Proportion of cancer cases and deaths attributable to potentially modifiable risk factors in Peru.

BACKGROUND: Limited evidence exists on the population attributable fraction (PAF) of cancer cases and deaths in Latin America. In Peru several studies have been published regarding the PAF of various risk factors and their associated diseases. The objective of this study was to estimate the fraction of cancer cases and deaths attributable to potentially modifiable risk factors in Peru in 2018, before the COVID-19 pandemic in the population of 15 years old and older. METHODS: An ecological study was conducted using the prevalence of exposure of the Peruvian population to modifiable risk factors for cancer, the relative risk associated with each factor, and the number of cancer cases and deaths in 2018 as inputs. We used the Parkin formula with a Montecarlo statistical simulation model to calculate the PAF and confidence intervals. The number of new cancer cases and deaths attributed to each risk factor was determined by multiplying the number of cases and deaths in each gender by the PAF of each risk factor. FINDINGS: In Peru, 38.5% of new cases (34.5% in men and 42% in women) and 43.4% of cancer-related deaths (43.4% in men and 43.4% in women) were attributable to modifiable risk factors. The number of cancers attributable was 25,308 (10,439 in men and 14,869 in women) and the number of deaths attributable to cancer was 14,839 (6,953 in men and 7,886 in women). The predominant modifiable risk factors contributing to the highest number of cases and deaths were HPV infection (4,563 cases, 2,409 deaths), current tobacco use (3,348 cases, 2,180 deaths), and helicobacter pylori infection (2,677 cases, 1,873 deaths). Among the risk factors, oncogenic infections constituted the group with the highest PAF (16.6% for cases, 19.2% for deaths) followed by other unhealthy lifestyle factors (14.2% for cases, 16.7% for deaths), tobacco (7.2% for cases, 7.2% for deaths) and ultraviolet radiation (0.5% for cases, 0.3% for deaths). CONCLUSIONS: Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, 38.5% of cancer cases and 43.4% of cancer-related deaths in Peru were linked to modifiable risk factors in the population of 15 years old and older. Most preventable cancer cases and deaths were related to oncogenic infections, primarily caused by HPV and helicobacter pylori, followed by tobacco and obesity.

Factors Associated with Symptoms of Depression among People with Obesity: Analysis of a 3-Year-Peruvian National Survey.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity and depression contribute to the global burden of economic cost, morbidity, and mortality. Nevertheless, not all people with obesity develop depression. OBJECTIVE: To determine the factors associated with depressive symptoms among people aged 15 or older with obesity from the National Demographic and Family Health Survey (ENDES in Spanish 2019-2021). METHODS: Cross-sectional analytical study. The outcome of interest was the presence of depressive symptoms, assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Crude (cPR) and adjusted (aPR) prevalence ratios were estimated using GLM Poisson distribution with robust variance estimates. RESULTS: The prevalence of depression symptoms was 6.97%. In the multivariate analysis, a statistically significant association was found between depressive symptoms and female sex (PRa: 2.59; 95% CI 1.95-3.43); mountain region (PRa: 1.51; 95% CI 1.18-1.92); wealth index poor (PRa: 1.37; 95% CI 1.05-1.79, medium (PRa: 1.49; 95% CI 1.11-2.02), and rich (PRa: 1.65; 95% CI 1.21-2.26); daily tobacco use (PRa: 2.05, 95% CI 1.09-3.87); physical disability (PRa: 1.96, 95% CI 1.07-3.57); and a history of arterial hypertension (PRa: 2.05; 95% CI 1.63-2.55). CONCLUSION: There are several sociodemographic factors (such as being female and living in the Andean region) and individual factors (daily use of tobacco and history of hypertension) associated with depressive symptoms in Peruvian inhabitants aged 15 or older with obesity. In this study, the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with an increase in depressive symptoms.

Arsenicism by Chronic Exposure to Mine Tailings in Peru: An Analysis of 17 Cases with Lesions on Skin and/or Annexes.

Objective: To characterize the epidemiology and clinical manifestations of arsenicism from chronic exposure to mine tailings in people with lesions on their skin and/or annexes in two mining districts in the highlands of Peru. Materials and Methods: In this case series study, we included 17 people that presented arsenical lesions in skin and annexes which were identified in two prior studies. We evaluated age, occupation, place of exposure, time of exposure, time of disease, manifestations on skin and annexes, location of lesions, severity, and 24-hour urine clearance of arsenic. Results: The average time of exposure was 16.5 ± 14.7 years, and the average length of disease was 9.8 ± 8.1 years. In this study, 70.6% were men, 41.2% were farmers and 17.6% were underage. The most frequent main manifestations in skin and annexes were plantar keratosis (23.5%), palmar (11.8%), palmoplantar (11.8%) and thoracic keratosis (5.9%). Other manifestations were palmoplantar keratosis with thoracic hyperpigmentation (17.6%), Mees' lines (17.6%) and hyper/hypopigmentation in thorax and back (11.8%). With relation to the severity of lesions, 35.3% were grade 1 (mild), 29.4 % were grade 0 (asymptomatic), 29.4 % were grade 2 (moderate), and 5.9% were grade 3 (severe). The median of 24-hour urine clearance of arsenic was 55 µg/L/24 hours. No cases of skin cancer were presented. Conclusion: The studied cases of arsenicism with lesions on skin and/or annexes by exposure to mine tailings present with differential characteristics in comparison to other forms of arsenicism such as less severity, lower urine clearance of arsenic, and absence of skin cancer cases.

Equipos de respuesta rápida de vigilancia epidemiológica: Mitigación de la pandemia de coronavirus en Perú, 2020 / Rapid Response Teams For Epidemiological Surveillance: Mitigation Of The Coronavirus Pandemic In Peru, 2020

El 30 de enero de 2020, con más de 9,700 casos confirmados en China, la Organización Mundial de la Salud declaró que el brote de coronavirus era una emergencia de salud pública de importancia internacional. A fines de enero el Centro Nacional de Epidemiologia, Prevención y Control de Enfermedades (CDC-Perú)del Ministerio de Salud elaboró el "Plan Nacional de Preparación y Respuesta frente a la Introducción del coronavirus 2019-nCoV", donde uno de los componentes estratégicos fue fortalecer la respuesta epidemiológica a través de acciones de mitigación que permitan la identificación temprana de casos, diagnóstico, seguimiento de contactos e identificación de personas con condiciones de riesgo.

On January 30, 2020, with more than 9,700 confirmed cases in China, the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak to be a public health emergency of international concern. At the end of January, the National Center for Epidemiology, Prevention and Control of Diseases (CDC-Peru) of the Ministry of Health prepared the "National Plan of Preparation and Response to the Introduction of the coronavirus 2019-nCoV", where one of the strategic components was strengthen the epidemiological response through mitigation actions that allow early identification of cases, diagnosis, follow-up of contacts and identification of people with risk conditions.

Estudio de Factibilidad para Evaluar la Proporción de Cáncer Atribuible a Factores de Riesgo Modificables en el Perú y Latinoamérica / Feasibility Study To Evaluate The Proportion Of Cancer Attributable To Modifiable Factors Of Risk In Peru And Latin America

Objetivo: Evaluar la factibilidad y validar de la propuesta metodológica para estimar la incidencia y mortalidad por cáncer atribuible a factores de riesgo modificables para el Perú y Latinoamérica. Métodos: Estudio piloto, ecológico a partir de fuentes secundarias. Se buscó y seleccionó los factores de riesgo modificables, prevalencia de exposicion, los riesgos relativos de dichos factores (RR) o una aproximación mediante la razón de posibilidades (OR). La información fue consignada en una ficha de recolección de datos la cual fue validada mediante juicio de expertos. Para el cálculo de la Fracción Atribuible Poblacional (FAP) se ensayó la fórmula planteada por Parkin y se desarrolló un modelo de simulación estadística con el software R. Studio V. 3.6.1. Resultados: En el Perú se cuenta con estudios de prevalencia para la mayoría de factores de riesgo modificables; asimismo, se dispone en Latinoamérica de estudios con estimaciones de OR para varios de los factores; sin embargo hubo que utilizar estudios de los Estados Unidos para los factores restantes. No hallamos estudios nacionales de radiaciones ionizantes ni ultravioleta. Se ensayó la sintaxis del modelo de simulación estadística la cual mostró ser válida y consistente con los resultados de estudios internacionales de FAP encontrándose dentro de los rangos de los estudios publicados. Conclusión: Es factible y viable realizar estudios de FAP de factores de riesgo modificables para cáncer en países de Latinoamérica, particularmente en el Perú, donde se cuenta con la información requerida para su estimación.

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of the methodological proposal to estimate the incidence and mortality due to cancer attributable to modifiable risk factors for Peru and Latin America. Methods: Pilot study, ecological from secondary sources. Modifiable risk factors, exposure prevalence, relative risks of these factors (RR) or an approximation by means of possibilities ratio (OR) were searched and selected. The information was recorded in a data collection form which was validated by expert judgment. For the calculation of the Population Attributable Fraction (FAP), the formula proposed by Parkin was tested and a statistical simulation model was developed with R. Studio V. 3.6.1 software. Results: In Peru there are prevalence studies for the majority of modifiable risk factors; Likewise, studies with OR estimates for several of the factors are available in Latin America; however, studies from the United States had to be used for the remaining factors. No national studies of ionizing or ultraviolet radiation were found. The syntax of the statistical simulation model was tested, which proved to be valid and consistent with the results of international FAP studies within the ranges of published studies. Conclusion: It is feasible and viable to carry out PAF studies of modifiable risk factors for cancer in Latin American countries, particularly in Peru, where the information required for its estimation is available.

Presentación del documento técnico "Análisis de la situación del cáncer en el Perú, 2018" / Presentation Of The Technical Document: Analysis Of The Situation Of Cancer In Peru 2018

El diseño y planificación de las intervenciones de prevención y control así como la evaluación de las intervenciones ya implementadas requieren un análisis situacional a partir de diversos sistemas y fuentes de información que permitan dirigir y priorizar los recursos hacia las poblaciones más vulnerables y/o desfavorecidas. Los análisis de situación de salud constituyen una herramienta poderosa para la identificación de necesidades y prioridades siendo esenciales para la construcción de políticas en salud. El 27 de diciembre de 2019, el Centro Nacional de Epidemiología, Prevención y Control de Enfermedades presentó en el Paraninfo del Ministerio de Salud el "Análisis de la situación del cáncer en el Perú, 2018". Dicho documento técnico busca contribuir en base al análisis de datos de diversas fuentes de información al diseño de las intervenciones de prevención y control del cáncer en el país, particularmente en la formulación del Plan Nacional de Cuidados Integrales del Cáncer 2020-2024 que representa la continuación del Plan Esperanza.

The design and planning of prevention and control interventions as well as the evaluation of interventions already implemented require a situational analysis based on various systems and sources of information that allow directing and prioritizing resources to the most vulnerable and / or disadvantaged populations. Health situation analyzes constitute a powerful tool for the identification of needs and priorities, being essential for the construction of health policies. On December 27, 2019, the National Center for Epidemiology, Disease Prevention and Control presented in the Paraninfo of the Ministry of Health the "Analysis of the situation of cancer in Peru, 2018". This technical document seeks to contribute based on the analysis of data from various sources of information to the design of cancer prevention and control interventions in the country, particularly in the formulation of the National Plan for Comprehensive Cancer Care 2020-2024 which represents the continuation of the Hope Plan.

Cutaneous Manifestations of Zika in Peru.

This article aims to describe the cutaneous manifestations observed in the Zika epidemic in Peru during 2016 and 2017, as well as discuss the potential differential diagnoses. During the outbreak, the main reason for seeking medical advice was the development of a pruriginous maculopapular rash with a marked papular component, which started on the chest and later generalized to the rest of the body. Similar manifestations were noted in adults, children, and pregnant women. Other manifestations such as conjunctivitis, edema, or petechiae on the palate were rare. We suggest that in areas that are endemic for arboviral infections, in the differential diagnosis of a rash one must consider infections such as dengue, Zika, or chikungunya viruses. In nonendemic areas, the diagnosis is more difficult, as the rash may result from other viral infections not transmitted by arthropods and/or reactive or inflammatory diseases (urticaria, atopic dermatitis, systemic lupus erythematosus). We recommend that primary care health personnel are trained in the recognition of the mucocutaneous lesions caused by Zika virus infection, which could contribute to the identification of suspicious cases, particularly pregnant women.

Índice linfocito/monocito como factor pronóstico en linfoma células grandes B difuso en un hospital nacional de Lima-Perú, período 2010-2017 / Index lymphocyte/monocite as a pronosis factor in lymphoma large cells diffuse, Edgardo Rebagliati Martins Hospital 2010-2017

Objetivo: Evaluar el valor pronostico del índice linfocito monocito (ILM) en la sobrevida global de los pacientes con Linfoma de células grandes B difuso (LCGBD) del Hospital Edgardo Rebagliati Martins. Métodos: Estudio longitudinal retrospectivo. Se incluyó a los casos de LCGBD diagnosticados en el Hospital Nacional Edgardo Rebagliati Martins durante el período 2010-2017. No se realizó muestreo, se trabajó con la totalidad de la población que cumplió con los criterios de selección por ser esta pequeña y accesible. Se revisó las historias clínicas de los pacientes obteniéndose información del tiempo en meses de supervivencia, del ILM así como de variables sociodemográficas, clínicas y de laboratorio. Resultados: Se incluyó en el análisis a 121 pacientes con LCGBD; de ellos, el 57% eran de sexo femenino y 66.1% eran mayores de 60 años. De acuerdo al Status Zubrod, el 66,5% correspondieron al grado de mejor pronóstico y el 59.5% presento sintomas B asociados. Cerca del 60% fueron diagnosticados en estadios I y II y el 57% presento compromiso extraganglionar. El análisis bivariado con el modelo de riesgos proporcionales de Cox mostró que el ILM<2 constituyó un predictor de la supervivencia global del LCGBD (p=0,011) estimándose un HR=2.2 (IC 95%: 1.2-4.1); asimismo, un ILM< 1,7 también constituyó predictor (p=0,009) estimándose un HR=2.2 (IC 95%: 1.2-4.1). El ILM<2,7 no constituyó predictor de la supervivencia global. Conclusión: El ILM podría utilizarse como un índice pronóstico debido a que constituye un predictor de la supervivencia global de los pacientes con LCGBD del Hospital Nacional Edgardo Rebagliati Martins.

Objetive: To evaluate the prognostic value of the monocyte lymphocyte index (ILM) in the overall survival of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (LCGBD) of the Edgardo Rebagliati Martins Hospital. Methods: Retrospective longitudinal study. We included cases of LCGBD diagnosed in the National Hospital Edgardo Rebagliati Martins during the period 2010-2017. No sampling was done, we worked with the entire population that met the selection criteria because it is small and accessible. The patients' clinical histories were reviewed, obtaining information about the time in months of survival, ILM, as well as sociodemographic, clinical and laboratory variables. Results: 121 patients with LCGBD were included in the analysis; of them, 57% were female and 66.1% were older than 60 years. According to the Zubrod Status, 66.5% corresponded to the degree of better prognosis and 59.5% presented associated B symptoms. About 60% were diagnosed in stages I and II and 57% presented extranodal involvement. The bivariate analysis with the Cox proportional hazards model showed that the ILM <2 constituted a predictor of the overall survival of the LCGBD (p = 0.011), estimating HR = 2.2 (95% CI: 1.2-4.1); likewise, an ILM <1.7 was also a predictor (p = 0.009) with an estimated HR = 2.2 (95% CI: 1.2-4.1). ILM <2.7 was not a predictor of overall survival.. Conclusion: The ILM could be used as a prognostic index because it is a predictor of the overall survival of patients with LCGBD of the Edgardo Rebagliati Martins National Hospital.

Oxidative stress in patients with endemic pemphigus foliaceus and healthy subjects with anti-desmoglein 1 antibodies

Abstract: Background: Previous studies have shown oxidative stress in pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus, nevertheless, it remains unknown whether a similar response is characteristic of endemic pemphigus foliaceus in Peru. Objectives: To determine the oxidative stress response in endemic pemphigus foliaceus patients and subjects with positive for anti-desmoglein1 antibodies (anti-dsg1) from endemic areas of Peru. Subjects and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. The study population included 21 patients with Endemic Pemphigus foliaceus and 12 healthy subjects with anti-dsg1 antibodies from the Peruvian Amazon (Ucayali), as well as 30 healthy control subjects. Malondialdehyde, an indicator of lipid peroxidation by free radicals, was measured in serum. Results: We collected 21 cases of endemic pemphigus foliaceus, 15 of them with active chronic disease and 6 in clinical remission. Serum malondialdehyde values in patients with chronic active evolution and healthy subjects with anti-dsg1 antibodies were statistically higher than those of healthy controls (p<0.001). There was no significant difference between serum values of localized and generalized clinical forms. Study limitations: The main limitation of this present study is the small number of patients with endemic pemphigus and healthy subjects positive for desmoglein 1 antibodies. Conclusions: The increased serum levels of malondialdehyde in patients with chronic active endemic pemphigus foliaceus and healthy subjects from endemic areas with anti-dsg1 antibodies may suggest a contribution of systemic lipid peroxidation in the pathogenesis of endemic pemphigus foliaceus.

Cancer patterns, trends, and transitions in Peru: a regional perspective.

Peru, like several other South American countries, is experiencing remarkable population growth, ageing, and urbanisation, which has given rise to profound changes in its epidemiological profile. Prostate and breast cancer are the most frequent cancers in men and women, respectively, in Lima and Arequipa, the two areas with population-based cancer registries. However, infection-associated cancers (cervix and stomach) are also common, and rank highest in the national cancer mortality profile. Although a foundation of surveillance informs cancer-control initiatives in Peru, improvements in the vital statistics system, and the quality and use of incidence data for the planning and assessment of cancer prevention and control actions, are needed. Existing population-based cancer registries in Lima and Arequipa, and linkages to the established national mandatory cancer reporting system, are crucial for the collection of high-quality data on national cancer incidence. The delivery of effective cancer prevention and control measures requires sustained investment in the collection of high-quality data capable of informing policies and driving research programmes.

Fenómeno el niño y desastres naturales: intervenciones en salud pública para la preparación y respuesta / El niño phenomenon and natural disasters: public health interventions for disaster preparedness and response

RESUMEN El presente artículo realiza una revisión de las intervenciones en salud pública para la preparación y respuesta ante desastres naturales en el contexto del fenómeno El Niño (FEN) a partir de revisiones sistemáticas y una revisión de revisiones con énfasis en las enfermedades transmitidas por vectores, transmitidas por el agua, malnutrición, estrés térmico, sequías, enfermedades asociadas a inundaciones, problemas de salud mental, vulnerabilidad de la infraestructura física de los servicios de salud, así como de las políticas a largo plazo orientadas a proteger a la población en estos casos. Se identificaron intervenciones ambientales, como el control de vectores, quimioprofilaxis, vacunación y tratamiento intradomiciliario de agua. Si bien estos hallazgos se basan principalmente en revisiones sistemáticas, es necesario evaluar el beneficio de estas intervenciones en la población, de acuerdo con la realidad de cada región.

ABSTRACT This article reviews public health interventions for preparedness and response to natural disasters within the context of El Niño phenomenon using systematic reviews and a review of revisions with emphasis on vector-borne diseases, water-borne diseases, malnutrition, heat stress, drought, flood-associated diseases, mental health problems, vulnerability of the physical health-system infrastructure, as well as long-term policies aimed at protecting the populations of these cases. Environmental interventions were identified, including vector control, chemoprophylaxis, immunization, and intradomiciliary water treatment. While these finds are based primarily on systematic reviews, it is necessary to evaluate the benefit of these interventions within the population, according to the context of each region.

[Results of the epidemiological surveillance of diabetes mellitus in hospitals in Peru, 2012]. / Resultados de la vigilancia epidemiológica de diabetes mellitus en hospitales notificantes del Perú, 2012.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the findings of a year of epidemiological surveillance in pilot hospitals in Peru belonging to the diabetes surveillance (DS) system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study involving diabetic patients in the DS system from 18 hospitals during 2012. The DS database was assessed and epidemiological and laboratory variables were obtained including age, sex, type of diabetes, complications, comorbidity, microalbuminuria, fasting blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) at two time points - at the time of enrollment and the last followup. RESULTS: 2,959 cases were found. At the time of enrollment into the DS system, 91.2% had a fasting blood glucose test of which 65.4% had a level 130 mg/dL. 8.9% had a microalbuminuria test of which 20.5% had microalbuminuria and 6.5% proteinuria. In total, 1025 patients had a follow-up visit; 93.1% had a fasting blood glucose test and 22.3% had HbA1c test. 63.5% had a fasting glycemia level 130 mg/dL and 73.4% HbA1c level 7.0%. The most common complication was neuropathy (21.4 %) and the most frequent comorbidity was high blood pressure (10.5%). Tuberculosis and cancer cases were observed; the most frequent cancer was breast cancer, particularly in postmenopausal women. CONCLUSIONS: The DS shows that among diabetics of the pilot hospitals, which have laboratory results, there is a high frequency of inadequate glycemic control and poor adherence to treatment. The high frequency of complications found highlights the need to strengthen early diagnosis.

Resultados de la vigilancia epidemiológica de diabetes mellitus en hospitales notificantes del Perú, 2012 / Results of the epidemiological surveillance of diabetes mellitus in hospitals in Peru, 2012

Objetivos: Describir los hallazgos de un año de la vigilancia epidemiológica de diabetes mellitus en hospitales piloto pertenecientes al sistema de vigilancia de diabetes (VD). Materiales y métodos. Estudio transversal que incluyó a los pacientes diabéticos notificados durante el 2012 en 18 hospitales piloto del Perú. Se revisó la base de datos de la VD, obteniéndose variables epidemiológicas y de laboratorio como edad, sexo, tipo de diabetes, complicaciones, comorbilidad, microalbuminuria, glucosa en ayunas y hemoglobina glucosilada (HbA1c) al momento de captación por la VD y en el último control. Resultados. Se encontraron 2959 casos. Al momento de captación por la VD, 91,2% contaba con glicemia en ayunas de los cuales, 65,4% presentaba valor ≥ 130 mg/dL. El 8,9% contaba con estudio de microalbuminuria, el 20,5% de ellos presentaba microalbuminuria y el 6,5% proteinuria. En total, 1025 pacientes tuvieron consulta de control; 93,1% contaba con glicemia en ayunas y 22,3% con HbA1c. El 63,5% tenía glicemia en ayunas ≥ 130 mg/dL y 73,4% HbA1c ≥ 7,0%. La complicación más frecuente fue la neuropatía (21,4%) y la comorbilidad más frecuente la hipertensión arterial (10,5%). Se observó casos de tuberculosis y cáncer, de los cánceres, el más frecuente fue el de mama, principalmente en mujeres posmenopáusicas. Conclusiones. La VD muestra que en los diabéticos de los hospitales piloto en los que se cuenta con resultados de laboratorio existe una alta frecuencia control glicémico inadecuado y pobre adherencia al tratamiento. La alta frecuencia de complicaciones encontrada evidencia la necesidad de fortalecer el diagnóstico temprano.

Objectives: To describe the findings of a year of epidemiological surveillance in pilot hospitals in Peru belonging to the diabetes surveillance (DS) system. Materials and methods. Cross-sectional study involving diabetic patients in the DS system from 18 hospitals during 2012. The DS database was assessed and epidemiological and laboratory variables were obtained including age, sex, type of diabetes, complications, comorbidity, microalbuminuria, fasting blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) at two time points - at the time of enrollment and the last followup. Results. 2,959 cases were found. At the time of enrollment into the DS system, 91.2% had a fasting blood glucose test of which 65.4% had a level ≥130 mg/dL. 8.9% had a microalbuminuria test of which 20.5% had microalbuminuria and 6.5% proteinuria. In total, 1025 patients had a follow-up visit; 93.1% had a fasting blood glucose test and 22.3% had HbA1c test. 63.5% had a fasting glycemia level ≥ 130 mg/dL and 73.4% HbA1c level ≥ 7.0%. The most common complication was neuropathy (21.4 %) and the most frequent comorbidity was high blood pressure (10.5%). Tuberculosis and cancer cases were observed; the most frequent cancer was breast cancer, particularly in postmenopausal women. Conclusions. The DS shows that among diabetics of the pilot hospitals, which have laboratory results, there is a high frequency of inadequate glycemic control and poor adherence to treatment. The high frequency of complications found highlights the need to strengthen early diagnosis.

Pénfigo foliáceo endémico en Perú: una enfermedad autoinmune olvidada en la Amazonía / Effect of cyclosporine A in patients with complicated psoriasis

El pénfigo foliáceo endémico (PFE) es una enfermedad autoinmune de la piel endémica en áreas de la Amazonía peruana. Aunque no es una enfermedad frecuente, se presenta en personas de nivel socioeconómico bajo de áreas rurales de la amazonía, lo que dificulta su acceso a los servicios de salud y genera marginación, estigmatización y exclusión. Su difícil reconocimiento hace que el diagnóstico en los establecimientos del primer nivel de atención sea complicado Estos aspectos en su conjunto convierten al PFE en una enfermedad olvidada en la Amazonía. Es necesario capacitar al personal de salud médico y no médico de los establecimientos del primer nivel de atención de áreas endémicas para su reconocimiento y referencia a hospitales, donde puedan recibir manejo especializado. Las personas con PFE y otras enfermedades deberían beneficiarse del mejoramiento de los establecimientos de salud existentes en áreas rurales y alejadas del país como parte de la reforma de la salud.

The endemic pemphigus foliaceus (EPF) is an autoimmine skin disease endemic in areas of the Peruvian Amazon. Although not a common disease, occurs in people under rural areas of the Amazon, hindering their access to health services and generates marginalization, stigmatización and exclusion. Its difficult recognition makes diagnosis in the establishments of primary care is complicated. These aspects together make the EPF in a forgotten disease in the Amazon. It is necessary to train medical and non-medical health care establishments in the primary care areas endemic for recognition and referral to hospitals, where they con receive specialized management. People with EPF and other diseases should benefit from the improvement of existing facilities in rural and remote areas of the country as part of health reform health

Enfermedades no transmisibles: efecto de las grandes transiciones y los determinantes sociales / Noncommunicable diseases: effect of major transitions and social determinants

Las enfermedades no transmisibles (ENT) se definen como enfermedades de etiología no infecciosa caracterizadas por su larga latencia, larga duración, períodos de remisión y recurrencia, expresión clínica diversa y por sus consecuencias discapacitantes a largo plazo. La emergencia de las ENT se relaciona con cambios económicos y sociales ocurridos a nivel mundial, en los cuales, a medida que se incrementa la esperanza de vida en los países, se producen modificaciones en los estilos de vida de su población (Transición demográfica) lo que a su vez ha con llevado a un cambio en los patrones de enfermedad y mortalidad en el que las enfermedades no transmisibles desplazan a las enfermedades infecciosas (Transición epidemiológica). Las repercusiones socioeconómicas y sobre el desarrollo que tienen las ENT, al igual que sus efectos sobre los sistemas de salud, por las desigualdades en la carga de enfermedad y prevalencia, son atribuibles en gran medida a determinantes sociales como la pobreza, educación, género, urbanización, etnia/raza. La presente revisión muestra la gran influencia que el contexto social, económico, cultural, medioambiental y político tienen sobre las ENT y sus factores de riesgo. Para responder a los determinantes sociales de las ENT se deben adoptar medidas mundiales y nacionales que promuevan la salud y la equidad como el aseguramiento universal en salud.

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are defined as diseases of noninfectious etiology characterized by its long latency, long duration, periods of remission and recurrence, diverse clinical manifestations and its debilitating long-term consequences. The emergence of NCDs is related to economic and social changes in the world, for which, as life expectancy in countries increases, changes occur in the lifestyles of its population (demographic transition) at which in turn has led to a change in the patterns of disease and mortality, where non-communicable diseases displace infectious diseases (epidemiological transition). The socioeconomic and developmental implications with NCDs, as well as their effects on health systems, by inequalities in the burden of disease prevalence are attributable largely to social determinants such as poverty, education, gender, urbanization, ethnicity / race. This review shows the great influence that the social, economic, cultural, environmental and political context have on NCDs and their risk factors. To address the social determinants of NCDs must be taken global and national actions to promote health and equity and universal health insurance.

Criptococosis / Cryptococcosis

La criptococosis es una infección micótica de distribución mundial, producida principalmente por el complejo Cryptococcus neoformans/Cryptococcus gattii (C. neoformans/C. gattii), ambos se encuentran ampliamente distribuidos en la naturaleza. C. neoformans afecta principalmente a personas inmunocomprometidas y C. gattii a pacientes inmunocompetentes expuestos a al nicho ecológico del hongo. Por lo general la puerta de entrada es por vía respiratoria y posteriormente se disemina a otras regiones del cuerpo, principalmente el sistema nervioso central. El diagnóstico se realiza por observación directa del hongo, estudios histopatológicos, aislamiento en cultivos y la presencia de antígeno capsular. Las manifestaciones cutáneas pueden ser por inoculación primaria a la piel, denominada criptococosis cutánea primaria o por diseminación hematógena como parte de una enfermedad sistémica, lo que se denomina criptococosis cutánea secundaria. Las principales diferencias son que en la primera existe un antecedente traumático previo, menor porcentaje de pacientes inmunodeprimidos y lesiones únicas o confinadas a las manos o áreas descubiertas. Aunque la incidencia de criptococosis ha disminuido con el tratamiento antirretroviral de gran actividad, aun es prevalente en regiones donde no se accede a este tratamiento, así mismo las manifestaciones cutáneas son difíciles de reconocer por lo que es importante que el médico considere este diagnóstico en pacientes con el virus de inmunodeficiencia humana o pacientes que antecedente traumático expuestos a la ecología del hongo como heces de palomas, tierra o madera en descomposición.

Cryptococcosis is an opportunistic fungal infection of worldwide distribution, mainly produced by the complex Cryptococcus neoformans / Cryptococcus gattii, both are widely distributed in nature, primarily affecting immunocompromised patients. Generally the gateway is through inhalation and later spread to other regions of the body, especially the central nervous system. The diagnosis is performed by direct observation of the fungus, histopathology, culture isolation and the presence of capsular antigen. Cutaneous manifestations may be for primary inoculation to the skin, called primary cutaneous cryptococcosis or for hematogenous spread as part of a systemic disease, which is called secondary cutaneous cryptococcosis. The main differences are a previous trauma, lower percentage of immunocompromised patients and single lesions confined to the hands or bare spots in the first case. Although the incidence of cryptococcosis has decreased with highly active antiretroviral therapy, is still prevalent in regions where there is not access to this treatment, also the skin manifestations are difficult to recognize what is important for the physician to consider this diagnosis in patients with the human immunodeficiency virus or patients with traumatic history exposed to ecology of the fungus as pigeon excreta, soil or decaying wood.

Endemic pemphigus in the Peruvian Amazon: epidemiology and risk factors for the development of complications during treatment.

BACKGROUND: Pemphigus is an autoimmune blistering disease. According to a report, in areas of endemic pemphigus foliaceus (EPF) in Peru there are cases of pemphigus vulgaris with epidemiologic, clinical and histopathologic characteristics similar to those of "endemic pemphigus vulgaris" (EPV) in Brazil. OBJECTIVES: To determine the clinical and epidemiologic characteristics of endemic pemphigus and the risk factors of patients for developing complications during treatment. METHODS: A study was carried out from July 2003 to March 2008. The study population was 60 patients with EPF and 7 patients with EPV evaluated in hospitals and clinics in the Peruvian Amazon and Lima. A multivariate analysis was carried out using binary logistic regression. RESULTS: The average age of EPF patients was 31.4 years; 55% were men; 60% presented the generalized clinical variant. Non-compliance with the treatment was seen in 57.1% of the patients. Thirty-five percent presented complications (e.g. pyodermitis and pyelonephritis) during treatment. The risk factors for developing complications during treatment were non-compliance with the treatment and having the generalized clinical form. In the EPV group, the average age was 21.7 years; 71.4% were men. All patients presented with the mucocutaneous clinical variant and the initial presentation consisted of oral mucosa lesions; 71.4% presented complications during treatment, pyodermitis being the most frequent. CONCLUSIONS: Non-compliance with the treatment and the generalized clinical form are risk factors for the development of complications during treatment of patients with EPF. Peru indeed has EPV cases with epidemiologic characteristics similar to EPF. Living in a rural area may represent a risk factor for the development of complications during treatment of patients with EPV.