Factors associated with unsuccessful treatment outcome for tuberculosis in previously treated patients in Cali, Colombia, during the period 2015-2019 / Factores asociados al tratamiento no exitoso para tuberculosis en pacientes previamente tratados en Cali, Colombia, en el periodo 2015-2019

Introduction. The success rates in the treatment of tuberculosis are suboptimal. Objective. To identify associated factors with the lack of success of antituberculosis treatment in patients with a tuberculosis treatment history. Materials and methods. We performed a retrospective, analytical, observational, and cohort study of patients reentering the Mycobacterium program in Cali, Colombia. We included patients over 15 years old with pulmonary tuberculosis between 2015 and 2019 and a history of tuberculosis treatment. Patients with drug-resistant tuberculosis were excluded. Results. A total of 605 patients with a treatment history were included, 60% due to unfinished treatment and 40% due to relapse. Compared to patients reentering due to relapse (ORa=2.34, CI=1.62-3.38), the independent variables associated with treatment failure at discharge were homelessness (ORa=2.45, CI=1.54-3.89), substance dependence (ORa=1.95, CI=1.24-3.05), tuberculosis/HIV coinfection (ORa=1.69, CI=1.00-2.86), diabetes (ORa=1.89, CI=1.29-2.77), and unfinished previous tuberculosis treatment due to follow-up loss, abandonment, or other causes. Programmatic variables favoring treatment success were voluntary HIV testing counseling (p<0.001) and HIV testing (p<0.001). Conclusion. Homelessness, substance dependence, tuberculosis/HIV coinfection, diabetes, and incomplete previous treatment due to loss to follow-up, abandonment, or treatment failure hindered the success of antituberculosis. These characteristics should be identified and addressed during the initial care of patients reentering treatment for tuberculosis.

Introducción. Las tasas de éxito del tratamiento de la tuberculosis continúan siendo subóptimas. Objetivo. Identificar los factores asociados al tratamiento no exitoso para tuberculosis en pacientes con antecedentes de tratamiento para la tuberculosis. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un estudio observacional retrospectivo, analítico, de cohorte de pacientes que reingresaron a un programa de micobacterias en Cali, Colombia. Se incluyeron mayores de 15 años con tuberculosis pulmonar entre el 2015 y el 2019 con antecedentes de tratamiento para la tuberculosis. Se excluyeron los pacientes con tuberculosis resistente. Resultados. Ingresaron 605 pacientes con antecedentes de tratamiento, 60 % por tratamiento inconcluso y 40 % por recaída. En comparación con los pacientes que reingresaron por recaída (ORa= 2,34; IC=1,62-3,38), las variables que explicaron de manera independiente el no tener éxito con el tratamiento para la tuberculosis al egreso fueron: estar en situación de calle (ORa = 2,45; IC = 1,54-3,89), ser farmacodependiente (ORa = 1,95; IC=1,24-3,05), tener coinfección tuberculosis/VIH (ORa = 1,69; IC =1,00-2,86) o diabetes (ORa =1,89; IC=1,29-2,77), y el incumplimiento de un tratamiento previo por pérdida de seguimiento, abandono u otras causas. Las variables programáticas que favorecieron el éxito del tratamiento fueron la asesoría de la prueba voluntaria de VIH (p <0,001) y la realización de la prueba de VIH (p < 0,001). Conclusión. Estar en situación de calle, ser farmacodependiente, tener coinfección de tuberculosis y VIH, o diabetes, así como el incumplimiento del tratamiento previo por pérdida del seguimiento, abandono o fracaso del mismo, dificultaron el éxito del tratamiento antituberculoso. En la primera atención al reingreso de los pacientes con tuberculosis se deben identificar y abordar estas características.

Factores asociados al tratamiento no exitoso para tuberculosis en pacientes previamente tratados en Cali, Colombia, en el periodo 2015-2019 / Factors associated with unsuccessful treatment outcome for tuberculosis in previously treated patients in Cali, Colombia, during the period 2015-2019

Introducción. Las tasas de éxito del tratamiento de la tuberculosis continúan siendo subóptimas. Objetivo. Identificar los factores asociados al tratamiento no exitoso para tuberculosis en pacientes con antecedentes de tratamiento para la tuberculosis. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un estudio observacional retrospectivo, analítico, de cohorte de pacientes que reingresaron a un programa de micobacterias en Cali, Colombia. Se incluyeron mayores de 15 años con tuberculosis pulmonar entre el 2015 y el 2019 con antecedentes de tratamiento para la tuberculosis. Se excluyeron los pacientes con tuberculosis resistente. Resultados. Ingresaron 605 pacientes con antecedentes de tratamiento, 60 % por tratamiento inconcluso y 40 % por recaída. En comparación con los pacientes que reingresaron por recaída (ORa= 2,34; IC=1,62-3,38), las variables que explicaron de manera independiente el no tener éxito con el tratamiento para la tuberculosis al egreso fueron: estar en situación de calle (ORa = 2,45; IC = 1,54-3,89), ser farmacodependiente (ORa = 1,95; IC=1,24-3,05), tener coinfección tuberculosis/VIH (ORa = 1,69; IC =1,00- 2,86) o diabetes (ORa =1,89; IC=1,29-2,77), y el incumplimiento de un tratamiento previo por pérdida de seguimiento, abandono u otras causas. Las variables programáticas que favorecieron el éxito del tratamiento fueron la asesoría de la prueba voluntaria de VIH (p < 0,001) y la realización de la prueba de VIH (p < 0,001). Conclusión. Estar en situación de calle, ser farmacodependiente, tener coinfección de tuberculosis y VIH, o diabetes, así como el incumplimiento del tratamiento previo por pérdida del seguimiento, abandono o fracaso del mismo, dificultaron el éxito del tratamiento antituberculoso. En la primera atención al reingreso de los pacientes con tuberculosis se deben identificar y abordar estas características.

Introduction. The success rates in the treatment of tuberculosis are suboptimal. Objective. To identify associated factors with the lack of success of antituberculosis treatment in patients with a tuberculosis treatment history. Materials and methods. We performed a retrospective, analytical, observational, and cohort study of patients reentering the Mycobacterium program in Cali, Colombia. We included patients over 15 years old with pulmonary tuberculosis between 2015 and 2019 and a history of tuberculosis treatment. Patients with drug-resistant tuberculosis were excluded. Results. A total of 605 patients with a treatment history were included, 60% due to unfinished treatment and 40% due to relapse. Compared to patients reentering due to relapse (ORa=2.34, CI=1.62-3.38), the independent variables associated with treatment failure at discharge were homelessness (ORa=2.45, CI=1.54-3.89), substance dependence (ORa=1.95, CI=1.24-3.05), tuberculosis/HIV coinfection (ORa=1.69, CI=1.00-2.86), diabetes (ORa=1.89, CI=1.29-2.77), and unfinished previous tuberculosis treatment due to follow-up loss, abandonment, or other causes. Programmatic variables favoring treatment success were voluntary HIV testing counseling (p<0.001) and HIV testing (p<0.001). Conclusion. Homelessness, substance dependence, tuberculosis/HIV coinfection, diabetes, and incomplete previous treatment due to loss to follow-up, abandonment, or treatment failure hindered the success of antituberculosis. These characteristics should be identified and addressed during the initial care of patients reentering treatment for tuberculosis.

Angiosarcoma óseo en el humero de un paciente pediátrico, un reto diagnóstico: reporte de caso / Bone angiosarcoma in the humerus of a pediatric patient, a whole diagnostic challenge: Case report

Resumen El angiosarcoma óseo es una neoplasia maligna rara, agresiva y de mal pronóstico, que es inusual en niños. Esta entidad afecta preferentemente a los huesos tubulares y se puede presentar como lesión solitaria o multicéntrica. Presentamos el caso de una niña de 7 años, sin antecedentes médico quirúrgicos, quien consultó al Instituto Nacional de Cancerología - Colombia, por presentar una lesión tumoral que comprometía la totalidad del húmero, destruyéndolo y deformando el brazo. Para orientar el diagnóstico de la lesión, se realizó un estudio histopatológico minucioso y marcadores de inmunohistoquímica, estos sugirieren una neoplasia vascular maligna. Por el extenso compromiso tumoral, la única opción terapéutica, fue la desarticulación escapulotorácica de la extremidad, seguida de manejo adyuvante con protocolo de quimioterapia. Durante los ciclos de quimioterapia, la paciente presentó lesiones metastásicas en pulmón, que fueron resecadas. En el momento, se encuentra sin lesiones tumorales y en seguimiento estricto.

Summary Angiosarcoma of the bone is a rare, aggressive and poor-prognosis malignancy, that is unusual in children. This entity preferentially affects the tubular bones, and can present as a solitary or multicentric lesion. We present the case of a 7-year-old girl, without medical surgical history, who consulted to the National Cancer Institute - Colombia, for presenting a tumor lesion that compromised the entire humerus, destroying it and deforming the arm. To guide the diagnosis of the lesion, a detailed histopathological study and immunohistochemical markers were performed, which suggested a malignant vascular neoplasm. Due to the extensive tumor involvement, the only therapeutic option was scapulothoracic disarticulation of the limb, followed by adjuvant management with a chemotherapy protocol. During the chemotherapy cycles, the patient presented metastatic lesions in the lung, which were resected. At the moment, she is without tumor lesions and under close follow-up.

Delayed HIV treatment, barriers in access to care and mortality in tuberculosis/HIV co-infected patients in Cali, Colombia / Retraso en el tratamiento para VIH, barreras en el acceso a la atención en salud y mortalidad en personas coinfectadas con tuberculosis y VIH en Cali, Colombia

Abstract Objective: To determine factors associated with mortality in tuberculosis/HIV co-infected patients in Cali, Colombia Methods: This retrospective cohort design included tuberculosis/HIV co-infected persons. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression were used to estimate survival and risk factors associated with mortality. Results: Of the 279 tuberculosis/HIV co-infected participants, 27.2% died during the study. Participants mainly were adults and males. CD4 count information was available for 41.6% (the median count was 83 cells/mm3), and half were subject to tuberculosis susceptibility testing. The median time between HIV diagnosis and antiretroviral therapy initiation was 372 days. HIV was identified prior to tuberculosis in 53% and concurrent HIV-tuberculosis were diagnosed in 37% of patients. 44.8% had tuberculosis treatment success. Body mass index above 18 kg/m2, initiation of tuberculosis treatment within two weeks, having any health insurance coverage and CD4 count information conferred a survival advantage. Conclusions: Delays in treatment initiation and factors associated with limited health care access or utilization were associated with mortality. As HIV and tuberculosis are both reportable conditions in Colombia, strategies should be focused on optimizing treatment outcomes within both tuberculosis and HIV programs, particularly improving early HIV diagnosis, early antiretroviral therapy treatment initiation, and adherence to tuberculosis treatment.

Resumen Objetivo: Determinar factores asociados con mortalidad en personas con co-infeccion Tuberculosis/VIH en Cali, Colombia. Métodos: Este diseño de cohorte retrospectiva incluyó personas co-infectadas con tuberculosis /VIH. Se utilizó Kaplan Meier y regresion de Cox para estimar supervivencia y factores de riesgo asociados con mortalidad. Resultados: De los 279 participantes coinfectados con tuberculosis/VIH, el 27.2% falleció durante el estudio. Los participantes fueron principalmente adultos y hombres. Se dispuso de información de recuento de CD4 en el 41.6% (la mediana del recuento fue 83 células/mm3), y en la mitad se realizaron pruebas de susceptibilidad para tuberculosis. La mediana de tiempo entre el diagnóstico de VIH e inicio de terapia antirretroviral fue 372 días. Se identificó VIH previo a tuberculosis en un 53%, e infección concurrente tuberculosis-VIH en el 37% de los pacientes. El 44.8% presentó éxito en el tratamiento para tuberculosis. Un índice de masa corporal superior a 18 kg/m2, inicio del tratamiento para TB dentro de las primeras dos semanas, contar con aseguramiento en salud y con recuento de CD4 se asociaron con mayor supervivencia. Conclusiones: Retraso en el inicio de tratamiento y factores relacionados con brechas en el acceso a atención en salud se asociaron con mortalidad. Dado que VIH y tuberculosis son enfermedades de notificación obligatoria en Colombia, las estrategias deben centrarse en optimizar los desenlaces del tratamiento dentro de ambos programas, en particular mejorar el diagnóstico temprano de VIH, el inicio temprano de la terapia antirretroviral y fomentar la adherencia al tratamiento para tuberculosis.

Vulnerabilidad social, un blanco fatal de la coinfección tuberculosis-VIH en Cali / Social vulnerability, a fatal scenario for TB-HIV coinfection

Resumen Objetivo: Describir la proporción, características clínicas, demográficas y programáticas de casos fatales de coinfección TB/VIH de Cali-Colombia, en 2017. Material y Método: Estudio de corte transversal, con información de las bases de datos del programa de tuberculosis, las historias clínicas y unidades de análisis de mortalidad disponibles. Resultados: Se depuraron 257 casos fatales por TB, el 24,5% (63/257) falleció con coinfección TB/VIH. La mediana de edad fue 43 años (Rango Intercuartílico: 30-52), 73% (46/63) eran hombres, 76,2% (48/63) no pertenecían al régimen contributivo, 28,6% eran habitantes de calle. 81,2% (39/48) eran casos nuevos de TB, 76,6% (37/47), inició tratamiento; al 74,6% (47/63) se les realizó unidad de análisis de mortalidad. La presentación pulmonar fue frecuente (75,9%-44/58), en 60% de los registros se observó desnutrición (Índice de Masa Corporal <20), en 39,7% (25/63) dependencia al alcohol, tabaco o farmacodependencia. Conclusiones: La mortalidad asociada a TB/VIH es prevenible, pero en 2017 representó la cuarta parte de la mortalidad por TB en Cali. Hombres adultos con condiciones de vulnerabilidad social, diagnosticados en estados avanzados de enfermedad, fueron blanco de fatalidad. Mejorar los sistemas de información e integrar los programas de TB/VIH, deben ser estrategias prioritarias para la salud pública en Colombia.

Abstract Objective: To describe the proportion, clinical, demographic and programmatic characteristics of fatal cases of TB/HIV coinfection from Cali-Colombia, in 2017. Material and Method: Cross-sectional study, with information from the TB program databases, clinical records and mortality analysis units available. Results: 257 TB fatal cases were cleared in Cali in 2017, 24.5% (63/257) of these died with TB/HIV coinfection. The median age was 43 years (Interquartile Range: 30-52), 73% (46/63) were men, 76.2% (48/63) did not belong to the contributory health regimen, 28.6% were homeless. 81.2% (39/48) were new TB cases, 76.6% (37/47) started treatment; 74.6% (47/63) had mortality analysis register. Pulmonary presentation was frequent (75.9% -44 / 58), in 60% of the registries malnutrition was observed (Body Mass Index <20), in 39.7% (25/63), dependence on alcohol, tobacco or drug dependence was registered. Conclusions: Mortality associated with TB/HIV is preventable, but in 2017 it represented a quarter of the TB mortality in Cali. Adult men with conditions of social vulnerability, diagnosed in advanced stages of disease, were fatally targeted. Improving information systems and integrating TB/HIV programs should be priority strategies for public health in Colombia.

Malformación venosa del útero / Uterine venous malformation

Resumen Las malformaciones venosas son lesiones vasculares benignas infrecuentes que se presentan en el útero. Están conformadas por venas anormales, de diferentes tamaños y proporciones, con configuración espongiforme y disposición al azar. En la literatura, han sido previamente reportados algunos casos, usando el término "hemangioma cavernoso", pero según los cambios recientes en la terminología, aprobados por Sociedad Internacional para el Estudio de las Anormalidades Vasculares (ISSVA), se desaconseja el uso de este término y se sugiere el de "Malformación venosa", si se cumplen los hallazgos histopatológicos al momento de hacer el diagnóstico. Presentamos el caso de una mujer de 44 años, con cuadro de hemorragia vaginal anormal y diagnóstico clínico de miomatosis y mioma abortado por el orificio cervical interno, el estudio histopatológico reveló la presencia de una malformación venosa que comprometía el miometrio y endometrio, con formación subsecuente de un pólipo.

Abstract Venous malformations are benign vascular lesions that rarely appear in the uterus. They are made up of abnormal veins, of different sizes and proportions, with spongiform configuration and random disposition. In the literature, some cases have been previously reported, using the term "cavernous hemangioma", but according to recent changes in terminology, approved by the International Society for the Study of Vascular Abnormalities (ISSVA), the use of this term is discouraged, and the diagnosis of Venous malformation is suggested, if the histopathological findings are met. We present the case of a 44-year-old woman, with abnormal vaginal bleeding and a clinical diagnosis of myomatosis and myoma aborted by the internal cervical orifice, in whom the histopathological study revealed the presence of a venous malformation that compromised the myometrium and endometrium, with subsequent formation of a polyp.

Evaluating the Quality of Tuberculosis Contact Investigation in Cali, Colombia: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Tuberculosis (TB) contact investigation facilitates earlier TB diagnosis and initiation of preventive therapy, but little data exist about the quality of its implementation. We conducted a retrospective cohort study to evaluate processes of TB contact investigation for index TB patients diagnosed in Cali, Colombia, in 2017, including dropout at each stage and overall yield. We constructed multivariable models to identify predictors of completing 1) the baseline household visit and 2) a follow-up clinic visit for TB evaluation among referred contacts. Sixty-eight percent (759/1,120) of registered TB patients were eligible for contact investigation; 77% (582/759) received a household visit. Odds of completing a household visit were significantly lower among men (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.6; 95% CI: 0.4-0.9; P = 0.009) and patients living in Cali's western zone (aOR: 0.5; 95% CI: 0.3-0.8; P = 0.008). Among 1880 screened contacts, 31% (n = 582) met the criteria for clinic referral, 47% (n = 271) completed a clinic visit, and 85% (231/271) completed testing. After adjusting for clustering by index patient, odds of completing referral were higher among contacts with cough (aOR: 22; 95% CI: 7.1-66; P < 0.001) and contacts living in the western zone (aOR: 4.1; 95% CI: 1.2-15; P = 0.03). The cumulative probability of a symptomatic contact from an eligible household completing TB evaluation was only 28%. The yield of active TB patients among contacts was only 0.3% (5/1880). Only 16% (17/103) of children aged < 5 years and none of the eight persons living with HIV, reported preventive therapy initiation. Routine monitoring of process indicators may facilitate quality improvement to close gaps in contact tracing and increase yield.

Delayed HIV treatment, barriers in access to care and mortality in tuberculosis/HIV co-infected patients in Cali, Colombia.

Objective: To determine factors associated with mortality in tuberculosis/HIV co-infected patients in Cali, Colombia. Methods: This retrospective cohort design included tuberculosis/HIV co-infected persons. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression were used to estimate survival and risk factors associated with mortality. Results: Of the 279 tuberculosis/HIV co-infected participants, 27.2% died during the study. Participants mainly were adults and males. CD4 count information was available for 41.6% (the median count was 83 cells/mm3), and half were subject to tuberculosis susceptibility testing. The median time between HIV diagnosis and antiretroviral therapy initiation was 372 days. HIV was identified prior to tuberculosis in 53% and concurrent HIV-tuberculosis were diagnosed in 37% of patients. 44.8% had tuberculosis treatment success. Body mass index above 18 kg/m2, initiation of tuberculosis treatment within two weeks, having any health insurance coverage and CD4 count information conferred a survival advantage. Conclusions: Delays in treatment initiation and factors associated with limited health care access or utilization were associated with mortality. As HIV and tuberculosis are both reportable conditions in Colombia, strategies should be focused on optimizing treatment outcomes within both tuberculosis and HIV programs, particularly improving early HIV diagnosis, early antiretroviral therapy treatment initiation, and adherence to tuberculosis treatment.

Objetivo: Determinar factores asociados con mortalidad en personas con co-infeccion Tuberculosis/VIH en Cali, Colombia. Métodos: Este diseño de cohorte retrospectiva incluyó personas co-infectadas con tuberculosis /VIH. Se utilizó Kaplan Meier y regresion de Cox para estimar supervivencia y factores de riesgo asociados con mortalidad. Resultados: De los 279 participantes coinfectados con tuberculosis/VIH, el 27.2% falleció durante el estudio. Los participantes fueron principalmente adultos y hombres. Se dispuso de información de recuento de CD4 en el 41.6% (la mediana del recuento fue 83 células/mm3), y en la mitad se realizaron pruebas de susceptibilidad para tuberculosis. La mediana de tiempo entre el diagnóstico de VIH e inicio de terapia antirretroviral fue 372 días. Se identificó VIH previo a tuberculosis en un 53%, e infección concurrente tuberculosis-VIH en el 37% de los pacientes. El 44.8% presentó éxito en el tratamiento para tuberculosis. Un índice de masa corporal superior a 18 kg/m2, inicio del tratamiento para TB dentro de las primeras dos semanas, contar con aseguramiento en salud y con recuento de CD4 se asociaron con mayor supervivencia. Conclusiones: Retraso en el inicio de tratamiento y factores relacionados con brechas en el acceso a atención en salud se asociaron con mortalidad. Dado que VIH y tuberculosis son enfermedades de notificación obligatoria en Colombia, las estrategias deben centrarse en optimizar los desenlaces del tratamiento dentro de ambos programas, en particular mejorar el diagnóstico temprano de VIH, el inicio temprano de la terapia antirretroviral y fomentar la adherencia al tratamiento para tuberculosis.

Sugary Liquids in the Baby Bottle: Risk for Child Undernutrition and Severe Tooth Decay in Rural El Salvador.

As communities worldwide shift from consuming traditional diets to more processed snacks and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), increases in child obesity and tooth decay and persistence of undernutrition are particularly apparent in Latin American countries. Further evidence of shared risk factors between child undernutrition and poor oral health outcomes is needed to structure more effective health interventions for children's nutrition. This study aims to identify dietary, oral health, and sociodemographic risk factors for child undernutrition and severe early childhood caries (sECC) among a convenience sample of 797 caregiver-child pairs from rural Salvadoran communities. Caregiver interviews on child dietary and oral health practices were conducted, and their children's height, weight, and dental exam data were collected. Multivariable regression analyses were performed using RStudio (version 1.0.143). Caregiver use of SSBs in the baby bottle was identified as a common significant risk factor for child undernutrition (p = 0.011) and sECC (p = 0.047). Early childhood caries (p = 0.023) was also a risk factor for developing undernutrition. Future maternal-child health and nutrition programs should coordinate with oral health interventions to discourage feeding children SSBs in the baby bottle and to advocate for policies limiting SSB marketing to young children and their families.

Therapeutic strategies for ketosis induction and their potential efficacy for the treatment of acute brain injury and neurodegenerative diseases.

The therapeutic use of ketone bodies (KB) against acute brain injury and neurodegenerative disorders has lately been suggested by many studies. Several mechanisms responsible for the protective action of KB have been described, including metabolic, anti-inflammatory and epigenetic. However, it is still not clear whether a specific mechanism of action can be associated with a particular neurological disorder. Different strategies to induce ketosis including the ketogenic diet (KD), caloric restriction (CR), intermittent fasting (IF), as well as the administration of medium chain triglycerides (MCTs), exogenous ketones or KB derivatives, have been used in animal models of brain injury and in humans. They have shown different degrees of success to prevent neuronal damage, motor alterations and cognitive decline. However, more investigation is needed in order to establish safe protocols for clinical application. Throughout the present review, we describe the different approaches that have been used to elevate blood KB and discuss their effectiveness considering their advantages and limitations, as tested in models of brain injury, neurodegeneration and clinical research. We also describe the mechanisms of action of KB in non-pathologic conditions and in association with their protective effect against neuronal damage in acute neurological disorders and neurodegenerative diseases.

Factors associated with delays in pulmonary tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment initiation in Cali, Colombia.

OBJECTIVE: To determine factors associated with delays in pulmonary tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment initiation in the city of Cali, Colombia. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of cases of tuberculosis (TB) reported in the TB control program of Cali between January and December 2016. The information was collected from the databases of the TB control program, individual treatment cards, and clinical histories. The variables considered were sociodemographic factors, clinical factors, substance use, and performance of the health service. RESULTS: A total of 623 cases were identified, of which 57.0% were male. The median age was 42 years (interquartile range (IQR): 27-60). The median time from onset of symptoms to TB diagnosis was 57 days (IQR: 21-117), and from onset of symptoms to TB treatment initiation was 72 days (IQR: 35-145). A factor associated with longer time from the onset of symptoms to TB treatment was being a previously treated TB patient (coefficient: 123.8 days, 95% confidence interval (CI): 48.3 to 199.3). In contrast, being incarcerated was a protective factor for earlier TB treatment initiation (coefficient: -57.3 days; 95% CI: -92.4 to -22.3). CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide important information concerning risk factors that are associated with delays in the diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis, and that are subject to future interventions. Health insurance program managers must work together with health care providers on issues that include patient care, health promotion, and updating TB protocols and standards.

Factors associated with delays in pulmonary tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment initiation in Cali, Colombia

[ABSTRACT]. Objective. To determine factors associated with delays in pulmonary tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment initiation in the city of Cali, Colombia. Methods. This was a retrospective cohort study of cases of tuberculosis (TB) reported in the TB control program of Cali between January and December 2016. The information was collected from the databases of the TB control program, individual treatment cards, and clinical histories. The variables considered were sociodemographic factors, clinical factors, substance use, and performance of the health service. Results. A total of 623 cases were identified, of which 57.0% were male. The median age was 42 years (interquartile range (IQR): 27–60). The median time from onset of symptoms to TB diagnosis was 57 days (IQR: 21–117), and from onset of symptoms to TB treatment initiation was 72 days (IQR: 35–145). A factor associated with longer time from the onset of symptoms to TB treatment was being a previously treated TB patient (coefficient: 123.8 days, 95% confidence interval (CI): 48.3 to 199.3). In contrast, being incarcerated was a protective factor for earlier TB treatment initiation (coefficient: -57.3 days; 95% CI: -92.4 to -22.3). Conclusions. Our results provide important information concerning risk factors that are associated with delays in the diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis, and that are subject to future interventions. Health insurance program managers must work together with health care providers on issues that include patient care, health promotion, and updating TB protocols and standards.

[RESUMEN]. Objetivo. Determinar los factores relacionados con los retrasos en el diagnóstico e inicio del tratamiento de la tuberculosis pulmonar en la ciudad de Cali (Colombia). Métodos. Este fue un estudio de cohortes retrospectivo de los casos de tuberculosis notificados en el programa de control de la tuberculosis de Cali entre enero y diciembre del 2016. La información se recopiló a partir de las bases de datos del programa de control de la tuberculosis, las tarjetas de tratamiento individuales y las historias clínicas. Las variables consideradas fueron factores sociodemográficos, factores clínicos, consumo de tabaco y alcohol y funcionamiento del servicio de salud. Resultados. Se identificaron 623 casos, 57,0% de los cuales eran hombres. La mediana de la edad fue de 42 años (recorrido intercuartílico [RIC]: 20-60). La mediana del lapso entre el inicio de los síntomas de tuberculosis y el diagnóstico fue de 57 días (RIC: 21-117), y entre el inicio de los síntomas y el inicio del tratamiento antituberculoso, de 72 días (RIC: 35-145). Un factor relacionado con un lapso más largo entre el inicio de los síntomas y el inicio del tratamiento antituberculoso fue el ser un paciente con tuberculosis que ya había recibido tratamiento (coeficiente: 123,8 días; intervalo de confianza [IC] de 95%: 48.3 a 199,3). Por el contrario, estar en prisión fue un factor protector para un inicio más temprano del tratamiento antituberculoso (coeficiente: -57,3 días; IC de 95%: -92.4 a -22,3). Conclusiones. Nuestros resultados brindan información importante acerca de los factores de riesgo relacionados con los retrasos en el diagnóstico y el tratamiento de la tuberculosis, que son susceptibles de intervenciones futuras. Los directores de los programas de seguro de enfermedad deben colaborar con los prestadores de atención sanitaria en aspectos tales como la atención de los pacientes, la promoción de la salud y la actualización de los protocolos y normas relativos a la tuberculosis.

[RESUMO]. Objetivo. Determinar os fatores associados à demora no diagnóstico e no início do tratamento da tuberculose pulmonar na cidade de Cáli, Colômbia. Métodos. Estudo retrospectivo de coorte de casos de tuberculose notificados como parte do programa de controle de tuberculose de Cáli entre janeiro e dezembro de 2016. Os dados foram coletados das bases de dados do programa de controle de tuberculose, fichas individuais de tratamento e histórias clínicas. As variáveis consideradas foram fatores sociodemográficos, fatores clínicos, uso de substâncias químicas e desempenho do serviço de saúde. Resultados. Ao todo, foram identificados 623 casos, sendo 57,0% no sexo masculino. A média de idade foi 42 anos (intervalo interquartil [IIQ] 27-60). A mediana de tempo do início dos sintomas ao diagnóstico da tuberculose foi de 57 dias (IIQ 21-117) e do início dos sintomas ao início do tratamento da tuberculose foi de 72 dias (IIQ 35-145). Ter sido tratado anteriormente para tuberculose foi um fator associado a um intervalo maior entre o início dos sintomas e o tratamento da tuberculose (coeficiente 123,8 dias, intervalo de confiança de 95% [IC 95%] 48,3 a 199,3). Por outro lado, estar em detenção foi um fator de proteção para o início precoce do tratamento da tuberculose (coeficiente –57,3 dias; IC 95% –92,4 a –22,3). Conclusões. Os nossos resultados contribuem com aporte importante sobre os fatores de risco associados à demora no diagnóstico e no tratamento da tuberculose e são passíveis de intervenções futuras. Os responsáveis pelos programas dos planos de saúde devem colaborar com os profissionais da saúde na assistência ao paciente, promoção da saúde e atualização dos protocolos e padrões de atenção da tuberculose.

The Ketone Body, ß-Hydroxybutyrate Stimulates the Autophagic Flux and Prevents Neuronal Death Induced by Glucose Deprivation in Cortical Cultured Neurons.

Glucose is the major energy substrate in brain, however, during ketogenesis induced by starvation or prolonged hypoglycemia, the ketone bodies (KB), acetoacetate and ß-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) can substitute for glucose. KB improve neuronal survival in diverse injury models, but the mechanisms by which KB prevent neuronal damage are still not well understood. In the present study we have investigated whether protection by the D isomer of BHB (D-BHB) against neuronal death induced by glucose deprivation (GD), is related to autophagy. Autophagy is a lysosomal-dependent degradation process activated during nutritional stress, which leads to the digestion of damaged proteins and organelles providing energy for cell survival. Results show that autophagy is activated in cortical cultured neurons during GD, as indicated by the increase in the levels of the lipidated form of the microtubule associated protein light chain 3 (LC3-II), and the number of autophagic vesicles. At early phases of glucose reintroduction (GR), the levels of p62 declined suggesting that the degradation of the autophagolysosomal content takes place at this time. In cultures exposed to GD and GR in the presence of D-BHB, the levels of LC3-II and p62 rapidly declined and remained low during GR, suggesting that the KB stimulates the autophagic flux preventing autophagosome accumulation and improving neuronal survival.