Access to assisted human reproduction techniques in Colombia: Disparity between the recognition of reproductive rights and their effective implementation.

Public funding of assisted reproduction technologies (ARTs) is a controversial issue. Some health systems have proposed public funding of ARTs. In recent years, there has been evidence of a change in the line of jurisprudence and legislation in Colombia about this topic. This article analyzes the tension between the recognition of individual sexual and reproductive rights and the common good, in terms of the sustainability of the health system and the reasonable use of limited resources to meet the health needs of the population. This article concludes that, despite regulatory progress, there has been a lack of corresponding progress in their effective implementation and the recognition of reproductive rights.

Cluster Analysis of Home Mechanical Ventilation in COPD Patients: A Picture of the Real World and Its Impact on Mortality.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of chronic hypercapnic failure in COPD patients with home noninvasive ventilation (HNIV) remains unclear. AIM: To create a curated cohort of all COPD patients on HNIV in Catalonia, perform a cluster analysis, and evaluate mortality evolution. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This study was a multicenter, observational study including all COPD patients on HNIV on 1st January of 2018. Patients were selected through the Catalan Health Service, and administrative and clinical data were obtained in the previous four years. Principal component analysis of mixed data and hierarchical clustering were performed to identify clusters of patients. Mortality was evaluated from 1 January 2018 until 31 December 2020. RESULTS: A total of 247 patients were enrolled. They were mostly male (78.1%), with a median (SD) age of 70.4 (9.4) years old. In 60%, 55% and 29% of patients, obesity, sleep apnea and heart failure coexisted, respectively. Cluster analysis identified four well-differentiated groups labeled for their clinical characteristics: (1) obese smokers, (2) very severe COPD, (3) sleep apnea and (4) older comorbid males. Patients belonging to Clusters (2) and (4) had a worse prognosis than patients in Clusters (1) and (3). INTERPRETATION: A high heterogeneity in the prescription of HNIV was demonstrated. Cluster analysis identifies four different groups, of which only one had COPD as the main cause of ventilation, while the other three clusters showed a predominance of other comorbidities. This leads to different survival outcomes, including an overlapping phenotype of obesity-related disease and sleep apnea with better survival.

Safe sleep community baby showers to reduce infant mortality risk factors for women who speak Spanish.

OBJECTIVES: In the United States, sleep-related deaths are one of the primary causes of death for infants age 28 days to one year. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) developed Safe Sleep Recommendations which provide risk reduction strategies for sleep-related infant deaths. Interventions such as Safe Sleep Community Baby Showers have increased knowledge and intentions to engage in these safe sleep behaviors for women who speak English. This study assessed the feasibility, acceptability and initial outcomes of Safe Sleep Community Baby Showers for women who speak Spanish. METHODS: Six Spanish Safe Sleep Community Baby Showers were held in Sedgwick County, Kansas. One hundred forty-six pregnant or recently delivered women who spoke Spanish completed pre- and post-assessments. Univariate comparisons were made using McNemar's test for paired dichotomous variables. RESULTS: Participants had a high school diploma/General Educational Diploma (GED) or less (75.3%), and were uninsured (52.1%) or had Medicaid (n = 49; 33.6%). The majority reported being very satisfied (n = 130; 89.0%) or satisfied (n = 8; 5.5%). Compared to baseline, significant increases in intentions and confidence to follow the AAP Safe Sleep Recommendations were observed following the events. The majority of participants reported intending to place their infant on the back to sleep (98.6%), use only a safe surface (crib, portable crib, bassinet; 99.3%), and only include safe items (firm mattress, fitted sheet; 93.5%) (all p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Study findings support both feasibility and acceptability of modifying Safe Sleep Community Baby Showers to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate education for women who speak Spanish. Initial outcomes suggest increased intentions to follow safe sleep recommendations.

Clinical Outcomes of Severe COVID-19 Patients Admitted to an Intermediate Respiratory Care Unit.

Introduction: Many severe COVID-19 patients require respiratory support and monitoring. An intermediate respiratory care unit (IMCU) may be a valuable element for optimizing patient care and limited health-care resources management. We aim to assess the clinical outcomes of severe COVID-19 patients admitted to an IMCU. Methods: Observational, retrospective study including patients admitted to the IMCU due to COVID-19 pneumonia during the months of March and April 2020. Patients were stratified based on their requirement of transfer to the intensive care unit (ICU) and on survival status at the end of follow-up. A multivariable Cox proportional hazards method was used to assess risk factors associated with mortality. Results: A total of 253 patients were included. Of them, 68% were male and median age was 65 years (IQR 18 years). Ninety-two patients (36.4%) required ICU transfer. Patients transferred to the ICU had a higher mortality rate (44.6 vs. 24.2%; p < 0.001). Multivariable proportional hazards model showed that age ≥65 years (HR 4.14; 95%CI 2.31-7.42; p < 0.001); chronic respiratory conditions (HR 2.34; 95%CI 1.38-3.99; p = 0.002) and chronic kidney disease (HR 2.96; 95%CI 1.61-5.43; p < 0.001) were independently associated with mortality. High-dose systemic corticosteroids followed by progressive dose tapering showed a lower risk of death (HR 0.15; 95%CI 0.06-0.40; p < 0.001). Conclusions: IMCU may be a useful tool for the multidisciplinary management of severe COVID-19 patients requiring respiratory support and non-invasive monitoring, therefore reducing ICU burden. Older age and chronic respiratory or renal conditions are associated with worse clinical outcomes, while treatment with systemic corticosteroids may have a protective effect on mortality.

[Validation of a high sensitive troponin 99th percentile obtained in a general hospital]. / Validación de percentil 99 de troponina ultrasensible obtenido en la población de un hospital general.

Introduction: High sensitivity cardiac Troponin T (hs-cTnT) dosage is recommended for myocardial infarction diagnosis, by applying the 99th percentile obtained from a healthy population by the manufacturer. The objective is to validate the 99th percentile in a population from our hospital (99L), compared with the manufacturer´s 99th percentile (99F) by using coronary angiography as gold standard. Materials and Methods: Retrospective analysis of every hs-cTnT (Roche) obtained from patients admitted with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) who underwent coronary angiography between 2015 and 2018. Results: 415 patients were included for analysis (118 females, 64.2 yo). 99F sensitivity (Sn) for significant coronary artery disease (stenosis >70%) was 83.6%, with a specificity (Sp) of 44.5%. Positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were 77% and 55% respectively. 99L Sn was 69.7% and Sp 58.6%. PPV was 79% and NPV 46%. ROC curve was 0.641 for 99F and 0.641 for 99L. Conclusion: Given the importance of hs-cTnT in ACS diagnosis, the 99F should be the preferred upper reference limit since the sensitivity is better, although lower compared to prior studies.

Introducción: El dosaje de troponina ultrasensible (TnT US) se recomienda para el diagnóstico de infarto de miocardio, para lo cual se utiliza como punto de corte el percentil 99 (p99) obtenido por el fabricante (99F) en población sana. El objetivo de este estudio es validar el p99 obtenido en la población de este hospital (99L) frente al 99F, utilizando la cinecoronariografía (CCG) como gold standard. Materiales y Métodos: análisis retrospectivo de TnT US Roche realizada a todos los pacientes que ingresaron por SCA (síndrome coronario agudo) a los que se les realizó CCG entre 2015 y 2018. Se utilizó para el procesamiento estadístico el programa IBM SPSS Statistics 24 y tablas de sensibilidad y especificidad para métodos diagnósticos (EviCardio). Resultados: se incluyeron 415 pacientes, 118 de sexo femenino, con edad de 64,2 ± 12,5 años. La sensibilidad del 99F para diagnóstico de enfermedad coronaria severa (obstrucción ≥ 70%) fue de 83,6% y la especificidad, 44,5%. El valor predictivo positivo (VPP) fue de 77% y el negativo (VPN) 55%. La sensibilidad del 99L se calculó en 69,7% y la especificidad, 58,6%. El VPP fue 79% y el VPN 46%. El ABC (área bajo la curva) resultó ser 0,641 para el 99Fy 0,641 para el 99L Conclusiones: Debido a la importancia de la sensibilidad en el uso de la TnT US como herramienta diagnóstica ante la sospecha de SCA, debemos seguir utilizando el 99F ya que mostró mayor sensibilidad que 99L (aunque menor a la reportada en estudios previos).

Necroética: el cuerpo muerto y su dignidad póstuma / Necroethics: the dead body and its posthumous dignity

La atribución de dignidad humana y derechos fundamentales se ha predicado casi exclusivamente en relación con la persona que puede expresar intereses, desplegar decisiones autónomas y asumir responsabilidades. En este artículo defendemos la tesis según la cual es posible atribuir la noción de dignidad póstuma a la persona muerta, de lo cual se derivan derechos y obligaciones en el tratamiento de su cadáver y componentes histopatológicos, así como referentes a la validación de sus intereses, deseos y creencias expresados en vida, lo cual es ratificado por las disposiciones normativas vigentes en nuestro país. A partir del concepto de necroética, sostenemos la naturaleza comunitaria de la muerte y las implicaciones prácticas del reconocimiento de la dignidad póstuma en la enseñanza de la medicina, la realización de autopsias con fines médico-forenses y la disposición de cuerpos para la exhibición pública.

The attribution of human dignity and fundamental rights has been preached almost exclusively in relation to the person who can express interests, display autonomous decisions and assume responsibilities. In this article we defend the thesis according to which it is possible to attribute the notion of posthumous dignity to the dead person, from which rights and obligations derive in the treatment of his corpse and histopathological components, as well as referring to the validation of his interests, wishes and beliefs expressed in life, which is ratified by the regulations in force in our country. Based on the concept of necroethics, we support the community nature of death, and the practical implications of the recognition of posthumous dignity in the teaching of medicine, the performance of autopsies for medical-forensic purposes and the disposition of bodies for public exhibition.

Problemas éticos en la asignación de recursos escasos y cuidado intensivo en la atención de la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2 Una reflexión desde los principios, criterios, derechos y deberes / Ethical problems in the assignment of scarce resources and intensive care in SARS-CoV-2 pandemic healthcare Thoughts based on principles, criteria, rights and responsibilities

Resumen Este documento tiene como finalidad identificar algunos problemas éticos de los procesos de atención en el contexto de la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2 en Colombia, y proponer un conjunto de principios y criterios éticos que permitan a las instituciones y los trabajadores de la salud la toma de decisiones éticamente sustentables y jurídicamente factibles, con un especial enfoque en la protección del núcleo de los derechos fundamentales de pacientes y trabajadores, en un contexto extraordinario caracterizado por la inequidad estructural y la discrepancia entre la oferta y la demanda de bienes, recursos y servicios de salud, con el objetivo de mitigar el estrés moral, maximizar los beneficios derivados de la utilización de los recursos escasos y modular los riesgos éticos y jurídicos asociados.(Acta Med Colomb 2020; 45. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2020.1952).

Abstract The purpose of this document is to identify some ethical problems in healthcare processes within the context of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Colombia, and propose a collection of ethical principles and criteria which will allow healthcare institutions and workers to make ethically supported and legally feasible decisions. These decisions should especially focus on protecting the core of the fundamental rights of patients and workers, in an extraordinary context characterized by structural inequity and a discrepancy between the supply and demand of healthcare goods, resources and services. Ultimately, this will mitigate moral stress, maximize the benefits derived from the use of scarce resources, and modulate the associated ethical and legal risks.(Acta Med Colomb 2020; 45. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2020.1952).

The interface of identity distress and psychological problems in students' adjustment to University.

Identity distress, psychological symptoms, and adjustment to university (academic, social, and person-emotional) were examined among students in Spain (N = 241; Mage  = 19.0 (1.6), Md = 19; 84% female) and Canada (N = 531; Mage  = 19.8 (2.2), Md = 19; 82% female). The expected positive relationships were found between these variables. Similarly, increased identity distress of Spanish students and greater maladjustment at university for those in Canada were associated with contextual differences in the respective environments. Psychological problems mediated the linkages between identity distress with academic, social, and person-emotional functioning at university, respectively. Also, psychological problems and context/country were independent predictors of students' identity distress. Findings underscore the importance of examining contextual factors that influence student adjustment to university in relation to identity development and mental health and they offer suggestions for further research and counseling services.

El derecho a la salud en tiempos de pandemia en Colombia: entre la inequidad endémica y el estado de emergencia / The right to health in times of pandemic in Colombia: between endemic inequity and the state of emergency / O direito à saúde em tempos de pandemia na Colômbia: entre a disparidade endêmica e o estado de emergência

Propósito/Contexto. La pandemia por COVID-19 y la emergencia sanitaria desencadenada permite analizar, desde la bioética y el bioderecho, los problemas relativos al principio de justicia distributiva, en el contexto estructural de la inequidad endémica en Colombia. Metodología/Enfoque. Este artículo realiza un análisis de los ajustes normativos en Colombia en relación con la garantía del derecho a la salud, en el contexto de la atención a la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2. Resultados/Hallazgos. A pesar de los ajustes normativos y la declaración del estado de emergencia sanitaria en Colombia, la persistencia de la inequidad social y económica en distintas regiones, la no intervención sobre determinantes sociales, las irregulares condiciones laborales de los trabajadores de la salud y las dificultades para materializar el principio de reciprocidad constituyen barreras para mitigar los efectos negativos de la pandemia sobre las poblaciones más vulnerables. Discusión/Conclusiones/Contribuciones. Ningún sistema de salud en el mundo estaba preparado para los retos que genera la pandemia y aun cuando se emitió normatividad de contingencia, siguen siendo críticas las profundas brechas de justicia distributiva e inequidad regional en Colombia, así como el incumplimiento de principios enunciados en la ley estatutaria de salud.

Purpose/Context. The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent health emergency allow analyzing, from bioethics and biolaw, problems related to the principle of distributive justice in the structural context of endemic inequality in Colombia. Method/Approach. This article analyzes regulatory adjustments in Colombia that guarantee the right to health amidst the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Results/Findings. Despite regulatory adjustments and the declaration of the state of health emergency in Colombia, persistent social and economic inequality in various regions, failure to intervene social determining factors, the poor working conditions of health workers, and difficulties in materializing the principle of reciprocity have hindered the mitigation of the pandemic's adverse effects on the most vulnerable populations. Discussion/Conclusions/Contributions. No health system in the world was prepared for the challenges the pandemic has posed. Even though contingency regulations have been issued in Colombia, deep gaps in distributive justice, regional inequality, and failure to comply with principles outlined in the statutory health law remain critical.

Objetivo/Contexto. A pandemia do COVID-19 e a emergência de saúde desencadeada permitem-nos analisar, a partir da bioética e o biodireito, os problemas relacionados ao princípio de justiça distributiva, no contexto estrutural da disparidade endêmica na Colômbia. Metodologia/Abordagem. Este artigo faz uma análise dos ajustes regulamentares na Colômbia em relação à garantia do direito à saúde, no contexto da atenção à pandemia de SARS-CoV-2. Resultados/Descobertas. Além dos ajustes regulamentares e a declaração do estado de emergência sanitária na Colômbia, a persistência da desigualdade social e econômica em diferentes regiões, a não intervenção sobre determinantes sociais, as condições irregulares laborais dos trabalhadores da saúde e as dificuldades em materializar o princípio de reciprocidade constituem barreiras para mitigar os efeitos negativos da pandemia nas populações mais vulneráveis. Discussão/Conclusões/Contribuições. Nenhum sistema de saúde no mundo estava preparado para os desafios gerados pela pandemia e, mesmo quando foram emitidos os regulamentos de contingência, seguem sendo críticas às profundas brechas de justiça distributiva e a disparidade regional na Colômbia, bem como o incumprimento dos princípios enunciados na lei estatutária de saúde.

[Effectiveness of transthoracic echocardiogram in patent foramen ovale diagnosis. Systematic review of last ten years.] / Eficacia del ecocardiograma transtorácico para el diagnóstico de foramen oval permeable. Revisión sistemática de los últimos diez años.

Background: Transesophageal echo (TEE) bubble study is the current gold standard for patent foramen ovale (PFO) diagnosis, but it has the disadvantage of being semi-invasive and not exempted from risks. The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of TTE compared to TEE for PFO diagnosis. Methods and results: a systematic review was done on Medline with the terms "transthoracic echocardiography, transesophageal echocardiography, patent foramen ovale, diagnosis" yielding published literature of the last ten years. The search was completed in february 2018. Of 715 articles, 10 were analyzed. The total of patients were 1268 (mean age of 47 years +/-14) with a global prevalence of PFO of 48%. The sensibility of ETT was 90 % (IC 95: 88 % - 92 %) and the specificity 92% (IC 95: 89 % - 94 %). The positive predictive value was 93% (IC 95: 90 % - 94 %) and the negative predictive value 89 % (IC 95: 87 % - 91 %). The area under the curve and Q index value were 0,97 and 0,93 respectively. The positive and negative likelihood ratio were 18,989 and 0,072 respectively. Conclusion: The ETT shows a good specificity and sensibility for PFO diagnosis with last generation equipments, contrast use and valsalva maneuver; according to the analyzed studies.

Introducción: El ecocardiograma transesofágico (ETE) con burbujas es el estudio de referencia para el diagnóstico de foramen oval permeable (FOP), es semi-invasivo y no exento de riesgos. Nuestro objetivo fue determinar la eficacia del ecocardiograma transtorácico (ETT) para el diagnóstico de FOP, en comparación con el ETE. Métodos y resultados: Se realizó una búsqueda en MEDLINE de los últimos 10 años con las palabras claves: "ecocardiograma transtorácico, ecocardiograma transesofágico, foramen oval permeable, diagnóstico". La búsqueda se completó el 28 de Febrero de 2018. De 715 artículos, se seleccionaron 10 para analizar. El total de pacientes fue 1268, edad promedio de 47 años +/-14. La prevalencia global de FOP fue de 48%. La sensibilidad del ETT fue de 90% (IC 95: 88% - 92%) y la especificidad de 92% (IC 95: 89% - 94%). El valor predictivo positivo fue de 93% (IC 95: 90% - 94%) y el valor predictivo negativo de 89% (IC 95: 87% - 91%). El área bajo la curva y el índice Q fueron 0,97 y 0,93 respectivamente. El cociente de probabilidad positivo fue de 18,989 y el negativo de 0,072. Conclusión: El ETT muestra una buena especificidad y sensibilidad para el diagnóstico de FOP con equipos de última generación, uso de contraste y maniobra de Valsalva; según los estudios analizados.

Bioética e investigación: análisis de caso de la epidemia por el virus ébola en 2014

La epidemia por el virus Ébola, en África occidental (2014), ha suscitado una serie de interrogantes éticos en torno a las medidas de salud pública para su contención, el uso de medicamentos experimentales y el desarrollo de vacunas contra esta enfermedad. El presente trabajo explora algunas de estas preguntas desde la perspectiva de la ética en investigación biomédica. La epidemia por el virus Ébola es un modelo de estudio adecuado para abordar esfuerzos multilaterales en investigación, así como para analizar aspectos antropológicos en salud pública y determinantes sociales, económicos y políticos en salud a nivel global.

The Ebola virus epidemic in West Africa (2014) has raised some ethical questions surrounding public health measures for its containment, the use of experimental drugs and the development of vaccines against this disease. This paper explores some of these issues from the perspective of ethics in biomedical research. Ebola virus epidemic is a suitable study model to address multilateral efforts in research as well as to analyze anthropological aspects of public health and social, economic and political determinants of global health.

A epidemia pelo vírus Ebola, na África Ocidental (2014), tem levantado uma série de questões éticas em torno às medidas de saúde pública para a sua contenção, o uso de medicamentos experimentais e o desenvolvimento de vacinas contra esta doença. Este artigo explora algumas destas questões a partir da perspectiva da ética na pesquisa biomédica. A epidemia pelo vírus Ebola é um modelo de estudo adequado para abordar esforços multilaterais em pesquisa, como também para analisar aspectos antropológicos em saúde pública e determinantes sociais, econômicos e políticos em saúde a nível global.

Transcutaneous Carbon Dioxide Monitoring in Subjects With Acute Respiratory Failure and Severe Hypercapnia.

BACKGROUND: Transcutaneous carbon dioxide (P(tcCO2)) monitoring is being used increasingly to assess acute respiratory failure. However, there are conflicting findings concerning its reliability when evaluating patients with high levels of P(aCO2). Our study evaluates the accuracy of this method in subjects with respiratory failure according to the severity of hypercapnia. METHODS: We included subjects with respiratory failure, admitted to a respiratory intermediate care unit, who required arterial blood gas analysis. Simultaneously, P(tcCO2) was measured using a digital monitor. Relations between P(aCO2) and P(tcCO2) were assessed by the Pearson correlation coefficient. Bland-Altman analysis was used to test data dispersion, and an analysis of variance test was used to compare the differences between P(aCO2) and the corresponding P(tcCO2) at different levels (level 1, <50 mm Hg; level 2, 50-60 mm Hg; level 3, >60 mm Hg). RESULTS: Eighty-one subjects were analyzed. The main diagnosis was COPD exacerbation (45%). P(tcCO2) correlated well with P(aCO2) (r2 = 0.93, P < .001). Bland-Altman analysis showed a mean P(aCO2) - P(tcCO2) difference of 4.9 ± 4.4 with 95% limits of agreement ranging from -3.6 to 13.4. The difference between variables increased in line with P(aCO2) severity: level 1, 1.7 ± 3.2 mm Hg; level 2, 3.7 ± 2.8; level 3, 6.8 ± 4.7 (analysis of variance, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed an acceptable agreement of P(tcCO2) monitoring with arterial blood gas analysis. However, we should consider that P(tcCO2) underestimates P(aCO2) levels, and its accuracy depends on the level of hypercapnia, so this method would not be suitable for acute patients with severe hypercapnia.

La medicina genómica: un cambio de paradigma de la medicina moderna retos para la bioética y el derecho / Genomic medicine; a paradigm shift in modern medicine challenges for bioethics an the law / A medicina genômica: uma mudança de paradigma da medicina moderna desafios para a bioética e para o direito

La medicina genómica y sus diferentes formas de aplicación medicinas personalizada o individualizada, de la que hacen parte la farmacogenómica, toxicogenómica y nutrigenómica; y la medicina predictiva, regenerativa o de reemplazo, molecular y reproductiva), sin lugar a dudas han transformado a la medicina moderna y se constituyen en un nuevo paradigma. Este artículo pretende hacer una revisión de las distintas formas de la medicina genómica, desde sus beneficios para la salud humana y cambios sustanciales en el abordaje del proceso salud-enfermedad, así como de las problemáticas y paradojas asociadas que deben ser abordadas desde la Bioética y el Derecho...

Genomic medicine and its different application forms, such as personalized (to which pharmacogenomics, toxicogenomics, nutrigenomics and predictive medicine belong), regenerative, molecular and reproductive medicines, have undoubtedly transformed modern medicine, becoming a new paradigm. The present study aims at reviewing the different forms of genomic medicine, from its benefits to human health, up to the problems and paradoxes that must be approached from bioethics and law...

A medicina genômica e suas diferentes formas de aplicação (medicinas personalizada ou individualizada, da qual fazem parte a farmacogenômica, a toxicogenômica e a nutrigenômica; e a medicina preditiva, regenerativa ou de substituição, molecular e reprodutiva) sem dúvidas têm transformado a medicina moderna e constituem um novo paradigma. Este artigo pretende fazer uma revisão das distintas formas da medicina genômica, desde seus benefícios para a saúde humana e mudanças substanciais na abordagem do processo saúde-doença, bem como das problemáticas e paradoxos associados que devem ser abordados a partir da Bioética e do Direito...

Métodos de vigilância fetal intraparto / Methods of intrapartum fetal surveillance

A avaliação do bem-estar fetal durante assistência ao trabalho de parto é um dos principais objetivos da Obstetrícia. O método mais utilizado para essa avaliação é a monitorização eletrônica fetal contínua. Em razão de sua limitada capacidade diagnóstica, outros métodos complementares têm sido investigados para esse fim, como a ausculta intermitente, a estimulação digital no escalpe fetal, a oximetria de pulso, o eletrocardiograma fetal e a coleta de amostras de sangue do couro cabeludo fetal. Após revisão da literatura, foi concluído que são necessários mais estudos para determinar a verdadeira utilidade, na prática clínica, dos métodos complementares à monitorização eletrônica fetal contínua para avaliação fetal intraparto.

The evaluation of intrapartum fetal well-being is one of the main objectives of Obstetrics. The most used method for this assessment is the continuous electronic fetal monitoring. Because of their limited diagnostic capabilities, other complementary methods have been investigated for evaluation of intrapartum surveillance, as intermittent auscultation, digital fetal scalp stimulation, pulse oximetry, fetal electrocardiogram and fetal scalp blood sample. After a review of articles, we concluded that more studies are needed to determine the true usefulness in clinical practice of complementary methods to continuous electronic fetal monitoring for intrapartum fetal monitoring.

[Informed consent for genetic information management in Colombian law]. / Consentimiento informado para el tratamiento de la información genética en el derecho colombiano.

Deciphering the human genome has allowed the development of new health care ways which have been generically referred to as genomic medicine. However, this new knowledge is not devoid of risks related to the access and use of genetic information, involving not only the individual, but also the biological family, ethnic group and community to which he/she belong to. This affects both individual and collective rights, which must be protected by law. This manuscript reviews the Colombian law, specifically in terms of the access and use of genetic information for diagnostic and treatment purposes, focusing on the informed consent process. The concept of genetic information, the risks and benefits associated with genetic data management and the description and critical analysis of the present Colombian regulations were thus reviewed. As a conclusion, the juridical framework of Colombia shows deficiencies regarding the protection of both individual and collective rights linked to the access and use of genetic information.

Consentimiento informado en pediatría: aplicaciones en psiquiatría / Informed consent in pediatrics: applications in psychiatry

El artículo muestra las dificultades principales y dilemas éticos más frecuentes asociados a la obligación de respetar la autonomía en la atención de niños y adolescentes con trastornos mentales. Se presentan herramientas éticas y jurídicas de utilidad para psiquiatras y demás profesionales de la salud mental referentes a la obtención del consentimiento informado para procedimientos diagnósticos y terapéuticos en esta área de atención especializada...

The paper shows the main difficulties and ethical dilemmas most frequently associated with the obligation to respect autonomy in the care of children and adolescents with mental disorders. We present ethical and legal tools useful for psychiatrists and other mental health professionals concerning the obtaining of informed consent to perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in this area of specialized care...

La Escuela Ciencias de la Salud de la Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá DC, Colombia y Méderi: retos y oportunidades / The School of Health Sciences of the Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá DC, Colombia and Méderi: Challenges and Opportunities

El primero de mayo de 2008 se hizo entrega oficial a la Universidad Colegio Mayor de Nuestra Señora del Rosario, a la Orden Hospitalaria de San Juan de Dios, y a la Caja de Compensación Familiar Compensar, constituidos en una persona jurídica denominada "Corporación Hospitalaria Juan Ciudad", de las Clínicas San Pedro Claver, Misael Pastrana Borrero, y de los Centros de Atención Ambulatoria Hernando Zuleta Holguín y Alquería La Fragua, que pertenecieron a la Empresa Social del Estado Luis Carlos Galán. Este hecho, sin precedentes en la historia de nuestra Universidad, amerita una serie de reflexiones sobre el significado que tiene para el Colegio Mayor, pero sobre todo para su Escuela de Ciencias de la Salud.

On May 1, 2008, the San Pedro Claver and Misael Pastrana Borrero Clinics, and the Hernando Zuleta Holguín and Alquería La Fragua Outpatient Care Centers, which belonged to the Luis Carlos Galán State Social Enterprise, were officially handed over to the Colegio Mayor de Nuestra Señora del Rosario University, the San Juan de Dios Hospital Order, and the Compensar Family Compensation Fund, constituted as a legal entity called "Corporación Hospitalaria Juan Ciudad". This event, unprecedented in the history of our University, merits a series of reflections on the meaning it has for the Colegio Mayor, but especially for its School of Health Sciences.

Retos de la Bioética en el Siglo XXI: Evolución para la evolución. La ciencia genómica, como caso biotecnológico paradigmático / The Bioethics challenges in the xxi century: evolution for the evolution. The genomic science as a paradigmatic biotechnology case

La ciencia genómica cambió la evolución de la vida en el planeta, planteando una serie de dilemas éticos, que requieren de la transformación de la bioética para responder a los retos que enfrentara en el Siglo XXI. Este artículo manejará cuatro temas : Tecnociencia, biotecnología y ciencia genómica; bioética; bioética y ciencia genómica; y las relaciones entre la bioética, la ciencia genómica y el bioderecho...

Relación entre los procesos cognitivos y el nivel de depresión en las adultas mayores institucionalizadas en el Asilo San Antonio de Bucaramanga / Relationship between cognitive processes and depression in elder people institutionalized at the San Antonio Elderly Home in Bucaramanga

El objetivo del presente artículo es identificar la relación existente entre el estado de los procesos cognitivos y el nivel de depresión de las adultas mayores del Asilo San Antonio de la ciudad de Bucaramanga. Para el presente estudio se recolectó información a partir de la aplicación de dos instrumentos (el Minimental y la Escala Geriátrica de Depresión de Beck), y por medio de la entrevista a profundidad con un muestreo no probabilístico de 67 adultas mayores de la población estudiada, y se encontraron elementos correlacionales de deterioro y depresión con eventos significantes del ciclo vital. Esta investigación se basa en la necesidad de establecer condiciones reales de las adultas mayores en cuanto a las dos variables y su correlación, para así mejorar la salud mental y emocional de esta población, a partir de acciones emprendidas por los profesionales que las asisten. Los resultados permiten concluir que existe correlación entre el deterioro en los procesos cognitivos y la presencia de depresión.

The goal of this article is to identify the relationship between the state of thecognitive processes and the level of depression in elder women at the SanAntonio elderly home in Bucaramanga city. In this study, information wascollected by means of the application of two instruments (Mini-mental andBeck’s geriatric scale of depression) and an in-depth interview with a nonprobabilistic sample of 67 elder women from the population studied. Correlational elements of detriment and depression with significant events of thelife cycle were found. This research is based on the necessity of finding out the actual conditions of the elder women with regards to the two variables and their correlation, in order to improve the population’s mental and emotional health, beginning with actions started by the professionals who assist the elder women. The results suggest that there is a correlation between the detriment of cognitive processes and the presence of depression.