RESUMEN
Continuing education in hematology is a key for stimulating the development around the world and improving patient outcomes. However, access to training and education is not equally distributed worldwide, and disparities in hematology exist for under-represented groups such as trainees living in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). To identify and review the different educational and career development opportunities offered by hematology-focused international academic societies directed at healthcare professionals in this field. We conducted an online search to screen the official websites of international hematology societies and extracted data regarding continuing education opportunities in hematology. Twenty hematology societies were identified with 850 continuing medical education opportunities extracted and reviewed. We recorded 55 grants and funding opportunities from 13 societies. More than half required a membership to apply, 9.1% were available globally, and 12.7% were designed for persons living in LMICs. The current state of continuing education in hematology offers numerous opportunities for healthcare trainees. However, disparities persist for LMICs.
RESUMEN
Background: Analyzing the epidemiology and clinical manifestations of pediatric tuberculosis in endemic regions is crucial to meet the goal of ending tuberculosis. The objective was to assess the various clinical scenarios of tuberculosis in a large pediatric cohort in Mexico. Methods: This retrospective study from a pediatric referral center in Mexico included patients diagnosed with tuberculosis from 2012 to 2021. We analyzed clinical data and diagnostic study results, including demographic characteristics, underlying medical conditions, BCG vaccination, clinical presentation, imaging findings, microbiologic data, treatment, and clinical outcomes. Basic descriptive statistics and Chi-squared analysis were performed to summarize the metadata of pediatric patients with different clinical presentations of tuberculosis and evaluate their association with mortality, respectively. Results: A total of 100 patients were included with a mean age of 7.76 years ± 1.49 years. The most prevalent clinical presentation was pulmonary tuberculosis (n = 51). Only 51 patients were immunized with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccine. The most commons symptoms were fever, cough and weight loss. Among patients with meningeal tuberculosis (n = 14), the most common clinical signs were seizures, fever, and vomiting. Cure was achieved in 52 patients, 12 patients died, and 36 continue in treatment. Clinical presentation of tuberculosis (p-value = 0.009) and immunodeficiency (p-value = 0.015) were significantly associated with mortality. Conclusions: Increasing the visibility of tuberculosis is imperative to end this disease. We report relevant clinical data of a large pediatric tuberculosis cohort, stratified by the different forms of disease. A high index of suspicion of tuberculosis is required for a timely diagnosis and treatment initiation, particularly among immunocompromised individuals, in whom mortality is higher.
