Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics associated with maternal and congenital syphilis - A prospective study in Peru.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to explore the factors and outcomes associated with gestational syphilis in Peru. METHODS: Women from the miscarriage, vaginal delivery, and C-section wards from a large maternity hospital in Lima with or without syphilis diagnosis were enrolled and their pregnancy outcomes compared. Maternal syphilis status using maternal blood and child serostatus using cord blood were determined by rapid plasma reagin (RPR) and rapid syphilis tests. The newborns' clinical records were used to determine congenital syphilis. RESULTS: A total of 340 women were enrolled, 197 were positive and 143 were negative for RPR/rapid syphilis tests. Antibody titers in sera from cord and maternal blood were comparable with RPR titers and were highly correlated (rho = 0.82, P <0.001). Young age (P = 0.009) and lower birth weight (P = 0.029) were associated with gestational syphilis. Of the women with gestational syphilis, 76% had received proper treatment. Mothers of all newborns with congenital syphilis also received appropriate treatment. Treatment of their sexual partners was not documented. CONCLUSIONS: Syphilis during pregnancy remains a major cause of the fetal loss and devastating effects of congenital syphilis in newborns.

Diarrheal disease and associations with water access and sanitation in Indigenous Shawi children along the Armanayacu River basin in Peru.

INTRODUCTION: Diarrheal disease, particularly in children under 5 years old, remains a global health challenge due to its high prevalence and chronic health consequences. Public health interventions that reduce diarrheal disease risk include improving access to water, sanitation, and hygiene. Although Peru achieved the 2015 Millennium Development Goal (MDG) indicators for water access, less progress was achieved on sanitation. Furthermore, many Indigenous Peoples were overlooked in the MDG indicators, resulting in a prioritization of Indigenous Peoples in the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of childhood diarrhea, characterize access to water and sanitation, and determine the association of childhood diarrhea with water access and sanitation indicators in 10 Shawi Indigenous communities along the Armanayacu River in the Peruvian Amazon. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey (n=82) that captured data on diarrheal disease, sociodemographic variables, and water and sanitation exposures was conducted in 10 Shawi communities. Nutritional status of children under 5 was also assessed via physical examination. Descriptive and comparative statistics were conducted. RESULTS: A small proportion (n=7; 8.54%) of participating children reported an episode of diarrhea in the previous month. Almost half (46.30%) of participating children had stunting, wasting, or both. Although not statistically significant, children living in households that used latrines were 4.29 times (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01-18.19) more likely to report an episode of diarrhea than children living in households that practiced open defecation. Although not statistically significant, children living in households that used water treatment methods were 4.25 times (95%CI 0.54-33.71) more likely to report an episode of diarrhea than children living in households that did not. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of childhood diarrhea was lower for Shawi than for other Amazon areas. The higher prevalence of childhood diarrhea in households that used latrines and water treatments warrants further investigation into local risk and protective factors. These Shawi communities scored low for the WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme indicators for water and sanitation, indicating that they should be prioritized in future water, sanitation, and hygiene initiatives. Research will be required to understand and incorporate local Indigenous values and cultural practices into water, sanitation, and hygiene initiatives to maximize intervention uptake and effectiveness.

Estimating mortality and disability in Peru before the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic analysis from the Global Burden of the Disease Study 2019.

Background: Estimating and analyzing trends and patterns of health loss are essential to promote efficient resource allocation and improve Peru's healthcare system performance. Methods: Using estimates from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD), Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (2019), we assessed mortality and disability in Peru from 1990 to 2019. We report demographic and epidemiologic trends in terms of population, life expectancy at birth (LE), mortality, incidence, prevalence, years of life lost (YLLs), years lived with disability (YLDs), and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) caused by the major diseases and risk factors in Peru. Finally, we compared Peru with 16 countries in the Latin American (LA) region. Results: The Peruvian population reached 33.9 million inhabitants (49.9% women) in 2019. From 1990 to 2019, LE at birth increased from 69.2 (95% uncertainty interval 67.8-70.3) to 80.3 (77.2-83.2) years. This increase was driven by the decline in under-5 mortality (-80.7%) and mortality from infectious diseases in older age groups (+60 years old). The number of DALYs in 1990 was 9.2 million (8.5-10.1) and reached 7.5 million (6.1-9.0) in 2019. The proportion of DALYs due to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) increased from 38.2% in 1990 to 67.9% in 2019. The all-ages and age-standardized DALYs rates and YLLs rates decreased, but YLDs rates remained constant. In 2019, the leading causes of DALYs were neonatal disorders, lower respiratory infections (LRIs), ischemic heart disease, road injuries, and low back pain. The leading risk factors associated with DALYs in 2019 were undernutrition, high body mass index, high fasting plasma glucose, and air pollution. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Peru experienced one of the highest LRIs-DALYs rates in the LA region. Conclusion: In the last three decades, Peru experienced significant improvements in LE and child survival and an increase in the burden of NCDs and associated disability. The Peruvian healthcare system must be redesigned to respond to this epidemiological transition. The new design should aim to reduce premature deaths and maintain healthy longevity, focusing on effective coverage and treatment of NCDs and reducing and managing the related disability.

Randomized Controlled Trial of Home Telemonitoring of Blood Pressure with an Adapted Tensiometer with SMS Capability.

Despite being a public health problem, less than a third of hypertensive patients manage to control blood pressure (BP). In this paper, we conducted a two-arm randomized controlled trial to investigate the efficacy of an SMS-based home BP telemonitoring system compared to usual care in patients with uncontrolled hypertension from a primary care center. This study was conducted between April and August 2018. Participants in the intervention arm used a custom-designed telemonitoring device for two weeks and were followed up for two additional weeks; controls were followed for 4 weeks. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the impact on blood pressure of a telemonitoring system using a blood pressure monitor adapted to send data via SMS to health providers in primary care centers for 4 weeks. In this trial, 38 patients were included in the analysis (18 in each arm), 68% were women, and the mean age was 68.1 [SD: 10.8 years], with no differences between arms. Among the results we found was that There was no significant difference in the change in systolic BP values between the control and intervention arm (-7.2 [14.9] mmHg vs. -16.3 [16.7] mmHg; p = 0.09). However, we found a significant difference in the change of diastolic BP (-1.2 [6.4] mmHg vs. -7.2 [9.8] mmHg; for the control and intervention arms, respectively p = 0.03). With all this, we conclude that an SMS-based home BP telemonitoring system is effective in reducing diastolic BP by working in conjunction with primary care centers. Our findings represent one of the first interventions of this type in our environment, being an important alternative for the control of high blood pressure.

The ARMADILLO text message intervention to improve the sexual and reproductive health knowledge of adolescents in Peru: Results of a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The ARMADILLO Study determined whether adolescents able to access SRH information on-demand via SMS were better able to reject contraception-related myths and misconceptions as compared with adolescents receiving pushed SMS or no intervention. TRIAL DESIGN: This trial was an unblinded, three-arm, parallel-group, individual RCT with a 1:1:1 allocation. Trial registration: ISRCTN85156148. METHODS: This study was conducted in Lima, Peru among participants ages 13-17 years. Eligible participants were randomized into one of three arms: Arm 1: access to ARMADILLO's SMS information on-demand; Arm 2 access to ARMADILLO SMS information pushed to their phone; Arm 3 control (no SMS). The intervention period lasted seven weeks. At baseline, endline, and follow-up (eight weeks following endline), participants were assessed on a variety of contraception-related myths and misconceptions. An index of myths-believed was generated. The primary outcome assessed the subject-specific change in the mean score between baseline and endline. Knowledge retention from endline to follow-up was also assessed, as was a 'content exposure' outcome, which assessed change in participants' knowledge based on relevant SMS received. RESULTS: In total, 712 participants were randomized to the three arms: 659 completed an endline assessment and were included in the primary analysis. Arm 2 participants believed fewer myths at endline compared with control arm participants (estimated subject-specific mean difference of -3.69% [-6.17%, -1.21%], p = 0.004). There was no significant difference between participants in Arm 1 vs. the control Arm, or between participants in Arm 1 vs. Arm 2. A further decrease in myths believed between endline and follow-up (knowledge retention) was observed in all arms; however, there was no difference between arms. The content exposure analysis saw significant reductions in myths believed for Arm 1 (estimated subject-specific mean difference of -9.47% [-14.83%, -4.11%], p = .001) and Arm 2 (-5.93% [-8.57%, -3.29%], p < .001) as compared with the control arm; however Arm 1's reduced sample size (n = 28) is a severe limitation. DISCUSSION: The ARMADILLO SMS content has a significant (but small) effect on participants' contraception-related knowledge. Standalone, adolescent SRH digital health interventions may affect only modest change. Instead, digital is probably best used a complementary channel to expand the reach of existing validated SRH information and service programs.

The Annual costs of treating genital warts in the Public Healthcare Sector in Peru.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the cost of six different techniques used to treat Genital Warts and the annual average cost of treating a typical GW patient in Peru. To estimate the annual economic burden diagnosing and treating GW in the Peruvian public healthcare system. METHODS: We developed a prevalence-based, cost-of-illness study from the provider's perspective, the healthcare facilities under the purview of Peruvian Ministry of Health. We used an activity-based costing approach. We conducted primary data collection in three regions in Peru and supplemented it with governmental data. Uncertainty of the costing estimates was assessed via Monte Carlo simulations. We estimated the average cost and associated confidence intervals for six treatment options - three topical and three surgical - and the overall cost per patient. RESULTS: The average treatment cost per patient was 59.9USD (95 %CI 45.5, 77.6). Given a population of 18.4 million adults between 18 and 60 years of age and a GW prevalence of 2.28 %, the annual cost of treating GW was 25.1 million USD (uncertainty interval 16.9, 36.6). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides the first quantification of the economic burden of treating genital warts in Peru and one of the few in Latin America. The costing data did not include other healthcare providers or out-of-pocket expenditures, and hence we present a conservative estimate of the COI of GW in Peru. Our findings bring attention to the financial burden of treating GW, a vaccine-preventable disease.

A novel approach to modeling epidemic vulnerability, applied to Aedes aegypti-vectored diseases in Perú.

BACKGROUND: A proactive approach to preventing and responding to emerging infectious diseases is critical to global health security. We present a three-stage approach to modeling the spatial distribution of outbreak vulnerability to Aedes aegypti-vectored diseases in Perú. METHODS: Extending a framework developed for modeling hemorrhagic fever vulnerability in Africa, we modeled outbreak vulnerability in three stages: index case potential (stage 1), outbreak receptivity (stage 2), and epidemic potential (stage 3), stratifying scores on season and El Niño events. Subsequently, we evaluated the validity of these scores using dengue surveillance data and spatial models. RESULTS: We found high validity for stage 1 and 2 scores, but not stage 3 scores. Vulnerability was highest in Selva Baja and Costa, and in summer and during El Niño events, with index case potential (stage 1) being high in both regions but outbreak receptivity (stage 2) being generally high in Selva Baja only. CONCLUSIONS: Stage 1 and 2 scores are well-suited to predicting outbreaks of Ae. aegypti-vectored diseases in this setting, however stage 3 scores appear better suited to diseases with direct human-to-human transmission. To prevent outbreaks, measures to detect index cases should be targeted to both Selva Baja and Costa, while Selva Baja should be prioritized for healthcare system strengthening. Successful extension of this framework from hemorrhagic fevers in Africa to an arbovirus in Latin America indicates its broad utility for outbreak and pandemic preparedness and response activities.

Nuya kankantawa (we are feeling healthy): Understandings of health and wellbeing among Shawi of the Peruvian Amazon.

Promoting and supporting Indigenous health includes ensuring health services reflect local concepts of health. There is, therefore, a need to better understand context-specific Indigenous understandings of health in order to design culturally appropriate health services. To this end, this study characterized two Shawi communities' understandings of what it means to be healthy. Using a community-based participatory research approach, 40 semi-structured interviews and a series of informal interviews were conducted and analysed thematically, using a constant comparative method. The Shawi definition of health extended beyond individual physical welfare and focused on emotional, collective, and environmental wellbeing. The primary factors underlying Shawi perceptions of health and wellbeing included providing for the family, ensuring the welfare of others, maintaining positive social relationships, preserving traditional values and practices, and living harmoniously with the natural environment. Conversely, Shawi classified illnesses according to their cause or treatment. These included illnesses caused by sorcery, those caused by spirits of the forest, and 'new diseases,' that first appeared in the communities when they were contacted by the Western civilization, for which no traditional remedies existed. Consequently, according to Shawi, sociocultural, environmental, and climatic changes are posing imminent health threats. This study highlights the differences between biomedical and Indigenous Shawi health understandings, and therefore emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and embracing Shawi culture and beliefs within the formal healthcare system.

Randomized clinical trial to compare the efficacy of ivermectin versus placebo to negativize nasopharyngeal PCR in patients with early COVID-19 in Peru (SAINT-Peru): a structured summary of a study protocol for randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: The primary objective is to determine the effect of a daily dose of ivermectin administered in three consecutive days to non-severe COVID-19 patients with no more than 96 hours of symptoms, on the detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA by PCR from nasopharyngeal swabs at day seven post-treatment initiation. The secondary objectives are: 1. To assess the efficacy of ivermectin to reduce the SARS-CoV-2 viral load in the nasopharyngeal swab on days 4, 7, 14 and 21 post-treatment initiation 2. To assess the efficacy of ivermectin on the improvement of symptoms 3. To assess the proportion of seroconversions at day 21 4. To assess the safety of ivermectin at the proposed dose 5. To determine the magnitude of the immune response against SARS-CoV-2 6. To assess correlation of the presence of intestinal helminths on participants on baseline and day 14 with COVID-19 progression and treatment. TRIAL DESIGN: SAINT PERU is a triple-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial with two parallel arms to evaluate the efficacy of ivermectin in negativizing nasopharyngeal PCR in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. PARTICIPANTS: The trial is conducted in two national hospitals in Lima-Peru. The study population is patients with a positive PCR test for SARS-CoV-2 in a nasopharyngeal specimen, symptomatic for 96 hours or less, with non-severe COVID-19 disease at baseline, regardless of the presence of risk factors for progression to severity. The study will not include pregnant women or minors (17 years old or younger). Inclusion criteria 1. COVID-19 symptomatology (cough, fever, anosmia, etc.) lasting no more than 96 hours, with a positive nasopharyngeal swab PCR test for SARS-CoV-2. 2. 18 years or older. 3. No use of ivermectin in the month prior to the visit. 4. No known history of ivermectin allergy. 5. Capable to give informed consent. 6. Not current use of CYP 3A4 or P-gp inhibitor drugs such as quinidine, amiodarone, diltiazem, spironolactone, verapamil, clarithromycin, erythromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, cyclosporine, tacrolimus, indinavir, ritonavir, cobicistat or critical CYP3A4 substrate drugs such as warfarin. Exclusion criteria 1. COVID-19 pneumonia diagnosed by the attending physician (oxygen saturation < 95% or lung examination) 2. Positive pregnancy test for women at childbearing age. 3. Positive IgG against SARS-CoV-2 by rapid diagnostic test at screening. Participants will be recruited by the investigators at the emergency services of the study sites. They are expected to remain in the trial for a period of 21 days. Follow-up visits will be conducted by the trial medical staff at the participant's home or at a hospital in case of hospitalization. Follow-up visits will assess clinical and laboratory parameters of the patients. INTERVENTION AND COMPARATOR: Ivermectin (300 mcg/kg) or placebo will be administered in one daily dose for three consecutive days. Currently, there is no solid data on the efficacy of ivermectin against the virus in vivo; therefore the use of placebo in the control group is ethically justified. MAIN OUTCOMES: Primary Proportion of patients with a positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR from a nasopharyngeal swab at day 7 post-treatment. Secondary 1. Mean viral load as determined by PCR cycle threshold (Ct) on days 4, 7, 14, and 21 2. Proportion of patients with fever and cough at days 4, 7, 14, and 21 as well as proportion of patients progressing to severe disease or death during the trial 2. Proportion of patients with a positive rapid diagnostic test at day 21 3. Proportion of drug-related adverse events during the trial 4. Median levels of IgG, IgM, IgA measured by Luminex RANDOMIZATION: Participants will be randomized to receive one dose of 300 mcg/kg ivermectin or placebo daily for three consecutive days. The epidemiologist will generate a list of correlative numbers, in randomized blocks of size 4, with the assignment to the treatment groups (a and b). The randomization list will be kept in an encrypted file accessible only to the trial statistician. This list will be handed directly to the pharmacist. Independently, the principal investigator will randomly assign the intervention (ivermectin) to one of the two groups (a or b) by tossing a coin, and will inform the pharmacist of the result of this process. The pharmacist will prepare and label the treatment vials according to the randomization list prepared by the epidemiologist and the treatment assignment given by the principal investigator. Eligible patients will be allocated in a 1:1 ratio using this randomization list. BLINDING (MASKING): The clinical trial team, the statistician, and the patients will be blinded as to arm allocation. The vials with placebo will be visibly identical to the ones with the active drug. Treatment will be administered by staff not involved in the clinical care or participant's follow up. NUMBERS TO BE RANDOMIZED (SAMPLE SIZE): The planned sample size is 186 SARS-CoV-2 PCR positive patients: 93 patients to treatment and 93 to the placebo group. TRIAL STATUS: Current protocol version: 2.0 dated January 15th, 2021. Recruitment started on Aug 29th, 2020. Recruitment is expected to be completed April 30th 2021. TRIAL REGISTRATION: "Ensayo Clínico aleatorizado de Fase IIa para comparar la efectividad de la ivermectina versus placebo en la negativización del PCR en pacientes en fase temprana de COVID-19" Peru National Health Institute REPEC with number: PER-034-20 , registered July 17th 2020 (National Peruvian Registration before the first participant enrolled). "Randomized Phase IIA Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy of Ivermectin to Obtain Negative PCR Results in Patients With Early Phase COVID-19" Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT04635943 , retrospectively registered in November 19th 2020 FULL PROTOCOL: The full protocol is attached as an additional file, accessible from the Trials website (Additional file 1). In the interest of expediting dissemination of this material, the familiar formatting has been eliminated; this Letter serves as a summary of the key elements of the full protocol.

Effect of augmented reality books in salivary cortisol levels in hospitalized pediatric patients: A randomized cross-over trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to assess the effect of reading augmented reality (AR) books on salivary cortisol levels in hospitalized pediatric patients compared to reading a standard children's book. METHODS: This was a randomized, two-period, cross-over trial in hospitalized children aged 7-11 years. AR books currently in the market were used as intervention. Complete block randomization was used to randomize the order of the intervention. Children allocated to the 'AR-first' group received the book, a tablet and were left to interact independently with the technology for an hour. After a 48 -h wash-out period, children received a standard book. 'Standard-book-first' group received only the standard book and after wash-out received the tablet and the AR book. Salivary cortisol and a validated visual analogue scale (VAS) for psychological stress were assessed at the beginning and at the end of each intervention. RESULTS: A total of 29 children were recruited in the study. One was lost during follow up. Cortisol levels decreased after the AR intervention (P = 0.019). Nevertheless, the decrease was not greater than the one associated to reading the standard book. VAS scores increased after the AR intervention (P < 0.001). DISCUSSION: There is evidence of order and sequence effects that might explain results. First assessment of AR-based interventions on stress. Results justify further research. CONCLUSIONS: There was no evidence that reading AR books diminished cortisol levels more than reading a standard book. AR-books improved VAS score for psychological stress compared to a standard book.

Cambios fisiológicos y morfológicos tempranos en el riñón remanente de donantes vivos / Early physiological and morphological changes in the remnant kidney of living donors

RESUMEN Con el objetivo de describir los cambios funcionales y morfológicos tempranos en el riñón remanente de donantes vivos, se realizó un estudio retrospectivo en el Hospital Cayetano Heredia, en el que se incluyeron 55 individuos. De las historias clínicas, se obtuvieron los datos clínicos y demográficos, así como la depuración de creatinina, la proteinuria, la presión arterial y las dimensiones renales a los 1, 2, 3, 6 y 12 meses después de la donación del riñón. La edad media fue de 40,88 (±9,84) años; el 80% eran mujeres y el índice de masa corporal medio fue de 25,68 (±3,5) kg/m2. Se utilizaron modelos lineales y cuadráticos para estudiar las variables fisiológicas y morfológicas. Durante el tiempo de seguimiento, la tasa de filtración glomerular, la proteinuria, la presión arterial diastólica y la longitud de los riñones mostraron cambios significativos (p < 0,05).

ABSTRACT In order to describe the early functional and morphological changes in the remnant kidney of living donors, a retrospective study was carried out at the Cayetano Heredia Hospital. Data from 55 individuals was included. Clinical and demographic data were obtained from the clinical records, as well as data for creatinine clearance, proteinuria, blood pressure and renal dimensions at 1, 2, 3, 6 and 12 months after kidney donation. The mean age was 40.88 (±9.84) years; 80% were women and the mean body mass index was 25.68 (±3.5) kg/m2. Linear and quadratic models were used to study physiological and morphological variables. During the follow-up time, glomerular filtration rate, proteinuria, diastolic blood pressure, and kidney length showed significant changes (p < 0.05).

Rotavirus vaccination and stunting: Secondary Data Analysis from the Peruvian Demographic and Health Survey.

Rotavirus infection is the leading cause of acute diarrhea in children and is preventable with a vaccine. Malnutrition increases the risk for the development of enteric and respiratory diseases, but also diarrhea increases the risk for stunting, having a negative effect in height-for-age Z score (HAZ). Therefore, Rotavirus can be considered as one of the contributing factors to stunting. The objective was to determine if vaccination against rotavirus was associated with changes in HAZ of children aged 6-60 months. We analyzed the data of Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) 2015-2017 for Peru, which is a nationwide representative. We fitted linear regression models controlling for complex sampling. The vaccine coverage was close to 75.5%, and the mean HAZ was -0.76 standard deviations. After adjusting by demographic, health, and household characteristics, children who received rotavirus vaccine, had a mean HAZ 0.06 standard deviations higher than children who did not receive it. Additionally, BCG vaccination, a higher education level of the mother, a higher wealth index, and treating water for drinking were positively associated with HAZ. On the other hand, we found low birth weight, lack of flush toilet, and altitude higher than 2500 m above sea level negatively associated with HAZ. Rotavirus vaccine is associated with better anthropometric measurements.

Filling the gaps in the Peruvian care continuum for HIV-infected pregnant mothers: a case-control study in metropolitan Lima-Callao, Peru.

Mother-to-child transmission of HIV (MTCT) accounts for a significant proportion of new HIV infections in Peru. The purpose of this case-control study was to examine maternal and infant factors associated with MTCT in Peru from 2015 to 2016. For each biologically confirmed case infant, we randomly selected four birth year- and birth hospital-matched controls from five hospitals in Lima-Callao. Maternal and infant information were gathered from medical records. Simple conditional logistic regression was utilized to examine possible maternal and infant characteristics associated with MTCT. The rate of MTCT was 6.9% in 2015 and 2.7% in 2016. A total of 63 matched controls were identified for 18 cases. Protective factors included higher number of prenatal visits (odds ratio [OR]: 0.72; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.55-0.94, p = 0.012) and having more children (OR: 0.10, 95% CI: 0.01-0.79, p = 0.029). Risk factors included later maternal diagnosis (OR: 1.19; 95% CI: 1.06-1.34; p = 0.001) and greater viral load at the time of maternal diagnosis (OR: 1.05; 95% CI: 1.01-1.10; p = 0.022). Our study highlights the importance of targeting early and continued prenatal care as specific areas to target to prevent gaps in the HIV treatment cascade for pregnant HIV-infected women. These strategies can ensure early screening and initiation of antiretroviral therapy to reduce MTCT rates.

Human milk oligosaccharides and their association with late-onset neonatal sepsis in Peruvian very-low-birth-weight infants.

BACKGROUND: Oligosaccharides are the third most abundant component in human milk. They are a potential protective agent against neonatal sepsis. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to explore the association between human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) and late-onset sepsis in very-low-birth-weight infants, and to describe the composition and characteristics of HMOs in Peruvian mothers of these infants. METHODS: This is a secondary data analysis of a randomized clinical trial. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of mothers and their very-low-birth-weight (<1500 g) infants with ≥1 milk sample and follow-up data for >30 d. HMOs were measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). We used factor analysis and the Mantel-Cox test to explore the association between HMOs and late-onset neonatal sepsis. RESULTS: We included 153 mother-infant pairs and 208 milk samples. Overall, the frequency of the secretor phenotype was 93%. Secretors and nonsecretors were defined by the presence and near-absence of α1-2-fucosylated HMOs, respectively. The most abundant oligosaccharides were 2'-fucosyllactose, lacto-N-fucopentaose (LNFP) I, and difucosyllacto-N-tetraose in secretors and lacto-N-tetraose and LNFP II in nonsecretors. Secretors had higher amounts of total oligosaccharides than nonsecretors (11.45 g/L; IQR: 0.773 g/L compared with 8.04 g/L; IQR: 0.449 g/L). Mature milk samples were more diverse in terms of HMOs than colostrum (Simpson's Reciprocal Diversity Index). We found an association of factor 3 in colostrum with a reduced risk of late-onset sepsis (HR: 0.63; 95% CI: 0.41, 0.97). Fucosyl-disialyllacto-N-hexose (FDSLNH) was the only oligosaccharide correlated to factor 3. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that concentrations of different HMOs vary from one individual to another according to their lactation period and secretor status. We also found that FDSLNH might protect infants with very low birth weight from late-onset neonatal sepsis. Confirming this association could prove 1 more mechanism by which human milk protects infants against infections and open the door to clinical applications of HMOs.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01525316.

Randomized Controlled Trial of Bovine Lactoferrin for Prevention of Sepsis and Neurodevelopment Impairment in Infants Weighing Less Than 2000 Grams.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of bovine lactoferrin on prevention of late-onset sepsis (LOS) and neurodevelopment delay. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized, double-blind, controlled trial in neonates with a birth weight of 500-2000 g in 3 neonatal units in Lima, Peru, comparing bovine lactoferrin 200 mg/kg/day with placebo administered for 8 weeks. The primary outcome was the first episode of culture-proven LOS or sepsis-associated death. Neurodevelopment delay was assessed by the Mullen Scales at 24 months corrected age. RESULTS: Of the 414 infants enrolled, 209 received bovine lactoferrin and 205 received placebo. LOS or sepsis-associated death occurred in 22 infants (10.5%) in the bovine lactoferrin group vs 30 (14.6%) in the placebo group; there was no difference after adjusting for hospital and birth weight; hazard ratio 0.73 (95% CI, 0.42-1.26). For infants with birth weights of <1500 g the hazard ratio was 0.69 (95% CI, 0.39-1.25). The mean age-adjusted normalized Mullen composite score at 24 months was 83.3 ± 13.6 in the bovine lactoferrin group vs 82.6 ± 13.1 in the placebo group. Growth outcomes and rehospitalization rates during the 2-year follow-up were similar in both groups, except for significantly less bronchiolitis in the bovine lactoferrin group (rate ratio, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.14-0.86). CONCLUSIONS: Supplementation with bovine lactoferrin did not decrease the incidence of sepsis in infants with birth weights of <2000 g. Growth and neurodevelopment outcomes at 24 months of age were similar. Neonatal bovine lactoferrin supplementation had no adverse effects. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01525316.

Early physiological and morphological changes in the remnant kidney of living donors. / Cambios fisiológicos y morfológicos tempranos en el riñón remanente de donantes vivos.

In order to describe the early functional and morphological changes in the remnant kidney of living donors, a retrospective study was carried out at the Cayetano Heredia Hospital. Data from 55 individuals was included. Clinical and demographic data were obtained from the clinical records, as well as data for creatinine clearance, proteinuria, blood pressure and renal dimensions at 1, 2, 3, 6 and 12 months after kidney donation. The mean age was 40.88 (±9.84) years; 80% were women and the mean body mass index was 25.68 (±3.5) kg/m2. Linear and quadratic models were used to study physiological and morphological variables. During the follow-up time, glomerular filtration rate, proteinuria, diastolic blood pressure, and kidney length showed significant changes (p < 0.05).

Con el objetivo de describir los cambios funcionales y morfológicos tempranos en el riñón remanente de donantes vivos, se realizó un estudio retrospectivo en el Hospital Cayetano Heredia, en el que se incluyeron 55 individuos. De las historias clínicas, se obtuvieron los datos clínicos y demográficos, así como la depuración de creatinina, la proteinuria, la presión arterial y las dimensiones renales a los 1, 2, 3, 6 y 12 meses después de la donación del riñón. La edad media fue de 40,88 (±9,84) años; el 80% eran mujeres y el índice de masa corporal medio fue de 25,68 (±3,5) kg/m2. Se utilizaron modelos lineales y cuadráticos para estudiar las variables fisiológicas y morfológicas. Durante el tiempo de seguimiento, la tasa de filtración glomerular, la proteinuria, la presión arterial diastólica y la longitud de los riñones mostraron cambios significativos (p < 0,05).

¿Te Recurseas? Mapping, Enumerating, and Describing Male and Transwomen Sex Workers in Venue-Based and Virtual Spaces in Lima, Peru.

HIV disproportionately affects men who have sex with men and transwomen in Latin America. Globally, efforts to map, enumerate, and describe male and transwomen sex workers (MTSWs) are limited. We mapped and described venue- and non-venue-based MTSWs and enumerated venuebased MTSWs in Lima, Peru's capital. With venue-based MTSWs, we identified and described the venues, SWs, and clients and enumerated the SWs. With non-venue-based MTSWs, we described SW offerings and SWs. Male SWs (MSWs) are concentrated downtown, with many moving online. Transwomen SWs (TSWs) are spread across metropolitan Lima, with fewer online. At venues, there are more TSWs than MSWs, TSWs reported more HIV and sexual risk behaviors, and MSWs had more female partners. Non-venue-based MSWs used condoms less than venue-based MSWs. Results support systematic efforts to describe hard-to-reach MTSWs and their different types of partners, all of whom have unique, differing needs for HIV/ STI education, prevention, testing, and care services.

Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals: A Mixed Methods Study of Health-Related Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) for Indigenous Shawi in the Peruvian Amazon.

Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG-6) addresses poor water quality, inadequate sanitation, and improper hygiene, all of which negatively impact health and disproportionately impact Indigenous Peoples' health. Understanding and responding to local contexts is critical to effectively improve water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH); however, in-depth understanding of local knowledge, practices, and perceptions are often overlooked. As such, this study described the knowledge, practices, and perceptions of WASH held by residents of two Indigenous Shawi communities in the Peruvian Amazon. Quantitative data were collected via a cross-sectional survey and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were collected via interviews, PhotoVoice, focus group discussions, and participatory transect walks, and analyzed using a constant comparative approach to thematic analysis. Emergent themes included characterizing water sources, collection methods, and consumption patterns; knowledge, perceptions, and practices related to WASH; and knowledge and perceptions of health issues related to WASH. This study provides insight into the ongoing challenges related to WASH in Indigenous communities in the Peruvian Amazon and highlights the need to prioritize interventions that will advance WASH-related SDGs.

Burden of genital warts in Peru: an observational study.

Genital warts (GW) are mucosal or skin lesions caused by sexual transmission of human papillomavirus (HPV). This study estimates the frequency of GW cases in physicians' clinics and physicians' usual practices of GW referral and diagnosis in Peru. Participants in this study were a convenience sample of 100 physicians in five specialties: primary care (17), gynecology (37), urology (10), dermatology (31), and infectious diseases (5). Physicians completed a survey and daily log of all patients aged 18-60 years seen over ten days in their offices located in Peru. The survey recorded GW referral patterns and the daily log recorded patient demographic information and GW diagnosis. Among 12,058 patients, the annual GW prevalence (95% confidence interval [CI]) was 2.28% (2.02-2.56) and cumulative incidence (95% CI) was 1.60% (1.38-1.84). Physicians reported that most GW patients were direct consult (73.5% of male and 67.9% of females) and physicians treated most GW patients themselves (73.4% of males and 76.7% of females). As reported, the most common reasons for referring were 'serious cases requiring more specialized treatment' (73.2% of male and 72.2% of female) and 'lack of resources to treat' (26.8% of male and 27.8% of female). We conclude that GW cases are commonly seen by physicians in Peru.

Housing Characteristics and Leishmaniasis: A Systematic Review.

Leishmaniasis is a major neglected tropical disease associated with high rates of disability and death. This disease is associated with poverty, which can be reflected in housing quality, especially in rural areas. This systematic review found that mud walls with cracks and holes, damp, and dark houses were risk factors for transmission of leishmaniasis. These characteristics create favorable conditions for sand fly breeding and resting as sand flies prefer humidity, warmth, and protection from sunlight during the day. Housing interventions might be a promising research area with a special focus on education as individual and collective protection for the effective control of leishmaniasis.