Risk factors for readmission after a cholecystectomy: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the risk factors associated with 30-day hospital readmissions after a cholecystectomy. METHODS: We conducted a case-control study, with data obtained from UC-Christus from Santiago, Chile. All patients who underwent a cholecystectomy between January 2015 and December 2019 were included in the study. We identified all patients readmitted after a cholecystectomy and compared them with a randomized control group. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify risk factors. RESULTS: Of the 4866 cholecystectomies performed between 2015 and 2019, 79 patients presented 30-day hospital readmission after the surgical procedure (1.6%). We identified as risk factors for readmission in the univariate analysis the presence of a solid tumor at the moment of cholecystectomy (OR = 7.58), high pre-operative direct bilirubin (OR = 2.52), high pre-operative alkaline phosphatase (OR = 3.25), emergency admission (OR = 2.04), choledocholithiasis on admission (OR = 4.34), additional surgical procedure during the cholecystectomy (OR = 4.12), and post-operative complications. In the multivariate analysis, the performance of an additional surgical procedure during cholecystectomy was statistically significant (OR = 4.24). CONCLUSION: Performing an additional surgical procedure during cholecystectomy was identified as a risk factor associated with 30-day hospital readmission.

OBJETIVO: El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar los factores de riesgo asociados al reingreso hospitalario en los primeros 30 días post colecistectomía. MÉTODOS: Estudio de casos-controles con datos obtenidos del Hospital Clínico de la UC-Christus, Santiago, Chile. Se ­incluyeron las colecistectomías realizadas entre los años 2015-2019. Se consideraron como casos aquellos pacientes que reingresaron en los 30 primeros días posterior a una colecistectomía. Se realizó un análisis univariado y multivariado de diferentes posibles factores de riesgo. RESULTADOS: De un total de 4866 colecistectomías, 79 pacientes presentaron reingreso hospitalario. Los resultados estadísticamente significativos en el análisis univariado fueron; tumor sólido al momento de la colecistectomía (OR = 7.58) bilirrubina directa preoperatoria alterada (OR = 2.52), fosfatasa alcalina preoperatoria alterada (OR = 3.25), ingreso de urgencia (OR = 2.04), coledocolitiasis al ingreso (OR = 4.34) realización de otros procedimientos (OR = 4.12) y complicaciones postoperatorias. En el análisis multivariado sólo la realización de otro procedimiento durante la colecistectomía fue estadísticamente significativa (OR = 4.24). CONCLUSIÓN: La realización de otros procedimientos durante la colecistectomía es un factor de riesgo de reingreso hospitalario en los 30 días posteriores a la colecistectomía.

Perfil de pacientes adultos hospitalizados por COVID-19 antes y después de la introducción de las vacunas contra SARS-CoV-2 / Profile of adult patients hospitalized with COVID-19 before and after the introduction of vaccines against SARS-CoV-2

INTRODUCCIÓN: La introducción progresiva de vacunas contra SARS-CoV-2 a partir de 2021, priorizando grupos de mayor edad, podría implicar un cambio en el perfil de pacientes hospitalizados por COVID-19 en el tiempo. OBJETIVO: Comparar las características y evolución de pacientes adultos hospitalizados por COVID-19 en un período anterior en 2020 (PER1) y otro posterior al inicio de la vacunación masiva contra SARS-CoV-2 (PER2). PACIENTES Y MÉTODOS: Se registró edad, género, comorbilidades, complicaciones y evolución de los pacientes hospitalizados por COVID-19 en una clínica privada, en Santiago, Chile. Se calculó el puntaje de gravedad y riesgo nutricional. RESULTADOS: En PER2, los pacientes fueron de menor edad, pero con comorbilidades similares al PER1, excepto por mayor malnutrición por exceso. Los pacientes del PER2 no vacunados requirieron más ventilación mecánica (38,9 vs. 14,3%, p = 0,03) y evolucionaron más gravemente (puntaje 6) que aquellos adecuadamente inmunizados (puntaje 5, p = 0,048). Las variables que más predijeron mortalidad fueron edad > 60 años (OR 28.995) y presencia de riesgo nutricional (OR 5.246). DISCUSIÓN: El cambio en el perfil y evolución de los pacientes hospitalizados con COVID-19 está asociado con la secuencia de priorización de vacunas contra SARS-CoV-2, cuyo efecto redujo las hospitalizaciones y gravedad de COVID-19 en adultos mayores.

BACKGROUND: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the early prioritization of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines for older adults may have affected the characteristics of hospitalized COVID-19 patients over time. AIM: To compare the clinical characteristics and outcomes of adult patients admitted for COVID-19 before (PER1) and after (PER2) the initiation of mass vaccination for SARS-CoV-2. METHODS: Data on age, gender, comorbidities, complications, and outcomes of adult patients hospitalized for COVID-19 in a private clinic of Santiago, Chile, were collected. Scores for COVID-19 severity and nutritional risk were calculated. RESULTS: In PER2, patients were younger but had similar comorbidities, except for a higher prevalence of overweight and obesity compared to PER1. Unvaccinated COVID-19 patients in PER2 required more invasive ventilatory support (38.9% vs. 14.3%, p = 0.03) and had a higher severity score (six) than vaccinated patients (five, p = 0.048). The variables that best predicted mortality were age > 60 years (OR 28,995) and the presence of nutritional risk (OR 5,246). DISCUSSION: Changes in the profile and outcomes of hospitalized patients during the COVID-19 pandemic are associated with the prioritization of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and their protective effect in reducing hospitalizations and disease severity in older adults.

Tiroiditis subaguda asociada a COVID-19: revisión narrativa / Subacute thyroiditis associated with COVID-19: A narrative review

La infección por SARS-CoV-2 podría gatillar la ocurrencia de numerosas patologías, algunas de ellas de tipo endocrinológico. Se presenta una revisión narrativa sobre la asociación entre COVID-19 y tiroiditis subaguda, en la que se describen aspectos epidemiológicos, fisiopatológicos, manifestaciones clínicas y de laboratorio, tratamiento y pronóstico. La prevalencia de alguna disfunción tiroidea en pacientes COVID-19 fluctúa entre 13 y 64%, específicamente en relación con tiroiditis subaguda se describe un cambio en la prevalencia de 0,5% a 10% entre los años 2019 y 2020. La tiroiditis subaguda se produce por la unión del virus SARS-CoV-2 con la enzima convertidora de angiotensina 2 (ACE-2) ampliamente expresada en la glándula tiroides, generando manifestaciones clínicas tipo tirotoxicosis, aunque la presentación de la tiroiditis subaguda asociada a COVID-19 puede ser atípica. Los elementos centrales del tratamiento son similares a los empleados ante cualquier tiroiditis subaguda. Se concluye la necesidad de considerar esta entidad en el diagnóstico diferencial de pacientes actual o previamente infectados por SARS-CoV-2 que presenten síndrome febril, elevación de parámetros inflamatorios o taquicardia persistente, sin etiología precisada.

SARS-CoV-2 infection can trigger the occurrence of numerous pathologies, some of them endocrinological. The present narrative review works on the association between COVID-19 and subacute thyroiditis, which describes epidemiological and pathophysiological aspects, clinical and laboratory manifestations, treatment, and prognosis. The prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in COVID-19 patients fluctuates between 13 and 64%, explicitly concerning subacute thyroiditis; it has been described as a change in prevalence from 0.5% to 10% between 2019 and 2020. The binding of the SARS-CoV-2 virus with the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor (ACE-2) widely expressed in the thyroid gland causes subacute thyroiditis, generating thyrotoxicosis-like clinical manifestations. However, the presentation of subacute thyroiditis associated with COVID-19 may be atypical. The central elements of the treatment are similar to those used in any subacute thyroiditis. We conclude that this entity must be considered in differential diagnoses of patients currently or previously infected with SARS-CoV-2 that present a febrile syndrome, elevated inflammatory parameters, or persistent tachycardia without a specified aetiology.

Factors associated to the duration of COVID-19 lockdowns in Chile.

During the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, several countries have implemented non-pharmacologic measures, mainly lockdowns and social distancing, to reduce the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. These strategies varied widely across nations, and their efficacy is currently being studied. This study explores demographic, socioeconomic, and epidemiological factors associated with the duration of lockdowns applied in Chile between March 25th and December 25th, 2020. Joint models for longitudinal and time-to-event data were used. In this case, the number of days under lockdown for each Chilean commune and longitudinal information were modeled jointly. Our results indicate that overcrowding, number of active cases, and positivity index are significantly associated with the duration of lockdowns, being identified as risk factors for longer lockdown duration. In short, joint models for longitudinal and time-to-event data permit the identification of factors associated with the duration of lockdowns in Chile. Indeed, our findings suggest that demographic, socioeconomic, and epidemiological factors should be used to define both entering and exiting lockdown.

[What is the best method for estimating final height in patients with precocious puberty?] / ¿Cuál es el mejor método de estimación de talla final en pacientes con pubertad precoz?

Central precocious puberty is the premature activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, leading to an early epiphyseal fusion and, in many cases, heights below the genetic target. Therefore, a proper adult stature prediction is essential for the treatment decision. OBJECTIVE: To compare the concordance of final height using height prediction made by two validated methods versus the ge netic target height in girls who consulted due to central precocious puberty. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Retrospective, non-concurrent cohort study including 93 girls with central precocious puberty, who were not treated with LHRH analogs and had reached their final adult height. The data was obtained from the clinical records. To predict height, the Bayley-Pinneau method and the Roche-Wainer- Thissen method were applied, and the results were compared with the genetic target height. The concordance between the estimated final height and the final height obtained was evaluated using the Bland-Altman method. RESULTS: When comparing the final height obtained with that predicted by the Bayley-Pinneau method, there was a mean difference of 1.01 cm, and using the Rocke-Wainer- Thissen method, there was a difference of +0.96 cm. The calculation of the genetic target height showed a difference of +0.05 cm with respect to the final height. CONCLUSION: The prediction of height made by the Bayley-Pinneau and Roche-Wainer-Thissen methods was adequate and, contrary to expectations, it was similar to the calculation of the genetic target height that does not use the age of bone maturation. This also presented better concordance and less dispersion of the results with respect to the final height obtained.

[Seasonal variation of acute myocardial infarction deaths in Chile]. / Variación estacional de las defunciones por infarto agudo del miocardio en Chile.

BACKGROUND: Hospitalization and deaths due to cardiovascular diseases (CVD), have a peak in frequency during winter. AIM: To assess the existence of seasonal variation in deaths due to acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in Chile. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Analysis of death report databases available at the website of the Chilean Ministry of Health. The seasonality of deaths due to AMI (codes ICD-10 I21, I22, I23) occuring in Chile between 2001-2016 were analyzed using a geometric model assuming a sinusoidal cyclic pattern. RESULTS: During the period 2001-2016, a total of 94,788 deaths due to AMI were registered, corresponding to 93,349 corrected deaths. Of the latter, 29.2% occurred in winter, 24.9% in spring, 24.0% in autumn and 21.8% in summer. The geometric model showed a marked sinusoidal pattern for the aggregated data. The peak-to-low ratio of deaths was 1.41 (95% CI 1.38-1.44). The peak of deaths occurred during July in 14 out of 16 years analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: In Chile, deaths due to AMI have a marked seasonal pattern, characterized by a higher number of deaths in winter and a lower number in summer.

[Temporal association between the circulation of respiratory viruses and hospitalizations due to Kawasaki disease]. / Asociación temporal entre la circulación de virus respiratorios y hospitalizaciones por enfermedad de Kawasaki.

BACKGROUND: The etiology of Kawasaki disease (KD) is unknown. It is believed that viral infections could trigger the disease in susceptible patients. AIM: To study the temporal association between the circulation of respiratory viruses and KD hospitalizations in the Metropolitan Region (MR), Chile, between 2010-2017. METHODS: Ecologic study consisting of a review of KD cases in children under 18 years of age based on hospital discharges. The circulation of respiratory viruses was analyzed using the report of the metropolitan surveillance network. Moving averages for KD (MAKD) and respiratory viruses (MARV) were used. RESULTS: 14,902 cases of respiratory virus infections were recorded between 2010-2017. A direct correlation was found between MARV-respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) of one month and year and MAKD of the subsequent month (correlation coefficient (ρ) = +0.441; p < 0.001). A similar association was found for MARV-influenza A (FLU A) (ρ = + 0.362; p < 0.001). MARV-influenza B (FLU B) and MARV-metapneumovirus (MPV) had direct correlations with MAKD (ρ = +0.443; p < 0.001 and ρ = +0.412; p < 0.001, respectively), being FLU B contemporary in month and year with KD, and MPV presenting a one-month lag. CONCLUSION: There is a direct temporal correlation between RSV, FLU A, FLU B and MPV circulation and KD in children from RM, Chile.

[Consolidated recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Vaccines and Immunization Strategies- on prioritizing COVID-19 vaccination]. / Consolidado de recomendaciones del Comité Asesor de Vacunas y Estrategias de Inmunización-CAVEI, sobre priorización de vacunación COVID-19.

COVID-19 is a global public health issue due to its epidemic nature that, to date, lacks pharmacological treatment. However, some COVID-19 vaccines have been authorized for emergency use, although the duration of their protection, their ability to interrupt viral transmission, and their efficacy against emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2 are being studied. Chile's SARS-CoV-2 vaccination campaign required design and planning, like any other campaign. This process included the prioritization of risk groups for vaccination given the limited supply of COVID-19 vaccines globally. Throughout 2020, CAVEI issued recommendations on the prioritization of population groups to be vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 in response to different needs and in accordance with available evidence. These recommendations are consolidated in Table 1 in this report. In summary, it was recommended that healthcare workers, people in long-term residences and essential State personnel be vaccinated in phase 1. In phase 2, persons over 65 years of age and people with comorbidities. In phase 3, essential tasks workers and, lastly, the general population.

Insulin resistance and liver histopathology in metabolically unhealthy subjects do not correlate with the hepatic abundance of NLRP3 inflammasome nor circulating IL-1ß levels.

INTRODUCTION: Systemic chronic low-grade inflammation has been linked to insulin resistance (IR) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and its final product, interleukin (IL)-1ß, exert detrimental effects on insulin sensitivity and promote liver inflammation in murine models. Evidence linking hepatic NLRP3 inflammasome, systemic IR and NASH has been scarcely explored in humans. Herein, we correlated the hepatic abundance of NLRP3 inflammasome components and IR and NASH in humans. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Metabolically healthy (MH) (n=11) and metabolically unhealthy (MUH) (metabolic syndrome, n=21, and type 2 diabetes, n=14) subjects were recruited. Insulin sensitivity (homeostatic model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR) and Oral Glucose Sensitivity (OGIS120)), glycemic (glycated hemoglobin), and lipid parameters were determined by standard methods. Plasma cytokines were quantified by Magpix. Hepatic NLRP3 inflammasome components were determined at the mRNA and protein levels by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blot, respectively. Liver damage was assessed by histological analysis (Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Activity Score (NAS) and Steatosis, Inflammatory Activity, and Fibrosis (SAF) scores). IR and liver histopathology were correlated with NLRP3 inflammasome components as well as with liver and plasma IL-1ß levels. RESULTS: Body Mass Index, waist circumference, and arterial hypertension frequency were significantly higher in MUH subjects. These patients also had increased high-sensitivity C reactive protein levels compared with MH subjects. No differences in the plasma levels of IL-1ß nor the hepatic content of Nlrp3, apoptosis-associated speck-like (Asc), Caspase-1, and IL-1ß were detected between MUH and MH individuals. MUH subjects had significantly higher NAS and SAF scores, indicating more severe liver damage. However, histological severity did not correlate with the hepatic content of NLRP3 inflammasome components nor IL-1ß levels. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that NLRP3 inflammasome activation is linked neither to IR nor to the inflammatory status of the liver in MUH patients.

Variación estacional de las defunciones por infarto agudo del miocardio en Chile / Seasonal variation of acute myocardial infarction deaths in Chile

Background: Hospitalization and deaths due to cardiovascular diseases (CVD), have a peak in frequency during winter. Aim: To assess the existence of seasonal variation in deaths due to acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in Chile. Material and Methods: Analysis of death report databases available at the website of the Chilean Ministry of Health. The seasonality of deaths due to AMI (codes ICD-10 I21, I22, I23) occuring in Chile between 2001-2016 were analyzed using a geometric model assuming a sinusoidal cyclic pattern. Results: During the period 2001-2016, a total of 94,788 deaths due to AMI were registered, corresponding to 93,349 corrected deaths. Of the latter, 29.2% occurred in winter, 24.9% in spring, 24.0% in autumn and 21.8% in summer. The geometric model showed a marked sinusoidal pattern for the aggregated data. The peak-to-low ratio of deaths was 1.41 (95% CI 1.38-1.44). The peak of deaths occurred during July in 14 out of 16 years analyzed. Conclusions: In Chile, deaths due to AMI have a marked seasonal pattern, characterized by a higher number of deaths in winter and a lower number in summer.

Asociación temporal entre la circulación de virus respiratorios y hospitalizaciones por enfermedad de Kawasaki / Temporal association between the circulation of respiratory viruses and hospitalizations due to Kawasaki disease

INTRODUCCIÓN: La etiología de la enfermedad de Kawasaki (EK) es desconocida, planteándose que infecciones virales la gatillan en pacientes susceptibles. OBJETIVO: Estudiar la asociación temporal entre la circulación de virus respiratorios y hospitalizaciones por EK en la Región Metropolitana (RM), Chile, entre 2010-2017. METODOLOGÍA: Estudio ecológico retrospectivo de casos de EK en pacientes bajo 18 años de edad, en base a egresos hospitalarios. La circulación de virus se analizó mediante el reporte de la red de vigilancia metropolitana. Se utilizaron promedios móviles para EK (PMEK) y virus respiratorios (PMVR). RESULTADOS: Se registraron 14.902 casos de infecciones virales respiratorias entre 2010-2017. Se observó correlación directa entre PMVR-virus respiratorio sincicial (VRS) de un mes y año y PMEK del mes subsiguiente (coeficiente de correlación (ρ) = +0,441; p < 0,001), y una asociación similar para PMVR-influenza A (FLU A) (ρ = +0,362; p < 0,001). PMVR-influenza B (FLU B) y PMVR-metapneumovirus (MPV) presentan correlaciones directas con PMEK (ρ = +0,443; p < 0,001 y ρ = +0,412; p < 0,001, respectivamente), siendo contemporáneo en mes y año con EK para FLU B, mientras que MPV presenta un desfase de un mes entre PMVR y PMEK. CONCLUSIÓN: Existe correlación temporal directa entre la circulación de VRS, FLU A, FLU B y MPV con EK en niños de la RM, Chile.

BACKGROUND: The etiology of Kawasaki disease (KD) is unknown. It is believed that viral infections could trigger the disease in susceptible patients. AIM: To study the temporal association between the circulation of respiratory viruses and KD hospitalizations in the Metropolitan Region (MR), Chile, between 2010-2017. METHODS: Ecologic study consisting of a review of KD cases in children under 18 years of age based on hospital discharges. The circulation of respiratory viruses was analyzed using the report of the metropolitan surveillance network. Moving averages for KD (MAKD) and respiratory viruses (MARV) were used. RESULTS: 14,902 cases of respiratory virus infections were recorded between 2010-2017. A direct correlation was found between MARV-respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) of one month and year and MAKD of the subsequent month (correlation coefficient (ρ) = +0.441; p < 0.001). A similar association was found for MARV-influenza A (FLU A) (ρ = + 0.362; p < 0.001). MARV-influenza B (FLU B) and MARV-metapneumovirus (MPV) had direct correlations with MAKD (ρ = +0.443; p < 0.001 and ρ = +0.412; p < 0.001, respectively), being FLU B contemporary in month and year with KD, and MPV presenting a one-month lag. CONCLUSION: There is a direct temporal correlation between RSV, FLU A, FLU B and MPV circulation and KD in children from RM, Chile.

Consolidado de recomendaciones del Comité Asesor de Vacunas y Estrategias de Inmunización-CAVEI, sobre priorización de vacunación COVID-19 / Consolidated recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Vaccines and Immunization Strategies- on prioritizing COVID-19 vaccination

Resumen El COVID-19 es un problema de salud pública mundial por su carácter epidémico que, a la fecha, carece de tratamiento farmacológico. Sin embargo, ya se cuenta con algunas vacunas autorizadas para uso en emergencia, aunque la duración de su protección, su capacidad para interrumpir la transmisión viral y su eficacia frente a variantes emergentes de SARS-CoV-2 se encuentran en estudio. La campaña de vacunación contra SARS-CoV-2 de Chile requirió de diseño y planificación, como toda campaña. Parte de estos fue la priorización de grupos objetivo de vacunar, necesaria debido a que el mundo se vería enfrentado a un suministro limitado de vacunas COVID-19. En distintos momentos del año 2020, el CAVEI emitió recomendaciones sobre priorización de grupos de población a vacunar contra SARS-CoV-2, respondiendo a diferentes necesidades y según la evidencia disponible en cada instancia. Éstas se consolidan en la Tabla 1 de este informe. Resumidamente, en fase 1 se recomendó vacunar al personal de salud, residencias de larga estadía y personal crítico del Estado. En fase 2, a personas mayores de 65 años y población con comorbilidades. En fase 3, a personas que cumplen labores esenciales y, finalmente, a la población general.

Abstract COVID-19 is a global public health issue due to its epidemic nature that, to date, lacks pharmacological treatment. However, some COVID-19 vaccines have been authorized for emergency use, although the duration of their protection, their ability to interrupt viral transmission, and their efficacy against emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2 are being studied. Chile's SARS-CoV-2 vaccination campaign required design and planning, like any other campaign. This process included the prioritization of risk groups for vaccination given the limited supply of COVID-19 vaccines globally. Throughout 2020, CAVEI issued recommendations on the prioritization of population groups to be vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 in response to different needs and in accordance with available evidence. These recommendations are consolidated in Table 1 in this report. In summary, it was recommended that healthcare workers, people in long-term residences and essential State personnel be vaccinated in phase 1. In phase 2, persons over 65 years of age and people with comorbidities. In phase 3, essential tasks workers and, lastly, the general population.

Safety and immunogenicity evaluation of recombinant BCG vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase I clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is responsible for most respiratory tract infections and hospitalizations in infants and represents a significant economic burden for public health. The development of a safe, effective, and affordable vaccine is a priority for the WHO. METHODS: We conducted a double-blinded, escalating-dose phase 1 clinical trial in healthy males aged 18-50 years to evaluate safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of a recombinant Mycobacterium bovis BCG vaccine expressing the nucleoprotein of RSV (rBCG-N-hRSV). Once inclusion criteria were met, volunteers were enrolled in three cohorts in an open and successive design. Each cohort included six volunteers vaccinated with 5 × 103, 5 × 104, or 1 × 105 CFU, as well as two volunteers vaccinated with the full dose of the standard BCG vaccine. This clinical trial (clinicaltrials.gov NCT03213405) was conducted in Santiago, Chile. FINDINGS: The rBCG-N-RSV vaccine was safe, well-tolerated, and no serious adverse events related to the vaccine were recorded. Serum IgG-antibodies directed against Mycobacterium and the N-protein of RSV increased after vaccination, which were capable of neutralizing RSV in vitro. Additionally, all volunteers displayed increased cellular response consisting of IFN-γ and IL-2 production against PPD and the N-protein, starting at day 14 and 30 post-vaccination respectively. INTERPRETATION: The rBCG-N-hRSV vaccine had a good safety profile and induced specific cellular and humoral responses. FUNDING: This work was supported by Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy from Chile (P09/016), FONDECYT 1190830, and FONDEF D11E1098.

Road traffic accidents of the elderly in Chile between the years 2008-2017: A register-based descriptive study. / Siniestros de tránsito de las personas mayores en Chile entre los años 2008 y 2017: estudio descriptivo.

Objective: To determine whether Chilean elderly persons have higher rates of traffic incidents, resulting in death or injury, compared to non-older adults between 2008 and 2017. Method: The databases of the National Traffic Safety Commission of the last ten years and the data of inhabitants according to the projections made by the National Statistics Institute were used. Effect measures and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Results: Older adults in Chile had 0.5 times the rate of suffering a traffic accident, 0.6 times the rate of injury, and 1.3 times the rate of dying in a traffic accident when compared against non-elderly adults. Antofagasta and Arica were the regions with the lowest and highest occurrence of death for the elderly, respectively. The leading causes of traffic accidents were the imprudence of the driver and pedestrian, which presented 1.6 and 2.6 times the death rate when compared against non-elderly adults. Of the main types of traffic accidents, only when the pedestrian was hit by a vehicle, the elderly had a higher occurrence of death (rate ratio: 2.4). Conclusions: The elderly presented greater vulnerability to die in a traffic accident. Substantial differences are seen across different regions. Future research should address the characteristics of the users, the strategies that could help them to have better interaction, and promote health with a focus on road safety in the elderly.

Objetivo: Determinar si las personas mayores tienen mayor tasa de sufrir siniestros de tránsito, de fallecer o de lesionarse en estos, en comparación con personas adultas en Chile entre los años 2008 y 2017. Método: Se utilizaron las bases de datos de la Comisión Nacional de Seguridad de Tránsito de los últimos 10 años y los datos de habitantes según las proyecciones realizadas por el Instituto Nacional de Estadística. Se calcularon las medidas de efecto e intervalos de confianza del 95%. Resultados: Las personas mayores en Chile tuvieron 0,5 veces la tasa de sufrir un siniestro de tránsito; 0,6 veces la tasa de lesionar y 1,3 veces la tasa de fallecer en un siniestro de tránsito que presentan las personas adultas. Antofagasta y Arica fueron las regiones con menor y mayor ocurrencia de fallecimientos de personas mayores. Las principales causas de siniestro fueron la imprudencia del conductor y peatón, las que a su vez presentaron 1,6 y 2,6 veces la tasa de fallecimiento en personas adultas. De los principales tipos de siniestros, sólo en los atropellos las personas mayores tuvieron mayor ocurrencia de muerte (razón de tasas 2,4). Conclusiones: Confirma la mayor vulnerabilidad a fallecer en un siniestro de tránsito de las personas mayores. Se aprecian grandes diferencias a través de las diversas regiones del país. Las futuras investigaciones deben abordar las características de los usuarios, las estrategias que podrían ayudar a estos a tener una mejor interacción y promover la salud con foco en la seguridad vial en las personas mayores.

Siniestros de tránsito de las personas mayores en Chile entre los años 2008 y 2017: estudio descriptivo / Road traffic accidents of the elderly in Chile between the years 2008-2017: a register-based descriptive study

OBJETIVO: Determinar si las personas mayores tienen mayor tasa de sufrir siniestros de tránsito, de fallecer o de lesionarse en estos, en comparación con personas adultas en Chile entre los años 2008 y 2017. MÉTODO: Se utilizaron las bases de datos de la Comisión Nacional de Seguridad de Tránsito de los últimos 10 años y los datos de habitantes según las proyecciones realizadas por el Instituto Nacional de Estadística. Se calcularon las medidas de efecto e intervalos de confianza del 95%. RESULTADOS: Las personas mayores en Chile tuvieron 0,5 veces la tasa de sufrir un siniestro de tránsito; 0,6 veces la tasa de lesionar y 1,3 veces la tasa de fallecer en un siniestro de tránsito que presentan las personas adultas. Antofagasta y Arica fueron las regiones con menor y mayor ocurrencia de fallecimientos de personas mayores. Las principales causas de siniestro fueron la imprudencia del conductor y peatón, las que a su vez presentaron 1,6 y 2,6 veces la tasa de fallecimiento en personas adultas. De los principales tipos de siniestros, sólo en los atropellos las personas mayores tuvieron mayor ocurrencia de muerte (razón de tasas 2,4). CONCLUSIONES: Confirma la mayor vulnerabilidad a fallecer en un siniestro de tránsito de las personas mayores. Se aprecian grandes diferencias a través de las diversas regiones del país. Las futuras investigaciones deben abordar las características de los usuarios, las estrategias que podrían ayudar a estos a tener una mejor interacción y promover la salud con foco en la seguridad vial en las personas mayores.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if older adults in Chile have higher rates of traffic incidents, resulting in death or injury when compared to younger adults between 2008 and 2017. METHODS: The databases of the National Traffic Safety Commission of the last ten years and the data of inhabitants according to the projections made by the National Statistics Institute were used. Effect measures and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. RESULTS: The elderly in Chile had 0.5 times the rate of suffering a traffic accident, 0.6 times the rate of injury, and 1.3 times the rate of dying in a traffic accident when compared against non-elderly adults. Antofagasta and Arica were the regions with the lowest and highest occurrence of death for older adults, respectively. The leading causes of traffic accidents were the imprudence of the driver and pedestrian, which presented 1.6 and 2.6 times the death rate when compared against non-elderly adults. Of the main types of traffic accidents, only when the pedestrian was hit by a vehicle, the elderly had a higher occurrence of death (rate ratio 2.4). CONCLUSIONS: Older adults presented a greater vulnerability to death by traffic accidents. Substantial differences are seen across different regions. Future research should address the characteristics of the users, the strategies that could help them to have better interaction, and promote health with a focus on road safety for older people.

RISK FACTORS FOR SEVERE POSTOPERATIVE COMPLICATIONS AFTER GASTRECTOMY FOR GASTRIC AND ESOPHAGOGASTRIC JUNCTION CANCERS.

BACKGROUND: Gastrectomy is the main treatment for gastric and Siewert type II-III esophagogastric junction (EGJ) cancer. This surgery is associated with significant morbidity. Total morbidity rates vary across different studies and few have evaluated postoperative morbidity according to complication severity. AIM: To identify the predictors of severe postoperative morbidity. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study from a prospective database. We included patients treated with gastrectomy for gastric or EGJ cancers between January 2012 and December 2016 at a single center. Severe morbidity was defined as Clavien-Dindo score ≥3. A multivariate analysis was performed to identify predictors of severe morbidity. RESULTS: Two hundred and eighty-nine gastrectomies were performed (67% males, median age: 65 years). Tumor location was EGJ in 14%, upper third of the stomach in 30%, middle third in 26%, and lower third in 28%. In 196 (67%), a total gastrectomy was performed with a D2 lymph node dissection in 85%. Two hundred and eleven patients (79%) underwent an open gastrectomy. T status was T1 in 23% and T3/T4 in 68%. Postoperative mortality was 2.4% and morbidity rate was 41%. Severe morbidity was 11% and was mainly represented by esophagojejunostomy leak (2.4%), duodenal stump leak (2.1%), and respiratory complications (2%). On multivariate analysis, EGJ location and T3/T4 tumors were associated with a higher rate of severe postoperative morbidity. CONCLUSION: Severe postoperative morbidity after gastrectomy was 11%. Esophagogastric junction tumor location and T3/T4 status are risk factors for severe postoperative morbidity.