One-year Outcomes after Discharge from Noncardiac Surgery and Association between Predischarge Complications and Death after Discharge: Analysis of the VISION Prospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: In previous analyses, myocardial injury after noncardiac surgery, major bleeding, and sepsis were independently associated with most deaths in the 30 days after noncardiac surgery, but most of these deaths occurred during the index hospitalization for surgery. The authors set out to describe outcomes after discharge from hospital up to 1 yr after inpatient noncardiac surgery and associations between predischarge complications and postdischarge death up to 1 yr after surgery. METHODS: This study was an analysis of patients discharged after inpatient noncardiac surgery in a large international prospective cohort study across 28 centers from 2007 to 2013 of patients aged 45 yr or older followed to 1 yr after surgery. The study estimated (1) the cumulative postdischarge incidence of death and other outcomes up to a year after surgery and (2) the adjusted time-varying associations between postdischarge death and predischarge complications including myocardial injury after noncardiac surgery, major bleeding, sepsis, infection without sepsis, stroke, congestive heart failure, clinically important atrial fibrillation or flutter, amputation, venous thromboembolism, and acute kidney injury managed with dialysis. RESULTS: Among 38,898 patients discharged after surgery, the cumulative 1-yr incidence was 5.8% (95% CI, 5.5 to 6.0%) for all-cause death and 24.7% (95% CI, 24.2 to 25.1%) for all-cause hospital readmission. Predischarge complications were associated with 33.7% (95% CI, 27.2 to 40.2%) of deaths up to 30 days after discharge and 15.0% (95% CI, 12.0 to 17.9%) up to 1 yr. Most of the association with death was due to myocardial injury after noncardiac surgery (15.6% [95% CI, 9.3 to 21.9%] of deaths within 30 days, 6.4% [95% CI, 4.1 to 8.7%] within 1 yr), major bleeding (15.0% [95% CI, 8.3 to 21.7%] within 30 days, 4.7% [95% CI, 2.2 to 7.2%] within 1 yr), and sepsis (5.4% [95% CI, 2.2 to 8.6%] within 30 days, 2.1% [95% CI, 1.0 to 3.1%] within 1 yr). CONCLUSIONS: One in 18 patients 45 yr old or older discharged after inpatient noncardiac surgery died within 1 yr, and one quarter were readmitted to the hospital. The risk of death associated with predischarge perioperative complications persists for weeks to months after discharge.

Mortality and major postoperative complications within 1 year after vascular surgery: a prospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Patients undergoing vascular procedures are prone to developing postoperative complications affecting their short­term mortality. Prospective reports describing the incidence of long­term complications after vascular surgery are lacking. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to describe the incidence of complications 1 year after vascular surgery and to evaluate an association between myocardial injury after noncardiac surgery (MINS) and 1­year mortality. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a substudy of a large prospective cohort study Vascular Events in Noncardiac Surgery Patients Cohort Evaluation (VISION). Recruitment took place in 28 centers across 14 countries from August 2007 to November 2013. We enrolled patients aged 45 years or older undergoing vascular surgery, receiving general or regional anesthesia, and hospitalized for at least 1 night postoperatively. Plasma cardiac troponin T concentration was measured before the surgery and on the first, second, and third postoperative day. The patients or their relatives were contacted 1 year after the procedure to assess the incidence of major postoperative complications. RESULTS: We enrolled 2641 patients who underwent vascular surgery, 2534 (95.9%) of whom completed 1­year follow­up. Their mean (SD) age was 68.2 (9.8) years, and the cohort was predominantly male (77.5%). The most frequent 1­year complications were myocardial infarction (224/2534, 8.8%), amputation (187/2534, 7.4%), and congestive heart failure (67/2534, 2.6%). The 1­year mortality rate was 8.8% (223/2534). MINS occurred in 633 patients (24%) and was associated with an increased 1­year mortality (hazard ratio, 2.82; 95% CI, 2.14-3.72; P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of major postoperative complications after vascular surgery is high. The occurrence of MINS is associated with a nearly 3­fold increase in 1­year mortality.

Tobacco use and risk of acute stroke in 32 countries in the INTERSTROKE study: a case-control study.

Background: Smoking is a major risk factor for the global burden of stroke. We have previously reported a global population attributable risk (PAR) of stroke of 12.4% associated with current smoking. In this study we aimed to explore the association of current tobacco use with different types of tobacco exposure and environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure on the risk of stroke and stroke subtypes, and by regions and country income levels. Methods: The INTERSTROKE study is a case-control study of acute first stroke and was undertaken with 13,462 stroke cases and 13,488 controls recruited between January 11, 2007 and August 8, 2015 in 32 countries worldwide. Association of risk of tobacco use and ETS exposure were analysed with overall stroke, ischemic and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), and with TOAST etiological stroke subtypes (large vessel, small vessel, cardioembolism, and undetermined). Findings: Current smoking was associated with an increased risk of all stroke (odds ratio [OR] 1.64, 95% CI 1.46-1.84), and had a stronger association with ischemic stroke (OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.61-2.11) than ICH (OR 1.19 95% CI 1.00-1.41). The OR and PAR of stroke among current smokers varied significantly between regions and income levels with high income countries (HIC) having the highest odds (OR 3.02 95% CI 2.24-4.10) and PAR (18.6%, 15.1-22.8%). Among etiological subtypes of ischemic stroke, the strongest association of current smoking was seen for large vessel stroke (OR 2.16, 95% CI 1.63-2.87) and undetermined cause (OR 1.97, 95% CI 1.55-2.50). Both filtered (OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.50-1.99) and non-filtered (OR 2.59, 95% CI 1.79-3.77) cigarettes were associated with stroke risk. ETS exposure increased the risk of stroke in a dose-dependent manner, exposure for more than 10 h per week increased risk for all stroke (OR 1.95, 95% CI 1.69-2.27), ischemic stroke (OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.59-2.24) and ICH (OR 2.00, 95% CI 1.60-2.50). Interpretation: There are significant variations in the magnitude of risk and PAR of stroke according to the types of tobacco used, active and ETS exposure, and countries with different income levels. Specific strategies to discourage tobacco use by any form and to build a smoke free environment should be implemented to ease the global burden of stroke. Funding: The Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, Canadian Stroke Network, Swedish Research Council, Swedish Heart and Lung Foundation, The Health & Medical Care Committee of the Regional Executive Board, Region Västra Götaland, and through unrestricted grants from several pharmaceutical companies with major contributions from Astra Zeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada), Pfizer (Canada), MERCK, Sharp and Dohme, Swedish Heart and Lung Foundation, UK Chest, and UK Heart and Stroke.

Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) Opportunities in Health Education (HE) in a mandatory social isolation context.

Background: Routine care for prevention and health promotion has reduced significantly due to the Covid-19 pandemic and mandatory social isolation measures. In this context, it is necessary to identify and describe Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) that provide opportunities for health education, promotion, and prevention aimed at the general population. The study is a systematic review of MOOCs on health education, health promotion, and prevention for the general population in a pandemic context. Methods: We developed a search for MOOC courses aimed at the general population on health education, health promotion, and prevention in different available MOOC platforms. We executed a descriptive analysis of the main characteristics of the selected MOOCs. Results: There were 117 MOOCs chosen on health education, promotion, and prevention for the general population. Coursera (40.3%) was the platform that offered the highest quantity of MOOCs; more than half of the MOOCs were in English (52.9%). The median (interquartile range) duration of the selected MOOCs was 11 (6-15) hours. The predominant themes were "Health promotion" (43%) and "Food and nutrition" (31%), and the origin was mainly from Europe (37.8%). Conclusions: MOOC offerings in health education are diverse, predominantly in English, of European origin, and in health promotion issues. This study opens an opportunity to multiply initiatives in different territories, considering other languages and topics more akin to each territorial reality, allowing it to be a more equitable learning opportunity in times of pandemic and compulsory social isolation.

Enfermedad de Kawasaki, enfermedad similar a Kawasaki y MIS-C asociado a COVID-19 en niños: revisión sistemática / Kawasaki disease, Kawasaki-like disease, and MIS-C associated with COVID-19 in children: systematic review

Resumen Objetivo: Sintetizar las características epidemiológicas y clínicas de los niños de COVID-19 con EK, KLD y MIS-C. Métodos: Se realizó una búsqueda en 4 bases de datos y preprints hasta el 31 de Mayo del 2021. Se incluyeron reportes/series de caso que evaluaron las caracte rísticas clínicas del EK, KLD o MIS-C en pacientes pediátricos con COVID-19. Resultados: Se incluyeron 16 estudios (seis informes de casos y diez series de casos, 367 pacientes en total, 58 pacientes con EK, 87 con KLD y 290 pacientes con MIS-C); con edades entre los 6 meses y los 10 años, y el 62% eran mujeres. Se observó COVID-19 positivo en 75,2%. Respecto a EK, KLD y MIS-C, las características clínicas repor tadas fueron compatibles con los cuadros diagnósticos estandarizados en el contexto de COVID-19. La duración de la hospitalización fue de 5 a 14 días para EK y de 4,3 a 13 para MIS-C. Once pacientes con MIS-C (2,8%) necesitaron ECMO. Seis pacientes con MIS-C fueron reportados muertos. Ocho estudios reportaron pacientes en la UCI. Conclusiones: EK o KLD puede asociarse a COVID-19 en niños, y pueden complicarse con MIS-C. El tiempo de hospitalización es prolongado si se presenta EK o KLD asociado a COVID-19 en niños.

Abstract Objective: To synthesize the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of COVID-19 children with MIS-C, KLD and EK. Methods: Databases and preprints were searched until May 31, 2021. Reports/case series that evaluated the clinical features of EK, KLD, or MIS-C in pediatric patients with COVID-19 were included. Results: Sixteen studies were included (six case reports and ten case series, 367 patients total, 58 patients with EK, 87 with KLD, and 290 patients with MIS-C); with ages ranging from 6 months to 10 years, and 62% were female. Positive COVID-19 was observed in 75.2%. Regarding EK, KLD and MIS-C, the reported clinical characteristics were compatible with the standardized diagnostic pictures in the context of COVID-19. The duration of hospitalization was 5 to 14 days for EK and 4.3 to 13 for MIS-C. Eleven patients with MIS-C (2.8%) needed ECMO. Eleven patients with MIS-C (2.8%) needed ECMO. Six patients with MIS-C were reported dead. Eight studies reported patients in the ICU. Conclusions: Children with COVID-19 develop EK or KLD, and can be complicated by MIS-C. Prevention, diagnosis, and treatment measures are needed.

Efectos de una intervención con llamadas telefónicas educativas para mejorar la adherencia y el control metabólico en personas con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 mal controlada: un ensayo clínico aleatorizado / Effects of an Intervention with educational phone calls to improve adherence and metabolic control in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized clinical trial

RESUMEN Introducción: Las tecnologías de información y comunicación pueden ayudarnos a mejorar el control metabólico y la adherencia de las personas con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2). Objetivo: Evaluar los efectos de una intervención con llamadas telefónicas en pacientes ambulatorios con DM2 mal controlada de un hospital en Perú. Métodos: Ensayo clínico aleatorizado. Incluimos adultos con DM2 con mal control glicémico (HbA1c > 7%), quienes fueron aleatorizados al grupo control (cuidado usual) o al grupo intervención (cuidado usual más una intervención con llamadas telefónicas cada dos semanas por tres meses). El desenlace principal fue la reducción ≥ 1% de hemoglobina glicosilada a los tres meses. Resultados: Se reclutó 94 participantes (47 en cada grupo). La edad promedio fue 59,8 años (DE: 10,2), 69,2 % fueron mujeres. A los tres meses, solo 14/47 participantes del grupo control y 13/47 participantes del grupo intervención tuvieron medición de HbA1c. Entre estos, el porcentaje de los que lograron una disminución ≥ 1% de HbA1c fue de 35,7% (5/14) en el grupo control y 53,8% (7/13) en el grupo intervención (RR: 0,72, IC 95%: 0,35-1,47). No se encontró diferencias en la adherencia al tratamiento entre ambos grupos. Conclusiones: No se encontró diferencias estadísticamente significativas para los desenlaces de interés. Posiblemente esto se deba al bajo porcentaje de participantes a los que se logró completar el seguimiento.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Information and communication technologies can help us improve metabolic control and adherence in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2). Objective: To evaluate the effects of an intervention with telephone calls in outpatients with poorly controlled DM2 in a hospital in Peru. Methods: Randomized clinical trial. We included adults with DM2 with poor glycemic control, who were randomized to the control group (usual care) or to the intervention group (usual care plus a telephone intervention every two weeks for three months). The primary outcome was a ≥ 1% reduction in glycosylated hemoglobin at three months. Results: 94 participants were recruited (47 in each group). Mean age was 59.8 years (SD: 10.2), 69.2 % were women. At three months, only 14/47 participants in the control group and 13/47 participants in the intervention group had HbA1c measurement. Among these, the percentage of those who achieved a ≥ 1% decrease in HbA1c was 35,7% (5/14) in the control group and 53,8% (7/13) in the intervention group (RR: 0,72, 95% CI: 0,35-1,47). No differences were found in adherence to treatment between groups. Conclusions: No statistically significant differences were found for the outcomes of interest. This is possibly due to the low percentage of participants who were able to complete follow-up. Innovative solutions are needed to improve the control of people with DM2.

Efectos de una intervención con llamadas telefónicas educativas para mejorar la adherencia y el control metabólico en personas con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 mal controlada: Un ensayo clínico aleatorizado / Effects of an Intervention with educational phone calls to improve adherence and metabolic control in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized clinical trial

Introducción: Las tecnologías de información y comunicación pueden ayudarnos a mejorar el control metabólico y la adherencia de las personas con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2). Objetivo: Evaluar los efectos de una intervención con llamadas telefónicas en pacientes ambulatorios con DM2 mal controlada de un hospital en Perú. Material y Métodos: Ensayo clínico aleatorizado. Incluimos adultos con DM2 con mal control glicémico (HbA1c > 7%), quienes fueron aleatorizados al grupo control (cuidado usual) o al grupo intervención (cuidado usual más una intervención con llamadas telefónicas cada dos semanas por tres meses). El desenlace principal fue la reducción ≥ 1% de hemoglobina glicosilada a los tres meses. Resultados: Se reclutó 94 participantes (47 en cada grupo). La edad promedio fue 59,8 años (DE: 10,2), 69,2 % fueron mujeres. A los tres meses, solo 14/47 participantes del grupo control y 13/47 participantes del grupo intervención tuvieron medición de HbA1c. Entre estos, el porcentaje de los que lograron una disminución ≥ 1% de HbA1c fue de 35,7% (5/14) en el grupo control y 53,8% (7/13) en el grupo intervención (RR: 0,72, IC 95%: 0,35-1,47). No se encontró diferencias en la adherencia al tratamiento entre ambos grupos. Conclusiones: No se encontró diferencias estadísticamente significativas para los desenlaces de interés. Posiblemente esto se deba al bajo porcentaje de participantes a los que se logró completar el seguimiento.

Introduction: Information and communication technologies can help us improve metabolic control and adherence in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2). Objective: To evaluate the effects of an intervention with telephone calls in outpatients with poorly controlled DM2 in a hospital in Peru. Material and Methods: Randomized clinical trial. We included adults with DM2 with poor glycemic control, who were randomized to the control group (usual care) or to the intervention group (usual care plus a telephone intervention every two weeks for three months). The primary outcome was a ≥ 1% reduction in glycosylated hemoglobin at three months. Results: 94 participants were recruited (47 in each group). Mean age was 59.8 years (SD: 10.2), 69.2 % were women. At three months, only 14/47 participants in the control group and 13/47 participants in the intervention group had HbA1c measurement. Among these, the percentage of those who achieved a ≥ 1% decrease in HbA1c was 35,7% (5/14) in the control group and 53,8% (7/13) in the intervention group (RR: 0,72, 95% CI: 0,35-1,47). No differences were found in adherence to treatment between groups. Conclusions: No statistically significant differences were found for the outcomes of interest. This is possibly due to the low percentage of participants who were able to complete follow-up. Innovative solutions are needed to improve the control of people with DM2.

Empatía en estudiantes de medicina de una universidad privada de Lima, Perú: estudio descriptivo / Empathy in medical students of a private university in Lima, Peru: A descriptive study

INTRODUCCIÓN: La empatía médica es una característica que nos permite entender las experiencias internas y la perspectiva del paciente. Aplicándola a nuestro actuar médico, puede mejorar nuestros resultados clínicos. Sin embargo, no es una capacidad fácil de enseñar en el pregrado de la carrera de medicina. OBJETIVO: Identificar el nivel de empatía y factores relacionados con ésta, en estudiantes de la carrera de medicina en el año 2019. MÉTODOS: El presente es un estudio descriptivo transversal. Se utiliza como herramientas un cuestionario con preguntas sociodemográficas y la Escala de Empatía Médica de Jefferson (Jefferson's Medical Empathy Scale). RESULTADOS: Se encuestó a 189 estudiantes de medicina. La media de puntaje fue de 118,01 (rango posible entre 20 y 140), con una desviación estándar de 11,61; mediana de 120 y un coeficiente α de Cronbach de 0,76. Se encontró que el año de estudio tiene una relación inversa con el nivel de empatía (p = 0,0095), que el sexo femenino (p = 0,0123) y practicar alguna religión (p = 0,0001), están relacionados con mayor nivel de empatía. CONCLUSIÓN: Los estudiantes de medicina tienen un nivel de empatía alta, por encima del promedio cuando se compara con otros estudios locales. Describimos mayores niveles de empatía según sexo y confesión religiosa del estudiante y una relación inversa con el año de estudio.

INTRODUCTION: Medical empathy is a characteristic that allows us to understand the subjective experiences and the perspective of the patient. Empathy can improve the clinical outcomes of our clinical actions. However, it is not easy to teach this ability in a medical school program. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to identify the level of empathy and related factors in students enrolled in medicine in 2019. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive study. We used a questionnaire with sociodemographic questions, and Jefferson's Medical Empathy Scale to measure the variables. RESULTS: We surveyed 189 medical students. The mean score was 118,01 (range: 20 to 140), standard deviation, 11,61; median, 120; and a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0,76. We found that the year of the enrollment is inversely related to the level of empathy (p = 0,0095), that the female sex has a higher level of empathy (p = 0,0123) and that practicing a religious denomination is related to a higher level of empathy (p = 0,0001). CONCLUSION: Medical students have an above-average level of empathy when compared to other local studies. We describe higher levels of empathy according to sex, and religious beliefs, and an inverse relation to the year of enrollment.

Hipocalemia sintomática asociada al uso de Llantén ("Plantago major") / Symptomatic hypokalemia associated with use of Llantén ("Plantago major")

RESUMEN Introducción: El uso de plantas medicinales se asocia a la creencia de ausencia de efectos adversos. Objetivo: Reportar una posible asociación entre el uso de Plantago major e hipocalemia Presentación de caso: Paciente mujer de 38 años que acudió con entumecimiento y debilidad en extremidades debido a hipocalemia (2.94 meq/l) asociada al uso de Plantago major (Llantén), una planta medicinal de uso generalizado en Perú y de distribución global. El potasio se normalizó y los síntomas disminuyeron después de descontinuar el Llantén. Conclusión: El empleo de plantas medicinales de uso común debe tener en cuenta siempre posibles efectos adversos (AU)

ABSTRACT Introduction: The use of medicinal plants is associated with the belief of the absence of adverse effects. Objective: To report a possible association between the use of Plantago major and hypokalemia Case presentation: Thirty-eight-year-old female patient with numbness and weakness in her limbs due to hypokalemia (2.94 meq/l) associated with the use of Llantén (Plantago major), a medicinal plant of widespread use and global distribution. Potassium was normalized and symptoms subsided after discontinuation of Llantén. Conclusion: Possible adverse effects of the use of commonly used medicinal plants must always be considered(AU)

Infecciones nosocomiales en unidades de observación de emergencia y su asociación con el hacinamiento y la ventilación / Nosocomial infections in emergency observation units and their association with overcrowding and ventilation

RESUMEN Con el objetivo de medir la frecuencia de las infecciones nosocomiales en las unidades de observación de medicina interna de los servicios de emergencia en dos hospitales de nivel III de Lima, se realizó un estudio de prevalencia de periodo durante cinco días en pacientes admitidos después de las 72 horas de observación y con descarte de infección comunitaria, utilizando datos obtenidos de las historias clínicas. Adicionalmente, se evaluó el hacinamiento y la ventilación de las salas de hospitalización. La frecuencia de las infecciones nosocomiales en los servicios de emergencia fue 8,1%, cuatro veces lo reportado como prevalencia de periodo en el Perú. Los factores de riesgo asociados fueron el tiempo prolongado de estancia y la carencia de ventilación apropiada del ambiente hospitalario. La ventilación inapropiada triplica el riesgo de aparición de infecciones nosocomiales.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to measure the frequency of nosocomial infections in the internal medicine observation units of the emergency services in two level III hospitals in Lima. A 5-day prevalence study was carried out on patients admitted after a 72 hours observation period, in whom community-based infections were ruled out. Data was obtained from clinical records. Additionally, overcrowding and ventilation in the hospitalization rooms were evaluated. The frequency of nosocomial infections in the emergency services was found to be 8.1%, four times what was reported as period prevalence in Peru. The associated risk factors were prolonged length of stay and lack of proper ventilation in the hospital environment. Inadequate ventilation triples the risk of nosocomial infections.

Precios de medicamentos esenciales para el manejo y tratamiento de la COVID-19 en establecimientos farmacéuticos peruanos públicos y privados / Prices of essential drugs for management and treatment of COVID-19 in public and private Peruvian pharmacies

RESUMEN Objetivo: comparar los precios de venta de medicamentos esenciales para el manejo y tratamiento de la COVID-19 en establecimientos farmacéuticos peruanos públicos y privados. Además, estimar el costo por persona del tratamiento farmacológico para casos leves y severos. Materiales y métodos: estudio transversal con información reportada por establecimientos farmacéuticos públicos y privados. El precio de los medicamentos se presenta en medianas y se compararon usando la prueba no paramétrica de Kruskal-Wallis. Además, se estimó el costo por persona y asequibilidad para el tratamiento de casos leves y severos. Resultados: medicamentos para casos leves como azitromicina, hidroxicloquina, ivermectina y paracetamol tienen medianas de precios entre S/ 0,04 (US$ 0,011) y S/ 23,81 (US$ 6,71) en establecimientos públicos, mientras que los mismos medicamentos en establecimientos privados fluctúan entre S/ 1,00 y S/ 36,00. En promedio, los precios de los medicamentos en el sector privado son 11 veces los precios en el sector público. Los costos de tratamiento por persona en establecimientos públicos son más asequibles que en los privados, especialmente para los medicamentos para casos más severos. Los esquemas de tratamiento para casos leves requieren la inversión de entre uno a cuatro días de salario mínimo. Mientras que los tratamientos de casos severos pueden requerir, hasta 64 días de salario mínimo en establecimientos privados. Conclusiones: el tratamiento farmacológico para COVID-19 supone un gasto importante para el sistema de salud público y para las familias a través de gastos de bolsillo. Urge diseñar e implementar medidas regulatorias para mejorar el acceso a medicamentos a precios asequibles.

ABSTRACT Objective: to compare the sale price of essential drugs used in the management and therapy of COVID-19 in public and private pharmacies in Peru. Also, to assess the cost per person of drug therapy for both mild and severe cases. Materials and methods: this is a cross-sectional study using data reported by public and private pharmacies in Peru. Drug prices are presented as median values and they were compared using the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test. Also, costs per person and drug accessibility for treating mild and moderate cases were estimated. Results: drugs used when treating mild cases of COVID-19, such as azythromycin, hydroxichloroquine, ivermectin, and paracetamol had median prices between S/ 0.04 (US$ 0.011) and S/ 23.81 (US$ 6.71) in public pharmacies, while the same compounds cost between S/ 1.00 (US$ 0.28) and S/ 36.00 (US$ 10.15) in private pharmacies. On average, drug prices in private pharmacies are 11 times higher compared to those in public pharmacies. Costs for (COVID-19) therapy in public pharmacies are more accessible compared to those found in private pharmacies, particularly for drugs used for more severely affected patients. Therapy regimens for mild cases require spending 1 to 4 days of the minimum daily wages, while therapy for severe cases (of COVID-19) may require up to 64 days of the minimum daily wages in private pharmacies. Conclusions: pharmacological treatment for COVID-19 represents an important expense for the public health system and for families through out-of-pocket expenses. It is urgent to design and implement regulatory measures aiming to improve the access to drug therapy (for Covid-19) in order to have drugs sold at accessible prices.

Encefalitis por el virus de herpes simple tipo 2 en un paciente adulto sano: un caso inusual / Herpes simplex virus type 2 encephalitis in a healthy adult patient: an unusual case

RESUMEN La infección neurológica por el virus del herpes simple tipo 2 (VHS-2) es responsable de una morbimortalidad significativa que debe ser diagnosticada y tratada lo antes posible. Clásicamente se caracteriza por la tríada de fiebre, cefalea y cambios de comportamiento. La asociación de los síntomas, los resultados de las pruebas de laboratorio y las imágenes son fundamentales para el diagnóstico precoz y el tratamiento inmediato de esta patología, a fin de prevenir que su progresión sea fatal. Presentamos el caso de un paciente varón de 45 años con diagnóstico de encefalitis por VHS-2 después del uso crónico de corticoides. La infección neurológica por VHS-2 en pacientes adultos previamente sanos después del uso crónico de corticoides es extremadamente infrecuente y la asociación no había sido descrita previamente.

ABSTRACT Neurological infection by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is the cause of significant morbidity and mortality; and should be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. Typically, it is characterized by fever, headache and behavioral changes. Symptoms association, laboratory tests results and diagnostic imaging are essential for early diagnosis and treatment of this disease, in order to prevent its fatal progression. We present the case of a 45-year-old male patient diagnosed with HSV-2 encephalitis due to chronic steroid use. In previously healthy adult patients, neurological HSV-2 infection due to chronic steroid use is extremely rare; and the association has not been previously described.

Los retos del cuidado de las personas con diabetes durante el estado de emergencia nacional por COVID-19 en Lima, Perú: recomendaciones para la atención primaria / Healthcare challenges for people with diabetes during the national state of emergency due to COVID-19 in Lima, Peru: primary healthcare recommendations

RESUMEN Las personas con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 infectadas por SARS-CoV-2 tienen mayores riesgos de desarrollar COVID-19 con complicaciones y de morir como consecuencia de ella. La diabetes es una condición crónica en la que se requiere continuidad de cuidados que implican un contacto con los establecimientos de salud, pues deben tener acceso regular a medicamentos, exámenes y citas con personal de salud. Esta continuidad de cuidados se ha visto afectada en el Perú a raíz de la declaratoria del estado de emergencia nacional, producto de la pandemia por la COVID-19 pues muchos establecimientos de salud han suspendido las consultas externas. Este artículo describe algunas estrategias que han desarrollado los diferentes proveedores de salud peruanos en el marco de la pandemia para proveer continuidad del cuidado a las personas con diabetes y finalmente brinda recomendaciones para que reciban los cuidados que necesitan a través del fortalecimiento del primer nivel de atención, como el punto de contacto más cercano con las personas con diabetes.

ABSTRACT Patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus, who then become infected with SARS-CoV-2, are at greater risk of developing complications from COVID-19, which may even lead to death. Diabetes is a chronic condition that requires continuous contact with healthcare facilities; therefore, this type of patients should have regular access to medicines, tests and appointments with healthcare personnel. In Peru, care and treatment continuity have been affected since the national state of emergency due to COVID-19 began; because many healthcare facilities suspended outpatient consultations. The strategies presented in this study were developed by different Peruvian health providers in the pandemic context to ensure care continuity for people with diabetes. This article provides recommendations to strengthen primary healthcare, because it is the first level of healthcare contact for patients with diabetes.

Síndrome Sapho: reporte de caso / SAPHO syndrome: report of a case

El síndrome SAPHO es una enfermedad inflamatoria de origen multifactorial que incluye una asociación entre manifestaciones dermatológicas y osteoarticulares. La presencia de osteítis e hiperostosis definen la enfermedad. No existe un tratamiento estándar, pero se usan AINES como primera línea. Se presenta el caso de un varón de 18 años con acné severo en dorso, pecho, barbilla y zona retroauricular, asociado a fiebre alta y placas eritematosas en ambas piernas. La gammagrafía presenta hipercaptación en tibia derecha, con relación a osteítis no infecciosa. Tuvo evolución favorable con antibióticos y corticoide oral.

SAPHO syndrome (synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis and osteitis) is a multifactorial inflammatory condition that includes an association between dermatological and bone and joint manifestations. The presence of osteitis and hyperostosis define this disease. There is no standard therapy for SAPHO syndrome, but NSAIDs are used as first line. We present the case of an 18-year-old male subject with severe acne on his back, chest, chin, and the retroauricular area, being this associated to high fever and erythematous plaques in both legs. The bone scan showed right leg hyper-uptake, related to non-infectious osteitis. The patient did well with antibiotics and oral steroids.

El grado de alfabetización en salud y adherencia al tratamiento en pacientes con hipertensión arterial en un hospital nacional de Lima, Perú / The degree of health literacy and treatment compliance in patients with high blood pressure in a national hospital in Lima, Peru

RESUMEN Objetivos . Evaluar el nivel de alfabetización en salud y el grado de adherencia al tratamiento en pacientes hipertensos que acuden al consultorio externo en un hospital de Lima, Perú. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un estudio transversal en 276 pacientes, quienes llenaron un cuestionario con características generales, el test de SAHLSA-50 y el test de Morisky-Green. Se utilizó la prueba de Chi Cuadrado para evaluar la asociación entre las variables independientes con la adherencia al tratamiento y con la alfabetización en salud. Resultados. Se encontró un 36% de inadecuada alfabetización sanitaria en salud y un 15% de adherencia al tratamiento. No se halló asociación entre estas variables (p=0,155). Hubo asociación entre ser jefe de familia (p=0,033) y tener pareja (p=0,044) con el grado de alfabetización en salud. Conclusiones. El porcentaje de alfabetización en salud fue similar al de estudios peruanos y latinoamericanos, y el grado de adherencia al tratamiento fue una de las más bajas reportadas. No se encontró asociación significativa entre éstas dos variables.

ABSTRACT Objectives. To assess the level of health literacy and treatment compliance in high-blood pressure patients attending an outpatient clinic in a hospital in Lima, Peru. Materials and Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 276 patients, who filled out a questionnaire with general characteristics, the SAHLSA-50 Test, and the Morisky-Green Test. The Chi-square test was used to assess the association between independent variables with treatment compliance and health literacy. Results. We found a 36% of inadequate health literacy and 15% treatment compliance. No association was found between these variables (p=0.155). There was an association between being a head of household (p=0.033) and having a partner (p=0.044) with the degree of health literacy. Conclusions. The percentage of health literacy was similar to that of Peruvian and Latin American studies, and the degree of treatment compliance was one of the lowest reported. No significant association was found between these two variables.

Fibromialgia, trayectoria y calidad de vida en un hospital de tercer nivel de Lima-Perú / Fibromyalgia, its progression and quality of life in a tertiary care hospital in Lima-Peru

Objetivo: Determinar la trayectoria, características clínicas y calidad de vida en pacientes con fibromialgia (FM) que se atienden en un hospital de tercer nivel, en Lima-Perú. Materiales y métodos: Se seleccionó a pacientes con diagnóstico validado por un médico reumatólogo; en quienes se recolecto información sociodemográfica, clínica, y se aplicaron las escalas de depresión y ansiedad hospitalaria (HADS, así como el cuestionario de Impacto de Fibromialgia en español (S-FIQ). Resultados: Se entrevistó a 75 pacientes mujeres, con una edad promedio de 54,9 años. Alrededor de 5,2 años tuvieron que pasar desde el inicio de los síntomas hasta que se hizo el diagnóstico. Setenta y uno pacientes (94,7%) reportaron que el dolor musculoesquelético era el síntoma principal y 60 pacientes (80%) presentaron un impacto moderado o grave en la calidad de vida. Seis pacientes tuvieron "depresión probable" y 22 fueron un "caso probable de ansiedad". Además, 55 pacientes (73,3%) reportaron haber sufrido algún tipo de violencia y 12 reportaron violencia sexual. Conclusión: Transcurren alrededor de cinco años desde la aparición de los síntomas hasta que se hace el diagnóstico de FM. Esta enfermedad causa un impacto severo en la calidad de vida, afectando la salud mental, el trabajo y los ingresos. Hasta dos tercios de las mujeres reportan algún tipo de violencia, con un porcentaje elevado de violencia sexual.

Objective: To determine the disease progression, its clinical characteristics, and its impact in patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia in a tertiary care hospital in Lima, Peru. Materials and methods: Patients with a diagnosis of fibromyalgia validated by a rheumatologist were selected. Sociodemographic and clinical information was collected, and both the Hospital Depression and Anxiety Scales (HADS) and the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire in Spanish (S-FIQ) were administered. Results: Seventy-five female patients were interviewed, with an average age of 54.93 years. Approximately 5.24 years had to elapse since symptoms started until a diagnosis was made. Seventy-one patients (94.67%) reported musculoskeletal pain as their main symptom and 60 (80%) patients had a moderate or severe impact in their quality of life. Six patients had "likely depression" and 22 were described as a "likely anxiety case". Also, 55 patients (73.33%) reported suffering some type of violence, and 12 reported sexual violence. Conclusions: It takes about 5 years from fibromyalgia symptom onset until a diagnosis is made. This condition has a severe impact on quality of life, affecting mental health, work, and income. Up to two thirds of women reported having suffered some type of violence, with an elevated percentage of sexual violence.

Evaluación de conocimientos sobre su enfermedad en pacientes con diabetes tipo 2 de un hospital de Lima, Perú y su asociación con la adherencia al tratamiento / An assessment of knowledge about their condition in type II diabetes patients in a hospital in Lima, Peru, and its association with adherence to therapy

Objetivo. Evaluar si el nivel de conocimiento sobre la diabetes mellitus 2 (DM2) se asocia con adherencia al tratamiento. Materiales y métodos. Se determinó el nivel de conocimientos sobre la enfermedad en pacientes con DM2 por medio del Diabetes Knowledge Questionnaire (DKQ-24) y se evaluó si existía asociación con adherencia al tratamiento, medida por la prueba de Morisky-Green-Levine (MGL). Se tomó una muestra consecutiva de 210 pacientes. Resultados. El conocimiento sobre DM2 fue considerado adecuado en el 78,1% de los pacientes y se verificó que el 25,7% de ellos estaban adheridos al tratamiento farmacológico. Se halló asociación positiva entre adherencia y conocimientos (OR: 1,12; IC 95%:1,01-1,25) y edad > 65 años (OR: 1,14; IC 95%: 1,03-1,28). Además, se halló una diferencia significativa entre las medias de los puntajes obtenidos entre adherentes versus no adherentes (15,3 vs 16,37; p<0,05). La adherencia al tratamiento de diabetes en nuestro estudio fue de 25%. Conclusiones. Existe asociación de la adherencia al tratamiento con las variables conocimiento adecuado y edad > 65 años. Existen resultados mixtos (no significancia bivariada y sí multivariada) respecto a nivel educativo secundario o superior y procedencia rural de los pacientes; lo que indica que se requieren realizar mayores estudios al respecto.

Objective: To assess whether knowledge about type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with adherence to therapy. Materials and Methods: Knowledge about T2DM was assessed by using the Diabetes Knowledge Questionnaire (DKQ-24), and it was determined whether there was an association with adherence to treatment, which was measured using the Morisky-Green-Levine Test (MGL). A consecutive sample including 210 patients was taken. Results: Knowledge about T2DM was considered adequate in 78.1% of patients and it was verified that 25.7% of them were adherent to pharmacological treatment. A positive association between knowledge and adherence was found (OR= 1.12, 95% IC: 1.01-1.25), as well as for age >65 years old (OR: 1.14; 95% IC: 1.03-1.28). Also, a significant difference was found between mean scores obtained when adherent versus non-adherent subjects were compared (15.3 vs. 16.37; p<0.05). Adherence to diabetes treatment in our study was 25%. Conclusions: Factors associated with better adherence to therapy were knowledge level and being more of 65 years old. There are some mixed results (no bivariate significance, presence of multivariate significance) with respect to having gone to high school or college, and for having come from a rural area. Our findings indicate further studies need to be performed.

Estrategias para promover la alfabetización en salud desde la atención primaria: una perspectiva que considera las realidades de los países de ingresos medios y bajos / Strategies to promote health literacy from primary care: a perspective that considers the realities of low and middle-income countries

La alfabetización en salud se asocia con mejores resultados de salud. Los profesionales de salud de atención primaria generalmente brindan la mayor parte de la atención a los pacientes y también suelen ser el primer punto de contacto para los pacientes dentro de un sistema de salud. En este artículo se discuten cuatro estrategias para promover la alfabetización en salud en el entorno de atención primaria: 1) Mejorar las habilidades de comunicación del clínico, 2) Usar herramientas de e-Salud, 3) Promover el autocuidado del paciente, y 4) Desarrollar sistemas de apoyo y entornos de cuidado. Estas estrategias se discuten en el contexto de las realidades de los países de ingresos medios y bajos, como el caso de Perú.

Health literacy is associated with better health outcomes. Primary care professionals generally provide most of the care to patients and are also often the first point of contact for patients within a health system. This article discusses four strategies to promote health literacy in the primary care setting: 1) Improve the clinician’s communication skills, 2) Use e-Health tools, 3) Promote patient self-care, and 4) Develop support systems and care environments. These strategies are discussed in the context of the realities of low and middle income countries, as in the case of Peru.

La medicina basada en la evidencia, su evolución a 25 años desde su diseminación, promoviendo una práctica clínica científica, cuidadosa, afectuosa y humana / Evidence-Based Medicine, its progress at 25 years after its inception, promoting a scientific, thorough, caring, loving, and humanized clinical practice

La Medicina Basada en la Evidencia (MBE) promovida desde hace 25 años, como un enfoque de la práctica clínica que integre la ciencia a traves del uso juicioso de la mejor evidencia disponible con la pericia clínica y el respeto de valores y preferencias de los pacientes para la toma de decisiones. En su evolución promovió la corriente de toma de decisiones compartidas, la que buscó el involucramiento y empoderamiento de las personas en lo concerniente al cuidado de su salud, pero denotando que la sóla decisión informada no es suficiente, sino que se necesita de la complicidad con el médico para que esta decisión sea realmente compartida. Esto, ha permitido entender lo que implica el trabajo de ser paciente y como el cuidado de de la salud, depende del equilibrio entre la carga y la capacidad para sobrellevar ese trabajo y que sólo, a traves de la conversación empática, se podrá dirigir exitosamente el curso de la salud, estableciendo una medicina mínimamente intrusiva, proceso que entraña una profunda humanidad y convierte a la MBE en expresión humana de una práctica médica científica cuidadosa y afectuosa

Evidence-based medicine (EBM), has been into practice for the last 25 years, being an approach for clinical practice integrating science with the use of the best available evidence alongside clinical ability and also respecting patient's values and preferences for decision making. During its progress, EBM incorporated shared decision making, aiming to involve and empower persons with respect to their healthcare, but noting that isolated informed decision making is not enough; instead, a deep collaboration between patients and physicians is needed, so that decision making may really be a shared act. This has led to understanding what is the meaning of being a patient and how healthcare depends upon an equilibrium between the workload and the ability to manage it, and that only through an empathetic conversation we may successfully manage patients care, establishing a 'minimally intrusive medicine', a process that implies plenty of humanity and turns EBM into 'a human expression of a careful and caring scientific medical practice'

Frecuencia y factores de riesgo para bacteriemia por enterobacterias productoras de betalactamasa de espectro extendido en pacientes de un hospital público de Lima, Perú / Frequency and risk factors for bacteremia caused by extendedspectrum beta-lactamase-producing enterobacteriaceae in patients of a public hospital in Lima, Peru

RESUMEN Con el objetivo de determinar la frecuencia y factores de riesgo para bacteriemia por enterobacterias productoras de betalactamasa de espectro extendido (BLEE) en pacientes internados en un hospital público de Lima se realizó un estudio transversal. Fueron incluidos pacientes mayores de 14 años, con hemocultivos positivos durante su hospitalización en el Hospital Nacional Cayetano Heredia el 2016. Se clasificó a los pacientes según la bacteria aislada (productora o no de BLEE). El 50,6 % de las bacteriemias fueron causadas por enterobacterias productoras de BLEE, 55,8 % y 32,6 % por E. Coli y K. pneumoniae, respectivamente. No hallándose diferencias con relación a comorbilidades, ni uso previo de antibióticos (62,8 % de las bacteriemias por cepas productoras de BLEE y en 57 % en las no productoras (p=0,595)). La mitad de las bacteriemias por enterobacterias en pacientes hospitalizados son producidas por enterobacterias productoras de BLEE, y de estas, el 40 % son adquiridas en la comunidad.

ABSTRACT A cross-sectional study was conducted aimed at determining the frequency and the risk factors for bacteremia caused by extended-spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae in patients hospitalized in a public hospital in Lima. The study included patients over 14 years of age, with positive blood cultures during their hospitalization in Hospital Nacional Cayetano Heredia in 2016. Patients were classified according to the isolated bacterium (ESBL-producing or not). Bacteremia was caused by ESBL-producing Enterobacteriacea in 50.6% of the cases; 55.8% and 32.6% by E. Coli and K. pneumoniae, respectively. No differences were found regarding co-morbidity, or prior antibiotic use (62.8% of bacteremia due to ESBLproducing strains and 57% in the non-producing strains [p=0.595]). Half of the bacteremia cases due to Enterobacteriaceae in hospitalized patients are produced by ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae and, of these, 40% are acquired in the community.