Aging in Indigenous Communities: Perspective from Two Ancestral Communities in the Colombian Andean-Amazon Region.

The phenomenon of world aging is not foreign to indigenous communities. In the last few years, research about these communities around the world has increased, but aging in indigenous towns still has not been studied widely. The purpose of this research is to interpret the meaning of old age in two indigenous communities from the Colombian Andean-Amazon region (the Inga and Kamëntsa) to reinforce the relevance of the local sociocultural context within the configuration of the meaning of old age and to emphasize the importance of considering particular regional characteristics for the design of policies and interventions aiming to recognize and integrate indigenous populations. This is a qualitative study with an interactionism-symbolism approach. In total, six indigenous people older than 60 years from two ancestral communities from the Colombian Andean-Amazon region participated in the in-depth interviews. Data analysis was carried out in three moments: discovery, coding, and relativization of the information. The results show that old age means wisdom, "I am wise," which is supported in the cosmology and the trajectory of life, reinforces the identity and autonomy, and allows them to be agents in the dynamics of their communities from the "I do," in other words, their roles as builders of the family-society and as guards of ancestral knowledge. The loss of this knowledge and the elements that it is composed of uproot them and put them at risk of disappearing as individuals and as a collective. In conclusion, the meaning of old age in these communities is not centered on a determinate age; you are not old, you are wise, and as such, they play a central role in their communities. Moreover, wisdom is built in parallel with their cosmology and assigns them the task of safekeeping ancestral knowledge. In order to do this, they use oral tradition as a tool, words that are born in their territories, travel in a nonlinear timeline, and get strengthened by the community while also protecting it and building it. Knowing what aging means for Indigenous communities can facilitate to the development of policies and initiatives and to provide culturally appropriate and effective programs.

Incidence of type 1 diabetes in Chilean children between 2006 and 2021: significant increase during the COVID-19 pandemic.

AIMS: An increase in type 1 diabetes (T1D) incidence has been observed in several countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective of this study is to determine T1D incidence trends in Chilean children between 2006 and 2021, and specifically evaluate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic in this population. METHODS: We reviewed mandatory notifications of T1D in Chile's public and private health system in youth < 20 years between 2006 and 2021, and compared COVID-19 pre-pandemic and pandemic incidence. RESULTS: In Chile, 9472 new T1D cases in children were confirmed between 2006 and 2021. The mean annual T1D incidence in the entire period was 12.7/100,000 inhabitants, with an incidence of 11.7/100,000 between 2006 and 2019 vs. 20.2/100,000 during 2020-2021 (ß = 0.691, [95%CI 0.479-0903], p < 0.001.) The highest incidence was observed in the 10-14 years age group, but a significant increasing incidence was observed in all age groups. The second year of the COVID-19 pandemic, 2021, had the highest incidence rate of the study period. While a 5% mean annual increase was observed between 2006 and 2019, in 2021 the T1D incidence jumped 28.5% compared with the two previous years. We found a higher T1D incidence in population with private insurance than public insurance (14.8 vs. 11.7/100.000, respectively, RR = 1.26 [95%CI 1.03-1.53], p < 0.027). CONCLUSIONS: T1D incidence rates in Chilean youth doubled between 2006 and 2018, subsequently presenting a striking increase during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Caracterización clínica de pacientes chilenos con displasia fibrosa/síndrome de McCune-Albright / Clinical features of Chilean patients with Fibrous Dysplasia/McCune-Albright Syndrome

BACKGROUND: Fibrous Dysplasia/McCune-Albright Syndrome (FD/MAS) is characterized by a spectrum of manifestations that may include fibrous dysplasia of bone and multiple endocrinopathies. AIM: To describe the clinical spectrum, the study and follow-up of patients with FD/MAS cared at our institution. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Review of medical records of 12 pediatric and adult patients (11 women) who met the clinical and genetic diagnostic criteria for FD/ MAS. RESULTS: The patients' mean age at diagnosis was 4.9 ± 5.5 years. The most common initial clinical manifestation was peripheral precocious puberty (PPP) in 67% of patients and 75% had café-au-lait spots. Fibrous dysplasia was present in 75% of patients and the mean age at diagnosis was 7.9 ± 4.7 years. Ten patients had a bone scintigraphy, with an age at the first examination that varied between 2 and 38 years of age. The most frequent location of dysplasia was craniofacial and appendicular. No patient had a recorded history of cholestasis, hepatitis, or pancreatitis. In four patients, a genetic study was performed that was positive for the pathogenic variant of guanine nucleotide binding protein, alpha stimulating (GNAS). CONCLUSIONS: These patients demonstrate the variable nature of the clinical presentation and study of FD/MAS. It is essential to increase the index of diagnostic suspicion and adherence to international recommendations.

[What is the best method for estimating final height in patients with precocious puberty?] / ¿Cuál es el mejor método de estimación de talla final en pacientes con pubertad precoz?

Central precocious puberty is the premature activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, leading to an early epiphyseal fusion and, in many cases, heights below the genetic target. Therefore, a proper adult stature prediction is essential for the treatment decision. OBJECTIVE: To compare the concordance of final height using height prediction made by two validated methods versus the ge netic target height in girls who consulted due to central precocious puberty. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Retrospective, non-concurrent cohort study including 93 girls with central precocious puberty, who were not treated with LHRH analogs and had reached their final adult height. The data was obtained from the clinical records. To predict height, the Bayley-Pinneau method and the Roche-Wainer- Thissen method were applied, and the results were compared with the genetic target height. The concordance between the estimated final height and the final height obtained was evaluated using the Bland-Altman method. RESULTS: When comparing the final height obtained with that predicted by the Bayley-Pinneau method, there was a mean difference of 1.01 cm, and using the Rocke-Wainer- Thissen method, there was a difference of +0.96 cm. The calculation of the genetic target height showed a difference of +0.05 cm with respect to the final height. CONCLUSION: The prediction of height made by the Bayley-Pinneau and Roche-Wainer-Thissen methods was adequate and, contrary to expectations, it was similar to the calculation of the genetic target height that does not use the age of bone maturation. This also presented better concordance and less dispersion of the results with respect to the final height obtained.

Insulin resistance parameters in children born very preterm and adequate for gestational age.

BACKGROUND: Preterm neonates are at risk for metabolic syndrome later in life. Whether prematurity constitutes an independent risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome remains controversial. OBJECTIVE: To compare anthropometric measures, cardiometabolic risk factors and insulin resistance variables between children who were born very preterm (VPT, <32 gestational weeks) and at term (Term, >37 gestational weeks) and adequate for gestational age (AGA). METHODS: We designed a cross-sectional cohort study, recruiting 120 children (5.0-8.5 years old) from the preterm clinic at Red de Salud UC-Christus and Complejo Asistencial Dr. Sótero del Río, and term children from the community. We excluded children born small for gestational age, based on INTERGROWTH21. Anthropometrics data were classified using WHO reference standards. The homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index, quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI), triglyceride-to-HDL-C ratio (TG/HDL-C) and Pediatric Score Index for Metabolic Syndrome (PsiMS) were calculated. RESULTS: VPT children born AGA had lower HDL cholesterol levels (p = .019) and a higher PsiMS score than those born at term (p = .043). We observed a higher percentage of children with HDL cholesterol ≤40 mg/dl (13.0% vs. 2.3%, p = .026) and BP ≥90th percentile among the VPT children than among the Term children (26.0% vs. 11.6%, p = .031). CONCLUSIONS: At school age, blood pressure was higher, and HDL-C was lower among VPT children born AGA, suggesting a potential metabolic risk; therefore, it is essential to follow this group throughout their lives.

Factibilidad, eficacia y satisfacción lograda por la intervención transdisciplinaria de un comité de ética clínico-hospitalario. Un estudio cualicuantitativo / Feasibility, effectiveness, and satisfaction achieved by the transdisciplinary intervention of a clinical-hospital ethics committee. A qualitative and quantitative study

Introducción. Las funciones del Comité de Ética Clínica (CEC) son educativas, normativas, consultivas, mediadoras y reflexivas. Como cualquier servicio de salud, las consultas de casos a un CEC deben ser sujetas a revisión y mejora de la calidad. Los objetivos fueron evaluar la factibilidad, la efectividad y la satisfacción de las recomendaciones ético-asistenciales dadas por el CEC, y evaluar su impacto en el equipo tratante y en la familia. Población y métodos. Estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo, cualicuantitativo, de casos clínicos presentados en el Comité de Ética Clínica del hospital desde el 1 de enero de 2013 hasta el 31 de diciembre de 2017, según datos del libro de actas, historias clínicas, registros de la Oficina de Comunicación a Distancia y entrevistas semiestructuradas al equipo de salud. Resultados. Se analizaron 108 casos (106 pacientes), 73 casos con encuesta y registros, y 35 solamente con registros. Los motivos principales más frecuentes de consulta fueron los siguientes: adecuación del esfuerzo terapéutico (46/42,6 %), compromiso neurológico grave (15/13,9 %), calidad de vida del paciente (11/10,2 %), conflictos entre el paciente, la familia y el sistema de salud (7/6,5 %), y rechazo del tratamiento por la familia (6/5,6 %). Se hallaron niveles altos de satisfacción (> 95 %) y niveles moderados de factibilidad (> 74 %) y efectividad (> 85 %). Solo en 50/108 casos (46,3 %) quedó registro en la historia clínica de la consulta al CEC y el 44 % de los profesionales opinó que la consulta tuvo un impacto positivo en la familia y en el paciente. Conclusiones. Los resultados contribuyeron a descubrir oportunidades de mejora, especialmente en la documentación y en la comunicación en el proceso de consulta.

Introduction. A clinical ethics committee (CEC) has educational, regulatory, advisory, mediation, and reflexive functions. As any health care service, the consults with the CEC should be subjected to review and quality improvement. The study objectives were to assess the feasibility, effectiveness, and satisfaction with the bioethical recommendations made by the CEC and assess their impact on the treating team and the patient's family. Population and methods. Descriptive, retrospective, qualitative, and quantitative study of clinical cases submitted to the hospital's CEC between January 1 st, 2013 and December 31, 2017 using data from the CEC minute book, medical records, registries from the Office for Remote Communication, and semi-structured interviews with health care team members. Results. A total of 108 cases (106 patients) were analyzed: 73 cases with survey and registries and 35 with registries only. The main most frequent reasons for consultation were adequacy of therapeutic effort (46/42.6%), severe neurological involvement (15/13.9%), patient's quality of life (11/10.2%), patient-family-health system conflict (7/6.5%), and family's refusal of treatment (6/5.6%). High levels of satisfaction (> 95%) and moderate levels of feasibility (> 74%) and effectiveness (> 85%) were observed. In only 50/108 cases (46.3%), the consultation with the CEC was registered in the medical record, 44% of health care providers stated that the consultation had a positive impact on the patient and their family. Conclusions. Results helped to establish improvement opportunities, especially in terms of documentation and communication in the consultation process.

Feasibility, effectiveness, and satisfaction achieved by the transdisciplinary intervention of a clinical-hospital ethics committee. A qualitative and quantitative study. / Factibilidad, eficacia y satisfacción lograda por la intervención transdisciplinaria de un comité de ética clínico-hospitalario. Un estudio cualicuantitativo.

INTRODUCTION: A clinical ethics committee (CEC) has educational, regulatory, advisory, mediation, and reflexive functions. As any health care service, the consults with the CEC should be subjected to review and quality improvement. The study objectives were to assess the feasibility, effectiveness, and satisfaction with the bioethical recommendations made by the CEC and assess their impact on the treating team and the patient's family. POPULATION AND METHODS: Descriptive, retrospective, qualitative, and quantitative study of clinical cases submitted to the hospital's CEC between January 1st, 2013 and December 31st, 2017 using data from the CEC minute book, medical records, registries from the Office for Remote Communication, and semi-structured interviews with health care team members. RESULTS: A total of 108 cases (106 patients) were analyzed: 73 cases with survey and registries and 35 with registries only. The main most frequent reasons for consultation were adequacy of therapeutic effort (46/42.6%), severe neurological involvement (15/13.9%), patient's quality of life (11/10.2%), patient-family-health system conflict (7/6.5%), and family's refusal of treatment (6/5.6%). High levels of satisfaction (> 95%) and moderate levels of feasibility (> 74%) and effectiveness (> 85%) were observed. In only 50/108 cases (46.3%), the consultation with the CEC was registered in the medical record, 44% of health care providers stated that the consultation had a positive impact on the patient and their family. CONCLUSIONS: Results helped to establish improvement opportunities, especially in terms of documentation and communication in the consultation process.

Introducción. Las funciones del Comité de Ética Clínica (CEC) son educativas, normativas, consultivas, mediadoras y reflexivas. Como cualquier servicio de salud, las consultas de casos a un CEC deben ser sujetas a revisión y mejora de la calidad. Los objetivos fueron evaluar la factibilidad, la efectividad y la satisfacción de las recomendaciones ético-asistenciales dadas por el CEC, y evaluar su impacto en el equipo tratante y en la familia. Población y métodos. Estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo, cualicuantitativo, de casos clínicos presentados en el Comité de Ética Clínica del hospital desde el 1 de enero de 2013 hasta el 31 de diciembre de 2017, según datos del libro de actas, historias clínicas, registros de la Oficina de Comunicación a Distancia y entrevistas semiestructuradas al equipo de salud. Resultados. Se analizaron 108 casos (106 pacientes), 73 casos con encuesta y registros, y 35 solamente con registros. Los motivos principales más frecuentes de consulta fueron los siguientes: adecuación del esfuerzo terapéutico (46/42,6 %), compromiso neurológico grave (15/13,9 %), calidad de vida del paciente (11/10,2 %), conflictos entre el paciente, la familia y el sistema de salud (7/6,5 %), y rechazo del tratamiento por la familia (6/5,6 %). Se hallaron niveles altos de satisfacción (> 95 %) y niveles moderados de factibilidad (> 74 %) y efectividad (> 85 %). Solo en 50/108 casos (46,3 %) quedó registro en la historia clínica de la consulta al CEC y el 44 % de los profesionales opinó que la consulta tuvo un impacto positivo en la familia y en el paciente. Conclusiones. Los resultados contribuyeron a descubrir oportunidades de mejora, especialmente en la documentación y en la comunicación en el proceso de consulta.

[Clinical features of Chilean patients with Fibrous Dysplasia/McCune-Albright Syndrome]. / Caracterización clínica de pacientes chilenos con displasia fibrosa/síndrome de McCune-Albright.

BACKGROUND: Fibrous Dysplasia/McCune-Albright Syndrome (FD/MAS) is characterized by a spectrum of manifestations that may include fibrous dysplasia of bone and multiple endocrinopathies. AIM: To describe the clinical spectrum, the study and follow-up of patients with FD/MAS cared at our institution. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Review of medical records of 12 pediatric and adult patients (11 women) who met the clinical and genetic diagnostic criteria for FD/ MAS. RESULTS: The patients' mean age at diagnosis was 4.9 ± 5.5 years. The most common initial clinical manifestation was peripheral precocious puberty (PPP) in 67% of patients and 75% had café-au-lait spots. Fibrous dysplasia was present in 75% of patients and the mean age at diagnosis was 7.9 ± 4.7 years. Ten patients had a bone scintigraphy, with an age at the first examination that varied between 2 and 38 years of age. The most frequent location of dysplasia was craniofacial and appendicular. No patient had a recorded history of cholestasis, hepatitis, or pancreatitis. In four patients, a genetic study was performed that was positive for the pathogenic variant of guanine nucleotide binding protein, alpha stimulating (GNAS). CONCLUSIONS: These patients demonstrate the variable nature of the clinical presentation and study of FD/MAS. It is essential to increase the index of diagnostic suspicion and adherence to international recommendations.

Variación estacional de 25-hidroxi-vitamina D3, hormona paratiroidea y fosfatasa alcalina en niños escolares / Seasonal variations in 25-hydroxy vitamin D3, parathormone and alkaline phosphatase in school-aged children

INTRODUCCIÓN: El principal rol de la vitamina D es la regulación del metabolismo del calcio, cuya principal fuen te es la vitamina D3 que se obtiene principalmente por la acción de la luz ultravioleta (UV) en la piel. OBJETIVO: Evaluar las diferencias estacionales en las concentraciones de 25-hidroxi-vitamina D3 (25OHVitD3), hormona paratiroidea (PTH), fosfatasa alcalina (FA) y calcio en niños en edad esco lar. SUJETOS Y MÉTODO: Se midieron las concentraciones de 25OHVitD3, PTH, FA y calcio en niños de 5 a 8 años, sin suplementación de Vitamina D, reclutados en Santiago de Chile (latitud -33.4372) en distintas estaciones del año. El estatus de VitD fue definido como suficiente con concentraciones de 25OHVitD3 > 20 ng/mL (50 nmol/L), insuficiente 12-20 ng/mL (30-50 nmol/L) y deficiente 20 ng/mL) en verano, lo que disminuyó significativamente en invierno (54,3%, p < 0,0001). CONCLUSIONES: Las concentraciones de 25OHVitD3 disminuyeron en aproximadamente la mitad de los niños durante el invierno, lo que se vio acompañado de un aumento de la PTH y FA, asociado a concentraciones normales de calcio. De acuerdo a nuestros resultados, la suplementación con VitD en niños podría ser necesaria durante otoño e invierno.

INTRODUCTION: The main role of Vitamin D is to regulate calcium metabolism, whose main source is vitamin D3 ob tained mostly from the action of ultraviolet (UV) light on the skin. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the seaso nal differences in the concentrations of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D3 (25OHVitD3), parathyroid hormone (PTH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and calcium in school-age children. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: The concentrations of 25OHVitD3, PTH, ALP, and calcium were measured in children from Santiago, Chile (latitude -33.4372), aged 5 to 8 years, without Vitamin D supplementation, in different seasons of the year. VitD status was defined as sufficient with concentrations of 25OHVitD3 >20 ng/mL (50 nmol/L), insufficient 12-20 ng/mL (30-50 nmol/L) and deficient 20 ng/mL), which decreased significantly in winter to 54.3% (p <0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: In winter, 25OHVitD3 concentrations decreased in approximately half of the children, which was associated with an increase in PTH and ALP, and normal calcium concentrations. According to our results, children may need VitD supple mentation during fall and winter.

Mathematical modelling of MS2 virus inactivation by Al/Fe-PILC-activated catalytic wet peroxide oxidation (CWPO).

Catalytic wet peroxide oxidation (CWPO) is a novel, alternative technology to conventional disinfection methods that are widely used to control microbial parameters in drinking water. To assess its effectiveness, new studies revealing the kinetics of MS2 coliphage inactivation by CWPO technology are required. This investigation therefore aimed to perform mathematical modelling of MS2 inactivation through CWPO technology activated by an Al/Fe-pillared clay catalyst (Al/Fe-PILC) in the presence of a synthetic surrogate of dissolved natural organic matter. The inactivation constant was obtained from two different statistical approaches, and the experimental data were better fitted to the pseudo-first-order Chick-Watson model in which the inactivation rate is constant. For this model, the maximum inactivation rate was k = 0.1648 min-1, which was achieved in the MS2-3 catalytic test using an initial mass ratio of peroxide to active iron (Feact) of 1.2 mg H2O2/mg Feact. To estimate the inactivation rate due to reactive oxygen species (ROS), we supposed that the inactivation constant depends on both ROS and Feact. In this case, the maximum inactivation rate due to ROS was kr = 2.4 × 10-9 min-1 (using 1.17 mg H2O2/mg Feact), which was achieved in the MS2-10 trial; both cases led to the conclusion that the optimal initial ratio of peroxide to active Fe in the catalyst in CWPO activated by Al/Fe-PILC was close to 1.2 mg H2O2/mg Feact. These kinetic studies showed that rapid inactivation takes place very early in the reaction, followed by slow inactivation during the remaining period of the recorded reaction time. This research revealed the strong potential of CWPO technology to improve microbiological parameters in drinking water due to the high catalytic performance in the heterogeneous Fenton reaction displayed by Fe sites incorporated in the Al/Fe-PILCs.

[Seasonal variations in 25-hydroxy vitamin D3, parathormone and alkaline phosphatase in school-aged children]. / Variación estacional de 25-hidroxi-vitamina D3, hormona paratiroidea y fosfatasa alcalina en niños escolares.

INTRODUCTION: The main role of Vitamin D is to regulate calcium metabolism, whose main source is vitamin D3 ob tained mostly from the action of ultraviolet (UV) light on the skin. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the seaso nal differences in the concentrations of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D3 (25OHVitD3), parathyroid hormone (PTH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and calcium in school-age children. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: The concentrations of 25OHVitD3, PTH, ALP, and calcium were measured in children from Santiago, Chile (latitude -33.4372), aged 5 to 8 years, without Vitamin D supplementation, in different seasons of the year. VitD status was defined as sufficient with concentrations of 25OHVitD3 >20 ng/mL (50 nmol/L), insufficient 12-20 ng/mL (30-50 nmol/L) and deficient <12 ng/mL (30 nmol/L) based on the recommendations of the expert group of the "Global Consensus for the Prevention and Mana gement of Nutritional Rickets". RESULTS: 133 children participated (89 preterms under or equal to 32 weeks), 41 during summer, 28 in fall, 35 in winter, and 29 in spring. The difference of means between summer and winter was 9.6 ng/mL for 25OHVitD3 (p <0.0001), -11.1 pg/mL for PTH (p <0.0001), and -47.5 IU/mL for ALP (p= 0.01). There were no differences in calcium concentrations. In sum mer, 97.6% of the subjects were classified with sufficiency status (> 20 ng/mL), which decreased significantly in winter to 54.3% (p <0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: In winter, 25OHVitD3 concentrations decreased in approximately half of the children, which was associated with an increase in PTH and ALP, and normal calcium concentrations. According to our results, children may need VitD supple mentation during fall and winter.

Mandatory notifications of type 1 diabetes incident cases in Chilean children, 2006 to 2014: A population-based study.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) incidence in children varies across regions and countries, showing a continuous rise globally. Chile has mandatory T1D notification and guaranteed access to diagnosis and treatment since 2005, providing a strong model to evaluate T1D epidemiology. OBJECTIVE: To determine T1D incidence in Chilean population under 20 years between 2006 and 2014. METHODS: We reviewed mandatory notifications of T1D in Chile's public health system. RESULTS: A total of 4153 T1D cases in population under 20 years were notified from 2006 to 2014. Median age was 14 years and 51% were male. The average annual T1D incidence was 12 per 100 000 population, with an increase from 10.2 in 2006 to 13.8 in 2014 (ß 0.5 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.4-0.7, P < .001). A significantly increasing linear trend of T1D incidence was observed in groups of 0 to 4 years (ß 0.33, 95% CI 0.06-0.59, P = .02), 5 to 9 years (ß 0.68 95% CI 0.27-1.10, P = .006), and 10 to 14 (ß 0.94, 95% CI 0.67-1.20, P < .001), but increase was less pronounced in the oldest children aged between 15 and 19 years (ß 0.22, 95% CI -0.03 to 0.44, P = .052). The lowest regional T1D incidence was observed in the Araucanía region, which has the highest rate of indigenous population. CONCLUSION: Incidence rates of T1D in Chile, evaluated through a mandatory notification program, are rapidly increasing in children and adolescents. If increasing trends persist, Chile will reach T1D incidence rates of Western developed countries in the next decade.

The Aldosterone/Renin Ratio Predicts Cardiometabolic Disorders in Subjects Without Classic Primary Aldosteronism.

BACKGROUND: Aldosterone has been linked with obesity, metabolic syndrome (MetS), pro-inflammatory, and prothrombotic states; however, most studies relate these indicators with primary aldosteronism (PA), excluding non-PA patients. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether aldosterone, renin, or the plasma aldosterone/renin ratio (ARR) are associated with metabolic disorders and inflammatory/vascular biomarkers in a non-PA population. METHODS: We studied 275 patients including adolescents and adults of both genders and measured plasma and urinary aldosterone and determined the plasma renin activity. In all subjects, the presence of MetS was determined according to Adult Treatment Panel III. Renal, vascular, inflammatory, and mineralocorticoid activity biomarkers were evaluated. RESULTS: The ARR correlated with the number of variables of MetS (r = 0.191, P = 0.002), body mass index (BMI; r = 0.136, P = 0.026), systolic blood pressure (r = 0.183, P = 0.002), diastolic blood pressure (r = 0.1917, P = 0.0014), potassium excreted fraction (r = 0.174, P = 0.004), low-density lipoprotein (r = 0.156, P = 0.01), plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (r = 0.158, P = 0.009), microalbuminuria (r = 0.136, P = 0.029), and leptin (r = 0.142, P = 0.019). In a linear regression model adjusted by age, BMI, and gender, only the ARR was still significant (r = 0.108, P = 0.05). In a logistic regression analysis, the ARR predicted MetS index (odds ratio (OR) = 1.07 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.011-1.131], P= 0.02) even after adjusting for age, BMI, and gender. On the other hand, aldosterone showed no association with MetS or inflammatory markers. CONCLUSION: These results suggest a continuum of cardiometabolic risk beyond the classic PA threshold screening. The ARR could be a more sensitive marker of obesity, MetS, and endothelial damage in non-PA patients than aldosterone or renin alone. Prospective studies are needed to develop future screening cutoff values.

Clinical, Biochemical, and Genetic Characteristics of "Nonclassic" Apparent Mineralocorticoid Excess Syndrome.

Context: Classical apparent mineralocorticoid excess (AME) is a rare recessive disorder, caused by severe 11ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 enzyme (11ß-HSD2) deficiency. AME manifests as low-renin pediatric hypertension, hypokalemia and high cortisol/cortisone (F/E) ratio. Objective: To evaluate nonclassic AME (NC-AME) due to partial 11ß-HSD2 insufficiency and its association with hypertension, mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) activation, and inflammatory parameters. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Primary care cohort. Participants: We recruited 127 adolescents and adults. Subjects with secondary hypertension were excluded. We measured clinical, biochemical, renal, vascular, and inflammatory variables. Sequencing of HSD11B2 gene was performed in all subjects. Main Outcome Measure: NC-AME. Results: Serum F/E ratio was positively associated with systolic blood pressure (BP), microalbuminuria, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). Serum cortisone correlated with MR activation parameters even when adjusted for age, body mass index, and sex: lower cortisone with higher potassium excretion (partial r = -0.29, P = 0.002) and with lower plasma renin activity (PRA) (partial r = 0.29, P = 0.001). Consistently, we identified 9 in 127 subjects (7.1%) with high F/E ratios (first quartile) and low cortisone (last quartile), suggestive of NC-AME. These subjects had higher systolic BP, 141.4 ± 25.7 mm Hg vs 127.3 ± 18.1 mm Hg, P = 0.03; lower PRA, 0.36 ± 0.19 ng/L*s vs 0.64 ± 0.47 ng/L*s, P < 0.0001; and greater potassium excretion, microalbuminuria, hs-CRP, and plasminogen activator inhibitor. We only found in 2 out of 9 subjects with NC-AME heterozygous mutations in the HSD11B2 gene. Conclusions: These findings suggest a spectrum of partial 11ß-HSD2 insufficiency in a primary care cohort without the classic phenotype and genotype of AME. NC-AME may represent a phenotype of MR activation and cardiovascular risk, suggesting that these subjects could be treated with MR antagonists.

Clinical profile of children with diabetic ketoacidosis in fifteen years of management in a Critical Care Unit. / Perfil clínico de niños con cetoacidosis diabética en una Unidad de Paciente Crítico.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is the main cause of morbidity and mortality in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) due to clinical and biochemical alterations associated, cerebral edema as one of the most critical because of the high mortality rates and long-term neurological se quelae. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical characteristics and complications of patients with DKA ad mitted to a pediatric intensive care unit. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective study of DKA patients treated at the Hospital Clínico, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (UPCPUC) between 2000 and 2015. Demographic characteristics, clinical manifestations, biochemical alterations, treatment, complications, and prognosis were assessed. Patients with T1DM onset were compared with those patients already diagnosed with diabetes, analyzing variables according to distribution. RESULTS: 46 DKA events were identified, 67% of them were the first episode of DKA. 66% of patients already diagnosed with diabetes were admitted due to poor adherence to treatment. The main symptoms described were: 63% polydipsia, 56% polyuria, 48% vomiting, 39% weight loss and 35% abdominal pain, and mean blood sugar levels of 522 mg/dL, pH 7.17, and plasma osmolality of 305 mOsm/L. 89% of patients received insulin infusion, and 37% presented hypokalemia. No episodes of cerebral edema or deaths were registered. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the DKA admissions were due to T1DM onset. In the group of patients already diagnosed with diabetes, the poor adherence to treatment was the main cause of decompensation. There were no serious complications or deaths associated with DKA management during the studied period. Early diagnosis and proper and standardized treatment contributed to reducing morbidity and mortality in children with DKA.

Perfil clínico de niños con cetoacidosis diabética en una unidad de paciente crítico / Clinical profile of children with diabetic ketoacidosis in a critical care unit

INTRODUCCIÓN: La cetoacidosis (CAD) es la principal causa de morbimortalidad en niños con diabetes mellitus tipo 1 (DM1) debido a las alteraciones bioquímicas asociadas, siendo el más temido el edema cerebral, con altas tasas de mortalidad y secuelas neurológicas a largo plazo. OBJETIVO: caracterizar el perfil clínico y las complicaciones de pacientes con CAD ingresados en una unidad de paciente crítico pediátrico. PACIENTES Y MÉTODO: Revisión retrospectiva de pacientes con CAD atendidos en el Hospital Clínico de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (UPCPUC) entre los años 2000 y 2015. Se evaluaron características demográficas, manifestaciones clínicas, alteraciones bioquímicas, tratamiento, complicaciones y pronóstico. Se compararon pacientes con debut de DM1 versus diabéticos conocidos, analizándose variables según distribución. RESULTADOS: Se identificaron 46 episodios de CAD. El 67% de éstos correspondió a un debut de DM1. El 66% de los diabéticos conocidos ingresaron por mala adherencia al tratamiento. Los principales síntomas de presentación fueron: 63% polidipsia, 56% poliuria, 48% vómitos, 39% pérdida de peso y 35% dolor abdominal, con medias de Glicemia 522 mg/dL, pH 7,17 y osmolaridad plasmática 305 mOsm/L. El 89% recibió insulina en infusión. El 37% presentó hipokalemia. No se registraron episodios de edema cerebral ni muertes. CONCLUSIONES: La mayoría de los ingresos por CAD correspondió a debut de DM1. En el grupo de diabéticos conocidos, la mala adherencia al tratamiento fue la principal causa de descompensación. No se presentaron complicaciones graves ni muertes asociadas al manejo de la CAD durante el período estudiado. El diagnóstico precoz y el tratamiento adecuado y estandarizado pudieran contribuir a reducir la morbilidad y mortalidad en niños con CAD.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is the main cause of morbidity and mortality in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) due to clinical and biochemical alterations associated, cerebral edema as one of the most critical because of the high mortality rates and long-term neurological se quelae. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical characteristics and complications of patients with DKA ad mitted to a pediatric intensive care unit. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective study of DKA patients treated at the Hospital Clínico, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (UPCPUC) between 2000 and 2015. Demographic characteristics, clinical manifestations, biochemical alterations, treatment, complications, and prognosis were assessed. Patients with T1DM onset were compared with those patients already diagnosed with diabetes, analyzing variables according to distribution. RESULTS: 46 DKA events were identified, 67% of them were the first episode of DKA. 66% of patients already diagnosed with diabetes were admitted due to poor adherence to treatment. The main symptoms described were: 63% polydipsia, 56% polyuria, 48% vomiting, 39% weight loss and 35% abdominal pain, and mean blood sugar levels of 522 mg/dL, pH 7.17, and plasma osmolality of 305 mOsm/L. 89% of patients received insulin infusion, and 37% presented hypokalemia. No episodes of cerebral edema or deaths were registered. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the DKA admissions were due to T1DM onset. In the group of patients already diagnosed with diabetes, the poor adherence to treatment was the main cause of decompensation. There were no serious complications or deaths associated with DKA management during the studied period. Early diagnosis and proper and standardized treatment contributed to reducing morbidity and mortality in children with DKA.

Sodium Intake Is associated With Endothelial Damage Biomarkers and Metabolic Dysregulation.

BACKGROUND: Mounting evidence has associated high sodium (HS) intake with hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and stroke. We investigated whether HS intake modulates the parameters of endothelial damage, inflammation, and oxidative stress. METHODS: We used a cross-sectional study design including 223 Chilean subjects (6.9-65.0 years old). We measured aldosterone, renin activity, cortisol, cortisone, adiponectin, leptin, hsCRP, interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1), metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and MMP-2 activity, and malondialdehyde. Sodium and creatinine were measured in 24-hour urine samples. The subjects were divided by sodium intake, high sodium (HS): ≥150 mEq/day, n = 118, and adequate sodium (AS): <150 mEq/day, n = 105. RESULTS: We observed a positive correlation between urinary sodium excretion and blood pressure (r = 0.1669, P = 0.0124 for systolic and r = 0.2416, P = 0.0003 for diastolic), glycemia (r = 0.2660, P < 0.0001), and triglycerides (r = 0.1604, P = 0.0175) and a highly significant correlation between sodium excretion and PAI-1 (r = 0.2701, P < 0.0001). An inverse correlation was observed between urinary sodium and HDL-cholesterol (r = -0.2093, P = 0.0018) and adiponectin (r = -0.2679, P < 0.0001). In a linear regression model, urinary sodium excretion remained significantly associated with PAI-1 values even after adjusting for age, gender, and BMI. The HS group had higher blood pressure, glycemia, HOMA-IR, atherogenic index of plasma, and PAI-1 values than the group with AS intake. CONCLUSIONS: HS intake is associated with endothelial damage (high PAI-1) and metabolic dysregulation. On the other hand, inflammation and oxidative stress parameters are not modified by sodium intake.

Tumor de las células de granulosa: pubertad precoz en lactante menor de 1 año. Caso clínico / Granulosa cell ovarian tumor: precocious puberty in infant less than 1 year of age. Case report

Resumen Introducción: Los tumores de las células de la granulosa de tipo juvenil (TCGJ) son muy poco fre cuentes, especialmente en menores de 1 año. Los signos de pubertad precoz constituyen la presenta ción clínica más importante. Objetivo: Presentar una lactante con pubertad precoz periférica, con diagnóstico de TCGJ, discutiendo las claves de su tratamiento y seguimiento. Caso Clínico: Lactante de 10 meses que presentó telarquia, vello púbico y tumor abdominal palpable acompañado de niveles plasmáticos de Estradiol aumentados, gonadotrofinas muy bajas e imágenes que mostraban masa ovárica gigante. Se realizó salpingooforectomía, obteniéndose regresión absoluta de signos y síntomas. La biopsia demostró TCGJ por lo que se tomó inhibina B (InB) como marcador después de la cirugía. Esta hormona estaba alta inicialmente, pero descendió rápidamente. El seguimiento se basó en InB, Hormona antimulleriana (AMH) y estradiol como se describe en este tipo de tumores. Conclusiones: Los TCGJ son muy infrecuentes en pediatría; deben sospecharse en niñas con puber tad precoz periférica. El tratamiento quirúrgico en la gran mayoría es curativo, pero debe mantenerse un estricto control con marcadores tumorales, siendo los más específicos la InB y la AMH y en menor escala los niveles de Estradiol.

Abstract Introduction: Juvenile granulosa cell tumors (JGCT) are very rare, especially in infants under the age of one. The most frequent presentation is with signs of precocious puberty. Objective: Present an in fant with peripheral precocious puberty, diagnosis of JGCT and follow up. Clinical case: 10-month-old female infant with thelarche, pubic hair and palpable abdominal mass accompanied with eleva ted levels of estradiol, very low gonadotrophins and images that show a very large ovarian mass. A sapingooforectomy was carried out with full regression of symptoms and signs and improvement of laboratory exams. The biopsy showed TCGJ so inhibin B (InB) was taken as tumoral marker after surgery. This hormone was high initially, but rapidly declined. Follow-up was based on InB, antimu-llerian Hormone (AMH) and estradiol as described in this type of tumors. Conclusions: Juvenil gra nulosa cell tumors are very infrequent in pediatric age, but should be suspected in girl with peripheral precocious puberty. The majority of cases improve with surgery, but strict surveillance of tumoral markers is needed. The most specific markers are inhibin B and anti mullerian hormone (AMH), followed by estradiol levels.

[Granulosa cell ovarian tumor: precocious puberty in infant less than 1 year of age. Case report]. / Tumor de las células de granulosa: pubertad precoz en lactante menor de 1 año. Caso clínico.

INTRODUCTION: Juvenile granulosa cell tumors (JGCT) are very rare, especially in infants under the age of one. The most frequent presentation is with signs of precocious puberty. OBJECTIVE: Present an in fant with peripheral precocious puberty, diagnosis of JGCT and follow up. CLINICAL CASE: 10-month-old female infant with thelarche, pubic hair and palpable abdominal mass accompanied with eleva ted levels of estradiol, very low gonadotrophins and images that show a very large ovarian mass. A sapingooforectomy was carried out with full regression of symptoms and signs and improvement of laboratory exams. The biopsy showed TCGJ so inhibin B (InB) was taken as tumoral marker after surgery. This hormone was high initially, but rapidly declined. Follow-up was based on InB, antimu-llerian Hormone (AMH) and estradiol as described in this type of tumors. CONCLUSIONS: Juvenil gra nulosa cell tumors are very infrequent in pediatric age, but should be suspected in girl with peripheral precocious puberty. The majority of cases improve with surgery, but strict surveillance of tumoral markers is needed. The most specific markers are inhibin B and anti mullerian hormone (AMH), followed by estradiol levels.

Opinión de los miembros de la Justicia Nacional en lo Penal y Civil (Familia) en situaciones de limitación del soporte vital en pediatría / Opinions of members of the National Civil (Family Proceedings) and Criminal Courts in withholding or withdrawing of life support situations in pediatrics

Introducción. La posibilidad de sostener artificialmente las funciones vitales hace más difícil diferenciar al paciente en agonía terminal del paciente con posibilidades de supervivencia, lo que pone al grupo que lo rodea frente a un dilema. Por un lado, se presenta la continuación de soporte que solo prolongue un proceso irreversible, que causa daños físicos, psíquicos y a su dignidad. Por otro, la abstención o retiro de soporte vital sin la reflexión y el esfuerzo diagnóstico-terapéutico apropiado puede dejar sin esperanza y llevar a la muerte a un niño potencialmente recuperable. Además, la toma de decisiones, en estas circunstancias, enfrenta diversas barreras que dificultan lograr el mejor interés del paciente. Entre ellas, los temores legales son un factor importante. ¿En qué medida esos temores están justificados? Objetivo. Explorar la opinión del Poder Judicial de la Nación respecto al enfoque que, desde el derecho, se da a situaciones de limitación de soporte vital. Población y métodos. Profesionales activos del ámbito penal, civil y médico forense. Encuesta semiestructurada sobre tres casos hipotéticos con decisiones sobre la limitación del soporte vital. Resultados. Se repartieron 185 encuestas; se contestaron 68 (36,76%) y 51 (30,3%) fueron respondidas en forma completa. No tipificaron ningún delito en ninguno de los tres casos 28 (55%) encuestados. Trece (25%) interpretaron como delitos las decisiones de los tres casos; 6 (12%), alguno de los casos; y 4 (8%), 2 de los 3 casos. Los delitos seleccionados por los encuestados incluyeron homicidio doloso, homicidio culposo y abandono de persona. Conclusiones. El 45% de los encuestados consideraron que hubo alguna forma de delito en las decisiones tomadas.

Introduction. The possibility of sustaining life functions makes it difficult to distinguish between a dying patient and a patient with chances of survival, raising a dilemma for everyone around them. On the one side, continuing with life support techniques that would only extend an irreversible process and result in physical and psychological damage and harm their dignity. On the other side, withholding or withdrawing life support without an adequate reflection and diagnostic-therapeutic effort which may lead to the death of a potentially recoverable child. In addition, making decisions in this context implies facing barriers that hinder the possibility of pursuing the patient's best interest. Among such barriers, the fear of litigation plays a major role. To what extent is this fear justified? Objective. To explore the opinions of the members of the National Judiciary regarding the approach to withholding or withdrawing of life support from a legal stance. Population and methods. Professionals working in the criminal, civil and forensic medicine settings. Semistructured survey on three hypothetical case histories that implied making a decision to withhold or withdraw life support. Results. One hundred and eighty-five surveys were distributed; 68 (36.76%) were partially completed and 51 (30.3%), in full. Twenty-eight (55%) survey respondents did not criminalize any of the three cases presented. Thirteen (25%) respondents considered that the decisions made in the three cases constituted a crime; 6 (12%), only in one case; and 4 (8%), in two out of the three. Crimes described by survey respondents included intentional homicide, wrongful death, and failure to render assistance. Conclusions. Forty-five percent of survey respondents considered that decisions made involved some form of crime.