The health, economic and social burden of smoking in Argentina, and the impact of increasing tobacco taxes in a context of illicit trade.

Tobacco tax increases, the most cost-effective measure in reducing consumption, remain underutilized in low and middle-income countries. This study estimates the health and economic burden of smoking in Argentina and forecasts the benefits of tobacco tax hikes, accounting for the potential effects of illicit trade. Using a probabilistic Markov microsimulation model, this study quantifies smoking-related deaths, health events, and societal costs. The model also estimates the health and economic benefits of different increases in the price of cigarettes through taxes. Annually, smoking causes 45,000 deaths and 221,000 health events in Argentina, costing USD 2782 million in direct medical expenses, USD 1470 million in labor productivity loss costs, and USD 1069 million in informal care costs-totaling 1.2% of the national gross domestic product. Even in a scenario that considers illicit trade of tobacco products, a 50% cigarette price increase through taxes could yield USD 8292 million in total economic benefits accumulated over a decade. Consequently, raising tobacco taxes could significantly reduce the health and economic burdens of smoking in Argentina while increasing fiscal revenue.

Estimating the Effectiveness of Health Warnings on Cigarette Packaging in Nigeria: A Modeling Study.

INTRODUCTION: Tobacco consumption is associated with nearly 30 000 deaths annually in Nigeria alongside other adverse health and economic effects. Our objective was to estimate the health and economic implications of the current cigarette labeling policies (text-only HWs); new health warnings policies in the country (adding graphic health warnings with up to 60% coverage), and plain packaging policy as recommended by the World Health Organization. AIMS AND METHODS: We used a probabilistic state-transition individual microsimulation model, considering natural history, healthcare costs, and quality-of-life losses associated with main tobacco-attributable diseases; and the potential effects of packaging and labeling policies. We used three scenarios: (1) text-only health warnings (HWs) covering 50% of the pack, (2) introduction of graphic HWs of 50% (and later increasing to 80%) of the pack, and (3) plain packaging with HWs covering 80% of the pack. RESULTS: A total of 748 deaths are averted in the current situation; 7478 and 14 208 deaths can be averted with the new policy and with plain packaging, respectively. The number of cardiac, cerebrovascular, and cancer events that could be averted by adopting text and graphic HWs are 3093, 5093, and 1346, respectively; increasing to 5876, 9676, and 2557, respectively, with plain packaging. Up to 251 794 years were lost because of early deaths and disability, and ₦144.6 billion (USD 469 million) in health costs could be saved with HWs covering 50% to 80% of the pack over 10 years. With plain packaging and graphic HWs covering 80% of the package 478,408 years and ₦274.7 billion (USD 895 million) would be saved. CONCLUSIONS: The new cigarette labeling policy in Nigeria may yield significant health and economic benefits over 10 years. Moving the current policy to plain packaging can significantly improve these benefits. IMPLICATIONS: The new cigarette labeling policy that Nigeria is implementing should aim to achieve 100% compliance with its current regulation and the logical next step: Plain packaging with large warnings. The present study adds evidence of the potential health effects and cost savings of these levels of implementation, which is valuable for local policymakers.

Health, economic and social burden of tobacco in Latin America and the expected gains of fully implementing taxes, plain packaging, advertising bans and smoke-free environments control measures: a modelling study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the tobacco-attributable burden on disease, medical costs, productivity losses and informal caregiving; and to estimate the health and economic gains that can be achieved if the main tobacco control measures (raising taxes on tobacco, plain packaging, advertising bans and smoke-free environments) are fully implemented in eight countries that encompass 80% of the Latin American population. DESIGN: Markov probabilistic microsimulation economic model of the natural history, costs and quality of life associated with the main tobacco-related diseases. Model inputs and data on labour productivity, informal caregivers' burden and interventions' effectiveness were obtained through literature review, surveys, civil registrations, vital statistics and hospital databases. Epidemiological and economic data from January to October 2020 were used to populate the model. FINDINGS: In these eight countries, smoking is responsible each year for 351 000 deaths, 2.25 million disease events, 12.2 million healthy years of life lost, US$22.8 billion in direct medical costs, US$16.2 billion in lost productivity and US$10.8 billion in caregiver costs. These economic losses represent 1.4% of countries' aggregated gross domestic products. The full implementation and enforcement of the four strategies: taxes, plain packaging, advertising bans and smoke-free environments would avert 271 000, 78 000, 71 000 and 39 000 deaths, respectively, in the next 10 years, and result in US$63.8, US$12.3, US$11.4 and US$5.7 billions in economic gains, respectively, on top of the benefits being achieved today by the current level of implementation of these measures. CONCLUSIONS: Smoking represents a substantial burden in Latin America. The full implementation of tobacco control measures could successfully avert deaths and disability, reduce healthcare spending and caregiver and productivity losses, likely resulting in large net economic benefits.

Health and economic burden of disease of sugar-sweetened beverage consumption in four Latin American and Caribbean countries: a modelling study.

OBJECTIVE: Overweight and obesity are important contributors to the non-communicable disease burden. The consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) has been associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), cardiovascular disease, cancer and other conditions. The objective of this study was to estimate the burden of disease attributable to the consumption of SSBs and the costs to the healthcare systems in Argentina, Brazil, El Salvador, and Trinidad and Tobago. DESIGN: Following a systematic review of models, a comparative risk assessment framework was developed to estimate the health and economic impact associated with the consumption of SSBs. SETTING: Argentina, Brazil, El Salvador, and Trinidad and Tobago. PARTICIPANTS: Overall population. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: The model estimated the effects of SSB consumption on health through two causal pathways: one mediated by body mass index (BMI) and health conditions associated with BMI and another that reflected the independent effects of SSB consumption on T2DM and cardiovascular diseases. RESULTS: The model results indicated that for all four countries, in 1 year, SSB consumption was associated with 18 000 deaths (3.2% of the total disease-related deaths), seven million disease events (3.3% of the total disease-related events), a half-million DALYs and US$2 billion in direct medical costs. This included 1.5 million cases of overweight and obesity in children/adolescents (12% of the excess weight cases) and 2.8 million cases in adults (2.8%); 2.2 million cases of type 2 diabetes (19%); 200 000 cases of heart disease (3.8%); 124 000 strokes (3.9%); 116 000 cases of musculoskeletal disease (0.2%); 102 000 cases of kidney disease (0.9%); and 45 000 episodes of asthma (0.4%). The Trinidad and Tobago population were the most affected by disease events. CONCLUSIONS: The study results indicate that the consumption of SSBs is associated with a significant burden of disease and death in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Making visible the cost of informal caregivers' time in Latin America: a case study for major cardiovascular, cancer and respiratory diseases in eight countries.

BACKGROUND: Informal care is a key element of health care and well-being for society, yet it is scarcely visible and rarely studied in health economic evaluations. This study aims to estimate the time use and cost associated with informal care for cardiovascular diseases, pneumonia and ten different cancers in eight Latin American countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico and Peru). METHODS: We carried out an exhaustive literature review on informal caregivers' time use, focusing on the selected diseases. We developed a survey for professional caregivers and conducted expert interviews to validate this data in the local context. We used an indirect estimate through the interpolation of the available data, for those cases in which we do not found reliable information. We used the proxy good method to estimate the monetary value of the use of time of informal care. National household surveys databases were processed to obtain the average wage per hour of a proxy of informal caregiver. Estimates were expressed in 2020 US dollars. RESULTS: The study estimated approximately 1,900 million hours of informal care annually and $ 4,300 million per year in average informal care time cost for these fifteen diseases and eight countries analyzed. Cardiovascular diseases accounted for an informal care burden that ranged from 374 to 555 h per year, while cancers varied from 512 to 1,825 h per year. The informal care time cost share on GDP varied from 0.26% (Mexico) to 1.38% (Brazil), with an average of 0.82% in the studied American countries. Informal care time cost represents between 16 and 44% of the total economic cost (direct medical and informal care cost) associated with health conditions. CONCLUSIONS: The study shows that there is a significant informal care economic burden -frequently overlooked- in different chronic and acute diseases in Latin American countries; and highlights the relevance of including the economic value of informal care in economic evaluations of healthcare.

Catatonia and Delirium: Assessment of Comorbidity, Prevalence, and Therapeutic Response in Medically Ill Inpatients From a University Hospital.

BACKGROUND: Catatonia is a cluster of motor features present in multiple psychiatric and clinical diseases. It may be confused with delirium because both entities are classified according to the type and degree of psychomotor activity. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, criteria for catatonia secondary to medical conditions exclude comorbid catatonia and delirium; besides, there have been increasing reports about a comorbid presentation. This study aimed to describe the prevalence of comorbid catatonia and delirium, the therapeutic response to lorazepam, and the clinical characteristics of patients with an earlier diagnosis of delirium. METHODS: A total of 120 consecutive patients at a university hospital with an earlier diagnosis of delirium were evaluated using the Delirium Scale (confusion assessment method for the intensive care unit) and the Bush-Francis Catatonia Rating Scale for catatonia. In cases of a positive diagnosis of catatonia or catatonia/delirium, a therapeutic trial with intramuscular lorazepam was performed. FINDINGS: Thirty-one patients (26%) were positive for both catatonia and delirium, and 8 patients (7%) had catatonia. Sixty-six patients (55%) were positive only for delirium, and 5 patients (4%) were negative for delirium and catatonia. Lorazepam tests were applied on 22 patients. One in 9 patients with catatonia/delirium responded positively to lorazepam. Patients with catatonia had a 60% positive response rate. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study on lorazepam use in catatonia-delirium patients; however, further studies are needed to determine the safety and efficacy of lorazepam in these patients. Catatonia and catatonia/delirium are underdiagnosed in inpatient wards and should be routinely assessed in patients with an altered mental status.

Exploring gender disparities in the disease and economic tobacco-attributable burden in Latin America.

Introduction: Tobacco use has significant health consequences in Latin America, and while studies have examined the overall impact, the gender-specific effects have not been thoroughly researched. Understanding these differences is crucial for effective tobacco control policies. The objective of this study was to explore the differences in tobacco-attributable disease and economic burden between men and women in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, and Peru. Methods: We used a previously validated economic model to quantify the impact of tobacco-related illnesses, including morbidity, mortality, healthcare costs, productivity losses, informal care expenses, and DALYs, by gender and age. We utilized data from national surveys, records, studies, and expert opinions to populate the model. Results: In 2020, there were 351,000 smoking-attributable deaths. Men accounted for 69% and women 31%. Ecuador and Mexico had the highest male-to-female death ratio, while Peru and Chile had the smallest disparities. 2.3 million tobacco-related disease events occurred, with 65% in men and 35% in women. Ecuador and Mexico had higher disease rates among men, while Peru had a more balanced ratio. Regarding DALYs, men lost 6.3 million due to tobacco, while women lost 3.3 million, primarily from COPD, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Brazil and Mexico had the highest DALY losses for both genders. Costa Rica had a lower male-to-female tobacco use prevalence ratio but ranked second in deaths, disease events, and DALYs attributed to tobacco. Colombia had a unique pattern with a male-to-female death ratio of 2.08 but a higher ratio for disease events. The health systems spent $22.8 billion to treat tobacco-attributable diseases, with a male-to-female cost ratio 2.15. Ecuador showed the greatest gender cost difference, while Peru had the lowest. Productivity loss due to tobacco was $16.2 billion, with Ecuador and Mexico exhibiting the highest gender disparities and Peru the lowest. Informal care costs amounted to $10.8 billion, with men incurring higher costs in Ecuador, Costa Rica, and Mexico. Discussion: Tobacco causes significant health and economic burdens in Latin America, with gender-based differences. There is a need for gender-disaggregated data to improve tobacco control policies.

Carga de enfermedad y económica atribuible al consumo de bebidas azucaradas en El Salvador / Burden of disease and economic burden attributable to the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages in El Salvador / Carga de morbidade e econômica atribuível ao consumo de bebidas açucaradas em El Salvador

RESUMEN Objetivo. Estimar la carga de enfermedad y económica atribuible al consumo de bebidas azucaradas en El Salvador. Métodos. Se utilizó un modelo de riesgos comparativos para estimar los efectos en muertes, eventos de salud, años perdidos por muerte prematura y discapacidad (AVAD), y costos médicos directos atribuibles al consumo de bebidas azucaradas. Resultados. Un total de 520 muertes (8 cada 100 000 individuos), 214 082 eventos en salud (3 220 cada 100 000 individuos) y 16 643 AVAD podrían ser atribuibles al consumo de bebidas azucaradas en El Salvador, lo que representa $69,35 millones (dólar americano) en costos médicos directos para el año 2020. En particular, los eventos de diabetes tipo 2 (DBT2) atribuibles al consumo de bebidas azucaradas podrían llegar a representar más del 20% del total de casos de DBT2 para el país. Conclusión. Un elevado número de muertes, eventos y costos podrían atribuirse al consumo de bebidas azucaradas en El Salvador.

ABSTRACT Objective. To estimate the burden of disease and economic burden attributable to the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages in El Salvador. Methods. A comparative risk model was used to estimate the effects on deaths, health events, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and direct medical costs attributable to the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages. Results. A total of 520 deaths (8 per 100 000 individuals), 214 082 health events (3 220 per 100 000 individuals) and 16 643 DALYs could be attributable to the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages in El Salvador, representing US$69.35 million in direct medical costs for the year 2020. In particular, type 2 diabetes (T2DM) events attributable to the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages could represent more than 20% of total T2DM cases in the country. Conclusion. A high number of deaths, events, and costs could be attributed to the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages in El Salvador.

RESUMO Objetivo. Estimar a carga de morbidade e econômica atribuível ao consumo de bebidas açucaradas em El Salvador. Métodos. Foi utilizado um modelo de risco comparativo para estimar os efeitos sobre óbitos, eventos de saúde, anos perdidos devido a morte prematura ou vividos com incapacidade (AVAI) e custos médicos diretos atribuíveis ao consumo de bebidas açucaradas. Resultados. Um total de 520 mortes (8 por 100 00 indivíduos), 214 082 eventos de saúde (3 220 por 100 000 indivíduos) e 16 643 AVAI podem ser atribuídos ao consumo de bebidas açucaradas em El Salvador, o que representa US$ 69,35 milhões em custos médicos diretos para o ano de 2020. Os eventos de diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2) atribuíveis ao consumo de bebidas açucaradas, em especial, podem representar mais de 20% do total de casos de DM2 no país. Conclusões. Um número elevado de mortes, eventos de saúde e custos pode ser atribuído ao consumo de bebidas açucaradas em El Salvador.

The estimated benefits of increasing cigarette prices through taxation on the burden of disease and economic burden of smoking in Nigeria: A modeling study.

BACKGROUND: Globally, tobacco consumption continues to cause a considerable burden of preventable diseases. Although the smoking prevalence in Nigeria may be declining over the last years, the absolute number of active smokers remains one of the highest in Africa. Little is known about the disease burden and economic costs of cigarette smoking in Nigeria. Consequently, there is an evidence gap to inform the design and implementation of an effective policy for tobacco control. METHODS: We applied a microsimulation model to estimate the burden attributable to smoking in terms of morbidity, mortality, disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), and direct medical costs and indirect costs (e.g., productivity loss costs, informal caregivers' costs). We also modeled the health and economic impact of different scenarios of tobacco price increases through taxes. RESULTS: We estimated that smoking is responsible for approximately 29,000 annual deaths in Nigeria. This burden corresponds to 816,230 DALYs per year. In 2019, the total economic burden attributable to tobacco was estimated at ₦ 634 billion annually (approximately U$D 2.07 billion). If tobacco cigarettes' prices were to be raised by 50% through taxes, more than 30,000 deaths from smoking-attributable diseases would be averted in 10 years, with subsequent savings on direct and indirect costs of ₦597 billion and increased tax revenue collection of ₦369 billion. CONCLUSION: In Nigeria, tobacco is responsible for substantial health and economic burden. Increasing tobacco taxes could reduce this burden and produce net economic benefits.

Intercambio desde los cigarrillos convencionales a los sistemas electrónicos de administración de nicotina: revisión sistemática rápida con metaanálisis y aspectos económicos / Switching from cigarettes to electronic nicotine delivery system: rapid systematic review and meta-analysis and economic aspects

RESUMEN Objetivos. Evaluar cómo y en qué medida se produce un intercambio desde los cigarrillos convencionales (CC) a los sistemas electrónicos de administración de nicotina (SEAN). Materiales y métodos. Se realizó una revisión sistemática hasta agosto de 2019. El desenlace primario fue la proporción de un intercambio completo o parcial de CC a los SEAN y sus aspectos económicos. Los desenlaces secundarios como medidas de resultado fueron la probabilidad de intercambio y la tendencia en el intercambio por países. Resultados. Se encontraron 3628 referencias y se incluyeron 49 estudios con datos epidemiológicos y económicos. Los estudios económicos sobre la elasticidad cruzada de precios mostraron que los CC son parcialmente intercambiables por SEAN. La mayoría de los estudios reportaron que la prevalencia del consumo de cigarrillos electrónicos se incrementó con el tiempo. Tres estudios reportaron una reducción significativa de los CC consumidos por día entre fumadores duales (convencionales más SEAN) en comparación con los consumidores de CC. El odds ratio ajustado y combinado de dejar los CC entre consumidores de SEAN en comparación con quienes nunca consumieron o lo hicieron en el pasado fue de 1,19 (IC95%: 1,09-1,30; heterogeneidad 0%). Los estudios longitudinales mostraron una creciente prevalencia del uso de cigarrillos electrónicos, principalmente en adolescentes. Se encontró una relación negativa entre el consumo y aumento de precio de CC y electrónicos. Conclusión. La probabilidad de dejar de fumar CC entre consumidores habituales de SEAN se incrementó respecto a los consumidores que nunca o que solían consumir SEAN. Estudios económicos reportaron que los cigarrillos electrónicos son parcialmente intercambiables por los CC.

ABSTRACT Objectives. To assess how and in what extent the electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) use substituted the consumption of traditional combustible cigarettes (c-cigarettes, c-cig). Materials and Methods. We performed a systematic review of the literature up to August 2019 in scientific databases. Primary outcomes were proportion of complete or partial substitution of conventional to electronic cigarettes and related economic aspects. Secondary outcomes were odds ratio of substitution and country-wise time trends. Results. We retrieved 3,628 references and included 49 studies, providing economic and epidemiological data. Economic studies of cross-price elasticity showed that combustible cigarettes are partially substitutable for electronic cigarettes. Most studies reported that electronic cigarettes consumption prevalence increased over time. Three studies reported a significant reduction of combustible cigarettes consumed per day among dual users (combustible- plus electronic- cigarettes users) versus combustible-cigarettes users. The pooled adjusted odds ratio of quitting combustible cigarettes among electronic cigarettes users versus never or past electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes, e-cig) users was 1.19 (95% confidence interval 1.09 to 1.30; heterogeneity score 0%). Longitudinal studies showed globally a growing prevalence of electronic cigarettes use, mainly in adolescents. A negative relationship between consumption and price increase of electronic and combustible cigarettes was found. Conclusion. The chance of quitting smoking combustible cigarettes among current electronic nicotine delivery systems users was increased with respect to never- or past- electronic nicotine delivery systems users. Economic studies reported that electronic cigarette is partially substitutable for combustible cigarettes.

Prevalencia de estrés, síndrome de desgaste profesional, ansiedad y depresión en médicos de un hospital universitario durante la pandemia de COVID-19 / Prevalence of stress, burnout syndrome, anxiety and depression among physicians of a teaching hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introducción. Los trabajadores de la salud se encuentran sometidos a una gran tensión en el desarrollo de sus actividades, lo que genera alta frecuencia de estrés, desgaste laboral e impacto psicopatológico. La pandemia de COVID-19 podría provocar un incremento de estas entidades en los médicos. El objetivo fue describir la frecuencia de estrés, síndrome de desgaste profesional (burnout), ansiedad y depresión durante la pandemia, y analizar las asociaciones con distintas variables independientes. Métodos. Estudio observacional, transversal, realizado dos meses después del inicio de la cuarentena en Argentina. Se encuestó a médicos de especialidades clínicas, quirúrgicas, solo de emergencias, y a aquellos sin contacto directo con pacientes, mediante un cuestionario sociodemográfico y tres inventarios autoadministrados: Health Professions Stress Inventory, Maslach Burnout Inventory y la Escala de ansiedad y depresión hospitalaria. Resultados. La prevalencia de estrés fue del 93,7 % (IC95 %: 90,33-96,2), burnout 73,5 % (IC95 %: 68,2-78,4), ansiedad 44 % (IC95 %: 38,4-49,8) y depresión 21,9 % (IC95 %: 17,3-26,9). No se observó asociación entre la frecuencia y el tipo de especialidad realizada. La frecuencia de burnout, ansiedad y depresión fue significativamente mayor en los médicos residentes y en aquellos que trabajan en emergencias. Conclusiones. Los médicos residentes y quienes trabajan en emergencias en turnos de 24 horas mostraron porcentajes significativamente más altos de burnout, ansiedad y depresión, en comparación con médicos de planta y con aquellos en posiciones de liderazgo. Estos hallazgos pueden estar asociados con una mayor carga de trabajo y una menor experiencia. Es mandatorio tomar medidas preventivas y terapéuticas para preservar a quienes hacen frente a esta pandemia.

Introduction. Health care workers experience a tremendous strain while performing their activities, very frequently leading to stress, burnout syndrome, and psychopathological impact. The COVID-19 pandemic may cause physicians to suffer these effects even to a greater extent. Our objective was to describe the frequency of stress, burnout syndrome, anxiety, and depression during the pandemic, and analyze the associations with different independent outcome measures. Methods. Observational, cross-sectional study conducted 2 months after the lockdown was established in Argentina. Clinical specialists, surgeons, emergency physicians, and those with no direct contact with patients were surveyed using a sociodemographic questionnaire and 3 self-administered inventories: Health Professions Stress Inventory, Maslach Burnout Inventory, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Results. The prevalence of stress was 93.7 % (95 % confidence interval [CI]: 90.33-96.2), burnout syndrome 73.5 % (95 % CI: 68.2-78.4), anxiety 44 % (95 % CI: 38.4-49.8), and depression 21.9 % (95 % CI: 17.3-26.9). No association was observed between the frequency and medical specialty. The frequency of burnout syndrome, anxiety, and depression was significantly higher among residents and physicians working in the emergency department. Conclusions. Residents and emergency physicians working 24-hour shifts showed significantly higher percentages of burnout syndrome, anxiety, and depression compared to staff and head physicians. These findings may be associated with a higher workload and less experience. It is compulsory to take preventive and therapeutic measures to protect those in the pandemic front line.

Switching from cigarettes to electronic nicotine delivery system: rapid systematic review and meta-analysis and economic aspects. / Intercambio desde los cigarrillos convencionales a los sistemas electrónicos de administración de nicotina: revisión sistemática rápida con metaanálisis y aspectos económicos.

OBJECTIVES.: To assess how and in what extent the electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) use substituted the consumption of traditional combustible cigarettes (c-cigarettes, c-cig). MATERIALS AND METHODS.: We performed a systematic review of the literature up to August 2019 in scientific databases. Primary outcomes were proportion of complete or partial substitution of conventional to electronic cigarettes and related economic aspects. Secondary outcomes were odds ratio of substitution and country-wise time trends. RESULTS.: We retrieved 3,628 references and included 49 studies, providing economic and epidemiological data. Economic studies of cross-price elasticity showed that combustible cigarettes are partially substitutable for electronic cigarettes. Most studies reported that electronic cigarettes consumption prevalence increased over time. Three studies reported a significant reduction of combustible cigarettes consumed per day among dual users (combustible- plus electronic- cigarettes users) versus combustible-cigarettes users. The pooled adjusted odds ratio of quitting combustible cigarettes among electronic cigarettes users versus never or past electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes, e-cig) users was 1.19 (95% confidence interval 1.09 to 1.30; heterogeneity score 0%). Longitudinal studies showed globally a growing prevalence of electronic cigarettes use, mainly in adolescents. A negative relationship between consumption and price increase of electronic and combustible cigarettes was found. CONCLUSION.: The chance of quitting smoking combustible cigarettes among current electronic nicotine delivery systems users was increased with respect to never- or past- electronic nicotine delivery systems users. Economic studies reported that electronic cigarette is partially substitutable for combustible cigarettes.

OBJETIVOS.: Evaluar cómo y en qué medida se produce un intercambio desde los cigarrillos convencionales (CC) a los sistemas electrónicos de administración de nicotina (SEAN). MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS.: Se realizó una revisión sistemática hasta agosto de 2019. El desenlace primario fue la proporción de un intercambio completo o parcial de CC a los SEAN y sus aspectos económicos. Los desenlaces secundarios como medidas de resultado fueron la probabilidad de intercambio y la tendencia en el intercambio por países. RESULTADOS.: Se encontraron 3628 referencias y se incluyeron 49 estudios con datos epidemiológicos y económicos. Los estudios económicos sobre la elasticidad cruzada de precios mostraron que los CC son parcialmente intercambiables por SEAN. La mayoría de los estudios reportaron que la prevalencia del consumo de cigarrillos electrónicos se incrementó con el tiempo. Tres estudios reportaron una reducción significativa de los CC consumidos por día entre fumadores duales (convencionales más SEAN) en comparación con los consumidores de CC. El odds ratio ajustado y combinado de dejar los CC entre consumidores de SEAN en comparación con quienes nunca consumieron o lo hicieron en el pasado fue de 1,19 (IC95%: 1,09-1,30; heterogeneidad 0%). Los estudios longitudinales mostraron una creciente prevalencia del uso de cigarrillos electrónicos, principalmente en adolescentes. Se encontró una relación negativa entre el consumo y aumento de precio de CC y electrónicos. CONCLUSIÓN.: La probabilidad de dejar de fumar CC entre consumidores habituales de SEAN se incrementó respecto a los consumidores que nunca o que solían consumir SEAN. Estudios económicos reportaron que los cigarrillos electrónicos son parcialmente intercambiables por los CC.

Parámetros esenciales para utilizar en modelos epidemiológicos de COVID-19 en Argentina Una revisión rápida / Essential parameters for use in epidemiological models of COVID-19 in Argentina: a rapid review

INTRODUCCIÓN: Los modelos de simulación para COVID-19 requieren una serie de parámetros epidemiológicos que varían en base a cuestiones propias de cada región y al momento de la pandemia que se esté atravesando. OBJETIVO: Esta revisión rápida presenta los parámetros epidemiológicos esenciales potencialmente utilizables en Argentina. MÉTODOS: Se realizó una búsqueda en las principales bases de datos y en buscadores de artículos en estado de preimpresión (preprints) de parámetros relacionados con la propagación del virus y evolución de la enfermedad, y el uso del sistema de salud. Para revisar los artículos seleccionados se utilizó una herramienta de evaluación de calidad apropiada al diseño del estudio. RESULTADOS: De las variables relacionadas con la propagación y evolución; el período de incubación es de 5,8 días (intervalos de confianza [IC95%]: 4,83-6,85), el período de infecciosidad es de 6,25 días (IC95%: 5,09-7,51), el número básico de reproducción es de 3,32 (IC95%: 3,24-3,39), y la tasa de fatalidad en pacientes infectados fue de 0,64% (IC95%: 0,5-0,78). De las variables relacionadas con el uso del sistema de salud, el tiempo de internación hospitalaria es de 5 días (rango intercuartílico [RIC]: 3-9), el tiempo de internación en una unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI) es de 7 días (RIC: 4-11), el porcentaje de pacientes internados que requieren de UCI es de 26% (IC95%: 20-33) y, de estos, el porcentaje que requieren de ventilación mecánica es de 69% (IC95%: 61-75). DISCUSIÒN: Estudios recientes y datos de acceso públicos a nivel nacional muestran valores distintos a los relevados de la bibliografía internacional. La información recolectada en este trabajo puede contribuir a informar futuros modelamientos y tableros de control para predecir la dinámica de la epidemia en Argentina.

Estrés, Agotamiento Profesional y Psicopatología en médicos de planta y con cargos jerárquicos de un Hospital Universitario de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires / STRESS, PROFESSIONAL EXHAUSTION, AND PSYCHOPATHOLOGY IN GENERAL PRACTITIONERS AND WITH HIERARCHICAL POSITIONS OF A UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL OF THE CITY OF BUENOS AIRES

Si bien el estrés en el trabajo puede afectar a muchas ocupaciones, los profesionales de la salud tienen una mayor predisposición a desarrollarlo. Asimismo, el estrés a largo plazo puede llevar a padecer el Síndrome de Agotameinto Profesional (Burnout). Alguien que padezca alguna de estas entidades puede presentar signos de psicopatología. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar la prevalencia de estrés laboral, síndrome de agotamiento profesional generalizado y psicopatología en médicos de planta y con cargos jerárquicos en un Hospital Universitario. La prevalencia de estrés en la muestra analizada fue del 85,95%; la prevalencia del Síndrome de Agotamiento Profesional fue del 72,9% y la psicopatología del 10%. Todos los encuestados con resultados positivos del cuestionario GHQ-12 obtuvieron puntuaciones positivas para el estrés y el síndrome de agotamiento. Por lo tanto, esta situación necesita acciones y soluciones inmediata

Although stress at work can affect many occupations, health professionals have a greater predisposition to develop it. Likewise, long-term stress may lead to suffering from Professional Burnout Syndrome. Someone who suffers from any of these entities may have signs of psychopathology. The objective of this work was to determine the prevalence of work-related stress, burnout syndrome and psychopathology in staff medical doctors and with hierarchical positions in a University Hospital. The prevalence of stress in the analyzed sample was 85.95%; the prevalence of the Professional Burnout Syndrome was 72.9%, and psychopathology was 10%. All respondents with positive results from the GHQ-12 questionnaire had positive scores for stress and burnout syndrome. Therefore, this situation needs immediate action and solutions

The validation of the Bush-Francis Catatonia Rating Scale to Spanish. Argentinian version.

he present study aims to validate the Spanish version of the Bush Francis Catatonia Rating Scale (BFCRS).

Polineuropatía desmielinizante inflamatoria crónica en paciente diabética con sífilis / Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy in a diabetic patient with syphilis

La polineuropatía desmielinizante inflamatoria crónica (PDIC) se presenta generalmente con síntomas motores, debilidad tanto en los músculos proximales como en los distales con reflejos globalmente disminuidos o ausentes. La neuritis insulínica es un trastorno caracterizado por dolor agudo de las extremidades, y daño de los nervios periféricos con afectación predominante de las fibras pequeñas, en los pacientes diabéticos sometidos a un rápido control glucémico. El dolor es raro en la PDIC clásica. Describimos el caso de una mujer de 54 años con diabetes mellitus (DB) tipo II, en tratamiento reciente con insulina, que consultó por un cuadro de debilidad e hiperalgesia de los cuatro miembros de dos meses de evolución. Al examen físico presentaba dolor de intensidad 10/10 y alodinia en los cuatro miembros, a niveles proximal y distal, con fuerza muscular reducida de los músculos proximales y arreflexia patelar y aquilea bilateral. Se realizó un estudio electrofisiológico, el cual mostró una polineuropatía sensitiva y motora desmielinizante. Se indicó tratamiento con inmunoglobina humana recombinante, con total remisión del cuadro. Estudios realizados posteriormente demostraron positividad débil de los anticuerpos GM1, GD1a, GD1b y anti-asialo GM1. Previo al alta hospitalaria se recibieron los resultados de VDRL sérica positiva, y FTA-Abs. VDRL en líquido cefalorraquídeo fue negativa por lo que se descartó neurosífilis, indicándose tratamiento con penicilina benzatínica.

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a disorder characterized by motor symptoms such as weakness in both proximal and distal muscles with globally diminished or absent reflexes. Insulin neuritis is referred as an acute pain in the extremities, due to the damage of peripheral nerves affecting mainly small fibers, in diabetic patients treated with insulin who achieved rapid glycemic control. Pain is unusual in classic CIDP. We report the case of a 54-year-old female patient with type II diabetes mellitus, and a recent onset of insulin therapy, who presented at the emergency room with a 2-month history of weakness and hyperalgesia of extremities. Physical examination showed marked pain and proximal and distal allodynia in the 4 limbs, with reduced muscle strength of the proximal muscles and patellar and achillear areflexia. Electrophysiological study showed sensory and motor polyneuropathy with a demyelinating predominance. Treatment with recombinant human immunoglobin was started, and the patient presented a total remission of the condition. Complementary studies confirmed weak serum positivity of GM1, GD1a, GD1b and anti-asialo GM1. Prior to hospital discharge, results of positive serum VDRL and FTA-Abs were received. VDRL in cerebrospinal fluid was negative, so neurosyphilis was ruled out, and treatment with benzathine penicillin was indicated.