Infectious and non-infectious diseases burden among Haitian immigrants in Chile: a cross-sectional study.

Chile has become a popular destination for migrants from South America and the Caribbean (low- and middle-income countries migration). Close to 200.000 Haitian migrants have arrived in Chile. Infectious and non-infectious disease burden among the Haitian adult population living in Chile is unknown. This study aimed to acquire the basic health information (selected transmissible and non-transmissible conditions) of the Haitian adult population living in Chile. A cross-sectional survey was performed, inviting Haitian-born residents in Chile older than 18 years old. Common conditions and risk factors for disease were assessed, as well as selected transmissible conditions (HIV, HBV, and HCV). 498 participants (60.4% female) from 10 communities in two regions of Chile were surveyed. Most subjects had never smoked (91.5%), and 80% drank less than one alcohol unit per month. The mean BMI was 25.6, with 45% of participants having a normal BMI (20-25). Hypertension was present in 31.5% (33% in the 25-44 age group). Prevalence of HIV was 2.4% (95 CI 1.3-4.2%), hepatitis B (HBsAg positive) was 3.4% (95 CI 2.1-5.5%), and hepatitis C was 0% (95 CI 0.0-0.9%). Quality of life showed a significant prevalence of depression and anxiety markers, particularly in those arriving in Chile less than 1 year ago. Low prevalence of obesity, diabetes, smoking, and drinking and estimated cardiovascular risk were found. Nonetheless, hypertension at a younger age, disproportionately higher prevalence of HIV and HBV infection and frequent markers of anxiety and depression were also found. Public policies for detecting and treating hypertension, HIV, and HBV screening, offering HBV vaccination, and organizing mental health programs for Haitian immigrants, are urgently needed.

Manejo exitoso de síndrome de vejiga hiperactiva refractaria con toxina botulínica A / Successful management of refractory overactive bladder syndrome with botulinum toxin A

Introducción: El síndrome de vejiga hiperactiva (VHA) afecta hasta al 43% de las mujeres. La terapia escalonada incluye cambios de hábitos, fármacos y neuromodulación. Hasta el 40% de las pacientes llegan a requerir terapia avanzada alternativa, como toxina botulínica (TB). Objetivo: Reportar los resultados del tratamiento con toxina botulínica en mujeres con VHA refractaria a tratamiento de primera y segunda línea, en un hospital público en Chile. Método: Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo desde una base de datos recolectada prospectivamente del Hospital Sótero del Río entre 2018 y 2022. Se incluyeron 33 pacientes con tratamiento farmacológico y neuromodulación previa, con una edad promedio de 57 años, sometidas a inyección cistoscópica de TB a detrusor, analizando datos demográficos, antecedentes y complicaciones. Se realizó seguimiento con frecuencia miccional, paños/día, escala de gravedad de Sandvik (ISI) y encuesta Patient Global Impression Improvement (PGI-I). Resultados: Los datos comparativos pre/post TB, respectivamente, fueron: frecuencia miccional diurna 11/6 y nocturna 5/1; paños/día 5/3; ISI 8/3. Veinte de 33 mujeres refirieron estar excelente o mucho mejor (PGI-I). Conclusiones: Es posible realizar manejo con TB en mujeres con VHA refractaria a primera y segunda línea, con buenos resultados e impacto significativo en la calidad de vida.

Introduction: Overactive bladder syndrome (OABS) affects up to 43% of women. Staggered therapy includes habit changes, drugs, and peripheral neuromodulation. Up to 40% of patients may require advanced alternative therapy such as botulinum toxin A (BT). Objective: To report the results of treatment with TB in women with OABS refractory to first- and second-line treatment in a public hospital in Chile. Method: Retrospective cohort study from prospectively collected database from Hospital Sótero del Río between 2018 and 2022. Thirty-three patients with previous pharmacological treatment and neuromodulation were included, with an average age of 57 years, undergoing cystoscopic injection of TB to detrusor. Demographic data, history, and complications were analyzed. Follow-up was performed with voiding frequency, cloths/day, Sandvik Severity Scale (ISI) and Patient Global Impression Improvement (PGI-I) survey. Results: Comparative data pre/post TB, respectively showed: daytime voiding frequency 11/6 and nighttime 5/1; cloths/day 5/3; ISI 8/3. 20 of 33 women reported being excellent or much better (PGI-I). Conclusions: TB management in women with OABS refractory to first- and second-line treatment has good results and significant impact on quality of life.