comfort was vital in fostering accepting attitudes toward Same-Sex Parenting across countries. Findings also suggested that comfort with LGB people has a particularly powerful influence in regions with less legal and cultural acceptance of LGB individuals. Policies are not enough to instill widespread change: we must encourage, facilitate, and supervise the formation of relationships with LGB people.

Childhood Racism and Cardiometabolic Risk in Latina Mothers Across the First Postpartum Year.

OBJECTIVE: Immigrant Latinas, particularly of Mexican descent, initially achieve healthy perinatal outcomes. Although this advantage wears off across generations in the United States (US), the early life psychosocial mechanisms that may initiate a cascade of biological vulnerabilities remain elusive. The current investigation aims to understand the extent to which childhood experiences of racism may contribute to elevated levels of C-Reactive Protein (CRP), an early indicator of cardiometabolic risk, during the first postpartum year. METHODS: Latinas from the Community and Child Health Network (n = 457) retrospectively reported experiences of childhood racism and childhood country of residence via structured questionaries. Interviewers collected CRP bloodspots and height and weight measurements for body mass index at six months and one-year postpartum. RESULTS: Latinas who grew up in the US experienced a steeper increase of CRP levels across the first postpartum year (ß = .131, p = .009) and had higher CRP levels one-year postpartum than Latinas who grew up in Latin America. Based on Bayesian path analyses, Latinas who grew up in the US reported higher levels of childhood racism than Latinas who immigrated after childhood (ß = .27; 95% Crl = [.16, .37]). In turn, childhood racism mediated the relationship between country of childhood residence and elevated CRP at six months and one-year postpartum, even after adjusting for sociodemographic and behavioral covariates. After adjusting for body mass index, mediational relationships became non-significant. CONCLUSIONS: This study is an important first step towards understanding how childhood racism may contribute to post-migratory health patterns among Latinas, particularly cardiometabolic risk one year after childbirth.

Perinatal Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Diagnoses Among Commercially Insured People Increased, 2008-20.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a burdensome disorder, affecting 3-4 percent of delivering people in the US, with higher rates seen among Black and Hispanic people. The extent of clinical diagnosis remains unknown. We describe the temporal and racial and ethnic trends in perinatal PTSD diagnoses among commercially insured people with live-birth deliveries during the period 2008-20, using administrative claims from Optum's Clinformatics Data Mart Database. Predicted probabilities from our logistic regression analysis showed a 394 percent increase in perinatal PTSD diagnoses, from 37.7 per 10,000 deliveries in 2008 to 186.3 per 10,000 deliveries in 2020. White people had the highest diagnosis rate at all time points (208.0 per 10,000 deliveries in 2020), followed by Black people, people with unknown race, Hispanic people, and Asian people (188.7, 171.9, 146.9, and 79.8 per 10,000 deliveries in 2020, respectively). The significant growth in perinatal PTSD diagnosis rates may reflect increased awareness, diagnosis, or prevalence of the disorder. However, these rates fall well below the estimated prevalence of PTSD in the perinatal population.

Human resources for health and maternal mortality in Latin America and the Caribbean over the last three decades: a systemic-perspective reflections.

BACKGROUND: The role of human resources for health in the operation of health systems is crucial. However, training and incorporating them into institutions is a complex process due to the continuous misalignment between the supply and demand of health personnel. Taking the case of the Latin American and Caribbean region countries, this comment discusses the relationship between the availability of human resources for health and the maternal mortality ratio for the period 1990-2021. It proposes the need to resume planning exercises from a systemic perspective that involves all areas of government and the private sector linked to the training and employment of health workers. MAIN TEXT: We used secondary data from a global source to show patterns in the relationship between these two aspects and identify gaps in the Latin American and Caribbean regions. The results show enormous heterogeneity in the response of regional health systems to the challenge of maternal mortality in the region. Although most countries articulated specific programs to achieve the reduction committed by all countries through the Millennium Development Goals, not all had the same capacity to reduce it, and practically none met the target. In addition, in the English Caribbean countries, we found significant increases in the number of health personnel that do not explain the increases in the maternal mortality rate during the period. CONCLUSIONS: The great lesson from the data shown is that some countries could articulate responses to the problem using available resources through effective strategies, considering the specific needs of their populations. Although variations in maternal mortality rate cannot be explained solely through the provision of health personnel, it is important to consider that it is critical to find new modalities on how human resources for health could integrate and create synergies with other resources to increase systems capacity to deliver care according to conditions in each country.

2024 European Heart Rhythm Association/Heart Rhythm Society/Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society/Latin American Heart Rhythm Society expert consensus statement on catheter and surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation.

In the last three decades, ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) has become an evidence-based safe and efficacious treatment for managing the most common cardiac arrhythmia. In 2007, the first joint expert consensus document was issued, guiding healthcare professionals involved in catheter or surgical AF ablation. Mounting research evidence and technological advances have resulted in a rapidly changing landscape in the field of catheter and surgical AF ablation, thus stressing the need for regularly updated versions of this partnership which were issued in 2012 and 2017. Seven years after the last consensus, an updated document was considered necessary to define a contemporary framework for selection and management of patients considered for or undergoing catheter or surgical AF ablation. This consensus is a joint effort from collaborating cardiac electrophysiology societies, namely the European Heart Rhythm Association, the Heart Rhythm Society, the Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society, and the Latin American Heart Rhythm Society .

Attitudes Toward COVID-19 Vaccines Among Pregnant and Recently Pregnant Individuals.

Importance: Pregnant people and infants are at high risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes. Understanding changes in attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccines among pregnant and recently pregnant people is important for public health messaging. Objective: To assess attitudinal trends regarding COVID-19 vaccines by (1) vaccination status and (2) race, ethnicity, and language among samples of pregnant and recently pregnant Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD) members from 2021 to 2023. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cross-sectional surveye study included pregnant or recently pregnant members of the VSD, a collaboration of 13 health care systems and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Unvaccinated, non-Hispanic Black, and Spanish-speaking members were oversampled. Wave 1 took place from October 2021 to February 2022, and wave 2 took place from November 2022 to February 2023. Data were analyzed from May 2022 to September 2023. Exposures: Self-reported or electronic health record (EHR)-derived race, ethnicity, and preferred language. Main Outcomes and Measures: Self-reported vaccination status and attitudes toward monovalent (wave 1) or bivalent Omicron booster (wave 2) COVID-19 vaccines. Sample- and response-weighted analyses assessed attitudes by vaccination status and 3 race, ethnicity, and language groupings of interest. Results: There were 1227 respondents; all identified as female, the mean (SD) age was 31.7 (5.6) years, 356 (29.0%) identified as Black race, 555 (45.2%) identified as Hispanic ethnicity, and 445 (36.3%) preferred the Spanish language. Response rates were 43.5% for wave 1 (652 of 1500 individuals sampled) and 39.5% for wave 2 (575 of 1456 individuals sampled). Respondents were more likely than nonrespondents to be White, non-Hispanic, and vaccinated per EHR. Overall, 76.8% (95% CI, 71.5%-82.2%) reported 1 or more COVID-19 vaccinations; Spanish-speaking Hispanic respondents had the highest weighted proportion of respondents with 1 or more vaccination. Weighted estimates of somewhat or strongly agreeing that COVID-19 vaccines are safe decreased from wave 1 to 2 for respondents who reported 1 or more vaccinations (76% vs 50%; χ21 = 7.8; P < .001), non-Hispanic White respondents (72% vs 43%; χ21 = 5.4; P = .02), and Spanish-speaking Hispanic respondents (76% vs 53%; χ21 = 22.8; P = .002). Conclusions and Relevance: Decreasing confidence in COVID-19 vaccine safety in a large, diverse pregnant and recently pregnant insured population is a public health concern.

Advanced renal cell carcinoma management: the Latin American Cooperative Oncology Group (LACOG) and the Latin American Renal Cancer Group (LARCG) consensus update.

PURPOSE: Renal cell carcinoma is an aggressive disease with a high mortality rate. Management has drastically changed with the new era of immunotherapy, and novel strategies are being developed; however, identifying systemic treatments is still challenging. This paper presents an update of the expert panel consensus from the Latin American Cooperative Oncology Group and the Latin American Renal Cancer Group on advanced renal cell carcinoma management in Brazil. METHODS: A panel of 34 oncologists and experts in renal cell carcinoma discussed and voted on the best options for managing advanced disease in Brazil, including systemic treatment of early and metastatic renal cell carcinoma as well as nonclear cell tumours. The results were compared with the literature and graded according to the level of evidence. RESULTS: Adjuvant treatments benefit patients with a high risk of recurrence after surgery, and the agents used are pembrolizumab and sunitinib, with a preference for pembrolizumab. Neoadjuvant treatment is exceptional, even in initially unresectable cases. First-line treatment is mainly based on tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs); the choice of treatment is based on the International Metastatic Database Consortium (IMCD) risk score. Patients at favourable risk receive ICIs in combination with TKIs. Patients classified as intermediate or poor risk receive ICIs, without preference for ICI + ICIs or ICI + TKIs. Data on nonclear cell renal cancer treatment are limited. Active surveillance has a place in treating favourable-risk patients. Either denosumab or zoledronic acid can be used for treating metastatic bone disease. CONCLUSION: Immunotherapy and targeted therapy are the standards of care for advanced disease. The utilization and sequencing of these therapeutic agents hinge upon individual risk scores and responses to previous treatments. This consensus reflects a commitment to informed decision-making, drawn from professional expertise and evidence in the medical literature.

Longitudinal study of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on diet and physical activity among Latinos of Mexican ancestry.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic caused societal disruption in the United States and most of the world, affecting many aspects of life, including healthcare and health-related behaviors such as diet, food security, and physical activity. Communities with economic and health disparities may have been particularly affected. This study was undertaken to determine how conditions in the early pandemic (January, 2021-February, 2022) affected Latino patients of Mexican Ancestry at high risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus who participated in El Banco por Salud biobank project in Tucson, Arizona. METHODS: Baseline, prepandemic measurements were available in 17, 21, and 60 patients with normal hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes, respectively. RESULTS: People with healthy HbA1c were significantly younger, less obese, and had higher HDL cholesterol. HbA1c was unaffected by the pandemic in any group. Triglycerides, total and HDL cholesterol levels fell in all groups during the pandemic. Physical activity levels in all groups were remarkably low, with most reporting no engagement in any voluntary physical activity. Engagement in physical activity or its enjoyment was lower in patients with diabetes and prediabetes than in younger, less obese patients. Major diet differences were between men and women and were present before the pandemic. Women consumed significantly more vegetables, fruit, and salad than men. The only pandemic-related change in diet was a drop in egg consumption, possibly explaining the fall in total cholesterol. CONCLUSION: Societal disruption during the COVID-19 pandemic had minimal effects on adverse health-related behaviors, cardiometabolic risk, or changes in glycemic control in a Latino community with diabetes and healthcare disparities in the Southwest US.

Racial and ethnic disparities in access to community-based perinatal mental health programs: results from a cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND: Perinatal mental health is a major public health problem that disproportionately affects people from racial and ethnic minority groups. Community-based perinatal mental health programs, such as peer support groups, are essential tools for the prevention and treatment of perinatal depression. Yet, little is known about racial and ethnic disparities in accessibility and utilization of community-based perinatal mental health programs. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study using an online survey with program administrators representing perinatal mental health community-based services and support programs throughout New Jersey. Descriptive analysis and mapping software was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Thirty-three program administrators completed the survey. Results showed substantial racial and ethnic disparities in availability and utilization of community-based programs. In the majority of programs, Black, Hispanic, and Asian individuals made up less than 10% of total annual participants and less than 10% of facilitators. There were also geographic disparities in program accessibility and language availability across counties. Program administrators identified mental health stigma, lack of support from family, fear of disclosure of mental health challenges, social determinants, lack of language-concordant options in programs, and limited awareness of programs in the community as significant barriers to participation of racial and ethnic minorities. Strategies to address barriers included adding language options, improving program outreach, and increasing diversity of facilitators. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides new evidence on racial and ethnic disparities in access to community-based perinatal mental health programs. Efforts to build the resources and capacities of community-based programs to identify equity gaps, increase diversity of staff, and address barriers to participation is critical to reducing racial and ethnic inequities in perinatal mental health.

Chagas Cardiomyopathy and Aerobic Exercise: a Systematic Review / CARDIOPATIA CHAGÁSICA E EXERCÍCIO FÍSICO AERÓBICO: uma revisão sistemática

A cardiomiopatia chagásica é uma consequência crônica da doença de Chagas e representa uma das principais causas de morbidade e mortalidade na América Latina. O exercício físico aeróbico tem sido reconhecido pelos seus benefícios à saúde cardiovascular. Portanto, o estudo tem como objetivo avaliar os efeitos do exercício físico aeróbico na função cardíaca, capacidade de exercício e qualidade de vida em pacientes com cardiomiopatia chagásica. Foi utilizado um referencial teórico-metodológico baseado na análise de estudos encontrados nas bases de dados PubMed, Scopus e Web of Science durante um período de cinco anos. Os resultados indicam que o exercício físico aeróbio pode ser uma estratégia terapêutica complementar eficaz, contribuindo para a melhoria da função cardíaca, aumento da capacidade de exercício e melhoria da qualidade de vida dos pacientes. No entanto, é importante destacar a necessidade de mais estudos para padronizar os protocolos de exercício e identificar os mecanismos específicos pelos quais o exercício beneficia os pacientes com cardiomiopatia chagásica. Conclui-se que, apesar das limitações existentes, a prática de exercício físico aeróbico apresenta potencial significativo para reabilitação cardíaca em indivíduos acometidos pela doença de Chagas e deve ser considerada como parte do plano de tratamento.

A cardiopatia chagásica é uma consequência crônica da doença de Chagas e representa uma das principais causas de morbimortalidade na América Latina. O exercício físico aeróbico tem sido reconhecido por seus benefícios à saúde cardiovascular. Assim, o estudo tem como objetivo avaliar os efeitos do exercício físico aeróbico na função cardíaca, na capacidade de exercício e na qualidade de vida de pacientes com cardiopatia chagásica. Utilizou-se um referencial teórico-metodológico baseado na análise de estudos encontrados nas bases de dados PubMed, Scopus e Web of Science, em sete anos. Os resultados indicam que o exercício físico aeróbico pode ser uma estratégia terapêutica complementar eficaz, contribuindo para a melhoria da função cardíaca, aumento da capacidade de exercício e melhoria da qualidade de vida dos pacientes. No entanto, destaca-se a necessidade de mais estudos para padronizar protocolos de exercício e identificar os mecanismos específicos pelos quais o exercício beneficia pacientes com cardiopatia chagásica. Conclui-se que, apesar das limitações existentes, a prática de exercício físico aeróbico apresenta um potencial significativo para a reabilitação cardíaca em indivíduos acometidos pela doença de Chagas, devendo ser considerada como parte do plano de tratamento.

Assessing ascertainment bias in atrial fibrillation across US minority groups.

The aim of this study is to define atrial fibrillation (AF) prevalence and incidence rates across minority groups in the United States (US), to aid in diversity enrollment target setting for randomized controlled trials. In AF, US minority groups have lower clinically detected prevalence compared to the non-Hispanic or Latino White (NHW) population. We assess the impact of ascertainment bias on AF prevalence estimates. We analyzed data from adults in Optum's de-identified Clinformatics® Data Mart Database from 2017-2020 in a cohort study. Presence of AF at baseline was identified from inpatient and/or outpatient encounters claims using validated ICD-10-CM diagnosis algorithms. AF incidence and prevalence rates were determined both in the overall population, as well as in a population with a recent stroke event, where monitoring for AF is assumed. Differences in prevalence across cohorts were assessed to determine if ascertainment bias contributes to the variation in AF prevalence across US minority groups. The period prevalence was respectively 4.9%, 3.2%, 2.1% and 5.9% in the Black or African American, Asian, Hispanic or Latino, and NHW population. In patients with recent ischemic stroke, the proportion with AF was 32.2%, 24.3%, 25%, and 24.5%, respectively. The prevalence of AF among the stroke population was approximately 7 to 10 times higher than the prevalence among the overall population for the Asian and Hispanic or Latino population, compared to approximately 5 times higher for NHW patients. The relative AF prevalence difference of the Asian and Hispanic or Latino population with the NHW population narrowed from respectively, -46% and -65%, to -22% and -24%. The study findings align with previous observational studies, revealing lower incidence and prevalence rates of AF in US minority groups. Prevalence estimates of the adult population, when routine clinical practice is assumed, exhibit higher prevalence differences compared to settings in which monitoring for AF is assumed, particularly among Asian and Hispanic or Latino subgroups.

Test-retest reliability of Latin American Group for Maturity (GDLAM) protocol in older women.

Functional autonomy (FA) is a critical factor in determining the quality of life of older adults (OA), especially in the case of older women (OW), as they face a decline in FA in their later years of life. FA should be assessed early, using valid, reliable, and low-cost tests. This study evaluated the test-retest reliability of GDLAM and GDLAM autonomy index (GI) in OW. Thirty-nine OW (71.2 ± 6.50 years) participated in the study. A repeated measures design was used to compare the interday test-retest reliability of the five GDLAM tests (seconds) and the GI (points). The five tests represent activities of daily living, such as dressing or wandering around the house, while the GI provides a weighting of the results of the five tests. The analysis consisted of the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), and coefficient of variation (CV). A CV ≤ 10% and an ICC ≥ 0.80 were considered acceptable reliability, whereas a CV ≤ 5% and an ICC ≥ 0.90 were considered high reliability. The outcome of the five tests, represented by the GI, showed high interday test-retest reliability (CV = 6.00% and ICC = 0.91). The results of this study demonstrate that the five tests of the GDLAM protocol and the GI have high interday test-retest reliability and good interday reproducibility. From a practical point of view, the GDLAM protocol allows the assessment of FA of community-dwelling OW, providing background for early diagnosis and, with it, the possibility of developing an individualized physical exercise prescription.

Experiences of Providers and Immigrants/Refugees with Health Care: A Meta-Synthesis of the Latin American Context.

INTRODUCTION: The experiences of providers and immigrants/refugees related to healthcare in the Latin American context have not yet been aggregated. This study aimed to synthesize the qualitative evidence on this theme. METHOD: A systematic review of qualitative evidence with meta-synthesis. After identification, eligible studies were evaluated for methodological quality, and information was systematically analyzed. RESULTS: The sample comprised 26 articles. The meta-theme shows that the experiences of providers and immigrants/refugees are determined by multilevel factors. In a macro-context, these factors involve the vulnerabilities of immigrants/refugees and the healthcare system/model, and in a closer context, they involve the lack of professional training in cultural skills and communication; language barriers; and prejudice/xenophobia. Within healthcare, the relationship is mostly conflictual, asymmetric, and unable to solve problems, leading to negative repercussions for both. CONCLUSIONS: Managers involved in developing public policies and providers must consider improving the interrelationship between healthcare services and the migrant population.

Cuantificación de la carga de la enfermedad renal crónica en América Latina: una epidemia invisibilizada / Quantification of the burden of chronic kidney disease in Latin America: an invisible epidemic / Quantificação da carga da doença renal crônica na América Latina: uma epidemia invisível

[RESUMEN]. Objetivo. 1) Describir la carga de la enfermedad renal crónica en países de América Latina entre 1990 y 2019 y, 2) Estimar la correlación entre los años de vida saludables perdidos (AVISA) con el índice sociodemográfico y el índice de acceso y calidad de salud. Métodos. Análisis secundario y ecológico, basado en el Estudio de la Carga Global de Enfermedades, Lesiones y Factores de Riesgo 2019. Se reportaron las tasas estandarizadas de mortalidad, años perdidos por muertes prematuras (APMP), años de vida ajustados por discapacidad (AVAD) y AVISA por enfermedad renal crónica para 1990, 2005 y 2019. La información se desagregó por países, sexo, grupos etarios y subcausas. Resultados. Entre 1990 y 2019, la carga de la enfermedad renal crónica aumentó considerablemente en los países de América Latina, convirtiéndose en una de las principales causas de mortalidad y de AVISA. La tasa estandarizada de AVISA por enfermedad renal crónica se debió, en gran medida, al peso de las muertes prematuras más que a la discapacidad. En 2019, Nicaragua, El Salvador, México y Guatemala se destacaron por tener las tasas estandarizadas de mortalidad por enfermedad renal crónica y de AVISA más elevadas, mientras que Uruguay presentó las más bajas. Conclusiones. La enfermedad renal crónica es una epidemia invisibilizada que representa una carga excesiva, en mortalidad y AVISA, para los países de América Latina. Es indispensable aunar esfuerzos regionales para enfrentar la enfermedad, además de impulsar acciones locales que atiendan las particularidades de cada país.

[ABSTRACT]. Objective. 1) Describe the burden of chronic kidney disease in Latin American countries between 1990 and 2019; and 2) Estimate the correlation between disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and the Sociodemogra- phic Index and the Healthcare Access and Quality Index. Methods. Secondary and ecological analysis, based on the 2019 Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries and Risk Factors Study. Standardized mortality rates, years of life lost to due to premature death (YLLs),years of healthy life lost due to disability (YLDs) and DALYs due to chronic kidney disease were reported for 1990, 2005, and 2019. Information was disaggregated by country, sex, age group, and sub-cause. Results. Between 1990 and 2019, the burden of chronic kidney disease increased considerably in Latin Ame- rican countries, becoming one of the main causes of mortality and DALYs. The standardized rate of DALYs for chronic kidney disease was largely due to the weight of premature deaths rather than disability. In 2019, Nica- ragua, El Salvador, Mexico, and Guatemala had the highest standardized mortality rates for chronic kidney disease and DALYs, while Uruguay had the lowest. Conclusions. Chronic kidney disease is an invisible epidemic that places an excessive burden in terms of mortality and DALYs on Latin American countries. It is essential to join forces to tackle the disease in the region, and promote local actions that address the particularities of each country.

[RESUMO]. Objetivo. 1) Descrever a carga da doença renal crônica nos países da América Latina entre 1990 e 2019 e 2) estimar a correlação entre os anos de vida saudável perdidos (AVISA), o índice sociodemográfico e o índice de acesso e qualidade da saúde. Métodos. Análise secundária e ecológica, baseada no estudo Carga Global de Doenças, Lesões e Fatores de Risco 2019 (GBD). Foram informadas taxas de mortalidade padronizadas, anos de vida perdidos por morte prematura (AVP) por morte prematura, anos de vida ajustados por incapacidade (AVAI) e AVISA devido a doença renal crônica de 1990, 2005 e 2019. Os dados foram desagregados por país, sexo, faixas etárias e causas subjacentes. Resultados. Entre 1990 e 2019, a carga de doença renal crônica aumentou consideravelmente nos países da América Latina, tornando-se uma das principais causas de mortalidade e de AVISA. A taxa padronizada de AVISA devido à doença renal crônica foi influenciada em grande parte pelo peso das mortes prematuras, e não da incapacidade. Em 2019, Nicarágua, El Salvador, México e Guatemala se destacaram por terem as maiores taxas padronizadas de mortalidade por doença renal crônica e AVISA, ao passo que Uruguai teve as menores taxas. Conclusões. A doença renal crônica é uma epidemia invisível, que representa uma carga excessiva em ter- mos de mortalidade e de AVISA para os países da América Latina. É essencial unir esforços na região para combater a doença, além de promover ações locais que atendam às particularidades de cada país.