Dataset of breast thermography images for the detection of benign and malignant masses.

Thermographic image analysis is a subfield of diagnostic image processing aimed at detecting breast abnormalities in women at an early stage. It is a developing field of research and its effectiveness and scope require scientific assessment to be determined. An open-access dataset has been created for the scientific community to test and develop techniques for computational detection of normal and abnormal breast conditions from thermograms. This dataset is a valuable resource for researchers due to the scarcity of publicly available datasets of breast thermographic images. It includes thermographic images of the female chest area in three capture positions: anterior, left oblique and right oblique. The data set comes from 119 women ranging from 18 to 81 years of age. A table is attached to the dataset with the diagnosis of breast pathology, showing that 84 patients had benign pathology and 35 patients had malignant pathology. The diagnoses of women with healthy breast pathology are not included.

[Implementation of an insertion bundle for preventing central line-associated bloodstream infections in an Intensive Care Unit in Colombia]. / Implementación de un manojo de medidas (bundle) de inserción para prevenir la infección del torrente sanguíneo asociada a dispositivo intravascular central en Cuidado Intensivo en Colombia.

BACKGROUND: Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) related to insertion and device care in intensive care units are frequent and preventable events. AIM: To evaluate the reduction in the rate of CLABSI through implementation of an insertion bundle. METHODS: A study was conducted in the Adult-ICU at the University Hospital of Neiva comparing a pre-interventional period with an interventional one, each lasting 6 months; the intervention consisting of implementing a bundle of measures for the insertion of central venous catheters (CVC). In the pre-intervention period (2010) the rate of CLABSI and the population's characteristics were evaluated. The bundle for the insertion of the CVC consisted in: hands hygiene, use of 2% clorhexidine, maximum sterile barriers and avoiding femoral access. RESULTS: The rate of CLABSI decreased from 5.56 to 3.26 per 1000 catheter days. The length of ICU stay and catheter duration were associated with a higher risk of infection associated to these devices (p < 0.05). Compliance with the bundle is a protective factor against the development of CLABSI (OR 0.45, p = 0.615). The staff adherence to the bundle was over 80%. CONCLUSION: Implementing a Central Line Insertion Bundle proved to be a useful measure in prevention of CLABSI in our hospital. This strategy could be implemented in other hospitals of similar complexity.

Factors associated with unsuccessful treatment outcome for tuberculosis in previously treated patients in Cali, Colombia, during the period 2015-2019 / Factores asociados al tratamiento no exitoso para tuberculosis en pacientes previamente tratados en Cali, Colombia, en el periodo 2015-2019

Introduction. The success rates in the treatment of tuberculosis are suboptimal. Objective. To identify associated factors with the lack of success of antituberculosis treatment in patients with a tuberculosis treatment history. Materials and methods. We performed a retrospective, analytical, observational, and cohort study of patients reentering the Mycobacterium program in Cali, Colombia. We included patients over 15 years old with pulmonary tuberculosis between 2015 and 2019 and a history of tuberculosis treatment. Patients with drug-resistant tuberculosis were excluded. Results. A total of 605 patients with a treatment history were included, 60% due to unfinished treatment and 40% due to relapse. Compared to patients reentering due to relapse (ORa=2.34, CI=1.62-3.38), the independent variables associated with treatment failure at discharge were homelessness (ORa=2.45, CI=1.54-3.89), substance dependence (ORa=1.95, CI=1.24-3.05), tuberculosis/HIV coinfection (ORa=1.69, CI=1.00-2.86), diabetes (ORa=1.89, CI=1.29-2.77), and unfinished previous tuberculosis treatment due to follow-up loss, abandonment, or other causes. Programmatic variables favoring treatment success were voluntary HIV testing counseling (p<0.001) and HIV testing (p<0.001). Conclusion. Homelessness, substance dependence, tuberculosis/HIV coinfection, diabetes, and incomplete previous treatment due to loss to follow-up, abandonment, or treatment failure hindered the success of antituberculosis. These characteristics should be identified and addressed during the initial care of patients reentering treatment for tuberculosis.

Introducción. Las tasas de éxito del tratamiento de la tuberculosis continúan siendo subóptimas. Objetivo. Identificar los factores asociados al tratamiento no exitoso para tuberculosis en pacientes con antecedentes de tratamiento para la tuberculosis. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un estudio observacional retrospectivo, analítico, de cohorte de pacientes que reingresaron a un programa de micobacterias en Cali, Colombia. Se incluyeron mayores de 15 años con tuberculosis pulmonar entre el 2015 y el 2019 con antecedentes de tratamiento para la tuberculosis. Se excluyeron los pacientes con tuberculosis resistente. Resultados. Ingresaron 605 pacientes con antecedentes de tratamiento, 60 % por tratamiento inconcluso y 40 % por recaída. En comparación con los pacientes que reingresaron por recaída (ORa= 2,34; IC=1,62-3,38), las variables que explicaron de manera independiente el no tener éxito con el tratamiento para la tuberculosis al egreso fueron: estar en situación de calle (ORa = 2,45; IC = 1,54-3,89), ser farmacodependiente (ORa = 1,95; IC=1,24-3,05), tener coinfección tuberculosis/VIH (ORa = 1,69; IC =1,00-2,86) o diabetes (ORa =1,89; IC=1,29-2,77), y el incumplimiento de un tratamiento previo por pérdida de seguimiento, abandono u otras causas. Las variables programáticas que favorecieron el éxito del tratamiento fueron la asesoría de la prueba voluntaria de VIH (p <0,001) y la realización de la prueba de VIH (p < 0,001). Conclusión. Estar en situación de calle, ser farmacodependiente, tener coinfección de tuberculosis y VIH, o diabetes, así como el incumplimiento del tratamiento previo por pérdida del seguimiento, abandono o fracaso del mismo, dificultaron el éxito del tratamiento antituberculoso. En la primera atención al reingreso de los pacientes con tuberculosis se deben identificar y abordar estas características.

Risk factors associated with pulmonary tuberculosis relapses in Cali, Colombia. / Factores de riesgo asociados con recaídas de tuberculosis pulmonar en Cali, Colombia

INTRODUCTION: Relapses in tuberculosis occur due to endogenous reactivations or exogenous reinfections and represent up to 27% of tuberculosis cases. Its importance lies in the risk of the appearance of multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains. According to the reports published in 2011 by the Colombian Instituto Nacional de Salud, there were 572 relapse cases reported in the country, i.e., a rate of 4.9%. Data of the tuberculosis control program from the Secretaría de Salud Municipal in Cali reported a relapse rate of 6%, higher than the national one, during 2013 and 2014. OBJECTIVE: To determine the risk factors associated with relapse in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis in Cali. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted an observational, analytical, and case-control study (1:1), which comprised 81 cases of pulmonary tuberculosis relapses detected in 2013 and 2014. Additionally, we collected data on socio-demographic and clinical variables, as well as lifestyle and health services, to identify the potential risk factors associated with tuberculosis relapses. We used logistic regression to identify the risk factors. RESULTS: After adjustments for some variables, our multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the body mass index (BMI) (OR=0.90, 95%CI: 0.81-0.99) and population density (OR=0.99, 95%CI: 0.98-1.00) were inversely associated with tuberculosis relapses. Alcohol consumption increased the likelihood of tuberculosis relapse (OR=5.56, 95%CI: 1.18-26.26). CONCLUSIONS: Body mass index and population density were inversely associated with pulmonary tuberculosis relapses in Cali. On the contrary, alcohol consumption increased the likelihood of tuberculosis relapses.

Introducción. Las recaídas en la tuberculosis se deben a reactivaciones endógenas o reinfecciones exógenas y alcanzan hasta el 27 % de los casos. Su importancia radica en el riesgo de aparición de cepas de Mycobacterium tuberculosis resistentes a múltiples fármacos. Según informes del Instituto Nacional de Salud de Colombia, en el 2011 se reportaron 572 recaídas, lo que representa un porcentaje del 4,9 %. Datos del programa de tuberculosis de la Secretaría de Salud Municipal de Cali registraron una tasa de recaídas del 6 % durante el 2013 y el 2014, lo que supera la tasa nacional. Objetivo. Determinar los factores asociados con la recaída en pacientes con tuberculosis pulmonar. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio observacional, analítico y de casos y controles en pacientes diagnosticados con tuberculosis pulmonar detectados entre el 2013 y el 2014. Se estudiaron las variables sociodemográficas, clínicas, de estilo de vida y las relacionadas con el programa y los factores de riesgo; se determinaron utilizando regresión logística. Resultados. Después de ajustar por otras variables, la regresión logística evidenció dos factores inversamente asociados con las recaídas: el índice de masa corporal (OR=0,90; IC95%: 0,81­0,99) y la densidad poblacional en las comunas (OR=0,99; IC95%:0,99­1,00. El consumo de alcohol aumentó la probabilidad de recaída (OR=5,56; IC95%: 1,18 ­ 26,26). Conclusiones. El índice de masa corporal y la densidad poblacional se asociaron inversamente con las recaídas por tuberculosis pulmonar en Cali. El consumo de alcohol estuvo directamente relacionado.

Clinical characterization of patients with severe leptospirosis in a tertiary hospital in Cali, Colombia, 2010-2016 / Caracterización clínica de la leptospirosis grave en un hospital de alta complejidad de Cali, Colombia, 2010-2016

Introduction: Leptospirosis is an endemic bacterial infection in Colombia. Its clinical course can be variable and occasionally fatal. There are few studies in the country about severe cases of leptospirosis. Objectives: To describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with a diagnosis of leptospirosis, and their management in a high complexity hospital. Materials and methods: This was a descriptive retrospective study of patients with a serologic diagnosis of leptospirosis between 2010 and 2016. Results: We analyzed 87 patients, 74% of them were men, and 84% were older than 18 years; 35% had a comorbidity, the most common being arterial hypertension (16%) and diabetes mellitus (9%). The most frequent symptoms were fever, nausea, fatigue, myalgia, arthralgia, and abdominal pain. The majority of patients required hospitalization in general wards (61%), with a median stay of six days; 34% required management in the intensive care unit, with a median stay of five days. Mortality was 1.1% (n=1). All patients received treatment with either ceftriaxone or doxycycline. Conclusions: There is a risk of leptospira infections having a late diagnosis given their unspecific clinical presentation, which generates a high number of differential diagnoses. The early management in the intensive care unit could decrease the incidence of complications and the mortality of patients with leptospirosis.

Introducción. La leptospirosis es una infección bacteriana endémica en Colombia. Su curso clínico puede ser variable y, en ocasiones, fatal. Hay pocos estudios en el país sobre los casos graves de esta enfermedad. Objetivo. Describir las características demográficas y clínicas de los pacientes con diagnóstico de leptospirosis grave hospitalizados en salas generales o atendidos en la unidad de cuidados intensivos de un hospital de cuarto nivel. Materiales y métodos. Se llevó a cabo un estudio observacional descriptivo de los pacientes adultos y niños con diagnóstico serológico de leptospirosis entre el 2010 y el 2016. Resultados. Se analizaron las historias clínicas de 87 pacientes, 74 % de los cuales correspondía a hombres y, el 84 %, a mayores de 18 años. El 35 % tenía alguna comorbilidad y la hipertensión arterial sistémica (16 %) y la diabetes mellitus (9 %) fueron las más comunes. Los síntomas más frecuentes fueron: fiebre, náuseas, astenia, mialgias, artralgias y dolor abdominal. El 34 % requirió atención en la unidad de cuidados intensivos, con una mediana de estancia de 5 días. El 61 % requirió hospitalización en sala general, con una mediana de estancia de 6 días. Todos los casos recibieron tratamiento antibiótico con ceftriaxona o doxiciclina. La tasa de letalidad fue del 1,1 % (n=1). Conclusiones. La infección por Leptospira spp. tiene el riesgo de diagnosticarse de manera tardía por su presentación clínica inespecífica, lo que implica considerar un gran número de diagnósticos diferenciales. La atención temprana de los pacientes con cuadros graves de esta enfermedad en la unidad de cuidados intensivos, puede evitar una mayor incidencia de complicaciones y disminuir la mortalidad.

Etiologic agent of an epidemic of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Tolima, Colombia.

American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) has been characterized as a zoonotic disease. However, peridomestic and domestic transmission have been recorded in at least nine countries in Central and South America. The present study was undertaken to identify the etiologic agent of a peridomestic epidemic of ACL in the Department of Tolima, Colombia. Leishmania isolates were obtained during the diagnosis of 56 patients with ACL who consulted the local leishmaniasis control program in three municipalities in Tolima. Species were identified using monoclonal antibodies and isoenzyme electrophoresis. A total of 53 (94.6%) of 56 isolates were identified as Leishmania (Viannia) guyanensis. Three isolates (5.4%) were identified as L. (V.) panamensis. Leishmania (V.) guyanensis is the probable etiologic agent of the largest epidemic of cutaneous leishmaniasis recorded in Colombia. This species has not previously been reported outside the Amazon and southeastern regions of Colombia, and has not been described in the peridomestic setting or linked with an epidemic.

[Histological and clinical characteristics of cases of immunoglobulin G4-related disease in a tertiary hospital, in Cali, Colombia]. / Caracterización histológica y clínica de pacientes con enfermedad relacionada con inmunoglobulina G4 en un centro de alta complejidad en Cali, Colombia.

INTRODUCTION: Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related disease has been described in the last decade. It is a fibro-inflammatory condition capable of affecting almost every organ and diagnosis requires both clinical and paraclinical confirmation. We present the largest study to date in Colombia. OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical and histopathological characteristics of patients diagnosed with IgG4-related disease at the Fundación Valle del Lili. METHODS: Observational-descriptive retrospective study. The clinical and pathological records of patients diagnosed with IgG4-related disease at the Fundación Valle del Lili were reviewed and a descriptive statistical analysis made. RESULTS: From 2013-2016, 16 patients were diagnosed. Median age was 44 years (RIC 30-58) and 10 (62.5%) were women. The most common clinical presentation was a combination of a tumefactive mass, constitutional symptoms and site-related symptoms (43.8%) (n=7). No preference for any organ was seen. Histopathology revealed all cases had dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate and storiform-type fibrosis; 75% also had obliterative phlebitis. In all cases≥10 cells/HPF of IgG4+ were found and 81% had a ratio of IgG4+/IgG+>50%. CONCLUSION: IgG4-related disease appears to be underdiagnosed, probably due to its broad clinical spectrum as well as a low index of awareness among clinicians. We recommend that, when dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates, storiform-type fibrosis or obliterative phlebitis are found, immunohistochemistry for IgG and IgG4should be requested. Positive results then must be correlated with complementary studies to confirm the disease.

[Lethality analysis in patients with tuberculosis diagnosis in a high complexity hospital in Cali, Colombia]. / Análisis de letalidad en pacientes con diagnóstico de tuberculosis en un centro de alta complejidad en Cali, Colombia.

Background In 2016 tuberculosis (TB) was considered the ninth leading cause of death worldwide and the leading cause of a single infectious agent, with approximately 1.6 million deaths worldwide and a lethality of 15%. Over 95% of cases and deaths are in developing countries like Colombia. AIM: To describe the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of patients who died during TB treatment in a high complexity hospital in Cali, Colombia. METHODS: We conducted an analytic retrospective cohort during 2007-2016 in Fundación Valle del Lili. We included patients with TB diagnosis, who died during TB treatment. RESULTS: From 787 patients with TB, 69 died (8.8%). Fifty nine percent were male, the average of age was 51.9 years. There was diagnosis delay in 51% of the patients and 74% presented pulmonary TB. Sixty four percent 64 died in the first 30 days of the TB diagnosis and 61% of the deaths were attributable to TB. Twenty five percent of patients had TB/HIV coinfection. Elderly patients (> 65 years old) were associated with death in the first 30 days of TB diagnosis (p < 0,001). DISCUSSION: The lethality found in this study was higher than expected (8.8%), the majority of patients had serious comorbidities. Elderly patients were associated with early death. The main pathophysiological mechanism of death was septic shock caused by severe tuberculous pneumonia.

Characterization of 95 patients with traumatic brain injury due to gunshot wounds at a referral center in Cali, Colombia. / Caracterización de 95 pacientes adultos con trauma craneoencefálico debido a herida por proyectil de arma de fuego en un centro de referencia en Cali, Colombia.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to describe cases of traumatic brain injury due to gunshot wounds in civilian population over 18 years of age, treated at a referral hospital in Cali, Colombia and compare the clinical outcomes at discharge. METHODS: An observational, descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted by retrospectively collecting clinical data related to adult patients that presented traumatic brain injury due to civil gunshot-wounds and that consulted to the emergency room at Fundación Valle del Lili Hospital in Cali, Colombia between January 2010 and February of 2016. A univariate analysis was performed to determine factors associated with death and adverse clinical outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 95 patients older than 18 years, with traumatic brain injury by gunshot were included in the civil context. The 91.6% were male. The main context was interpersonal violence with 54.7%. The most common method of transportation was by ambulance (79%). The Glasgow score at admission was 3-8 in 64.2% of cases; 9-12 in 6.32% and 13-15 in 28.4%. On admission, head CT scan was performed in 82 (86.3%) patients within the first hour, finding a Marshall-Score between I-III in 60.9%, of IV in 17.8% of cases and a score between V-VI and in 4.1%. The trajectory was non-transfixing penetrating in 43.2%, transfixing in 27.3% and tangential in 9.5%. Mortality was 45.3% in total, 39% died within the first 24hours. CONCLUSIONS: A major compromise on admission determines an overall poorer prognosis and a high likelihood of death in the first 24-hours.

Neighborhood Violence Impacts Disease Control and Surveillance: Case Study of Cali, Colombia from 2014 to 2016.

Arboviruses are responsible for a large burden of disease globally and are thus subject to intense epidemiological scrutiny. However, a variable notably absent from most epidemiological analyses has been the impact of violence on arboviral transmission and surveillance. Violence impedes surveillance and delivery of health and preventative services and affects an individual's health-related behaviors when survival takes priority. Moreover, low and middle-income countries bear a disproportionately high burden of violence and related health outcomes, including vector borne diseases. To better understand the epidemiology of arboviral outbreaks in Cali, Colombia, we georeferenced chikungunya (CHIKV), dengue (DENV), and Zika (ZIKV) viral cases from The National System of Surveillance in Public Health between October 2014 and April 2016. We extracted homicide data from the municipal monthly reports and kernel density of homicide distribution from IdeasPaz. Crucially, an overall higher risk of homicide is associated with increased risk of reported DENV, lower rates of acute testing, and higher rates of lab versus clinical discordance. In the context of high violence as a potential barrier to access to preventive health services, a community approach to improve health and peace should be considered.

El cine durante la cuarentena: Una herramienta pedagógica de bioética en estudiantes de posgrado en salud / The Cinema During the Quarantine: a Pedagogical Tool of Bioethics in Postgraduate Health Students

La bioética estudia la conducta humana en los campos de las ciencias biológicas y de la atención de la salud. Es imprescindible que el contenido programático de las facultades de ciencias de la salud divulgue su significado e importancia. Todo aquel que pretenda una práctica profesional en la cual interaccione directamente con la vida, debe adquirir competencias desde el campo de la bioética con fundamentos arraigados en los principios éticos de no maleficencia, beneficencia, autonomía y justicia. De tal forma que desarrollen capacidad de reflexión crítica sobre los conflictos éticos provocados por los avances de la ciencia de la vida y la medicina. Cada día se propone más el uso de herramientas audiovisuales en la docencia, para facilitar el abordaje de dilemas éticos, crear espacios de análisis, discusión, que ayudan a la comprensión, memoria e interpretación de este tema entre los estudiantes. En este artículo se pretende divulgar la experiencia a través de una estrategia pedagógica que involucra el cineforo como medio de aprendizaje en bioética en un grupo de estudiantes posgrado en salud. (AU)

Bioethics studies human behavior in the field of biological sciences and health care. It is essential that the programmatic content of the faculties of health sciences disclose its meaning and importance. Anyone who intends a professional practice, in which they interact directly with life, must acquire skills from the field of bioethics with foundations rooted in the ethical principles of non-maleficence, beneficence, autonomy and justice. In such a way that they develop the capacity for critical reflection on the ethical conflicts caused by advances in the science of life and medicine. Every day, the use of audiovisual tools in teaching is proposed more, to make it easier for students to approach ethical dilemmas and create spaces for analysis, discussion, help understanding, memory and interpretation of this topic. This article aims to disseminate the experience through the implementation of a pedagogical strategy that involves cinema and commercial films as a means of learning bioethics in a group of postgraduate health students. (AU)

Epidemiology of polyomavirus BK (BKV) and the emergent African variant in kidney and bone marrow transplant recipients in the Fundacion Valle del Lili in Cali, Colombia.

To describe the epidemiology of BKV and to assess the presence of the African variant in bone marrow and kidney transplant patients who have suspected BKV reactivation. A descriptive study was conducted, using institutional records, at the Fundación Valle del Lili, Cali-Colombia. The overall prevalence of BKV during the study period was 51%. The African variant was identified in 49.4% of samples that were positive for BKV. 50.6% of the samples were found to have the wild strain of BKV. Among BKV positive patients, 57% were kidney transplant recipients and 43% were bone marrow transplant recipients. This is the first epidemiological study describing the African variant of BKV in Colombia.

Terapia biológica en artritis reumatoidea: una revisión de reacciones adversas / Biological therapy in rheumatoid arthritis: A review of adverse reactions

RESUMEN Introducción: La relación entre eventos adversos y aplicación de medicamentos biológicos en pacientes con diagnóstico de artritis reumatoide ha sido documentada a escala mundial, pero con escasa evidencia en Colombia. Si se asume que los eventos adversos o reacciones medicamentosas con hallazgos clínicos relevantes en la salud, como consecuencia de este tratamiento terapéutico, recaen sobre la calidad de vida del paciente e influyen en los indicadores de salud a escala nacional y en los recursos del sistema, se hace importante evaluar su impacto. Objetivos: Determinar la frecuencia de eventos adversos o reacciones adversas relacionados con el uso de medicamentos biológicos en una cohorte de pacientes con diagnóstico de artritis reumatoide de una aseguradora nacional, en el periodo comprendido entre los arios 2000 y 2019. Metodología: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, transversal y retrospectivo, con alcance analítico, en pacientes diagnosticados de artritis reumatoide, con terapia biológica, en una aseguradora a escala nacional, con registros en historias clínicas del año 2000 al 2019. Resultados: Se analizaron 252 registros clínicos de usuarios con diagnóstico de artritis reumatoide y terapia biológica. El 62,7% presentó al menos una reacción adversa y se evaluaron 9 fármacos: tocilizumab, etanercept, adalimumab, abatacept, certolizumab, golimumab, infliximab, rituximab y tofacitinib. Este último es un fármaco incluido en este estudio por solicitud de la aseguradora fuente de la información. Conclusiones: En la terapia biológica de pacientes con artritis reumatoide las reacciones adversas son frecuentes, y en un 27,3% resultan severas, lo cual describe una situación previamente desconocida en Colombia.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The relationship between adverse events and the application of biological drugs in patients with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis has been documented worldwide, but with little evidence of the situation in Colombia. If adverse events and / or drug reactions with relevant clinical findings in health because of this therapeutic treatment affect the patient's quality of life and influence health indicators at the national level and system resources, it is important to assess their impact. Objectives: To determine the frequency of adverse events and / or adverse reactions related to the use of biological drugs in a cohort of patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis from a national insurer, in the period from 2000 to 2019. Methodology: A descriptive, cross-sectional, and retrospective study with analytical scope was carried out in patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, on biological therapy, under a nationwide insurer, with records in their medical records from 2000 to 2019. Results: 252 clinical records of users with a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis and biological therapy were analysed; 62.7% had at least one adverse reaction; nine drugs were evaluated in this study: Tocilizumab, Etanercept, Adalimumab, Abatacept, Certolizumab, Golimumab, Infliximab, Rituximab, and Tofacitinib. Tofacitinib was included in this study at the request of the insurer providing the information. Conclusions: Adverse reactions with biological therapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis are frequent and were severe in 27.3%. This is a situation previously unknown in Colombia.

Clinical usefulness of cancer antigen 125 biomarker for diagnosing tuberculosis: experience in Cali, Colombia / Utilidad del biomarcador antigeno del cáncer 125 para el diagnóstico de tuberculosis: experiencia en Cali, Colombia

Abstract Introduction: Diagnosing extra-pulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) is a challenge for physicians. It has been suggested that cancer antigen 125 (CA-125), which is produced by mesothelial cells, may be an EPTB diagnostic biomarker. Objective: To describe serum CA-125 levels behavior in patients with TB treated in a referral university hospital located in Cali, Colombia. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 99 TB patients treated at Fundación Valle del Lili between 2007 and 2016 with CA-125 measurements (U/mL) made before TB treatment was started. Cases were classified as pulmonary TB (PTB) (n=33) or EPTB (n=66). A bivariate analysis was performed to compare the variables of interest (sociodemographic, clinical, and laboratory findings data) between EPTB and PTB groups, and to determine differences between patients with CA-125 positive results and those with negative results in relation to mortality. Results: Elevated CA-125 levels were reported in 55 patients (55.56%), and positive CA-125 results (>35 U/mL) were more frequent in the EPTB group (59.09% vs. 48.48%). In the EPTB group, results were positive in tuberculous serositis cases (100% pericardial TB, 68.42% peritoneal TB, and 66.66% pleural TB), and in 66.66% of miliary TB and spinal TB cases, respectively. Also, 15 TB infection-related deaths were reported in the follow-up period (n=66), of which 13 had a CA-125 positive result, finding a significant difference with those with negative results (p=0.021); however, 47.05% of the surviving patients also had a positive result. Conclusions: Most of tuberculous serositis, miliary TB, and spinal TB cases showed elevated CA-125 levels before starting TB treatment. Therefore, CA-125 may be useful for prognostic purposes in these patients.

Resumen Introducción. El diagnóstico de la tuberculosis extrapulmonar (TBEP) es un reto para los médicos. Se ha sugerido que el antígeno del cáncer 125 (CA-125), producido por las células mesoteliales, puede ser un biomarcador diagnóstico de TBEP. Objetivo. Describir el comportamiento de los niveles séricos del CA-125 en pacientes con tuberculosis (TB) atendidos en un hospital de referencia de Cali, Colombia. Materiales y métodos. Estudio transversal realizado en 99 pacientes con TB y mediciones de CA-125 (U/mL) antes de iniciar tratamiento para TB atendidos en la Fundación Valle del Lili entre 2007 y 2016. Los casos se clasificaron como TB pulmonar (TBP) (n=33) o TBEP (n=66). Se realizó un análisis bivariado para comparar las variables de interés (datos sociodemográficos, clínicos y de laboratorio) entre los grupos TBEP y TBP, y para determinar diferencias entre pacientes con resultados positivos y negativos para CA-125 en relación con la mortalidad. Resultados. Se reportaron niveles elevados de CA-125 en 55 pacientes (55.56%). Los resultados positivos para CA-125 (>35 U/mL) fueron más frecuentes en el grupo TBEP (59.0% vs. 48.48%). En el grupo TBEP se encontraron resultados positivos en los casos de serositis tuberculosa (100% TB pericárdica, 68.42% TB peritoneal y 66.66% TB pleural), y en 66.66% de los casos de TB miliar y vertebral, respectivamente. Además, se reportaron 15 muertes relacionadas con la infección por TB en el período de seguimiento (n=66), de las cuales 13 tuvieron un resultado positivo para CA-125, encontrando una diferencia significativa con aquellas con resultados negativos (p=0.021); sin embargo, el 47.05% de los pacientes supervivientes también tuvo un resultado positivo. Conclusiones: La mayoría de los casos de serositis tuberculosa, TB miliar y vertebral tuvieron niveles elevados de CA-125 antes de iniciar el tratamiento de la TB. El CA-125 puede resultar útil para fines de pronóstico en estos pacientes.

Community context and sub-neighborhood scale detail to explain dengue, chikungunya and Zika patterns in Cali, Colombia.

BACKGROUND: Cali, Colombia has experienced chikungunya and Zika outbreaks and hypoendemic dengue. Studies have explained Cali's dengue patterns but lack the sub-neighborhood-scale detail investigated here. METHODS: Spatial-video geonarratives (SVG) with Ministry of Health officials and Community Health Workers were collected in hotspots, providing perspective on perceptions of why dengue, chikungunya and Zika hotspots exist, impediments to control, and social outcomes. Using spatial video and Google Street View, sub-neighborhood features possibly contributing to incidence were mapped to create risk surfaces, later compared with dengue, chikungunya and Zika case data. RESULTS: SVG captured insights in 24 neighborhoods. Trash and water risks in Calipso were mapped using SVG results. Perceived risk factors included proximity to standing water, canals, poverty, invasions, localized violence and military migration. These risks overlapped case density maps and identified areas that are suitable for transmission but are possibly underreporting to the surveillance system. CONCLUSION: Resulting risk maps with local context could be leveraged to increase vector-control efficiency- targeting key areas of environmental risk.

Situación epidemiológica de la Tuberculosis infantil en el departamento de Caldas 2016-2018 / Epidemiologic situation about Tuberculosis in children at the department of Caldas 2016-2018

Resumen Objetivo: Describir la epidemiología de la tuberculosis infantil en el Departamento de Caldas (2016-2018). Materiales y métodos: Estudio observacional-descriptivo. Resultados: se registraron 41 casos (4%, 41/1.029). La incidencia fue 2,96/100.000 (2016), 6,31/100.000 (2017) y 4,34 /100.000 (2018). La mediana de edad fue 10 años (RI 2-16). El sexo femenino aporto 53,66%, predominó el estrato socioeconómico bajo (90,24%, 37/41), Manizales aportó la mayor carga de casos (43,9%, 18/41). La TB pulmonar se presentó en 39,02% de los casos de tuberculosis infantil. 68,29% (28/41) reportaron haber tenido síntomas alrededor de 15 días de evolución. 70,73% (29/41) presentarón tos con expectoración y 65,85% (27/41) reportaron astenia o disnea. La PPD se midió en 65,85% de la población (27/41) siendo positiva (> 10 mm) en 62,96% (17/27). El diagnóstico radiológico se realizó en 56,1% (23/41). Se reportaron 10 casos de TB extrapulmonar, la presentación más frecuente fue ganglionar (7/10). Se presentaron dos casos fatales. Discusión: La tuberculosis infantil en Caldas refleja la naturaleza de la enfermedad, afectándose principalmente niñas con vulnerabilidades sociales. El síntoma más común es tos húmeda con expectoración, similar a otros estudios desarrollados en Colombia. No se cuenta con una herramienta diagnostica con rendimiento suficiente, por lo que este sigue siendo un desafío clínico.

Abstract Objective: To describe the epidemiology of childhood TB in the Department of Caldas (2016-2018). Materials and methods: Observational-descriptive study. Results: 41 cases were registered (4%, 41 / 1,029). The incidence was 2.96 / 100,000 (2016), 6.31 / 100,000 (2017) and 4.34 / 100,000 (2018). The median age was 10 years (IR 2-16). The female sex contributed 53.66%, the low socioeconomic status predominated (90.24%, 37/41). Manizales contributed the highest case load (43.9%, 18/41). Pulmonary TB occurred in 39.02% of childhood TB cases. 68.29% (28/41) reported having symptoms around 15 days of evolution. 70.73% (29/41) presented cough with expectoration and 65.85% (27/41) reported asthenia or dyspnea. PPD was measured in 65.85% of the population (27/41), being positive (> 10 mm) in 62.96% (17/27). The radiological diagnosis was made in 56.1% (23/41). 10 cases of extrapulmonary TB were reported, the most frequent presentation was lymph node TB (7/10). Two fatal cases occurred. Discussion: Childhood tuberculosis in Caldas reflects the nature of the disease, mainly affecting girls with social vulnerabilities. The most common symptom is wet cough with expectoration, similar to other studies developed in Colombia. There is not a diagnostic tool with sufficient performance, so this remains a clinical challenge.

Quinta arremetida de COVID-19 y el uso de mascarillas en espacios abiertos y cerrados / Fifth peak of COVID-19 and use of masks in open and enclosed spaces

Introduction: COVID-19 pandemic requires permanent adaptations in management depending on the epidemiological situation. Objective: To analyze the epidemiological behavior of COVID-19 in Cali (Colombia) after ending the face mask mandate in open and enclosed spaces between March 1 and July 11 of 2022. Materials and methods: An observational descriptive study of COVID-19 cases and cumulative incidence (CI) for 7 days with two temporary milestones: refusal of the obligatory use of face masks in open and enclosed environments, using data published by the National Institute of Health. The temporary tendency was evaluated with the Mann-Kendall non parametric test. Results: Differences were found between the first and second milestone; 922 cases in 75 days vs. 12,037 in 59 days; Tau=-0.22 vs. 0.57, S=-608 vs. 968, Var(S)=47,574.66 versus 233,280.66; Sen slope=-0.10 (IC95%: -0.18 and -0.03) versus 7.39 (IC95%: 5.23 and 8.88). After the second milestone, the CI increased with a positive tendency (S=23, p=0.006). Conclusions: The significant increases of COVID-19 cases and the CI coincided with the ending of the face mask mandate in enclosed spaces. Therefore, it is advisable to return to the use of face masks in enclosed spaces, strengthen infodemic management, promote vaccination, and improve natural ventilation.

Introducción: La pandemia COVID-19 demanda permanentes adaptaciones en la gestión según la situación epidemiológica. Objetivo: Analizar el comportamiento epidemiológico de COVID-19 en Cali (Colombia) post levantamiento de obligatoriedad de usar mascarillas en ambientes abiertos y cerrados, entre marzo 1 y julio 11/2022. Materiales y métodos: Estudio observacional descriptivo de casos de COVID-19 e incidencia acumulada (IA) para 7 días, con dos hitos temporales: desistimiento del uso mandatorio de mascarillas en ambientes abiertos y cerrados, usando datos publicados por el Instituto Nacional de Salud. Se evaluó la tendencia temporal con la prueba no paramétrica Mann-Kendall. Resultados: Se demostraron diferencias entre el primer y segundo hito: 922 casos en 75 días versus 12.037 en 59 días; Tau=-0,22 versus 0,57, S=-608 versus 968, Var(S)=47.574,66 versus 233.280,66; pendiente de Sen=-0,10 (IC95%: -0,18 y -0,03) versus 7,39 (IC95%: 5,23 y 8,88). Luego del segundo hito, la IA aumentó con tendencia positiva (S=23, p=0,006). Conclusiones: El aumento significativo de casos de COVID-19 y de IA coincidió con el levantamiento de la medida de usar mascarillas en espacios cerrados. Por tanto, se apoya el regresar al uso de mascarillas en espacios cerrados, reforzar la gestión infodémica, promover la vacunación y acrecentar la ventilación natural.

[Co-infection by Chikungunya virus (CHIK-V) and dengue virus (DEN-V) during a recent outbreak in Cali, Colombia: Report of a fatal case]. / Co-infección por virus del dengue (DEN-V) y virus Chikungunya (CHIK-V) durante un brote epidémico en Cali, Colombia: Comunicación de un caso fatal.

The recent outbreaks of Chikungunya (CHIK-V) virus in endemic areas of dengue (DEN-V) could increase the risk of co-infection. CHIK infection has been considered not severe and with very unusual mortality, however DEN is associated with severe manifestations and increased mortality. Little is known about coinfection. It is possible that co-infection could generate severe cases. We present a case report of co-infection DEN-V -3 and CHIK-V in an elderly patient who developed acute renal failure, dengue shock syndrome (DSS), progresses to multiple organ failure and died. With the recent emergence of CHIK-V in Colombia, the possibility of co-infection with DEN-V should be suspected, especially in severe cases.

Prevalence and clinical course of dengue infection in elderly patients with acute febrile illness in a tertiary care hospital in Cali, Colombia.

INTRODUCTION: Little is known about the prevalence and clinical course of dengue infection in elderly patients living in endemic areas; it is presumed that there is a lower prevalence but higher severity, complications and mortality.  OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence and clinical course of dengue infection in elderly patients who were admitted to a referral care center for infectious diseases in an endemic region.  MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted an observational and descriptive study between 2011 and 2014, using a cohort of elderly patients with serological diagnosis of dengue.  RESULTS: A total of 235 febrile elderly patients were assessed, of which 43 patients (18.3%) were found to have dengue. The median age was 71 years; 48.7% were female, and 89% of patients had at least one comorbid condition. According to the serological tests, 51.4% of cases were positive for NS1 Ag, 27% for IgM and 54.1% for IgG, while 64.8% were secondary infections. Dengue was diagnosed in 13 patients (35%), dengue with warning signs in 16 cases (43%), and severe dengue in 8 cases (22%). Nearly 56.7% of patients were admitted to hospital and 21.6%, to the intensive care unit. None died.  CONCLUSION: We found dengue infection to be more frequent than expected in this sample of elderly patients, due to acute febrile syndrome. Elderly patients also required higher rate of hospitalization and had more complications, however there were no deaths due to good management.

Seroprevalence of human T-lymphotropic virus in blood bank donors at Fundación Valle del Lili, Cali, Colombia, 2008-2014.

INTRODUCTION: Human lymphotropic virus (HTLV I/II) is a retrovirus that is prevalent across the Colombian Pacific coast, and is potentially transmissible by transfusion. Blood bank screening has been regulated since 2004, in order to reduce transmission of HTLV I/II through donation. Information on the seroprevalence of the virus in southwestern Colombia is limited.  OBJECTIVE: To determine the seroprevalence and the behavior of reactivity to HTLV I/II before and after the introduction of Western blot, and the comorbidity of HTLV and other infectious markers in donors from a blood bank in Cali, Colombia.  MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 77,117 blood bank donors from the Fundación Valle del Lili by analyzing records of donors who had been tested with the reactive test for anti-HTLV I-II antibodies (IgG) between January, 2008, and December, 2014.  RESULTS: The cumulative seroprevalence during the study period was 0.24% (186/77,119). Reactivity was more common in women (61%), and the median age was 37 years (IQR: 24-48). The seroprevalence in the years before the introduction of Western blot was 0.13%, 0.19%, 0.31%, 0.32% and 0.18% (2008-2012), and thereafter it was 0.08% and 0.07% (2012-2014). Concomitant reactivity with other infectious markers was 11%: syphilis (57%), followed by HIV (19%), hepatitis B (14%) and hepatitis C (9%). The highest seroprevalence (0.38%) was reported in 2012.  CONCLUSION: We found a high prevalence of reactivity to HTLV I-II compared to that reported in other studies. The results of this study are a starting point for the development of population studies.