Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis in Children from a Rural Community Taking Part in a Periodic Deworming Program in the Peruvian Amazon.

Children in the Peruvian Amazon Basin are at risk of soil-transmitted helminths (STH) infections. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of STH infection in children from a rural Amazonian community of Peru and to elucidate epidemiological risk factors associated with its perpetuation while on a school-based deworming program with mebendazole. Stool samples of children aged 2-14 years and their mothers were analyzed through direct smear analysis, Kato-Katz, spontaneous sedimentation in tube, Baermann's method, and agar plate culture. A questionnaire was administered to collect epidemiological information of interest. Among 124 children, 25.8% had one or more STH. Individual prevalence rates were as follows: Ascaris lumbricoides, 16.1%; Strongyloides stercoralis, 10.5%; hookworm, 1.6%; and Trichuris trichiura, (1.6%). The prevalence of common STH (A. lumbricoides, T. trichiura, and hookworm) was higher among children aged 2-5 years than older children (31.6% versus 12.8%; P = 0.01). In terms of sanitation deficits, walking barefoot was significantly associated with STH infection (OR = 3.28; CI 95% = 1.11-12.07). Furthermore, STH-infected children more frequently had a mother who was concomitantly infected by STH than the non-STH-infected counterpart (36.4% versus 14.1%, P = 0.02). In conclusion, STH infection is highly prevalent in children from this Amazonian community despite routine deworming. Institutional health policies may include hygiene and sanitation improvements and screening/deworming of mothers to limit the dissemination of STH. Further studies are needed to address the social and epidemiological mechanics perpetuating these infections.

Factores asociados a la anticoagulación oral óptima en el adulto mayor con fibrilación auricular / Factors associated with optimal oral anticoagulation in elder patients with atrial fibrillation

Objetivos: Determinar la calidad del control de la anticoagulación oral y los posibles factores asociados al tiempo de rango terapéutico. Material y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo con grupo control y exploración de posibles variables, realizado en pacientes =65 años con fibrilación no valvular e indicación de anticoagulación del Hospital Cayetano Heredia entre el 2011-2013. Se determinó el tiempo de rango terapéutico (TRT) por el método de Rosendaal y se consideró control óptimo (TRT =60%) y subóptimo (TRT <60%). Se realizó análisis univariado para los factores. Resultados: La mediana de la edad fue 82,23 años, 74 (51,75%) fueron mujeres. Ciento cuarenta pacientes tuvieron indicación de anticoagulación, 94 (67,14%) iniciaron warfarina, 28 (19,72%) tuvo control óptimo y 66 (46,48%) subóptimo. La edad =75 años (OR 25,5; IC: 7,39-155,8), no bajo grado de instrucción (OR 8; IC 3,61-20,61), =3 comorbilidades (OR 4,5; IC 2,33-9,39), discontinuidad terapéutica (OR 2,75; IC 1,44-5,52) y polifarmacia (OR 4,2; IC 2,16-8,80) se asociaron con control subóptimo, mientras que independencia funcional (OR 4,3; IC 2,16-9,47), no deterioro cognitivo (OR 7,8; IC 3,53-20,19) y género femenino (OR 3; IC 1,62-5,81) al control óptimo. Conclusiones: Un gran porcentaje de pacientes con indicación de ACO y con bajo riesgo de sangrado no inició terapia anticoagulante; y el 50% de quienes la iniciaron, tuvo un control subóptimo. Los pacientes de mayor edad, con mayor comorbilidad y el uso de múltiples medicamentos se asociaron con control subóptimo; mientras que el género femenino y la independencia funcional se asociaron con control óptimo. (AU)

Objective: To determine the quality of oral anticoagulation control and the possible factors associated with time to reach therapeutic range. Methods: Retrospective study with a control group in patients =65 years old with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation who had indication for oral anticoagulation at Hospital Cayetano Heredia from 2011 to 2013. Time to therapeutic range (TTR) was determined by the Rosendal´s method, an optimal control was defined as TTR =60%. A multivariate analysis was performed. Results: Median age was 82.23 years; 74 (51.75%) were females; 140 patients had indication for anticoagulation; 94 (67.14%) started warfarin; 28 (19.72%) had optimal control and 66 did not (46.48%). Age = 75 years (OR 25.5; CI: 7.39-155.8) and no low degree of instruction (OR 25.5; CI: 7.39-155.8) were associated with sub optimal control, while functional independence (OR 4.3; CI: 2.16-9.47), no cognitive deterioration (OR 7.8; CI: 3.53-20.19) and female gender (OR 3; CI: 1.62-5.81) were associated with optimal control. Conclusions: A great percentage of patients with indications for oral anticoagulation and at low risk of bleeding did not start it, and 50% of those who started it had suboptimal control. Older patients with comorbidities who used multiple medications had sub optimal control, while females and functional independence were associated with optimal control. (AU)

Características de pacientes con parálisis cerebral atendidos en consulta externa de neuropediatría en un hospital peruano / Characteristics of patients with cerebral palsy seen in neuropediatric external consultation in a peruvian hospital

RESUMEN El objetivo del estudio fue describir las características de consulta neurológica y referencia de los niños con parálisis cerebral (PC). Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo. Se evaluaron las historias clínicas de los niños con PC asistentes a consulta externa de la unidad de Neuropediatría del Hospital Nacional Cayetano Heredia entre los años 2011 y 2012. Se incluyeron 81 niños, el 53,1% fueron varones; la PC espástica fue la más frecuente (72,8%), la encefalopatía hipóxico isquémica (28,1%) y las malformaciones cerebrales (28,1%) fueron las principales causas en neonatos a término. La edad media al momento del diagnóstico fue a los 4,1 ± 3,2 años, la epilepsia fue el motivo más frecuente de consulta neuropediátrica. El 58% fue hospitalizado al menos una vez. El tiempo de espera para ser atendido por terapia física tuvo una mediana de 2 meses (rango intercuartílico = 0,8 - 9). Concluimos que el diagnóstico de PC fue tardío, el tiempo de espera para acceder a la atención especializada fue prolongado. Se requieren protocolos y mayor eficiencia para atender en forma adecuada a los niños con PC.

The aim of this study was to describe the neurological consultation and baseline characteristics of children with cerebral palsy (CP). The clinical records of children with CP attending an external consultation of the Neuropediatric department of Hospital Nacional Cayetano Heredia between 2011 and 2012 were assessed in this retrospective descriptive study. A total of 81 children were included: 53.1% were boys. Spastic CP was the most frequent (72.8%), hypoxic-isquemic encephalopathy (28.1%) and cerebral malformations (28.1%) were the main causes in term newborn. The average age at the time of diagnosis was 4.1 ± 3.2 years; epilepsy was the most frequent reason for neuropediatric consultation, and 58% were admitted to the hospital at least once. The waiting period to be seen by a physical therapist was around 2 months (interquartile range = 0.8-9). We reached the conclusion that CP was delayed, and the waiting period to access specialized care was prolonged. Protocols and increased efficiency are required to provide adequate medical care to children with CP.

Ivermectin versus albendazole or thiabendazole for Strongyloides stercoralis infection.

BACKGROUND: Strongyloidiasis is a gut infection with Strongyloides stercoralis which is common world wide. Chronic infection usually causes a skin rash, vomiting, diarrhoea or constipation, and respiratory problems, and it can be fatal in people with immune deficiency. It may be treated with ivermectin or albendazole or thiabendazole. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of ivermectin versus benzimidazoles (albendazole and thiabendazole) for treating chronic strongyloides infection. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group Specialized Register (24 August 2015); the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), published in the Cochrane Library; MEDLINE (January 1966 to August 2015); EMBASE (January 1980 to August 2015); LILACS (August 2015); and reference lists of articles. We also searched the metaRegister of Controlled Trials (mRCT) using 'strongyloid*' as a search term, reference lists, and conference abstracts. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomized controlled trials of ivermectin versus albendazole or thiabendazole for treating chronic strongyloides infection. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently extracted data and assessed risk of bias in the included trials. We used risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and fixed- or random-effects models. We pooled adverse event data if the trials were sufficiently similar in their adverse event definitions. MAIN RESULTS: We included seven trials, enrolling 1147 participants, conducted between 1994 and 2011 in different locations (Africa, Southeast Asia, America and Europe).In trials comparing ivermectin with albendazole, parasitological cure was higher with ivermectin (RR 1.79, 95% CI 1.55 to 2.08; 478 participants, four trials, moderate quality evidence). There were no statistically significant differences in adverse events (RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.59 to 1.09; 518 participants, four trials, low quality evidence).In trials comparing ivermectin with thiabendazole, there was little or no difference in parasitological cure (RR 1.07, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.20; 467 participants, three trials, low quality evidence). However, adverse events were less common with ivermectin (RR 0.31, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.50; 507 participants; three trials, moderate quality evidence).In trials comparing different dosages of ivermectin, taking a second dose of 200 µg/kg of ivermectin was not associated with higher cure in a small subgroup of participants (RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.94 to 1.11; 94 participants, two trials).Dizziness, nausea, and disorientation were commonly reported in all drug groups. There were no reports of serious adverse events or death. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Ivermectin results in more people cured than albendazole, and is at least as well tolerated. In trials of ivermectin with thiabendazole, parasitological cure is similar but there are more adverse events with thiabendazole.

[Characteristics of patients with cerebral palsy seen in neuropediatric external consultation in a peruvian hospital]. / Características de pacientes con parálisis cerebral atendidos en consulta externa de neuropediatría en un hospital peruano.

The aim of this study was to describe the neurological consultation and baseline characteristics of children with cerebral palsy (CP). The clinical records of children with CP attending an external consultation of the Neuropediatric department of Hospital Nacional Cayetano Heredia between 2011 and 2012 were assessed in this retrospective descriptive study. A total of 81 children were included: 53.1% were boys. Spastic CP was the most frequent (72.8%), hypoxic-isquemic encephalopathy (28.1%) and cerebral malformations (28.1%) were the main causes in term newborn. The average age at the time of diagnosis was 4.1 ± 3.2 years; epilepsy was the most frequent reason for neuropediatric consultation, and 58% were admitted to the hospital at least once. The waiting period to be seen by a physical therapist was around 2 months (interquartile range = 0.8-9). We reached the conclusion that CP was delayed, and the waiting period to access specialized care was prolonged. Protocols and increased efficiency are required to provide adequate medical care to children with CP.

Medical Student Knowledge of Neglected Tropical Diseases in Peru: A Cross-Sectional Study.

In developing countries, education to health-care professionals is a cornerstone in the battle against neglected tropical diseases (NTD). Studies evaluating the level of knowledge of medical students in clinical and socio-demographic aspects of NTD are lacking. Therefore, a cross-sectional study was conducted among students from a 7 year-curriculum medical school in Peru to assess their knowledge of NTD by using a pilot survey comprised by two blocks of 10 short questions. Block I consisted of socio-demographic and epidemiological questions whereas block II included clinical vignettes. Each correct answer had the value of 1 point. Out of 597 responders (response rate: 68.4%), 583 were considered to have valid surveys (male:female ratio: 1:1.01; mean age 21 years, SD ± 2.42). Total knowledge showed a raising trend through the 7-year curriculum. Clinical knowledge seemed to improve towards the end of medical school whereas socio-demographic and epidemiological concepts only showed progress the first 4 years of medical school, remaining static for the rest of the curricular years (p = 0.66). Higher mean scores in socio-demographic and epidemiological knowledge compared to clinical knowledge were seen in the first two years (p<0.001) whereas the last three years showed higher scores in clinical knowledge (p<0.001). In conclusion, students from this private medical school gained substantial knowledge in NTD throughout the career which seems to be related to improvement in clinical knowledge rather than to socio-demographic and epidemiological concepts. This study assures the feasibility of measuring the level of knowledge of NTD in medical students and stresses the importance of evaluating education on NTD as it may need more emphasis in epidemiological concepts, especially at developing countries such as Peru where many people are affected by these preventable and treatable diseases.

Characteristics of Travel-Related Severe Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum Malaria in Individuals Hospitalized at a Tertiary Referral Center in Lima, Peru.

Severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria is uncommon in South America. Lima, Peru, while not endemic for malaria, is home to specialized centers for infectious diseases that admit and manage patients with severe malaria (SM), all of whom contracted infection during travel. This retrospective study describes severe travel-related malaria in individuals admitted to one tertiary care referral hospital in Lima, Peru; severity was classified based on criteria published by the World Health Organization in 2000. Data were abstracted from medical records of patients with SM admitted to Hospital Nacional Cayetano Heredia from 2006 to 2011. Of 33 SM cases with complete clinical data, the mean age was 39 years and the male/female ratio was 2.8. Most cases were contracted in known endemic regions within Peru: Amazonia (47%), the central jungle (18%), and the northern coast (12%); cases were also found in five (15%) travelers returning from Africa. Plasmodium vivax was most commonly identified (71%) among the severe infections, followed by P. falciparum (18%); mixed infections composed 11% of the group. Among the criteria of severity, jaundice was most common (58%), followed by severe thrombocytopenia (47%), hyperpyrexia (32%), and shock (15%). Plasmodium vivax mono-infection predominated as the etiology of SM in cases acquired in Peru.

Conocimientos y creencias sobre epilepsia, en padres de familia que acuden a un hospital de tercer nivel. Lima, Perú / Knowledge and beliefs about epilepsy in parents who attend a tertiary care hospital in Lima, Peru

Describir el nivel de conocimiento sobre epilepsia, creencias y factores asociados, en padres de familia de un hospital nacional. Material y métodos: Se aplicó un instrumento validado a 103 padres de niños con diagnóstico de epilepsia y 103 padres de niños sin epilepsia, que acudieron a los consultorios externos de un hospital nacional del tercer nivel de atención. Resultados: En el grupo de padres con niños sin epilepsia, 46,6% (48/103) tenían un nivel de conocimiento bajo y 31,1% (32/103) un nivel de conocimiento intermedio. En los padres de niños con epilepsia, 21,4% (22/103) tenían un nivel de conocimiento bajo y 43,7% (45/103) un nivel de conocimiento intermedio (p=0,001). El nivel de conocimiento sobre epilepsia se encontró asociado al grado de instrucción (p<0,001), al lugar de nacimiento (p=0,017) y al tiempo de residencia en Lima (p=0,002). No se encontró diferencia en la frecuencia de creencias entre ambos grupos. La creencia más frecuente fue pensar que una persona puede presentar agresividad durante una crisis, la cual estuvo asociada a un menor grado de instrucción. Conclusiones: Los padres de familia de niños con epilepsia conocen más sobre esta enfermedad. Las creencias no fueron frecuentes, siendo la más común el creer que una persona puede presentar agresividad durante una crisis. Los factores asociados con mayor conocimiento fueron el grado de instrucción, el lugar de nacimiento y el tiempo de residencia en Lima...

To describe the knowledge and beliefs about epilepsy in parents, and explore the associated factors. Materials and Methods: A validated instrument was applied to 103 parents of children diagnosed with epilepsy and 103 parents of children without epilepsy who attended the outpatient clinic of a national tertiary care hospital. Results: In the group of parents with children without epilepsy, 46.6 % (48/103) had a low level of knowledge and 31.1% (32/103) an intermediate level of knowledge. Amongst parents of children with epilepsy, 21.4 % (22/103) had a low level of knowledge and 43.7% (45/103) an intermediate level of knowledge (p=0.001). The level of knowledge about epilepsy was associated with the level of education (p<0.001), place of birth (p=0.017) and length of residence in Lima (p=0.002). There was no difference in the frequency of beliefs between the two groups. The most common belief was thinking that a person may develop aggression during a crisis, which was associated with a lower level of education. Conclusions: Parents of children with epilepsy know more about this disease. Beliefs were infrequent, and the most common belief is that a person can be aggressive during a crisis. Factors associated with greater knowledge were educational attainment, place of birth and residence time in Lima...

Efficacy and tolerability of two single-day regimens of triclabendazole for fascioliasis in Peruvian children.

INTRODUCTION: The therapeutic scheme of triclabendazole (TCBZ), the recommended anthelmintic against Fasciola hepatica , involves 10mg/kg of body weight administered in a single dose; however, clinical trials in children are scarce. We evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of 2 schemes of TCBZ. METHODS: Eighty-four Peruvian children with F. hepatica eggs in their stools were allocated into 2 groups: 44 received 2 dosages of 7.5mg/kg each with a 12-h interval (Group I), and 40 received a single 10-mg/kg dose (Group II). Evaluation of efficacy was based on the presence of eggs in stools, and tolerability was based on the presence of symptoms and signs post-treatment. RESULTS: A parasitological cure was obtained in 100% of individuals from Group I and 95% of individuals from Group II. The most common adverse event was biliary colic. CONCLUSIONS: The tested scheme was efficacious and tolerable, and it might be an optimal scheme in the region. To the best of our knowledge, this represents the largest series of children treated with TCBZ in a non-hospital setting.

Efficacy and tolerability of two single-day regimens of triclabendazole for fascioliasis in Peruvian children

The therapeutic scheme of triclabendazole (TCBZ), the recommended anthelmintic against Fasciola hepatica , involves 10mg/kg of body weight administered in a single dose; however, clinical trials in children are scarce. We evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of 2 schemes of TCBZ.

Eficacia del proceso de limpieza y desinfección de los endoscopios en un hospital de nivel III / Efficacy of the cleaning and disinfection processes of endoscopes in a level III hospital

Objetivos: Determinar la eficacia del proceso de limpieza y desinfección de los endoscopios en un hospital de nivel III, y determinar los agentes patógenos más comunes encontrados antes y después del proceso. Material y métodos: Estudio descriptivo tipo serie de casos realizado en agosto, setiembre y octubre del 2010. Se evaluaron 50 ciclos de limpieza y desinfección de endoscopios. Para el aislamiento de microorganismos patógenos se utilizaron medios de cultivos y las pruebas de coagulasa, oxidasa y de pigmentos, medio Agar selectivo (Agar Verde Brillante, Agar Xilosa Lisina Desoxicolato, Agar con Sulfito de Bismuto), y medio Agar Mc Conkey. Resultados: La media del recuento de microorganismos antes del proceso de limpieza y desinfección de los endoscopios fue 835,3 ± 1 114,6 UFC/ml, la mediana 233 UFC/ml. Después del proceso la media fue 236,3 ± 700,7 UFC/ml y la mediana 10 UFC/ml, esta diferencia fue estadísticamente significativa (p= 0,000001). La carga bacteriana antes del proceso fue positiva en 88% y después del proceso en 26%. Se encontró diferencia estadísticamente significativa para Pseudomonas aeruginosa (p=0,006) y Salmonella enterica (p=0,00001). La carga bacteriana después del décimo día de activación del desinfectante fue positiva en 55% y antes del noveno día, 19%. Conclusiones: El proceso de limpieza y desinfección de los endoscopios no es efectivo. Los microorganismos patógenos más frecuentes fueron: Salmonella entérica, Pseudomonas aeruginosa y Escherichia coli. El desinfectante de alto nivel (glutaraldehído al 2%) no es efectivo después del décimo día de haber sido activado. (AU)

Objectives: To determine the efficacy of the cleaning and disinfection processes of endoscopes in a level III hospital, and to determine the most common pathogens found before and after these procedures. Methods: Case series from August to October 2010. A total of 50 cycles of cleaning-disinfection procedures were evaluated. Culture media (Brilliant blue agar, xylose-lisine-deoxycholate, sulfite bismute, Mc Conkey) as well as coagulase and oxidase tests were used. Results: The mean count of bacteria before the procedures was 835.3 ± 1,114.6 UFC/ml; the median count was 233 UFC/ml; respective values after the procedures were 236.3 ± 700.7 UFC/ml and 10 UFC/ml, respectively, a statistical difference was found (p=0.000001). Bacterial load was positive before the procedures in 88%, and 26% after them. A statistical significant difference was found for Pseudomonas aeruginosa (p = 0.006) and Salmonella entérica (p=0.00001). Bacterial load was positive in 55% after 10 days of using the disinfectant and it was 19% after the ninth day. Conclusions: The cleaning-disinfection process is not effective. Salmonella enterica, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli were the most frequent isolated pathogens. The high level disinfectant (2% glutaraldehyde) is not effective after the tenth day. (AU)

[Publication of research projects for certification as medical specialists at a Peruvian university, 2007-2010]. / Publicación de los proyectos de investigación para la titulación como médicos especialistas de una universidad peruana, 2007-2010.

In order to determine the frequency of publication in a scientific journal of the research projects done for medical specialty certification, a search was conducted in Google Scholar, Pubmed, biomedical databases and Peruvian medical society journals. These publications were research projects carried out by medical residents graduated from the Faculty of Medicine at the Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, to obtain the certification of medical specialist. Of 351 medical residents graduated between the years 2007-2010, 199 (65.5%) completed their research project and 47 (23.6%) published it in a scientific journal. The "medicine" (non-surgical) specialty area had the highest frequency of publications. All publications were in Spanish journals, the majority in indexed journals in regional databases. We conclude that 23.6% of the research projects for certification as medical specialists are published, most often in low visibility journals.

[Surveillance cultures after high-level disinfection of flexible endoscopes in a general hospital]. / Evaluación microbiológica de la desinfección de alto nivel de los endoscopios flexibles en un hospital general.

INTRODUCTION: Flexible endoscopes are instruments with a complex structure which are used in invasive gastroenterological procedures, therefore high-level disinfection (HLD) is recommended as an appropriate reprocessing method. However, most hospitals do not perform a quality control to assess the compliance and results of the disinfection process. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of the flexible endoscopes’ decontamination after high-level disinfection by surveillance cultures and to assess the compliance with the reprocessing guidelines. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Descriptive study conducted in January 2013 in the Gastroenterological Unit of a tertiary hospital. 30 endoscopic procedures were randomly selected. Compliance with guidelines was evaluated and surveillance cultures for common bacteria were performed after the disinfection process. RESULTS: On the observational assessment, compliance with the guidelines was as follows: pre-cleaning 9 (30%), cleaning 5 (16.7%), rinse 3 (10%), first drying 30 (100%), disinfection 30 (100%), final rinse 0 (0%) and final drying 30 (100%), demonstrating that only 3 of 7 stages of the disinfection process were optimally performed. In the microbiological evaluation, 2 (6.7%) of the 30 procedures had a positive culture obtained from the surface of the endoscope. Furthermore, 1 (4.2%) of the 24 biopsy forcepsgave a positive culture. The organisms isolated were different Pseudomonas species. CONCLUSION: High-level disinfection procedures were not optimally performed, finding in 6.7% positive cultures of Pseudomonas species.

Common mental disorders in public transportation drivers in Lima, Peru.

BACKGROUND: Traffic related injuries are leading contributors to burden of disease worldwide. In developing countries a high proportion of them can be attributed to public transportation vehicles. Several mental disorders including alcohol and drug abuse, psychotic disorders, mental stress, productivity pressure, and low monetary income were found predictors of high rates of traffic related injuries in public transportation drivers. The goal of this study was to estimate the prevalence of common mental disorders in the population of public transportation drivers of buses and rickshaws in Lima, Peru. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Cross sectional study. A sample of bus and rickshaw drivers was systematically selected from formal public transportation companies using a snowball approach. Participants completed self-administered questionnaires for assessing major depressive episode, anxiety symptoms, alcohol abuse, and burnout syndrome. Socio demographic information was also collected. The analyses consisted of descriptive measurement of outcomes taking into account both between and within cluster standard deviation (BCSD and WCSD). A total of 278 bus and 227 rickshaw drivers out of 25 companies agreed to participate in the study. BCSD for major depressive episode, anxiety symptoms and burnout syndrome was not found significant (p>0.05). The estimated prevalence of each variable was 13.7% (IC95%: 10.7-16.6%), 24.1% (IC95%: 19.4-28.8%) and 14.1% (IC95%: 10.8-17.4%) respectively. The estimated prevalence of alcohol abuse was 75.4% (IC95%: 69-81.7%, BCSD = 12.2%, WCSD = 41.9%, intra class correlation (ICC): 7.8%). CONCLUSION: Common mental disorders such as alcohol abuse, major depressive episode, anxiety symptoms and burnout syndrome presented higher rates in public transportation drivers than general population.

Características de la prescripción de antimicrobianos en pacientes hospitalizados en el Departamento de enfermedades infecciosas en un hospital de Lima, Perú / Antibiotic prescription patterns in hospitalized patients in an infectious diseases department in Lima, Peru

Objetivo: Determinar las características de la prescripción y uso de los antimicrobianos en pacientes hospitalizados en el Departamento de Enfermedades Infecciosas en un hospital de Lima-Perú. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal, que incluyó a todos los pacientes hospitalizados en el departamento de enfermedades infecciosas en enero de 2013. Se evaluó un conjunto de variables las cuales reflejan las características de la prescripción de antimicrobianos (dosis, intervalo, vía, profilaxis médica, tratamiento), mediante el uso del Protocolo Estudio sobre la prescripción, el uso y las reacciones adversas a los antimicrobianos en pacientes hospitalizados del Ministerio de Salud, además de la evaluación de dos especialistas en enfermedades infecciosas y tropicales con dirimente, contrastándose con el libro de Tratamiento de enfermedades infecciosas de la Organización Panamericana de la Salud del año 2011-2012. Resultados: Se incluyeron 51 pacientes, la proporción de prescripción antimicrobiana fue de 90,2 %. En el 99,2 % de las prescripciones, la selección del fármaco, sólo o en asociación, fue adecuada. El 72,7% de las prescripciones fueron con sustento clínico-laboratorial, mientras que el 25% con sustento microbiológico. Conclusiones: La prescripción de antimicrobianos en el Departamento de enfermedades Infecciosas, al igual que la proporción de las prescripciones adecuadas para la selección, dosis, intervalo y vía de administración, no existiendo sustento microbiológico en la mayor parte de las prescripciones para orientar los tratamientos indicados...

Objective: To describe the distribution, mechanisms, treatment and clinical evolution of patients with peripheral vascular trauma attended at a general hospital. Methods: Retrospective study among patients admitted to HNCH between 2010 and 2012.The information was gathered from clinical charts. Results: A total of 46 patients were included; 55 vascular lesions were observed, of which 43 involved arteries and 12 involved veins. The most frequent mechanism of injury was gunshot (43.5%), the most frequent reason was aggression (57%). Of all arterial lesions, 27 were on upper limbs and 16 in the lower limbs. The most frequent type of lesion was complete section (61%), and the most frequent treatment was saphenous vein graft in the sectioned arteries in 40%. A total of 12 vein lesions were observed, half of them in each upper and lower limbs; complete section was the most common lesion (59%), and ligation was the repair method more used. Out of 30 patients who suffered arterial lesions and were treated promptly, 14 had no functional limitation, 13 had some degree of limitation and 3 were amputated. Conclusions: Peripheral vascular trauma is a frequent condition, its causes and type of lesions are similar as described in the literature. Prompt initiation of treatment reduces the degree of functional limitation...

Publicación de los proyectos de investigación para la titulación como médicos especialistas de una universidad peruana, 2007-2010 / Publication of research projects for certification as medical specialists at a Peruvian university, 2007-2010

Con el objetivo de determinar la frecuencia de publicación en una revista científica, de los proyectos de investigación realizados para la obtención del título de médico especialista por médicos residentes egresados de la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, se realizó una búsqueda en Google académico, Pubmed, bases de datos biomédicas y revistas de sociedades científicas medicas peruanas. De 351 médicos residentes egresados entre los años 2007-2010, 199 (65,5%) culminaron su proyecto de investigación y 47 (23,6%) lo publicaron en una revista científica. Según la especialidad el área de medicina tuvo la mayor frecuencia de publicaciones. Todas las publicaciones se realizaron en revistas en español, siendo la mayoría en revistas indizadas en bases de datos regionales. Concluimos que el 23,6% de los proyectos de investigación realizados para la titulación como médicos especialistas logran ser publicados, la mayoría de veces en revistas científicas de baja visibilidad.

In order to determine the frequency of publication in a scientific journal of the research projects done for medical specialty certification, a search was conducted in Google Scholar, Pubmed, biomedical databases and Peruvian medical society journals. These publications were research projects carried out by medical residents graduated from the Faculty of Medicine at the Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, to obtain the certification of medical specialist. Of 351 medical residents graduated between the years 2007-2010, 199 (65.5%) completed their research project and 47 (23.6%) published it in a scientific journal. The “medicine” (non-surgical) specialty area had the highest frequency of publications. All publications were in Spanish journals, the majority in indexed journals in regional databases. We conclude that 23.6% of the research projects for certification as medical specialists are published, most often in low visibility journals.

[Associated factors with the completion of research project required to obtain a specialist title in a Peruvian University]. / Factores asociados a la culminación del proyecto de investigación requerido para optar el título de especialista en una Universidad Peruana.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the frequency and associated factors with the completion of research projects done by medical residents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive, retrospective and cross-sectional case series study was performed. The unit of analysis was the graduated medical resident during 2010-2012. The archives of the School of Medicine of the Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia (UPCH) were used. Continuous and categorical variables were summarized in central tendency measures and frequencies, respectively. Factors were considered for medical residents with an approved project and that was or was not completed. RESULTS: 217 medical residents were included in the sample. 32.7% (71/217) completed their project in the study period. Factors favoring the completion of the project were university of origin, the rate of publications of the advisor, academic year, and duration of residency. In the multivariate analysis, the only two significantly associated factors were having done a thesis during undergraduate studies (OR: 3.41; IC 95%: 1.18-9.79), and having an advisor with an average of ≥2.0 (OR: 3.21; IC 95%: 1.01-12.56) publications per year. CONCLUSIONS: The completion frequency of the research projects in medical residency of the School of Medicine of the UPCH is associated with whether the medical resident performed a research during his undergraduate studies and has an advisor with a high rate of publications per year.

[Mycobacterium avium lung infection in HIV/AIDS patient: first report in Peru]. / Infección pulmonar por Mycobacterium avium en paciente VIH/SIDA: primer reporte en Perú

The Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) is a pathogen found in the environment which causes infections in immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients. One case is presented: an HIV positive, 38 year old male patient, infected with P. jirovecii and apparently infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis since 2009. He was treated with antibiotic therapy for pneumocystosis and antituberculosis (TB) therapy, which achieved a partial improvement. In 2012, the patient underwent a culture test and new anti TB treatment. Upon suspicion of a drug resistant TB strain, it was recommended to perform the mycobacterial identification. The culture test was positive and the genotypic result was positive for MAC. The first case of an HIV/AIDS patient with MAC lung infection in Peru is reported, as well as a brief review of the epidemiological, clinical and treatment aspects to the case.

Evaluación microbiológica de la desinfección de alto nivel de los endoscopios flexibles en un hospital general / Surveillance cultures after high-level disinfection of flexible endoscopes in a general hospital

Introducción: Los endoscopios flexibles son instrumentos de estructura compleja utilizados en procedimientos invasivos de la vía digestiva por lo que se recomienda la desinfección de alto nivel como un método de reprocesamiento apropiado. Sin embargo, en la mayoría de hospitales no se ha realizado un control de calidad que evalúe el cumplimiento y resultado del proceso de desinfección. Objetivos: Comprobar la eficacia del proceso de descontaminación de los endoscopios a nivel microbiológico y evaluar el cumplimiento de las directrices de desinfección de alto nivel. Material y método: Estudio descriptivo realizado en enero del 2013 en el servicio de gastroenterología de un hospital de tercer nivel. Se seleccionaron 30 procedimientos endoscópicos aleatoriamente. Se observó el cumplimiento de las directrices y se realizaron cultivos para gérmenes comunes luego del proceso de desinfección. Resultados: En la evaluación observacional se determinó que el cumplimiento de las directrices fue: pre-limpieza 9 (30%), limpieza 5 (16,7%), enjuague 3 (10%), primer secado 30 (100%), desinfección 30 (100%), enjuague final 0 (0%) y secado final 30 (100%); cumpliéndose de manera óptima sólo 3 de las 7 etapas correspondientes al proceso de desinfección. En la evaluación microbiológica, 2 (6,7%) de los 30 procedimientos analizados tuvieron un cultivo positivo en la superficie del endoscopio. Además, 1 (4,2%) de las 24 pinzas evaluadas dio un cultivo positivo. Los microorganismos aislados fueron diferentes especies de Pseudomonas. Conclusión: Se determinó que los procedimientos de desinfección de alto nivel no se realizaron de manera óptima, hallando en un 6,7% cultivos positivos a Pseudomonas de diferentes especies.

Introduction: Flexible endoscopes are instruments with a complex structure which are used in invasive gastroenterological procedures, therefore high-level disinfection (HLD) is recommended as an appropriate reprocessing method. However, most hospitals do not perform a quality control to assess the compliance and results of the disinfection process. Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of the flexible endoscopes’ decontamination after high-level disinfection by surveillance cultures and to assess the compliance with the reprocessing guidelines. Material and methods: Descriptive study conducted in January 2013 in the Gastroenterological Unit of a tertiary hospital. 30 endoscopic procedures were randomly selected. Compliance with guidelines was evaluated and surveillance cultures for common bacteria were performed after the disinfection process. Results: On the observational assessment, compliance with the guidelines was as follows: pre-cleaning 9 (30%), cleaning 5 (16.7%), rinse 3 (10%), first drying 30 (100%), disinfection 30 (100%), final rinse 0 (0%) and final drying 30 (100%), demonstrating that only 3 of 7 stages of the disinfection process were optimally performed. In the microbiological evaluation, 2 (6.7%) of the 30 procedures had a positive culture obtained from the surface of the endoscope. Furthermore, 1 (4.2%) of the 24 biopsy forceps gave a positive culture. The organisms isolated were different Pseudomonas species. Conclusion: High-level disinfection procedures were not optimally performed, finding in 6.7% positive cultures of Pseudomonas species.

Factores asociados a la culminación del proyecto de investigación requerido para optar el título de especialista en una universidad peruana / Associated factors with the completion of research project required to obtain a specialist title in a peruvian university

Objetivos: Determinar la frecuencia y los factores asociados a la culminación del proyecto de investigación requerido para optar el título de especialista en una universidad peruana. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un estudio transversal. La unidad de análisis fue el médico residente egresado durante los años 2010-2012. Se revisó los archivos de la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia (UPCH). Las variables continuas y categóricas fueron resumidas en medidas de tendencia central y frecuencias, respectivamente. Se compararon los factores presentes en los médicos residentes que teniendo su proyecto aprobado culminaron o no dicho proyecto. Resultados. Doscientos diecisiete médicos residentes cumplieron los criterios de inclusión y exclusión. El 32,7% (71/217) culminó su proyecto en el período mencionado. Los factores que favorecieron la culminación del proyecto fueron: la universidad de procedencia, el índice de publicaciones del asesor, el año académico y la duración del residentado. En el análisis multivariado solo fue significativo: haber realizado tesis durante el pregrado (OR: 3,41; IC 95%: 1,18-9,79) y contar con un asesor con ≥ 2 promedio de publicaciones por año (OR: 3,21; IC 95%: 1,01-12,56). Conclusiones. Es baja la frecuencia de culminación de los proyectos de investigación en el residentado médico de la Facultad de Medicina de la UPCH y está asociada a que el médico residente haya realizado investigación durante el pregrado y que cuente con un asesor con elevado índice de publicación por año.

Objectives: To determine the frequency and associated factors with the completion of research projects done by medical residents. Materials and methods. A descriptive, retrospective and cross-sectional case series study was performed. The unit of analysis was the graduated medical resident during 2010-2012. The archives of the School of Medicine of the Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia (UPCH) were used. Continuous and categorical variables were summarized in central tendency measures and frequencies, respectively. Factors were considered for medical residents with an approved project and that was or was not completed. Results. 217 medical residents were included in the sample. 32.7% (71/217) completed their project in the study period. Factors favoring the completion of the project were university of origin, the rate of publications of the advisor, academic year, and duration of residency. In the multivariate analysis, the only two significantly associated factors were having done a thesis during undergraduate studies (OR: 3.41; IC 95%: 1.18-9.79), and having an advisor with an average of ≥ 2.0 (OR: 3.21; IC 95%: 1.01-12.56) publications per year. Conclusions. The completion frequency of the research projects in medical residency of the School of Medicine of the UPCH is associated with whether the medical resident performed a research during his undergraduate studies and has an advisor with a high rate of publications per year.