Standardized intrapulmonary lymph node dissection in lung cancer specimens: A national Colombian analysis.

Objective: In patients with non-small cell lung cancer, lymph node assessment is essential for appropriate staging. The intrapulmonary lymph nodes (IPLNs) should be considered when assigning the N stage but are infrequently evaluated in Colombian centers, resulting in understaging that may hinder optimal treatment. Methods: We conducted a prospective study of IPLN dissection in patients with clinical stage I or II non-small cell lung cancer who underwent surgical resection at 9 institutions in Colombia between 2021 and 2023. IPLN dissection was performed by trained surgeons who collected lymph nodes from fresh specimens after resection and before formalin fixation. Results: One hundred patients were eligible for the analysis. Their mean age was 67 ± 10.9 years, and 76% were women. Most (74%) had adenocarcinoma, 20% had neuroendocrine tumors, and 6% had squamous cell carcinoma. Successful sampling and histopathologic analysis of at least one IPLN station was obtained in 85% of patients, 9% had upstaging due to positive N2 lymph nodes, and 5% had upstaging due to positive N1 lymph nodes. Among the patients with pN0 or pN1 disease, 3.2% (3 out of 91) were upstaged exclusively due to positive IPLNs. Conclusions: Fresh-specimen dissection to collect IPLNs is appropriate and feasible to achieve more accurate pathological staging in Colombian lung cancer patients. In clinical N0 patients, IPLN dissection maximizes selection for adjuvant therapy.

Resultados cardiometabólicos de largo plazo tras cirugía bariátrica: control de comorbilidades, pérdida y reganancia de peso a los 5 años de seguimiento / Long-term cardiometabolic results after bariatric surgery: Control of comorbidities, weight loss and regain at 5 years of follow-up

Introducción. La cirugía bariátrica y metabólica (CBM) es efectiva en lograr pérdida de peso a corto plazo. Sin embargo, existe evidencia limitada en desenlaces clínicos y metabólicos a largo plazo. Métodos. Estudio longitudinal retrospectivo con pacientes llevados a baipás gástrico en Y de Roux (BGYR) o gastrectomía en manga (MG) por laparoscopia en Bogotá, D.C., Colombia, entre 2013 y 2021. El cambio de peso, control de comorbilidades y resultados metabólicos se recopilaron al inicio del estudio, 3, 6 y 12 meses después de cirugía, y anualmente hasta el quinto año. Las tasas de control de comorbilidades se evaluaron mediante la prueba Kaplan-Meier. Se utilizó un modelo de riesgos proporcionales de Cox para evaluar el efecto de covariables en la reganancia de peso. Resultados. De 1092 pacientes con CBM (71,4 % MG y 28,6 % BGYR), 67 % eran mujeres, con mediana de edad 48 años e índice de masa corporal de 35,5 Kg/m2. Después de cinco años de seguimiento, la tasa de control en diabetes mellitus fue 65,5 %, en hipertensión 56,6 % y en dislipidemia 43,6 %. La tasa de reganancia de peso fue 28 %, sin diferencias entre MG vs BGYR (p=0,482). El tiempo promedio hasta peso nadir fue 14 meses. La edad al momento de CBM fue el mejor predictor independiente de reganancia (HR=1,02, IC95% 1,01-1,04), pero con efecto clínico modesto. Conclusión. La CBM es segura y muestra beneficios a largo plazo en la pérdida de peso y control de comorbilidades en población colombiana.

Introduction. Bariatric and metabolic surgery (BMS) has shown its efficacy in achieving short-term weight loss. However, there is limited evidence regarding long-term clinical and metabolic outcomes. Methods. Retrospective longitudinal study with patients who underwent laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) interventions in Bogotá, Colombia, between 2013 and 2021. Weight change, comorbidity control, and metabolic outcomes were collected at the onset, 3-, 6-, and 12-month post-surgery, and annually up to the fifth year. Comorbidity control rates were assessed using the Kaplan-Meier test. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to evaluate the effect of covariates on weight regain. Results. Of 1092 patients with BMS (71.4% SG and 28.6% RYGB), 67% were women, with a median age of 48 years, BMI 35.5 kg/m2. After five years of follow-up, the control rate in diabetes mellitus was 65.5%, in hypertension 56.6%, and dyslipidemia 43.6%. The weight regain rate was 28% with no differences between SG vs RYGB (p=0.482). The mean time to nadir weight was 14 months. Age at the time of BMS was the best independent predictor of weight regain (HR=1.02, 95%CI: 1.01-1.04), but with a modest clinical effect. Conclusion. BMS is safe and shows long-term benefits in weight loss and control of comorbidities in Colombian population.

Eficacia y seguridad del rituximab en el tratamiento de la esclerosis múltiple: una postura racional en el contexto colombiano / Efficacy and safety of rituximab in the treatment of multiple sclerosis: a rational position in the Colombian context

RESUMEN INTRODUCCIÓN: La esclerosis múltiple es una enfermedad neuroinflamatoria, crónica, degenerativa e incurable, asociada a pérdida neuronal, grados crecientes de discapacidad y deterioro cognoscitivo. Su manejo conlleva grandes costos para los sistemas de salud y la sociedad en general. OBJETIVO: Evaluar la eficacia y la seguridad del uso del rituximab en el manejo de la esclerosis múltiple. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Revisión de la literatura y evaluación de la tecnología en salud tipo mini-HTA en red colaborativa con el Comité de Esclerosis Múltiple de la Asociación Colombiana de Neurología y el Instituto Global de Excelencia Clínica. RESULTADOS: Se identificaron 27 referencias de texto completo para el análisis de la seguridad y la eficacia del rituximab en el manejo de la esclerosis múltiple. Se utilizaron análisis de costos, indicadores epidemiológicos y estudios pivótales de rituximab. CONCLUSIÓN: La evidencia analizada confirma que la terapia con rituximab es efectiva y segura en el manejo de las formas de esclerosis múltiple remitente-recurrente (EMRR) y esclerosis múltiple primaria-progresiva (EMPP), con menor tasa de eventos adversos y tasas de interrupción o abandono del tratamiento más bajas que otras terapias modificadoras de la enfermedad (TME).

SUMMARY INTRODUCTION: Multiple sclerosis is a neuroinflammatory, chronic, degenerative, and incurable disease, associated with neuronal loss, increasing degrees of disability, and cognitive control. Its treatment causes great costs for health systems and society in general. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the use of rituximab in the management of multiple sclerosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Literature review and evaluation of mini-HTA type health technology in a collaborative network with the Multiple Sclerosis Committee of the Colombian Association of Neurology and the Global Institute of Clinical Excellence. RESULTS: 27 full-text references were identified for the safety and efficacy analysis of rituximab in the management of multiple sclerosis. Cost analysis, epidemiological indicators, and pivotal studies of rituximab were incorporated into the analysis. CONCLUSION: The evidence analyzed confirms that rituximab therapy is effective and safe in the management of the forms of Recurrent-Remittent Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS) and Primary-Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (PPMS), with a lower rate of adverse events and discontinuation or withdrawal rates of treatment lower than other disease-modifying therapies.

Síndrome larva migrans cutánea en pediatría / Cutaneous Larva Migrans Syndrome in Pediatrics

La dermatosis denominada larva migrans cutánea: (LMC) es una infección cutánea secundaria a infestación parasitaria por la migración de larvas de anquilostomas animales a la epidermis humana, frecuentemente por contacto directo con suelos contaminados, especialmente en zonas tropicales. Se caracteriza por la aparición de lesiones induradas, eritematosas con patrón irregular o serpiginoso acompañado de prurito. Describimos un caso de LMC en una niña, adquirido durante unas vacaciones en Colombia y tratado inicialmente como celulitis con antibióticos (AU)

Cutaneous larva migrans (CLM) is an infection secondary to parasitic infestation due to the migration of animal hookworm larvae into the human skin, frequently by direct contact with contaminated grounds, especially in the tropics. Clinically, it is characterized by the appearance of indurated, erythematous lesions with irregular or "creeping eruption" pattern and pruritus. This article describes a case of CLM infection in a pediatric patient, it was acquired during the holidays in Colombia, diagnosed as cellulitis and treated accordingly with antibiotics without success (AU)

Uso de resúmenes de evidencia para informar el tratamiento farmacológico de personas con sospecha o diagnóstico de infección respiratoria por SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 / Use of evidence summaries to inform pharmacological treatment of people with suspected or diagnosedSARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 respiratory infection

Resumen Introducción: debido a la emergencia del coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 desde diciembre del 2019, se ha generado un gran volumen de producción científica, en algún caso incierta o controvertida especialmente en el manejo farmacológico de los pacientes con esta infección; por lo tanto, se considera relevante buscar alternativas metodológicas para realizar su síntesis rigurosa, sistemática y de calidad, pero con menor tiempo de ejecución y menor costo. Objetivo: presentar la evidencia disponible respecto al manejo farmacológico de personas con sospecha o diagnóstico de infección respiratoria por SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) utilizando el método de revisiones sistemáticas rápidas (RS-R) en medicamentos poten- cialmente eficaces para su manejo. Metodología: se realizó una búsqueda sistemática y estructurada en Medline, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Clinical trials y Google Scholar en inglés. Los estudios incluidos fueron guías de práctica clínica, consensos, revisiones sistemáticas, metaanálisis, ensayos clínicos y otros estudios primarios. La búsqueda y extracción de datos se realizó por múltiples revisores, pero ninguna fue pareada. Resultados: dieciseis preguntas de interés clínico fueron resueltas, relacionadas con el uso en COVID-19 de lopinavir/ ritonavir, nelfinavir, oseltamivir, remdesivir, ribavirina, teicoplanina, umifenovir, favipiravir, tocilizumab, ivermectina y plasma convaleciente; también se evaluó el uso de medicamentos de soporte e incluidos en el manejo como la dexametasona, así como el uso concomitante de medicamentos que generaron dudas como son los AINES, los IECA y los ARA II. Conclusiones: los resúmenes de evidencia se muestran dentro del escenario de la pandemia como una buena alternativa metodológica para ofrecer información de calidad a corto plazo para los tomadores de decisiones.

Abstract Introduction: Due to the emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus since December 2019, a large volume of scientific production has been generated, in some cases uncertain or controversial, especially in the pharmacological management of patients with this infection; therefore, it is considered a relevant search for methodological alternatives to carry out its rigorous, systematic and quality synthesis, but with less execution time and lower cost. Objective: To present the available evidence regarding the pharmacological management of people with suspected or diagnosed respiratory SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) using the method of rapid systematic reviews (RS-R) in potentially effective drugs for their management. Methodology: A systematic and structured search was conducted in Medline, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Clinical trials and Google Scholar in English. Studies included clinical practice guidelines, consensus, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, clinical trials, and other primary studies. Data search and extraction were performed by multiple reviewers, but none were paired. Results: Sixteen questions of clinical interest were resolved, related to the use in COVID-19 of lopinavir/ritonavir, nelfinavir, oseltamivir, remdesivir, ribavirin, teicoplanin, umifenovir, favipiravir, tocilizumab, ivermectin, convalescent plasma; the use of support management drugs such as dexamethasone were also evaluated, as well as the concomitant use of drugs that generated doubts, such as NSAIDs, ACEis, and ARA IIs. Conclusions: Summaries of evidence are within the pandemic scenario as a good methodological alternative to offer quality information in the short term for decision-makers.

[Recommendations for reopening elective surgery services during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic]. / Recomendaciones para la reapertura de servicios de cirugía electiva durante la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2.

Given the uncertainty that accompanies the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and the need to respond to multiple chronic and acute health problems affecting the general population, including those requiring surgical intervention, the recommendations implemented in clinics and hospitals in Colombia are presented as a guide to achieve a reopening of elective surgery services in a safe, staggered and monitored manner in accordance with the dynamics imposed by the pandemic, national and international guidelines and the speed of production of scientific evidence related to COVID-19.

Recomendaciones para el uso racional de la prueba 25-hidroxivitamina D Resumen de política

está disponible en el texto completo

The exponential increase in the request for laboratory tests of 25-Hydroxyvitamin D or [25 (OH) D has ignited the alarms and generated a strong call for attention, since it may reflect deficiencies in the standardization of clinical practice and in the use non-systematic scientific evidence for decision-making in real life, which allows to analyze the indications of the test, its frequency, interpretation and even to assess the impact for health systems, especially when contrasted with the minimum or almost. No effects of the strategy of screening or supplying indiscriminately to the general population, without considering a comprehensive clinical assessment of risks and needs of people. From a purely public health impact point of view, the consequence of massive and unspecified requests is affecting most of the health systems and institutions at the global level. The primary studies that determined average population intake values have been widely used in the formulation of recommendations in Clinical Practice Guidelines, but unfortunately misinterpreted as cut points to diagnose disease and allow the exaggerated prescription of nutritional substitution. The coefficient of variation in routine tests to measure blood levels of 25 (OH) D is high (28%), decreasing the overall accuracy of the test and simultaneously, increasing both the falsely high and falsely low values. The most recent scientific evidence analyzes and seriously questions the usefulness and the real effect of the massive and indiscriminate practice of prescribing vitamin D without an exhaustive risk analysis. The available evidence is insufficient to recommend a general substitution of vitamin D to prevent fractures, falls, changes in bone mineral density, incidence of cardiovascular diseases, cerebrovascular disease, neoplasms and also to modify the growth curve of mothers' children. They received vitamin D as a substitute during pregnancy. The recommendations presented in the document are based on the critical analysis of current evidence and the principles of good clinical practice and invite to consider a rational use of 25 (OH) D tests in the context of a clinical practice focused on people and a comprehensive assessment of needs and risks. The principles of good practice suggest that clinicians may be able to justify that the results of the 25 (OH) D test strongly influence and define clinical practice and modify the outcomes that interest people and impact their health and wellness. Currently there is no clarity on how to interpret the results, and the relationship between symptoms and 25 (OH) D levels, which may not be consistent with the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency reported. For this reason, it is suggested to review the rationale of the request for tests for systematic monitoring of levels of 25 (OH) D or in all cases where substitution is performed. Consider the use of 25 (OH) D tests within the comprehensive evaluation of people with suspicion or confirmation of the following conditions: rickets, osteomalacia, osteoporosis, hyper or hypoparathyroidism, malabsorption syndromes, sarcopenia, metabolic bone disease.

[Reporting of birth defects from the Zika outbreak in Colombia, 2015-2017Notificação de defeitos congênitos associados ao surto de vírus zika na Colômbia, 2015-2017]. / Notificación de defectos congénitos por brote del virus del Zika en Colombia, 2015-2017.

OBJECTIVE: The Zika outbreak affected several tropical countries in 2015 and 2016, requiring the creation of intensified surveillance strategies for microcephaly and other neurological syndromes. The effect of the Zika outbreak on the reporting of birth defects in Colombia was evaluated from the perspective of the national surveillance system. METHODS: National reporting of newborns with different birth defects was analyzed; variations in reporting attributed to the epidemic were determined through difference in differences (DID), a semiparametric model. RESULTS: During the period of study, 18,234 cases of birth defects were reported in Colombia. The majority were congenital malformations (91.9%), and 82.3% was confirmed by clinical diagnosis or epidemiological link. In the case of microcephaly, eight new cases per epidemiological week were reported (coefficient of case reporting [D] = 8.8; P = 0.000) and 32 cases from other congenital anatomical malformations (D = 32.0; P = 0.000). The absolute value of the difference in differences estimator attributed to the Zika outbreak increased weekly case reporting of microcephaly (DID = |-5.0|; P = 0.008) and congenital malformations (DID = |-12.0|; P = 0.111). CONCLUSIONS: The Zika outbreak increased reporting of newborns with microcephaly, but caused no significant variation in reporting of other malformations and functional birth defects of sensory or metabolic origin in the surveillance system.

OBJETIVO: O surto de vírus zika afetou vários países tropicais de 2015 a 2016. Fez-se necessário elaborar estratégias de vigilância intensificada da microcefalia e outras síndromes neurológicas. O presente estudo avaliou o impacto do surto de vírus zika na notificação de defeitos congênitos no sistema nacional de vigilância da Colômbia. MÉTODOS: A notificação nacional de recém-nascidos com defeitos congênitos foi analisada e a variação na notificação atribuída à epidemia de zika foi determinada com o uso de um modelo semiparamétrico de diferença em diferenças (DD). RESULTADOS: Ao todo, 18.234 casos de defeitos congênitos foram notificados na Colômbia no período considerado. Os casos, na sua maioria, foram de malformações congênitas (91,9%), sendo 82,3% confirmados por diagnóstico clínico ou nexo epidemiológico. Foram notificados oito casos novos de microcefalia por semana epidemiológica (coeficiente de notificação de casos [D] = 8,8; P = 0,000) e 32 casos de outras malformações congênitas anatômicas (D = 32,0; P = 0,000). O valor absoluto do estimador do método de diferença em diferenças atribuído ao surto de vírus zika indicou um aumento na notificação semanal de casos de microcefalia (DD = |­5,0|; P = 0,008) e malformações congênitas (DD = |­12,0|; P = 0,111). CONCLUSÕES: O surto de vírus zika ocasionou um aumento na notificação de recém-nascidos com microcefalia, mas não houve variação significativa na notificação de outras malformações e defeitos congênitos funcionais de origem sensorial ou metabólica no sistema de vigilância.