Concurrent progestogen and cerclage to reduce preterm birth: a multicenter international retrospective cohort.

BACKGROUND: Both progestogens and cerclage are individually effective in preterm birth prevention in high risk pregnancies. However, national and international guidelines cite a lack of data available to comment on the potential benefit of concurrent progestogen therapy after cerclage has been placed. Studies to date have been small with mixed results regarding benefit of concurrent progestogen with cerclage leaving uncertainty regarding best clinical practice. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate whether cerclage with progestogen therapy was superior to cerclage alone in the prevention of spontaneous preterm birth in singleton pregnancies. METHODS: This is an international retrospective cohort study of singleton pregnancies, without major anomaly or aneuploidy, and with cerclage placed at 10 different institutions in the United States and Colombia from June 2016 to June 2020. Exclusion criteria were lack of documentation regarding whether progestogen was prescribed, unavailable delivery outcome, and pregnancy termination (spontaneous or induced) before 16 weeks' gestation. The exposure of interest was progestogen use with cerclage placement, which included those who continued to use progestogen or who started progestogen after cerclage. The comparison group consisted of those without progestogen use after cerclage placement, which included those who had no progestogen use during the entire pregnancy or who initiated progestogen and then stopped it after cerclage placement. Progestogen type, cerclage indication, maternal baseline characteristics, and maternal/neonatal outcomes were collected. The primary outcome was spontaneous preterm birth at <37 weeks. The secondary outcomes were spontaneous preterm birth at <34 weeks, gestational age at delivery, and a composite neonatal outcome including ≥1 of the following: perinatal mortality, confirmed sepsis, grade III or IV intraventricular hemorrhage, retinopathy of prematurity, respiratory distress syndrome, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. There were planned subgroup analyses by cerclage indication, progestogen type (vaginal progesterone vs 17-hydroxyprogesterone caproate), preterm birth history, and site. Continuous variables were compared in adjusted analyses with analysis of covariance, and categorical variables were compared with multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for potential confounders with adjusted odds ratio. A Cox regression survival curve was generated to compare latency to spontaneous delivery, censored after 37 weeks. RESULTS: During the study period, a total of 699 singletons met the inclusion criteria: 561 in the progestogen with cerclage group and 138 with cerclage alone. Baseline characteristics were similar, except the higher likelihood of previous spontaneous preterm birth in the progestogen group (61% vs 41%; P<.001). Within the progestogen group, 52% were on 17-hydroxyprogesterone caproate weekly, 44% on vaginal progesterone daily, and 3% on oral progesterone daily. Progestogen with cerclage was associated with a significantly lower frequency of spontaneous preterm birth <37 weeks (31% vs 39%; adjusted odds ratio, 0.59 [0.39-0.89]; P=.01) and <34 weeks (19% vs 27%; adjusted odds ratio, 0.55 [0.35-0.87]; P=.01), increased latency to spontaneous delivery (hazard ratio for spontaneous preterm birth <37 weeks, 0.66 [0.49-0.90]; P=.009), and lower frequency of perinatal death (7% vs 16%; adjusted odds ratio, 0.37 [0.20-0.67]; P=.001). In planned subgroup analyses, association with reduced odds of preterm birth <37 weeks persisted in those on vaginal progesterone, those without a previous preterm birth, those with ultrasound- or examination-indicated cerclage, those who started progestogen therapy before cerclage, and in sites restricted to the United States. CONCLUSION: Use of progestogen with cerclage was associated with reduced rates of spontaneous preterm birth and early spontaneous preterm birth compared with cerclage alone. Although this study was not sufficiently powered for subgroup analysis, the strength of evidence for benefit appeared greatest for those with ultrasound- or examination-indicated cerclage, and with vaginal progesterone. El resumen está disponible en Español al final del artículo.

Genetic markers for preeclampsia in Peruvian women.

BACKGROUND: Preeclampsia is a multiorgan disorder associated with maternal and perinatal morbi-mortality. In Peru, incidence is 10% and accounts for 22% of maternal deaths. Genome and genetic epidemiological studies have found an association between preeclampsia and genetic polymorphisms. OBJECTIVE: To determine the association of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) +936 C/T and +405 G/C, interleukine-6 (IL-6) -174 G/C, IL-1ß-511 C/T, Apo A-1-75 G/A, Apo B-100 2488 C/T (Xbal) polymorphisms with preeclampsia in pregnant Peruvian women. METHODS: Were included preeclamptic and healthy (control) pregnant women. Maternal blood samples were subjected to DNA extraction, and molecular genetic analysis was conducted using the PCR-RFLP technique and following a specific protocol for each gene. Allele and genotypic frequencies in the cases and controls were compared. RESULTS: No association was found between the VEGF+936C/T and VEGF+405 polymorphisms and preeclampsia. The frequencies of the GG genotypes and the G allele of the -174 G/C polymorphism in the IL6 gene in preeclamptic and controls showed significant differences, with higher frequencies in cases. For the -511 C/T polymorphism of the IL-1ß gene, no significant differences were found in the frequencies of TT genotypes compared with CT+CC. The genotypes and alleles of the Apo-A1-75 G/A and Apo-B100 Xbal variants showed no significant differences between cases and controls. CONCLUSION: No association was found between the studied genetic markers and preeclampsia. However, in the -174G/C polymorphism of the IL-6 gene, significant differences were found mainly in the GG genotype and G allele.

Genetic markers for preeclampsia in Peruvian women / Marcadores genéticos de preeclampsia en mujeres peruanas

Abstract Background: Preeclampsia is a multiorgan disorder associated with maternal and perinatal morbi-mortality. In Peru, incidence is 10% and accounts for 22% of maternal deaths. Genome and genetic epidemiological studies have found an association between preeclampsia and genetic polymorphisms. Objective: To determine the association of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) +936 C/T and +405 G/C, interleukine-6 (IL-6) -174 G/C, IL-1β-511 C/T, Apo A-1-75 G/A, Apo B-100 2488 C/T (Xbal) polymorphisms with preeclampsia in pregnant Peruvian women. Methods: Were included preeclamptic and healthy (control) pregnant women. Maternal blood samples were subjected to DNA extraction, and molecular genetic analysis was conducted using the PCR-RFLP technique and following a specific protocol for each gene. Allele and genotypic frequencies in the cases and controls were compared. Results: No association was found between the VEGF+936C/T and VEGF+405 polymorphisms and preeclampsia. The frequencies of the GG genotypes and the G allele of the -174 G/C polymorphism in the IL6 gene in preeclamptic and controls showed significant differences, with higher frequencies in cases. For the -511 C/T polymorphism of the IL-1β gene, no significant differences were found in the frequencies of TT genotypes compared with CT+CC. The genotypes and alleles of the Apo-A1-75 G/A and Apo-B100 Xbal variants showed no significant differences between cases and controls. Conclusion: No association was found between the studied genetic markers and preeclampsia. However, in the -174G/C polymorphism of the IL-6 gene, significant differences were found mainly in the GG genotype and G allele.

Resumen Antecedentes: La preeclampsia es un trastorno multiorgánico asociado con la morbi-mortalidad materna y perinatal. En el Perú, su incidencia es del 10% y causa el 22% de las muertes maternas. Se encontró una asociación entre la preeclampsia y ciertos polimorfismos. Objetivo: Determinar asociación entre los polimorfismos genéticos del factor de crecimiento endotelial vascular (VEGF) +936 C/T y +405 G/C, interleucina-6 (IL-6) -174G/C, IL-1β -511 C/T, Apo A-1 -75 G/A, Apo B-100 2488 C/T (Xbal), y preeclampsia en gestantes peruanas. Métodos: Se incluyeron gestantes preeclámpticas y sanas (controles). Las muestras de sangre fueron procesadas para extracción del ADN, y el análisis se realizó con la técnica PCR-RFLP con protocolos específicos para cada gen y confirmación con secuenciamiento Sanger. Se compararon las frecuencias alélicas y genotípicas en los casos (preeclampsia) y los controles. Resultados: No se halló asociación entre los polimorfismos VEGF+936-C/T y VEGF+405 y la preeclampsia. Las frecuencias de los genotipos GG y el alelo G del polimorfismo -174-G/C en el gen IL6 en preeclámpticas y controles, mostraron diferencias significativas, con frecuencias más altas en los casos. Para el polimorfismo -511-C/T del gen IL-1β, no se encontraron diferencias significativas en las frecuencias de genotipos TT comparados con CT+CC. Los genotipos y alelos de las variantes Apo-A1-75-G/A y Apo-B100 Xbal no mostraron diferencias significativas entre los grupos Conclusión: No se encontró asociación entre los marcadores genéticos estudiados y la preeclampsia. Sin embargo, el polimorfismo -174-G/C en el gen IL6 mostró diferencias significativas principalmente en el genotipo GG y el alelo G.

¿Responde la Resolución 8430 de 1993 a las necesidades actuales de la ética de la investigación en salud con seres humanos en Colombia? / Does Resolution 8430 of 1993 respond to the current needs of ethics in health research with human beings in Colombia?

Resumen La verificación del cumplimiento de los principios éticos en la investigación en salud legitima su ejercicio ante la sociedad y posibilita la resolución de dilemas éticos frente a nuevos intereses y métodos de investigación. En Colombia, la Resolución 8430 de 1993 es una de las principales pautas éticas que regulan la investigación en salud. Dado que no ha sido revisada ni actualizada desde su adopción, se hace necesario valorar su vigencia y suficiencia para abordar los potenciales dilemas éticos que se plantean actualmente en la investigación en salud en el país. En este contexto, se detallan algunos vacíos y contradicciones, así como aspectos que requieren de una revisión profunda, a partir de una concepción amplia de las áreas y los métodos de investigación en salud. Tras discutir las principales falencias e imprecisiones, se proponen alternativas para que la Resolución responda a las necesidades actuales del país frente a la ética en investigación en salud con seres humanos.

Abstract Verifying the compliance with the ethical principles of health research legitimizes its exercise in the eyes of the society and allows for the resolution of ethical dilemmas that emerge from new research interests and methods. Resolution 8430 of 1993 is one of the main ethical guidelines governing health research on human beings in Colombia. Considering that the resolution has not been revised or updated since its promulgation it becomes necessary to evaluate its current validity and adequacy to address the potential ethical dilemmas in the existing country's health research. Some gaps, contradictions, and aspects that require a deep review are detailed in this paper from a wide conception of health research areas and methods. After discussing the main weaknesses and inaccuracies, some alternatives are proposed to adjust the resolution to the present needs in health research with human beings.

The burden of severe maternal morbidity in contemporaneous Obstetrics / El lastre de la morbilidad materna severa en la Obstetricia contemporánea

Maternal health is deteriorating across the world due to multiple factors including increasing rates of obesity, chronic medical conditions such as chronic hypertension, type II diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, as well as advanced maternal age by the time of conception. These factors summed to the increasing cesarean delivery rate, lack of standardization of clinical practices, and inappropriate care during obstetrical urgencies are all major contributors to the rising rates of major obstetrical complications and maternal death. In recent years, national and international health care organizations have proposed new definitions of major maternal morbidity. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines "near maternal miss" (NMM) as the series of events leading from good health to a life-threatening complication associated with organ dysfunction or failure. Conversely, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in United States classify "severe maternal morbidity" (SMM) if a pregnancy is complicated by one or more of twenty five ICD-9 clinical complications/procedures associated with a high maternal mortality risk. Although, each organization uses a different approach, existing data indicate that diagnostic criteria used for the CDC or the WHO accurately predicts pregnancies complicated with a "true" life-threatening maternal complication. These definitions are essential to better understand the burden of the disease. Each hospital providing maternal health care should adopt the definition that better fits its own health care system and is urged to incorporate initiatives that can reduce preventable major maternal complications. A fundamental step to address this issue is the establishment of a standardized review or audit process conducted by a multidisciplinary team that assesses systematically cases of severe maternal morbidity and mortality, evaluates deficiencies of health care at the provider, institution, and system levels, and adopts programs to improve quality of care. Maternal warning systems, composed by a set of abnormal physiological parameters that alert the provider about the deterioration of the patient's condition and prompt immediate bedside assessment, have shown to be effective in reducing maternal morbidity and mortality. Of importance, it has been recently demonstrated that linking these warning systems to standardized evidence-based clinical guidelines that address the most common obstetrical clinical pathways provides further benefits to the patient's care and improves outcomes. Despite the advances in the early detection and management of major maternal morbidity, there is a concise need of further research to standardize definitions at regional, national and international levels, validate the effectiveness of early warning systems in different clinical settings, improve long-term outcomes, and incorporate other preventive measures initiated even prior to conception to further decline the rates of serious maternal complications and death.

La salud materna se está deteriorando en el mundo debido a múltiples factores, entre los cuales se encuentran el incremento de las tasas de obesidad, las enfermedades crónicas como la hipertensión crónica, la diabetes mellitus tipo II y la enfermedad cardiovascular, así como la edad materna avanzada al momento de la concepción. Estos factores sumados a la mayor tasa de cesáreas, la falta de estandarización de la práctica clínica y la atención inapropiada de las urgencias obstétricas son las que contribuyen tremendamente al incremento de complicaciones obstétricas graves y muerte materna. En años recientes, las organizaciones de salud nacionales e internacionales han propuesto nuevas definiciones de la morbilidad materna severa. La Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) define 'morbilidad materna extrema' (MME) como una serie de ocurrencias que parten de la buena salud y se complican al punto de poner en riesgo de muerte por disfunción o falla orgánica. Al contrario, los Centros para el Control y Prevención de las Enfermedades (CDC) en los Estados Unidos clasifican como 'morbilidad materna grave' (MMS) si un embarazo se complica con una o más de las veinticinco complicaciones/procedimientos clínicos de la Clasificación Internacional de Enfermedades (ICD-9) asociados con un riesgo alto de mortalidad materna. Aunque cada organización emplea una aproximación diferente, la información existente indica que los criterios diagnósticos utilizados por el CDC o la OMS predicen con mucha precisión aquellas gestaciones complicadas con una 'verdadera' complicación materna que amenaza su vida. Estas definiciones son esenciales para comprender mejor la dimensión de la enfermedad. Cada hospital que provee atención de la salud materna deberá adoptar la definición que mejor se adapte a su propio sistema de salud y es urgido a incorporar iniciativas que puedan reducir las complicaciones maternas severas. Un paso fundamental para resolver este aspecto es establecer una revisión estandarizada o proceso de auditoría conducido por un equipo multidisciplinario que analice sistemáticamente los casos de morbilidad y mortalidad materna grave. Este equipo está encargado de evaluar las deficiencias de los proveedores de salud, de la institución y de los niveles del sistema. Además, tiene la obligación de implementar programas que mejoren la calidad de la atención. Los sistemas de alarma materna, compuestos por un grupo de parámetros fisiológicos anormales, han sido creados con el objetivo de alertar al proveedor sobre el deterioro de las condiciones de la paciente, exigiendo una pronta evaluación, reduciendo así la morbimortalidad materna. Recientemente se ha demostrado que al unir estos sistemas de alarma a las guías clínicas estandarizadas y basadas en la evidencia que están dirigidas a las complicaciones clínicas obstétricas más comunes permite mayores beneficios para el manejo de la paciente y mejora los resultados clínicos. A pesar de los avances en la detección y manejo temprano de la morbilidad materna severa, existe una necesidad de mayor investigación para estandarizar las definiciones a nivel regional, nacional e internacional y validar la efectividad de los sistemas de alarma temprana en diferentes escenarios clínicos. Además, es necesario implementar nuevas estrategias para mejorar los resultados maternos a largo plazo e incorporar otras medidas preventivas iniciadas aún antes de la concepción, de manera que se logre disminuir aún más las tasas de complicaciones graves y la muerte materna.

Hacia un plan nacional para el control de los efectos del mercurio en la salud en Colombia / Toward a national plan to control health effects of mercury in Colombia

Introducción. La problemática del uso del mercurio es global y afecta tanto a los humanos como al ambiente. Los efectos del mercurio en la salud son diversos, por eso es necesario abordar el problema desde una perspectiva amplia, identificando las poblaciones en riesgo de exposición, sus efectos en la salud, los procesos productivos involucrados y las acciones para disminuir la exposición y mitigar el impacto. Objetivo. Diseñar un marco conceptual y operativo para desarrollar estrategias de prevención, control y mitigación de los efectos del mercurio sobre la salud y el ambiente en Colombia. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio en dos fases: una revisión de la literatura científica siguiendo la metodología Cochrane, y foros con expertos nacionales e internacionales orientados a la planificación integral para identificar las acciones prioritarias y construir la agenda de investigación nacional . Resultados. Los resultados de la revisión se estructuraron en cuatro componentes: efectos del mercurio en la salud, marco legal en Colombia, inventario de emisiones en el país, y planes y programas existentes en el sector de la salud. Se presentaron recomendaciones para diseñar un plan de intervenciones considerando cinco líneas de acción: gestión tecnológica para la prevención de la exposición, fortalecimiento institucional para la prevención y el control de la exposición, fortalecimiento de estrategias de diagnóstico y atención, educación en salud sobre los riesgos del mercurio y generación de conocimiento . Conclusiones. Se visibilizaron vacíos de información, así como debilidades técnicas, administrativas y necesidad de recursos en Colombia, y se propusieron acciones prioritarias para disminuir el impacto económico, social y en salud de la exposición al mercurio.

Introduction: The problem of mercury effects on humans and the environment is global, and it has different impacts on health. It is necessary, therefore, to address this issue from a broad overview to identify populations at risk of exposure, health effects, the production processes involved and the actions aimed at reducing exposure and mitigating the impact. Objective: To design a conceptual and operational framework to develop strategies for prevention, control and mitigation of mercury effects on health and on the environment in Colombia. Materials and methods: We conducted a two-phase study: a literature review following the Cochrane methodology and forums with national and international experts using a comprehensive planning methodology to identify priority actions and establish a national research agenda. Results: The results of the review were structured into four components: mercury effects on health, legal framework in Colombia, emission inventory for the country and health plans and programs. We made recommendations for the design of an intervention plan considering five lines of action: technologies for exposure management, institutional strengthening for exposure prevention and control, strategies for strengthening diagnosis and care, health education on mercury risks, and knowledge generation. Conclusion: We detected information gaps, technical weaknesses, and the need of administrative and other resources in this field in Colombia. We proposed priority actions to reduce the economic, social and health impact from exposure to mercury.

No evidence for mutations in NLRP7 and KHDC3L in women with androgenetic hydatidiform moles.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the mutational spectrum of NLRP7 and KHDC3L (C6orf221) in women with sporadic and recurrent androgenetic complete hydatidiform moles (AnCHM) and biparental hydatidiform moles (BiHM) to address the hypothesis that autosomal recessive mutations in these genes are only or primarily associated with BiHM. METHOD: We recruited 16 women with suspected recurrent and sporadic AnCHM and five women with suspected BiHM in addition to their reproductive partners into our study. We then sequenced the coding exons of NLRP7 and KHDC3L from DNA isolated from either blood or saliva from the study subjects. RESULTS: Sequence analysis of NLRP7 and KHDC3L revealed previously described single nucleotide polymorphisms in patients with AnCHM. However, in patients with BiHM, we identified a novel homozygous mutation and a previously described intragenic duplication of exons 2 to 5 in NLRP7, both of which are likely to be disease causing. We did not identify mutations in KHDC3L in patients with either form of hydatidiform moles. CONCLUSIONS: The absence of mutations in women with AnCHM supports a role for NLRP7 or KHDC3L in BiHM only. The absence of mutations in KHDC3L in women with BiHM is consistent with its minor role in this disease compared with NLRP7, the major BiHM gene.

HIV sexual risk behaviors in youth 15-24 years of age in Cali, Colombia: Do differences exist among neighborhoods? / Factores relacionados con la prevalencia de comportamientos de riesgo frente a VIH en jóvenes de 15-24 años de tres comunas de Cali

Introduction: HIV/AIDS is a global health priority. About 40% of new infections occur among heterosexual youth by means of sexual contact. In Cali, district 13, 15 and 20 account for 11.5% of the prevalent cases and 18.0% of incident cases. Objective: To establish differences in risk behaviors for HIV among young people 15-24 yrs of age from two areas of Cali, Colombia. Methods: We carried out a cross-sectional study among young people between 15 and 24 yrs of age in these districts. The selection was done with a two-stage probability sampling. We estimated the prevalence of sexual relationships without condom usage, sex with multiple partners, and sex under the effects of alcohol and through logistical regression we identified the related factors. Results: In district 13, 15 and 20, the prevalence of unprotected sexual relationships in the last 12 months and the prevalence of sex with two or more partners was 70%; and 38% of young people had sex under the effects of alcohol. In both areas, the intention was positively related to the risk behaviors. We found socio-demographic factors, intentions, and beliefs that increase the opportunity to display these behaviors. The effect of these factors differs by district. Conclusions: We observed a high prevalence of risk behaviors for HIV related to socio-demographic factors, intentions and beliefs that warrant interventions appropriate for local realities.

Introducción: El VIH/SIDA es una prioridad en salud mundial. Alrededor de 40% de las infecciones nuevas se producen por contacto sexual en jóvenes heterosexuales. En Cali, las comunas 13, 15 y 20 agrupan 11,5% de casos prevalentes y 18.0% de los incidentes. Objetivo: Establecer diferencias en comportamientos sexuales de riesgo para VIH entre jóvenes de 15 a 24 años de dos áreas de la Ciudad de Cali. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal en jóvenes de 15 a 24 años de las comunas 13 y 15 y de la comuna 20. Se realizó muestreo probabilístico bietápico. Se midieron las prevalencias de relaciones sexuales sin condón, con múltiples compañeros y bajo efectos del licor. Con regresión logística se identificaron los factores relacionados a estos comportamientos. Resultados: La prevalencia de relaciones sin condón en los últimos 12 meses y de relaciones con múltiples compañeros en las comunas 13 y 15 y en la 20 fue 70%. La prevalencia de relaciones sexuales bajo efectos del licor fue 38%. En ambos grupos de comunas, la intención de ejecutar el comportamiento de riesgo se relacionó positivamente con los comportamientos de interés. Además, se encontraron factores sociodemográficos, creencias normativas, creencias de control, motivación para cumplir y de poder percibido relacionados con los comportamientos de riesgo, los cuales tienen efecto diferente para cada grupo de comunas. Conclusiones: Se observaron altas prevalencias de comportamientos de riesgo frente a VIH, relacionadas con factores sociodemográficos, intenciones, creencias y percepciones, que requieren ser intervenidos de acuerdo a las realidades del entorno.

Sex-specific effects of nicotine exposure on developmental programming of blood pressure and vascular reactivity in the C57Bl/6J mouse.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to determine whether perinatal nicotine exposure adversely affects cardiovascular health in adulthood. STUDY DESIGN: C57Bl/6J female mice were randomized to 200 µg/mL nicotine in 2% saccharin or 2% saccharin alone from 2 weeks before breeding until weaning. Offspring weight, vital signs, and carotid artery vascular reactivity were studied. A second cohort was subjected to shaker stress on day 4 of 7 days. Selected mediators of vascular tone were evaluated by molecular studies. Student t or Mann-Whitney U test was performed for statistical analysis (significance: P < .05). RESULTS: Nicotine-exposed compared with control female offspring had significantly elevated mean blood pressure under normal and stress conditions. Nicotine females lacked heart rate elevation after stress. Nicotine males had higher mean heart rate and a blunted contractile response to phenylephrine compared with controls, without an increase in blood pressure. CONCLUSION: Perinatal nicotine exposure has an impact on the developmental programming of future cardiovascular health, with adverse effects more evident in female offspring.

Prospects for malaria elimination in non-Amazonian regions of Latin America.

Latin America contributes 1-1.2 million clinical malaria cases to the global malaria burden of about 300 million per year. In 21 malaria endemic countries, the population at risk in this region represents less than 10% of the total population exposed worldwide. Factors such as rapid deforestation, inadequate agricultural practices, climate change, political instability, and both increasing parasite drug resistance and vector resistance to insecticides contribute to malaria transmission. Recently, several malaria endemic countries have experienced a significant reduction in numbers of malaria cases. This is most likely due to actions taken by National Malaria Control Programs (NMCP) with the support from international funding agencies. We describe here the research strategies and activities to be undertaken by the Centro Latino Americano de Investigación en Malaria (CLAIM), a new research center established for the non-Amazonian region of Latin America by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). Throughout a network of countries in the region, initially including Colombia, Guatemala, Panama, and Peru, CLAIM will address major gaps in our understanding of changing malaria epidemiology, vector biology and control, and clinical malaria mainly due to Plasmodium vivax. In close partnership with NMCPs, CLAIM seeks to conduct research on how and why malaria is decreasing in many countries of the region as a basis for developing and implementing new strategies that will accelerate malaria elimination.

Endothelial growth factor therapy improves preeclampsia-like manifestations in a murine model induced by overexpression of sVEGFR-1.

This study examines the effects of VEGF-121 therapy in an animal model of preeclampsia induced by overexpression of soluble VEGF receptor 1 (sVEGFR-1). At day 8 of gestation, CD-1 mice were implanted with subcutaneous osmotic pumps containing either VEGF-121 or vehicle and fitted with telemetric blood pressure (BP) catheters for continuous BP monitoring (days 8-18 of gestation). On day 9, the animals in the VEGF-121 group were randomly allocated for injection with adenovirus carrying sVEGFR-1 or the murine immunoglobulin G2α Fc fragment (mFc) as virus control (Adv-sVEGFR-1; Adv-mFc). Animals in the vehicle group were injected with Adv-sVEGFR-1. On day 18, mice were euthanized, placentas and pups weighted, carotid arteries isolated, and their responses studied in vitro using a wire myograph for isometric tension recording. In mice overexpressing sVEGFR-1, treatment with VEGF-121 significantly reduced BP from days 10 to 18 of gestation compared with that of vehicle. VEGF-sVEGFR-1 animals had significantly higher vasorelaxant response to sodium nitroprusside and significantly lower contractile response to the thromboxane agonist (U-46619) compared with that of the vehicle-sVEGFR-1 mice. Phenylephrine and acetylcholine responses did not significantly vary between the VEGF-sVEGFR-1 and the vehicle-sVEGFR-1 mice. Average pup weight was significantly lower in the vehicle-sVEGFR-1 group compared with the VEGF-sVEGFR-1 and VEGF-mFc groups. In conclusion, VEGF-121 therapy attenuates vascular dysfunction and diminishes intrauterine growth abnormality in an animal model of preeclampsia induced by overexpression of sVEGFR-1. Modulation of VEGF pathway turns into a promising therapeutic approach of preeclampsia.

Predictors of local malaria outbreaks: an approach to the development of an early warning system in Colombia

Risk factor surveillance is a complementary tool of morbidity and mortality surveillance that improves the likelihood that public health interventions are implemented in a timely fashion. The aim of this study was to identify population predictors of malaria outbreaks in endemic municipalities of Colombia with the goal of developing an early warning system for malaria outbreaks. We conducted a multiple-group, exploratory, ecological study at the municipal level. Each of the 290 municipalities with endemic malaria that we studied was classified according to the presence or absence of outbreaks. The measurement of variables was based on historic registries and logistic regression was performed to analyse the data. Altitude above sea level [odds ratio (OR) 3.65, 95 percent confidence interval (CI) 1.34-9.98], variability in rainfall (OR 1.85, 95 percent CI 1.40-2.44) and the proportion of inhabitants over 45 years of age (OR 0.17, 95 percent CI 0.08-0.38) were factors associated with malaria outbreaks in Colombian municipalities. The results suggest that environmental and demographic factors could have a significant ability to predict malaria outbreaks on the municipal level in Colombia. To advance the development of an early warning system, it will be necessary to adjust and standardise the collection of required data and to evaluate the accuracy of the forecast models.

Clinical management of the short cervix.

Cervical cerclage is associated with prolongation of gestation in singleton pregnancies with prior spontaneous preterm delivery and a short cervix on vaginal ultrasonography in the mid-trimester. Ultrasound screening of cervical length is not indicated in low-risk singleton pregnancies and in women with multiple gestations. 17α-Hydroxyprogesterone does not prevent preterm delivery in twin gestations with a short cervix. Cervical cerclage may cause detrimental effects in twin gestations. Vaginal pessary for the prevention of preterm birth in women with a short cervix is currently under active investigation.

Efecto potencial del ejercicio físico y del consumo de micronutrientes durante la gestación en factores maternos y placentarios asociados con enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles (ECNT) del adulto / Potential effect of physical exercise and consumption of micronutrients during pregnancy on the placental and maternal factors associated with chronic non-communicable diseases in adult

Introducción: En la actualidad casi todos los esfuerzos para prevenir las enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles (ECNT) a nivel poblacional, se han centrado en promover comportamientos saludables como el ejercicio, la actividad física, el consumo de frutas y verduras, y el desestimular el consumo de tabaco y alcohol en la población adulta, pero los resultados han sido poco alentadores. En los últimos años, múltiples estudios han señalado la relación entre alteraciones del crecimiento fetal y el desarrollo de ECNT en la edad adulta. Más recientemente, se ha propuesto que factores maternos (función endotelial, estrés oxidativo y alteraciones en adipoquinas) y placentarios (disfunción mitocondrial) pueden ser mecanismos precursores de alteraciones metabólicas fetales y del desarrollo posterior de ECNT y que intervenciones como el ejercicio físico y la complementación con micronutrientes durante la gestación podrían regular dichos factores maternos y placentarios. Objetivo: Realizar una revisión de la literatura para verificar el papel del ejercicio físico y los micronutrientes durante la gestación sobre factores maternos y placentarios relacionados con ECNT del adulto. Metododología: Se utilizaron las siguientes bases de datos: Medline, Scielo, EMBASE, Science Direct, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials y The Cochrane Libraryp Pregnancy, fetal development, oxidative stress, vascular endothelium, mitochondrial, adipokines, micronutrients, exercise. Resultados: El estrés oxidativo, como mecanismo central de otros eventos fisiopatológicos (alteración en los niveles de adipoquinas, disfunción endotelial y mitocondrial), tiene un papel importante en la programación fetal de ECNT, factores como la complementación con micronutrientes y el ejercicio físico, durante la gestación, podrían modular este estado y contribuir posiblemente a la prevención temprana de ECNT.

Introduction: Currently, most efforts to prevent nontransmissible chronic diseases at population level have centered on promoting healthy behaviors like physical activity, consumption of fruits and vegetables, and discouraging from the consumption of tobacco and alcohol in the adult population, but the results have been less than hopeful. During recent years, a number of studies have indicated the relation between metabolic alterations and fetal growth with the development of nontransmissible chronic diseases in adult age. More recently, it has been proposed that maternal factors (endothelial function, oxidative stress, and alterations in adipokynes) and placental factors (mitochondrial dysfunction) are the precursory mechanisms of fetal metabolic alterations and of the later development of nontransmissible chronic diseases. Also, it has been suggested that possibly supplementation with micronutrients and physical exercise during gestation could regulate these maternal and placental factors. Aim: To conduct a literature review to verify the role of physical exercise and micronutrients during pregnancy on placental and maternal factors related to nontransmissible chronic diseases in adults. Methods: Medline, SciELO, Embase, Science Direct, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and the Cochrane Library were used in the last 10 years (1998-2008). The following topics were reviewed: pregnancy, fetal development, oxidative stress, vascular endothelium, mitochondrial dysfunction, adipokines, micronutrients, and exercise. Results: Oxidative stress, as the central pathophysiological event, such as changes in levels of adipokynes, mitochondrial and endothelial dysfunction, plays an important role in fetal programming of chronic diseases and factors such as micronutrient supplementation and physical exercise during pregnancy could modulate this state in a charity institution aiding in the early prevention of chronic diseases.

Impacto de un botadero a cielo abierto en el desarrollo de síntomas respiratorios y en costos familiares de atención en salud de niños entre 1 y 5 años en Cali, Colombia / Impact of an open waste disposal site on the occurrence of respiratory symptoms and on health care costs of children

Introducción. La exposición a agentes contaminantes provenientes de los sitios de disposición final de residuos sólidos, tiene efectos potencialmente negativos en la salud de la población que vive en su área de influencia. Objetivos. Determinar los efectos del botadero municipal a cielo abierto en Cali, conocido como el botadero de Navarro, en el desarrollo de síntomas respiratorios en niños entre 1 y 5 años de edad y en los costos familiares relacionados con la atención de estos síntomas. Materiales y métodos. Se ensambló una cohorte de niños expuestos y no expuestos al botadero y se les hizo seguimiento durante 6 meses. El desarrollo de síntomas respiratorios y los costos relacionados con la atención en salud se evaluaron mensualmente con entrevistas al adulto responsable del cuidado del niño. Se hizo un análisis logístico longitudinal para determinar el efecto independiente del botadero en el desarrollo de síntomas respiratorios. Mediante técnicas estadísticas no paramétricas de bootstrap, se determinaron las diferencias promedio de costos entre las familias de los niños expuestos y no expuestos. Resultados. La exposición al botadero se asoció a una probabilidad más alta de desarrollar síntomas respiratorios (OR=1,37, IC95% 1,17-1,60) y a mayores costos familiares relacionados con el desarrollo de esos síntomas en niños (diferencia promedio: Col$ 24.038,5; IC95% 6.211,0-39.650,4). Conclusiones. La exposición al botadero tiene efectos negativos sobre la salud respiratoria infantil y sobre los costos familiares relacionados con la atención de los síntomas.

Introduction. Exposure to contaminants of waste disposal sites potentially has negative health effects on population living in close vicinity. However, the impact to the community in terms of illness and health care costs have not been documented in Colombia. Objective. To determine the effects of an open waste disposal site on the occurrence of respiratory symptoms in children 1-5 year old and on associated household care costs in Cali, Colombia. Material and methods. A cohort of 863 1-5 year old children was assembled—409 exposed to the site and 454 living more distant. Over a 6-month period, measurement of respiratory symptoms and estimates of associated costs were undertaken once a month by interviewing the mother or another adult responsible of child health. A longitudinal logistical analysis was used to determine the independent effect of the disposal site on the occurrence of respiratory symptoms. Differences in average costs between families of exposed and unexposed children were estimated by non-parametric bootstrap techniques. Results. Exposure to the disposal site was associated with a larger probability of respiratory symptoms (odds ratio=1.37, 95%CI 1.17-1.60) and with higher household medical costs due to respiratory symptoms were on the average US$ 10.19 higher (95% US$ 2.63 - 16,82). Conclusion. Living in neighborhoods close to garbage disposal sites has negative effects on the respiratory health of children and results in increased family costs related to treatment of associated respiratory symptoms.

Recognition and prevention of gastric injury during gynecologic laparoscopy.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopy has become an essential tool for the gynecologist. Its use has dramatically increased, in part, because of technological advances, but also because of well-documented advantages over laparotomy in particular scenarios. Immediate recognition of a complication is essential for reducing morbidity and potential mortality. We report an inadvertent gastric injury during a diagnostic laparoscopy. CASE: A 36-year-old woman sustained a gastric perforation during the insertion of an umbilical 5-mm trocar. After the injury was recognized, the patient underwent exploratory laparotomy, and primary repair of the defect was performed. The patient had an uneventful postoperative recovery. CONCLUSION: Gastric injury is a rare complication of gynecologic laparoscopy. Identification of risk factors, the use of a nasogastric or orogastric tube to relieve any gastric dilatation before initiation of the procedure, and proper surgical technique may minimize such injuries.

Efectos de una intervención educativa y de participación comunitaria en el control de la malaria en Buenaventura, Colombia / Effects of an educational and participatory community intervention on malaria control in Buenaventura, Colombia

Introducción. Una intervención para el control de la malaria no aleatoria compuesta por cuatro componentes y basada en atención primaria fue implementada en Buenaventura, Colombia. Objetivo. Evaluar el efecto de la intervención en conocimientos y prácticas en malaria, atención de eventos febriles y frecuencia de malaria en tres comunas de Buenaventura. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó una evaluación post-intervención con grupo control no equivalente. Se identificaron dos grupos de no contacto de más y menos seis meses de residencia en la zona, respectivamente, y un grupo contacto con la intervención. Se entrevistaron 661 mujeres jefes de hogar. El contacto fue el haber estado expuesto al menos a uno de los cuatro componentes de la intervención. Resultados. El 14 por ciento de los entrevistados tuvieron contacto con la intervención. El evento febril fue mejor atendido en el grupo de personas contacto que en el grupo "sin contacto" que habían vivido en el lugar por más de seis meses. Los sin contacto con menos de seis meses en el lugar reportaron menor uso de toldillos (OR: 0,46; IC 95 por ciento: 0,23-0,93) y de práctica de fumigación (OR: 0,38; IC 95 por ciento: 0,19-0,75). El análisis de tendencia de casos de malaria mostró disminución de 25 por ciento a 17 por ciento de casos aportados por los grupos intervenidos, seis años después de la intervención. Conclusión. La estrategia educativa es efectiva para elevar los conocimientos y modificar las prácticas de la población urbana de Buenaventura frente a la malaria.

Introduction. A four-component, non randomized, primary-care based intervention for malaria control was implemented in Buenaventura, Colombia. Objective. To evaluate the effect of the applied intervention on knowledge about malaria, attention of febrile events and frequency of malaria occurrence in three communities of Buenaventura. Materials and methods. A post-intervention evaluation with a non-equivalent control group was performed. Two non-intervened groups (those residing more and less than six months, respectively, in the area) and one intervened group were identified. We interviewed 661 women household heads. Contact was defined as having been exposed to at least one of the four intervention components. Results. Fourteen percent of the respondents had contact with the intervention. The attention of a febrile episode was better in those who had contact with the intervention than in the nonintervened ones who had resided in the area for more than six months. Those without contact and with less than six months stay in the area reported lower use of bed-nets (OR:0.46; 95% CI:0.23-0.93) and less fumigation practices (OR:0.38; 95% CI:0.19-0.75). The analysis of the malaria case trend showed a reduction in the proportion of cases contributed by the intervened communities, from 25% to 17%, six years after the intervention. Conclusion. An educational strategy is effective to enhance knowledge and modify the practices of the urban population of Buenaventura with respect to malaria.

Leisure-time physical activity among women in a neighbourhood in Bogotá, Colombia: prevalence and socio-demographic correlates

O estudo mediu a prevalência de exercício físico em mulheres de 18 a 69 anos de idade e identificou correlatos sociais no bairro de Santa Fé, em Bogotá, Colômbia. Os níveis de atividade física foram calculados por meio de um estudo populacional com uma amostra de 1.045 mulheres. Um modelo de regressão logística identificou fatores associados com sedentarismo. De acordo com os resultados, 79,1 por cento das mulheres foram classificadas como inativas; 15,7 por cento relataram atividade física irregular e apenas 5,2 por cento praticavam exercícios físicos regularmente. Após o ajuste das covariáveis, a inatividade física estava associada com a falta de participação em atividades dominicais de lazer e com a falta de planos para perder peso. Os resultados do estudo demonstram a alta proporção de mulheres fisicamente inativas numa comunidade de baixa renda de Bogotá. Estratégias de intervenção devem ser desenvolvidas para reforçar os exercícios físicos promovidos nas áreas de lazer reservadas aos domingos pelo governo municipal de Bogotá.

Efectos de la reforma en salud en las acciones de control de tuberculosis en el Valle del Cauca, Colombia

Se describen efectos de la implementación del Sistema General de Seguridad Social en Salud - SGSSS, en la década de los noventa, sobre las acciones de control de tuberculosis en el Valle del Cauca, Colombia. El estudio se llevó a cabo en siete municipios del departamento mediante un abordaje complementario de técnicas de recolección y análisis de información cualitativa y cuantitativa. Se presentó una reducción en el papel de planeación, control y regulación de las acciones de tuberculosis por parte de las entidades estatales. Los nuevos actores y las nuevas fuentes de financiación no produjeron los efectos positivos esperados en las acciones de control de tuberculosis; la cantidad y calidad de las acciones de tuberculosis se redujeron por el efecto de la reforma sectorial. Se concluye que la implementación del SGSSS afectó de manera negativa las acciones de control de tuberculosis.

Effects of the health sector reform upon tuberculosis control interventions in Valle del Cauca, Colombia Implementation of the General System of Social Security in Health (GSSSH) was initiated for the control of tuberculosis (TBC) in the state of Valle del Cauca, Colombia, between 1991- 2000. A study of its effects was centered in 7 municipalities of Valle del Cauca with a complementary set of qualitative and quantitative techniques for data collection and analysis. A reduction in planning, control and regulation of TBC activities by state agencies was observed. New administrative structures and new funding sources did not produce the expected positive effects on tuberculosis control. Instead, the quantity and quality of tuberculosis control activity were reduced as a consequence of the health sector reform. In conclusion, GSSSH implementation affected negatively tuberculosis control activity.