Physical Activity and Obesity Risk in Adults in Colombia: The Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE) Study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate longitudinal associations between physical activity levels and obesity in adults in Colombia, where participation in large amounts of light-intensity physical activity is a necessity for many people. METHODS: Participation in moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activity was assessed from 2005 to 2009, and obesity was assessed from 2011 to 2019 in men and women from the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study. Total physical activity level was categorized as low (<600 MET·min·wk -1 ), medium (600-3000 MET·min·wk -1 ), or high (>3000 MET·min·wk -1 ; 600 MET·min·wk -1 is equivalent to 150 min of moderate activity or 75 min of vigorous activity per week). Obesity was defined as body mass index ≥30 kg·m -2 . Analyses were adjusted for age, sex, smoking, socioeconomic status, diet, alcohol, sedentary time, and sleep. RESULTS: The main analysis included 3086 men and women aged 51 ± 9 yr at baseline (mean ± SD). Compared with the low physical activity group, the odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for obesity was 0.67 (0.53-0.85) in the medium physical activity group and 0.78 (0.62-0.98) in the high physical activity group after adjustment for potential confounders. Smoking is probably a major confounder, and it is noteworthy that similar associations were observed in participants who reported never smoking. CONCLUSIONS: The PURE study is the only prospective cohort study in Colombia. The present analysis is important because it suggests that even the busy people of Colombia could substantially reduce their risk of obesity by participating in moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activity.

Influence of Blood Rheology and Turbulence Models in the Numerical Simulation of Aneurysms.

An aneurysm is a vascular malformation that can be classified according to its location (cerebral, aortic) or shape (saccular, fusiform, and mycotic). Recently, the study of blood flow interaction with aneurysms has gained attention from physicians and engineers. Shear stresses, oscillatory shear index (OSI), gradient oscillatory number (GON), and residence time have been used as variables to describe the hemodynamics as well as the origin and evolution of aneurysms. However, the causes and hemodynamic conditions that promote their growth are still under debate. The present work presents numerical simulations of three types of aneurysms: two aortic and one cerebral. Simulation results showed that the blood rheology is not relevant for aortic aneurysms. However, for the cerebral aneurysm case, blood rheology could play a relevant role in the hemodynamics. The evaluated turbulence models showed equivalent results in both cases. Lastly, a simulation considering the fluid-structure interaction (FSI) showed that this phenomenon is the dominant factor for aneurysm simulation.

Influencia de posición del brazo en adultos para abordaje de plexo braquial costoclavicular: estudio observacional / Influence of arm position in costoclavicular approach for brachial plexus block in adult patient: observational study

Resumen: Introducción: el bloqueo de plexo braquial con abordaje costoclavicular, ofrece ventajas como sitio de inyección único, sitio adecuado para colocación de catéter de analgesia continua. Objetivo: identificar la visibilidad de los tres cordones del plexo braquial en el espacio costoclavicular según la angulación del brazo. Material y métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo y transversal; se incluyeron 99 pacientes entre 18 a 90 años de edad, en un período de dos meses. Se describieron variables continuas, se aplicó la prueba no paramétrica de Friedman para K muestras relacionadas, una regresión lineal para confirmar la correlación entre la distancia de la piel a plexo braquial, peso e índice de masa corporal (IMC). Resultados: se encontró una menor profundidad en relación piel plexo bajo abducción del brazo a una angulación de 90o y 110o, que permite la visualización sonoanatómica del plexo braquial a nivel costoclavicular con significancia estadística. El peso es un factor independiente que determina la distancia entre la profundidad piel plexo. Conclusiones: se determinó que el abordaje del bloqueo costoclavicular ecoguiado es anatómicamente factible con elevada eficacia clínica, el cual concluye ser un sitio anatómico innovador y seguro.

Abstract: Introduction: the brachial plexus block with a costoclavicular approach offers advantages as a single injection site, being a suitable site for continuous analgesia catheter placement. Objective: to identify the visibility of the 3 brachial plexus cords in the costoclavicular space according to the angulation of the arm. Material and methods: a descriptive and cross-sectional observational study was carried out; 99 healthy patients between 18 and 90 years of age were included, in a period of two months. Continuous variables were described, the nonparametric Friedman test was applied for K related samples, a linear regression was performed to confirm the correlation between the distance from the skin to the brachial plexus, weight and body mass index (BMI). Results: a smaller depth was found in relation to the skin plexus under abduction of the arm at an angulation of 90o and 110o, which allows an adequate sonoanatomical visualization of the brachial plexus at the costoclavicular level with statistical significance. Weight is an independent factor that determine the distance between the skin plexus depth. Conclusions: it was determined that the ultrasound-guided costoclavicular block approach is anatomically feasible with greater clinical efficacy, which concludes to be an innovative and safe anatomical site.

May Measurement Month 2019: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Colombia.

Hypertension awareness and control is poor in low- and middle-income countries. Thus, implementing strategies to increase hypertension detection is needed. Colombia participated as one of the 92 countries involved in the third campaign of the May Measurement Month in 2019. Blood pressure (BP) was measured in 48 324 volunteers from 13 departments in Colombia. In total, 27.9% individuals were identified with hypertension. Of those with hypertension, 63.7% were aware of their condition, 60.0% were on antihypertensive medication, and 38.4% had controlled BP. These results showed low levels of awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension in this sample of subjects volunteered to participate, suggest the urgent necessity of implementing programmes to improve the diagnosis and management of hypertension in Colombia.

Uso de pruebas de diagnóstico rápido en la selección de donantes de plasma convaleciente Covid-19 / Use of rapid diagnostict test to select Covid-19's convalecent plasma donors

El uso de Plasma de Convaleciente de COVID-19 (PC-CoV19) como coadyuvante en el tratamiento de pacientes, tendría impacto socioeconómico importante al disminuir el periodo de estancia hospitalaria y letalidad por la enfermedad. La determinación de anticuerpos en plasma de potenciales donantes es criterio fundamental para su selección. Existe dificultad para disponer de pruebas serológicas certificadas que cuantifiquen anticuerpos específicos contra SARS-CoV-2. Las Pruebas de Diagnóstico Rápido (PDR) se convierten en herramienta útil y al alcance para la selección de pacientes recuperados, potenciales donantes de PC-CoV19. Este estudio evaluó el porcentaje de positividad de diferentes PDR en veintidós (22) muestras de pacientes con COVID-19 confirmada por RT-PCR. Las muestras se analizaron siguiendo el procedimiento descrito por cada fabricante. Se analizó el comportamiento de las PDR en pacientes sintomáticos y asintomáticos en diferentes momentos de la enfermedad. El porcentaje de positividad fue de 100% con dos de las tres pruebas utilizadas, una de las cuales discrimina IgM de IgG. Se concluye que la presencia de IgG se registra a partir de los 15 días del inicio de los síntomas y se mantiene presente a los 59 días de evolución en los pacientes sintomáticos, y que pacientes asintomáticos podrían ser considerados candidatos a donantes de PC-CoV19 pues se evidenció seroconversión para IgG. El porcentaje de positividad a IgG podría disminuir en los pacientes recuperados. Se sugiere que pacientes sintomáticos con criterio de alta médica sean considerados candidatos donantes en momento posterior a 28 días de la fecha de inicio de los síntomas. Se recomienda utilizar PDR que discriminen IgM de IgG como herramienta para la selección de donantes de PC-CoV19(AU)

The use of COVID-19 Convales-cent Plasma (PC-CoV19) as an ad-juvant for the treatment of patients, would have a significant socioeconomic impact by reducing the leng-th of hospital stay and lethality due to the disease. The determination of antibodies in plasma from potential donors is a fundamental criterion for their selection. There is dificulty in obtaining certified serological tests that quantify specific antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. Rapid Diagnostic Tests (PDR) become a useful and accessible tool in the selection of recovered patients, potential PC-CoV19 donors. This study evaluated the positivity rate of different PDRs in twenty two (22) samples from patients with COVID-19 confirmed by RT-PCR. The samples were analyzed following the procedure described by each manufacturer. The performance of PDRs was analyzed in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients at different times of the disease. The positivity rate was 100% with two of the three tests used, one of which discriminates IgM from IgG. It is concluded that the presence of IgG is recorded 15 days after the onset of symptoms and remains present at day 59 of evolution in symptomatic patients, and that asymptomatic patients could be considered candidates for PC-CoV19 donors since IgG se-reconversion was evident. The positivity rate to IgG could decrease in the recovered patients. It is suggested that symptomatic patients with medical discharge criteria be considered donor candidates after 28 days from the date of onset of symptoms. It is recommended to use PDRs that discriminate IgM from IgG as a tool for the selection of PC-CoV19 donors

Plasma de convaleciente para el tratamiento de la COVID-19: Protocolo para el acceso y uso en Venezuela / Convalescent Plasma for the Treatment of COVID-19: Protocol for access and use in Venezuela

En diciembre 2019, en Wuhan, China, se registró un aumento inusual de casos de infección respiratoria aguda de rápida progresión y alta letalidad. Al poco tiempo es identificado el agente causal, un coronavirus denominado SARS-CoV-2 y se caracteriza una nueva enfermedad, COVID-19. En ausencia hasta el momento de tratamientos específicos, eficaces y seguros, se justifica explorar alternativas científicamente fundamentadas a nuestro alcance como el uso de Plasma de Convaleciente (PC-CoV19) como coadyuvante para el tratamiento de la COVID-19. El plasma de pacientes recuperados de una enfermedad infecciosa, Plasma de Convaleciente, ha sido utilizado en el tratamiento de patologías infecciosas. Hay antecedentes inmediatos de su uso en enfermedades producidas por otro tipo de coronavirus y se registran experiencias y estudios clínicos con resultados preliminares durante esta pandemia. Quimbiotec, empresa productora de hemoderivados y fármacos recombinantes del Estado venezolano, y el Banco Municipal de Sangre, definen un protocolo para promover condiciones para la aféresis, procesamiento, conservación, almacenamiento, distribución, transfusión y evaluación de la seguridad y eficacia del PC-CoV19 como alternativa en el tratamiento de la COVID-19 en Venezuela. Se incluye la identificación de capacidades y de talento, la estructura física, equipos y especialistas necesarios, así como la definición de procesos para establecer rutinas controladas y auditables para sentar bases del acceso y uso del PC-CoV19 en el Sistema Nacional de Salud de Venezuela y preparar el diseño y ejecución de estudios clínicos. Se presenta el Protocolo y algunos nudos críticos en su ejecución a la fecha, herramientas y estrategias utilizadas para su solución(AU)

On December 2019, in Wuhan, China, there was an unusual increase in cases of a fast-progressing acute respiratory infection with high fatality rate. Soon after, the causing agent is identiied, a coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2, and a new disease, COVID-19 is characterized. Currently, in the absence of specific, effective and safe treatments, it is justified to explore all scientifically based alternatives available to us, such as the use of Convalescent Plasma (PC-CoV19) as acoadjutant treatment of COVID-19.Plasma from patients who have recovered from an infectious disease, Convalescent Plasma, has been used in the treatment of other infectious disease. There is recent history of its use in diseases caused by another type of coronavirus, and clinical experiences and studies have already been published with preliminary results during this pandemic. Quimbiotec, a Venezuelan State public company that produces blood products and recombinant drugs, and Banco Municipal de Sangre, deined a protocol to promote conditions for aphaeresis, processing, conservation, storage, distribution, transfusion, and evaluation of safety and eficacy of PC-CoV19 as an alternative for the treatment of COVID-19 in Venezuela. This protocol includes identification of capacities, physical structure, equipment and skills, talent, professionals needed, as well as a definition of processes to establish controlled and auditable routines to lay the foundations for access and use of PC-CoV19 in the Venezuela Health System, and prepare the design and implementation of clinical studies. The protocol and currently critical points in its implementation, as well as tools and strategies used for its solution, are presented(AU)

Self-Reported Prevalence of Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases in Relation to Socioeconomic and Educational Factors in Colombia: A Community-Based Study in 11 Departments.

Background: Chronic non-communicable diseases are prevalent conditions in developing countries, such as Colombia. Several socioeconomic and educational factors have been associated with these pathologies. However, there is little country-specific information regarding the self-reported prevalence of chronic diseases and their association with the aforementioned factors in Colombia. Objectives: To evaluate the current situation of chronic non-transmissible diseases in Colombia by self-report and to analyze its potential relationship with sociodemographic, economic and educational factors. Methods: This is a cross-sectional baseline sub-analysis from the prospective, standardized collaborative PURE study in Colombia. Participants were recruited between 2005 to 2009, in 11 departments of the country, and included 7,485 subjects of 35 to 70 years old. Questionnaires of self-reported chronic non-communicable diseases, and demographic, socioeconomic and educational variables were applied. Results: Hypertension was the most prevalent chronic condition reported with a prevalence of 22.2% (21.2%-23.1%, 95% CI), followed by diabetes with a prevalence of 5.7% (5.1%-6.2%, 95% CI), asthma 2.7% (2.2%-3.0%, 95% CI), coronary heart disease 2.4% (2.0%-2.7%, 95% CI), stroke and heart failure 1.5% (1.2%-1.8%, 95% CI) each, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 1.2% (0.6%-1.5%, 95% CI), and cancer 1.2% (1.0%-1.5%, 95% CI). Among the study sample, 23.3% (22.4%-24.3%, 95% CI) reported having one chronic NCDs, and 6.4% (5.9%-7.0%, 95% CI) reported having multiple chronic NCDs. The prevalence of multiple NCDs increased significantly with age, was more common in those from households with higher income, whereas it was significantly lower in persons with high education.The central and central-east regions of the country are those with the higher prevalence of self-reported NCDs. Conclusion: The results of the current study indicate the presence of socioeconomic and educational inequalities in the distribution of chronic NCDs in the Colombian population.

May Measurement Month 2017: an analysis of blood pressure screening results in Colombia-Americas.

Despite the availability of efficient methods to evaluate blood pressure (BP) and of safe and efficient medication to treat and control hypertension, the levels of awareness, treatment and control are very low globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. To highlight the importance of improving these rates, the International Society of Hypertension (ISH) endorsed by the World Hypertension League have implemented the May Measurement Month initiative. We present here the results obtained in Colombia. The Fundación Oftalmológica de Santander (FOSCAL) led the implementation of this strategy in Colombia and 11 departments participated. The data collection followed the guidelines of the ISH. The information collected was compiled for the report generation and the submission to the Technical Secretariat of the ISH. Data cleaning was performed locally by FOSCAL. Data were collated and analysed centrally. A total of 22 258 participants (58.8% female) were included in the analysis. Mean age was 40.9 ± 17.7 years. Age and sex-standardized BP excluding participants receiving BP medications was 118/74.3 mmHg, and in those on treatment 125/78 mmHg. High BP was present in 5036 (22.8%) individuals, 1637 of 18 644 (8.8%) who were not receiving anti-hypertensive medications were hypertensive, and 961 of 3359 (28.6%) receiving treatment were not controlled. These results highlight the need to develop innovative promotion strategies at individual and population levels to increase the awareness of the importance of BP, and the consequences of not having well-controlled hypertension. This initiative is an effective and easy to implement strategy that should be maintained in the coming years.

The spectrum of the dyslipidemia in Colombia: The PURE study.

BACKGROUND: Dyslipidemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Worldwide, a third of ischemic heart disease is due to abnormal cholesterol levels and it is the most common cause of cardiovascular deaths in Colombia. In Colombia, no representative, large-scale study has assessed the prevalence of dyslipidemia. The aim of the present analysis was to identify the magnitude of the problem in Colombia, a middle-income-country with large regional, geographic, and socio-economical differences. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The sample comprised 6628 individuals aged 35 to 70 years (mean age 50.7 years, 64.1% women) residing in the four Colombian regions. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of dyslipidemia was 87.7% and was substantially higher among participants older than 50 years, male, rural residents, and those with a lower level of education (66.8%), and with a lower income (66.4%). High non HDL-c was the most common abnormality (75.3%). The values of total cholesterol and non-HDL-cholesterol were higher in areas with the lowest health needs index than in the areas with intermediate and highest health need index, the isolated HDL-c value was much lower. CONCLUSION: Colombia has a high prevalence of abnormalities of the lipid profile. The causes of the high rates of dyslipidemia were not well define in this study, but were more common in rural and poorer regions and among those with lower socio-economical status. Strategies to tackle the adverse lipid profile to reduce CVD are needed in Colombia, particularly in rural areas and among the areas with the higher health need index.

Comportamiento del síndrome poliglandular autoinmune tipo III en una cohorte de ocho casos / Behavior of autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type III in a cohort of eight cases

Introducción: el síndrome poliglandular autoinmune es una afección que se caracteriza por la presencia de varias afecciones entre las que destaca la presencia de diabetes insulinodependiente, enfermedad tiroidea y enfermedad autoinmune no tiroidea fundamentalmente. Pueden presentarse otras afecciones específicas como es el caso del vitiligo, la psoriasis, alopecia y anemia perniciosa entre otras. Objetivo: conocer el comportamiento clínico y epidemiológico del síndrome poliglandular autoinmune tipo III en pacientes con enfermedades reumáticas. Método: estudio de tipo descriptivo y retrospectivo, de una serie de 8 casos con presencia de enfermedades que permiten el diagnóstico de síndrome autoinmune tipo III. Se procedió a realizar una revisión exhaustiva de las historias clínicas que posibilitó la recogida de la información mediante un cuestionario creado específicamente para la investigación. La información recogida permitió describir las variables sociodemográficas, clínicas y de laboratorio planteadas para la investigación. Resultados: el promedio de edad fue de 47.34 ± 5 años. El 87.5 por ciento correspondió al sexo femenino y el 75 por ciento de los casos refirió algún hábito nocivo, de los cuales el de mayor representatividad (83,3 por ciento) fue el sedentarismo. El hipotiroidismo (87,5 por ciento) y el síndrome de Sjögren (37,5 por ciento) fueron las enfermedades que con mayor frecuencia se presentaron. Conclusiones: el síndrome poliglandular autoinmune es una afección múltiple que incluye diversas afecciones generando polifarmacia que pude incidir negativamente en la adherencia terapéutica de estos pacientes. La presencia de hábitos nocivos puede ser considerada como un posible agente desencadenante de muchas de las afecciones que componen el síndrome. Existe una tendencia a minimizar la importancia de las afecciones dermatológicas lo que genera un subregistro de las mismas(AU)

Introduction: autoimmune polyglandular syndrome is a condition that is characterized by the presence of several conditions among which the presence of insulin-dependent diabetes, thyroid disease and non-thyroid autoimmune disease is fundamental. There may be other specific conditions such as vitiligo, psoriasis, alopecia and pernicious anemia among others. Objective: to know the clinical and epidemiological behavior of type III autoimmune polyglandular syndrome in patients with rheumatic diseases. Methodo: estudio de tipo descriptivo y retrospectivo, de una serie de 8 casos con presencia de enfermedades que permiten el diagnóstico de síndrome autoinmune tipo III. Se procedió a realizar una revisión exhaustiva de las historias clínicas que posibilitó la recogida de la información mediante un cuestionario creado específicamente para la investigación. La información recogida permitió describir las variables sociodemográficas, clínicas y de laboratorio planteadas para la investigación. Results: the average age was 47.34 ± 5 years. 87.5 percent corresponded to the female sex and 75 percent of the cases reported some harmful habit, of which the one with the highest representation (83.3 percent) was a sedentary lifestyle. Hypothyroidism (87.5 percent) and Sjögren's syndrome (37.5 percent) were the diseases that most frequently occurred. Conclusions: autoimmune polyglandular syndrome is a multiple condition that includes various conditions generating polypharmacy that could negatively affect the therapeutic adherence of these patients. The presence of harmful habits can be considered as a possible triggering agent of many of the conditions that make up the syndrome. There is a tendency to minimize the importance of dermatological conditions, which causes underreporting(AU)

Investigación clínica en seres humanos en Colombia. ¿Estamos en crisis? / Clinical investigation in human beings in Colombia. Are we in crisis?

A raíz de la publicación en este número de los trabajos ganadores presentados en los congresos colombiano ACMI-ACP y Latinoamericano SOLAMI, que se desarrollaron en la ciudad de Cartagena en el mes de agosto, he decidido hacer algunas reflexiones sobre la investigación clínica en seres humanos en nuestro país, bastión importante de la investigación médica y que al final es la que determina las conductas diagnósticas y terapéuticas para el abordaje que hacemos a diario a nuestros pacientes. Un ensayo clínico es una evaluación experimental de un producto, sustancia, medicamento, dispositivo, técnica diagnóstica o terapéutica que a través de su aplicación en seres humanos pretende valorar su eficacia y seguridad. Distinto es la investigación en salud de tipo investigación experimental, básica, epidemiológica o de observación poblacional que promueven los centros educativos y fomentada por el Estado, en nuestro caso por Colciencias, en la cual pueden participar entes públicos o privados generando conocimiento de interés de salud pública y epidemiología, pero que está lejos, con escasas excepciones de generar el desarrollo de moléculas o dispositivos para ser llevados a fases clínicas que puedan prevenir o cambiar el curso de las enfermedades . La investigación clínica en seres humanos en Colombia en la última década, ha mostrado un desarrollo interesante y se ha convertido en un actor importante en Latinoamérica. Según Clínica Trials. gov ­la base de datos de estudios clínicos más grande del mundo administrada por el "Instituto Nacional de Salud" (National Institute of Health, NIH, por sus siglas en inglés)­ Colombia, con 927 estudios registrados, recibe 7.6% de los estudios clínicos en Latinoamérica y 0.43% de los estudios en el mundo, lo que indica un incremento de 61% en los últimos cuatro años, por encima del progreso de Argentina (41%) y Chile (45%), siendo superado solo por Brasil (65%) . En Colombia las instituciones donde se lleven a cabo investigaciones con seres humanos, mediante la aplicación y uso de medicamentos, deben contar con la certificación de condiciones del Sistema Único de Habilitación igual a una IPS asistencial. Desde el año 2010 hasta abril de 2016, existe un registro de 123 instituciones certificadas por el Instituto Nacional de Vigilancia de Medicamentos y Alimentos (INVIMA), de ellas 75 se encuentran afiliados a la Asociación Colombiana de Centros de Investigación Clínica (ACIC). A partir de los años 90, con el fortalecimiento del INVIMA en los aspectos de vigilancia a la investigación en seres humanos y la aparición de resoluciones como la 8430, 3823 y 2378, el país alcanzó los estándares necesarios para competir por el desarrollo de estudios clínicos patrocinados y ganar la atención de las casas farmacéuticas de investigación y las CRO internacionales .

Social disparities explain differences in hypertension prevalence, detection and control in Colombia.

OBJECTIVE: Hypertension is the principal risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. The global Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology study showed that the levels of awareness, treatment and control of this condition are very low worldwide and show large regional variations related to a country's income index. The aim of the present analysis was to identify associations between sociodemographic, geographic, anthropometric, behavioral and clinical factors and the awareness, treatment and control of hypertension within Colombia - a high-middle income country which participated in the global Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology study. METHODS AND RESULTS: The sample comprised 7485 individuals aged 35-70 years (mean age 50.8 years, 64% women). Mean SBP and DBP were 129.12 ±â€Š21.23 and 80.39 ±â€Š11.81 mmHg, respectively. The overall prevalence of hypertension was 37.5% and was substantially higher amongst participants with the lowest educational level, who had a 25% higher prevalence (<0.001). Hypertension awareness, treatment amongst those aware, and control amongst those treated were 51.9, 77.5 and 37.1%, respectively. The prevalence of hypertension was higher amongst those with a higher BMI (<0.001) or larger waist-hip ratio (<0.001). Being male, younger, a rural resident and having a low level of education was associated with significantly lower hypertension awareness, treatment and control. The use of combination therapy was very low (27.5%) and was significantly lower in rural areas and amongst those with a low income. CONCLUSION: Overall Colombia has a high prevalence of hypertension in combination with very low levels of awareness, treatment and control; however, we found large variations within the country that appear to be associated with sociodemographic disparities.

Estreptoquinasa a casi 30 años de demostrada su eficacia en el infarto agudo de miocardio / Streptokinase almost 30 years after its demonstrated efficacy in acute myocardial infarction

Fundamento: a partir del estudio del Grupo Italiano per lo Studio del la Strepto-chinasi nell’Infarto Miocardico en el año 1986, el enfoque del tratamiento del infarto agudo de miocardio cambió. No obstante, actualmente existe controversia acerca de la opción de tratamiento. Objetivo: comparar las ventajas y desventajas de los diferentes trombolíticos en el tratamiento del infarto agudo de miocardio, así como el uso de estos versus tratamiento de intervención coronaria percutánea. Métodos: se realizó una revisión bibliográfica de un total de 310 artículos publicados en Pubmed, Hinari y Medline mediante el localizador de información Endnote. De ellos se utilizaron 34 citas seleccionadas para realizar la revisión, 17 de ellas de los últimos cinco años. Desarrollo: existen dos estrategias de reperfusión en el tratamiento del infarto agudo de miocardio: la farmacológica y la intervencionista. Entre los fibrinolíticos (fármacos) se encuentran los que tienen acción lítica generalizada como la estreptoquinasa y la uroquinasa y otro grupo con lisis localizada como la anistreplasa, alteplasa, tenecteplasa y reteplasa. Los del primer grupo con respecto a los del segundo tienen como desventaja el riesgo de sangramiento y la acción antigénica de la estreptoquinasa que no tienen el resto de los fibrinolíticos. En las primeras dos horas no existe diferencia significativa en la reducción de la mortalidad con una u otra estrategia; después de este tiempo mejora con el intervencionismo. Conclusiones: la intervención coronaria percutánea es la forma óptima de reperfusión en los pacientes con infarto agudo de miocardio, pero a la vez no es una práctica habitual aun en los países desarrollados. La reperfusión con trombolíticos sigue siendo la primera alternativa de los hospitales de segundo nivel y la estreptoquinasa es una opción segura en el tratamiento.

Background: from the study of the Italian Group per lo Studio del la Strepto-chinasi nell’Infarto Miocardico, in 1986 the approach of the treatment of acute myocardial infarction changed; however, there is currently controversy about the choice of treatment. Objective: to compare the advantages and disadvantages of the different thrombolytic in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction and their use versus percutaneous coronary intervention. Methods: a review of 310 articles published in PubMed, Hinari and Medline was made using the reference management software Endnote. Thirty-four citations were selected to make the review, 17 of them from the last five years. Development: there are two reperfusion strategies in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction: the pharmacologic and the interventional. Among the fibrinolytic (drugs) are those with lytic action, as streptokinase and urokinase, and other group with localized lysis as anistreplase, alteplase, tenecteplase and reteplase. The first ones, with respect to the second group, have the disadvantage of the risk of bleeding and the antigenic activity of streptokinase, not presented by the rest of fibrinolytic drugs. In the first two hours there is no significant difference regarding the mortality reduction with both strategies; after this time, it improves with the intervention. Conclusions: percutaneous coronary intervention is the ideal form of reperfusion in patients with acute myocardial infarction but, at the same time, it is not yet a common practice in developed countries. Reperfusion with thrombolytic remains the first alternative in second-level hospitals and streptokinase is a safe treatment option. Thus, it is demonstrated that the GISSI study is updated.

Guía de práctica clínica para la prevención, detección temprana, diagnóstico, tratamiento y seguimiento de las dislipidemias: evaluación del riesgo cardiovascular / Clinical practice guidelines for the prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment and follow up of dyslipidemia: cardiovascular risk assessment

Objetivo: El tratamiento de la dislipidemia debe ser acorde con el riesgo individual de cada paciente. Existen múltiples ecuaciones de predicción de riesgo cardiovascular, sin embargo, es necesario determinar cuál es la más adecuada para ser utilizada en la población colombiana. Métodos: La alianza CINETS, comisionada por el Ministerio de la Protección Social y Colciencias, revisó la evidencia disponible con respecto a qué métodos de evaluación de riesgo cardiovascular son válidos en la población colombiana. Se generaron recomendaciones utilizando la metodología GRADE. Población: Población adulta con diagnóstico de dislipidemia o en riesgo de desarrollarla. Recomendaciones: En la población de prevención primaria o sin enfermedad cardiovascular clínicamente manifiesta se recomienda utilizar la escala de Framingham recalibrada para Colombia para clasificar el riesgo (Recomendación fuerte a favor de la intervención). Existen personas con condiciones que por sí mismas implican un riesgo mayor y ameritan manejo farmacológico directo.

Aim: The treatment of dyslipidemia must be related with patient's individual risk. There are multiple functions for predicting cardiovascular risk; however, it is necessary to determine the most appropriate for being used in Colombian population. Methods: The CINETS alliance, endorsed by the Colombian Social Protection Ministry and Colciencias, reviewed the evidence available about the validity of cardiovascular risk evaluation methods in Colombian Population. Recommendations were generated using GRADE methodology. Population: General adult population with or at risk of dyslipidemia. Recommendations In primary prevention population, or without clinically evident cardiovascular disease, Framingham risk function recalibrated for Colombia must be used to calculate cardiovascular risk (Strong recommendation). In patients with an especial condition increasing cardiovascular risk, direct pharmacologic treatment must be used.

Alternativas terapéuticas al manejo farmacológico con estatinas en adultos con dislipidemia. Revisión sistemática de la literatura y recomendaciones generales / Therapeutic alternatives to pharmacological management with statin drugs in adults with dyslipidemia. Systematic literature review and general recommendations

Objetivo: Evaluar el impacto sobre la incidencia y recurrencia de eventos cardiovasculares y cerebrovasculares (prevención primaria y secundaria), los niveles de las fracciones lipídicas y la incidencia de efectos secundarios en personas con hipercolesterolemia intolerantes al tratamiento con las estatinas. Métodos: Se elaboró una guía de práctica clínica siguiendo los lineamientos de la guía metodológica del Ministerio de Salud y Protección Social para recolectar de forma sistemática la evidencia científica y formular las recomendaciones utilizando la metodología GRADE. Población Población adulta, con diagnóstico de dislipidemia, o en riesgo de desarrollarla, intolerantes al manejo con las estatinas. Recomendaciones: Se formulan recomendaciones a favor del uso de diferentes medicamentos (los fibratos, la niacina, los ácidos omega 3, las resinas secuestradoras de ácidos biliares, el ezetimibe), según su efectividad hipolipemiante y reducción de eventos cardiovasculares, como propuesta adaptada al contexto social colombiano.

Objective To evaluate the impact on the incidence and recurrence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (primary and secondary prevention), the levels of lipid fractions and the incidence of side effects in people with hypercholesterolemia intolerant to statin therapy. Methods: A clinical practice guideline was developed following the guidelines of the methodological guidance of the Ministry of Health and Social Protection to systematically collect the evidence and make recommendations using the GRADE methodology. Population: Adult population, diagnosed with dyslipidemia or at risk of developing, intolerant to management with statin drugs. Recommendations: Recommendations for the use of different medications (fibrates, niacin, omega 3 acids, bile acid binding resins, ezetimibe) are formulated according to their lipid-lowering effectiveness and reduction of cardiovascular events, a proposal adapted to the Colombian social context.

Los retos de la ozonoterapia y el acceso a sus fuentes de información / Challenges of ozone therapy and access to information sources

La ozonoterapia es hoy una práctica médica generalizada en Cuba. Una sólida investigación básica y clínica sustenta la aplicación de este proceder. No obstante, a nivel mundial los comentarios que frecuentemente se escuchan sobre el uso de la ozonoterapia entre los profesionales la desconocen, la tienden a clasificar como una terapia fraudulenta y en ocasiones peligrosa. Estos comentarios son tan carentes de argumento que si no fueran reslizados por profesionales podría decirse que son habladurías de comadres.1 Tal es así que se ha escuchado recientemente a un profesional que intervenía públicamente, decir que tenía dudas sobre la existencia propia de la molécula del ozono. Es sorprendente, además, ver como los grandes medios de los EE. UU. han lanzado como eslogan La ozonoterapia, un fraude médico. Pero los propios medios de ese país se han encargado de desmentir ese eslogan y profundizar en las raíces del problema. El documental Ozone, A Medical Breakthrough? del realizador Geoff Rogers, muestra como detrás de esta campaña están los círculos de poder de la gran industria farmacéutica que tendría grandes pérdidas económicas si la ozonoterapia fuera introducida masivamente. No es menos cierto que el ozono a altas dosis y en dependencia de la vía por donde sea administrado, origina efectos tóxicos. En particular, la vía inhalatoria es muy dañina. El ozono producido por las máquinas industriales, las fotocopiadoras y los ordenadores son causa frecuente de dolores de cabeza y otros disturbios.2 El ozono generado durante las tormentas eléctricas y arrastrado a las capas inferiores de la atmósfera por fuertes vientos, está relacionado con el incremento en la frecuencia de ingresos a los hospitales por trastornos respiratorios. El hecho es que al menos por sus efectos tóxicos, el ozono ha ganado fama y ha sido motivo de múltiples investigaciones para...(AU)

Influence of Bacille Calmette-Guérin on tuberculin skin testing in Venezuelan Amerindians in high tuberculosis burden areas.

INTRODUCTION: Extraordinarily high tuberculosis (TB) prevalence rates have been reported in Venezuelan Amerindians. Amerindian populations often live in geographically isolated villages where they receive little medical attention and live under precarious sanitary conditions. TB prevalence varies by ethnicity and geographic location and is generally higher in Amerindians than in non-indigenous (Creole) people. METHODOLOGY: Between January 1, 1998 and December 31, 2009, the tuberculin skin test (TST) was administered during field operations to 9,538 Amerindian and Creole people between 0 and 94 years of age living in Venezuela. In 6,979 individuals (73%), Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination status, age, and ethnicity were recorded. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the influence of previous BCG vaccination, age, and ethnicity on TST outcomes. RESULTS: Age, ethnicity, and the number of BCG vaccinations administered each had a significant influence on TST outcomes (p < 0.001). The influence of BCG vaccination on TST outcomes varied by ethnicity and was only significant in children aged between 0 and 3 years. CONCLUSIONS: The utility of TST in the diagnosis of TB infection in high TB burden settings with widespread BCG vaccination should be evaluated locally and individually as this depends on ethnicity, age, and the number of BCG vaccinations administered. In Venezuelan children 4 years of age and older, the TST remains a useful tool for the detection of TB infection, independent of BCG vaccination status.

Diferencias del estado redox entre espermatozoides y plasma seminal en adultos jóvenes / Difference of redux status between spermatozoa and seminal plasma in young adults

Introducción: Las especies reactivas del oxígeno y el estrés oxidativo desempeñan un papel fundamental en la infertilidad masculina. Sin embargo, estas especies oxidantes también han sido asociadas con los procesos de capacitación de los gametos masculinos cuando son generadas a bajos niveles y de manera controlada. Actualmente los biomarcadores redox son introducidos en el diagnóstico clínico de la infertilidad masculina en el mundo, como una herramienta complementaria a los parámetros del espermiograma. Sin embargo, en Cuba, esta metodología aún no se encuentra extendida a los servicios de salud. Objetivo: El objetivo del presente trabajo fue caracterizar el estado redox de espermatozoides y el líquido seminal de sujetos aparentemente sanos, a través de la determinación de una serie de biomarcadores de estrés oxidativo. Los niveles de malonildialdehído, la actividad de las enzimas antioxidantes superóxido dismutasa y catalasa, así como los niveles de glutatión reducido, el potencial de peroxidación y la capacidad reductora fueron determinados mediante técnicas espectrofotométricas. Métodos: Se analizaron 40 muestras de semen de sujetos aparentemente sanos, las cuales fueron obtenidas mediante masturbación sin el empleo de lubricantes y con al menos tres días de abstinencia eyaculatoria. En el estudio se incluyeron sujetos de 20 a 35 años, aparentemente sanos según exámenes de laboratorio clínico y con paternidad probada. Resultados: Los resultados demostraron que existen diferencias significativas (p< 0,05) entre los marcadores evaluados en el líquido seminal con respecto al espermatozoide, lo cual sugiere la existencia de un estado redox diferenciado entre ambos compartimentos. Conclusiones: Estos hallazgos demuestran la necesidad de evaluar el nivel de estrés oxidativo tanto en las células sexuales como en el fluido que las contiene. Ello contribuirá, sin lugar a dudas, a un diagnóstico más eficaz e integral de la capacidad fértil del hombre

Background: Reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress play a fundamental role in male infertility. However, these oxidizing species have also been associated with the process of capability of male gametes when they are generated at low levels and in a controlled manner. Currently, redox biomarkers are introduced in the clinical diagnosis of male infertility in the world as a complementary tool to the spermiogram parameters. However, in Cuba, this methodology is not yet extended to health services. Objective: The objective of this study was to characterize the redox status of spermatozoa and seminal fluid of apparently healthy subjects through the identification of a number of biomarkers of oxidative stress. Methods: 40 samples of semen of apparently healthy subjects were analyzed, which were obtained by masturbation without the use of lubricants and with at least 3 days of ejaculatory abstinence. The study included subjects from 20 to 35 years of age, who were apparently healthy according to both laboratory tests and paternity test results. Results: The results showed that there are significant differences (p<0, 05) between the markers evaluated in the seminal fluid and the spermatozoon which suggests the existence of a differentiated redux status between the two compartments. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate the need to evaluate the level of oxidative stress in both sexual cells and the fluid that contains them. It will contribute, with no doubt, to a more effective and comprehensive diagnosis of man's fertility