High burden of sexually transmitted infections among under-resourced populations in the Dominican Republic.

Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a major health issue, exacerbated by limited financial and infrastructural resources in developing countries. Methods: Prevalence of STIs was assessed in two urban centers of the Dominican Republic (DR) among populations at high risk for STIs: pregnant youth, men who have sex with men (MSM), trans women (TG), batey residents, female sex workers, and people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). We conducted a cross-sectional survey and biological specimen collection to screen for Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhea, Mycoplasma genitalium, Trichomonas vaginalis (trichomoniasis), Treponema pallidum (syphilis), HIV, hepatitis B and C, and human papillomavirus (HPV) among at-risk populations between 2015 and 2018. Ureaplasma urealyticum testing was also conducted even though it is not considered a STI. A non-probability community sample was recruited. Descriptive statistics examined the prevalence of STIs by population. Results: A total of 1991 subjects participated in the study. The median age was 26 years (range: 18-65). Most participants were female (65.3%), heterosexual (76.7%), and were not partnered (55.7%). Most of the participants reported unprotected vaginal sex in the last 6 months (54%); among MSM and TG almost half of the participants reported unprotected anal sex in the last 6 months and 17.6% reported drug use in the last 6 months. Almost half of the participants (49%) tested positive for one or more STIs. The most prevalent STI was Chlamydia trachomatis (12.8%), and human papillomavirus (11.9%). Among transgender women, 65.3% tested positive for an STI, 64.8% of female sex workers tested positive for an STI, and 53.8% of pregnant adolescents tested positive for an STI. Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of STIs among key and under resourced populations in the DR. Our findings highlight the need to conduct further research to optimize prevention and care strategies for structurally vulnerable and under resourced populations in the DR.

Descripción del nivel de conocimiento de los signos y síntomas de alarma obstétrica en mujeres embarazadas / Description of the level of knowledge about the signs and symptoms of obstetric alarm in pregnant women

Resumen OBJETIVO: Describir el nivel de conocimiento de los signos y síntomas de alarma obstétrica en mujeres embarazadas. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio de serie de casos prolectivo y descriptivo efectuado en la Unidad de Medicina Familiar 16, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexicali, Baja California, entre los meses de enero a junio de 2022. Variables de estudio: edad, sexo, escolaridad y nivel de conocimiento de signos y síntomas de alarma a través de una encuesta elaborada conforme a los criterios de la guía de práctica clínica. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva con el programa SPSSv24. RESULTADOS: Se estudiaron 150 pacientes embarazadas. El bajo nivel de conocimiento de los signos y síntomas de alarma se observó en 15 casos, el nivel medio en 47 casos y el nivel alto en 88 casos (58.7%). En cuanto a las características de la población, los límites de edad fueron 20 y 34 años, la escolaridad secundaria ocupó el 47.3% seguido de la preparatoria con el 35.3% y en cuanto a la ocupación el 80.7% refirió ser empleada. El 34% cursaba el primer trimestre del embarazo y el 48.7% el segundo trimestre. CONCLUSIONES: El nivel de conocimiento de las pacientes embarazadas atendidas en la unidad es alto y medio porque pueden reconocer los signos y síntomas de alarma durante el embarazo, sobre todo quienes cursan el segundo embarazo, en coincidencia con estudios nacionales e internacionales. El grupo predominante fue el de 20 a 34 años, con escolaridad media y superior.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To describe the level of knowledge of obstetric alarm signs and symptoms in pregnant women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Selective and descriptive case series study carried out in the Family Medicine Unit 16, Mexican Institute of Social Security, Mexicali, Baja California, between January and June 2022. Study variables: age, sex, education and level of knowledge of warning signs and symptoms through a survey prepared according to the criteria of the Clinical Practice Guide. Descriptive statistics were performed using SPSSv24. RESULTS: 150 pregnant patients were screened. A low level of knowledge of warning signs and symptoms was observed in 15 cases, a medium level in 47 cases and a high level in 88 cases (58.7%). Regarding the characteristics of the population, the age range was 20-34 years, 47.3% had secondary education, followed by high school with 35.3%, and 80.7% reported being employed. Thirty-four per cent were in the first trimester of pregnancy and 48.7 per cent in the second trimester. CONCLUSIONS: The level of knowledge of pregnant patients attending the unit is high and medium in terms of being able to recognize the warning signs and symptoms of pregnancy, particularly in the second trimester, in line with national and international studies. The predominant age group was 20-34 years, with secondary and higher education.

Efectividad de las vacunas contra SARS-CoV-2 en hospitalizados con fallas vacunales en 10 hospitales de la CCINSHAE / Effectiveness of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in hospitalized patients with vaccine failures in 10 CCINSHAE hospitals

Resumen: Objetivo: Evaluar la efectividad de las vacunas contra SARS-CoV-2 para evitar muerte e intubación en pacientes hospitalizados con Covid-19. Material y métodos: Se presentó un análisis de 3 565 hospitalizaciones por SARS-CoV-2 de personas mayores de 20 años de edad, reportadas con fines de salud pública por 10 hospitales de especialidad. Se comparó a los egresados por mejoría (2 094) con los fallecidos (1 471) en modelos mixtos de regresión logística ajustados por edad, sexo, número de comorbilidades y el hospital como variable aleatoria. Resultados: Un esquema completo de vacunación, con cinco tipos de vacunas disponibles, tuvo un efecto protector para muerte o intubación (RM: 0.67, IC95%: 0.54,0.83, 33% de protección); y para muerte (RM: 0.80, IC95%: 0.64,0.99, 20% de protección) estos datos se compararon con los que no habían sido vacunados. Todas las vacunas aplicadas mostraron un efecto protector con un RM<0.8, con intervalos de confianza variables. Conclusiones: El antecedente de vacunación reduce los riesgos de ser intubado y morir, aun en pacientes previamente vacunados y hospitalizados con Covid-19 grave.

Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines to avoid death and intubation in hospitalized patients with Covid-19. Materials and methods: We present an analysis of 3 565 hospitalizations for SARS-CoV-2 in people over 20 years of age, reported for public health purposes by 10 specialty hospitals, comparing those discharged for improvement (2 094) with those who died (1 471) in mixed models of logistic regression adjusted for age, sex, number of comorbidities and the reporting hospital as a random variable. Results: A complete vaccination schedule, with five types of vaccine available, had a protective effect for death or intubation (OR: 0.67, CI95%: 0.54,0.83, 33% protection) and for death (OR: 0.80, CI95%: 0.64,0.99, 20% protection) compared to those who had not been vaccinated. All the applied vaccines in the Mexican program showed a protective effect with an OR<0.8, with variable confidence intervals. Conclusions: Even in patients previously vaccinated and hospitalized with severe Covid-19, a history of vaccination reduces the risks of being intubated and dying.

Actividad antimicrobiana de ceftolozano-tazobactam y ceftazidima-avibactam contra bacilos gramnegativos clínicamente relevantes aislados en México / Ceftolozane/tazobactam and ceftazidime/avibactam antimicrobial activity against clinically relevant gram-negative bacilli isolated in Mexico

Resumen Introducción: Existe poca información acerca de la efectividad de las combinaciones ceftolozano/tazobactam y ceftazidima/avibactam en cepas clínicamente relevantes aisladas en México. Objetivo: Determinar el perfil antimicrobiano de ambos antibióticos en nuestra comunidad. Método: El presente estudio de investigación fue prospectivo, descriptivo y transversal. Se incluyeron cepas clínicamente relevantes aisladas a partir de cultivos de cepa pura durante el periodo de agosto de 2018 a enero de 2019 en Mexicali, Baja California, México. Resultados: Se analizaron 74 cepas de enterobacterias y 19 cepas de Pseudomonas aeruginosa; el porcentaje de sensibilidad de ceftazidima/avibactam fue de 100 % contra enterobacterias y de 72.7 % contra Pseudomonas aeruginosa; el porcentaje de sensibilidad de ceftolozano/tazobactam fue de 90.5 % para enterobacterias y de 72.7 % para Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Conclusiones: Las combinaciones ceftolozano/tazobactam y ceftazidima/avibactam ofrecen buena sensibilidad antimicrobiana in vitro, tanto contra enterobacterias productoras de betalactamasas de espectro extendido como contra Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Se requieren más datos para valorar la respuesta clínica en pacientes que reciben esas combinaciones de antibióticos.

Abstract Introduction: There is limited information on the effectiveness of ceftolozane/tazobactam and ceftazidime/avibactam combinations on clinically relevant strains isolated in Mexico. Objective: To determine the antimicrobial profile of both antibiotic combinations in our community. Method: The present research study was prospective, descriptive and cross-sectional. Clinically relevant strains isolated from pure-strain cultures were included during the period from August 2018 to January 2019 in Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico. Results: 74 enterobacteriaceae and 19 Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains were analyzed; the percentage of sensitivity of ceftazidime/avibactam was 100 % for enterobacteriaceae and 72.7 % for Pseudomonas aeruginosa; the percentage of sensitivity of ceftolozane/tazobactam for enterobacteriaceae was 90.5 % and 72.7 % for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Conclusions: The ceftolozane/tazobactam and ceftazidime/avibactam combinations offer good antimicrobial sensitivity in vitro, both for ESBL-producing enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. More data are required to assess clinical response in patients receiving these antibiotic combinations.

Location and removal of non-palpable subdermal single-rod contraceptive implant.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to present the experience of the family planning service Hospital General de México, in locating and removing no palpable subdermal single-rod contraceptive implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive, prospective, and cross-sectional study was performed from January 2011 to April 2018. RESULTS: Hundred and sixty-four patients in whom the implant was not palpable were reviewed, the time between insertion and removal averaged 3.3 years (maximum 10 years and minimum 3 months). Three implants were inserted in the right arm, the rest on the left one. Forty-seven implants were found in fatty tissue (29%), 18 in fascia (11%), 94 in muscle (57%), 2 in the armpit (1.2%), and 3 were not found (1.8%). CONCLUSIONS: The no palpable implant is caused by an incorrect insertion technique. Migration should not be assumed as a cause of difficult location. Amount of non-palpable implants is not possible to determine due to a lack of records, but approximately 3% are considered non-palpable. Ultrasound has proven to be the study of choice to locate an incorrect inserted implant. In this case, the total number of implants was located, except in two patients.

OBJETIVO: Presentar la experiencia del servicio de planificación familiar del Hospital General de México Dr. Eduardo Liceaga en la localización y la extracción de implantes anticonceptivos subdérmicos no palpables. MATERIALS Y MÉTODOS: Estudio clínico descriptivo, prospectivo y transversal, realizado desde enero de 2011 hasta abril de 2018 en el servicio de planificación familiar del Hospital General de México Dr. Eduardo Liceaga. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 164 pacientes con implantes no palpables, de los cuales 161 se localizaron por ultrasonido. El promedio entre la inserción y el retiro fue de 3.3 años. Tres implantes fueron insertados en el brazo derecho y el resto en el izquierdo; tres no se encontraron. CONCLUSIÓN: Por su fácil acceso y simplicidad, el ultrasonido es el método de elección para localizar implantes profundos no palpables.

Ceftolozane/tazobactam and ceftazidime/avibactam antimicrobial activity against clinically relevant gram-negative bacilli isolated in Mexico.

INTRODUCTION: There is limited information on the effectiveness of ceftolozane/tazobactam and ceftazidime/avibactam combinations on clinically relevant strains isolated in Mexico. OBJECTIVE: To determine the antimicrobial profile of both antibiotic combinations in our community. METHOD: The present research study was prospective, descriptive and cross-sectional. Clinically relevant strains isolated from pure-strain cultures were included during the period from August 2018 to January 2019 in Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico. RESULTS: 74 enterobacteriaceae and 19 Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains were analyzed; the percentage of sensitivity of ceftazidime/avibactam was 100 % for enterobacteriaceae and 72.7 % for Pseudomonas aeruginosa; the percentage of sensitivity of ceftolozane/tazobactam for enterobacteriaceae was 90.5 % and 72.7 % for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. CONCLUSIONS: The ceftolozane/tazobactam and ceftazidime/avibactam combinations offer good antimicrobial sensitivity in vitro, both for ESBL-producing enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. More data are required to assess clinical response in patients receiving these antibiotic combinations. INTRODUCCIÓN: Existe poca información acerca de la efectividad de las combinaciones ceftolozano/tazobactam y ceftazidima/avibactam en cepas clínicamente relevantes aisladas en México. OBJETIVO: Determinar el perfil antimicrobiano de ambos antibióticos en nuestra comunidad. MÉTODO: El presente estudio de investigación fue prospectivo, descriptivo y transversal. Se incluyeron cepas clínicamente relevantes aisladas a partir de cultivos de cepa pura durante el periodo de agosto de 2018 a enero de 2019 en Mexicali, Baja California, México. RESULTADOS: Se analizaron 74 cepas de enterobacterias y 19 cepas de Pseudomonas aeruginosa; el porcentaje de sensibilidad de ceftazidima/avibactam fue de 100 % contra enterobacterias y de 72.7 % contra Pseudomonas aeruginosa; el porcentaje de sensibilidad de ceftolozano/tazobactam fue de 90.5 % para enterobacterias y de 72.7 % para Pseudomonas aeruginosa. CONCLUSIONES: Las combinaciones ceftolozano/tazobactam y ceftazidima/avibactam ofrecen buena sensibilidad antimicrobiana in vitro, tanto contra enterobacterias productoras de betalactamasas de espectro extendido como contra Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Se requieren más datos para valorar la respuesta clínica en pacientes que reciben esas combinaciones de antibióticos.

Melanoma vaginal. Reporte de un caso / Vaginal melanoma. A case report

Resumen: ANTECEDENTES: El melanoma vaginal es una alteración excepcional, por lo que el diagnóstico se establece en etapas avanzadas de la enfermedad. El pronóstico a corto plazo es malo y no existen factores de riesgo identificados hasta la fecha. CASO CLINICO: Paciente de 77 años, acudió a consulta por sangrado transvaginal fétido, de dos meses de evolución. Durante la colposcopia se observó una tumoración en la cara lateral izquierda de la vagina, que se extendía hasta su tercio inferior; la cara anterior estaba hiperpigmentada y friable. De acuerdo con el reporte de citología y la biopsia se estableció el diagnóstico de melanoma invasor. La concentración de marcadores tumorales fue positiva para HMB-45, Ki-67 (20%), MART-1 (Melan-1) y PS-100. La paciente fue enviada al servicio de Oncología para estadificación y tratamiento de la enfermedad. CONCLUSIONES: La identificación de una tumoración hiperpigmentada en la exploración ginecológica, además de la biopsia dirigida complementada con estudio de inmunohistoquímica, es sugerente de melanoma vaginal. Las pacientes con este tipo de lesión deben atenderse por un equipo médico multidisciplinario.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Vaginal melanoma is an exceptional alteration, for which the diagnosis is established in advanced stages of the disease. The short-term prognosis is poor and there are no identified risk factors to date. CLINICAL CASE: 77-year-old patient, who came to the clinic for fetid transvaginal bleeding, two months old. During colposcopy, a tumor was observed on the left lateral aspect of the vagina, which extended to its lower third; the anterior face was hyperpigmented and friable. Based on the cytology report and biopsy, the diagnosis of invasive melanoma was established. The concentration of tumor markers was positive for HMB-45, Ki 67 (20%), MART-1 (Melan-1) and PS-100. The patient was sent to the Oncology service for staging and treatment of the disease. CONCLUSIONS: The identification of a hyperpigmented tumor on gynecological examination, in addition to a directed biopsy, complemented by an immunohistochemical study, is suggestive of vaginal melanoma. Patients with this type of injury should be cared for by a multidisciplinary medical team.

Asociación de la proteína C-reactiva ultrasensible con la composición de la dieta en niños escolares mexicanos / Association of high sensitivity C-reactive protein with diet composition in Mexican school children

La proteína C-reactiva ultrasensible (PCR-us) es un marcador de riesgo cardiovascular. En niños mexicanos sanos hay escasa evidencia que asocie los niveles séricos de este marcador con la dieta. El objetivo fue asociar los niveles séricos de PCR-us con la composición de la dieta en niños escolares mexicanos. El estudio fue transversal e incluyó 300 niños aparentemente sanos de 10 a12 años de edad. La cuantificación de PCR-us se realizó mediante nefelometría. La dieta se cuantificó con un cuestionario validado de frecuencia de consumo alimentos. Mediante el paquete estadístico SPSS v18, se realizaron pruebas de estadística descriptiva, correlación y modelos de regresión multivariada. El 53,7% fueron niñas y el 46,3% niños. La mediana de la PCR-us fue de 0,3 mg/L (rango: 0,3-6,8 mg/L). Se observó una correlación directa significativa entre la concentración sérica de la PCR-us con la ingesta de proteínas (rho= 0,126, p= 0,029), ácidos grasos totales (rho= 0,128, p= 0,027), ácidos grasos saturados (rho= 0,159, p= 0,006). Mediante el análisis de regresión múltiple se asoció la PCR-us con la ingesta de proteínas (β= 0,203, p=0,037) e inversamente con los granos enteros (β=-0,175, p= 0,002). Con el resto de las variables no se observó asociación significativa. La concentración sérica de la PCR-us se asoció directamente con el consumo de proteínas, ácidos grasos totales y saturados e indirectamente con el consumo de granos enteros.

The high-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) is a cardiovascular risk marker. In healthy Mexican children, there islittle evidence that shows any relationship between serum levels of this marker with diet. The objective of this studywas to associate serum levels of hs-CRP with the diet composition in Mexican school children. The cross-sectional study included 300 seemingly healthy children of 10 to 12 years of age, 53.7% were girls and 46.3% boys.hs-CRP quantification was determined by nephelometry. The diet was quantified with a validated food frequency questionnaire. A descriptive statistical analysis, correlation and multivariate regression models were performed by using the SPSS v18 statistical software. The median of the hs-CRP was 0.3 mg / L (range: 0.3 to 6.8 mg / L). A significant direct correlation was found between serum hs-CRP with protein intake (rho=0.126, p=0.029), total fatty acids (rho = 0.128, p = 0.027) and saturated fatty acids (rho = 0.159, p = 0.006). hs-CRP was associated with the intake of protein (β = 0.203, p = 0.037) by multiple regression analysis, and inversely with whole grains (β = -0.175, p = 0,002). No significant association was found with the rest of the other variables. The serum concentration of hs-CRP was directly associated with the consumption of protein, total and saturated fatty acids and was indirectly proportional with the consumption of whole grains.

Association of high sensitivity C-reactive protein with diet composition in Mexican school children. / Asociación de la proteína C-reactiva ultrasensible con la composición de la dieta en niños escolares mexicanos.

The high-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) is a cardiovascular risk marker. In healthy Mexican children, there islittle evidence that shows any relationship between serum levels of this marker with diet. The objective of this studywas to associate serum levels of hs-CRP with the diet composition in Mexican school children. The cross-sectional study included 300 seemingly healthy children of 10 to 12 years of age, 53.7% were girls and 46.3% boys.hs-CRP quantification was determined by nephelometry. The diet was quantified with a validated food frequency questionnaire. A descriptive statistical analysis, correlation and multivariate regression models were performed by using the SPSS v18 statistical software. The median of the hs-CRP was 0.3 mg / L (range: 0.3 to 6.8 mg / L). A significant direct correlation was found between serum hs-CRP with protein intake (rho=0.126, p=0.029), total fatty acids (rho = 0.128, p = 0.027) and saturated fatty acids (rho = 0.159, p = 0.006). hs-CRP was associated with the intake of protein (ß = 0.203, p = 0.037) by multiple regression analysis, and inversely with whole grains (ß = -0.175, p = 0,002). No significant association was found with the rest of the other variables. The serum concentration of hs-CRP was directly associated with the consumption of protein, total and saturated fatty acids and was indirectly proportional with the consumption of whole grains.

[Cervical lymphangioma in the adult. A report of 2 cases]. / Linfangioma de cuello en el adulto. Reporte de 2 casos.

BACKGROUND: Cervical lymphangiomas are uncommon benign congenital malformations usually present in children, and are rare in adults. Currently, complete resection is still the standard care. Two cases are presented of a cervical lymphangioma in an adult. The diagnosis and surgical approach is also discussed. CLINICAL CASE: Case 1. The first case is a 23 year old male with chief complaint of a tumour in the posterior triangle of the neck, which showed a substantial increase in size in the last 9 months. No associated signs or symptoms, or any trauma history was reported. CT scan of the neck showed images suggestive of a posterior cervical lymphangioma. Exploratory cervical surgery was performed, with complete resection of a cystic tumour located in the posterior triangle of the neck. Surgery was performed without complications and postoperative care was unremarkable. CASE 2: The second case is a 28 woman with a cystic tumour in submandibular space. She had history of a previous incomplete operation in another institution 2 years ago, with recurrence of the tumour. A second surgery was performed with complete resection without complications, and with a good outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Cervical lymphangioma is a very rare benign disease, surgical treatment is preferred, but sclerotherapy can be used as alternative treatment.

Osteoartritis (artrosis) de rodilla / Knee osteoarthritis (osteoarthrosis)

La artrosis de rodilla (OA) es uno de los principales problemas de salud a nivel mundial debido a su alta prevalencia y costos asociados. Los conocimientos disponibles demuestran que el componente inflamatorio es fundamental en el desarrollo de esta condición, abandonándose el concepto de que la OA es una enfermedad puramente degenerativa. En el presente escrito revisaremos, basándonos en la literatura disponible, la epidemiología y los factores de riesgo involucrados, los nuevos conocimientos fisiopatológicos, el enfrentamiento clínico y los tratamientos disponibles tanto médicos como quirúrgicos de esta condición...

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the major public health problems worldwide, due to its high prevalence and associated costs. The available knowledge shows that the inflammatory component is critical in the development of this condition, abandoning the concept that OA is only a degenerative disease. A review is presented in this article, based on the available literature, on the epidemiology and risk factors involved, recent knowledge about the pathophysiological and clinical management, and the medical and surgical treatments available for this condition...

[Mathew's clip, an alternative for removal of IUDs with no visible threads. Experience of Family Planning Service]. / Pinza de Mathew, una alternativa en retiro de dispositivos intrauterinos de hilos no visibles. Experiencia de un servicio de planificación familiar.

BACKGROUND: The absence of IUD visible threads in the cervix is a complication of the intrauterine device. The IUD withdrawal in these cases was performed with Novak cannula or curettage instrumented under anesthesia and surgery. Its extraction with Mathew clip is an alternative. OBJECTIVE: To demostrate the effectiveness of the Mathew's clip as an alternatively for removal of intrauterine devices not visible threads. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional, retrospective, descriptive study was conducted in from February 2012 to July 2014 at the Family Planning Service of Gynecology and Obstetrics of the General Hospital of Mexico "Dr. Eduardo Liceaga ". RESULTS: 106 patients (54%) had no visible threads; in 84 patients (81.5 %) it was removed with Novak, cannula; in 19 patients (18.4%) in which it was not possible, the removal was done with a Mathew's clip. DISCUSSION: Mathew' clip is an alternative in cases where it was not possible to remove the IUD with Novak cannula, 19 IUDs no visible threads were removed. CONCLUSIONS. Mathew clip for removal of intrauterine devices with no visible threads means less risk to the patient and a decrease in institutional costs.

[Cytomegalovirus: congenital infection and clinical presentation in infants with respiratory distress syndrome]. / Citomegalovirus: infección congénita y presentacion clínica en recién nacidos con síndrome de dificultad respiratoria.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is a multifactorial and common disease that varies from 15 to 50 % in the newborn, causing 50 % of mortality. The RDS may be associated with bacterial and viral infections, and one of the most common viral agents is the cytomegalovirus (CMV). In the neonatal period the virus incidence goes from 0.4 to 2.5 % with a seroprevalence of 50 to 75 %; the incidence of infection in newborn with RDS is unknown. The objective was to determine the frequency of CMV infection in neonates with RDS and identify the risk factors associated with infection. METHODS: The CMV-DNA was identified in plasma by quantitative PCR; maternal and neonatal variables that defined the clinical findings were analyzed by logistic regression.The CMV-DNA was identified in plasma by quantitative PCR; maternal and neonatal variables that defined the clinical findings were analyzed by logistic regression. RESULTS: The frequency of CMV infection in 197 infants with RDS was 8.6 % (95 % CI, 4.7-12.5). The significant variables in newborn were: neutropenia (p = 0.012), thrombocytopenia (p = 0.021), mottled skin (p = 0.03), and the maternal significant variable was cervicovaginitis (p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We reported for the first time the highest frecuency of CMV infection in newborns with RDS and the association of various risk factors with CMV infection.

Introducción: el síndrome de dificultad respiratoria (SDR) es una enfermedad común multifactorial que varía del 15 al 50 % en el recién nacido (RN), y la mortalidad es de 50 %. Puede estar asociado a infecciones bacterianas y virales, una de las más frecuentes: el citomegalovirus (CMV). En el periodo neonatal la incidencia de infección por CMV es de 0.4 a 2.5 % y la seroprevalencia de 50 a 75 %; se desconoce la incidencia de infección en los RN. El objetivo fue determinar la frecuencia de infección por CMV en recién nacidos con SDR e identificar factores de riesgo asociados a infección. Métodos: el DNA-CMV fue identificado en plasma por reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR) cuantitativa, y las variables maternas y neonatales que definieron el cuadro clínico fueron analizadas por regresión logística. Resultados: la frecuencia de infección por CMV en 197 RN con SDR fue de 8.6 % (IC 95 % 4.7-12.5). Las variables significativas en los RN fueron: neutropenia (p = 0.012), trombocitopenia (p = 0.021), piel marmórea (p = 0.03) y la variable materna significativa fue cervicovaginitis (p = 0.05). Conclusiones: se reporta por primera vez la frecuencia más alta de infección por CMV en RN con SDR y la asociación de varios factores de riesgo con la infección por CMV.

[Contraception and breastfeeding. Spacing of pregnancies. Present concepts]. / Anticoncepción y lactancia. Espaciamiento de los embarazos. Conceptos actuales.

The risk of pregnancy in breastfeeding should be a concern of women. Family planning programs in the post natal period contraceptive choices offer high efficiency. Breastfeeding is a natural contraception method (LAM) as a contraceptive shield has 98% efficiency. Women should consider using an alternate contraceptive method when feeding requirements for this method to be effective are not met. Some of contraceptive alternatives in lactation include hormonal methods. According to the Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use WHO combined hormonal methods are contraindicated during breastfeeding, hormonal progestogen only methodo are considered only in Group 3 and Group 1 immediate postpartum after 6 weeks postpartum. There are modifications to these criteria by the CDC and the UK for the use of these hormones in early in lactation.

[Ultra-sensitive C-reactive protein associated to nutritional status and biochemical profile in Mexican shoolchildren]. / Proteína C-reactiva ultrasensible, estado nutricional y perfil bioquímico en escolares mexicanos.

BACKGROUND: C-reactive protein (CRP) is a nonspecific marker of inflammation with low serum levels, which are not usually detectable. In order to assess cardiovascular risk in adults apparently healthy, ultrasensitive methods are used, and the CRP measured through these techniques is known as ultrasensitive C-reactive protein (US-CRP). Some researchers report an association of US-CRP with some anthropometric parameters in children with no apparent disease. The aim was to associate US-CRP with nutritional status and biochemical profiles in Mexican schoolchildren. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study 300 healthy children (aged 10 to 12 years) were evaluated. Weight, height, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, body fat percentage, glucose, lipid profiles and US-CRP were measured. Exclusion criteria was: US-CRP > 10mg/L. We used multivariate regression models. RESULTS: 53.7 % were girls and 46.3 % were boys. The US-CRP median was of 0.3 mg/L (range: 0.3 mg/L-6.8 mg/L), and it was positively and significantly correlated with BMI (ß = 0.226, p = 0.032) and LDL-C (ß = -0.267, p = 0.007) and negatively associated with cholesterol (ß = -0.267, p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: There is an association between US-CRP and cardiovascular risk indicators, such as obesity and some lipid disorder in childhood; therefore, US-CRP may be used for close examination in Mexican children.

Introducción: la proteína C-reactiva (PCR) es un marcador no específico de inflamación con séricos bajos, los cuales normalmente no son detectables. A fin de evaluar el riesgo cardiovascular en adultos que en apariencia son sanos, se emplean métodos ultrasensibles y la PCR medida con estas técnicas se conoce como proteína C-reactiva ultrasensible (PCR-us). Algunos investigadores reportan una asociación de la PCR-us con algún parámetro antropométrico o bioquímico en niños sin enfermedad aparente. El objetivo de este artículo consistió en asociar la PCR-us con el estado nutricional y el perfil bioquímico en escolares mexicanos. Métodos: estudio transversal en 300 niños sanos de 10 a 12 años de edad. Se midieron peso, talla, índice de masa corporal (IMC), cintura y grasa corporal, glucosa, perfil de lípidos y PCR-us. El criterio de exclusión fue una PCR-us > 10 mg/L. Se utilizaron modelos de regresión multivariada. Resultados: el 53.7 % fueron niñas y el 46.3 % niños. La mediana de la PCR-us fue de 0.3mg/L (rango: 0.3mg/L-6.8mg/L), se relacionó positiva y significativamente con un IMC (ß = 0.226 p = 0.032), LDL-C (ß = 0.203 p = 0.037) y negativamente con colesterol total (CT) (ß = ­0.267 p = 0.007); con el resto de las variables la asociación no fue significativa. Conclusión: se puede inferir que existe asociación entre la PCR-us e indicadores de riesgo cardiovascular, como la obesidad y alguna dislipidemia en escolares, por lo que la PCR-us puede ser utilizada para escrutinio en niños mexicanos.

[Contraception and breast feeding. Spacing of pregnancies. Present concepts]. / Anticoncepción y lactancia. Espaciamiento de los embarazos. Conceptos actuales.

The risk of pregnancy in breastfeeding should be a concern of women. Family planning programs in the postnatal period contraceptive choices offer high efficiency. Breastfeeding is a natural contraception method (LAM) as a contraceptive shield has 98 % efficiency. Women should consider using an alternate contraceptive method when feeding requirements for this method to be effective are not met. Some of contraceptive alternatives in lactation include hormonal methods. According to the Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use WHO combined hormonal methods are contraindicated during breast feeding, hormonal progestogen only method are considered only in Group 3 and Group 1 immediate postpartum after 6 weeks postpartum. There are modifications to these criteria by the CDC and the UK for the use of these hormones in early in lactation.

Cardiac amyloidosis secondary to multiple myeloma.

Amyloidosis is a multisystemic disease caused by extracellular deposition of pathologic beta fibrillar proteins in multiple organs. Deposited fibrils can be either innunoglobulin light chanis or amyloid-A protein. The incidence of anyloidosis derived from anyloid-A protein, usually associated to an underlying disease, has been dimisishing over the decades in the United States producing clinical evidence of cardiac involvement in less than 5% of all cases. The extent of cardiac involvement is the determining prognostic factor. Early diagnosis and therapy aimed at the underlying disease may halt progression of cardiac dysfuction and improve prognosis. We report a case of a 63-year-old man who was diagnosed with cardiac amyloidosis secondary to multiple myeloma.

Heart tumors in Puerto Rico de novo atrial fibrillation as clinical presentation in a subgroup of patients.

OBJECTIVE: Primary cardiac tumors are rare neoplasms in humans, of which the most common is the atrial Myxoma. The objective of this study was to find the incidence of these tumors at the Heart Center of Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. METHODS: This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the Medical Sciences Campus University of Puerto Rico to review the records at the Heart Center of patients with heart tumors in the last 14 years. RESULTS: The sample consists of 55 patients (78.9% were females and 24.1% were male) with a median age of 52 years. Sixty-five percent of patients lived in rural areas. Clinical presentations included shortness of breath (43.1%), chest pain (37.9%), asymptomatic (25%), palpitations (20.7%), neurologic symptoms (10.3%) and dizziness (6.9%). Electrocardiographic findings included normal sinus rhythm (53.4%), non-specific ST-T changes (32.8%), sinus tachycardia (20.7%), left atrial enlargement (10.3%) and atrial fibrillation (8.6%). A subgroup presenting with atrial fibrillation prior to diagnosis had left atrial myxoma. The tumors found, in descending order of frequency are: left atrial myxoma, right atrial myxoma, papillary fibroelastoma, hamartoma, lipoma and rhabdomyoma. We found a correlation between large left atrial myxoma and atrial fibrillation. CONCLUSION: The most frequent heart tumor was atrial myxoma. The larger myxomas were associated with atrial fibrillation.

Complex localization of single-rod contraceptive implant. Report of two clinical cases.

BACKGROUND: The subdermal single-rod contraceptive implant is used by more than one million women worldwide. In México there are ~ 600,000 colocated implants. Cases of complex implant localization caused by a deep insertion procedure have been reported. CLINICAL CASES: Two clinical cases of implant with complex localization are presented. Case 1: we present a 21-year-old female. After the insertion procedure during the 12-, 24-, and 36-month revisions, the implant could not be located. Case 2: we present a 28-year-old female with subdermal single-rod contraceptive implant co-located in the external side of the left arm, partially palpable on the extreme distal area. Transverse cut of ultrasound showed the extreme distal area of the implant at 6 and 7 cm, respectively, at the site of insertion (scar). CONCLUSIONS: Due to simplicity and accessibility, ultrasound is the selected method for identifying deep nonpalpable implants.

Candida glabrata: un oportunista emergente en vulvovaginitis / Candida glabrata: an emergent opportunist in vulvovaginitis

Introducción: El género Candida comprende varias especies; en años recientes algunas como Candida glabrata ha incrementado su frecuencia con trascendencia clínica. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio para determinar la frecuencia de Candida glabrata en 468 pacientes con sintomatología clínica para candidosis vulvovaginal, así como la sensibilidad de la misma a fluconazol por métodos de difusión en agar con sensidiscos y microdilución en caldo. Resultados: La frecuencia para esta especie fue de 12.6 %. La resistencia de Candida glabrata al tratamiento con fluconazol se corroboró en este estudio: 68.2 % de las cepas fue resistente en pruebas de placas (sensidiscos) y 51.2 % en prueba de microdilución en caldo (método NCLSI), con una concentración mínima inhibitoria de 16 μg/ml. Conclusiones: La frecuencia de Candida glabrata se ha incrementado y presenta resistencia a los tratamientos habituales, lo que influye en la persistencia y recurrencia de infecciones genitales y sistémicas.

BACKGROUND: Candida genus has various species. The incidence of C. glabrata has presented itself with more frequency over the past years with clinical importance. METHODS: A case study was made to determine the frequency of C. glabrata in 468 patients who presented clinical symptomatology for vulvovaginal candidiasis and the in vitro response for fluconazole using two methods: diffusion in agar plates and microdilution in liquid medium [NCLSI (NCCLS) method]. RESULTS: The frequency for this specie was 12.6%, almost double the frequency observed 10 years ago. The resistance of C. glabrata to fluconazole treatment was confirmed in this study, representing 68.2% resistance in all strains on test plates and 51.2% on NCLSI method with a MIC of 16 microg/ml. Conclusions: The frequency of Candida glabrata has increased over the past years. It presents resistance to usual treatments, which promotes the persistence and recurrence of genital and systemic infections.