Relationship between psychoactive substance, alcohol and cigarette use in nursing students. A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The increase in the use of psychoactive substances, alcohol and cigarettes in young people has become a public health problem. The identification of factors that increase or reduce the risk of exposure to these substances and the possible relationship between them is essential for planning strategies with a risk approach; hence the reason for this study. The objective was to establish the profile of use of psychoactive substances, alcohol and cigarettes and the factors associated with such use in nursing students of a higher education institution. METHODS: Quantitative, observational, analytical cross-sectional study. RESULTS: We included 310 students from 1 st to 9th semester of a Nursing programme from a private higher education institution in Bogotá. The prevalence of psychoactive substance use in the last year was 2.96% (95%CI, 1.36-5.54), with marijuana being the substance most used (55.55%). The prevalence of alcohol and cigarette use during the last 12 months was estimated at 86.64% (95%CI, 83.24-91.0) and 12.16% (95%CI, 8.43-15.88) respectively. A statistically significant association was found between the use of these substances: alcohol use was associated with cigarette use (OR = 3.22; P = 0.006) and smoking was associated with psychoactive substance use (OR = 15.4; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Alcohol use increases the likelihood of smoking cigarettes, and this in turn increases the likelihood of psychoactive substance use, in this university population.

Disminución de la debilidad muscular adquirida en una unidad de cuidados intensivos con la implementación de un protocolo multicomponente: ensayo clínico cuasiexperimental

Introducción. La debilidad adquirida en las unidades de cuidados intensivos es una complicación frecuente de los pacientes con enfermedades críticas, que puede tener un impacto negativo en su pronóstico a corto y a largo plazo. Objetivos. Evaluar si la utilización de un protocolo multicomponente, que incluye movilidad activa temprana, manejo efectivo del dolor, reducción de la sedación, medidas no farmacológicas para prevenir el delirium, estimulación cognitiva y apoyo familiar, puede disminuir la incidencia de debilidad adquirida en las unidades de cuidados intensivos al momento del egreso del paciente. Materiales y métodos. Se trata de un ensayo clínico, no aleatorizado, en dos unidades de cuidados intensivos mixtas de un hospital de tercer nivel. Los participantes fueron pacientes mayores de 14 años con ventilación mecánica invasiva por más de 48 horas. Se aplicó como intervención un protocolo multicomponente y como control se utilizó el cuidado usual o estándar. Resultados. Ingresaron 188 pacientes al estudio, 82 al grupo de intervención y 106 al grupo control. La tasa de debilidad adquirida en las unidades de cuidados intensivos al egreso de la unidad fue significativamente menor en el grupo de intervención (41,3 % versus 78,9 %, p<0,00001). La mediana del puntaje de movilidad al momento del alta de la unidad de cuidados intensivos fue mayor en el grupo de intervención (3,5 versus 2, p<0,0138). No se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en las medianas de días libres de respiración mecánica asistida, ni de unidad de cuidados intensivos al día 28, tampoco en la tasa de mortalidad general al egreso del hospital (18 versus 15 días, p<0,49; 18,2 % versus 27,3 %, p<0,167). Conclusiones. Un protocolo multicomponente que incluía movilidad activa temprana tuvo un impacto significativo en la reducción de la debilidad adquirida en las unidades de cuidados intensivos al egreso en comparación con el cuidado estándar.

Introduction. Intensive care unit-acquired weakness is a frequent complication that affects the prognosis of critical illness during hospital stay and after hospital discharge. Objectives. To determine if a multicomponent protocol of early active mobility involving adequate pain control, non-sedation, non-pharmacologic delirium prevention, cognitive stimulation, and family support, reduces intensive care unit-acquired weakness at the moment of discharge. Materials and methods. We carried out a non-randomized clinical trial in two mixed intensive care units in a high-complexity hospital, including patients over 14 years old with invasive mechanical ventilation for more than 48 hours. We compared the intervention -the multicomponent protocol- during intensive care hospitalization versus the standard care. Results. We analyzed 82 patients in the intervention group and 106 in the control group. Muscle weakness acquired in the intensive care unit at the moment of discharge was less frequent in the intervention group (41.3% versus 78.9%, p<0.00001). The mobility score at intensive unit care discharge was better in the intervention group (median = 3.5 versus 2, p < 0.0138). There were no statistically significant differences in the invasive mechanical ventilation-free days at day 28 (18 versus 15 days, p<0.49), and neither in the mortality (18.2 versus 27.3%, p<0.167). Conclusion. A multi-component protocol of early active mobility significantly reduces intensive care unit-acquired muscle weakness at the moment of discharge.

Oesophageal squamous papilloma in paediatric population: a single-centre case series.

PURPOSE: Oesophageal squamous papilloma (OSP) is a rare epithelial lesion with an unclear aetiology, found incidentally in upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGE). We evaluate the epidemiology, general features and endoscopic and histological characteristics of OSP in children in a single centre. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective search of 3568 medical records of children under 18 years old who underwent UGE between 2004 and 2022, at Hospital Metropolitano de Quito, Ecuador. We described the general features of 15 patients diagnosed with OSP. Histopathology reports were analysed, including a chromogenic in situ hybridisation (CISH) for human papillomavirus (HPV) 6/11. RESULTS: OSP was diagnosed in 15 patients between 10 and 16 years of age, with an estimated prevalence of 0.4%. The gender ratio male to female was 1:1.1. Most patients (n=14) underwent UGE due to abdominal pain. Lesions were found predominantly in the upper and lower part of the oesophagus; 12 patients had isolated lesions, and none of the lesions tested positive for HPV on CISH 6/11 analysis. Additionally, Helicobacter pylori and eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) were diagnosed in one patient each. CONCLUSION: Our study describes the clinical features of paediatric OSP in a single centre. The prevalence was similar to that in the adult population but higher than in other paediatric populations, and none of our patients had HPV.

Impacto económico de la falla cardíaca en el cuidador informal / Economic impact of heart failure in the informal caregiver

Resumen Introducción: La insuficiencia cardíaca (IC) es una patología estructural o funcional del corazón que deteriora la capacidad de llenado, generando síntomas que afectan la calidad de vida y la funcionalidad. Es conocido el impacto de esta enfermedad sobre los sujetos que la padecen, pero ha sido poco explorado su impacto económico sobre los cuidadores. Objetivo: Estimar el impacto económico de la IC desde la perspectiva de los cuidadores informales. Resultados: Estudio cuantitativo, tipo evaluación económica parcial. Fueron incluidos 54 sujetos diagnosticados con IC y un cuidador informal por sujeto. La edad promedio de los sujetos con IC fue 70.61 años, la mayoría hombres (64.8%), con un tiempo de diagnóstico de 84 meses y un puntaje de Barthel de 81.94, que representa una dependencia leve. Respecto a los cuidadores, el 48.1% reportaban un vínculo laboral activo; el ingreso mediano fue de $1260.000 COP/mes. El número de horas de cuidado fue de 4.93 h/día. El impacto económico se reflejó en los ingresos mensuales, causando una pérdida de $644,017.50 por actividades de cuidado y en el tiempo laboral una reducción del 30%. El 29% de los ingresos fueron destinados a labores del cuidado; por lo tanto, generaron gastos que redujeron el 71% de los ingresos. De acuerdo con lo anterior, por cada 10 horas de trabajo se destinan 7 horas al cuidado. Conclusiones: La IC impacta de manera negativa la economía de los cuidadores informales de sujetos con esta patología.

Abstract Introduction: Heart failure (HF) is a structural or functional pathology of the heart that impairs filling capacity of this organ, generating symptoms that affect quality of life and functionality in subjects who suffer this disease. This impact on economic life in caregivers of patients with HF has been poorly studied, therefore, there is a lack of information about this topic. Objective: To estimate the economic impact of HF from the perspective of informal caregivers. Type of study: quantitative study, partial economic evaluation type. Population and sample: 54 subjects diagnosed with HF and one informal caregiver per subject were included. Results: The average age of the subjects with HF is 70.61 years, most of them men (64.8%), with a diagnosis time of 84 months and a Barthel score of 81.94 points, which represents a mild dependency. Regarding caregivers, 48.1% reported an active employment relationship, the median income was $1,260,000 COP/month. The number of hours of care is 4.93 hours/day. The economic impact was reflected in monthly income, causing a loss of $644,017.50 due to care activities and a 30% reduction in working time. 29% of income was allocated to care work, therefore, they generated expenses that reduced 71% of income. According to the above, for every 10 hours of work, 7 hours are spent on care. Conclusions: HF negatively impacts the economy of the informal caregiver of subjects with this pathology.

Clinical Features of Eosinophilic Esophagitis: A Single Center Experience in Ecuador.

Purpose: Data on eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) in South America is scarce. Moreover, no studies are available in Ecuador. We evaluated the clinical, endoscopic, and histological characteristics of Ecuadorian children with EoE. Methods: Medical records of 2,711 children who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGE) between 2009 and 2020 at Hospital Metropolitano de Quito, Ecuador were reviewed. Esophageal mucosal biopsies were obtained from 72 patients and the features of 35 children with EoE were described. EoE was diagnosed when there were more than 15 eosinophils in the esophagus, per high power field. Results: EoE was diagnosed in 35 children (9.4±4.5 years) with a male predominance (74%). Abdominal pain (51.4%) and vomiting (31.4%) were dominant symptoms. A history of allergic diseases was noted in 47.1% of the children, which mainly included allergic rhinitis (37.1%) and atopic dermatitis (11.4%). The most common endoscopic findings were furrowing (82.9%) and edema (74.3%). All patients were initially treated with proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs). Those who did not respond to PPIs received steroids (5.7%) and diet therapy (5.7%), and five patients were referred to an allergist. Clinical and histological resolution was observed in 65% of the patients who underwent a second UGE after 6-8 weeks of PPI. Conclusion: Our study describes the clinical features of pediatric EoE in Ecuador. This is the first retrospective study in Ecuador that describes the clinical, endoscopic, and histological manifestations of EoE in a small pediatric population. Almost half of the children who underwent a biopsy had EoE.

Gamma Knife radiosurgery - 12 years of experience in a high-complexity center of a middle-income country.

Background: Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKR) is a technique that consists of the release of a high dose of ionizing radiation onto a therapeutic target, which has been previously delimited. This technique was described by Lars Leksell and Borje Larsson in 1951. In Colombia, there is only one GKR unit functioning machine nowadays. The objective of this study is to describe the institutional experience of a single institution with Gamma Knife Perfexion over 12 years. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study. A total of 1906 medical records, taken from the period between May 4, 2010, and May 4, 2022, were included in the study. Descriptive analysis was performed through STATA 17 as statistic tool. Measures of central tendency were calculated depending on the distribution of the continuous data and proportions were taken into account in the case of qualitative variables. Results: A total of 1906 procedures were performed. Patients from 1 year to 99 years old were treated, with a median age of 51 years. The most frequent diagnoses were meningioma (20.8%), arteriovenous malformation (AVM) (17%), vestibular schwannoma (15.6%), metastases (9.81%), and trigeminal neuralgia (9.12%). At 3-year posttreatment, in meningiomas, tumor size stability was observed in 57.3%, size decrease in 36%, and disappearance in 1.3%. In AVM, complete obliteration of the lesion was described in 36.8% and a decrease in size in 52.6%. Intracranial hemorrhage occurred in 5.2% during the follow-up period and 3.5% of all treated patients required a new procedure due to residual malformation. In vestibular schwannomas, tumor size remained stable in 62.2% and decreased in 28.8%. No new cases of facial paralysis after the procedure were described. At 1-year posttreatment, in metastasis, the size of the lesions remained stable in 40% of the patients, decreased in 47.5%, and disappeared in 2.5%. In trigeminal neuralgia, 88.4% of patients had pain relief and recurrences occurred in 16.6%. Acute complications were generally uncommon, the main ones being headache, pain at frame fixation points, and nausea. Conclusion: Our experience suggests that GKR is a noninvasive procedure with a broad spectrum of clinical applications, low frequency of complications, feasible, with good enough control size of tumor and vascular lesions in images, and good clinical results in the medium and long term.

Osteosintesis de fracturas complejas de húmero distal. Nuestra experiencia / Osteosynthesis of complex fractures of the distal humerus. Our experience

Objetivo: Describir los resultados obtenidos en el tratamiento de las fracturas de húmero distal mediante reducción abierta y fijación interna y reflejar si el abordaje empleado tuvo impacto en el resultado funcional. Materiales y métodos: Se llevó a cabo un estudio retrospectivo de presentación de casos. Se evaluó a 19 pacientes con diagnóstico de fractura de húmero distal compleja tratados con reducción abierta y fijación interna entre 2015 y 2021. Se realizó un control radiográfico periódico y se evaluó el resultado funcional mediante escalas internacionales, como DASH y MEPS. Luego se procedió a extrapolar las variables obtenidas utilizando un programa estadístico. Resultados: Se logró la consolidación de todas las fracturas. Se empleó el abordaje de Alonso Llames en 7 pacientes (37%) y la osteotomía de olécranon en 12 casos (63%). El puntaje DASH promedio fue de 11,31, lo que determinó discapacidades leves. El puntaje MEPS obtenido fue excelente en un paciente (5,26%), bueno en 10 (52,6%), regular en 7 (36,84%) y pobre en 1 (5,26%). Conclusiones: La reducción abierta y la fijación interna son eficaces para tratar las fracturas complejas de húmero distal, permiten lograr buenos resultados posquirúrgicos. En esta serie, el 57% de los pacientes obtuvo resultados excelentes o buenos. No se halló una diferencia estadísticamente significativa con respecto a la elección de un abordaje u otro. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

Objective: To describe the results obtained in the treatment of distal humerus fractures by open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) and to reflect whether the approach used had an impact on the functional outcome. Materials and methods: We carried out a retrospective case study of 19 patients with a diagnosis of complex distal humerus fracture who were treated with ORIF from 2015 to 2021. Periodic radiographic controls were performed and the functional outcome was evaluated using internationally known scales such as the DASH and Mayo Elbow performance Score (MEPS), then the variables obtained were extrapolated using statistical software. Results: A 100% consolidation rate was achieved; in 7 patients (37%), the Alonso Llames approach was used and in 12 cases (63%), we performed an olecranon osteotomy. The average DASH was 11.31, which determined mild disabilities. The MEPS obtained was excellent in 1 patient (5.26%), good in 10 (52,6%), fair in 7 (36.84%), and poor in 1(5.26%). When comparing the results obtained through the different approaches a P = 0.4197 was obtained in the ANOVA test and P =0.4723 in the Mann-Whitney/Wilcoxon Two sample Test. Conclusions: We conclude that ORIF is effective in the treatment of complex fractures of the distal humerus, allowing the surgeon to obtain good post-surgical results. In this series, the average DASH was 11.31, with excellent and good results in 57% of the patients. We found no statistically significant difference regarding the choice of one approach or the other. Level of Evidence: IV

Patrón de distribución de severidad de fluorosis: ¿qué nos dice sobre exposición local a fluoruros? / Padrão de distribuição de severidade da fluorose: Que nos diz sobre exposição local ao fluoretos? / Distribution pattern of enamel fluorosis severity: What is it telling us about local fluoride exposure?

Resumen Introducción y objetivo: la severidad de la fluorosis dental refleja exposición a fluoruros durante el desarrollo del esmalte. Recientemente se han reportado asociaciones entre la exposición prenatal y postnatal a fluoruros y efectos negativos en el neurodesarrollo. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir y comparar la severidad y el patrón de distribución de la fluorosis en las denticiones primaria y permanente, como base para discutir la temporalidad de la exposición en niños viviendo en áreas endémicas en el departamento del Huila. Materiales y métodos: odontólogos entrenados diagnosticaron fluorosis en 840 niños (preescolares y escolares) de cuatro municipios usando el índice de Thylstrup & Fejerskov. Para estimar la prevalencia de las diferentes severidades, cada niño se clasifico de acuerdo con la severidad más alta en boca. La distribución de la prevalencia de severidades por grupo etario y tipo de dentición se reportan como tasas de prevalencia (%). Resultados: la prevalencia en preescolares y escolares fue de 97.2% y 99.9%, respectivamente y la fluorosis moderada la más prevalente (75.6% y 63.5%, respectivamente). En ambas denticiones, la fluorosis leve fue más prevalente en los dientes anteriores que en posteriores. Las severidades moderada y severa tuvieron mayor prevalencia en dientes posteriores que en anteriores. Conclusiones: el patrón de distribución de la severidad de la fluorosis sugiere exposición prenatal y postnatal a fluoruros, por encima de los niveles recomendados. Este estudio resalta la importancia de la alidación de la fluorosis del dental como un potencial biomarcador histórico de exposición a luoruros en momentos críticos para el neurodesarrollo.

Resumo Introdução e objetivo: a severidade da fluorose dentária reflete a exposição a fluoretos durante o desenvolvimento do esmalte. Recentemente, associações entre a exposição pré-natal e pós-natal ao fluoretos e efeitos negativos no desenvolvimento neurológico foram relatadas. O objetivo deste estudo é descrever e comparar o padrão de severidade e distribuição da fluorose na dentição decídua e permanente, como intuito para a discussão sobre a temporalidade da exposição em crianças moradoras em áreas endêmicas de fluorose no departamento de Huila, Colômbia. Materiais e métodos: Cirurgiões-dentistas treinados diagnosticaram fluorose em 840 crianças (pré-escolares e escolares) de quatro municípios, utilizando o índice de Thylstrup & Fejerskov. Para estimar a prevalência dos diferentes estágios de severidade, cada criança foi classificada de acordo com o escore mais severo da boca. A distribuição da prevalência de fluorose nos diferentes estágios de severidade por faixa etária e tipo de dentição é apresentada como taxa de prevalência (%). Resultados: a prevalência de fluorose em pré-escolares foi de 97,2% e em escolares de 99,9%. Fluorose moderada foi a mais prevalente (75,6% e 63,5%, respectivamente). Em ambas as dentições, a fluorose leve foi mais prevalente nos dentes anteriores do que nos posteriores. Porém, tanto fluorose moderada como severa foram mais prevalentes nos dentes posteriores do que nos anteriores. Conclusões: o padrão de distribuição da severidade da fluorose sugere uma exposição pré- e pós-natal a fluoretos acima de níveis recomendados. Este estudo salienta a importância da validação da fluorose dentária como um potencial biomarcador histórico da exposição ao fluoretos durante momentos críticos para o neurodesenvolvimento.

Abstract Introduction and objective: dental fluorosis severity reflects fluoride exposure during dental enamel development. Recently, prenatal and postnatal exposure to fluoride has been associated with negative neurodevelopmental outcomes. The aim of this study was to describe and compare the severity and distribution pattern of dental fluorosis in the primary and permanent dentition, as a basis to discuss the timing and extent of fluoride exposure of children living in endemic areas of fluorosis in the department of Huila. Materials and methods: 840 children (preschoolers and schoolchildren) from four municipalities of the Huila Department were examined by trained dentists for dental fluorosis using the Thylstrup & Fejerskov Index. To estimate the prevalence of severities of fluorosis, each child was classified according to the most severe score. The distribution of the prevalence of enamel fluorosis severity by age-group and type of dentition were reported as prevalence rates (%). Results: Prevalence of dental fluorosis in preschoolers was of 97.2% and in schoolers of 99.9%. For both preschoolers and schoolers moderate fluorosis was the most prevalent (75.6% and 63.5%, respectively). For both primary and permanent teeth, mild fluorosis was more prevalent in anterior teeth than in posterior teeth. Moderate and severe fluorosis were more prevalent in posterior teeth than in anterior teeth. Conclusions: the distribution pattern of the severity of dental fluorosis suggests both prenatal and postnatal exposure to fluoride above recommended levels. This study raises the importance of the validation of dental fluorosis as a potential historical biomarker of fluoride exposure at moments that are critical for neurodevelopment.

Safety evaluation of a clinical focused ultrasound system for neuronavigation guided blood-brain barrier opening in non-human primates.

An emerging approach with potential in improving the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and brain tumors is the use of focused ultrasound (FUS) to bypass the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in a non-invasive and localized manner. A large body of pre-clinical work has paved the way for the gradual clinical implementation of FUS-induced BBB opening. Even though the safety profile of FUS treatments in rodents has been extensively studied, the histological and behavioral effects of clinically relevant BBB opening in large animals are relatively understudied. Here, we examine the histological and behavioral safety profile following localized BBB opening in non-human primates (NHPs), using a neuronavigation-guided clinical system prototype. We show that FUS treatment triggers a short-lived immune response within the targeted region without exacerbating the touch accuracy or reaction time in visual-motor cognitive tasks. Our experiments were designed using a multiple-case-study approach, in order to maximize the acquired data and support translation of the FUS system into human studies. Four NHPs underwent a single session of FUS-mediated BBB opening in the prefrontal cortex. Two NHPs were treated bilaterally at different pressures, sacrificed on day 2 and 18 post-FUS, respectively, and their brains were histologically processed. In separate experiments, two NHPs that were earlier trained in a behavioral task were exposed to FUS unilaterally, and their performance was tracked for at least 3 weeks after BBB opening. An increased microglia density around blood vessels was detected on day 2, but was resolved by day 18. We also detected signs of enhanced immature neuron presence within areas that underwent BBB opening, compared to regions with an intact BBB, confirming previous rodent studies. Logistic regression analysis showed that the NHP cognitive performance did not deteriorate following BBB opening. These preliminary results demonstrate that neuronavigation-guided FUS with a single-element transducer is a non-invasive method capable of reversibly opening the BBB, without substantial histological or behavioral impact in an animal model closely resembling humans. Future work should confirm the observations of this multiple-case-study work across animals, species and tasks.

Funcionalidad familiar de pacientes dependientes con falla cardíaca / Family functioning of dependent patients with heart failure

Resumen Objetivo: Describir la funcionalidad familiar de pacientes dependientes con falla cardiaca y clase funcional II-C. Métodos: Estudio cuantitativo, observacional de corte transversal, en el que participaron 50 familias entre septiembre y octubre de 2016. La medición se realizó a través de la “Escala de evaluación de la funcionalidad familiar”. Resultados: Se encontró una asociación estadísticamente significativa entre el nivel de escolaridad del informante familiar y el nivel de la funcionalidad de la familia (p 0.006). La funcionalidad familiar total mostró un nivel bajo en el 38 % de las familias participantes. Las dimensiones de mantenimiento y cambio exponen niveles altos de funcionamiento en un 88 y 74 % respectivamente, mientras la dimensión de individuación presenta 70 % en nivel bajo. La dimensión de coherencia muestra un 48 % de niveles altos e intermedios de funcionalidad. Por otra parte, las metas de estabilidad y control se comportan con niveles altos en un 82 % y 84 %, mientras que el crecimiento y la espiritualidad estuvieron con niveles intermedios. Los pacientes del estudio presentan una dependencia funcional moderada y leve. Finalmente, no se encontró asociación estadísticamente significativa entre la dependencia de los pacientes con la falla cardiaca y el nivel de funcionamiento de sus familias. Conclusiones: Las familias con integrantes con falla cardíaca con funcionalidad moderada y leve presentan bajo nivel de funcionamiento familiar, lo cual las afecta en el cumplimiento de su rol como red primaria de apoyo del paciente. Es necesario continuar investigaciones que amplíen la información del comportamiento de los factores sociodemográficos asociados al funcionamiento de la familia con integrante con falla cardiaca.

Abstract Objective: To describe the familial functionality of dependent patients with heart failure with functional class II-C. Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional observational study was conducted with 50 families, between September and October 2016, to obtain a measurement through the “Family Functionality Assessment Scale”. Results: Between the level of schooling of the family informant and the level of family functionality (p = 0.006) was found a statistically significant association. In 38% of the participating families, the total family functionality showed a low level. The System Maintenance and change dimensions expose high levels of operation by 88% and 74% respectively, whereas the dimension of individuation presents 70% at a low level. The coherence dimension reveals 48% of high and intermediate levels of functionality. On the other hand, the goals of stability and control behave with high levels at 82% and 84%, while growth and spirituality were at intermediate levels. The patients concerning the study have a moderate and mild functional dependence. Ultimately, between the dependence of patients with heart failure and the level of functioning of their families, no statistically significant association was found. Conclusions: Families with members with moderate and mild functional heart failure have a low level of family functioning, which affects the family in fulfilling its role as a primary patient support network. It is necessary to continue research that broadens the information on the behaviour of sociodemographic factors associated with the functioning of the family with a member with heart failure.

Vinculación de datos administrativos y su utilidad en salud pública: el caso de Ecuador / Administrative data linkage and its usefulness in public health: the case of Ecuador / Vinculação de dados administrativos e sua utilização em saúde pública: o caso do Equador

RESUMEN Los objetivos de este artículo son describir las características del abordaje de vinculación de bases de datos administrativos y sus usos en investigación en salud pública, y discutir las potencialidades y retos para su implementación en Ecuador. La vinculación de bases de datos permite integrar datos de una misma persona dispersos en distintos subsectores como salud, educación, justicia, inmigración y programas sociales, y posibilita investigaciones que informen una gestión más eficiente de programas y políticas sociales y de salud. Las principales ventajas del uso de bases de datos relacionadas son la diversidad de datos, la cobertura poblacional, la estabilidad temporal y el costo menor en comparación con la recolección de datos primarios. A pesar de la disponibilidad de herramientas para procesar, vincular y analizar grandes conjuntos de datos, el uso de este abordaje es mínimo en los países de América Latina. Ecuador tiene un alto potencial para explotar este abordaje, debido a la obligatoriedad del uso de un identificador único en la prestación de servicios de salud, que permite la vinculación con otros sistemas de información nacionales. Sin embargo, enfrenta una serie de retos técnicos, ético-legales, culturales y políticos. Para aprovechar su potencial, Ecuador necesita desarrollar una estrategia de gobernanza de datos que incluya normativas de acceso y uso de los datos, de manera simultánea con mecanismos de control y calidad de los datos, una mayor inversión en formación profesional en el uso de los datos dentro y fuera del sector salud, y colaboraciones entre entidades gubernamentales, universidades y organizaciones de la sociedad civil.

ABSTRACT The objective of this article is to describe the characteristics of addressing the linkage of administrative databases and the uses of such linkages in public health research, and also to discuss the opportunities and challenges for implementation in Ecuador. The linkage of databases makes it possible to integrate a person's data that may be scattered across different subsectors such as health, education, justice, immigration, and social programs. It also facilitates research that can inform more efficient management of social and health programs and policies. The main advantages of using linked databases are: diversity of data, population coverage, stability over time, and lower cost in comparison to primary data collection. Despite the availability of tools to process, link, and analyze large data sets, there has been minimal use of this approach in Latin American countries. Ecuador is well positioned to implement this approach, due to compulsory use of a unique ID in health services delivery, which permits linkages with other national information systems. However, the country faces several cultural, technical, ethical, legal, and political challenges. To take advantage of its potential, Ecuador needs to develop a data governance strategy that includes standards for data access and data use, as well as mechanisms for data control and quality, greater investment in professional training in data use both within and beyond the health sector, and collaborations between government entities, universities, and civil society organizations.

RESUMO Os objetivos deste artigo são descrever as características do método de vinculação de bancos de dados administrativos e sua utilização em pesquisa em saúde pública e examinar o potencial e os desafios para sua implementação no Equador. A vinculação de bancos de dados possibilita integrar dados de uma mesma pessoa dispersos em subsetores diversos como saúde, educação, justiça, imigração e programas sociais e realizar pesquisas para subsidiar a gestão mais eficiente de programas e políticas sociais e de saúde. Entre as principais vantagens de utilizar bancos de dados vinculados estão diversidade dos dados, cobertura populacional, estabilidade temporal e custo menor em comparação à coleta de dados primários. Apesar de existirem ferramentas para processar, vincular e analisar grandes conjuntos de dados, a utilização deste método é mínima nos países da América Latina. O Equador possui um grande potencial para beneficiar-se com este método devido à obrigatoriedade do uso de um identificador único na prestação de serviços de saúde, o que permite a vinculação com outros sistemas de informação nacionais, mas enfrenta uma série de desafios técnicos, éticos-legais, culturais e políticos. Para aproveitá-lo, o país precisa elaborar uma estratégia de governança de dados contendo um conjunto de normas para o acesso e a utilização simultâneos com mecanismos de controle e qualidade dos dados, maior investimento em formação profissional no uso dos dados dentro e fora da área da saúde e colaboração entre entidades governamentais, universidades e organizações da sociedade civil.

Mortalidad por Enfermedades Cardiovasculares en Colombia 1993-2017. Un análisis de las políticas públicas / Mortality from Cardiovascular Diseases in Colombia. An analysis of public policies

RESUMEN Las enfermedades cardiovasculares (ECV) son la principal causa de mortalidad en todo el mundo; sus implicaciones no solo son letales sino también muy costosas para los sistemas de salud. También representa un lastre para las economías, debido a los altos derivados de la no productividad causados por la discapacidad de los empleados. Se analizará si las Políticas de Salud Pública sobre la población colombiana han logrado controlar o reducir las estadísticas de mortalidad por ECV. Materiales y métodos: Los datos de mortalidad se tomaron entre 1993 y 2017; las muertes se clasificaron según el estándar de Clasificación Internacional de Enfermedades (CIE-10). Se calculó el porcentaje promedio de muertes por ECV; se identificó factores asociados. Se realizó una aproximación en torno a políticas públicas y la acción del Estado para garantizar el derecho a la salud. Resultados: El porcentaje promedio ECV fue de 29.2 %. En el grupo de edad de 15 a 45 años hubo un mayor porcentaje de muertes en hombres. Desde 2011 se superó el promedio mundial de 30 %; desde 1993 a 2017 hubo un incremento de 18.2 %. Conclusión: En Colombia existen políticas públicas sobre el control de la carga y la mortalidad de las enfermedades no transmisibles; estas políticas se ajustan a las convenciones internacionales, aunque las estadísticas han mostrado resultados contrarios a los esperados. Se necesita con urgencia una aplicación rigurosa de las políticas adoptadas por el Estado y una participación activa del sector privado.

SUMMARY The cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality worldwide, its implications are not only lethal but highly costly to the health systems. It also represent a drag on economies due to non-productivity caused by employee's disability. It will be analyzed if the Public Health Policies on the Colombian population have managed to control or reduce the mortality statistics by CVD. Method: It was considered the mortality records between 1993 thru 2017. The deaths were classified according to the International Classification of diseases standard (ICD-10). It will be calculated by the average percentage of deaths due to cardiovascular diseases per year, sex and the georeferencing by states. An approximation will be made around the legal and political aspects of Colombian legislation regarding the role the State has played in guaranteeing the right to health. Results: The average percentage of deaths due to CVD from 1993 to 2017 was 29.2 %. This incidence was seen with higher frequency at age 45, in the age group of 15 to 45 years old it was a higher percentage of death in men. Beginning in 2011 the percentage exceeds the global median; from 1993 to 2017 the average percentage of mortality was increased by 18.2 %. Conclusion: Public policies regarding controlling the burden and mortality of noncommunicable diseases, although these policies conform to international conventions, statistics have shown results contrary to those expected. It urges a rigorous application of the policies adopted by the State and an active participation of the private sector.

Vitamin D and other environmental risk factors in Colombian patients with multiple sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the association between MS and vitamin D levels, as well as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) seropositivity and smoking history in a Colombian population. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study between 2017 and 2018. We measured vitamin D levels and EBV antibody titers and administered a questionnaire to assess dietary habits, smoking, second-hand smoking and duration of smoking, sunlight exposure, physical activity, and personal and family history in individuals with and without multiple sclerosis during adolescence. A multivariable logistic regression model was then performed to explore the association between vitamin D status and MS. RESULTS: A total of 87 individuals with MS (mean age 40.9 years; 65.52% females) and 87 without MS (mean age 55 years; 65.52% females) were included in the analysis. In the multivariable analysis, after controlling for supplementation vitamin D levels did not differ between both groups and no difference was found regarding tobacco smoke exposure. The proportion of individuals who tested positive for anti-EBV nuclear antigen was significantly higher in individuals with MS (95.4% vs 82.76%, p = 0.028) CONCLUSION: : We did not find a statistically significant association between MS and vitamin D levels while anti-EBV nuclear antigen titers behaved as previously described in the literature. This study provides new evidence of the association between MS and different risk factors in our country, reinforcing the hypothesis that the pathogenesis of MS is multifactorial. Further studies are needed to better define the association between environmental factors and the development of MS in low prevalence areas.

Analgesia en cirugía torácica videoasistida / Analgesia in video-assisted thoracic surgery

Resumen: En los últimos años, la cirugía torácica videoasistida (VATS) se ha realizado con más frecuencia. Aunque la VATS reduce el dolor postoperatorio debido a sus incisiones más pequeñas, el control del dolor después de ésta sigue siendo un desafío. Hasta la fecha, no existen recomendaciones internacionales específicas para este procedimiento, en donde se ha demostrado que el dolor en las primeras 24 horas no difiere mucho del provocado por una toracotomía, dado que los drenajes son un común denominador entre ambos procedimientos y son causa principal de molestia importante entre los pacientes; razón por la cual deben implementarse medidas analgésicas que prevengan este tipo de dolor. Otra consideración importante es la persistencia del dolor, que puede ocasionar síndrome postoracotomía, que se asocia con una disminución significativa de la calidad de vida y a un aumento en la necesidad de medicamentos a largo plazo contra el dolor. El bloqueo eficaz de los aferentes neurales en el postoperatorio reduce el dolor agudo postoracotomía y, por lo tanto, puede entorpecer el desarrollo de dolor crónico. Por lo tanto, se ha sugerido un manejo multimodal efectivo enfocado al procedimiento específico para prevenir el dolor descontrolado en el postoperatorio inmediato; pero sobre todo, para limitar la persistencia de éste a largo plazo. Se debe procurar la utilizacion de técnicas regionales con anestésico local, como el bloqueo del plano erector spinae, el bloqueo paravertebral, el bloqueo serrato y el BRILMA (bloqueo de las ramas intercostales de la línea media axilar), de acuerdo a las necesidades de cada paciente, para lograr un buen alivio del dolor con la mínima administración sistémica de opiáceos, ya que esto mejorará la satisfacción del paciente y su recuperación al reducir los efectos secundarios relacionados con los opioides facilitando la movilización, la fisioterapia efectiva y el alta temprana (para ver el artículo completo visite http://www.painoutmexico.com).

Abstract: In recent years, video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) has been performed more frequently. Although VATS reduces postoperative pain due to its smaller incisions, pain control after this remains a challenge. Actually there are no specific international recommendations for this procedure where it has been shown that pain in the first 24 hrs does not differ much from that caused by thoracotomy, due to drains are a common denominator between both procedures and are a major cause of significant discomfort among patients, which is why they should have analgesic measures to prevent this type of pain. Another important consideration is the persistence of pain, which can cause post-thoracotomy syndrome that is associated with a significant decrease in quality of life and an increase in the need for long-term pain medication. Effective blockade of neural afferents in the postoperative period reduces acute post-thoracotomy pain and, therefore, may hinder the development of chronic pain. Therefore, effective multimodal management focused on the specific procedure has been suggested to prevent uncontrolled pain in the immediate postoperative period, but above all to limit its persistence in the long term. The use of regional techniques with local anesthetic, such as the blockade of the erector spinae plane, paravertebral block, serratus block and BRILMA (Intercostal branches of the mid-axillary line block), should be sought, according to the needs of each patient, to achieve good pain relief with minimal systemic administration of opioids, as this will improve patient satisfaction and recovery by reducing side effects related to facilitating mobilization, effective physiotherapy and early discharge (visit http://www.painoutmexico.com to see the full article and recommendations diagram).

Uso de coadyuvantes en dolor postoperatorio / Use of adjuvants in postoperative pain

Resumen: Los analgésicos coadyuvantes son compuestos que tienen una baja potencia analgésica. Sin embargo, la sinergia con opioides incrementa su efecto y favorece una reducción en los eventos adversos de los narcóticos para el control del dolor postoperatorio. Las estrategias ahorradoras de opioides están relacionadas con el efecto de una variedad de receptores, de los cuales podemos nombrar: los antagonistas NMDA como la ketamina, magnesio y dextrometorfano, los agonistas α-2 como la clonidina y la dexmedetomidina, los inhibidores de la subunidad α-2δ de los canales de calcio como la pregabalina y la gabapentina, los bloqueadores de los canales de sodio como la lidocaína y, finalmente, los glucocorticoides. En esta revisión se describirán las características, indicaciones, dosis y niveles de evidencia del uso de los coadyuvantes de uso intravenoso y regional en el contexto perioperatorio. (visite http://www.painoutmexico.com para ver artículo completo y Tablas).

Abstract: The adjuvant analgesics are compounds that have a low analgesic potency. However, with these compounds, the adverse effects of opioids may be diminished for the control of postoperative pain. Opioid-sparing strategies are related to the effect on a variety of receptors, of which we should name: the NMDA antagonists such as ketamine, magnesium and dextromethorphan, the α-2 agonists such as clonidine and dexmedetomidine, subunit α-2δ of calcium channels inhibitors; such as pregabalin and gabapentin, sodium channels blockers such as lidocaine and finally glucocorticoids. In this review we describe the characteristics, indications, doses and levels of evidence of use of adjuvants in the perioperative context (visit http://www.painoutmexico.com to see the full article and Tables).

Intervencionismo guiado por ultrasonido en cirugía torácica y pared abdominal / Ultrasound-guided intervention in thoracic surgery and abdominal wall

Resumen: Cada vez es más frecuente el uso de la ecografía para identificar las capas interfasciales, el cual ha llevado al desarrollo de varias técnicas de inyección para la analgesia del tórax y la pared abdominal. Para la realización de este tipo de abordajes es importante tener el conocimiento y dominio del ultrasonido, de los bloqueos troncales, anestésicos locales y toxicidad. Estos bloqueos interfasciales se desarrollaron como alternativas al bloqueo epidural, paravertebral, intercostal e intrapleural torácico, principalmente para la analgesia perioperatoria. En esta revisión incluimos diferentes abordajes guiados por ultrasonido como son el bloqueo del plano del erector espinal (ESP), el bloqueo del serrato anterior, bloqueo PEC1 y PEC2, bloqueo BRILMA, bloqueo paravertebral, bloqueo del plano del transverso abdominal (TAP), bloqueo del cuadrado lumbar, bloqueo de la vaina de los rectos. Se incluyen enlaces con videos para poder revisar la técnica, indicaciones y dosis (visite http://www.painoutmexico.com para ver artículo completo y videos).

Abstract: The increasing use of ultrasound to identify the interfascial layers has led to the development of several injection techniques for analgesia of the thorax and abdominal wall. For this type of approach it is important to have knowledge of ultrasound, trunk blocks, local anesthetics and toxicity. These interfascial blocks were developed as alternatives to epidural, paravertebral, intercostal and intrapleural thoracic block, mainly for perioperative analgesia. In this review, we include different approaches guided by ultrasound such as: erector spinae plane block (ESP), anterior serratus block, PEC1 and PEC2 block, BRILMA block, paravertebral block, transverse abdominal plane block (TAP), quadratus lumbar block (QLB) and rectus sheath block. Links with videos are included to review the technique, indications and dosage (visit http://www.painoutmexico.com obtain full version and videos).

Obesidad infantil: un nuevo enfoque para su estudio / Childhood obesity: a new approach to its study

Resumen La Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) ha catalogado la obesidad infantil como la mayor crisis de la salud pública en el mundo. En su informe de 2014 indica que se registraron cuarenta y dos millones de niños menores de 5 años con sobrepeso; de ellos, treinta y cinco millones viven en países en desarrollo. La obesidad infantil es una enfermedad que tiene como origen una cadena causal compleja, de etiología multifactorial, en la que interactúan factores individuales y contextuales; en ellos el niño se encuentra inmerso, y ejercen influencia sobre su comportamiento, en diversos entornos y en diferentes niveles de jerarquía. Esta revisión presenta una descripción de algunos estudios y esfuerzos realizados para caracterizar, prevenir y controlar la epidemia de obesidad en esta etapa del ciclo vital. Se propone, así mismo, un abordaje para el estudio de la obesidad, denominado 'Enfoque de sistemas complejos', el cual permite analizar cómo los factores individuales y contextuales se relacionan, y cómo esa interacción genera nuevas propiedades que no pueden explicarse a partir de los procedimientos habituales de análisis epidemiológico; para ello será necesario el trabajo en equipo, con enfoque multidisciplinario, que incluya médicos, pediatras, nutricionistas, epidemiólogos, salubristas, estadísticos, ingenieros, entre otros profesionales, que aporten sus conocimientos y habilidades, que permitan entender la obesidad como un fenómeno dinámico que requiere ser abordado con un enfoque integral e integrador, que trascienda la mirada reduccionista de los factores de riesgo del proceso salud - enfermedad. Solo entonces se podrá mejorar la capacidad para comprender la salud desde una perspectiva clásica hasta un sistema verdaderamente dinámico.

Summary The World Health Organization (WHO) has ranked childhood obesity as the greatest public health crisis in the world. In its 2014 report, it indicates that 42 million children under 5 are overweight, of whom 35 million live in developing countries. Childhood obesity is a disease, which has its origin in a complex causal chain of multifactorial etiology, where individual and contextual factors interact where the child is immersed. They exert influence on their behavior in different environments and at different levels of hierarchy. This review presents an overview of some studies and efforts carried out to characterize, prevent, and control the obesity epidemic in this stage of the life cycle. Likewise, it proposes, an approach to the study of obesity, called 'complex systems approach', which allows to analyze how individual and contextualfactors relate and how this interaction generates new properties that cannot be explained by the standard procedures that classical statistics offer. This will require work in interdisciplinary team, with a multidisciplinary approach involving physicians, pediatricians, nutritionists, epidemiologists, public health specialists, statisticians, engineers, and others who contribute their knowledge and skills to enable understanding obesity as a dynamic phenomenon, which needs to be approached by an integrative approach that transcends the reductionist view of the risk factors of the health disease process. Only then will it be possible to improve the capacity to understand health from a classical perspective to a truly dynamic system.

Programa de prevención de la enfermedad renal crónica basado en redes integradas de servicios en Colombia / Program for the prevention of chronic kidney disease based on integrated service networks in Colombia

RESUMEN Objetivo Los programas de prevención de la Enfermedad Renal Crónica (ERC) permiten controlar la morbimortalidad y/o retrasar el ingreso a terapia de reemplazo renal. Se documenta el diseño de un programa de prevención de la ERC y se describe cómo se integran los niveles primario y secundario de atención mediante la caracterización de una población admitida para prevención secundaria. Métodos La descripción del programa se realizó con base en una revisión documental. Para la caracterización de los pacientes participantes en el programa se utilizaron herramientas de estadística descriptiva. Resultados El diseño e implementación del programa de prevención se basó en la integración de redes de servicios y niveles de atención. Se detallan las actividades fundamentales del programa según el nivel de atención en el que se realizan. Un total de 3 487 pacientes fueron admitidos para control en el segundo nivel de atención por presentar tasa de filtración glomerular estimada <60 mil/min; 87,81 % de los pacientes ingresó en estadio 3 de la ERC con mediana de Tasa de Filtración Glomerular de 46,21mil/min; las principales causas de ERC fueron la hipertensión arterial y la diabetes. Al ingreso, 2 129 pacientes (61.05 %) tuvieron tensión arterial sistólica <140 mmHg y 3 091(88,64 %) diastólica <90mmHg; de 620 diabéticos con hemoglobina glicosilada, 357 (57,58 %) tuvieron valores <7,5 %. Conclusión Se diseñó e implementó un programa de prevención que permitió la integración de los niveles de atención para una intervención multidisciplinaria que logró la captación oportuna de pacientes y la continuidad en la atención para el mejor control de la ERC.(AU)

ABSTRACT Objective Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) prevention programs allow to control morbidity and/or delay renal replacement therapy. The design of a CKD prevention program is described, including highlights on how the primary and secondary levels of care interact with each other through the characterization of the population admitted for secondary prevention. Methods The description of the program was based on a literature review. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the patients participating in the program. Results The design and implementation of the prevention program was based on the integration of service networks and care levels. The main activities for the program were detailed according to the care level in which they performed. 3 487 patients in total were admitted for control at the second care level due to an estimated glomerular filtration rate of <60 mil/min; 87.81% of the patients were admitted with CKD stage 3 and a median glomerular filtration rate of 46.21mil/min. The main causes of CKD were hypertension and diabetes. On admission, 2 129 patients (61.05 %) had systolic blood pressure <140 mmHg and 3 091 (88.64 %) had diastolic blood pressure <90 mmHg; 357 (57.58 %), out of 620, diabetic patients with glycosylated hemoglobin presented values <7.5 %. Conclusion A prevention program was designed and implemented to allow the integration of care levels oriented to a multidisciplinary intervention, which ultimately managed to recognize patients and to give continuity to care provision for a better control of CKD.(AU)

Nutrition and physical activity transitions in the Ecuadorian Andes: Differences among urban and rural-dwelling women.

OBJECTIVES: The nutrition and physical activity transitions, characterized by increased consumption of high energy density foods and more sedentary lifestyles, are associated with increased obesity and hypertension in Ecuador. These transitions have been characterized primarily in urban areas, which may neglect variation in specific rural areas of Ecuador. Therefore we examined the extent of the differences in dietary and activity patterns, obesity prevalence, and blood pressure (BP) in urban and rural-dwelling women in the Ecuadorian central highlands. METHODS: Urban-dwelling women (UW, n = 198, mean age = 44 years) from three areas of a city of 250,000 residents and rural women (RW; n = 202, mean age = 47 years) from three remote communities in the same province (Chimborazo) were randomly selected and surveyed for dietary and activity practices, BP, and anthropometrics. RESULTS: Ninety percent of UW reported obtaining their food primarily from markets while 65% of RW women obtained their food primarily from their own cultivation. Cookies, cakes, candies, ice cream, and French fries were consumed more frequently by UW. RW reported lower consumption of beef, poultry, and chicken, as well as fruits, milk, and white rice. UW compared to RW women spent less time walking and in strenuous work activities. Obesity (BMI > 30 kg/m2 ) (UW = 18.7% vs RW = 9.2%) and hypertension (UW = 15.7%, RW= 3.0%) were more common in UW. Average systolic and diastolic BP was significantly higher in UW. CONCLUSIONS: The nutrition and physical activity transitions appear more evident in urban- compared to rural-dwelling women, and are associated with more obesity and higher BP.

Factores de riesgo para disfunción sistólica ventricular izquierda en adultos de un programa de salud global / Fatores de risco para disfunção sistólica ventricular esquerda em adultos de um programa de saúde global / Risk factors for left ventricular systolic dysfunction in adults from a global health program

INTRODUCCIÓN: La falla cardiaca, es un síndrome clínico habitualmente progresivo que con frecuencia comienza como disfunción sistólica ventricular izquierda y culmina con manifestaciones clínicas diversas de fallo de bomba y bajo gasto cardiaco hasta la muerte. OBJETIVO: Caracterizar los factores de riesgo que están asociados al desarrollo de disfunción sistólica ventricular izquierda y falla cardiaca secundaria como parte del espectro del síndrome de falla cardiaca en la población de Barranquilla-Colombia. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal con fuente secundaria de un estudio de salud global en la ciudad de Barranquilla-Colombia, en el que se hizo análisis univariado y bivariado para describir factores de riesgo asociados a la disfunción sistólica ventricular izquierda. RESULTADOS: Se obtuvieron las prevalencias de cuatro factores de riesgo asociados al desarrollo de disfunción sistólica ventricular izquierda: hipertensión arterial 29.7%, obesidad 26.5%, hiperglucemia 4.6%, hipercolesterolemia 8.2% en pacientes mayores de 40 años los cuales tienen mayor riesgo. DISCUSIÓN: Este estudio buscó llamar la atención sobre la disfunción sistólica ventricular izquierda, como una condición de descripción relativamente reciente y de potencial impacto en la salud de las poblaciones y los recursos de los sistemas de salud. CONCLUSIONES: La prevalencia de los factores de riesgo para este estado pre-clínico podría llegar a ser alta y estos pacientes ameritarían, según recomendación de cierta evidencia, tamización para disfunción sistólica ventricular izquierda, así como estudios adicionales son requeridos

INTRODUÇÃO: A insuficiência cardíaca é uma síndrome clínica habitualmente progressiva que, muitas vezes começa como disfunção sistólica ventricular esquerda e termina com diversas manifestações clínicas de falha da bomba e baixo débito cardíaco até a morte. OBJETIVO: Caracterizar os fatores de risco que estão associados ao desenvolvimento da disfunção sistólica ventricular esquerda e insuficiência cardíaca secundária como parte do espectro da síndrome de insuficiência cardíaca na população de Barranquilla-Colômbia. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Realizou-se um estudo descritivo de corte transversal, fonte secundária de um estudo da saúde global na cidade de Barranquilla-Colômbia, e foi realizada uma análise univariada e bivariada para descrever os fatores de risco associados à disfunção sistólica ventricular esquerda. RESULTADOS: Foram obtidas as prevalências de quatro fatores de risco associados ao desenvolvimento da disfunção sistólica ventricular esquerda: hipertensão arterial 29.7%, obesidade 26.5%, hiperglicemia 4.6%, hipercolesterolemia 8.2%, nos pacientes acima de 40 anos, os quais têm mais risco. DISCUSSÃO: Este estudo buscou chamar a atenção sobre a disfunção sistólica ventricular esquerda, como uma condição de descrição relativamente recente e de impacto potencial na saúde das populações e os recursos dos sistemas de saúde. CONCLUSÕES: A prevalência de fatores de risco para este estado pré-clínico poderia tornar-se alta, e estes doentes precisariam segundo a recomendação de algumas evidências, rastreio para disfunção sistólica ventricular

INTRODUCTION: Heart failure is a habitually progressive clinical syndrome that frequently starts as left ventricular systolic dysfunction and culminates with diverse clinical manifestations of pump failure and low cardiac output and even death. OBJECTIVE: The research sought to characterize the risk factors associated to the development of left ventricular systolic dysfunction and secondary heart failure as part of the spectrum of the heart failure syndrome in the population of Barranquilla-Colombia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with secondary source from a global health study in the city of Barranquilla-Colombia, which performed univariate and bivariate analysis to describe risk factors associated to left ventricular systolic dysfunction. RESULTS: The study obtained the prevalence of four risk factors associated to the development de left ventricular systolic dysfunction: arterial hypertension (29.7%), obesity (26.5%), hyperglycemia (4.6%), and hypercholesterolemia (8.2%) in patients over 40 years of age, who are at higher risk. DISCUSSION: This study sought to draw attention on the left ventricular systolic dysfunction, as a condition of relatively recent description and of potential impact on the health of populations and the resources of health systems. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of risk factors for this pre-clinical state could be high and these patients would merit, per recommendation of certain evidence, screening for left ventricular systolic dysfunction, as well as additional studies are required