American Society of Hematology, ABHH, ACHO, Grupo CAHT, Grupo CLAHT, SAH, SBHH, SHU, SOCHIHEM, SOMETH, Sociedad Panamena de Hematología, Sociedad Peruana de Hematología, and SVH 2023 guidelines for diagnosis of venous thromboembolism and for its management in special populations in Latin America.

Implementation of international guidelines in Latin American settings requires additional considerations (ie, values and preferences, resources, accessibility, feasibility, and impact on health equity). The purpose of this guideline is to provide evidence-based recommendations about the diagnosis of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and its management in children and during pregnancy. We used the GRADE ADOLOPMENT method to adapt recommendations from 3 American Society of Hematology (ASH) VTE guidelines (diagnosis of VTE, VTE in pregnancy, and VTE in the pediatric population). ASH and 12 local hematology societies formed a guideline panel comprising medical professionals from 10 countries in Latin America. Panelists prioritized 10 questions about the diagnosis of VTE and 18 questions about its management in special populations that were relevant for the Latin American context. A knowledge synthesis team updated evidence reviews of health effects conducted for the original ASH guidelines and summarized information about factors specific to the Latin American context. In comparison with the original guideline, there were significant changes in 2 of 10 diagnostic recommendations (changes in the diagnostic algorithms) and in 9 of 18 management recommendations (4 changed direction and 5 changed strength). This guideline ADOLOPMENT project highlighted the importance of contextualizing recommendations in other settings based on differences in values, resources, feasibility, and health equity impact.

American Society of Hematology, ABHH, ACHO, Grupo CAHT, Grupo CLAHT, SAH, SBHH, SHU, SOCHIHEM, SOMETH, Sociedad Panamena de Hematología, Sociedad Peruana de Hematología, and SVH 2023 guidelines for diagnosis of venous thromboembolism and for its management in special populations in Latin America

Implementation of international guidelines in Latin American settings requires additional considerations (ie, values and preferences, resources, accessibility, feasibility, and impact on health equity). The purpose of this guideline is to provide evidence-based recommendations about the diagnosis of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and its management in children and during pregnancy. We used the GRADE ADOLOPMENT method to adapt recommendations from 3 American Society of Hematology (ASH) VTE guidelines (diagnosis of VTE, VTE in pregnancy, and VTE in the pediatric population). ASH and 12 local hematology societies formed a guideline panel comprising medical professionals from 10 countries in Latin America. Panelists prioritized 10 questions about the diagnosis of VTE and 18 questions about its management in special populations that were relevant for the Latin American context. A knowledge synthesis team updated evidence reviews of health effects conducted for the original ASH guidelines and summarized information about factors specific to the Latin American context. In comparison with the original guideline, there were significant changes in 2 of 10 diagnostic recommendations (changes in the diagnostic algorithms) and in 9 of 18 management recommendations (4 changed direction and 5 changed strength). This guideline ADOLOPMENT project highlighted the importance of contextualizing recommendations in other settings based on differences in values, resources, feasibility, and health equity impact.

American Society of Hematology, ABHH, ACHO, Grupo CAHT, Grupo CLAHT, SAH, SBHH, SHU, SOCHIHEM, SOMETH, Sociedad Panameña de Hematología, Sociedad Peruana de Hematología, and SVH 2022 guidelines for prevention of venous thromboembolism in surgical and medical patients and long-distance travelers in Latin America.

BACKGROUND: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common disease in Latin American settings. Implementation of international guidelines in Latin American settings requires additional considerations. OBJECTIVE: To provide evidence-based guidelines about VTE prevention for Latin American patients, clinicians, and decision makers. METHODS: We used the GRADE ADOLOPMENT method to adapt recommendations from 2 American Society of Hematology (ASH) VTE guidelines (Prevention of VTE in Surgical Patients and Prophylaxis for Medical Patients). ASH and 12 local hematology societies formed a guideline panel composed of medical professionals from 10 countries in Latin America. Panelists prioritized 20 questions relevant to the Latin American context. A knowledge synthesis team updated evidence reviews of health effects conducted for the original ASH guidelines and summarized information about factors specific to the Latin American context, that is, values and preferences, resources, accessibility, feasibility, and impact on health equity. RESULTS: The panel agreed on 21 recommendations. In comparison with the original guideline, 6 recommendations changed direction and 4 recommendations changed strength. CONCLUSIONS: This guideline ADOLOPMENT project highlighted the importance of contextualization of recommendations in other settings, based on differences in values, resources, feasibility, and health equity impact.

ASH, ABHH, ACHO, Grupo CAHT, Grupo  CLAHT, SAH, SBHH, SHU, SOCHIHEM, SOMETH, Sociedad Panameña de Hematología, SPH, and SVH 2021 guidelines for management of venous thromboembolism in Latin America.

BACKGROUND: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common disease in Latin American settings. Implementing international guidelinn Aes in Latimerican settings requires additional considerations. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to provide evidence-based guidelines about managing VTE for Latin American patients, clinicians, and decision makers. METHODS: We used the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE)-ADOLOPMENT method to adapt recommendations from 2 American Society of Hematology (ASH) VTE guidelines (Treatment of VTE and Anticoagulation Therapy). ASH and local hematology societies formed a guideline panel comprised of medical professionals from 10 countries in Latin America. Panelists prioritized 18 questions relevant for the Latin American context. A knowledge synthesis team updated evidence reviews of health effects conducted for the original ASH guidelines and summarized information about factors specific to the Latin American context (ie, values and preferences, resources, accessibility, feasibility, and impact on health equity). RESULTS: The panel agreed on 17 recommendations. Compared with the original guideline, 4 recommendations changed direction and 1 changed strength. CONCLUSIONS: This guideline adolopment project highlighted the importance of contextualization of recommendations suggested by the changes to the original recommendations. The panel also identified 2 implementation priorities for the region: expanding the availability of home treatment and increasing the availability of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). The guideline panel made a conditional recommendation in favor of home treatment for individuals with deep venous thrombosis and a conditional recommendation for either home or hospital treatment for individuals with pulmonary embolism. In addition, a conditional recommendation was made in favor of DOACs over vitamin K antagonists for several populations.

ASH, ABHH, ACHO, Grupo CAHT, Grupo  CLAHT, SAH, SBHH, SHU, SOCHIHEM, SOMETH, Sociedad Panameña de Hematología, SPH, and SVH 2021: guidelines for management of venous thromboembolism in Latin America

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common disease in Latin American settings. Implementing international guidelines in Latin American settings requires additional considerations. The purpose of our study was to provide evidence-based guidelines about managing VTE for Latin American patients, clinicians, and decision makers. We used the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE)-ADOLOPMENT method to adapt recommendations from 2 American Society of Hematology (ASH) VTE guidelines (Treatment of VTE and Anticoagulation Therapy). ASH and local hematology societies formed a guideline panel comprised of medical professionals from 10 countries in Latin America. Panelists prioritized 18 questions relevant for the Latin American context. A knowledge synthesis team updated evidence reviews of health effects conducted for the original ASH guidelines and summarized information about factors specific to the Latin American context (ie, values and preferences, resources, accessibility, feasibility, and impact on health equity). The panel agreed on 17 recommendations. Compared with the original guideline, 4 recommendations changed direction and 1 changed strength. This guideline adolopment project highlighted the importance of contextualization of recommendations suggested by the changes to the original recommendations. The panel also identified 2 implementation priorities for the region: expanding the availability of home treatment and increasing the availability of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). The guideline panel made a conditional recommendation in favor of home treatment for individuals with deep venous thrombosis and a conditional recommendation for either home or hospital treatment for individuals with pulmonary embolism. In addition, a conditional recommendation was made in favor of DOACs over vitamin K antagonists for several populations.

[Does a clinical prediction rule anticipate the diagnosis for streptococcal pharyngitis in children aged 2 to 15?] / Una regla de predicción clínica ¿anticipa el diagnóstico de la faringitis estreptocóccica en niños de 2 a 15 años?

BACKGROUND: The etiology of a streptococcal pharyngitis must be documented by laboratory techniques to avoid unnecessary antimicrobial treatment, but this strategy increases cost for the patient. Available scores applied in children or adults are imperfect. AIM: To develop a clinical prediction rule to aid the diagnostic process of streptococcal pharyngitis (SP) in children in a low-resource setting. METHODS: Three hundred and eighteen patients aged 2 to 15 years who were evaluated for suspected SP at the Pediatric Emergency Department and the Pediatric Ambulatory Unit of Red Salud UC-Christus entered the study. A throat culture and a rapid antigen detection test for Streptococcus pyogenes were obtained from each patient. Data were analyzed for possible clinical predictors of SP with univariate and multiple regression analyses. RESULTS: Seventy-three cases of SP were diagnosed (23.9%). In the univariate analysis, fever was inversely associated with SP (p = 0.002). Odynophagia, palatal petechiae, and season of the year (autumn and winter) were positively associated with SP (p = 0.007, p < 0.001 and p = 0.03 respectively). In multiple regression analysis the models did not have sufficient power to predict streptococcal etiology. CONCLUSION: Clinical predictors, even those systematically included in clinical prediction rules, did not show sufficient predictive power to safely include or exclude SP in this setting, and thus, it is necessary to improve access to confirmatory tests.

Una regla de predicción clínica ¿anticipa el diagnóstico de la faringitis estreptocóccica en niños de 2 a 15 años? / Does a clinical prediction rule anticipate the diagnosis for streptococcal pharyngitis in children aged 2 to 15?

Resumen Introducción: La etiología estreptocóccica de una faringitis debe ser confirmada con métodos de laboratorio para evitar un sobre-tratamiento antimicrobiano, exámenes que agregan costo a la atención del paciente. Los scores diseñados para aplicar en niños y adultos son imperfectos. Objetivo: Desarrollar una regla de predicción clínica para contribuir al diagnóstico de la faringitis estreptocóccica (FE) en niños. Pacientes y Métodos: Se incluyeron 318 pacientes de 2 a 15 años que fueron evaluados por sospecha de FE en el Servicio de Urgencias Pediátricas y la Unidad de Pediatría Ambulatoria de la Red Salud UC-Christus. Se obtuvo un cultivo faríngeo y una prueba rápida de detección de antígeno para Streptococcus pyogenes de cada paciente. Los datos se analizaron para posibles predictores clínicos de FE con análisis de regresión múltiple. Resultados. Setenta y tres casos de FE fueron diagnosticados (23,9%). En el análisis univariado, la fiebre se asoció inversamente con FE (p = 0,002). La odinofagia, las petequias palatinas y la estación del año (otoño e invierno) se asociaron positivamente con FE (p = 0,007, p < 0,001 y p = 0,03 respectivamente). En el análisis de regresión múltiple, los modelos no tuvieron suficiente poder para predecir etiología por S. pyogenes. Conclusión: Los predictores clínicos analizados, incluso los incluidos sistemáticamente en reglas de predicción clínica, no mostraron suficiente poder predictor para incluir o excluir de forma segura la FE en este contexto y, por lo tanto, sería necesario mejorar el acceso a las pruebas de confirmación.

Background: The etiology of a streptococcal pharyngitis must be documented by laboratory techniques to avoid unnecessary antimicrobial treatment, but this strategy increases cost for the patient. Available scores applied in children or adults are imperfect. Aim: To develop a clinical prediction rule to aid the diagnostic process of streptococcal pharyngitis (SP) in children in a low-resource setting. Methods: Three hundred and eighteen patients aged 2 to 15 years who were evaluated for suspected SP at the Pediatric Emergency Department and the Pediatric Ambulatory Unit of Red Salud UC-Christus entered the study. A throat culture and a rapid antigen detection test for Streptococcus pyogenes were obtained from each patient. Data were analyzed for possible clinical predictors of SP with univariate and multiple regression analyses. Results: Seventy-three cases of SP were diagnosed (23.9%). In the univariate analysis, fever was inversely associated with SP (p = 0.002). Odynophagia, palatal petechiae, and season of the year (autumn and winter) were positively associated with SP (p = 0.007, p < 0.001 and p = 0.03 respectively). In multiple regression analysis the models did not have sufficient power to predict streptococcal etiology. Conclusion: Clinical predictors, even those systematically included in clinical prediction rules, did not show sufficient predictive power to safely include or exclude SP in this setting, and thus, it is necessary to improve access to confirmatory tests.

[Children with special health care needs: prevalence in a pediatric hospital and associated risks]. / Niños y adolescentes con necesidades especiales de atención en salud: prevalencia hospitalaria y riesgos asociados.

BACKGROUND: "Children with special health care needs" (CSHCN) is a novel definition for pediatric patients with chronic diseases, adopted by the Chilean Pediatric Society in 2008. As life expectancy in Chile increases, prevalence of CSHCN is progressively growing, leading to higher health costs. AIM: To describe the epidemiological profile and clinical characteristics of hospitalized CSHCN, and compare the risk assessment of adverse events during hospitalization using two definitions for CSHCN. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cohort of hospitalized CSHCN in a Pediatric Center at Santiago, Chile, was followed from September to December 2009. Clinical and demographic data were registered in a database, including admission to intensive care unit (ICU), nosocomial infections and prolonged hospitalization (> 7 days). Incidence ratios for these events were compared between CSHCN and non-CSHCN, and between children attended by three or more health care professionals (CSHCN-3) and non-CSHCN. RESULTS: Nine hundred twenty patients were included (54% male), with a median age 14 months (0-221) and median days of hospitalization 4 days (1-229). Prevalence of CSHCN was 60.8% of hospitalized children. When using CSHCN definition and comparing with non-CSHCN, no excess of risk was documented. On the other hand, prevalence of CSHCN-3 was 19.9%. Compared to non-CSHCN, these patients had a higher risk of ICU admission (relative risk (RR) 1.58; 95% confidence intervals (CI) = 1.22-2.05; p < 0.01), nosocomial infections (RR 2.28; 95% CI = 1.54-3.39; p < 0.001) and prolonged hospitalization (RR 1.99; 95% CI = 1.52-2.60; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: One in five hospitalized children met CSHCN-3 definition. These patients had an increased risk of adverse events during their hospitalization compared to non-CSHCN.

Niños y adolescentes con necesidades especiales de atención en salud: prevalencia hospitalaria y riesgos asociados / Children with special health care needs: prevalence in a pediatric hospital and associated

Background: "Children with special health care needs" (CSHCN) is a novel definition for pediatric patients with chronic diseases, adopted by the Chilean Pediatric Society in 2008. As life expectancy in Chile increases, prevalence of CSHCN is progressively growing, leading to higher health costs. Aim: To describe the epide-miological profile and clinical characteristics of hospitalized CSHCN, and compare the risk assessment of adverse events during hospitalization using two definitions for CSHCN. Patients and Methods: A cohort of hospitalized CSHCN in a Pediatric Center at Santiago, Chile, was followed from September to December 2009. Clinical and demographic data were registered in a database, including admission to intensive care unit (ICU), nosocomial infections and prolonged hospitalization (> 7 days). Incidence ratios for these events were compared between CSHCN and non-CSHCN, and between children attended by three or more health care professionals (CSHCN-3) and non-CSHCN. Results: Nine hundred twenty patients were included (54% male), with a median age 14 months (0-221) and median days of hospitalization 4 days (1-229). Prevalence of CSHCN was 60.8% of hospitalized children. When using CSHCN definition and comparing with non-CSHCN, no excess of risk was documented. On the other hand, prevalence of CSHCN-3 was 19.9%. Compared to non-CSHCN, these patients had a higher risk of ICU admission (relative risk (RR) 1.58; 95% confidence intervals (CI) = 1.22-2.05; p < 0.01), nosocomial infections (RR 2.28; 95% CI = 1.54-3.39; p < 0.001) and prolonged hospitalization (RR 1.99; 95% CI = 1.52-2.60; p < 0.001). Conclusions: One in five hospitalized children met CSHCN-3 definition. These patients had an increased risk of adverse events during their hospitalization compared to non-CSHCN.

[Prevalence of tuberculosis and its impact on mortality among HIV infected patients in Chile]. / Tuberculosis en individuos con infección por VIH en Chile: Estudio de prevalencia e impacto sobre mortalidad.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) in Chile is reaching the elimination phase; however, in HIV positive individuals the incidence of TB in still very high. AIM: To describe the association between TB and HIV in different geographical regions in Chile, and to determine the association between TB and HIV/AIDS mortality. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study that included individuals from the main HIV clinics from four regions with different TB prevalence in the general population (per 100,000): Arica (>30), Concepcion/Arauco (25-29), Valparaiso/San Antonio (20-24) and Metropolitana Sur-Oriente (SSMSO) (<20), attended between January 1998 and September 2004. RESULTS: Nine hundred and twelve HIV positive individuals were included. Global prevalence of TB was 6.2% [95% confidence intervals (Cl) 5.2-7.2%]. TB was more common in older subjects (p =0.039) and those with lower CD4 counts (p <0.001) and higher HIV viral load (p =0.033). In 66% of cases, the disease had a pulmonary localization. TB was the recorded cause of death in 7.4% of subjects. Only 29% of patients had a tuberculin skin test performed at the moment of HIV diagnosis. The prevalence of TB in HIV positive patients, followed the trend of TB prevalence in the general population: Concepcion/Arauco (11.9%), Valparaiso/San Antonio (7.1%) and SSMSO (3.9%). However HIV positive subjects from Arica showed an unexpectedly low TB prevalence (5.5%). CONCLUSIONS: TB in HIV/AIDS patients included in this study is over 300 times more prevalent than in the general population. TB prevalence in HIV positive subjects follows regional TB prevalence, excepting Arica. Effectiveness and feasibility of latent TB diagnostic strategies and treatment in HIV positive individuals should be reviewed.

Association of perinatal factors and obesity in 6- to 8-year-old Chilean children.

BACKGROUND: It has been reported in Chile that obesity figures in children of 6- to 8-years-old are associated with height for age. We studied the possible influence of perinatal variables on obesity at 6- to 8-years-old controlling for height for age. METHODS: All children with 6-8 years of age attending first grade in public primary schools of Chile in year 2005 were included. An historical cohort design was used and perinatal information collected at birth was obtained from the National Registry. Obesity was defined as BMI >or=95th percentile of the CDC reference. Comparisons of obesity prevalence in contingency tables used the chi-squared test. Logistic regression was used to calculate ORs for obesity risk in univariate and multivariate categorical models. RESULTS: Out of 167 494 initial subjects, 153 536 children entered the study. Obesity prevalence was higher in stunted and in tall for age children (20.1 and 26.0%, respectively) compared with those with normal height for age (17.3%) (P < 0.0001). Adjusted odds ratio for perinatal information showed that infants born male, premature and short in length at birth were more prone to obesity than their counterparts. However, birth weight (BW) had a stronger positive influence on obesity risk. CONCLUSIONS: Taller and stunted children had higher obesity risk than normal height for age children. This association did not change when controlling for the influence of perinatal data; post-natal influences may be playing an independent role. Although BW was linearly associated with obesity, short and premature babies also had a higher risk of obesity.