Dental Anomalies in Permanent Teeth Associated With Nonsyndromic Cleft Lip and Palate in a Group of Colombian Children.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the risk of dental anomaly presentation in permanent teeth in a group of Colombian children with nonsyndromic cleft lip and palate (NSCLP) and to determine the frequency of the anomalies according to the cleft type. METHODS: An analytical matched case-control study was conducted with 210 controls and 210 patients with NSCLP. The patients were classified into 3 groups: complete right unilateral cleft lip and palate (RCLP), complete left unilateral cleft lip and palate (LCLP), and complete bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP). Univariate and multivariate Poisson regression models were used to analyze paired samples (Bonferroni adjustment, P ≤ .002). RESULTS: A high risk of finding agenesis of the maxillary lateral incisors, supernumerary teeth, microdontia of the maxillary lateral incisors, and rotation of the maxillary central incisors adjacent to the cleft (P < .0001) was observed in the patients with NSCLP. One or more dental anomalies were found in 98% of patients with BCLP, in 96% of those with LCLP, and in 87% of those with RCLP. Most of the anomalies were located on the cleft area. The incidence relative risk (IRR) of anomalies was highest in patients with BCLP (IRR: 10.5; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.76-16.3), followed by in those with LCLP (IRR: 8.51; 95% CI: 5.64-12.8). CONCLUSIONS: Most dental anomalies were found in the cleft area; this was expected because the cleft area was the most affected in the patients included in this study.

Adaptation and validation for Colombia of the WHO safe childbirth checklist.

INTRODUCTION: Most maternal that deaths occur in developing countries are considered unfair and can be avoided. In 2008, The WHO proposed a checklist for delivery care, in order to assess whether a simple, low-cost intervention had an impact on maternal and neonatal mortality in low-income countries. AIM: To translate, adapt and validate the content of the WHO Safe Childbirth Checklist (SCC) for its use in Colombia. METHODS: The translation of the list was carried out, adaptation was made to our context and validation of content through a panel of experts composed of 17 health workers with experience in maternal and neonatal care and safety. The reliability among the judges was calculated (Rwg) and according to the results, items were modified or added to each section of the list. RESULTS: Modifications were made to the wording of 28 items, none was eliminated, and 19 new items were added. The most important modifications were made to the management guidelines that accompany each item and the items included refer to risks inherent to our environment. CONCLUSION: The Colombian version of the SCC will be a useful tool to improve maternal and neonatal care and thereby will contribute to reducing maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality in our country.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La mayor parte de las muertes maternas ocurren en países en vías de desarrollo, se consideran injustas y pueden ser evitadas. En el 2008 la OMS propuso una lista de verificación para la atención del parto, con el fin de evaluar si una intervención simple, de bajo costo, tenía impacto sobre la mortalidad materna y neonatal en los países de bajos ingresos. OBJETIVO: Traducir, adaptar y validar el contenido de la lista de verificación del parto seguro de la OMS para su uso en Colombia. MÉTODOS: Se realizó la traducción de la lista, se realizó la adaptación a nuestro contexto y validación de contenido a través de un panel de expertos compuesto por 17 trabajadores de la salud con experiencia en seguridad y atención materna o neonatal. Se calculó la fiabilidad entre los jueces (Rwg) y de acuerdo a los resultados se modificaron o agregaron ítems a cada apartado de la lista. RESULTADOS: Se hicieron modificaciones a la redacción de 28 ítems, no se eliminó ninguno, y se agregaron 19 nuevos ítems. La mayor parte de modificaciones importantes se hicieron a las orientaciones de manejo que acompañan cada ítem y los ítems incluidos se refieren a riesgos propios de nuestro medio. CONCLUSIÓN: La versión para Colombia de la Lista de Verificación del Parto Seguro será una herramienta útil para mejorar la atención a las maternas y neonatos y con esto contribuir a recudir la morbi-mortalidad materna y neonatal en nuestro país.

Adaptation and validation for Colombia of the WHO safe childbirth checklist / Adaptación y validación de la lista de verificación del parto seguro de la OMS, para su uso en Colombia

Abstract Introduction: Most maternal that deaths occur in developing countries are considered unfair and can be avoided. In 2008, The WHO proposed a checklist for delivery care, in order to assess whether a simple, low-cost intervention had an impact on maternal and neonatal mortality in low-income countries. Aim: To translate, adapt and validate the content of the WHO Safe Childbirth Checklist (SCC) for its use in Colombia Methods: The translation of the list was carried out, adaptation was made to our context and validation of content through a panel of experts composed of 17 health workers with experience in maternal and neonatal care and safety. The reliability among the judges was calculated (Rwg) and according to the results, items were modified or added to each section of the list. Results: Modifications were made to the wording of 28 items, none was eliminated, and 19 new items were added. The most important modifications were made to the management guidelines that accompany each item and the items included refer to risks inherent to our environment. Conclusion: The Colombian version of the SCC will be a useful tool to improve maternal and neonatal care and thereby will contribute to reducing maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality in our country.

Resumen Introducción: La mayor parte de las muertes maternas ocurren en países en vías de desarrollo, se consideran injustas y pueden ser evitadas. En el 2008 la OMS propuso una lista de verificación para la atención del parto, con el fin de evaluar si una intervención simple, de bajo costo, tenía impacto sobre la mortalidad materna y neonatal en los países de bajos ingresos. Objetivo: Traducir, adaptar y validar el contenido de la lista de verificación del parto seguro de la OMS para su uso en Colombia Métodos: Se realizó la traducción de la lista, se realizó la adaptación a nuestro contexto y validación de contenido a través de un panel de expertos compuesto por 17 trabajadores de la salud con experiencia en seguridad y atención materna o neonatal. Se calculó la fiabilidad entre los jueces (Rwg) y de acuerdo a los resultados se modificaron o agregaron ítems a cada apartado de la lista. Resultados: Se hicieron modificaciones a la redacción de 28 ítems, no se eliminó ninguno, y se agregaron 19 nuevos ítems. La mayor parte de modificaciones importantes se hicieron a las orientaciones de manejo que acompañan cada ítem y los ítems incluidos se refieren a riesgos propios de nuestro medio. Conclusión: La versión para Colombia de la Lista de Verificación del Parto Seguro será una herramienta útil para mejorar la atención a las maternas y neonatos y con esto contribuir a recudir la morbi-mortalidad materna y neonatal en nuestro país.

Construct and Criterion Validity of the PedsQL™ 4.0 Instrument (Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory) in Colombia.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed at determining the validity of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 (PedsQL™ 4.0) for the measurement of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in Colombian children. METHODS: Validation study of measurement instruments. The PedsQL™ 4.0 was applied by convenience sampling to 375 pairs of children and adolescents between the ages of 5 and 17 and to their parents-caregivers, as well as to 125 parents-caregivers of children between the ages of 2 and 4 in five cities of Colombia (Bogota, Medellin, Cali, Barranquilla and Bucaramanga). Construct validity was assessed through the use of exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, and criterion validity was assessed by correlations between the PedsQL™ 4.0 and the KIDSCREEN-27. RESULTS: The instrument was applied to 375 children (ages 5-18) and 125 parents of children between the ages of 2 and 4. Factor analysis revealed four factors considered suitable for the sample in both the child and parent reports, whereas Bartlett's test of sphericity showed inter-correlation between variables. Scale and subscales showed proper indicators of internal consistency. It is recommended not to include or review some of the items in the Colombian version of the scale. CONCLUSIONS: The Spanish version for Colombia of the PedsQL™ 4.0 displays suitable indicators of criterion and construct validity, therefore becoming a valuable tool for measuring HRQOL in children in our country. Some modifications are recommended for the Colombian version of the scale.

GRADE equity guidelines 4: considering health equity in GRADE guideline development: evidence to decision process.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this paper is to provide detailed guidance on how to incorporate health equity within the GRADE (Grading Recommendations Assessment and Development Evidence) evidence to decision process. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: We developed this guidance based on the GRADE evidence to decision framework, iteratively reviewing and modifying draft documents, in person discussion of project group members and input from other GRADE members. RESULTS: Considering the impact on health equity may be required, both in general guidelines and guidelines that focus on disadvantaged populations. We suggest two approaches to incorporate equity considerations: (1) assessing the potential impact of interventions on equity and (2) incorporating equity considerations when judging or weighing each of the evidence to decision criteria. We provide guidance and include illustrative examples. CONCLUSION: Guideline panels should consider the impact of recommendations on health equity with attention to remote and underserviced settings and disadvantaged populations. Guideline panels may wish to incorporate equity judgments across the evidence to decision framework. This is the fourth and final paper in a series about considering equity in the GRADE guideline development process. This series is coming from the GRADE equity subgroup.

[Rasch Model in the Validation of the Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ 4.0 (PedsQL 4.0™) in Colombian Children and Adolescents]. / Validación por modelo de Rasch del Cuestionario de Calidad de Vida (PedsQL 4.0(®)) en niños y adolescentes colombianos.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to validate the PedsQL 4.0™ in Colombian children and adolescents using the Rasch model. The Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL 4.0™) has demonstrated to be a reliable and sensitive measurement to changes in health status, as well as being quick and easy to use. METHODS: Validation study of measurement tools. The PedsQL 4.0™ was applied to a convenience sample of 375 children and adolescents between 5 and 17 years old and 500 caregivers of children between 2 and 18 years old in five Colombian cities. The psychometric properties were analysed according to the Rasch model, including adjustment, separation, and differential item functioning (DIF). RESULTS: The Rasch model provided adequate fits to data. The social dimension, for both versions, had greater difficulty than the physical health dimension. Internal consistency for the items was observed, while for individuals, the values of reliability and separation were lower than that established. The DIF occurred in very few variables, especially when comparing cities. The characteristic curves for the items presented disordered thresholds. CONCLUSIONS: The items had adequate internal consistency. Analysis showed adequate individual separation, but disordered thresholds were found in the response categories. No DIF was observed by sex or disease, but it is noteworthy that the DIF occurred between cities.

Validación por modelo de Rasch del Cuestionario de Calidad de Vida (PedsQL 4. 0®) en niños y adolescentes colombianos / Rasch Model in the Validation of the Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory TM 4. 0 (PedsQL 4.0TM) in Colombian Children and Adolescents

Introducción: La escala PedsQL 4.0® se ha probado confiable y sensible a los cambios en el estado de salud, y es de rápida y fácil aplicación. El propósito de este estudio es validar la PedsQL 4.0®a partir de la aplicación del modelo de Rasch en niños y adolescentes colombianos de ambos sexos. Métodos: Se llevó a cabo un estudio observacional de validación de instrumentos de medición. Se realizó un muestreo no probabilístico por conveniencia, conformado por 375 sujetos de 5 a 18 años de edad y 500 cuidadores de menores de 2 a 18 años en cinco ciudades colombianas. Las propiedades psicométricas de la escala se analizaron según el modelo de Rasch, entre ellas el ajuste, la separación y el funcionamiento diferencial del ítem. Resultados: Se encontró un adecuado ajuste de los datos al modelo de Rasch. La dimensión social presentó mayor dificultad que la dimensión de salud física en las dos versiones. Se observó consistencia interna de los ítems, mientras que para las personas, los valores de confiabilidad y separación estuvieron por debajo de lo establecido. El funcionamiento diferencial del ítem ocurrió en unas pocas variables, en especial, al comparar por ciudad. Las curvas características de los ítems presentaron umbrales desordenados. Conclusiones: Los ítems presentaron una consistencia adecuada; el análisis por personas no mostró una separación adecuada; sin embargo, se encontraron umbrales desordenados en las categorías de respuesta. No se presentó funcionamiento diferencial del ítem por sexo o por enfermedad, pero llama la atención que el sí ocurriera entre ciudades.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to validate the PedsQL 4.0TM in Colombian children and adolescents using the Rasch model. The Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL 4.0TM) has demonstrated to be a reliable and sensitive measurement to changes in health status, as well as being quick and easy to use. Methods: Validation study of measurement tools. The PedsQL 4.0TMwas applied to a convenience sample of 375 children and adolescents between 5 and 17 years old and 500 caregivers of children between 2 and 18 years old in five Colombian cities. The psychometric properties were analysed according to the Rasch model, including adjustment, separation, and differential item functioning (DIF). Results: The Rasch model provided adequate fits to data. The social dimension, for both versions, had greater difficulty than the physical health dimension. Internal consistency for the items was observed, while for individuals, the values of reliability and separation were lower than that established. The DIF occurred in very few variables, especially when comparing cities. The characteristic curves for the items presented disordered thresholds. Conclusions: The items had adequate internal consistency. Analysis showed adequate individual separation, but disordered thresholds were found in the response categories. No DIF was observed by sex or disease, but it is noteworthy that the DIF occurred between cities

Incorporating equity issues into the development of Colombian clinical practice guidelines: suggestions for the GRADE approach / Incorporando equidad al desarrollo de guías de práctica clínica colombianas: sugerencias para la aproximación Grade

Objective To propose how to incorporate equity issues, using the GRADE approach, into the development and implementation of Colombian Clinical Practice Guidelines. Methodology This proposal was developed in four phases: 1. Included a literature review and the development of a preliminary proposal about how to include equity issues; 2. Involved an informal discussion to reach a consensus on improving the first proposal; 3. Was a survey of the researchers' acceptance levels of the proposal, and; 4. A final informal consensus was formed to adjust the proposal. Results A proposal on how to incorporate equity issues into the GRADE approach was developed. It places particular emphasis on the recognition of disadvantaged populations in the development and implementation of the suggested guideline. PROGRESS-Plus is recommended for use in exploring the various categories of disadvantaged people. The proposal suggests that evidence be rated differentially by giving higher ratings to studies that consider equity issues than those that do not. The proposal also suggests the inclusion of indicators to monitor the impacts of the implementation of CPGs on disadvantaged people. Conclusions A consideration of equity in the development and implementation of clinical practice guidelines and quality assessments of the evidence would achieve more in the participation of potential actors in the process and reflect on the effectiveness of the proposed interventions across all social groups.(AU)

Objetivo Proponer como incorporar temas de equidad en el desarrollo e implementación de guías de práctica clínica colombianas utilizando el acercamiento GRADE. Metodología Esta propuesta fue desarrollada en 4 fases: una revisión de la literatura y desarrollo de una propuesta preliminar sobre como incluir temas de equidad, discusión informal para alcanzar un consenso que mejore la primera propuesta; una encuesta sobre los niveles de aceptación de la propuesta y un consenso informal final para ajustar la propuesta. Resultados Se desarrolló una propuesta sobre como incorporar temas de equidad con el acercamiento GRADE. Este hace énfasis especial en el reconocimiento de poblaciones en desventaja al desarrollar e implementar guías. Se recomienda el uso del PROGRESS-Plus para explorar las categorías de las poblaciones en desventaja. La propuesta sugiere una calificación diferencial de la evidencia dando clasificaciones superiores a los estudios que toman en consideración temas de equidad. Esta propuesta también sugiere la inclusión de indicadores que monitoreen el impacto de la implementación de GPC en personas en desventaja. Conclusiones Tener en cuenta la equidad en el desarrollo e implementación de las guías de práctica clínica y la evaluación de calidad de la evidencia puede lograr más en la participación de los actores potenciales del proceso y reflejarse en la efectividad de las intervenciones propuestas en todos los grupos sociales.(AU)

Incorporating equity issues into the development of Colombian clinical practice guidelines: suggestions for the GRADE approach.

Objective To propose how to incorporate equity issues, using the GRADE approach, into the development and implementation of Colombian Clinical Practice Guidelines. Methodology This proposal was developed in four phases: 1. Included a literature review and the development of a preliminary proposal about how to include equity issues; 2. Involved an informal discussion to reach a consensus on improving the first proposal; 3. Was a survey of the researchers' acceptance levels of the proposal, and; 4. A final informal consensus was formed to adjust the proposal. Results A proposal on how to incorporate equity issues into the GRADE approach was developed. It places particular emphasis on the recognition of disadvantaged populations in the development and implementation of the suggested guideline. PROGRESS-Plus is recommended for use in exploring the various categories of disadvantaged people. The proposal suggests that evidence be rated differentially by giving higher ratings to studies that consider equity issues than those that do not. The proposal also suggests the inclusion of indicators to monitor the impacts of the implementation of CPGs on disadvantaged people. Conclusions A consideration of equity in the development and implementation of clinical practice guidelines and quality assessments of the evidence would achieve more in the participation of potential actors in the process and reflect on the effectiveness of the proposed interventions across all social groups.

Maternal Serum Meteorin Levels and the Risk of Preeclampsia.

BACKGROUND: Meteorin (METRN) is a recently described neutrophic factor with angiogenic properties. This is a nested case-control study in a longitudinal cohort study that describes the serum profile of METRN during different periods of gestation in healthy and preeclamptic pregnant women. Moreover, we explore the possible application of METRN as a biomarker. METHODS AND FINDINGS: Serum METRN was measured by ELISA in a longitudinal prospective cohort study in 37 healthy pregnant women, 16 mild preeclamptic women, and 20 healthy non-pregnant women during the menstrual cycle with the aim of assessing serum METRN levels and its correlations with other metabolic parameters. Immunostaining for METRN protein was performed in placenta. A multivariate logistic regression model was proposed and a classifier model was formulated for predicting preeclampsia in early and middle pregnancy. The performance in classification was evaluated using measures such as sensitivity, specificity, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. In healthy pregnant women, serum METRN levels were significantly elevated in early pregnancy compared to middle and late pregnancy. METRN levels are significantly lower only in early pregnancy in preeclamptic women when compared to healthy pregnant women. Decision trees that did not include METRN levels in the first trimester had a reduced sensitivity of 56% in the detection of preeclamptic women, compared to a sensitivity of 69% when METRN was included. CONCLUSIONS: The joint measurements of circulating METRN levels in the first trimester and systolic blood pressure and weight in the second trimester significantly increase the probabilities of predicting preeclampsia.

[Validating and standardizing children's box and block test normal values]. / Validación y estandarización de valores normales de la prueba de caja y cubos en niños.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluating gross motor skills forms part of a child's functional examination. The box and block test is a simple, useful method for evaluating upper limb functionality. This study was aimed at validating and standardising the test's normal values in 6 to 11 year-old Colombian children. METHODS: The test was used on 411 children from two schools in Bogotá catering for children different socioeconomic classes. A questionnaire directed towards parents and teachers was used for evaluating the children's performance on every-day life and school-related activities for validating the construct; correlation with the test was established. RESULTS: Data related to 386 children (55.4% male) was analysed; 67.9% of these children were attending a public school and 90.2% had right dominance. Average test score with the right hand was 60.9 and 57.8 with the left hand. DISCUSSION: Girls' average test scores were significantly higher. A table was constructed from (and showing) the average values, standard deviation and range of normality. A positive correlation was found regarding test result with age and every-day life activities and the teachers' appreciation of children's scholastic abilities. The test was reliable, having 0.84 intraclass correlation for the right hand and 0.83 for the left hand.

Translation, cultural adaptation and content re-validation of the observational teamwork assessment for surgery tool.

Background. Poor teamwork and nontechnical skill performance are increasingly recognized as important contributing factors to errors and adverse events in the operating room. Assessment of these safety critical skills is important to facilitate improvement, however there are no tools available to assess these safety skills in Latin America. This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt and content validate the Observational Teamwork Assessment for Surgery (OTAS) tool for use in Latin America. Methods. A multi-phase, multi-method study was conducted: Phase 1: translation and back-translation; Phase 2: content validity assessed via expert consensus; Phase 3: inter-rater reliability assessed via real-time observation in 98 general surgical procedures using OTAS-S. Results. The first change in OTAS-S, was to distinguish between the surgical nurses and scrub technicians (both OR team members are captured in the nursing sub-team in the original OTAS). OTAS-S consists of 168 exemplar behaviors: 60/114 identical to the exemplars listed in the original OTAS tool, 48/114 original exemplars underwent minor modifications, 13 were duplicated (to account for the additional sub-team distinguished in OTAS-S), 6 original exemplars were removed, and 47 new exemplar behaviors were added. Inter-observer agreement was substantial (KW = 0.602; IC: 0.581-0.620). The calculated KW by phase, behaviors and teams were between 0.534 and 0.678. Conclusions. The study provides a content validated teamwork assessment tool for use within Colombian operating rooms and potentially Latin-American. OTAS-S can be used to assess the quality of teamwork in ORs, facilitate structured debriefing and thus improve patient safety and reduce team-related errors.

Irisin levels during pregnancy and changes associated with the development of preeclampsia.

CONTEXT: Irisin is a recently discovered adipomyokine that regulates the differentiation and phenotype of adipose tissue. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we investigated the levels of irisin over the three trimesters of gestation in healthy and preeclamptic women and during the follicular and luteal phase of the menstrual cycle in a cohort of healthy eumenoherric women. METHODS: Serum irisin was measured by an ELISA in a longitudinal prospective cohort study in 40 healthy pregnant women, 10 mild preeclamptic women, and 20 healthy eumenoherric women during the menstrual cycle to assess irisin levels and correlations with other metabolic parameters. We identified the protein expression of fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5, the irisin precursor, in human placenta using immunohistochemical approaches in humans. RESULTS: Serum irisin levels are higher in the luteal than in the follicular phase in eumenorrheic women. Fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5, the irisin precursor, is expressed in human placenta, and its serum levels are higher during the entire pregnancy when compared with nonpregnant women. Serum irisin correlates positively with the homeostasis model assessment of estimated insulin resistance in the first trimester of normal pregnancy. Serum irisin levels do not change throughout gestation in preeclamptic women; however, there were lower irisin levels during the third trimester when compared with the normal pregnant group. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that irisin may be involved in reproductive function and in the pregnancy-associated metabolic changes, and this condition may be an irisin-resistant state during gestation.

´Inequidad' de la expectativa de vida al nacer por sexo y ´departamentos' de Colombia / Life expectancy at birth in Colombia, 2000-2009: inequalities by region and gender

Introducción. La expectativa de vida al nacer es un indicador que se ha utilizado para hacerle seguimiento al desarrollo humano dentro de los países y entre ellos. Este ha venido incrementándose gracias a los progresos en el campo de la medicina y la tecnología. Sin embargo, el acceso a la atención, la tecnología y los factores determinantes sociales que mejoran el estado de salud, han sido desiguales entre departamentos y países. Objetivo. Estimar la ´inequidad' de la expectativa de vida, para cada ´departamento' de Colombia según sexo, en el periodo 2000 a 2009. Materiales y métodos. Se llevó a cabo un estudio ecológico. Se estimó la expectativa de vida al nacer por ´departamentos' en Colombia, mediante el método de las tablas de vida, entre 2000 y 2009. Las fuentes de datos fueron los registros de defunción y las series de población estimadas a partir del censo del 2005 del Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadística (DANE). Se estimó la ´inequidad' en la expectativa de vida por ´departamentos', comparando con el mejor referente mundial en los años 2000, 2006 y 2009, y con el mejor referente interno en el periodo 2000 a 2009. Resultados. Se encontraron años perdidos de vida potencial que fueron hasta de 21 años en el periodo, al hacer la comparación con el mejor referente externo. La diferencia entre los ´departamentos' fue hasta de 15,3 años perdidos de vida potencial. Hubo ´departamentos' en los que aumentó la brecha de años perdidos de vida potencial. Conclusiones. Colombia mantiene grandes diferencias en los años perdidos de vida potencial entre sus ´departamentos'.

Introduction: Life expectancy is one of the measurements that have been used to monitor socioeconomic development within and among countries. During the last 30 years, life expectancy has increased worldwide mainly due to medical and technological developments. However, access to health care, new technologies and social determinants remain unevenly distributed among regions and countries in the world. Objective: To assess inequalities in life expectancy by gender and regions (departments) in Colombia between 2000 and 2009. Materials and methods: Ecological study. Life expectancy was estimated for each Colombian department using yearly life tables from 2000 to 2009. We used data from the death registries and the estimated population series, provided by the Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadística (DANE). For the study period, estimates of life expectancy by departments were compared with those from Japan for the years 2000, 2006 and 2009, which is the country with the highest life expectancy in the world, and with the Colombian department with the highest life expectancy from 2000 to 2009. Results: Compared with the highest life expectancy in the world, Colombian departments showed differences ranged between 5.7 and 21 years. We found significant differences between departments, with the largest difference being 15.3 years. Additionally, in some departments life expectancy decreased during the analyzed period. Conclusions: This study identified differences in life expectancy in Colombian departments suggesting inequalities in health and living conditions among them. These differences increased in some departments during the period 2000-2009.

Inequidades en mortalidad materna por departamentos en Colombia para los años (2000-2001), (2005-2006) y (2008-2009) / Inequality regarding maternal mortality in Colombian departments in 2000-2001, 2005-2006 and 2008-2009

Objetivo Describir las inequidades en mortalidad materna en Colombia para los años 2000-2001, 2005-2006 y 2008-2009. Métodos Estudio ecológico. Se estimaron las Razones de Mortalidad Materna (RMM) ajustadas por edad materna, para los Departamentos de Colombia, y para las causas de mortalidad materna. Se describen las principales causas de mortalidad para los periodos (2000-2001), (2005-2006) y (2008-2009). Se calculó el exceso de riesgo de muertes maternas en Colombia contra el mejor referente externo a través de la Fracción atribuible (FA). La FA se correlacionó con el indicador de necesidades básicas insatisfechas (NBI) por Departamentos Resultados Las RMM más altas en Colombia estuvieron entre 81 y 161, las más bajas entre 3 y 5. Las RMM más bajas en el mundo estuvieron entre 2 y 4 por 100.000 nacidos vivos para esos periodos. Las principales causas de mortalidad materna en Colombia fueron: hipertensión durante el embarazo, condiciones obstétricas no clasificadas, y complicaciones durante el parto. Se encontró un exceso de riesgo de mortalidad materna en Colombia en promedio del 86 %, cuando se comparó contra un referente externo. Se encontró una correlación entre la FA y el NBI. Conclusiones Existe una gran inequidad en la mortalidad materna dentro de Colombia y al comparar Colombia con los países desarrollados. Las inequidades en la mortalidad materna persisten a pesar de lo avanzado de la reforma del sistema de salud, lo que sugiere que ésta no ha sido efectiva en disminuir la mortalidad materna y sus inequidades.

Objective Describing inequality regarding maternal mortality in Colombia for 2000-2001, 2005-2006 and 2008-2009. Methods This was an ecological study. The maternal mortality rate (MMR) was estimated, adjusted for maternal age, Colombian department and causes of maternal mortality. The main causes of mortality were described for 2000-2001, 2005-2006 and 2008-2009. The excess of risk of maternal death in Colombia was calculated regarding the best external referent using the attributable fraction (AF). The AF was correlated with the indicator of unsatisfied basic needs (UBN) by department. Results The highest MMR in Colombia was between 81 and 161 per 100,000 live births and the lowest between 3 and 5; the lowest MMR in the world was between 2 and 4 per 100,000 live births for the same periods. The main causes of maternal mortality in Colombia were hypertension during pregnancy, unclassified obstetric conditions and complications when giving birth. An excess of risk of maternal mortality in Colombia was found (on average 86 %) when compared to an external referent. A correlation was found between AF and UBN. Conclusions Great inequality was found regarding maternal mortality in Colombia and when comparing Colombia to developed countries. Inequality regarding maternal mortality persists in spite of advances having been made regarding reform of the healthcare system, thereby suggesting that this has not been effective in reducing maternal mortality and its inequalities.

[Life expectancy at birth in Colombia, 2000-2009: inequalities by region and gender]. / 'Inequidad' de la expectativa de vida al nacer por sexo y 'departamentos' de Colombia.

INTRODUCTION: Life expectancy is one of the measurements that have been used to monitor socioeconomic development within and among countries. During the last 30 years, life expectancy has increased worldwide mainly due to medical and technological developments. However, access to health care, new technologies and social determinants remain unevenly distributed among regions and countries in the world. OBJECTIVE: To assess inequalities in life expectancy by gender and regions (departments) in Colombia between 2000 and 2009. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ecological study. Life expectancy was estimated for each Colombian department using yearly life tables from 2000 to 2009. We used data from the death registries and the estimated population series, provided by the Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadística (DANE). For the study period, estimates of life expectancy by departments were compared with those from Japan for the years 2000, 2006 and 2009, which is the country with the highest life expectancy in the world, and with the Colombian department with the highest life expectancy from 2000 to 2009. RESULTS: Compared with the highest life expectancy in the world, Colombian departments showed differences ranged between 5.7 and 21 years. We found significant differences between departments, with the largest difference being 15.3 years. Additionally, in some departments life expectancy decreased during the analyzed period. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified differences in life expectancy in Colombian departments suggesting inequalities in health and living conditions among them. These differences increased in some departments during the period 2000-2009.

[Inequality regarding maternal mortality in Colombian departments in 2000-2001, 2005-2006 and 2008-2009]. / Inequidades en mortalidad materna por departamentos en Colombia para los años (2000-2001), (2005-2006) y (2008-2009).

OBJECTIVE: Describing inequality regarding maternal mortality in Colombia for 2000-2001, 2005-2006 and 2008-2009. METHODS: This was an ecological study. The maternal mortality rate (MMR) was estimated, adjusted for maternal age, Colombian department and causes of maternal mortality. The main causes of mortality were described for 2000-2001, 2005-2006 and 2008-2009. The excess of risk of maternal death in Colombia was calculated regarding the best external referent using the attributable fraction (AF). The AF was correlated with the indicator of unsatisfied basic needs (UBN) by department. RESULTS: The highest MMR in Colombia was between 81 and 161 per 100,000 live births and the lowest between 3 and 5; the lowest MMR in the world was between 2 and 4 per 100,000 live births for the same periods. The main causes of maternal mortality in Colombia were hypertension during pregnancy, unclassified obstetric conditions and complications when giving birth. An excess of risk of maternal mortality in Colombia was found (on average 86 %) when compared to an external referent. A correlation was found between AF and UBN. CONCLUSIONS: Great inequality was found regarding maternal mortality in Colombia and when comparing Colombia to developed countries. Inequality regarding maternal mortality persists in spite of advances having been made regarding reform of the healthcare system, thereby suggesting that this has not been effective in reducing maternal mortality and its inequalities.

Validación y estandarización de valores normales de la prueba de caja y cubos en niños / Validating and standardizing children's box and block test normal values

Objetivo La evaluación de las destrezas motoras gruesas forma parte del examen funcional del niño. La prueba de caja y cubos es un método sencillo y útil en la valoración de la funcionalidad del miembro superior. El objetivo del estudio fue validar y estandarizar los valores normales de la prueba en niños de 6 a 11 años. Métodos Se aplicó la prueba a 411 niños de dos colegios de diferentes clases socioeconómicas en Bogotá. Para la validación de constructo se utilizó un cuestionario dirigido a padres y profesores evaluando el desempeño en actividades de la vida diaria y actividades escolares relacionadas y se estableció la correlación con la prueba. Resultados En total se analizaron los datos de 386 niños (55.4% de género masculino), de los cuales 67.9 % pertenecían a colegio público. 90.2% tenían dominancia derecha. La puntuación promedio de la prueba con la mano derecha fue 60.9 y con la mano izquierda 57.8. Discusión Los valores de las puntuaciones promedio de las niñas fueron significativamente más altos. Se construyó una tabla con los valores promedio, desviación estándar y rango de normalidad. Se encontró una correlación positiva del resultado de la prueba con la edad y con las actividades de la vida diaria y la apreciación de las habilidades escolares del niño por parte del profesor. La prueba fue confiable con una correlación intraclase de 0.84 y 0.83 para la mano derecha e izquierda, respectivamente.

Objective Evaluating gross motor skills forms part of a child's functional examination. The box and block test is a simple, useful method for evaluating upper limb functionality. This study was aimed at validating and standardising the test's normal values in 6 to 11 year-old Colombian children. Methods The test was used on 411 children from two schools in Bogotá catering for children different socioeconomic classes. A questionnaire directed towards parents and teachers was used for evaluating the children's performance on every-day life and school-related activities for validating the construct; correlation with the test was established. Results Data related to 386 children (55.4% male) was analysed; 67.9% of these children were attending a public school and 90.2% had right dominance. Average test score with the right hand was 60.9 and 57.8 with the left hand. Discussion Girls' average test scores were significantly higher. A table was constructed from (and showing) the average values, standard deviation and range of normality. A positive correlation was found regarding test result with age and every-day life activities and the teachers' appreciation of children's scholastic abilities. The test was reliable, having 0.84 intraclass correlation for the right hand and 0.83 for the left hand.

Perirectal block for out-patient anorectal surgery: a new technique.

INTRODUCTION: Perirectal block using four puncture places has been classically described for rectal surgery. OBJECTIVE: This paper was aimed at showing the quality of anesthesia and postoperative analgesia using a new two-puncture-site technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients scheduled for ambulatory rectal surgery between January/2003 and December/2007 were included consecutively. The new two-puncture technique was used. Alternative anesthetic management and level of postoperative pain requirements were evaluated (rated visual analogue scale-VAS). Follow-up was done by telephone between 1st and 10th postoperative day to evaluate complications, pain (yes/no), and satisfaction level (1-5 points score). RESULTS: Four hundred and nine subjects were included; 50.61% were female. Mean age was 43 (95%CI: 41-44; range: 17-85), 12.7% were aged over 60. According to the American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA), 72.6% were classified as ASA1 and 26.1% ASA2. External and internal hemorrhoidectomy was performed on 31% of patients; 61.6% had two or more procedures. Lidocaine was used on 406 subjects. Ropivacaine was added for 9.2% of them and levobupivacaine for 89.4%. 394 patients were followed-up. Median follow-up was 4 days. A response was obtained from 346 subjects (84.6%); 105 (30.3%) recalled having suffered pain during the post-operative period, being most frequent in the lidocaine+ropivacaine group (17/39, 43.5%) than in the lidocaine+bupivacaine group (88/307, 28.6%). Satisfaction was evaluated by 336 subjects (82.1%), 332 of them (98.8%) awarding a score of 5. Two subjects (0.6%) scored this 2 and 1. Subjects did not mention complications. CONCLUSIONS: The new peri-rectal two-puncture block technique is easy and also provides analgesia and a high degree of satisfaction.

Bloqueo perirrectal para cirugía anorrectal ambulatoria: una nueva técnica / Perirectal block for out-patient anorectal surgery: a new technique

Introducción. El bloqueo perirrectal de cuatro punciones ha sido descrito clásicamente para cirugía rectal. El objetivo de este artículo es describir la calidad de la anestesia y la analgesia posoperatoria cuando se utiliza una nueva técnica de dos punciones. Materiales y métodos. Se incluyeron, consecutivamente, los pacientes programados para cirugía rectal ambulatoria entre enero de 2003 y diciembre de 2007. Se utilizó la nueva técnica anestésica de dos punciones. Se registraron las necesidades de manejo anestésico alternativo y el nivel de dolor posoperatorio por medio de una escala visual análoga graduada. El seguimiento fue telefónico (1 a 10 días posoperatorios) para evaluar complicaciones, dolor (sí/no) y nivel de satisfacción (escala, 1 a 5). Resultados. Se incluyeron 409 sujetos. El 50,61 % eran mujeres. La edad promedio fue de 43 años, (rango, 17 a 85). El 12,7 % eran mayores de 60 años. De acuerdo con la clasificación de la American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA), el 72,6 % fueron ASA1 y 26,1 % ASA2. Se practicó hemorroidectomía externa e interna en 31 % de los pacientes; 61,6 % tuvo más de dos procedimientos. Se utilizó lidocaína en 406 sujetos. Se adicionó ropivacaína en 9,2 % y levobupivacaína en 89,4 %. La mediana de seguimiento fue de cuatro días. Se obtuvo respuesta de 346 sujetos (84,6 %); 105 (30,3 %) refirieron haber sufrido dolor durante el posoperatorio, lo que fue más frecuente en el grupo de lidocaína más ropivacaína (17/39, 43,5 %) que en el de lidocaína más bupivacaína (88/307, 28,6 %). La satisfacción se evaluó en 336 sujetos (82,1 %): 332 (98,8 %) la calificaron en 5, 2 sujetos (0,6 %) la calificaron en 2 y en 1. No hubo complicaciones. Conclusiones. El bloqueo perirrectal de dos punciones es una técnica fácil que, además, provee analgesia y un alto grado de satisfacción.

Introduction. Perirectal block using four puncture places has been classically described for rectal surgery. Objective. This paper was aimed at showing the quality of anesthesia and postoperative analgesia using a new two-puncture-site technique. Materials and methods. Patients scheduled for ambulatory rectal surgery between January/2003 and December/2007 were included consecutively. The new two-puncture technique was used. Alternative anesthetic management and level of postoperative pain requirements were evaluated (rated visual analogue scale-VAS). Follow-up was done by telephone between 1st and 10th postoperative day to evaluate complications, pain (yes/no), and satisfaction level (1–5 points score). Results. Four hundred and nine subjects were included; 50.61% were female. Mean age was 43 (95%CI: 41-44; range: 17-85), 12.7% were aged over 60. According to the American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA), 72.6% were classified as ASA1 and 26.1% ASA2. External and internal hemorrhoidectomy was performed on 31% of patients; 61.6% had two or more procedures. Lidocaine was used on 406 subjects. Ropivacaine was added for 9.2% of them and levobupivacaine for 89.4%. 394 patients were followed-up. Median follow-up was 4 days. A response was obtained from 346 subjects (84.6%); 105 (30.3%) recalled having suffered pain during the post-operative period, being most frequent in the lidocaine+ropivacaine group (17/39, 43.5%) than in the lidocaine+bupivacaine group (88/307, 28.6%). Satisfaction was evaluated by 336 subjects (82.1%), 332 of them (98.8%) awarding a score of 5. Two subjects (0.6%) scored this 2 and 1. Subjects did not mention complications. Conclusions. The new peri-rectal two-puncture block technique is easy and also provides analgesia and a high degree of satisfaction.