Recomendaciones para el manejo de pacientes con enfermedad Inflamatoria Intestinal (EII) y COVID-19 / Recommendations for the management of patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBS) and COVID-19

The new Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) appeared in China in December 2019. Since then and until April 2020 it spread worldwide affecting more than three million people. Its exponential rise is still growing all over the world, taking thousands of lives. SARS-CoV-2 is very contagious, person to person, by droplets which can generate a respiratory infection known as COVID-19. Some patients are at higher risk: Older people, those with cardiovascular disease, diabetes and hypertension are the most prone to an unfavorable outcome. Our Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) patients are a special cluster, with many of them taking immunosuppressive treatment for long periods, which could pose an important risk. Scientifics societies all over the world have joined efforts to generate data, share experiences and make recommendations for good clinical management. This is a review of the available evidence, expert opinion, and proposed ways of working during the pandemic

El nuevo coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) apareció en China en diciembre de 2019. Desde su inicio hasta abril de 2020 se ha expandido por todo el mundo, afectando a más de tres millones de personas. Su ascenso exponencial sigue creciendo, generando miles de muertes. Su contagiosidad es persona a persona por gotitas, pudiendo llegar a generar un cuadro clínico de infección respiratoria conocido como COVID-19. Algunos pacientes tienen más riesgos de tener un curso desfavorable; adultos mayores, pacientes con enfermedad cardiovascular, hipertensos y diabéticos. Nuestros pacientes con enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal son un grupo de pacientes con características particulares, muchos de ellos reciben tratamiento inmunosupresor por largos períodos, lo que pudiese suponer un riesgo específico. Las sociedades científicas de Europa y Norteamérica han realizado un esfuerzo conjunto para generar datos, compartir experiencias y dictar recomendaciones de buen manejo clínico. Esta es una revisión de la evidencia disponible, opiniones de expertos y formas de trabajo propuestos durante la pandemia.

Controversias en el manejo de la de colitis ulcerosa grave en Chile / Controversies in the management of severe ulcerative colitis in Chile

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammation in the mucosa layer of the colon characterized by activity and remitting episodes of varying severity and extension. Most of the flares are mild to moderate. They require outpatient treatment and have a good prognosis. The severe crises can have a high mortality if not treated on time. The success of the therapy depends on a multidisciplinary team.

La colitis ulcerosa en una inflamación crónica de la mucosa del intestino grueso que se caracteriza por episodios de actividad y remisiones de gravedad y extensión variable. La mayoría de las crisis son leves a moderadas, requieren tratamiento ambulatorio y son de buen pronóstico. Las crisis graves pueden llegar a tener una alta mortalidad si no son tratadas a tiempo. El éxito de la terapia depende de un equipo multidisciplinario.

Abordaje terapéutico del insomnio / Therapeutic approach to insomnia

El insomnio es la incapacidad para conciliar o mantener el sueño o la sensación de no haber tenido un sueño reparador que ocasiona disfunción diurna. Repercute de forma importante en la salud y la calidad de vida de quien lo presenta. Pese a ello, hasta el 10% de los pacientes insomnes no reciben el tratamiento adecuado. Debe realizarse un abordaje integral tratando las causas o desencadenantes y sus síntomas y valorando su repercusión en el paciente. El tratamiento debe basarse en estrategias de modificación de conductas y cambios en el estilo de vida a las que se asociará, cuando se considere necesario, tratamiento farmacológico. Los principales hipnóticos son las benzodiacepinas y los fármacos Z o hipnóticos no benzodiacepínicos, sin que se hayan encontrado evidencias de diferencias clínicamente significativas sobre la utilización de unas u otros. Ambos grupos terapéuticos son eficaces en el tratamiento del insomnio a corto plazo pero no se dispone de evidencia sobre su eficacia a largo plazo en este cuadro (AU)

Insomnia is the inability to reconcile or maintain sleep or the feeling of not having a good night's sleep, resulting in daytime dysfunction. It affects health and the quality of life of patients who suffer from it. However, up to 10% of insomniac patients do not receive an adequate treatment. Insomnia requires an integrated approach, treating the causes or triggers and symptoms, and assessing their impact on the patient. Treatment must be based on strategies of changing behaviour and changes in lifestyle that are associated, and when deemed necessary, pharmacological treatment. The main hypnotics are benzodiazepines and Z drugs or non-benzodiazepine hypnotics, on not finding any evidence of clinically significant differences between the use of one or the other. Both therapeutic groups are effective in the treatment of insomnia in the short term, but there is no evidence on their long-term effectiveness (AU)

[Therapeutic approach to insomnia]. / Abordaje terapéutico del insomnio.

Insomnia is the inability to reconcile or maintain sleep or the feeling of not having a good night's sleep, resulting in daytime dysfunction. It affects health and the quality of life of patients who suffer from it. However, up to 10% of insomniac patients do not receive an adequate treatment. Insomnia requires an integrated approach, treating the causes or triggers and symptoms, and assessing their impact on the patient. Treatment must be based on strategies of changing behaviour and changes in lifestyle that are associated, and when deemed necessary, pharmacological treatment. The main hypnotics are benzodiazepines and Z drugs or non-benzodiazepine hypnotics, on not finding any evidence of clinically significant differences between the use of one or the other. Both therapeutic groups are effective in the treatment of insomnia in the short term, but there is no evidence on their long-term effectiveness.

Consulta hepatología pediátrica pretrasplante: importancia de la misma en el programa de trasplante hepático pediátrico / Check pretransplant pediatric hepatology: importance of it in the pediatric liver transplant program

Introducción: La consulta pediátrica pretrasplante es fundamental en un programa de trasplante hepático, allí se evalúan diferentes aspectos como, la indicación del trasplante, el estadio de la enfermedad, comorbilidades asociadas y nos permite corregir las mismas ya que estas influirán en la sobrevida postrasplante. El objetivo fue conocer las características de la población pediátrica evaluada como posibles candidatos a trasplante. Pacientes y Métodos: Se realizó estudio retrospectivo. Se incluyeron todos los pacientes pediátricos que fueron referidos para valoración como posibles candidatos a trasplante hepático desde 2005 al 2010. Resultados: Se estudiaron 152 pacientes, 65 (43%) del sexo masculino y 87 (57%) del sexo femenino, con edad promedio de 6,16 + 5,24 años. Al momento del estudio 61 pacientes no tenían indicación de trasplante, 35 se encontraban en evaluación, 28 se trasplantaron, 21 fallecieron y 7 fueron referidos. Las indicaciones de trasplante fueron: disminución de la síntesis hepática 20, síndrome hepatopulmonar 2, hemorragia digestiva 3, síndrome hepatorrenal 2 y un fallo hepático subagudo. De los pacientes trasplantados 16 presentaban algún grado de desnutrición previa, 3 presentaban ascitis, 7 habían presentado hemorragias digestivas, 6 presentaban infecciones (urinarias, respiratorias y absceso dentarios), 24 tenían patologías odontológicas. Los 28 pacientes tenían esquema de inmunización incompleto durante la evaluación. Todos estos problemas fueron tratados previo al trasplante. Conclusión: La consulta pediátrica de hígado pretrasplante es de suma importancia ya que en ella se identifican los pacientes con indicación de trasplante además de valorar de forma integral al paciente, lo que nos permite conocer aquellas morbilidades asociadas a la enfermedad hepática terminal y resolverlas previo al trasplante, mejorando su posterior sobrevida.

Introduction: Pediatric liver pre-transplantation consultation is very important in a liver transplant program, there different aspects are assessed, such as the indication the transplant, disease stage, associated comorbidities and it allows us to correct them as they will affect the survival after transplantation. The objective was to determine the characteristics of the pediatric population evaluated as potential transplant candidates. Patients And Methods: A retrospective study was performed. All pediatric patients who were referred for evaluation as potential candidates for liver transplantation from 2005 to 2010 were included. RESULTS: 152 patients were studied, 65 (43%) were males and 87 (57%) females, mean age 6.16 ± 5.24 years. At the time of the study 61 patients had no indication for transplant, 35 were been evaluated, 28 were transplanted, 21 died and 7 were referred. The indications for transplantation were: decreased hepatic synthesis 20, hepatopulmonary syndrome 2, gastrointestinal bleeding 3, hepatorenal syndrome 2 and one subacute liver failure. Of the transplanted patients 16 had some degree of previous malnutrition, 3 had ascites, 7 had presented gastrointestinal bleeding, 6 had infections (urinary, respiratory and dental abscess), and 24 had dental pathologies. The 28 patients had an incomplete immunization schedule during the evaluation. All these problems were treated prior to transplantation. Conclusion: the pediatric liver pretransplantation consultation is of most importance since in it we identify patients with indication for transplantation; in addition, we can completely asses the patient allowing us to recognize morbidities associated with the end stage liver disease and resolve them before transplantation, improving subsequent survival.

Anatomía quirúrgica de la arteria dorsal de la escápula: su participación en la irrigación del colgajo miocutáneo de trapecio / Surgical anatomy of the dorsal scapular artery: its participation in the blood supply to the miocutaneous trapezius flap

Objetivo: confirmar y documentar la presencia deuna rama de la arteria dorsal de la escápula (ó dorsalescapular) como un pedículo constante, de diámetroadecuado y fuente principal de irrigación del colgajo detrapecio inferior.Alrededor de 1980 se utilizó el colgajo de trapecio inferior para cubrir defectos de la región posterior ylateral de cuello, cuero cabelludo y calota craneana (1).Sin embargo su uso fue disminuyendo al publicarse laalta incidencia de necrosis del colgajo. Una de las causas de los fracasos fue el desacuerdo respecto a suaporte arterial principal: la arteria cervical transversa(transversa colli) o la arteria dorsal de la escápula -ADE-(2,3). Esto incentivó la investigación para definir su anatomía vascular, así como comprobar el origen y la frecuencia de un vaso arterial que irrigue el segmento caudal del trapecio.Materiales y Método. Se utilizaron 44 cadáveres formolizados al 10% y 1 cadáver fresco; adultos, 24femeninos y 21 masculinos en la Cátedra de Anatomía Normal, Fac. de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacio-nal de Córdoba.Resultados. En 89 especímenes (98,9%) se identificó un pedículo que irriga la porción inferior del trapecio: la rama trapecial de la arteria dorsal de la escápula.Este vaso fue identificado, documentado y utilizado comopedículo principal en los angiogramas de piezas anató-micas y en las cirugías reconstructivas realizadas.Conclusiones. El tercio inferior del trapecio tieneun pedículo vascular constante que es la rama trapecialde la arteria dorsal de la escápula, la cual emerge en laregión paraescapular medial entre el músculo romboidesmenor y mayor. Se compara y discute la literatura con los hallazgos anatómicos de este trabajo realizado en Córdoba.

Objetive: corroborate y record the presence of onebranch of the dorsal scapular artery as a constant pediclewith appropiate diameter and as the major contributor tothe blood supply to the lower trapezius flap. Around 1980,the lower trapezius flap was used to cover defects in backand lateral neck regions, scalp and skull cap. However,its usage decreased when the high incidence of flap ne-crosis was published. One of the probable causes offailures was the disagreement as regards its principalarterial contribution: the transverse cervical artery or thedorsal scapular artery. This motivated research to defineits vascular anatomy, and confirm the origin and thefrequency of an arterial vessel which irrigates the trapeziuscaudal segment.Materials and Method we used for this study 44bodies fixed in 10% formaldehyde and 1 fresh cadaver.All were adults , 24 female and 21 male, and thedissections were perform in the Cátedra de AnatomíaNormal, Facultad de Cs Médicas, Universidad Nacionalde Córdoba .Results: in 89 specimens (98,9%) we found apedicle that contribute to the irrigation of the lowertrapezius: the trapecial branch of the dorsal scapular artery.This vessel was identified, recorded and used as mainpedicle in the anatomical specimen ́s angiograms andduring the reconstructive surgeriesConclusions: the lower third of the trapeziusmuscle have a constant vascular pedicle: the trapeziusbranch of the dorsal scapular artery, wich arise in themedial para-scapular area, between the rhomboideusminor and rhomboideus major. The internationalliterature was com pared and discussed with theanatomical findings of this work carried out in Córdoba.

Secuestro pulmonar infradiafragmático asociado a malformación adenomatoidea quística congénita / Infradiaphragmatic pulmonary sequestration combined with cystic adenomatoid malformation

El secuestro pulmonar (SP) es raro, es la presencia de tejido pulmonar no unido al resto del pulmón pudiendo ser intralobar o extralobar (más común). El diagnóstico definitivo de una masa abdominal superior fetal sólo puede hacerse después del nacimiento, tras una serie de revisiones ultrasonográficas o de imágenes. Presentamos caso clínico de primigesta, 34 años. Ecografía en la 17ª semana: imagen multiquística de 15 mm de diámetro en polo superior del riñón izquierdo fetal. Cariotipo fetal tras amniocentesis: 46 XX. Ecografía en la 20ª semana: ausencia de otras alteraciones estructurales. Ecografía en la 33ª semana: imagen multiquística de 20 mm de diámetro, independiente del riñón. Se sugiere diagnóstico de neuroblastoma suprarrenal izquierdo. En la 39ª semana: nacido de 3160 gramos, Apgar de 9/10, sin complicaciones. Ecografía neonatal: tumoración mixta de predominio líquido de 3 cm de diámetro sobre el riñón izquierdo pero independiente. Resonancia magnética: masa adrenal izquierda compatible con neuroblastoma. Al 36º día de vida: laparotomía subcostal izquierda, riñón y glándulas suprarrenales izquierdas normales, comprimidos por tumor quístico de 3 x 2,5 cm, semisólido, adherido al diafragma. Extirpación completa. Diagnóstico anatomopatológico: secuestro pulmonar infradiafragmático con cambios de malformación adenomatoidea congénita de tipo II. Los tumores abdominales constituyen el 5 % de las anormalidades detectadas en ecografía prenatal. El diagnóstico diferencial incluye neuroblastoma, hemorragia adrenal, tumores renales, teratomas y secuestro pulmonar extralobar intraabdominal (SPEI). El SPEI constituye el 2 a 5 % de los secuestros pulmonares y tiene una alta incidencia de coexistencia con MAQC tipo II.

The pulmonary sequestration (SP) is rare and characterized by the presence of pulmonary tissue not joined to the rest of the normal lung. It could be intralobar or more commonly extralobar. The definite diagnosis of a fetal upper abdominal mass can be made only after birth and following a series of ultrasonographic or image exams. We present the clinical case of a primipara of 34 years old. A 17th week ultrasound showed a multicystic image of 15 mm diameter in the upper pole of the fetal left kidney. The fetal cariotype after amniocentesis was 46 XX. The 20th week ultrasound showed the absence of other structure alterations. The 33th week ultrasound showed a multicystic image of 20mm diameter separated from the kidney. A diagnosis of left adrenal neuroblastoma is suggested. The labor occurred at 39th week with a newborn of 3,160 grams, Apgar of 9/10 without complications. The neonatal ultrasound revealed a mixed tumor of liquid predominance of 3 cm diameter above but independent from the left kidney. A magnetic resonance imaging showed a left adrenal mass compatible with a neuroblastoma. At the 36th day of life, a left subcostal laparotomy showed a normal left kidney and left suprarenal glandules compressed by a semisolid cystic tumor of 3 x 2.5 cm adhered to diaphragm. A complete extirpation was carried out and the anatomopathological diagnosis showed an infradiaphragmatic pulmonary sequestration combined with a type II cystic adenomatoid malformation. Abdominal tumors represent 5 % of the abnormalities detected in prenatal ultrasound. The differential diagnosis includes neuroblastoma, adrenal hemorrhage, kidney tumors, teratomas and intraabdominal pulmonary sequestration (IPS). The IPS constitutes 2 to 5 % of the pulmonary sequestration and has a high frequency of coexistence with type II cystic adenomatoid malformation.

[Utility of blood cultures on antibiotic therapy in adult bacteremic pneumococcal pneumonia]. / Utilidad de los hemocultivos en el tratamiento antimicrobiano de la neumonía neumocóccica bacteriémica en el adulto.

We evaluated the utility of blood cultures in the therapeutic management of patients with bacteremic pneumococcal pneumonia admitted to an internal medicine unit, in a retrospective observational study. Forty-nine patients were included, 75.5% were men, mean age 51.1 years. All S. pneumoniae strains were susceptible to penicillin. Four patients died. In 15.5% the treatment was modified narrowing antibiotic spectrum, in 51% cases it was changed to bencylpenicillin or amoxicillin exclusively, but only in 16% within the first 4 days. In 12 cases the prescription coincided with the oral switch therapy to amoxicillin. Due to the benefits and potential advantages of penicillin in diminishing the incidence of antibiotic resistance and reducing costs, it is important to work on prescription habits among physicians. This is especially important in the case of penicillin and the opportune moment of therapy change, improving the use of the microbiological report.

Utilidad de los hemocultivos en el tratamiento antimicrobiano de la neumonía neumocóccica bacteriémica en el adulto / Utility of blood cultures on antibiotic therapy in adult bacteremic pneumococcal pneumonia

We evaluated the utility of blood cultures in the therapeutic management of patients with bacteremic pneumococcal pneumonia admitted to an internal medicine unit, in a retrospective observational study. Forty-nine patients were included, 75.5 percent were men, mean age 51.1 years. All S. pneumoniae strains were susceptible to penicillin. Four patients died. In 15.5 percent the treatment was modified narrowing antibiotic spectrum, in 51 percent cases it was changed to bencylpenicillin or amoxicillin exclusively, but only in 16 percent within the first 4 days. In 12 cases the prescription coincided with the oral switch therapy to amoxicillin. Due to the benefits and potential advantages of penicillin in diminishing the incidence of antibiotic resistance and reducing costs, it is important to work on prescription habits among physicians. This is especially important in the case of penicillin and the opportune moment of therapy change, improving the use of the microbiological report.

Evaluamos la utilidad de los hemocultivos en el manejo terapéutico de pacientes con neumonía neumocóccica bacteriémica internados en un servicio de clínica médica. Estudio observacional, retrospectivo. Se incluyeron 49 pacientes, 75,5 por ciento hombres, edad media 51,1 años. Todas las cepas de S. pneumoniae fueron susceptibles a penicilina. Fallecieron 4 pacientes. En 75,5 por ciento) se modificó el tratamiento con reducción del espectro antibacteriano, en 57 por ciento se cambió a bencilpenicilina o amoxicilina como único antimicrobiano, pero sólo en 16 por ciento se realizó dentro de los primeros cuatro días. En 12 casos la indicación coincidió con el cambio a vía oral por amoxicilina. Debido a los beneficios y ventajas potenciales de penicilina en mejorar el problema de la resistencia antimicrobiana, y en algunos casos reducir los costos, es importante trabajar sobre las prácticas de prescripción de los médicos clínicos, acerca de la indicación de penicilina y al momento oportuno del cambio, mejorando la utilización del informe microbiológico.

Dermatosis profesional por resina epoxi: Presentación de un caso clínico / Professional dermatosis for epoxy resin: A clinical case report

Mostramos un caso de dermatosis profesional originado por plásticos (resinas epoxi) y la importancia de la detección precoz. Las resinas epoxi son de gran utilización en todo tipo de industrias (artes graficas, construcción, electrónica, componentes de prótesis traumatológicas, prótesis odontológicas, etc.) y sus componentes pueden ser causa de dermatitis de contacto irritativa y por sensibilización.

We describe a case of professional dermatosis caused by exposition to plastic products (epoxy resin) and importance of early detection. The epoxy resins are widely used in all types of industries (graphics arts, construction, electronics, traumathological and odontological prothesis, etc.) and their components may be the cause of contact dermatitis and sensitivity. Risk factors at work with epoxy resins are present during the production base resins, hardening agents, plasticizers and dilutants increase the risk of exposition at work. This requires preventive measures and early diagnosis.

Dermatología estética a través del tiempo / Aesthetic dermatology through the time

Estudios antropológicos, etnológicos y arqueológicos muestran la evolución del cuidado de la piel desde la prehistoria. La preocupación del hombre por su aspecto estético se inicia con la humanidad misma. A través del tiempo se buscaron fórmulas cada vez más efectivas, para prolongar las condiciones de juventud y belleza. El aspecto estético de la piel siempre se relacionó con la buena salud. En la actualidad el dermatólogo posee sobrados elementos para recuperar y resaltar la salud y el cuidado de la piel.

Anthropologists and archeologists have traced the evolution of skin care since prehistory. The human concern for his aesthetic appearance dates since the beginning of humanity. Through time, more and more efficient formulations were looked for to extend youthfulness and beauty. An aesthetic skin has always been synonymous with health and at the present time the dermatologist has many resources to improve and acentuate the good quality of the skin.

Utilización de extractos de avena sativa l. en dermatitis / Utilization of avena sativa l. extract in dermatitis

Los polifenoles (flavonoides y antocianinas) están ampliamente distribuidos entre las diferentes especies vegetales. Estos poseen gran capacidad antioxidante; existiendo correlación positiva entre la actividad antioxidante y los polifenoles totales. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar: 1° El contenido de polifenoles y antocianas totales de semillas, glumelas y extracto acuoso de Avena sativa L. 2° El efecto de la aplicación tópica de extracto acuoso de avena en 45 casos (10 mujeres y 35 hombres, entre 1 y 56 años de edad) con dermatitis atópica, dermatitis de contacto irritativa y dermatitis de contacto alérgica; y 30 controles normales (15 mujeres y 15 hombres, entre 1 y 60 años de edad). Tratamiento: aplicación de compresas del extracto crudo de avena en la piel dañada durante 5 minutos, seguida de la colocación de la biomasa (T°= 33 + 2°C) cubierta por una tela de gasa durante 5 minutos. Dicha biomasa se retira con el extracto de avena líquido. Entre 1 y 36 meses de iniciado el tratamiento se observó remisión de los síntomas cutáneos. El extracto acuoso, la biomasa de Avena sativa L., glumelas y semillas enteras contenían 6.12+0,45, 46,11+0,36, 212,81+0,19 y 286,60+0,50 mg/100 g ác. Gálico, respectivamente, de polifenoles totales.

Polyphenols (flavonoids and anthocyanins) are widely spread among the different vegetables species. They have a big antioxidant capacity. One important correlation exists between the antioxidant activity and the quantity of total polyphenols. The objective of this work was to evaluate: 1- the contents of polyphenols and anthocyanins of whole seeds, glumes and aqueous extract of Avena Sativa L., 2- the effects of topical application of aqueous extract of Avena sativa L. in 45 patients (10 females and 35 males, between 1 and 56 years olds) with Atopic Dermatitis, Contact Irritative Dermatitis and Contact Allergic Dermatitis, and 30 normal controls (15 females and 15 males, between 1 and 60 years olds). Treatment: were applications of compress of aqueous extract Avena Sativa L over the damaged skin for approximately five minutes, immediately after, one must cover with the biomass of oat (T° = 33 + 2 C°) and a clothe for five minutes. The biomass was removed using the Avena Sativa L. acqueous extract. Remissions of the cutaneous symptoms were noticed between 1 and 36 months after the beginning of the treatment. Aqueous extract, Avena Sativa L. biomass, glumes and whole seeds contents were: 6.12+0.45; 46.11+0.36, 212.81+0.19 y 286.60+0.50 mg/100 g gallic ac., respectively, of total polyphenols.

Developing an evidence-based Guide to Community Preventive Services--methods. The Task Force on Community Preventive Services.

Systematic reviews and evidence-based recommendations are increasingly important for decision making in health and medicine. Over the past 20 years, information on the science of synthesizing research results has exploded. However, some approaches to systematic reviews of the effectiveness of clinical preventive services and medical care may be less appropriate for evaluating population-based interventions. Furthermore, methods for linking evidence to recommendations are less well developed than methods for synthesizing evidence. The Guide to Community Preventive Services: Systematic Reviews and Evidence-Based Recommendations (the Guide) will evaluate and make recommendations on population-based and public health interventions. This paper provides an overview of the Guide's process to systematically review evidence and translate that evidence into recommendations. The Guide reviews evidence on effectiveness, the applicability of effectiveness data, (i.e., the extent to which available effectiveness data is thought to apply to additional populations and settings), the intervention's other effects (i.e., important side effects), economic impact, and barriers to implementation of interventions. The steps for obtaining and evaluating evidence into recommendations involve: (1) forming multidisciplinary chapter development teams, (2) developing a conceptual approach to organizing, grouping, selecting and evaluating the interventions in each chapter; (3) selecting interventions to be evaluated; (4) searching for and retrieving evidence; (5) assessing the quality of and summarizing the body of evidence of effectiveness; (6) translating the body of evidence of effectiveness into recommendations; (7) considering information on evidence other than effectiveness; and (8) identifying and summarizing research gaps. Systematic reviews of and evidence-based recommendations for population-health interventions are challenging and methods will continue to evolve. However, using an evidence-based approach to identify and recommend effective interventions directed at specific public health goals may reduce errors in how information is collected and interpreted, identify important gaps in current knowledge thus guiding further research, and enhance the Guide users' ability to assess whether recommendations are valid and prudent from their own perspectives. Over time, all of these advantages could help to increase agreement regarding appropriate community health strategies and help to increase their implementation.

Data collection instrument and procedure for systematic reviews in the Guide to Community Preventive Services. Task Force on Community Preventive Services.

INTRODUCTION: A standardized abstraction form and procedure was developed to provide consistency, reduce bias, and improve validity and reliability in the Guide to Community Preventive Services: Systematic Reviews and Evidence-Based Recommendations (the Guide). DATA COLLECTION INSTRUMENT: The content of the abstraction form was based on methodologies used in other systematic reviews; reporting standards established by major health and social science journals; the evaluation, statistical and meta-analytic literature; expert opinion and review; and pilot-testing. The form is used to classify and describe key characteristics of the intervention and evaluation (26 questions) and assess the quality of the study's execution (23 questions). Study procedures and results are collected and specific threats to the validity of the study are assessed across six categories (intervention and study descriptions, sampling, measurement, analysis, interpretation of results and other execution issues). DATA COLLECTION PROCEDURES: Each study is abstracted by two independent reviewers and reconciled by the chapter development team. Reviewers are trained and provided with feedback. DISCUSSION: What to abstract and how to summarize the data are discretionary choices that influence conclusions drawn on the quality of execution of the study and its effectiveness. The form balances flexibility for the evaluation of papers with different study designs and intervention types with the need to ask specific questions to maximize validity and reliability. It provides a structured format that researchers and others can use to review the content and quality of papers, conduct systematic reviews, or develop manuscripts. A systematic approach to developing and evaluating manuscripts will help to promote overall improvement of the scientific literature.

Birth weight and altitude: a study in Peruvian communities.

We tested the hypothesis that at high altitude birth weight decreases once a critical barometric pressure (Pb) is reached. Birth weight data covering the 1-year period from November 1997 to October 1998 were collected in Peru from the data files of 15 community and mining centers between sea level and 4575 m altitude. These centers are scattered along the main road that joins Lima (on the Pacific shore) to Cerro de Pasco (4330 m) and surroundings. Above approximately 2000 m (ie, at Pb below approximately 590 mm Hg, inspired O(2) partial pressure of approximately 114 mm Hg) and up to approximately 4500 m altitude birth weight declined at an average of 65 g for every additional 500 m altitude (or 105 g for every additional 50 mm Hg drop in Pb). This pattern did not differ between sexes. Averages and modal distributions of the birth weight from 2 hospitals in Cerro de Pasco (4330 m) serving different social groups were similar. Body length at birth was similar at various altitudes, with the exception of the 2 highest locations above 4500 m, where it was slightly reduced. From these data, together with additional data collected in the North of Peru (Chacas, 3360 m) and with results from other ethnic groups previously published, we conclude that the drop in birth weight at altitude is (1) apparent once the critical Pb of approximately 590 mm Hg is reached, corresponding to an altitude of approximately 2000 m, (2) proportional to the increase in altitude between approximately 2000 m and 4500 m, and (3) independent from socioeconomic factors.

Heart rate variability in 1-day-old infants born at 4330 m altitude.

In fetuses and newborn infants heart rate variability changes in conditions of acute and chronic hypoxia; we therefore asked whether heart rate variability of infants born at high altitude differed from that of low-altitude infants. Short-term recordings (4-5 min) of inter-beat intervals were obtained in 19 infants in Lima (50 m altitude) and in 15 infants in Cerro de Pasco (4330 m, barometric pressure approximately 450 mmHg, inspired oxygen pressure approximately 94 mmHg) during quiet rest in warm conditions (ambient temperature, Ta, approximately 35 degrees C). In 12 infants from each group recordings were also obtained during cooling (Ta approximately 26 degrees C). Heart rate variability was evaluated from 512 consecutive inter-beat intervals, with analysis based on time-domain and frequency-domain methods. At warm Ta, heart rate variability did not differ between the two groups. During cooling, heart rate increased only in the low-altitude group. As in the warm, during cooling most parameters of heart rate variability did not differ between the two groups. The only exception was the inter-beat interval power of the high-frequency range of the spectrum (0.15-0.4 Hz), which, at least in adults, is believed to be a reflection of vagal activity, and was greater in the high-altitude group. It is concluded that gestation at high altitude, despite its blunting effects on fetal growth, does not have a major impact on heart rate variability of the newborn. Nevertheless, the possibility that differences in response to cooling may reflect some limitation in heart rate control needs to be examined further.

Response to cooling temperature in infants born at an altitude of 4,330 meters.

The metabolic response to reduction in ambient temperature was studied in healthy, full-term, 1-d-old infants in Lima (50 m altitude, n = 20) and Cerro de Pasco (4,330 m, barometric pressure approximately 450 mm Hg, n = 20), Peru. Oxygen consumption (V O2) and carbon dioxide production (V CO2) were measured with an open-flow system as each infant rested quietly in a cylindrical humicrib, at wall temperatures of 35 degrees C (warm) and 26 degrees C (cool). The infants were exposed for 20 min to both temperatures, with the higher temperature followed by the lower, and oxygen consumption (V O2) and carbon dioxide production (V CO2) were measured over the last 8 min of each exposure. Average birth weight in Cerro de Pasco (2,933 +/- 77 g [mean +/- SE]) was less than in Lima (3,457 +/- 73 g). In warm conditions, infants born at high altitude had slightly yet significantly lower body and skin temperatures than did those born at low altitude, with similar values of V O2 and heart rate (HR). Neither body nor skin temperature changed in either group during cooling. At low altitude, cooling increased V O2 ( approximately 34%), whereas no significant increase occurred in the high-altitude group. A similar response occurred for HR. Among several possibilities, the most likely interpretation of the results would be that of a decreased thermogenic capacity in the high-altitude infants because of the correspondingly lower oxygen availability during gestation.

Decline in sexually transmitted disease prevalence in female Bolivian sex workers: impact of an HIV prevention project.

OBJECTIVE: To implement an HIV prevention intervention among female commercial sex workers (CSW), and to monitor key outcomes using routinely collected clinical and laboratory data. DESIGN: Cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis of data from an open-enrollment cohort. SETTING: One public sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinic and about 25 brothels in La Paz, Bolivia. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 508 female CSW who work at brothels and attend a public STD clinic. INTERVENTION: Improved STD clinical care, supported by periodic laboratory testing, and behavioral interventions performed by a local non-governmental organization. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Prevalence of gonorrhea, syphilis (reactive plasma reagin titer > or = 1 : 16), genital ulcer disease, chlamydial infection, and trichomoniasis; self-reported condom use in the previous month; and HIV seroprevalence. RESULTS: From 1992 through 1995, prevalence of gonorrhea among CSW declined from 25.8 to 9.9% (P < 0.001), syphilis from 14.9 to 8.7% (P = 0.02), and genital ulcer disease from 5.7 to 1.3% (P = 0.006); trends in prevalence of chlamydial infection and trichomoniasis were not significant. Self-reported condom use during vaginal sex in the past month increased from 36.3 to 72.5% (P < 0.001). In a multivariate analysis, condom use was inversely associated with gonorrhea [odds ratio (OR), 0.63; 95% confidence interval (Cl), 0.41-0.97], syphilis (OR, 0.39; 95% Cl, 0.23-0.64), and trichomoniasis (OR, 0.44; 95% Cl, 0.32-0.71). In 1995, HIV seroprevalence among CSW was 0.1%. CONCLUSION: Effective prevention interventions for female CSW can be implemented through public services and non-governmental organizations while HIV rates are still low, and key outcomes can be monitored using data obtained from periodic screening examinations.

Feasibility of one-time use of sterile syringes: a study of active injection drug users in seven United States metropolitan areas.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the feasibility of advice to injection drug users (IDUs) to use a sterile syringe for each injection, we examined sources of syringes, syringe use and reuse, and barriers to and facilitators of compliance with the one-time use of syringes by active IDUs in seven U.S. metropolitan areas. METHODS: Brief, interviewer-administered surveys were completed by 593 active IDUs, defined as injection reported within the past 90 days, in seven U.S. metropolitan areas characterized by various restrictions on syringe acquisition and possession. RESULTS: Most of the IDUs interviewed were male (69%) and African American (74%). Overall, only 23% obtained the most recently used syringe from a reliable source of sterile syringes (i.e., pharmacy or syringe exchange program [SEP]). The median number of injections per most recently used syringe was 3 (mean=5.2); 21% used the syringe only once. IDUs were more likely to have used a reliable source for obtaining their most recent syringe in cities with a SEP (odds ratio [OR]=5.3; 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.3-8.5) or without restrictive paraphernalia laws (OR=0.1; 95% CI 0.1-0.3). To facilitate one-time use of sterile syringes, IDUs recommended the provision of free syringes (50.3%), access to a SEP (38.1%), and access to pharmacy purchase of syringes (24.0%). CONCLUSIONS: Restrictions on syringe availability and the beliefs and practices of IDUs are barriers to the public health recommendation of one-time use of sterile syringes for IDUs who cannot stop injecting. Increased access to legal, inexpensive sterile syringes and education about the merits of one-time use are needed.