The Annual costs of treating genital warts in the Public Healthcare Sector in Peru.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the cost of six different techniques used to treat Genital Warts and the annual average cost of treating a typical GW patient in Peru. To estimate the annual economic burden diagnosing and treating GW in the Peruvian public healthcare system. METHODS: We developed a prevalence-based, cost-of-illness study from the provider's perspective, the healthcare facilities under the purview of Peruvian Ministry of Health. We used an activity-based costing approach. We conducted primary data collection in three regions in Peru and supplemented it with governmental data. Uncertainty of the costing estimates was assessed via Monte Carlo simulations. We estimated the average cost and associated confidence intervals for six treatment options - three topical and three surgical - and the overall cost per patient. RESULTS: The average treatment cost per patient was 59.9USD (95 %CI 45.5, 77.6). Given a population of 18.4 million adults between 18 and 60 years of age and a GW prevalence of 2.28 %, the annual cost of treating GW was 25.1 million USD (uncertainty interval 16.9, 36.6). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides the first quantification of the economic burden of treating genital warts in Peru and one of the few in Latin America. The costing data did not include other healthcare providers or out-of-pocket expenditures, and hence we present a conservative estimate of the COI of GW in Peru. Our findings bring attention to the financial burden of treating GW, a vaccine-preventable disease.

Cambios fisiológicos y morfológicos tempranos en el riñón remanente de donantes vivos / Early physiological and morphological changes in the remnant kidney of living donors

RESUMEN Con el objetivo de describir los cambios funcionales y morfológicos tempranos en el riñón remanente de donantes vivos, se realizó un estudio retrospectivo en el Hospital Cayetano Heredia, en el que se incluyeron 55 individuos. De las historias clínicas, se obtuvieron los datos clínicos y demográficos, así como la depuración de creatinina, la proteinuria, la presión arterial y las dimensiones renales a los 1, 2, 3, 6 y 12 meses después de la donación del riñón. La edad media fue de 40,88 (±9,84) años; el 80% eran mujeres y el índice de masa corporal medio fue de 25,68 (±3,5) kg/m2. Se utilizaron modelos lineales y cuadráticos para estudiar las variables fisiológicas y morfológicas. Durante el tiempo de seguimiento, la tasa de filtración glomerular, la proteinuria, la presión arterial diastólica y la longitud de los riñones mostraron cambios significativos (p < 0,05).

ABSTRACT In order to describe the early functional and morphological changes in the remnant kidney of living donors, a retrospective study was carried out at the Cayetano Heredia Hospital. Data from 55 individuals was included. Clinical and demographic data were obtained from the clinical records, as well as data for creatinine clearance, proteinuria, blood pressure and renal dimensions at 1, 2, 3, 6 and 12 months after kidney donation. The mean age was 40.88 (±9.84) years; 80% were women and the mean body mass index was 25.68 (±3.5) kg/m2. Linear and quadratic models were used to study physiological and morphological variables. During the follow-up time, glomerular filtration rate, proteinuria, diastolic blood pressure, and kidney length showed significant changes (p < 0.05).

Burden of genital warts in Peru: an observational study.

Genital warts (GW) are mucosal or skin lesions caused by sexual transmission of human papillomavirus (HPV). This study estimates the frequency of GW cases in physicians' clinics and physicians' usual practices of GW referral and diagnosis in Peru. Participants in this study were a convenience sample of 100 physicians in five specialties: primary care (17), gynecology (37), urology (10), dermatology (31), and infectious diseases (5). Physicians completed a survey and daily log of all patients aged 18-60 years seen over ten days in their offices located in Peru. The survey recorded GW referral patterns and the daily log recorded patient demographic information and GW diagnosis. Among 12,058 patients, the annual GW prevalence (95% confidence interval [CI]) was 2.28% (2.02-2.56) and cumulative incidence (95% CI) was 1.60% (1.38-1.84). Physicians reported that most GW patients were direct consult (73.5% of male and 67.9% of females) and physicians treated most GW patients themselves (73.4% of males and 76.7% of females). As reported, the most common reasons for referring were 'serious cases requiring more specialized treatment' (73.2% of male and 72.2% of female) and 'lack of resources to treat' (26.8% of male and 27.8% of female). We conclude that GW cases are commonly seen by physicians in Peru.

Sexually transmitted infection screening uptake and knowledge of sexually transmitted infection symptoms among female sex workers participating in a community randomised trial in Peru.

This study aims to evaluate condom use, sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening, and knowledge of STI symptoms among female sex workers in Peru associated with sex work venues and a community randomised trial of STI control. One component of the Peru PREVEN intervention conducted mobile-team outreach to female sex workers to reduce STIs and increase condom use and access to government clinics for STI screening and evaluation. Prevalence ratios were calculated using multivariate Poisson regression models with robust standard errors, clustering by city. As-treated analyses were conducted to assess outcomes associated with reported exposure to the intervention. Care-seeking was more frequent in intervention communities, but differences were not statistically significant. Female sex workers reporting exposure to the intervention had a significantly higher likelihood of condom use, STI screening at public health clinics, and symptom recognition compared to those not exposed. Compared with street- or bar-based female sex workers, brothel-based female sex workers reported significantly higher rates of condom use with last client, recent screening exams for STIs, and HIV testing. Brothel-based female sex workers also more often reported knowledge of STIs and recognition of STI symptoms in women and in men. Interventions to promote STI detection and prevention among female sex workers in Peru should consider structural or regulatory factors related to sex work venues.

Síndrome cardiorrenal tipo 1 en la unidad de cuidados intensivos coronarios del Hospital Nacional Arzobispo Loayza / Cardiorenal syndrome type 1 in the intensive coronary care unit of the Hospital Nacional Arzobispo Loayza

Objetivos: Evaluar la incidencia de síndrome cardiorrenal tipo 1 (SCR1) en una unidad de cuidados intensivos coronarios y su asociación a mortalidad intrahospitalaria a 30 días, así como a otras características epidemiológicas. Métodos: Se revisaron las historias clínicas de todos los pacientes hospitalizados con diagnóstico de falla cardíaca aguda en un periodo de 4 años. Se definió como SCR1 la presencia de falla cardíaca aguda más una creatinina al ingreso ≥ 0.3 mg/dL con respecto a la creatinina basal calculada por la fórmula MDRD75, y/o una elevación ≥ 50% de la creatinina al ingreso en un periodo de 48 h. Resultados: La incidencia de SCR1 fue del 27.87%, IC95%: 20.13-36.71 (34 de 122). Hubo una mayor frecuencia de SCR1 en los pacientes que ingresaron con diagnóstico de shock cardiogénico (RR: 2.02; IC95%: 1.20-3.93; p = 0.0378) y en los que tenían niveles más altos de hemoglobina (p = 0.0412). El SCR1 se asoció a una mayor mortalidad intrahospitalaria a 30 días (HR: 4.11; IC95%: 1.20-14.09; p = 0.0244). Conclusiones: La incidencia de SCR1 en la unidad de cuidados intensivos coronarios encontrada en nuestro estudio es similar a la descrita en estudios extranjeros. La presencia de shock cardiogénico como causa de falla cardíaca y valores más altos de hemoglobina se asociaron a una mayor incidencia de SCR1. Los pacientes con SCR1 tuvieron mayor mortalidad intrahospitalaria a 30 días.

Objectives: This study sought to evaluate the incidence of cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) type 1 in a coronary care unit and its association with hospital mortality within 30 days of admission, as well as other epidemiological characteristics. Methods: The medical records of all the patients who were hospitalized with the diagnosis of acute heart failure in a 4-year period were reviewed. CRS type 1 was characterized by the presence of acute heart failure and an elevation of serum creatinine ≥ 0.3 mg/dL in comparison to the baseline creatinine calculated by the MDRD75 equation and/or the elevation of ≥ 50% of the admission serum creatinine within a 48 h period. Results: The incidence of CRS type 1 was 27.87%, 95% CI: 20.13-36.71 (34 of 122). There was a higher frequency of CRS type 1 in those patients who were admitted with the diagnosis of cardiogenic shock (adjusted RR 2.02, 95% CI: 1.20-3.93, p = 0.0378) and in those with higher hemoglobin levels (p = 0.0412). The CRS type 1 was associated with an increase of 30-day mortality (HR: 4.11, 95% CI: 1.20-14.09, p = 0.0244). Conclusions: The incidence of CRS type 1 in the coronary care unit found in our study is similar to those found in foreign studies. The history of stroke and the higher values of hemoglobin were associated with a higher incidence of cardiorenal syndrome type 1. Patients with CRS type 1 had a higher hospital mortality within 30 days of admission.

Primer programa universitario de diplomado virtual y maestría en informática biomédica en el Perú / Development and institutionalization of the first online certificate and master program of biomedical informatics in global health in Perú

El entrenamiento en Informática Biomédica es fundamental para enfrentar los desafíos de un mundo globalizado. Sin embargo, el desarrollo de programas de entrenamiento e investigación en posgrado en esta área son escasos en América Latina. A través del QUIPU: Centro Andino de Investigación y Entrenamiento en Informática para la Salud Global, se ha desarrollado el primer programa de Diplomado y Maestría en Informática Biomédica en la Región Andina. El objetivo de este artículo es describir la experiencia del programa. A la fecha han participado 51 alumnos de Perú, Chile, Ecuador, Colombia y Venezuela; procedentes de ministerios de salud, hospitales, universidades, centros de investigación, colegios profesionales y empresas privadas. Diecisiete cursos se impartieron con la participación presencial y virtual de profesores de Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Estados Unidos, México y Perú. Este programa está ya institucionalizado en la Facultad de Salud Pública y Administración de la Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia.

Training in Biomedical Informatics is essential to meet the challenges of a globalized world. However, the development of postgraduate training and research programs in this area are scarce in Latin America. Through QUIPU: Andean Center for Training and research in Iformatics for Global Health, has developed the first Certificate and Master’s Program on Biomedical Informatics in the Andean Region. The aim of this article is to describe the experience of the program. To date, 51 students from Peru, Chile, Ecuador, Colombia and Venezuela have participated; they come from health ministries, hospitals, universities, research centers, professional associations and private companies. Seventeen courses were offered with the participation of faculty from Argentina, Chile, Colombia, USA, Mexico and Peru. This program is already institutionalized at the School of Public Health and Administration from the Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia.

Rapid Syphilis Tests as Catalysts for Health Systems Strengthening: A Case Study from Peru.

OBJECTIVES: Untreated maternal syphilis leads to adverse pregnancy outcomes. The use of point of care tests (POCT) offers an opportunity to improve screening coverage for syphilis and other aspects of health systems. Our objective is to present the experience of the introduction of POCT for syphilis in Peru and describe how new technology can catalyze health system strengthening. METHODS: The study was implemented from September 2009-November 2010 to assess the feasibility of the use of a POCT for syphilis for screening pregnant women in Lima, Peru. Outcomes measured included access to syphilis screening, treatment coverage, partner treatment, effect on patient flow and service efficiency, acceptability among providers and patients, and sustainability. RESULTS: Before the introduction of POCT, a pregnant woman needed 6 visits to the health center in 27 days before she received her syphilis result. We trained 604 health providers and implemented the POCT for syphilis as the "two for one strategy", offering with one finger stick both syphilis and HIV testing. Implementation of the POCT resulted in testing and treatment on the first visit. Screening and treatment coverages for syphilis improved significantly compared with the previous year. Implementation of POCT has been scaled up nationally since the study ended, and coverages for screening, treatment and partner treatment have remained over 92%. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of POCT for syphilis proved feasible and acceptable, and led to improvement in several aspects of health services. For the process to be effective we highlight the importance of: (1) engaging the authorities; (2) dissipating tensions between providers and identifying champions; (3) training according to the needs; (4) providing monitoring, supervision, support and recognition; (5) sharing results and discussing actions together; (6) consulting and obtaining feedback from users; and (7) integrating with other services such as with rapid HIV testing.

Sexo, prevención y riesgo: Adolescentes y sus madres frente al VIH y las ITS en el Perú / Sex, prevention and risk: Adolescents and their mothers to HIV and STIs in Peru

La publicación describe los resultados del estudio diagnóstico en adolescentes en el Perú con una muestra representativa de adolescentes y sus madres en Huancayo, Iquitos y Lima. Los resultados de esa investigación revelan la delicada situación de riesgo de los y las adolescentes y el rol crucial que juegan los padres y madres, maestros y la propia escuela, para remodelarla

Factores asociados a lesiones cervicales o presencia del virus del papiloma humano en dos poblaciones de estudiantes de Lima / Factors associated to cervical lesions or presence of human papilloma virus in two populations of students from Lima

Objetivos: Determinar la prevalencia y factores asociados a lesiones cervicales o presencia del virus del papiloma humano (VPH) en mujeres estudiantes en educación superior de 18 a 26 años de Lima. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio de corte transversal, en dos universidades y un instituto superior tecnológico de Lima, durante los meses de agosto a diciembre del 2001. Se aplicó un cuestionario y se colectaron muestras para Papanicolaou (PAP) y detección del ADN de los VPH 6, 11, 16, 18 por el método de PCR (reacción en cadena de la polimerasa). Se incluyeron en el análisis 321 estudiantes que reportaron actividad sexual a quienes se tomó muestras para PAP y VPH. Resultados: La prevalencia de VPH (6, 11, 16, 18) fue de 8,4 por ciento, y para las lesiones cervicales fue 2,5 por ciento (diagnóstico a través del PAP). Las lesiones cervicales o presencia del VPH fueron más frecuentes en el grupo de 21 a 23 años (p= 0,024). La diferencia de edades (tres a más años) entre la pareja sexual de mayor edad y la participante se asoció significantemente con lesiones cervicales o presencia del VPH (OR:8,8; IC95:1,9-39,6). La edad de la primera relación sexual, número de parejas sexuales y uso de condón, no mostraron significancia estadística. Conclusiones: Las lesiones cervicales o presencia del VPH son frecuentes en esta población de mujeres jóvenes. La edad y la diferencia de edades con la pareja sexual de mayor edad se asociaron a las lesiones cervicales o presencia del VPH.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with cervical lesions or presence of human papilloma virus (HPV) in women students with higher education from 18 to 26 years. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study in students from two universities and a technical institute in Lima were carried out from August through December 2001. We surveyed women and collected cervical samples for Pap smear and HPV DNA detection for the 6, 11, 16 and 18 strains using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The analysis was limited to HPV DNA and Pap smear samples of the 321 sexuallyûactive students. Results: The prevalence of HPV (6, 11, 16, 18) was 8,4 per cent, and for cervical lesions were 2,5 per cent (by PAP smear). The cervical lesions or presence of HPV were more frequent in the group of 21 to 23 years (p= 0,024). The difference in age (three or more years) between the oldest sexual partner and the participant was associated significantly to cervical lesions or presence of HPV (OR:8,8; CI95:1,9-39,6). Age of first sexual intercourse, number of sexual partners and condom use, showed no statistical significance. Conclusions: Cervical lesions or presence of HPV are common in this population of young women. Age and the age difference with the oldest sexual partner were associated with cervical lesions or presence of HPV.