Prognostic factors of progressive fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis: a large, retrospective, multicentre, observational cohort study.

Background: Fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (fHP) is an immune-mediated interstitial lung disease caused by sensitisation to chronic allergen inhalation. This study aimed to determine prognostic indicators of progression and mortality in fHP. Methods: This was a retrospective, multicentre, observational, cross-sectional cohort study of consecutive patients diagnosed with fHP from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2021. Multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals for predictors of progression and survival. Results: A total of 403 patients were diagnosed with fHP: median (interquartile range) age 66.5 (14.0) years, 51.9% females and 55.1% never-smokers. The cause of fHP was mainly fungal (39.7%) or avian (41.4%). Lung biopsy was performed in 269 cases (66.7%). In the whole cohort the variables that were related to mortality or lung transplant were older age (HR 1.08; p<0.001), percentage predicted forced vital capacity (HR 0.96; p=0.001), lymphocytosis in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) (HR 0.93; p=0.001), presence of acute exacerbation during follow-up (HR 3.04; p=0.001) and GAP (gender, age and lung physiology) index (HR 1.96; p<0.01). In the group of biopsied patients, the presence of fibroblastic foci at biopsy (HR 8.39; p<0.001) stands out in multivariate Cox regression analyses as a highly significant predictor for increased mortality or lung transplant. GAP index (HR 1.26; p=0.009), lymphocytosis in BAL (HR 0.97; p=0.018) and age (HR 1.03; p=0.018) are also predictors of progression. Conclusions: The study identified several prognostic factors for progression and/or survival in fHP. The presence of fibroblastic foci at biopsy was a consistent predictor for increased mortality and the presence of lymphocytosis in BAL was inversely related to mortality.

Una actualización: caracterización epidemiológica de tasa de egresos hospitalarios por aborto espontáneo en el periodo 2018-2021, en Chile / An update: epidemiological characterization of hospital discharge rate due to spontaneous abortion during 2018-2021 term, in Chile

Introducción: El aborto espontáneo (AE) es la interrupción natural del embarazo antes de la viabilidad fetal. El objetivo es comparar la tasa de egresos hospitalarios (TEH) por AE entre los años 2018-2021 en Chile. Materiales y métodos: Se llevó a cabo un estudio observacional y ecológico. Los datos de egresos hospitalarios por AE en Chile entre 2018-2021 (n=18.658) según edad, clasificación y días de estadía hospitalaria se obtuvieron desde el Departamento de Estadísticas e Información de Salud. Se calculó la TEH, y no se requirió comité de ética. Resultados: Del total de egresos por AE, la tasa disminuyó un 16,84% entre 2018-2020. El rango etario de 20-44 años registró la mayor TEH con 131,75/100.000 habitantes. Los AE incompletos sin complicaciones presentaron la mayor cantidad de egresos (10.490). La infección genital y pelviana mostró el mayor promedio de días de estadía hospitalaria entre 2018-2021, con 2,82-3,3 días. Discusión: La TEH por AE disminuyó en los años 2018-2020, posiblemente atribuible a una reducción de los embarazos. La mayor TEH por AE se encuentra entre los 20-44 años, donde la frecuencia de trisomías embrionarias y la fecundidad aumenta. La mayor cantidad de egresos por AE incompleto sin complicaciones podría explicarse por una mayor consulta asistencial. La infección genital y pelviana se asoció a más días de hospitalización debido al tipo de manejo brindado. En conclusión, este estudio, al ser representativo de la realidad nacional, brinda una actualización epidemiológica y caracterización del AE en la población, buscando incentivar futuras investigaciones sobre el impacto del AE en la población chilena.

Introduction: Spontaneous abortion (SA) is the natural termination of pregnancy before fetal viability. The objective is to compare the rate of hospital discharges (RHD) due to SA between the years 2018-2021 in Chile. Material and Methods: Observational, ecological study. The data on hospital discharges due to SA in Chile between 2018-2021 (n=18,658) according to age, classification, and days of hospital stay were obtained from the Department of Statistics and Health Information. RHD was calculated, and no ethics committee was required. Results: Of the total discharges due to SA, the rate decreased by 16.84% between 2018-2020. The age range of 20-44 years registered the highest RHD with 131.75/100,000 populations. Incomplete SA without complications presented the highest number of discharges (10,490). Genital and pelvic infection presented the highest average number of days of hospital stay between 2018-2021 with 2.82-3.3 days. Discussion: The RHD for SA decreased in the years 2018-2020, possibly attributable to a reduction in pregnancies. The highest RHD for SA is found between 20-44 years, where the frequency of embryonic trisomies and fertility increases. The greater number of discharges due to incomplete SA without complications could be explained by greater care consultation. Genital and pelvic infection was associated with more days of hospitalization due to the type of management provided. In conclusion, the present study, being representative of the national reality, provides an epidemiological update and characterization of SA in the population, seeking to encourage future research on the impact of SA in the Chilean population.

Profundulus chimalapensis, una nueva especie de pez ciprinodóntido (Cyprinodontiformes: Profundulidae) del Río Coatzacoalcos, México / Profundulus chimalapensis, a new species of cyprinodontid fish (Cyrpinodontiformes: Profundulidae) from the Coatzacoalcos River, Mexico

Introducción: El género Profundulusse considera endémico de la región Mesoamericana, desde el centro-sur del estado de Guerrero hasta la parte central de Honduras, habita principalmente en las cuencas superiores y cabeceras de los ríos de la vertiente Pacífica, con una menor diversidad en la Atlántica. Objetivo: En este trabajo, basado en la comparación morfológica, proponemos una nueva especie, Profundulus chimalapensis sp. nov., confinada a México. Métodos: Se recolectaron ejemplares en los tributarios de la cuenca superior del Río Coatzacoalcos y se depositaron en colecciones de referencia. Se tomaron datos morfológicos (conteos, mediciones y características esqueléticas) y se compararon con especies relacionadas. Resultados: La nueva especie se diferencia de sus congéneres por tener la siguiente combinación de caracteres: 12-15 radios en la aleta dorsal, 14-17 radios anales y 13-16 pectorales; banda de color oscuro en los costados; aleta anal con un margen distal claro; margen anterior y posterior del proceso alveolar del premaxilar cóncavo; procesos epióticos cortos y anchos; base de la aleta anal grande, su longitud igual o mayor a la del pedúnculo caudal. Conclusión: La descripción de esta nueva especie de Profundulus de la vertiente atlántica del Istmo de Tehuantepec, sugiere que esta área ha sido un centro de especiación para el género.

Introduction: The genus Profundulus is considered a Mesoamerican endemic fish which spreading occurs, from the center-south of the state of Guerrero, Mexico, to the central part of Honduras. They mainly inhabit the upper basins and headwaters of the rivers of the Pacific slope, with less diversity in the Atlantic. Objective: This paper, based on morphological comparison we propose a new species, Profundulus chimalapensis sp. nov., confined to Mexico. Methods: Specimens were collected in the tributaries of the upper basin of the Coatzacoalcos River and were deposited in scientific collections. Morphological data (counts, measurements and skeletal features) were taken and compared with related species. Results: The new species differs from its congeners by having the following combination of characters: 12-15 dorsal-fin rays, 14-17 anal- and 13-16 pectoral-fin rays; dark colored stripe on the flanks; anal fin with a clear distal margin; anterior and posterior margin of the alveolar process of the premaxilla concave; pair of short and wide epiotic processes; and large anal fin base, equal to or greater than length of caudal peduncle. Conclusion: The description of this new Profundulus species from Atlantic side of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec suggests that this area has been a center of speciation for the genus.

Pancreatitis por citomegalovirus en inmunocomprometidos. Reporte de casos / Cytomegalovirus pancreatitis in inmunocompromised patients: a case report

Se reporta dos casos de pancreatitis secundaria a la infección por citomegalovirus confirmado por reacción en cadena de la polimerasa en tiempo real (PCR-RT) en pacientes portadores del virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH). Se descartaron otras causas mediante exámenes auxiliares. Ambos pacientes fueron tratados con ganciclovir y se obtuvo una mejoría tanto clínica como en los exámenes auxiliares. Esta patología no debe pasar desapercibida en pacientes VIH positivos a pesar de no presentar la característica clínica de pancreatitis aguda.

Concordancia entre las habilidades, conocimientos y labores de médicos peruanos recién egresados con respecto a su propia percepción de las características de un buen médico / Concordance among Peruvian physician’ s skills, knowledge and activities according to their own perception of the characteristics of a good physician

Introducción: Durante el entrenamiento profesional las personas reconocen algunas características que idealmente deberían de ser obtenidas al egreso universitario; sin embargo, no necesariamente todas ellas son alcanzadas. Objetivo: Evaluar la concordancia entre las características propias de los médicos peruanos que realizarán el Servicio Rural Urbano Marginal de Salud con las características idóneas que debería tener un buen médico según el criterio propio de cada encuestado. Materiales y Métodos: Se llevó a cabo un estudio de corte transversal en una muestra de 281 médicos. Se midió la concordancia entre las habilidades, conocimientos y labores que declaraban los participantes y las que debería poseer un buen médico según su propia percepción utilizando un cuestionario estructurado de 26 ítems. Se evaluó la concordancia con el índice Kappa de Fleiss y las diferencias de puntajes con el test de signos y rangos de Wilcoxon. Resultados: El 45,6% fueron varones, 69,6% estudiaban en una universidad privada, 78,9% admiraban a un médico y 27,3% elegiría la misma especialidad que dicha persona. Si bien la puntuación media obtenida en cada ítem fue significativamente menor en la evaluación propia de los participantes frente al puntaje idóneo en la totalidad de ítems evaluados, existió una importante proporción que reconoce haber logrado esas capacidades y en otros casos haber superado lo requerido. Conclusiones: La concordancia encontrada en las diversas características fue de pobre a aceptable. Algunos médicos consideran que aún no han desarrollado aspectos clave como liderazgo, empatía, comunicación y capacidad de escuchar. Se sugiere realizar estudios para evaluar si estas características varían durante los años de práctica tras el egreso.

Introduction: Everyone recognize certain features a good professional should have and every person hopes future professionals would have them. Objective: To evaluate the concordance between recently graduated Peruvian doctors’ characteristics and the features a good doctor should have according to each respondent’s criteria. Methods: A Cross-Sectional study among 318 physicians assessed the concordance of their declared skills, abilities, knowledge and activities (26 items) in comparison with the characteristics a good doctor should possess according to their own perception, using a Likert Scale. Concordance was evaluated applying Kappa index and the difference in scores was assessed using Wilcoxon test. Results: 45.6% of the participants were male and 69.6% studied in a private university. Total score was lower in participants’ self-assessment in comparison to the ideal score in all items studied (p<0.001), Kappa values ranged between 0.11 and 0.34. There were no gender differences (p>0.05). 78.9% admires a doctor and 27.3% would choose the same specialty as that person. Conclusion: A fair concordance was found between the characteristics participants have and those they thought a good doctor should have. Some physicians consider that they have not yet developed important aspects such as leadership, empathy, communication and listening capacity. We suggest carrying out new studies in order to evaluate if these characteristics differ after some years of medical practice.

Publicación de los trabajos presentados a los congresos científicos de estudiantes de medicina, Perú 2002-2009: características y factores asociados. / Publication of summaries presented at the scientific congresses of medical students, Peru 2002-2009: characteristics and related factors.

Objetivos. Determinar la proporción de publicación de los resúmenes presentados a los congresos científicos nacionales de estudiantes de medicina de Perú entre los años 2002 y 2009 y sus factores asociados. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó una cohorte retrospectiva, se evaluó las características de todos los resúmenes presentados y se determinó si habían sido publicados en revistas científicas utilizando una estrategia de búsqueda validada con Google Académico. Se calculó los riesgos relativos (RR), crudos y ajustados mediante la regresión de Poisson con varianza robusta para evaluar asociación con los factores analizados. Resultados. Se analizó 532 resúmenes; 52 (9,8%) fueron publicados en revistas científicas luego de su participación en el congreso; en todos los casos fue en revistas peruanas y en español. La principal revista donde se publicaron fue (CIMEL) (13/52). La mediana del tiempo de publicación fue de 13 meses (rango: 0-75). El que un alumno de la Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (RR: 5,18; IC95%:2,3-11,6) sea autor del resumen y que el resumen sea de autoría colaborativa entre alumnos de dos universidades (RR: 3,64; IC95%:1,1-11,7) son factores asociados en el análisis multivariado. Conclusiones. La proporción de publicación de resúmenes presentados a los congresos científicos nacionales de estudiantes de medicina de Perú es baja. Se deben implementar nuevas medidas y reforzar las existentes para incentivar una mayor publicación de los trabajos presentados.

Objectives. To determine the publication rate of abstracts submitted at the national scientific meetings of medical students in Peru between 2002 and 2009, and associated factors. Materials and methods. A retrospective cohort was performed; the characteristics of overall abstract submitted were assessed. In addition, whether they were published in scientific journals was determined by way of a search strategy validated using Google Scholar. Crude and adjusted relative risks (RR) were calculated using Poisson regression with robust variance to assess association with the analyzed factors. Results. 532 abstracts were analyzed, 52 (9.8%) of which were published in scientific journals after their presentation at a scientific meeting. All of them were published in Peruvian journals written in Spanish. The most important journal in which they were published was Ciencia e Investigación Médica Estudiantil Latinoamericana (CIMEL) (13/52). The median of publication time was 13 months (range: 0-75). The fact that a student from the Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (RR: 5.18; CI95%:2.3-11.6) is the author of the abstract and that the abstract was collaboratively written by students from two universities (RR: 3.64; CI95%:1.1-11.7) are associated factors in the multivariate analysis. Conclusions. The publication rate of abstract submitted at national scientific meetings of medical students in Peru is low. New strategies should be taken, and the existing ones should be reinforced in order to increase the publication rate of the abstract submitted.

Factors associated with anti-tuberculosis medication adverse effects: a case-control study in Lima, Peru.

BACKGROUND: Long-term exposure to anti-tuberculosis medication increases risk of adverse drug reactions and toxicity. The objective of this investigation was to determine factors associated with anti-tuberculosis adverse drug reactions in Lima, Peru, with special emphasis on MDR-TB medication, HIV infection, diabetes, age and tobacco use. METHODOLOGY AND RESULTS: A case-control study was performed using information from Peruvian TB Programme. A case was defined as having reported an anti-TB adverse drug reaction during 2005-2010 with appropriate notification on clinical records. Controls were defined as not having reported a side effect, receiving anti-TB therapy during the same time that the case had appeared. Crude, and age- and sex-adjusted models were calculated using odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). A multivariable model was created to look for independent factors associated with side effect from anti-TB therapy. A total of 720 patients (144 cases and 576 controls) were analyzed. In our multivariable model, age, especially those over 40 years (OR = 3.93; 95%CI: 1.65-9.35), overweight/obesity (OR = 2.13; 95%CI: 1.17-3.89), anemia (OR = 2.10; IC95%: 1.13-3.92), MDR-TB medication (OR = 11.1; 95%CI: 6.29-19.6), and smoking (OR = 2.00; 95%CI: 1.03-3.87) were independently associated with adverse drug reactions. CONCLUSIONS: Old age, anemia, MDR-TB medication, overweight/obesity status, and smoking history are independent risk factors associated with anti-tuberculosis adverse drug reactions. Patients with these risk factors should be monitored during the anti-TB therapy. A comprehensive clinical history and additional medical exams, including hematocrit and HIV-ELISA, might be useful to identify these patients.

Prevalencia y factores asociados con síntomas depresivos en estudiantes de ciencias de la salud de una Universidad privada de Lima, Perú 2010 / Prevalence and asociated factors WITH depresive symptoms in Health Sciences students from a private university in Lima, Peru 2010

Introducción. Los síntomas depresivos en estudiantes de ciencias de la salud son comunes y podrían ser potencialmente perjudiciales. Objetivos. Determinar la prevalencia de síntomas depresivos y sus factores asociados en los estudiantes de la Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud de la Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas, Lima (Perú), junio 2010. Materiales y métodos. Estudio analítico transversal; se realizó una encuesta previo consentimiento informado a 590/869 estudiantes. Para medir la variable de respuesta (síntomas depresivos) se usó la escala de Zung abreviada. Se empleó la regresión logística múltiple para evaluar los factores asociados, considerando un nivel de significancia de p<0,05. Resultados. La edad media fue 18,97 ± 2,45 años; 71,1 por ciento fueron mujeres; 19,6 por ciento fueron migrantes y 62,5 por ciento fueron de la carrera de medicina. La prevalencia de síntomas depresivos fue 31,2 por ciento en la población y de 33,6 por ciento en estudiantes de medicina. No se encontró asociación en el análisis bivariado con el sexo, carrera de estudio, si ha repetido cursos, si vive solo o si es migrante (p>0,05). En el análisis multivariado, se encontró asociación con la inconformidad de su rendimiento académico (OR=2,13; IC95 por ciento:1,47-3,08), inconformidad con la situación económica actual (OR=1,93; IC95 por ciento:1,24-2,99) y vivir con un familiar externo a la familia nuclear (OR=1,62; IC95 por ciento:1,07-2,45). Conclusión. Existe una alta prevalencia de síntomas depresivos en la población estudiada, especialmente en los alumnos de la carrera de medicina, siendo la inconformidad con el rendimiento académico, con su economía y vivir con un familiar externo a la familia nuclear, factores asociados que podrían tomarse en cuenta para trabajar programas preventivos.

Introduction. Depressive symptoms in health sciences students are common, these might be potentially detrimental. Objectives. To determine the prevalence of depressive symptoms and its associated factors in students from the Health Sciences Faculty of the Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas in Lima (Peru), June 2010. Materials and methods. Cross-sectional analytic study; a pre-consented survey was applied to the population 590/869 students. Zung’s abbreviated scale was used to measure depressive symptoms. To evaluate de associated factors, logistic regression was used, p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results. The mean age was 18.97 ± 2.45 years and 71.1 percent were women, 19.6 percent were migrants and 62.5 percent were medical students. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 31.2 percent in the whole population and in medical students was 33.6 percent. Depressive symptoms were not associated in bivariate analysis with sex, career, having failed a course, living alone or being a migrant (p>0.05). In the multivariate analysis, significant statistical association was found between depressive symptoms and dissatisfaction with the own academic performance (OR=2.13 CI95 percent1.47-3.08), dissatisfaction with the current economic status (OR=1.93 CI95 percent1.24-2.99) and living with a relative external to the nuclear family (OR=1.62 CI95 percent1.07-2.45). Conclusion. A high prevalence of depressive symptoms was found, especially in medical students; being dissatisfaction with academic performance, economic status and living with a relative external to the nuclear family associated factors that could be taken into account in order to build preventive programs.

Treatment of uncomplicated hydatid cyst of the liver by closed marsupialization and fibrin glue obliteration.

Treatment of hepatic echinococcosis remains a surgical problem not only in endemic countries. Between January 1983 and December 1999 a total of 29 patients underwent surgical treatment for hepatic hydatidosis at the Department of General Surgery at the University Hospital of Granada. The diagnosis was based on clinical criteria, serology, and imaging techniques. There were 16 male and 12 female patients (ages 7-67 and 30-74 years, respectively). Concomitant extrahepatic complications were found in seven patients. Among them, five had secondary parasitic cysts in the peritoneal cavity. In one case an intrathoracic rupture was found, and one patient suffered an intraabdominal rupture with anaphylactic shock. The right lobe was affected in 62% (18 patients). Hepatic cysts were multiple in 4 cases and calcified in 13. Conservative surgical procedures were performed in 23 patients (closed marsupialization with fibrin glue obliteration in 17 and drainage-marsupialization in 6), and radical surgical procedures were undertaken in 6 (pericystectomy in 5 and hemihepatectomy in 1). One patient underwent an explorative laparotomy with intraabdominal lavage followed by pericystectomy after primary resuscitation due to anaphylactic shock. The mean period of hospitalization was 15.9 days, and there were no serious postoperative complications or fatal outcomes. The perioperative morbidity rate was 2.5%. One patient suffered a recurrence of the disease following drainage marsupialization after an interval of 5 years. Our results indicate that the closed marsupialization technique is a safe, sparing method for treating uncomplicated hepatic hydatidosis. The results were also compared to those of a former study reported by our group in which the experience of another 19 years was presented.