Tiered Pricing and Alternative Mechanisms for Equitative Access to Vaccines in Latin America: A Narrative Review of the Literature.

OBJECTIVES: To review and describe alternative strategies for the supply of vaccines in Latin America. METHODS: We conducted a narrative review to explore and describe alternatives for equitable vaccine access in Latin America. We searched and considered the main access strategies reported in the literature through PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. Additionally, we reviewed the web sites of key stakeholders. The search was conducted using the following keywords: ("access" or "availability" or "acquisition" or "affordability" or "tiered pricing") and ("vaccine"). Subsequently, documents that met the inclusion criteria were selected. Finally, findings were grouped by means of a thematic analysis and an interpretative synthesis. RESULTS: Twenty-four publications were included. We identified 5 main topics: current supply strategies, challenges for the acquisition of vaccines, vaccine prices equity, alternative supply strategies, and the advantages and impact of a tiered pricing strategy. CONCLUSIONS: Our review suggests that tiered pricing can be an tool for accelerating the process of introducing vaccines in low-income countries at affordable prices and for countries that do not adhere to the current procurement mechanisms or are not eligible for Vaccine Alliance because giving countries prices for vaccines that reflect their ability to pay can result in better programmatic and financial planning for the purchase of these vaccines, and in return, vaccine manufacturers can gain access to wider markets However, this model has not been z improve access to vaccines that are aimed only at developing countries, mainly because the market in these countries is not profitable for producers.

Vagus Nerve Stimulation: A Personalized Therapeutic Approach for Crohn's and Other Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.

Inflammatory bowel diseases, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, are incurable autoimmune diseases characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. There is increasing evidence that inappropriate interaction between the enteric nervous system and central nervous system and/or low activity of the vagus nerve, which connects the enteric and central nervous systems, could play a crucial role in their pathogenesis. Therefore, it has been suggested that appropriate neuroprosthetic stimulation of the vagus nerve could lead to the modulation of the inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and consequent long-term control of these autoimmune diseases. In the present paper, we provide a comprehensive overview of (1) the cellular and molecular bases of the immune system, (2) the way central and enteric nervous systems interact and contribute to the immune responses, (3) the pathogenesis of the inflammatory bowel disease, and (4) the therapeutic use of vagus nerve stimulation, and in particular, the transcutaneous stimulation of the auricular branch of the vagus nerve. Then, we expose the working hypotheses for the modulation of the molecular processes that are responsible for intestinal inflammation in autoimmune diseases and the way we could develop personalized neuroprosthetic therapeutic devices and procedures in favor of the patients.

Opioid use disorders national registries and opioids sales registries: A 10-year prevalence study from a middle-income country.

OBJECTIVES: (1) To estimate the prevalence, geographic distribution, and demographic characteristics of patients diagnosed with mental and behavioral disorders due to the use of opioids in Colombia, between 2009 and 2018. (2) To describe the opioid sales trends in Colombia over the last few years. METHODS: We conducted an observational study analyzing information from Individual National Registry of Health Services and the Colombian official database for pharmaceuticals prices and quantities sold. The included ICD-10 codes were mental and behavioral disorders due to the use of opioids (F11) codes subdivisions. RESULTS: 12,557 cases of mental and behavioral disorders due to opioid use were reported, with a rate of 3.0 per 100,000 inhabitants for the studied period. Men represented 74.2 percent, with a male:female ratio of 2.9:1. The highest prevalence was found between 20 and 24 years, in the northwest Colombian area. A progressive increase in the total number of opioid units sold during the study period was found, and the most frequently sold opioids were tramadol (55 percent) and codeine (20 percent). CONCLUSIONS: Recognition of opioid use disorders has increased in the last 10 years; it affects more males than females, mostly young adults, and is higher in certain affluent regions of Colombia. We found a progressive annual increase in the sales of opioids in the country, which could be related to the increase in the rate of registries. Studies that have analyzed opioid abuse in Latin America are limited, and further studies are needed to evaluate this situation in middle-income countries from the region.

Painful Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Proposal for an Algorithmic Management Approach.

BACKGROUND: The etiological diagnosis of painful primary total hip arthroplasty and its management is a complex clinical challenge for pain physicians. Extrinsic sources of pain in the hip joint might be efficiently treated by clinical pain units, although the topic remains controversial. OBJECTIVES: To conduct a literature review and suggest an evidence-based algorithmic approach to managing painful hip arthroplasty. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic literature review with qualitative data synthesis. METHODS: We conducted an online search of Medline/Pubmed, Embase, Clinical Trials, and Cochrane database using the Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) and free terms on all biomedical literature published up to August 2019. Articles that described either the etiologies and management of painful primary total hip arthroplasty or the imaging techniques to specifically assess any of its causes were included. We collected the demographic data (gender, age, body mass index), main etiologies, diagnostic tests, and specific treatments applied in each study. Based on the reviewed evidence, we propose an algorithmic approach, with a special emphasis on etiologies that should be referred to pain clinics. RESULTS: Twenty-four studies were included for the synthesis, 16 of which were observational studies and 8 of which were non-systematic literature reviews that described a wide range of etiologies of painful primary total hip arthroplasty. The results showed that 2/3 of the causes of pain were intrinsic and need to be managed by orthopedic surgeons. One third of the etiologies were extrinsic and should be referred to pain clinics once intrinsic causes have been ruled out. Among extrinsic sources of pain, the most frequent was myofascial etiology. LIMITATIONS: A publication bias might have been present due to the inclusion of studies published only in English, Spanish, and German. The included studies also had heterogeneous methodologies. CONCLUSIONS: The current review suggests that painful hip arthroplasty is not a rare condition in clinical practice. We systematically reviewed etiologies and various treatments published in the literature and we suggest an algorithmic approach to management based on the available evidence. This approach incorporates the evidence regarding our knowledge of the etiologies, diagnosis, and management of chronic pain after total hip arthroplasty. Systematic review registration: The protocol was registered in PROSPERO the international prospective register of systematic reviews, ID CRD42020185663.

Carotid petrous segment aneurysm presenting as hypoglossal nerve palsy.

Aneurysm in the petrous segment of the internal carotid artery is extremely rare, and symptoms are usually derived from compression of neighbor structures such as nerve palsies. Clinical symptoms can be nonspecific and imaging findings are complex, making the diagnosis of this kind of aneurysms extremely challenging. CT angiography is the best diagnostic tool, and treatment options include surgical and endovascular approaches, the latest being preferred. We report an extremely rare case of an aneurysm in the petrous apex presenting with hypoglossal nerve palsy. We document the aneurysm through CT and confirm it using angiography. We also describe the satisfactory management of this rare case. To the best of our knowledge this an extremely rare aneurism presenting with hypoglossal nerve palsy, in which successful interventional management was achieved through a specific and prompt diagnosis.

Could SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 simply fade away?

not available.

Renal Graft Embolization as a Treatment for Graft Intolerance Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Renal graft intolerance syndrome is an inflammatory process that occurs in up to 40% of patients with graft loss. It is characterized by fever, graft pain, hematuria, and anemia. Traditionally, the treatment has been nephrectomy; however, this procedure is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. As an alternative, graft embolization is associated with success rates of up to 92%. In this study, we describe the graft embolization experience of 1 center, its clinical outcomes and complications. METHODS: An observational, retrospective study was conducted. It included all patients with graft intolerance syndrome undergoing graft embolization between 2012 and 2018. The success of the procedure was defined by the resolution of the symptoms that motivated the embolization. RESULTS: We found 12 cases of patients undergoing embolization. The time of presentation of the graft intolerance syndrome after admission to dialysis was 6 months (range, 0.6-13). The main clinical manifestation was pain in the area of the graft and macroscopic hematuria. Except for 1 patient, all continued with the immunosuppressive treatment regimen after graft loss for 4 months (range, 0.6-9), received antibiotics for 5.5 days (range, 2-14), and 10 patients received steroid treatment for 6.5 days (range, 5-10). The main complication, secondary to the procedure, was hematoma at the puncture site in 3 patients. Only 1 patient had postembolization syndrome, which resolved with steroid administration. Two patients required postembolization nephrectomy due to persistent renal blood flow and symptoms such as pain and hematuria. The average hospital stay was 5.5 days (range, 1-24). CONCLUSIONS: Renal graft embolization is an effective technique as a treatment strategy in patients with clinical signs of intolerance syndrome, with a success rate ≥83.3%, low morbidity, and short hospital stay; furthermore, it avoids the potential complications of a surgical nephrectomy. Graft infection should be ruled out before embolization, and the use of prophylactic antibiotics and steroid therapy is recommended to reduce the risk of postembolization syndrome and infectious complications.

Distonía de la embocadura: revisión narrativa de la literatura / Embouchure dystonia: narrative literature review

RESUMEN La ejecución excesiva de instrumentos de viento puede ser un factor causal para el desarrollo de distonía de la embocadura, caracterizada clínicamente por la aparición de contracciones musculares involuntarias, asociadas con la pérdida del control motor. Es importante que los profesionales y especialistas tengan el conocimiento necesario al momento de diagnosticar y tratar a la población que puede presentar este trastorno. El objetivo de esta revisión es examinar la literatura científica disponible en cuanto a la historia, epidemiología, fisiopatología, diagnóstico y tratamiento de la distonía de la embocadura en intérpretes de instrumentos de viento, con el fin de brindar herramientas para la prevención, el diagnóstico y el tratamiento de los músicos potencialmente susceptibles de desarrollar este trastorno.

SUMMARY Excessive practice of musical wind instruments may be a causal factor for the development of embouchure dystonia, clinically characterized by the appearance of involuntary muscle contractions associated with loss of motor control while interpreting a wind instrument. It is important for health professionals to have the necessary knowledge when diagnosing and treating musicians that are at risk or already have this disorder. The purpose of this review is to examine the scientific literature on the history, epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of embouchure dystonia in wind instrument interpreters, in order to provide the clinician tools for prevention, diagnosis and treatment in musicians who are susceptible for the development of this disorder.

Geographical distribution of centenarians in Colombia: An analysis of three databases / Distribución geográfica de los centenarios en Colombia: un análisis de tres bases de datos

Abstract Introduction: Individuals aged one hundred years or more are of interest for the study of the aging process, which has been scarcely addressed in Colombia. Objective: To estimate the number and geographical distribution of centenarians in Colombia. Materials and methods: Three sources of information were reviewed: the 2005 Census, the death certificates issued from 2010 to 2013, and the Individual Registries of Health Services Provision (RIPS in Spanish) of 2014. Results: The census recorded data of 3 165 centenarians (1 972 women, 62.3%), finding the highest rates in La Guajira (2.23 x 10 000), Chocó (1.90) and Sucre (1.61). In the four-year period analyzed, 3 611 people died, with the highest proportions (for every 1 000 deaths) found in Chocó (10.4), La Guajira (9.4) and Sucre (6.5). RIPS identified 3 390 centenarians, with a higher frequency in Sucre (2.17 x 10000), Chocó (1.29) and Córdoba (1.11). Conclusions: Although the results are consistent with the number and geographical distribution of centenarians, some errors may be found in the date of birth stated in the records, which is the basis for estimating age in the three sources. Other factors potentially involved in the results may be physical activity, family and community support, low stress and healthy diet in these regions.

Resumen Introducción. Las personas mayores de 100 años han sido poco estudiadas en Colombia, si bien son importantes para entender el envejecimiento. Objetivo. Estimar el número y distribución geográfica de los centenarios en Colombia. Materiales y métodos. Se revisaron tres fuentes de información: el Censo de 2005, los certificados de defunción de 2010 a 2013 y los Registros Individuales de Prestaciones de Servicios de Salud (RIPS) de 2014. Resultados. En el censo, se identificaron 3 165 centenarios (1 972 mujeres, correspondientes al 62.3%) con las tasas más elevadas en La Guajira (2.23 x 10 000), Chocó (1.90) y Sucre (1.61). En el cuatrienio analizado fallecieron 3 611 y se hallaron sus mayores proporciones (por cada 1 000 fallecidos) en Chocó (10.4), La Guajira (9.4) y Sucre (6.5). Los RIPS identificaron 3 390 centenarios, cuyas tasas más altas se ubicaron en Sucre (2.17 x 10 000), Chocó (1.29) y Córdoba (1.11). Conclusiones. Aunque los resultados de la investigación fueron consistentes en el número y la distribución geográfica de los individuos centenarios, pudo haber errores de registro de la fecha de nacimiento, que es la base para estimar la edad en las tres fuentes. Otra explicación de estos resultados podría involucrar la actividad física, el apoyo familiar y comunitario, el bajo nivel de estrés y la dieta saludable en estas regiones.

Venta de alcohol y tasa de enfermedad hepática alcohólica por departamentos en Colombia / Alcoholic Beverage Sales and Alcoholic Liver Disease Rates in Colombian Departments

Objetivos: determinar la asociación estadística entre el diagnóstico de enfermedad hepática alcohólica según Registros Individuales de Prestaciones de Servicios de Salud (RIPS) y ventas de alcohol por departamento, 2012. Métodos: se realizó un estudio ecológico transversal, comparando tasas de prevalencia estimadas por RIPS (códigos CIE K700-9) y población mayor de 18 años (DANE), con ventas de licores nacionales, licores importados y cervezas, convertidas a unidades de alcohol, según datos de la Federación Nacional de Departamentos. Resultados: las tasa de enfermedad hepática alcohólica nacional fue 10,7 por 100 000 con las tasas más elevadas en Santander (27,1), Risaralda (19,9) y Boyacá (15,0). Después de retirar los datos de departamentos con resultados poco confiables o incompletos, la correlación de Pearson para tasa de enfermedad y ventas de unidades de alcohol fue de 0,6. Conclusiones: existe una correlación positiva entre la tasa de enfermedad hepática alcohólica y las ventas de alcohol por departamento.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the statistical association between the diagnosis of alcoholic liver disease and alcohol sales by department based on the Individual Records of the Health Care Services (Registros Individuales de Prestaciones de Servicios de Salud - RIPS) for 2012. Methods: This was a cross-sectional ecologic study conducted to compare prevalence rates of alcoholic liver disease estimated by RIPS (ICD K700-9) in the over 18 population (DANE) with sales, according to the National Federation of Departments, of domestic and imported spirits, liquors and beers, converted into alcohol units. Results: The national rate of alcoholic liver disease was 10.7 per 100,000 with higher rates in Santander (27.1), Risaralda (19.9) and Boyacá (15.0). After removing the data from departments with unreliable or incomplete results, the Pearson correlation rate of illness and alcohol unit sales was 0.6. Conclusions: There is a positive correlation between the rate of alcoholic liver disease and alcohol sales in each department.