Incidence and predictors of sternal surgical wound infection in cardiac surgery: A prospective study.

Sternal surgical wound infection (SSWI) in cardiac surgery is associated with increased morbidity. We investigated the incidence of SSWI, the main germs implicated and predictors of SSWI. Prospective study including patients undergoing full median sternotomy between January 2017 and December 2019. Patients were followed-up for 3 months after hospital discharge. All sternal wound infections up to 90 days after discharge were considered SSWI. 1004 patients were included. During follow-up, 68 (6.8%) patients presented SSWI. Patients with SSWI had a higher incidence of postoperative renal failure (29.4% vs 17.1%, P = .007), a higher incidence of early postoperative reoperation for non-infectious causes (42.6% vs 9.1%, P < .001), longer ICU stay (3 [2-9] days vs 2 [2-4] days, P = .006), and longer hospital stay (24.5 [14.8-38.3] days vs 10 [7-18] days, P < .001). Gram-positive germs were presented in 49% of the cultures, and gram-negative bacteria in 35%. Early reoperation for non-infectious causes (OR 4.90, 95% CI 1.03-23.7), and a longer ICU stay (OR 1.37 95% CI 1.10-1.72) were independent predictors of SSWI. SSWI is rare but leads to more postoperative complications. The need for early reoperation because of non-infectious cause and a longer ICU stay were independently associated with SSWI.

[Distal femoral bypass under local anaesthesia]. / By pass arterial femorodistal bajo anestesia local.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this article is to present our experience in performing distal femoral bypass under local anaesthesia for high risk patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Lower limb revascularisation surgery under local anaesthesia was performed on 8 patients in our centre between January and May 2010. The common characteristics of the patients were, advanced age, chronic ischaemic heart disease on antiplatelet treatment, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). RESULTS: All 8 patients (100%) tolerated the procedure well without having to resort to sedation or invasive anaesthetic procedures. The receiving artery was the posterior tibial in 6 cases (75%) and the popliteal and peroneal in 1 (12%). Early patency of the graft was achieved 7 patients and 1 had early thrombosis with a supracondylar amputation. The technique used was femoral-popliteal in 1 case, femoral-posterior tibial in 6 cases, and popliteal-peroneal in 1 case. The saphenous vein was the graft used, inverted in 1 patient (12%), and in situ in 7 (88%) with a 3mm BARD™ valvotomy. There were no post-operative complications as regards haemorrhage, infections or death. A minor amputation was performed on 3 patients (37%), and after a mean of 3 months (1-4 months) follow-up, 7 cases were free of major amputation. CONCLUSIONS: Revascularisation of the distal zone of the lower limbs can be safely and effectively performed using local anaesthesia, avoiding the risks of general anaesthesia and without the need to stop antiplatelet treatment. Anatomical problems (obesity) may limit the procedure.

Glove perforation in selected surgical procedures in a general hospital in La Habana, Cuba.

Background: Surgical glove perforation constitutes a risk for the maintenance of aseptic technique and the risk of surgical site infection and occupational exposure to blood borne infections for healthcare workers. Aim: To identify the frequency of glove perforation in selected surgical procedures. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive observational study was carried out in the surgical unit of the Joaquin Albarrán Hospital (La Habana, Cuba) during the period September-December 2019. Gloves used by surgeons in major urgent or elective surgical procedures were collected and tested for perforations. Findings: 757 gloves from 149 surgeons and 8 surgical specialties were tested and 95 (25.8%) had perforations. The highest frequencies of glove perforations were reported in vascular surgery (50.0%), proctology (37.9%), urology (28.0%) and general surgery (26.1%). The selected surgical procedures with the highest frequencies were open radical nephrectomy (87.5%), splenectomy (57.1%), open adenomectomy (55.6%), limb amputation (46.2%) and hysterectomy (41.7%). Glove perforation occurred more frequently in consultant surgeons (28.8%) than in residents (20.9%) (P = 0.021), in surgeons with more years of surgical experience (P = 0.003) and longer procedure duration (P = <0.001). Most glove perforations were identified in the left hand (64.1%), while 23.1% were in the right hand and 12.8% in both hands. 51.2% occurred in thumb and index finger. Differences in the patterns of glove perforation were observed among the different surgical procedures. Conclusions: Our findings provide insights into the risk of glove perforation during selected surgical procedures and the need for prevention strategies to reduce adverse consequences of glove perforation in patients and healthcare workers.

[Impact of a quality control program on antibiotic prescription in a hospital in Havana, Cuba]. / Impacto de un programa de control de la calidad de la prescripción de antibióticos en un hospital de La Habana, Cuba.

OBJECTIVE: Demonstrate the efficacy of a quality control program on antibiotic prescription in Joaquín Albarrán Hospital in Havana, Cuba. METHODS: An interventional study was conducted from 1 May 2008 to 31 March 2011. The study included evaluation of prescription quality, information feedback, educational activities, the operations of an antibiotic committee, and the preparation of protocols on antimicrobial drug use. A simple arithmetic graph of the time series was constructed, and the absolute values of the series percentages were compared. In order to verify the existence of a series trend, a simple linear regression model was applied. RESULTS: Antibiotic prescription was evaluated in 2 941 patients. An irregular series was observed, with inappropriate use in 30.7%-48.4% of these patients in the first three months analyzed. The value of the regression slope was close to zero, although it was negative and significantly different from zero (ß = -0.29; P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: The antibiotic control program improved the quality of prescribing for hospital patients.

Urinary Metabolic Disorders Associated with Urolithiasis in Cuban Pediatric Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Pediatric urinary lithiasis (urolithiasis) is an important health issue linked to urinary metabolic disorders. In the United States alone, annual costs associated with urolithiasis are $229 million for hospital admissions and $146 million for emergency care. OBJECTIVE: Identify urinary metabolic disorders in Cuban pediatric patients with urolithiasis and better understand the relationship of age, demographic and anthropometric variables to urinary metabolic disorders strongly associated with urolithiasis. METHODS: We carried out a descriptive, cross-sectional study. The study universe was comprised of Cuban patients aged 2 to 19 years with urinary lithiasis who underwent renal metabolic studies at the Dr Abelardo Buch López Nephrology Institute in Havana, Cuba, from 2008 through 2019. All data were obtained from reports of the aforementioned metabolic studies. We collected the following variables: age, sex, nutritional status, urinary volume, plasma and urinary creatine concentrations; and calcium, uric acid, oxalate and citrate urinary excretions collected during a 24-hour period. We included results of urinary cystine tests and urine mini-cultures. We obtained frequency distributions for categorical and qualitative variables and calculated means and standard deviations for quantitative variables. We also evaluated homogeneity of metabolic disorders between children and adolescents. RESULTS: We studied 1592 pediatric patients, of whom 67.7% (1078/1592) were adolescents. The main metabolic disorders included hypercalciuria (39.1%; 622/1592), decreased urinary flow (22.4%; 357/1592) and hypocitraturia (18.2%; 289/1592). Hypercalciuria, hypocitraturia and hyperoxaluria were more common in children, while decreased urinary flow and hyperuricosuria were more common in adolescents. Hyperuricosuria was more frequent in male patients (6.3%; 40/639 vs. 1.8%; 8/439) and had the greatest impact on lithogenesis. Hypercalciuria was more frequent in undernourished children (62.5%; 30/48) than in overweight children (21.7%; 10/46), or those with obesity (33.3%; 15/45). CONCLUSIONS: The main metabolic disorders among Cuban pediatric patients with urinary lithiasis are: hypercalciuria, decreased urinary flow and hypocitraturia. Hypercalciuria, hypocitraturia and hyperoxaluria are more common in children, and decreased urinary flow and hyperuricosuria are more common in adolescents. Identifying urinary metabolic disorders facilitates formulation of treatment plans tailored to decreasing the likelihood of urolithiasis.

Clinical relevance of Zika symptoms in the context of a Zika Dengue epidemic.

BACKGROUND: The clinical characteristics of the most frequent arbovirosis (Dengue, Zika, Chikungunya) are very similar, which is a diagnostic challenge for clinicians. OBJECTIVE: To identify the presence of clinical characteristics related to Zika virus infection confirmed by the laboratory in patients during an epidemic of co-infection with Zika and Dengue viruses. METHOD: Cross-sectional descriptive study of patients with clinical - epidemiological suspicion of Zika virus infection, who were admitted in the Hospital "Joaquín Albarrán" (La Habana, Cuba), during June 1 to October 31 of 2017. Demographic and symptoms and signs were recorded. By PCR for Zika virus (in blood or urine) the disease was confirmed. RESULTS: 1541 patients were studied. The most frequent symptoms and signs were rash (93.8%), pruritus (77.9%), arthralgia (60.0%), headache (50.8%), myalgia (46.1%), fever (34.7%), asthenia (31.7%), and conjunctivitis (27.9%). Zika virus infection was confirmed in 279 patients (18.1%). Greater frequency of arthralgia, asthenia, and diarrhea was demonstrated in Zika confirmed patients. CONCLUSION: Minor clinical relevance was observed in the symptoms or signs of arboviral disease to support the clinical diagnosis of Zika virus infections by clinician during a Zika-Dengue epidemic. The assessment of the temporality of the onset of Zika and Dengue symptoms of these infections is recommended to assist clinicians in the differential diagnosis.

Prosthetic pulmonary valve and conduit endocarditis in congenital heart disease.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary valve replacement is one of the most common procedures in patients with congenital heart disease. Little is known about prosthetic valve endocarditis in this population. OBJECTIVES: To review management and outcomes of pediatric and adult patients with a prosthetic pulmonary valve or right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery conduit infective endocarditis. METHODS AND RESULTS: A multiinstitutional cohort of 10 patients is reported. Median age at endocarditis was 24 years (range 8-41 years). The most common causative organisms were Staphylococcus ( n = 4) and Streptococcus species ( n = 2). In addition to medical treatment, 5 patients required surgery. Majors complications such as renal damage, life-threatening hemoptysis, and septic shock were observed. No patient died in hospital or during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary prosthetic valve endocarditis is a rare condition associated with significant morbidity and a high risk of requiring operative intervention. Larger studies are required to optimize the management.

[Impact of a drink-driving detection program to prevent traffic accidents (Villa Clara Province, Cuba)]. / Impacto de un programa de detección de conductores bajo los efectos del alcohol en la prevención de accidentes de tráfico (provincia de Villa Clara [Cuba]).

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of a method to reduce road traffic accidents and their consequences in the province of Villa Clara (Cuba). DESIGN: From May to October 2003, active surveillance of drink-driving was carried out. Analysis of chronological series was used. RESULTS: A total of 805 (12.46%) drivers were found to be under the effect of alcohol. Traffic accidents, deaths, and injuries decreased by 29.9%, 70.8% and 58.7%, respectively, in comparison with a similar period in 2002. The number of accidents in May, June, July, September and October fell below the historical low. The number of deaths was lowest in May, August and September. The number of injuries in July fell below the historical low. CONCLUSION: The interventions carried out proved useful in preventing traffic accidents and their consequences.

Supervivencia del trasplante renal en relación con la compatibilidad inmunológica en Cuba / Kidney transplant survival in relation to immunological compatibility in Cuba

RESUMEN Introducción: El trasplante renal es uno de los métodos de sustitución de la función renal y tiene como factor de mayor influencia en su supervivencia, la compatibilidad inmunológica. Objetivo: Definir la supervivencia del trasplante y su relación con el grado de compatibilidad. Material y Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo, del tiempo de supervivencia con base hospitalaria, de los 827 pacientes trasplantados entre los nueve centros del país, en el quinquenio 2015-2019. Para estimar las curvas de supervivencias se empleó el Método de Kaplan Meier, por el SPSS 22.0. Resultados: Supervivencia del injerto al año 72,9 % y paciente 89,0 %, con media de sobrevida de los injertos de 3,6 años y del paciente de 4,6. Para los pacientes con dos y más compatibilidad, la supervivencia del injerto al año fue mayor, 77,0 % v/s 69,2 % y menos, para el resto. Posterior al año, también son diferentes las supervivencias por grado de compatibilidad. El rechazo agudo inmunológico, que es una de las principales causas de pérdidas de injertos, tiene mucho mayor incidencia en los trasplantados sin compatibilidad que en los compatibles (17,4 % v/s 9,9 %). Para las causas de muerte de los pacientes, la infección fue la predominante, y muy significativo para los que no comparten compatibilidad v/s los que sí (56,9 % v/s 31,9 %). Conclusiones: La compatibilidad inmunológica entre donante y receptor, propicia diferencia en las supervivencias de injertos y pacientes, siendo mejor mientras más compatibles sean el donante y el receptor.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Kidney transplant is one of the methods of kidney function replacement, and immunological compatibility is the most important factor influencing survival. Objective: To define transplant survival and its relationship with the degree of compatibility. Material and Methods: Hospital-based retrospective study of survival time of the 827 transplanted patients in the nine centers of the country during the five-year period (2015 - 2019). The Kaplan Meier method was used to estimate the survival curves, using SPSS version 22.0. Results: The graft survival was 72,9 % and the patient survival was 89,0 % in the first year; the mean graft survival was 3,6 years, and the patient survival was 4,6 years. For patients with two and more compatibilities, graft survival was significantly higher in the first year (77,0 % versus 69,2 %), but it was lower for the rest. One year after, the survival rates related to the degree of compatibility are also different. Acute immune rejection, which is one of the main causes of graft loss, has a much higher incidence among the transplanted patients without compatibility than in the compatible ones (17,4 % versus 9,9 %). Infection was the predominant cause of death in these patients, which was incredibly significant in those who do not share compatibility as opposed to those who do share it (56,9 % versus 31,9 %). Conclusions: Immunological compatibility between donor and recipient results in differences between graft and patient survival rates, so the more compatibility between the donor and the recipient, the higher the survival rate.

Caracterización clínico-epidemiológica de la urolitiasis / Clinical-epidemiological description of urolithiasis

Introducción: Las urolitiasis ocasionan dolor, deterioro funcional renal y notorias erogaciones económicas. Objetivos: Identificar las características clínico-epidemiológicas de la nefrolitiasis. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, transversal. Se estudiaron 2 923 personas pertenecientes a tres consultorios del Policlínico Plaza; municipio Plaza de la Revolución, provincia La Habana, Cuba., seleccionados por muestreo simple aleatorio de los 16 con que cuenta el área de salud. Los datos se obtuvieron mediante encuesta y entrevista estructurada. La información fue procesada de forma automatizada (IBMSPSS 22.0). Se utilizó análisis de distribución de frecuencias, se calcularon tasas de prevalencia, y fue empleado el test de homogeneidad. Resultados: La prevalencia de urolitiasis fue de 4,99 por cada 100 habitantes, de 6,3 entre los varones y de 5,7 en los de piel blanca. La edad promedio al diagnóstico fue de 39,3 años. Entre los factores de riesgo de litiasis predominó la alta ingestión de oxalatos (97,3 por ciento). La ecografía fue la forma de diagnóstico más usada (67,8 por ciento). La fitoterapia fue el tratamiento médico más utilizado (69,2 por ciento). Al 16,4 por ciento de los pacientes se les expidió certificado médico en los últimos dos años. Conclusiones: La prevalencia de litiasis urinaria en el Policlínico Docente Plaza de la Revolución es elevada, con predominio en el sexo masculino, en sujetos de piel blanca y en las edades medias de la vida. La alta ingestión de oxalato es el factor de riesgo de litiasis urinaria más frecuente encontrado. La forma de diagnóstico más utilizada es la ecografía y el tratamiento más empleado es la fitoterapia(AU)

Introduction: Urolithiasis causes pain, renal functional deterioration and notorious economic expenses. Objectives: To identify the clinical-epidemiological characteristics of nephrolithiasis. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in a total of 2,923 people from to three clinics of Plaza de la Revolution Teaching Community Clinic, Plaza de la Revolution municipality, Havana province, Cuba. They were selected by simple random sampling from the 16 clinics that the health area has. The data was obtained through a survey and structured interview. The information was processed automatically (IBMSPSS 22.0). Frequency distribution analysis was used, prevalence rates were calculated and the homogeneity test was used. Results: The prevalence of urolithiasis was 4.99 per 100 inhabitants, 6.3 among men and 5.7 among white-skinned men. The average age at diagnosis was 39.3 years. Among the risk factors for lithiasis, the high intake of oxalates prevailed (97.3 percent). Ultrasound was the most used form of diagnosis (67.8 percent). Phytotherapy was the most used medical treatment (69.2 percent). A medical permit was issued to 16.4 percent of the patients in the last two years. Conclusions: The prevalence of urinary lithiasis in Plaza de la Revolution Teaching Community Clinic is high, prevailing in males, in white-skinned and middle aged subjects. High oxalate intake is the most common risk factor for urinary lithiasis found. The most used form of diagnosis is ultrasound and the most used treatment is phytotherapy(AU)

Supervivencia de pacientes trasplantados en relación con la compatibilidad inmunológica / Survival of transplant patients in relation to immunological compatibility

Introducción: El trasplante renal es uno de los métodos de sustitución de la función renal y tiene como factor de mayor influencia en su supervivencia, la compatibilidad inmunológica del sistema mayor. Objetivos: Definir la supervivencia del trasplante y su relación con el grado de compatibilidad. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo sobre el tiempo de supervivencia con base hospitalaria de los 512 trasplantes en el período comprendido entre los años 1993 y 2010, ambos incluidos con seguimiento y corte al concluir el año 2019. Se empleó el Kaplan Meier para calcular las supervivencias, se utilizó el paquete estadístico Statiscal Package Social Science (Spss) versión 22.0. Resultados: 397 pacientes recibieron riñones cadavéricos al momento del corte, 11,3 por ciento de los injertos estaban funcionando, mientras que para los 115 que recibieron de vivo, el 45,2 por ciento, p=0,000. La mediana de supervivencia para el cadavérico fue de 3,1 años (SD 2,4-3,8) y dentro de ellos los que compartieron tres o más antígenos lograron el doble de sobrevida, p=0,033. Para el de donante vivo, la mediana fue de 16,0 años (SD 9,1-22,9) y dentro de este grupo 104 pacientes que compartían un haplotipo lograron 44,2 por ciento de función, los hermanos que eran idénticos un 66,0 por ciento. Por parentesco los que recibieron riñones de hermanos tienen mejor supervivencias que de padres a hijos, p=0,001. Conclusiones: Se definió que la compatibilidad inmunológica del sistema mayor entre donante y receptor propicia diferencias en la función de los injertos(AU)

Introduction: Renal transplantation is one of the methods of renal function substitution and the main factor influencing survival is the immunological compatibility of the major system. Objectives: To define transplant survival and the relationship with the degree of compatibility. Methods: A retrospective study was carried out on the hospital-based survival time of 512 transplants from 1993 to 2010, including follow-up and the cut at the end of 2019. The Kaplan-Meier estimator was used to calculate the survivals, the statistical package Statistical Package Social Science (Spss) version 22.0 was used. Results: Three hundred ninety seven (397) patients received cadaveric kidneys at the cut, 11.3percent of the grafts were functioning, 115 received living grafts, 45.2percent p=0.000. The median survival for the cadaveric kidneys was 3.1 years (SD 2.4-3.8) and among them those who shared three or more antigens achieved twice the survival, p=0.033. For the living donor, the median was 16.0 years (SD 9.1-22.9) and within this group, 104 patients, sharing a haplotype, achieved 44.2percent function, siblings, who were identical, achieved 66 .0percent. By kinship, those who received kidneys from siblings have better survival than for those who received it from parents, p=0.001. Conclusions: Immunological compatibility of the major system between donor and recipient was defined to favor differences in the function of the grafts(AU)

Composición de las urolitiasis y trastornos metabólicos renales en adultos cubanos / The composition of urolithiasis in Cuban adult patients and its relationship with renal metabolic disorders

Introducción: La litiasis urinaria es una enfermedad común, cuya prevalencia se incrementa a escala nacional y planetaria. Objetivos: Conocer la composición de las urolitiasis en pacientes adultos cubanos y su relación con los trastornos metabólicos renales. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, transversal. Universo constituido por los pacientes cubanos de 19 años y más de edad, que se realizaron estudio de composición de urolitiasis en el Instituto de Nefrología Dr. Abelardo Buch, de La Habana, Cuba, en el período comprendido de 2011-2020. De ellos 443 se habían realizado estudio metabólico renal. Los datos fueron recogidos de los informes de resultados, de composición de litiasis y de estudio metabólico. Se utilizó análisis de distribución de frecuencias, y para identificar las relaciones, el test independencia. Resultados: En cuanto a la composición química, predominaron las litiasis de oxalato de calcio. Los trastornos metabólicos más frecuentes fueron excreción de sodio aumentada (46,7 por ciento) y volumen urinario bajo (29,3 por ciento). La frecuencia de pacientes con litiasis cálcicas, fue superior en los que tuvieron excreción de sodio aumentada (78,3 por ciento), y en los que presentaron hipercalciuria (83,3 por ciento), en contraste con las frecuencias de este tipo de litiasis, en los que no presentaron dichos trastornos (p=0,03 en ambos casos). Conclusiones: Las urolitiasis más comunes en adultos cubanos son las cálcicas, especialmente las de oxalato de calcio. Los trastornos metabólicos más frecuentes son: excreción urinaria aumentada de sodio, volumen urinario bajo y pH urinario ácido. La presencia de litiasis cálcicas se relaciona con excreción urinaria aumentada de sodio y con hipercalciuria(AU)

Introduction: Urinary lithiasis is a common disease, whose prevalence is increasing on a national and planetary scale. Objectives: To know the composition of urolithiasis in Cuban adult patients and its relationship with renal metabolic disorders. Methods: Descriptive, cross-sectional study. Universe constituted by Cuban patients aged 19 and over, who underwent a composition study of urolithiasis at the Dr. Abelardo Buch Institute of Nephrology, in Havana, Cuba, in the period 2011-2020. In 443 of them, a renal metabolic study had also been carried out. The data were collected from the results reports of stone composition and metabolic study. Frequency distribution analysis was used, and the independence test was used to identify relationships. Results: Regarding chemical composition, calcium oxalate stones predominated. The most frequent metabolic disorders were increased sodium excretion (46.7percent) and low urine volume (29.3percent). The frequency of patients with calcium stones was higher in those with increased sodium excretion (78.3percent) and in those with hypercalciuria (83.3percent), in contrast with the frequencies of this type of lithiasis, in those who did not present these disorders (p=0.03 in both cases). Conclusions: The most common urolithiasis in Cuban adults are calcium ones, especially those of calcium oxalate. The most common metabolic disorders are: increased urinary sodium excretion, low urinary volume and acid urinary pH. The presence of calcium lithiasis is related to increased urinary sodium excretion and hypercalciuria(AU)

Causas de muerte de los fallecidos en hemodiálisis iterada / Causes of death in iterated hemodialysis

Introducción: La hemodiálisis es la terapia de remplazo renal más utilizada en Latinoamérica y en Cuba. Se calcula que para el año 2030 la cantidad de pacientes que inician el tratamiento de reemplazo renal a nivel mundial aumentará a más del 50 por ciento con respecto al año 2010. Objetivo: Caracterizar los pacientes en tratamiento de hemodiálisis iterada. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, transversal, de todos los pacientes en tratamiento de HDI del Instituto de Nefrología Dr. Abelardo Buch López (INEF), fallecidos en el período 2013-2018. Los datos se obtuvieron del registro de fallecidos, del registro de pacientes en hemodiálisis y de la historia clínica. El procesamiento fue realizado de forma automatizada (IBM Spss 22.0). Se calcularon tasas brutas de mortalidad y fue utilizada la técnica de análisis de distribución de frecuencias. Resultados: La tasa de mortalidad del período resultó ser 20,3 por cada 100 pacientes. El 60,9 por ciento de los pacientes fallecidos tenían entre 60 y 79 años de edad. La hipertensión arterial (HTA) fue la enfermedad de base más frecuente (55,5 por ciento), y la comorbilidad predominante (87,3 por ciento). El 53,6 por ciento de los pacientes fallecidos empleaba catéter venoso central, y el 70 por ciento tenía menos de 5 años en HD. La principal causa de muerte fue la enfermedad cardiovascular (46,4 por ciento). Conclusiones: En el INEF la mortalidad en hemodiálisis se comportó de manera estable. Similar a otros reportes de servicios de hemodiálisis, los fallecidos se caracterizaron en su mayoría por tener catéter venoso central para hemodiálisis y menos de cinco años en el tratamiento. Las causas de muerte presentaron el mismo patrón que las reportadas en análisis nacionales e internacionales(AU)

Introduction: Hemodialysis is the most used renal replacement therapy in Latin America and in Cuba. It is estimated that by the year 2030 the number of patients starting therapy worldwide will increase to more than 50 percent compared to 2010. Objectives: To characterize the patients undergoing iterated hemodialysis treatment. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study of all patients undergoing repeated hemodialysis treatment, who deceased in the period 2013-2018 was carried out at Dr. Abelardo Buch López Institute of Nephrology. The processing was done in an automatically (IBM Spss 22.0). Gross mortality rates were calculated and the frequency distribution analysis technique was used. Results: The mortality rate for the period was 20.3 per 100 patients. 60.9percent of the deceased patients were between 60 and 79 years of age. Arterial hypertension was the most frequent underlying disease (55.5percent), and the predominant comorbidity (87.3percent). 53.6percent of the deceased patients used a central venous catheter, and 70percent had been on hemodialysis for less than 5 years. The main cause of death was cardiovascular disease (46.4percent). Conclusions: At Dr. Abelardo Buch López Institute of Nephrology mortality in hemodialysis behaved in a stable manner. Similar to other reports of hemodialysis services, the deceased were mostly characterized by having a central venous catheter for hemodialysis and less than five years in treatment. The causes of death showed the same pattern as those reported in national and international analyses(AU)

[Drunk driving in professional drivers in the Vía Blanca highway in Cuba]. / Ingestión de bebidas alcohólicas en conductores profesionales en la carretera de Vía Blanca (Cuba).

To determine the frequency of drunk driving in professional drivers (Via Blanca, Havana City), we carried out a descriptive study of 832 drivers selected by multistage stratified sampling. A structured interview with each driver was carried out to record the variables under study, and a breath alcohol test was subsequently performed. The frequency of drunk driving was 8.18% (95% CI, 5.94%-10.42%), with a predominance of drivers with alcohol levels

Factores relacionados con la supervivencia de pacientes que inician tratamiento de hemodiálisis. Instituto de Nefrología / Factors related to the survival of patients who start receiving hemodialysis. Institute of Nephrology

Introducción: La enfermedad renal crónica constituye un problema de salud por su impacto sobre los individuos, la sociedad y la economía. Existe un insuficiente conocimiento de los factores relacionados con la supervivencia en los pacientes que inician hemodiálisis en nuestro medio. Objetivo: Identificar los factores relacionados con la supervivencia de los pacientes que iniciaron hemodiálisis. Material y Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte retrospectivo, de pacientes que iniciaron hemodiálisis en el Instituto de Nefrología Dr. Abelardo Buch en el período del 1 de enero de 2011 al 31 de diciembre de 2016. Se analizaron variables sociodemográficas y clínicas, y se realizó una correlación de estas con la supervivencia en hemodiálisis. Para todas las pruebas realizadas se fijó un nivel de significación ɑ= 0.05. Resultados: Se estudiaron 81 pacientes, con edad media de 55 años y predominio del sexo masculino (61,7 por ciento) y la raza blanca (59,3 por ciento). Los resultados estadísticamente significativos fueron la desnutrición (Índice de Masa Corporal < 18.5 kg/m2), con una mediana de supervivencia de (7,6+-4,9; log Rank: 0,015), las cifras de albúmina sérica menores a 35 g/L, con (33.1 +-5.4; log Rank: 0.050) la falta de seguimiento nefrológico previo, con (21,5 +-2,6; log Rank: 0,041), y el empleo de catéter venoso central como acceso vascular, con (32,4+-3,5; log Rank: 0,038). Conclusiones: La desnutrición, la hipoalbuminemia, el empleo de catéter venoso central como acceso vascular y la falta de seguimiento nefrológico previo afectaron negativamente la supervivencia de los pacientes en hemodiálisis(AU)

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease is a health problem because of its impact on individuals, society and the economy. There is not enough knowledge of the factors related to survival in patients who start hemodialysis in our environment. Objective: To identify the factors related to the survival of patients who started receiving hemodialysis. Material and Methods: A descriptive retrospective study was conducted in 81 patients who started receiving hemodialysis in the Dr. Abelardo Buch Institute of Nephrology in the period between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2016. Sociodemographic and clinical variables were analyzed. A correlation between these variables and survival was made. The level of significance in all the tests performed was determined to be ɑ= 0.05. Results: A total of 81 patients were studied. The mean age was 55 years. The male sex (61,7 percent) and the white race (59,3 percent) predominated in the study. The statistically significant variables were malnutrition (body mass index < 18.5 kg/m2) with a median survival of (7,6+-4,9; log rank: 0,015), serum albumin levels lower than 35 g/L, with (33.1 +-5.4; log rank: 0.050), lack of previous nephrological follow-up, with (21,5 +-2,6; log rank: 0,041) and the use of central venous catheter as vascular access with (32,4+-3,5; log rank: 0,038). Conclusions: Malnutrition, hypoalbuminemia, the use of central venous catheter as vascular access and previous nephrological follow-up negatively affected the survival of patients on hemodialysis (AU)

Trastornos metabólicos urinarios en pacientes urolitiásicos con enfermedad renal poliquística y sin ella / Urinary metabolic disorders in urolithiasis patients with and without polycystic kidney disease

Introducción: La urolitiasis se ha incrementado en las últimas décadas. La enfermedad renal poliquística autosómica dominante (ERPAD), enfermedad renal hereditaria más frecuente, ocupa un lugar preponderante. Objetivos: Identificar la frecuencia de presentación de los trastornos metabólicos urinarios en pacientes litiásicos cubanos con ERPAD y sin ella Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, transversal. Fueron estudiados 579 pacientes adultos sin ERPAD, seleccionados por muestreo simple aleatorio y los 21 pacientes con ERPAD, del total de pacientes con litiasis urinaria que se realizó estudio metabólico renal en el Laboratorio de Fisiopatología Renal del Instituto de Nefrología, en el periodo 2010-2015. Los datos fueron tomados de la historia clínica y del informe de estudio metabólico renal. La información se procesó de forma automatizada (SPSS 22.0). Se utilizó el promedio, desviación estándar, análisis de distribución de frecuencias y el test de homogeneidad. Resultados: En los pacientes con ERPAD predominó el sexo femenino (57,1 por ciento), mientras que en los pacientes sin ERPAD, el masculino (63,4 por ciento). Los trastornos más frecuentes en la población no poliquística fueron hipercalciuria (45,3 por ciento) e hipofosfatemia (17,1 por ciento). En los poliquísticos, aclaramiento aumentado de ácido úrico (38,1 por ciento) e hipercalciuria (23,8 por ciento). Se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas para aumento del aclaramiento de ácido úrico (p = 0,01) e hiperfosfatemia (p = 0,04). Conclusiones: Los principales trastornos metabólicos de los pacientes litiásicos, tanto poliquísticos como no poliquísticos, son el aclaramiento de ácido úrico aumentado, hipercalciuria, hiperuricosuria e hipofosfatemia, aunque el orden de presentación es diferente. El aclaramiento de ácido úrico aumentado y la hiperfosfatemia se presentan con mayor frecuencia en los pacientes litiásicos poliquísticos(AU)

Introduction: Urolithiasis has increased in recent decades. Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), the most common of all hereditary kidney diseases, occupies a predominant position in terms of incidence. Objectives: Identify the frequency of occurrence of urinary metabolic disorders in Cuban urolithiasis patients with and without ADPKD. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted of 579 adult patients without ADPKD selected by simple random sampling, and 21 patients with ADPKD, from the total urolithiasis patients undergoing renal metabolic evaluation at the Renal Physiopathology Laboratory of the Institute of Nephrology in the period 2010-2015. Data were obtained from medical records and reports of renal metabolic studies. Information was processed with the statistical software SPSS version 22.0. Average and standard deviation were estimated and use was made of frequency distribution analysis and homogeneity testing. Results: A predominance was found of female sex among patients with ADPKD (57.1 percent) and male sex among patients without ADPKD (63.4 percent). The most common disorders were hypercalciuria (45.3 percent) and hypophosphatemia (17.1 percent) in the non-polycystic population, and increased uric acid clearance (38.1 percent) and hypercalciuria (23.8 percent) in polycystic patients. Statistically significant differences were found in uric acid clearance increase (p = 0.01) and hyperphosphatemia (p = 0.04). Conclusions: The main metabolic disorders of lithiasis patients, polycystic as well as non-polycystic, are increased uric acid clearance, hypercalciuria, hyperuricosuria and hypophosphatemia, with a varying order of presentation. Increased uric acid clearance and hyperphosphatemia are more common in polycystic lithiasis patients(AU)

Mortalidad de los enfermos renales crónicos en edad laboral en Cuba / Mortality of chronic kidney patients of working ages in Cuba

Introducción: La enfermedad renal crónica constituye un gran problema de salud en el mundo y en Cuba. Para el año 2040 puede convertirse en la quinta causa más común de años de vida potencialmente perdidos a nivel mundial y es una importante causa de gastos para la salud, la economía y el seguro social de los países. Objetivo: Caracterizar la mortalidad en pacientes renales crónicos en edad laboral en Cuba, en los años 2011-2017, según variables sociodemográficas seleccionadas. Métodos: Investigación transversal descriptiva. El universo estuvo constituido por los 5 716 fallecidos con enfermedad renal crónica. La información fue tomada de las bases de datos de mortalidad de la Dirección Nacional de Estadísticas, del Ministerio de Salud Pública. Se estudiaron las variables: edad, sexo, ocupación y principales causas de muerte. Se calcularon tasas brutas, así como tasas de mortalidad específicas. Resultados: En la edad laboral la mortalidad por enfermedad renal crónica presentó oscilaciones del año 2011 al 2017. La edad media al morir fue 53.7 años, los mayores de 61 años, hombres, presentaron el mayor riesgo (16 por 10 000 habitantes). La tasa en la población económicamente activa desocupada fue de 33 por 10 000 habitantes. El riesgo fue mayor en las ocupaciones elementales (9 por 10 000 habitantes). La enfermedad renal hipertensiva fue la principal causa de muerte (17 por 100 000 habitantes). Conclusiones: Existe ligero incremento de la mortalidad, en hombres el riesgo es mayor, la tasa más alta es en población económicamente activa desocupada y en las ocupaciones elementales. La principal causa de muerte es la enfermedad renal hipertensiva(AU)

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease constitutes a major health problem in Cuba and worldwide. By 2040 it may become the fifth most common cause of years of life potentially lost, worldwide, and a major cause of health expenses, economy and social security. Objective: To describe mortality in chronic kidney patients of working ages in Cuba, from 2011to 2017, according to selected sociodemographic variables. Methods: This is descriptive cross-sectional research. The universe consisted of 5,716 deceased subjects with chronic kidney disease. The information was taken from the mortality databases of the National Directorate of Statistics, from the Ministry of Public Health. The variables were studied age, sex, occupation and main causes of death. Gross and specific mortality rates were calculated. Results: In working age, mortality from chronic kidney disease fluctuated from 2011 to 2017. The mean age at death was 53.7 years, those over 61 years of age, men, had the highest risk (16 per 10,000 inhabitants). The rate in the economically active unemployed population was 33 per 10,000 inhabitants. The risk was higher in basic occupations (9 per 10,000 inhabitants). Hypertensive kidney disease was the leading cause of death (17 per 100,000 population). Conclusions: There is a slight increase in mortality, the risk is higher in men, the highest rate is in the economically active unemployed population and in basic occupations. The leading cause of death is hypertensive kidney disease(AU)

Características y causas de muerte de pacientes fallecidos con enfermedad renal crónica. Cuba 2011-2016 / Deceased patients with chronic kidney disease. Characteristics and causes in Cuba during 2011-2016

Introducción: La morbimortalidad por enfermedad renal crónica (ERC) ha presentado en las dos últimas décadas un incremento desconcertante. En Cuba, aunque la mortalidad por esta causa ha tenido un comportamiento estable, la incidencia y la prevalencia se mantienen elevadas. Objetivo: Caracterizar los pacientes fallecidos con ERC según variables demográficas, causas de muerte y otras variables seleccionadas. Material y Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, transversal. El universo de estudio estuvo constituido por todos los fallecidos del país en el período, en cuyos certificados de defunción se incluyó entre una de las causas, la ERC. La información fue obtenida de las bases de datos de mortalidad de la Dirección Nacional de Registros Médicos y Estadísticos de Salud del MINSAP. Procesamiento de forma automatizada (SPSS versión 22.0). Fueron calculadas las frecuencias absolutas y relativas. Resultados: La frecuencia global de pacientes fallecidos se incrementó de forma mantenida y resultó mayor en la provincia La Habana (23,6 por ciento). La media de la edad fue de 70 años. Prevaleció el sexo masculino, el color de piel blanco y el grupo de edad de 80 años y más. Los porcentajes más altos según la causa básica de muerte correspondieron a enfermedad renal hipertensiva y Diabetes Mellitus. Conclusiones: Los fallecidos con ERC son mayormente hombres, de piel blanca, y con edades avanzadas. Las principales causas de muerte son la enfermedad hipertensiva y la Diabetes Mellitus(AU)

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has increased at an alarming rate worldwide over the last two decades. Although mortality due to CKD has registered stable behavior in Cuba, its prevalence and incidence are showing higher rates. Objective: To describe the main demographic features of deceased patients with CKD in Cuba, the causes of death and other variables during the period 2011-2016. Material and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted. The study universe included all deceased patients in Cuba during the period mentioned. CKD was listed on their death certificates as one of the causes of death. The information used was obtained from the mortality database available on the National Directorate of Medical Records and Health Statistics of the Cuban Ministry of Public Health. Data was processed using SPSS version 22.0. Absolute and relative frequencies were calculated. Results: The global frequency of deceased patients showed a steady increase. Havana was the city that presented the highest percentage (23,6 percent). Nonetheless, the rest of the cities showed an increased frequency rate. The median age was 70 years. The male gender prevailed over the female one as well as white ethnicity and the 80 years and over age group. Regarding the cause of death, the highest percentages corresponded to hypertensive kidney disease and Diabetes Mellitus. Conclusions: Most of the deceased patients with CKD are male, white and at advanced ages. The main causes of death are hypertensive disease and Diabetes Mellitus(AU)

Prevención de infecciones quirúrgica en la formación de estudiantes de medicina y residentes de cirugía general / Prevention of surgical infections in the training of medical students and general surgery residents

Introducción: Las infecciones del sitio quirúrgico pueden prevenirse con la aplicación de las mejores evidencias científicas, que incluyen como elemento clave la educación de los profesionales de la salud. Objetivo: Evaluar en qué medida se incluyen los aspectos relacionados con la prevención de las infecciones del sitio quirúrgico en los currículos de los estudiantes de la carrera de medicina y los residentes de cirugía general, y se abordan los conocimientos y las habilidades por parte de los profesores. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo y transversal, que contó con la revisión documental de los programas de formación de estudiantes y residentes. Además, se aplicó un cuestionario a 9 profesores de la asignatura Cirugía General de los hospitales clínico quirúrgicos "Joaquín Albarrán" y "Manuel Fajardo", durante mayo-junio de 2018. Resultados: En la rotación por cirugía general y en el internado médico se dejó explícito el objetivo de prevenir las infecciones del sitio quirúrgico, mientras en la residencia se hizo menos énfasis en el tema. La enseñanza de la higiene de las manos, la profilaxis antibiótica y la notificación de infecciones resultaron prioritarias. Se observaron diferencias en el abordaje de temas en estudiantes y residentes, y las prácticas de prevención seleccionadas no fueron abordadas sistemáticamente en ambos grupos de educandos. Las habilidades requeridas para la prevención de las infecciones del sitio quirúrgico se consideraron sistemáticamente por la mayoría de los docentes. Conclusiones: Se ha demostrado la existencia de brechas en los currículos formativos, y en el desarrollo de los conocimientos y las habilidades relacionados con la prevención de las infecciones del sitio quirúrgico en estudiantes de medicina y residentes de cirugía general(AU)

Introduction: Surgical site infections can be prevented with the application of the best scientific evidence, which includes, as a key element, the education of health professionals. Objective: To assess the extent to which aspects related to the prevention of surgical site infections are included into the curricula of medical students and of general surgery residents, and the extent to which knowledge and skills are addressed by professors. Methods: Descriptive and cross-sectional study, which included documentary review of the training programs for students and residents. In addition, a questionnaire was applied to nine professors of the subject General Surgery from Joaquín Albarrán Clinical-Surgical Hospital and Manuel Fajardo Clinical-Surgical Hospital, in the period from May to June 2018. Results: In the General Surgery rotation and in the medical internship, the objective of preventing surgical site infections was made explicit, while less emphasis on the subject was made in the residence. Teaching hand hygiene, antibiotic prophylaxis, and notification of infections were a priority. Differences were observed among students and residents regarding the way they address topics, while the prevention practices chosen were not systematically addressed in both groups of learners. The skills required for the prevention of surgical site infections were systematically considered by the majority of professors. Conclusions: The existence of gaps in training curricula was shown, as well as regarding the development of knowledge and skills related to the prevention of surgical site infections in medical students and General Surgery residents(AU)

[Effect of weight reduction on lipids and lipoprotein (a) serum levels]. / Efecto de la reducción de peso en los valores de lípidos y lipoproteína (a).

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: A quasi-experimental study to determine the effects of a body weight reduction treatment on lipids and lipoprotein (a) serum levels. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Ponderal and lipidogram values were determined in 69 premenopausic obese women before and after treatment. Differences were determined at a given time and at intervals. RESULTS: Apart from a high fasting HDLc, a reduction of the lipid values was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that weight reduction modifies favourably the lipid profile in premenopausic obese women.