Heart failure biomarkers and prediction of early left ventricle remodeling after acute coronary syndromes.

INTRODUCTION: Several biomarkers are characteristically elevated in patients with acute heart failure (AHF). Our hypothesis was they could predict early changes in left ventricular (LV) characteristics in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients. The objective of this study was two-fold: a) compare circulating concentrations of NT-pro BNP, CA-125, ST2, galectin-3 and pro-adrenomedullin among 4 groups of individuals (healthy controls; patients with ACS without AHF; patients with ACS and AHF and patients admitted for AHF); and b) evaluate whether these biomarkers predict adverse LV remodeling and ejection fraction changes in ACS. METHODS: 6 biomarkers (NT-pro BNP, CA-125, ST2, galectin-3, pro-adrenomedullin and C-reactive) were measured within the first 48 h of admission. Echocardiograms were performed during admission and at 3 months. Variables associated with LV end-diastolic volume (EDV) and ejection fraction (LVEF) change were assessed by multivariate linear regression. RESULTS: We analyzed 51 patients with ACS, 16 with AHF and, 20 healthy controls. NT-pro BNP and ST2 concentrations were elevated at similar values in patients admitted for AHF and ACS complicated with HF but CA-125 concentrations were higher in AHF patients. NT-pro BNP concentrations were positively correlated with CA-125 (rho = 0.58; p < 0.001), ST2 (rho = 0.58; p < 0.001) and galectin-3 (rho = 0.37; p < 0.001) Median change (median days was 83 days after) in EDV and LVEF was 5 %. CA-125 concentrations were positively associated to LV EDV change (ß-coefficient 1.56) and negatively with LVEF trend (ß-coefficient = -0.86). No other biomarker predicted changes in EDV or LVEF. CONCLUSIONS: CA-125 correlates with early LV remodeling and LVEF deterioration in ACS patients.

Implementation of the Versius robotic surgical system for thoracic surgery: first clinical evaluation of feasibility and performance.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to demonstrate the ability of the Versius surgical system to successfully and safely complete a range of thoracic procedures aligned with Stage 2a (Development) of the Idea, Development, Exploration, Assessment and Long-term follow-up framework for surgical innovation. METHODS: This prospective study included the first 30 consecutive patients who underwent robotic surgery with Versius by 2 surgeons without prior robotic experience between 1 April 2023 and 30 December 2023 [25 lung resections (wedge, segmentectomy and lobectomy) and 5 thymectomies]. There were no specific predetermined selection criteria for each case. The primary outcome was safe completion of the procedure without unplanned conversion. Secondary outcomes included intraoperative and postoperative complications, intraoperative device-related outcomes and pathology results. RESULTS: Twenty-eight (93.3%) cases were completed without conversion. Both conversions were to thoracoscopy, one due to a 'console alarm' and the other due to pulmonary artery bleeding. In lung resections, median console time was 103 (90-129) min. Five (20%) patients experienced postoperative complications, most frequent was persistent air leak (16%). Median length-of-stay was 3 (2-4) days. Neither readmissions nor mortality was observed. In thymectomies, no intraoperative or postoperative complications, readmissions, reinterventions or mortality were observed. Median console time was 77 (75-89) min and median length of stay was 1 (1-1) day. CONCLUSIONS: This phase 2a IDEAL-D study confirms lung resections and thymectomies are feasible with the use of Versius system, laying the foundation for larger phase 2b and 3 clinical studies within the IDEAL-D framework.

Predicting changes in brain metabolism and progression from mild cognitive impairment to dementia using multitask Deep Learning models and explainable AI.

BACKGROUND: The prediction of Alzheimer's disease (AD) progression from its early stages is a research priority. In this context, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in AD has experienced a notable surge in recent years. However, existing investigations predominantly concentrate on distinguishing clinical phenotypes through cross-sectional approaches. This study aims to investigate the potential of modeling additional dimensions of the disease, such as variations in brain metabolism assessed via [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET), and utilize this information to identify patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) who will progress to dementia (pMCI). METHODS: We analyzed data from 1,617 participants from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) who had undergone at least one FDG-PET scan. We identified the brain regions with the most significant hypometabolism in AD and used Deep Learning (DL) models to predict future changes in brain metabolism. The best-performing model was then adapted under a multi-task learning framework to identify pMCI individuals. Finally, this model underwent further analysis using eXplainable AI (XAI) techniques. RESULTS: Our results confirm a strong association between hypometabolism, disease progression, and cognitive decline. Furthermore, we demonstrated that integrating data on changes in brain metabolism during training enhanced the models' ability to detect pMCI individuals (sensitivity=88.4%, specificity=86.9%). Lastly, the application of XAI techniques enabled us to delve into the brain regions with the most significant impact on model predictions, highlighting the importance of the hippocampus, cingulate cortex, and some subcortical structures. CONCLUSION: This study introduces a novel dimension to predictive modeling in AD, emphasizing the importance of projecting variations in brain metabolism under a multi-task learning paradigm.

Genetic-based patient stratification in Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) shows a high pathological and symptomatological heterogeneity. To study this heterogeneity, we have developed a patient stratification technique based on one of the most significant risk factors for the development of AD: genetics. We addressed this challenge by including network biology concepts, mapping genetic variants data into a brain-specific protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, and obtaining individualized PPI scores that we then used as input for a clustering technique. We then phenotyped each obtained cluster regarding genetics, sociodemographics, biomarkers, fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) imaging, and neurocognitive assessments. We found three clusters defined mainly by genetic variants found in MAPT, APP, and APOE, considering known variants associated with AD and other neurodegenerative disease genetic architectures. Profiling of these clusters revealed minimal variation in AD symptoms and pathology, suggesting different biological mechanisms may activate the neurodegeneration and pathobiological patterns behind AD and result in similar clinical and pathological presentations, even a shared disease diagnosis. Lastly, our research highlighted MAPT, APP, and APOE as key genes where these genetic distinctions manifest, suggesting them as potential targets for personalized drug development strategies to address each AD subgroup individually.

Conmemorando los cincuenta años de Leche Purita: importancia de la leche en la erradicación de la desnutrición infantil en Chile

La desnutrición ocurre cuando hay una ingesta o asimilación deficiente de la energía y los nutrientes. Si esta se produce dentro de los primeros años de vida, las consecuencias para la salud son devastadoras. El tratamiento temprano de la desnutrición es clave para reducir estas consecuencias y en este proceso la leche tiene una participación destacada. La leche es un excelente alimento debido al contenido y calidad de sus macro- y micronutrientes, lo que ha llevado a que la investigación y el uso de la leche en el tratamiento de la desnutrición hayan aumentado sostenidamente desde comienzos del siglo XX. En Chile, la desnutrición infantil fue prácticamente erradicada entre los años 1960 y 1980 debido a la aplicación exitosa de una serie de políticas públicas materno-infantiles, dentro de las cuales la Leche Purita fue fundamental. Sin embargo, la historia de la leche como parte de las políticas nutricionales en Chile comenzó mucho antes. Conmemorando los cincuenta años desde el nacimiento de Leche Purita, el objetivo de este trabajo es realizar un breve repaso acerca de la importancia histórica de la leche en las políticas nutricionales en Chile, enfatizando la contribución realizada por la Leche Purita a la erradicación de la desnutrición infantil y a la disminución de la anemia en niños.

Undernutrition occurs when there is poor intake or assimilation of energy and nutrients. If undernutrition is established within the first years of life, the health consequences are devastating. Early treatment of undernutrition is critical to reduce these consequences and milk plays an important role in this treatment. Cow's milk is an excellent food due to the content and quality of its macro- and micronutrients. This has led to a steady increase in research and the use of milk in treating undernutrition since the beginning of the 20th century. In Chile, child undernutrition was practically eradicated between the decades of 1960 and 1980 due to the successful application of maternal and child public policies, within which the product Leche Purita was fundamental. However, the history of milk as part of nutritional policies in Chile began much earlier. Commemorating fifty years since the introduction of Leche Purita, we aim to summarize the historical importance of milk in Chile's nutritional policies. We emphasize Leche Purita's role in eradicating child undernutrition and reducing anemia among children.

30-day Morbidity and Mortality after Cholecystectomy for Benign Gallbladder Disease (AMBROSE): A Prospective, International Collaborative Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess 30-day morbidity and mortality rates following cholecystectomy for benign gallbladder disease and identify the factors associated with complications. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Although cholecystectomy is common for benign gallbladder disease, there is a gap in the knowledge of the current practice and variations on a global level. METHODS: A prospective, international, observational collaborative cohort study of consecutive patients undergoing cholecystectomy for benign gallbladder disease from participating hospitals in 57 countries between January 1 and June 30, 2022, was performed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify preoperative and operative variables associated with 30-day postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: Data of 21,706 surgical patients from 57 countries were included in the analysis. A total of 10,821 (49.9%), 4,263 (19.7%), and 6,622 (30.5%) cholecystectomies were performed in the elective, emergency, and delayed settings, respectively. Thirty-day postoperative complications were observed in 1,738 patients (8.0%), including mortality in 83 patients (0.4%). Bile leaks (Strasberg grade A) were reported in 278 (1.3%) patients and severe bile duct injuries (Strasberg grades B-E) were reported in 48 (0.2%) patients. Patient age, ASA physical status class, surgical setting, operative approach and Nassar operative difficulty grade were identified as the five predictors demonstrating the highest relative importance in predicting postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: This multinational observational collaborative cohort study presents a comprehensive report of the current practices and outcomes of cholecystectomy for benign gallbladder disease. Ongoing global collaborative evaluations and initiatives are needed to promote quality assurance and improvement in cholecystectomy.

Monitoring differences in the function of the autonomic nervous system in patients with chronic insomnia using a wearable device.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: to characterize possible differences in the function of the ANS in patients with chronic insomnia compared to a control group, using a wearable device, in order to determine whether those findings allow diagnosing this medical entity. METHODS: Thirty-two patients with chronic insomnia and nineteen patients without any sleep disorder, as a control group, were recruited prospectively. Both groups of patients underwent an in-patient night with simultaneous polysomnography and wearable device recording Empatica E4 a diverse array of physiological signals, including electrodermal activity, temperature, accelerometry, and photoplethysmography, providing a comprehensive resource for in-depth sleep analysis. RESULTS: In polysomnography, patients suffering from insomnia showed a significant decrease in sleep efficiency and total sleep time, prolonged sleep latency, and increased wakefulness after sleep onset. Accelerometry results were statistically significant differences in the three axis (x, y, z) just in stage N3, no differences were observed between both groups in REM sleep. The lowest temperature was reached in REM sleep in both groups. Peripheral temperature did not decrease during the different sleep phases compared to wakefulness in insomnia, unlike in the control group. Heart rate was higher in patients with insomnia than in controls during wakefulness and sleep stage. Heart rate variability was lower in stage N3 and higher in REM sleep compared to wakefulness in both groups. Sweating was significantly higher in patients with insomnia compared to the control group, as indicated by Skin Conductance Variability values and Sudomotor Nerve. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that patients with insomnia have increased sympathetic activity during sleep, showing a higher heart rate. Temperature and sweating significantly influence the different sleep phases.

A data-driven approach to complement the A/T/(N) classification system using CSF biomarkers.

AIMS: The AT(N) classification system not only improved the biological characterization of Alzheimer's disease (AD) but also raised challenges for its clinical application. Unbiased, data-driven techniques such as clustering may help optimize it, rendering informative categories on biomarkers' values. METHODS: We compared the diagnostic and prognostic abilities of CSF biomarkers clustering results against their AT(N) classification. We studied clinical (patients from our center) and research (Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative) cohorts. The studied CSF biomarkers included Aß(1-42), Aß(1-42)/Aß(1-40) ratio, tTau, and pTau. RESULTS: The optimal solution yielded three clusters in both cohorts, significantly different in diagnosis, AT(N) classification, values distribution, and survival. We defined these three CSF groups as (i) non-defined or unrelated to AD, (ii) early stages and/or more delayed risk of conversion to dementia, and (iii) more severe cognitive impairment subjects with faster progression to dementia. CONCLUSION: We propose this data-driven three-group classification as a meaningful and straightforward approach to evaluating the risk of conversion to dementia, complementary to the AT(N) system classification.

Unraveling brain fog in post-COVID syndrome: Relationship between subjective cognitive complaints and cognitive function, fatigue, and neuropsychiatric symptoms.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: "Brain fog" is a frequent and disabling symptom that can occur after SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, its clinical characteristics and the relationships among brain fog and objective cognitive function, fatigue, and neuropsychiatric symptoms (depression, anxiety) are still unclear. In this study, we aimed to examine the characteristics of brain fog and to understand how fatigue, cognitive performance, and neuropsychiatric symptoms and the mutual relationships among these variables influence subjective cognitive complaints. METHODS: A total of 170 patients with cognitive complaints in the context of post-COVID syndrome were evaluated using a comprehensive neuropsychological protocol. The FLEI scale was used to characterize subjective cognitive complaints. Correlation analysis, regression machine-learning algorithms, and mediation analysis were calculated. RESULTS: Cognitive complaints were mainly attention and episodic memory symptoms, while executive functions (planning) issues were less often reported. The FLEI scale, a mental ability questionnaire, showed high correlations with a fatigue scale and moderate correlations with the Stroop test, and anxiety and depressive symptoms. Random forest algorithms showed an R2 value of 0.409 for the prediction of FLEI score, with several cognitive tests, fatigue and depression being the best variables used in the prediction. Mediation analysis showed that fatigue was the main mediator between objective and subjective cognition, while the effect of depression was indirect and mediated through fatigue. CONCLUSIONS: Brain fog associated with COVID-19 is mainly characterized by attention and episodic memory, and fatigue, which is the main mediator between objective and subjective cognition. Our findings contribute to understanding the pathophysiology of brain fog and emphasize the need to unravel the main mechanisms underlying brain fog, considering several aspects.

Performance of a multidisciplinary robotic surgery program at a university hospital (2012-2022).

Robotic-assisted surgery has become widely adopted for its ability to expand the indications for minimally invasive procedures. This technology aims to improve precision, accuracy, and outcomes while reducing complications, blood loss, and recovery time. Successful implementation of a robotic surgery program requires careful initial design and a focus on maintenance and expansion to maximize its benefits. This article presents a comprehensive study conducted at a University Hospital on the robotic surgery program from December 2012 to December 2022. Data from hospital databases, including patient demographics, surgical department, surgical time, operating room occupancy, and primary diagnosis, were analyzed. The analysis covered various time periods (surgical sessions, weeks, months, and years) to assess the program's evolution over time. Over the 10-year period, a total of 1847 robotic-assisted interventions were performed across five surgical services. Urology accounted for 57% of the cases, general surgery 17%, gynecology 16%, otorhinolaryngology 6%, and thoracic surgery 4%. The most frequently performed procedures included robotic prostatectomies (643 cases), hysterectomies (261 cases), and colposacropexies (210 cases). The weekly volume of interventions showed a notable increase, rising from 2 cases per week in 2013-2014 cases in 2022. Moreover, the average surgical duration per intervention exhibited a progressive decrease from 275 min in 2013 to 184 min in 2022. This study highlights the potential of a well-managed robotic surgery program as a viable alternative to conventional surgical approaches. Effective coordination and resource utilization contribute to the program's efficiency. The findings underscore the successful integration of robotic-assisted surgery in diverse surgical specialties.

Delayed Primary Repair of Complex Duodenal Injury Associated to Multiorgan Failure Due to Blunt Abdominal Trauma.

Duodenal injuries are rare and difficult to diagnose, with an incidence between 1 and 5% in cases of abdominal trauma. We present the case of a 30-year-old man who suffered a motorcycle collision presented with a 24-hour history of abdominal pain, peritoneal tenderness, and hemodynamic instability. Imaging studies show evidence of free fluid in the perihepatic, perisplenic, and pelvic space. An exploratory laparotomy was performed, finding a grade III duodenal, grade V jejunal, and grade II pancreatic injuries. The basis of surgical treatment being a primary anastomosis of duodenal and jejunal injuries, which allowed discharging him home 8 days after surgery and without any complications in his follow-up.

Valor pronóstico de la fibrosis hepática valorada por el índice FIB4 en pacientes ingresados por síndrome coronario agudo / Prognostic value of liver fibrosis assessed by the FIB-4 index in patients with acute coronary syndrome

Introducción y objetivos: La fibrosis hepática precede a la cirrosis y a la insuficiencia hepática. Las formas subclínicas de fibrosis hepática podrían aumentar el riesgo de eventos cardiovasculares. El objetivo fue describir el valor pronóstico del índice FIB-4 en pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo (SCA) sobre la mortalidad hospitalaria y el pronóstico posterior. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de pacientes con SCA en un centro. Los objetivos de análisis fueron la mortalidad en la fase hospitalaria y tras el alta, así como la insuficiencia cardiaca y el sangrado mayor (SM), que se evaluaron tomando como evento competitivo la mortalidad por todas las causas y se presentan los sub-hazard ratios (sHR). Los eventos recurrentes se evaluaron mediante la razón de tasas de incidencia (IRR). Resultados: Se incluyeron a 3.106 pacientes y el 6,66% tenía un índice FIB-4 ≥ 1,3. El análisis multivariado verificó mayor riesgo de mortalidad intrahospitalaria asociado al índice FIB-4 (OR = 1,24; p=0,016) y los pacientes con valores> 2,67 presentaron el doble de riesgo (OR = 2,35; p=0,038). Tras el alta (mediana de seguimiento 1.112 días) el índice FIB-4 no tuvo valor pronóstico de mortalidad pero valores ≥ 1,3 se asociaron a mayor riesgo del primer reingreso (Shr = 1,61; p=0,04) o recurrente (IRR =1,70; p=0,001) de IC. El índice FIB-4 ≥ 1,30 se asoció con mayor riesgo de SM (sHR = 1,62; p=0,030). Conclusiones: La evaluación de la fibrosis hepática por el índice FIB-4 identifica a los pacientes con SCA con mayor riesgo de mortalidad intrahospitalaria pero también con mayor riesgo de IC y SM tras el alta.(AU)

Introduction and objectives: Liver fibrosis is present in nonalcoholic liver disease (NAFLD) and both precede liver failure. Subclinical forms of liver fibrosis might increase the risk of cardiovascular events. The objective of this study was to describe the prognostic value of the FIB-4 index on in-hospital mortality and postdischarge outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Methods: Retrospective study including all consecutive patients admitted for ACS between 2009 and 2019. According to the FIB-4 index, patients were categorized as <1.30, 1.30-2.67 or> 2.67. Heart failure (HF) and major bleeding (MB) were assessed taking all-cause mortality as a competing event and subhazard ratios (sHR) are presented. Recurrent events were evaluated by the incidence rate ratio (IRR). Results: We included 3106 patients and 6.66% had a FIB-4 index ≥ 1.3. A multivariate analysis verified a higher risk of in-hospital mortality associated with the FIB-4 index (OR, 1.24; P=.016). Patients with a FIB-4 index> 2.67 had a 2-fold higher in-hospital mortality risk (OR, 2.35; P=.038). After discharge (median follow-up 1112 days), the FIB-4 index had no prognostic value for mortality. In contrast, patients with FIB-4 index ≥ 1.3 had a higher risk of first (sHR, 1.61; P=.04) or recurrent (IRR, 1.70; P=.001) HF readmission. Similarly, FIB-4 index ≥ 1.30 was associated with a higher MB risk (sHR, 1.62; P=.030). Conclusions : The assessment of liver fibrosis by the FIB-4 index identifies ACS patients not only at higher risk of in-hospital mortality but also at higher risk of HF and MB after discharge.(AU)

Prognostic value of liver fibrosis assessed by the FIB-4 index in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Liver fibrosis is present in nonalcoholic liver disease (NAFLD) and both precede liver failure. Subclinical forms of liver fibrosis might increase the risk of cardiovascular events. The objective of this study was to describe the prognostic value of the FIB-4 index on in-hospital mortality and postdischarge outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). METHODS: Retrospective study including all consecutive patients admitted for ACS between 2009 and 2019. According to the FIB-4 index, patients were categorized as <1.30, 1.30-2.67 or> 2.67. Heart failure (HF) and major bleeding (MB) were assessed taking all-cause mortality as a competing event and subhazard ratios (sHR) are presented. Recurrent events were evaluated by the incidence rate ratio (IRR). RESULTS: We included 3106 patients and 6.66% had a FIB-4 index ≥ 1.3. A multivariate analysis verified a higher risk of in-hospital mortality associated with the FIB-4 index (OR, 1.24; P=.016). Patients with a FIB-4 index> 2.67 had a 2-fold higher in-hospital mortality risk (OR, 2.35; P=.038). After discharge (median follow-up 1112 days), the FIB-4 index had no prognostic value for mortality. In contrast, patients with FIB-4 index ≥ 1.3 had a higher risk of first (sHR, 1.61; P=.04) or recurrent (IRR, 1.70; P=.001) HF readmission. Similarly, FIB-4 index ≥ 1.30 was associated with a higher MB risk (sHR, 1.62; P=.030). CONCLUSIONS: The assessment of liver fibrosis by the FIB-4 index identifies ACS patients not only at higher risk of in-hospital mortality but also at higher risk of HF and MB after discharge.

Increased Risk of Heart Failure in Elderly Patients Treated with Beta-Blockers After AV Node Ablation.

INTRODUCTION: Controversy exists regarding the indication of beta-blockers (BB) in different scenarios in patients with cardiovascular disease. We sought to evaluate the effect of BB on survival and heart failure (HF) hospitalizations in a sample of pacemaker-dependent patients after AV node ablation to control ventricular rate for atrial tachyarrhythmias. METHODS: A retrospective study including consecutive patients that underwent AV node ablation was conducted in a single center between 2011 and 2019. The study's primary endpoints were the incidence of all-cause mortality, first HF hospitalization and the cumulative incidence of subsequent hospitalizations for HF. Competing risk analyses were employed. RESULTS: A total of 111 patients with a mean age of 73.9 years were included in the study. After a median follow-up of 45.5 months, 43 patients had died (38.7%) and 31 had been hospitalized for HF (27.9%). The recurrent HF hospitalization rate was 74/1000 patients/year. Patients treated with BB had a non-significant trend to higher mortality rates and a higher risk of recurrent HF hospitalizations (incidence rate ratio 2.23, 95% confidence interval 1.12-4.44; p = 0.023). CONCLUSION: After an AV node ablation, the use of BB is associated with an increased risk of HF hospitalizations in a cohort of elderly patients.

Development of criteria for cognitive dysfunction in post-COVID syndrome: the IC-CoDi-COVID approach.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to develop objective criteria for cognitive dysfunction associated with the post-COVID syndrome. METHODS: Four hundred and four patients with post-COVID syndrome from two centers were evaluated with comprehensive neuropsychological batteries. The International Classification for Cognitive Disorders in Epilepsy (IC-CoDE) framework was adapted and implemented. A healthy control group of 145 participants and a complementary data-driven approach based on unsupervised machine-learning clustering algorithms were also used to evaluate the optimal classification and cutoff points. RESULTS: According to the developed criteria, 41.2% and 17.3% of the sample were classified as having at least one cognitive domain impaired using -1 and -1.5 standard deviations as cutoff points. Attention/processing speed was the most frequently impaired domain. There were no differences in base rates of cognitive impairment between the two centers. Clustering analysis revealed two clusters, although with an important overlap (silhouette index 0.18-0.19). Cognitive impairment was associated with younger age and lower education levels, but not hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: We propose a harmonization of the criteria to define and classify cognitive impairment in the post-COVID syndrome. These criteria may be extrapolated to other neuropsychological batteries and settings, contributing to the diagnosis of cognitive deficits after COVID-19 and facilitating multicenter studies to guide biomarker investigation and therapies.

Evaluation of surface water quality in basins of the Chilean Altiplano-Puna and implications for water treatment and monitoring.

Water quality characterization and assessment are key to protecting human health and ecosystems, especially in arid areas such as northern Chile, where water resources are scarce and rich in pollutants. The objective of this study was to review and assess available official water quality data in the Chilean Altiplano-Puna basins for a 10-year period (2008-2018), including water treatment systems. Within the 43,600 km2 of Chilean Altiplano-Puna territory, only 16 official water quality monitoring stations had up-to-date data, and the sampling frequency was less than 3 per year. Most of the water samples collected at the evaluated stations exceeded the drinking and irrigation water Chilean standards for arsenic, boron, and electrical conductivity. Moreover, the characteristics of the Altiplano-Puna affect water quality inside and beyond the area, limiting water usage throughout the Altiplano-Puna basins. Drinking water treatment plants exist in urban and rural settlements; however, the drinking water supply in rural locations is limited due to the lack of adequate treatment and continuity of service. Wastewater treatment plants operate in some urban locations but rarely exist in rural locations. Limited data impede the proper assessment of water quality and thus the evaluation of the need for treatment systems. As such, the implementation of public policies that prioritize water with appropriate quantity and quality for local communities and ecosystems is imperative.