Biologic therapy for psoriasis is associated with the development of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). A study on the association of cardiometabolic conditions with psoriasis treatment.

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis requires a comprehensive assessment of concomitant diseases to make better therapeutic decisions. This study examined the differences in the onset and progression of associated cardiometabolic comorbidities in psoriasis patients based on their treatments. METHODS: A retrospective longitudinal study was conducted on patients aged over 13 years with psoriasis seen at a Northern Mexican Hospital between 2012 and 2023. Patients were categorized into three groups according on the type of treatment received: topical, systemic, and biologic. A logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of comorbidity development. RESULTS: 197 patients were included; 52.8% were women, with a mean (SD) age of 54.45 (16.91) years, divided into topical [n = 90 (45.7%)], systemic [n = 57 (29.1%)], and biologic [n = 50 (25.5%)] groups, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) was significantly more prevalent in the biologic group [22 (44%)], p < 0.001. The logistic regression showed that type 2 diabetes mellitus, biological treatments (OR = 5.798, p = 0.001), and body mass index (OR = 1.144, p = 0.002), predicted the development of MASLD with a Nagelkerke's R2 of 0.400. CONCLUSIONS: Psoriasis patients using biological therapies have a greater predisposition to MASLD. These patients should receive a comprehensive approach to identify metabolic conditions, and screening tests for MASLD are recommended.

Establishing the degree of control in patients with atopic dermatitis with the atopic dermatitis control tool (ADCT).

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a disease of multifactorial etiology that affects the quality of life of those afflicted. OBJECTIVE: The degree of control of patients with AD over 12 years of age was determined with the Atopic Dermatitis Control Instrument (ADCT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This observational, cross-sectional, descriptive study included patients with AD who were evaluated with a self-administered instrument, the ADCT. Pearson's Chi square and Student's t-tests were used for categorical variables. The association between continuous variables was analyzed with the Pearson and Spearman correlations. RESULTS: A total of 55 patients with AD were included-42 women (76.4%) and 13 men (23.6%). The median age was 24 years (12-63). Regarding the degree of disease control, it was adequate in 23 (41.8%) patients and inadequate in 32 (58.2%). The patient's sex, age, work activity, residence, and level of education were not statistically significant factors for the degree of control. The most prevalent comorbidity was allergic rhinitis with a higher percentage in those with adequate control (p = 0.049). Treatment with corticosteroids was associated with good disease control (p <0.001). A high positive correlation (r = 0.770, p < 0.001) was found between the SCORAD score and the ADCT score for symptom control. SCORAD and POEM scores showed a direct proportional relationship (r = 0.791; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The ADCT allowed us to determine the degree of control of atopic dermatitis and develop treatment strategies.

Morbidity and factors associated with frailty in post-COVID-19 elderly patients attended at a reference center.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the morbidity profile and identify factors associated with frailty syndrome in post-COVID-19 elderly patients treated at the only Reference Center for Elderly Health Care in northern Minas Gerais. METHODS: This is a case series study, utilizing the Clinical-Functional Vulnerability Index-20 (CFVI-20) and Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) to characterize and evaluate the health condition of the group. To define the variables associated with frailty, a multivariate analysis was conducted. RESULTS: The study included 204 elderly individuals, with a predominance of females (63.7%). The variables associated with frailty were cognitive impairment (OR: 2.95; 95% CI: 1.12-7.80; p=0.029), the presence of five or more comorbidities (OR: 11.55; 95% CI: 2.22-60.01; p=0.004), and impairment in instrumental activities of daily living (OR: 41.97; 95% CI: 5.47-321.93; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study highlight the need for a well-established and prepared coordination of integrated care to meet the demands of the post-COVID-19 elderly population.

Prevalence, comorbidities, and disease-related complications of rheumatoid arthritis in Colombia: a national cross-sectional study based on administrative claims data.

BACKGROUND: To date, there has been limited exploration, particularly on a national scale, of the prevalence patterns of comorbidities and complications associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Colombia. We aimed to analyze the prevalence patterns of comorbidities and disease-related complications of RA patients enrolled in Colombia's contributory healthcare regime. METHODS: We performed a nationwide observational descriptive cross-sectional study using administrative claims data. We used a set of sensitive and specific electronic algorithms (i.e., a set of rules) applied to linked data based on ICD-10 codes and unique medication use codes. We compared all those algorithms with several sources, including governmental agencies and scientific literature, to identify all the known adults treated for RA. RESULTS: A total of 123,080 RA cases for 2018 were identified, corresponding to a point prevalence of 0.86 (95% CI 0.86-0.87) per 100. Compared to a non-RA reference population, hypertension (68.2 vs. 20.0%), osteoarthritis (43.6 vs. 6.1%), and osteoporosis (18.6 vs. 1.1%) provided larger standardized mean differences. Lupus (30.04; 95%CI 29.3-30.8), multiple sclerosis (7.18; 95%CI 6.6-7.8), and osteoporosis (5.57; 95%CI 5.5-5.6) provided higher age- and sex-adjusted prevalence ratios. Disease-related complications were found in 62.2% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: We describe the first comprehensive assessment of the prevalence patterns of disease-related complications and comorbidities that define the RA burden of disease within a multimorbidity profile. Also, our study provides a narrower and more reliable point prevalence estimate for RA in Colombia.

Clinical outcomes of COVID-19 in patients with liver cirrhosis - a propensity-matched analysis from a multicentric Brazilian cohort.

BACKGROUND: Cirrhosis has been pointed out as a clinical entity that leads to worse clinical prognosis in COVID-19 patients. However, this concept is controversial in the literature. We aimed to evaluate clinical outcomes by comparing patients with cirrhosis to those without cirrhosis in a Brazilian cohort. METHODS: Data from 20,164 COVID-19 inpatients were collected from 41 hospitals in Brazil between March to September 2020 and March 2021 to August 2022. We compared 117 patients with cirrhosis to 632 matched controls. A propensity score model was used to adjust for potential confounding variables, incorporating some predictors: age, sex at birth, number of comorbidities, hospital of admission, whether it was an in-hospital clinical manifestation of COVID-19, and admission year. Closeness was defined as being within 0.16 standard deviations of the logit of the propensity score. RESULTS: The median age was 61 (IQR 50-70) years old, and 63.4% were men. There were no significant differences in the self-reported symptoms. Patients with cirrhosis had lower median hemoglobin levels (10.8 vs. 13.1 g/dl), lower platelets (127,000 vs. 200,000 cells/mm3), and leukocyte counts, as well as lower median C-reactive protein (63.0 vs. 76.0 p = 0.044) when compared to controls. They also had higher mortality compared to matched controls (51.3% vs. 21.7%, p < 0.001). They also had higher frequencies of admission in an intensive care unit (51.3% vs. 38.0%, p = 0.007), invasive mechanical ventilation (43.9% vs. 26.6%, p < 0.001), dialysis (17.9% vs. 11.1%, p = 0.038), septic shock (23.9% vs. 14.9%; p = 0.015) and institution of palliative care (19.7% vs. 7.4%; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study has shown that COVID-19 inpatients with cirrhosis had significantly higher incidence of severe outcomes, as well as higher frequency of institution of palliative care when compared to matched controls. Our findings underscore the need for these patients to receive particular attention from healthcare teams and allocated resources.

Current perspectives on the rehabilitation of COPD patients with comorbidities.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is frequently accompanied by a variety of comorbidities, complicating management and rehabilitation efforts. Understanding this interplay is crucial for optimizing patient outcomes. AREAS COVERED: This review, based on the MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Library databases, summarizes the main research on the rehabilitation of patients with COPD, with an emphasis on relevant comorbidities, such as cardiovascular diseases, pulmonary hypertension, lung cancer, metabolic, musculoskeletal, and gastrointestinal disorders. anxiety/depression and cognitive disorders. The study highlights the importance of pre-participation assessments, ongoing monitoring and personalized rehabilitation programs. A review includes a comprehensive literature search to assess the scientific evidence on these interventions and their impact. EXPERT OPINION: The integration of cardiorespiratory rehabilitation program is essential for improving physical capacity and quality of life in COPD patients with comorbidities. While existing studies highlight positive outcomes, challenges such as interdisciplinary collaboration and access to rehabilitation services remain. Future strategies must prioritize personalized and integrated approaches programs combining pharmacological optimization and a close monitoring during cardiopulmonary rehabilitation to significantly reduce hospital readmissions and mortality, even in patients with complex multimorbidities. Continued research is necessary to refine rehabilitation protocols and better understand the complexities of managing COPD alongside cardiac conditions.

2024 Latin American Society of Hypertension guidelines on the management of arterial hypertension and related comorbidities in Latin America.

Hypertension is responsible for more than two million deaths due to cardiovascular disease annually in Latin America (LATAM), of which one million occurs before 70 years of age. Hypertension is the main risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, affecting between 20 and 40% of LATAM adults. Since the publication of the 2017 LASH hypertension guidelines, reports from different LATAM countries have confirmed the burden of hypertension on cardiovascular disease events and mortality in the region. Many studies in the region have reported and emphasized the dramatically insufficient blood pressure control. The extremely low rates of awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension, particularly in patients with metabolic disorders, is a recognized severe problem in LATAM. Earlier implementation of antihypertensive interventions and management of all cardiovascular risk factors is the recognized best strategy to improve the natural history of cardiovascular disease in LATAM. The 2024 LASH guidelines have been developed by a large group of experts from internal medicine, cardiology, nephrology, endocrinology, general medicine, geriatrics, pharmacology, and epidemiology of different countries of LATAM and Europe. A careful search for novel studies on hypertension and related diseases in LATAM, together with the new evidence that emerged since the 2017 LASH guidelines, support all statements and recommendations. This update aims to provide clear, concise, accessible, and useful recommendations for health professionals to improve awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension and associated cardiovascular risk factors in the region.

Pharmacologic Treatment of Obesity in adults and its impact on comorbidities: 2024 Update and Position Statement of Specialists from the Brazilian Association for the Study of Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome (Abeso) and the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism (SBEM).

Pharmacological treatment of obesity is passing through many changes in the last decades; different agents have been approved, and newer options are leaning towards higher efficacy and a more favourable safety profile; however, medications approved for a longer time are still available and useful for many patients. This document is an 2024 Update Position Statement of Specialists from the Brazilian Association for the Study of Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome (Abeso) and the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism (SBEM), with the aim of reviewing all the approved medications for the management of obesity in Brazil (sibutramine, orlistat, liraglutide, semaglutide and bupropion/naltrexone fixed dose), with the addition of tirzepatide, that is approved in other countries and likely approved soon in Brazil. The review is focused on efficacy, safety profile and the impact of drugs (based on existing studies) on different comorbidities.

Urges to move and struggles to breathe: restless legs syndrome/WillisEkbom disease in adult patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

PURPOSE: Recent evidences pointed out that the prevalence of comorbidity of restless legs syndrome/Willis-Ekbom disease (RLS/WED) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is around 20%. Nonetheless its association factors have not been extensively evaluated after the recent modification in diagnostic criteria. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of RLS/WED and its association factors with OSA in an adult sample. METHODS: This was a prospective, cross-sectional study including 490 adult patients with OSA diagnosis (apnea-hypopnea index ≥ 5 obstructive events/hour associated to clinical picture). RLS/WED diagnosis was established by the 2014 International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group (IRLSSG) criteria established by face-to-face interview with a neurologist. RESULTS: The prevalence of RLS/WED was 18.6% (n = 91) and its diagnosis was previously established in 13.2% (n = 12/91). The mean IRLSSG severity score was 17.0 (standard deviation 6.8). RLS/WED was associated with female sex, chronic insomnia symptoms, greater anxiety, and depression severity scores, and with mild obstructive sleep apnea severity. On the other hand, severe obstructive sleep apnea was negatively associated to RLS/WED. CONCLUSIONS: Despite being relatively prevalent among patients with OSA, RLS/WED is previously underrecognized in our sample. RLS/WED severity correlated with higher scores on anxiety and depression scales. Chronic insomnia symptoms were the main RLS/WED association factor.

Interaction between type 2 diabetes and past COVID-19 on active tuberculosis.

BACKGROUND: The global setback in tuberculosis (TB) prevalence and mortality in the post-COVID-19 era has been partially attributed to pandemic-related disruptions in healthcare systems. The additional biological contribution of COVID-19 to TB is less clear. The goal of this study was to determine if there is an association between COVID-19 in the past 18 months and a new TB episode, and the role played by type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) comorbidity in this relationship. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 112 new active TB patients and 373 non-TB controls, identified between June 2020 and November 2021 in communities along the Mexican border with Texas. Past COVID-19 was based on self-report or positive serology. Bivariable/multivariable analysis were used to evaluate the odds of new TB in hosts with past COVID-19 and/or DM status. RESULTS: The odds of new TB were higher among past COVID-19 cases vs. controls, but only significant among DM patients (aOR 2.3). The odds of TB in people with DM was 2.7-fold higher among participants without past COVID-19 and increased to 7.9-fold among those with past COVID-19. CONCLUSION: DM interacts with past COVID-19 synergistically to magnify the risk of TB. Latent TB screening and prophylactic treatment, if positive, is recommended in past COVID-19 persons with DM. Future studies are warranted with a longitudinal design and larger sample size to confirm our findings.

Fibromyalgia comorbidity in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus patients: assessing impact on quality of life.

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of Fibromyalgia in patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is significantly higher compared to the general population. Despite this frequent association, Fibromyalgia remains underdiagnosed and consequently inadequately treated, negatively affecting the quality of life of these patients. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the occurrence of Fibromyalgia and its impact on the quality of life of Brazilian patients with SLE treated at a University Hospital in the state of Paraiba. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This descriptive, observational, and cross-sectional study included patients with SLE diagnosed according to the 2012 criteria of the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC). The occurrence of Fibromyalgia was assessed using the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria of 1990 and 2010/2011, revised in 2016. Quality of life was evaluated using the Short-Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire for all patients, while the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) was applied to those diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. RESULTS: The sample comprised 107 SLE patients, with an average age of 54.1 years (SD:12.1), of whom 95.4% (102) were women. The prevalence of Fibromyalgia among SLE patients was 19.1% (21), all of whom were women with a mean age of 45.6 years (SD 9.6). The SF-36 scores of SLE patients with Fibromyalgia were consistently lower across all eight domains compared to those without Fibromyalgia, indicating a significant negative impact of this comorbidity. CONCLUSION: These findings are consistent with existing literature, highlighting the significant negative impact of Fibromyalgia on the quality of life of patients with SLE. CONCLUSION: These findings are consistent with existing literature, highlighting the significant negative impact of Fibromyalgia on the quality of life of patients with SLE.

Nurses' experiences in caring for people with mental health problems hospitalized due to clinical comorbidities.

OBJECTIVES: to understand nurses' experiences in caring for people with mental health problems hospitalized due to clinical comorbidities in non-psychiatric Inpatient Units. METHODS: qualitative study, guided by Alfred Schutz's social phenomenology. Sixteen phenomenological interviews were conducted. The content was analyzed and discussed based on the literature, through the composition of three categories of analysis. RESULTS: three categories emerged in the study: Challenges in care faced by nurses; Fragmented care action; and Ideal care. The disarticulation of the clinic was revealed, as described by nurses, showing care as an action far removed from the comprehensiveness of a person. Nurses' performance is guided predominantly by biomedical reference, disregarding appreciation of subjectivity. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: it was observed that nurses attribute the responsibility for patient care to factors external to their life-world, when, in fact, these aspects should be components that help them in comprehensive care construction.

Impact of Variants, Epidemiological Trends, and Comorbidities on Hospitalization Rates of Unvaccinated Children in Brazil: A Retrospective Study (2020-2022).

This retrospective study aimed to investigate the impact of the emergence of new variants and the epidemiological scenario on hospitalization rates of unvaccinated children (0-12 years) in Brazil. The study included 1614 children admitted to a hospital between March 2020 and December 2022 but 101 (6.3%) of them testing positive for COVID-19 via RT-PCR. The frequency of COVID-19 cases increased from 7.5% in 2020 to 9.3% in 2022 with the emergence of the Omicron variant. Children over 5 years old with comorbidities accounted for most cases (69% [70/101]). Sickle cell anemia was the most frequent comorbidity (20%), and influenza-like illness (36% [36/101]) and decompensation of underlying disease (33% [33/101]) were the main reasons for hospitalization. Coinfection was detected in 11% of cases, with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) being the most common viral pathogen (71%). Hospital readmission occurred in 26% of cases, with a higher frequency in children over 5 years old. The death rate was 1.9%, with comorbidities such as cystic fibrosis and congenital heart disease as risk factors. These findings emphasize the need to prioritize vaccination with monovalent Omicron XBB for high-risk groups, including children over 5 years old with comorbidities, to mitigate the impact of new variants and reduce severe disease outcomes.

Characteristics and outcomes of in-hospital patients with Covid-19 and history of tuberculosis: a matched case-control from the Brazilian Covid-19 Registry.

BACKGROUND: The Covid-19 pandemic caused a negative impact on other infectious diseases control, prevention, and treatment. Consequently, low and middle-income countries suffer from other endemic diseases, such as tuberculosis. This study was designed to compare Covid-19 manifestations and outcomes between patients with previously treated tuberculosis and controls without this condition. METHODS: We performed a matched case-control study drawn from the Brazilian Covid-19 Registry data, including in-hospital patients aged 18 and over with laboratory-confirmed Covid-19 from March 1, 2020, to March 31, 2022. Cases were patients with a past history of tuberculosis. Controls were Covid-19 patients without a tuberculosis history. Patients were matched by hospital, sex, presence of HIV, and number of comorbidities, with a 1:4 ratio. RESULTS: Of 13,636 patients with laboratory-confirmed diagnoses of Covid-19 enrolled in this study, 80 had a history of tuberculosis. Statistical differences in history of chronic pulmonary obstructive disease (15% vs. 3.2%), psychiatric disease (10% vs. 3.5%,), chronic kidney disease (11.2% vs. 2.8%), and solid-organ transplantation; (5% vs. 0.9%, p < 0.05 for all) were higher in patients with a past history of tuberculosis. Prior use of inhalatory medications (5% vs. 0.6%,), oral corticoids (8.8% vs. 1.9%), immunosuppressants (8.8% vs. 1.9%,) and the use of illicit drugs were more common in the case group (6.2% vs. 0.3% p < 0.05for all). There were no significant differences in in-hospital mortality, mechanical ventilation, need for dialysis, and ICU admission. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with a history of tuberculosis infection presented a higher frequency of use of illicit drugs, chronic pulmonary obstructive disease, psychiatric disease, chronic kidney disease, solid-organ transplantation, prior use of inhalatory medications, oral corticoids, and immunosuppressants. The outcomes were similar between cases and controls.

Mortalidad luego de una fractura de cadera: seguimiento a 10 años / Mortality after hip fracture: 10-year follow-up

Las fracturas de cadera por osteoporosis constituyen un problema de salud y se relacionan con el aumento de la morbimortalidad. Objetivo: determinar las tasas, las causas y factores de riesgo de mortalidad en los pacientes con fracturas de cadera, en un período de seguimiento de 10 años. Metodología: estudio de cohorte, retrospectivo, realizado en pacientes ≥ 50 años pertenecientes al Plan de Salud del Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires que se internaron por frac-tura de cadera entre el 01-7-2005 y el 31-12-2010. Se evaluaron: sexo, edad, comorbilidades y tratamiento con bifosfonato prefractura y posfractura. Se utilizaron los métodos: Chi cuadrado, media, mediana y DS, sobrevida de Kaplan-Meier y modelos de riesgo proporcionales de Cox. Resultados: se incluyeron 965 pacientes. La media de edad al momento de la fractura fue 81,6 años; el 80,7% fueron mujeres. La mor-talidad global al año fue de 14,9% y de 73,2% a los 10 años, siendo mayor en hombres (HR: 1,31; IC 95%: 1,10-1,58; p=0,003), mayor (HR: 1,10; IC 95%: 1,09-1,11; p<0,001) y aumento del puntaje (score) de Charlson (HR:1,29; IC 95%: 1,23-1,34; p<0,001). Los factores de riesgo de mortalidad según el análisis multivariable de Cox en el período son: edad, índice de Charlson, sexo masculino, fractura medial, demencia e insuficiencia cardíaca congestiva. Los bifosfonatos favorecieron la sobrevida de la población (Cox). Las causas de muerte más frecuentes fueron las infecciosas y las cardiovasculares. A los 10 años sobrevivió la población que era más joven al inicio del estudio, más sana y tratada con bifosfonatos después de la fractura de cadera. Conclusiones: de esta observación a largo plazo surge la importancia del seguimiento y tratamiento con fármacos osteoactivos después de la fractura de cadera a toda la población, especialmente a la más añosa, masculina y con comorbilidades. (AU)

Hip fractures due to osteoporosis constitute a health problem and are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Objective: To determine the rates, causes, and risk factors for mortality in patients with hip fractures over a 10-year follow-up period. Methodology: This retrospective cohort study included patients aged ≥50 years who were part of the health plan at the Italian Hospital of Buenos Aires and were hospitalized for hip fracture between July 1, 2005, and December 31, 2010. Sex, age, comorbidities, and pre- and post-fracture bisphosphonate treatment were evaluated. Statistical methods included chi-square tests, mean, median, standard deviation, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, and Cox proportional hazards model. Results: A total of 965 patients were included. The mean age at the time of fracture was 81.6 years, and 80.7% were women. The overall mortality rate at one year was 14.9%, increasing to 73.2% at 10 years. Mortality was higher in men (HR: 1.31; 95% CI 1.10-1.58; p=0.003), older age (HR: 1.10; 95% CI 1.09-1.11; p<0.001), and Charlson comorbidity score (HR: 1.29; 95% CI 1.23-1.34; p<0.001) at ten years of follow-up.Risk factors for mortality during the study period, according to multivariate Cox analysis, included age, Charlson index, male sex, medial fracture, dementia, and congestive heart failure. Bisphosphonates improved survival (Cox analysis). The most common causes of death were infectious and cardiovascular. Patients that survived after ten years of follow-up were healthier, younger at baseline, and showed a higher proportion of treatment with bisphosphonates after hip fracture. Conclusions: This long-term observation highlights the importance of follow-up and osteoactive drug treatment after hip fracture, especially in older, male and patients with comorbidities. (AU)

Transición del paciente epiléptico de la atención pediátrica a la atención de adultos / Transition of the epileptic patient from pediatric to adult care

La transición de la atención pediátrica a la atención de adultos en pacientes con epilepsia de inicio en la infancia es un desafío en el cual deben tenerse en cuenta varios aspectos: síndrome epiléptico, etiología, las comorbilidades, la consecución de hitos sociales y el ajuste de la medicación anticrisis (MAC). Sin embargo, existe poca información sobre la evolución de estos pacientes, tras la transición a la atención de adultos con epilepsia. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo, revisión de historias clínicas de pacientes con diagnóstico de epilepsia farmacorresistente seguidos en el servicio de neurología, área de epilepsia entre 14 y 17 años que transitaron a la atención de adultos entre 2019 y 2023. Resultados: Se encontraban en seguimiento por el área de epilepsia de difícil control 730 pacientes entre 2019 y 2023. De estos 47 (21 hombres y 26 mujeres) iniciaron el proceso de transición a un centro de atención de adultos. La edad promedio de derivación es de 15,8 años (rango de 14 a 21 años), mediana de 16 y 18 años. De los 47 pacientes, 24 corresponden a encefalopatías epilépticas y del desarrollo,12 epilepsia focal de origen estructural debido a malformaciones del desarrollo cortical, 3 lesiones vasculares; 3 lesiones tumorales y 5 pacientes con Síndrome de Rasmussen (AU)

The transition from pediatric to adult care in patients with childhood-onset epilepsy is a challenge in which several aspects must be considered: epileptic syndrome, etiology, comorbidities, achievement of social milestones, and adjustment of anti-seizure medication (ASM). However, there is limited information regarding the outcomes of these patients following the transition to adult epilepsy care. Methods: Retrospective study, review of medical records of patients with a diagnosis of drug-resistant epilepsy followed in the Epilepsy Unit of the Department of Neurology between the ages of 14 and 17 years and transitioned to adult care between 2019 and 2023. Results: 730 patients were under follow-up in the difficultto-control epilepsy area between 2019 and 2023. Of these, 47 patients (21 males and 26 females) began the process of transitioning to adult care. The mean age at referral was 15.8 years (range, 14 to 21 years; median, 16 and 18 years). Among these 47 patients, 24 had developmental and epileptic encephalopathies, 12 had focal epilepsy of structural origin due to malformations of cortical development, 3 had vascular lesions, 3 had tumors, and 5 had Rasmussen's syndrome (AU)

Caracterización epidemiológica de pacientes pediátricos con COVID-19 en General Cabrera, Córdoba, Argentina, durante tres períodos de la pandemia / Epidemiological characteristics of pediatric patients with COVID-19 in General Cabrera, Córdoba, Argentina, across 3 periods of the pandemic

Introducción. La aparición de la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2 generó grandes interrogantes sobre su comportamiento en diferentes escenarios. Objetivo. Describir el comportamiento clínico y epidemiológico de la COVID-19 en pacientes pediátricos residentes en una ciudad agroindustrial en tres períodos (2020 a 2022). Población y métodos. Estudio observacional, analítico de menores de 18 años con diagnóstico de COVID-19 en General Cabrera. Se evaluó sexo, edad, sintomatología, comorbilidades, internación y muerte. Se aplicó la prueba de chi-cuadrado para analizar la asociación entre sintomatología y período, y la prueba de Kruskal-Wallis para analizar diferencias en la duración de los síntomas por período. Nivel de confianza del 95 %. Resultados. En el período estudiado, se confirmaron 194 casos en menores de 18 años. Solo el 1 % requirió internación y no se registraron fallecimientos. El 51 % eran varones, con una mediana de edad 14 años para ambos sexos. El 68 % fue asintomático. Se detectaron comorbilidades asociadas en el 2 %. Conclusión. La infección por el SARS-CoV-2 tuvo baja presentación en pediatría, con comportamiento diferenciado según período.

Introduction. The onset of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic raised questions about its behavior in different scenarios. Objective. To describe the clinical and epidemiological behavior of COVID-19 in pediatric patients living in an agricultural-industrial city across 3 periods (2020 to 2022). Population and methods. Observational, analytical study of children under 18 years diagnosed with COVID-19 in General Cabrera. Sex, age, symptoms, comorbidities, hospitalization, and death were analyzed. The χ² test was used to analyze the association between symptoms and period and the KruskalWallis test, to analyze differences in symptom duration per period. Confidence level: 95%. Results. In the study period, 194 cases in children under 18 years were confirmed. Only 1% required hospitalization; no deaths were recorded. Children's median age was 14 years; 51% were boys; 68% were asymptomatic; 2% had associated comorbidities. Conclusion. SARS-CoV-2 infection was low in pediatrics and showed a distinct behavior by period

Caracterización sociodemográfica, clínica y farmacológica de pacientes con asma grave en Colombia: experiencia de un centro de atención especializada / Sociodemographic, Clinical and Pharmacological Characterization of Patients with Severe Asthma in Colombia: Experience of a Specialized Care Center

Introducción: El tratamiento del asma grave es un reto a nivel mundial, por su impacto en la calidad de vida y el riesgo de desenlaces graves como hospitalizaciones y muerte. El objetivo del presente estudio es caracterizar a los pacientes de un centro de atención especializada en manejo del asma grave en Colombia. Métodos: Estudio observacional, retrospectivo, en pacientes atendidos entre 2019 y 2022. Se realizó un análisis univariado con medidas de tendencia central y dispersión para variables cuantitativas; frecuencias absolutas y relativas para variables cualitativas; y análisis bivariado con pruebas chi cuadrado y t-student tomando como variable dependiente el estado de control del asma. Resultados: Se analizaron 377 pacientes, 78,5% mujeres, edad media de 57 años; 79,0% con 1 - 5 crisis el año previo al ingreso al programa, y 19,6% con al menos un in- greso a unidad de cuidados intensivos por crisis a lo largo de su vida. La terapia más frecuente fue biológico-corticoide inhalado/agonista ß2 de acción prolongada-antagonista muscarínico de acción prolongada-antagonistas de los receptores de leucotrienos (14,3%). Se observó un tratamiento inadecuado en el 9,6%, solo con agonistas ß2 de acción corta a necesidad, LTRA en monoterapia o una combinación de LAMA/LTRA. El estado de control del asma al ingreso presentó asociación estadística con encontrar- se en terapia biológica. Conclusiones: Se caracterizó la población y se resalta la importancia del manejo adecuado de pacientes con asma grave por centros especializados buscando la mejor terapia posible, al menor costo y mayor impacto en el control de la enfermedad.

Introduction: The management of severe asthma is a worldwide challenge, due to its impact on quality of life and the risk of serious outcomes such as hospitalisations and death. This study aims to characterise patients in a centre specialising in managing severe asthma in Colombia.Methods: Observational, retrospective study in patients seen between 2019 and 2022. Univariate analysis was performed with measures of central tendency and dispersion for quantitative variables; absolute and relative frequencies for qualitative variables; and bivariate analysis with chi-square and t-student tests taking as dependent variable the asthma control status.Results: 377 patients were analysed, 78.5% female, mean age 57 years; 79.0% with 1-5 crises in the year before programme entry, and 19.6% with at least one-lifetime admission to the intensive care unit for crises. The most frequent therapy was biologic-in-haled corticosteroid/long-acting ß2-agonist-long-acting muscarinic antagonist-leukot-riene receptor antagonists (14.3%). Inadequate treatment was observed in 9.6%, with short-acting ß2-agonist alone on an as-needed basis, LTRA monotherapy or a combi-nation of LAMA/LTRA. Asthma control status at admission showed statistical associa-tion with being on biological therapy.Conclusions: The population was characterised and the importance of adequate man-agement of patients with severe asthma by specialised centres seeking the best possi-ble therapy, at the lowest cost and with the greatest impact on disease control is high-lighted.

Frecuencia de microorganismos en pacientes con infecciones respiratorias agudas identificados mediante panel respiratorio en hospital privado de Panamá, 2022-2023 / Frequency of Microorganisms in Patients with Acute Respiratory Infections Identified by a Respiratory Panel in a Private Hospital in Panama, 2022-2023

Introducción: Siendo la cuarta causa de muerte a nivel mundial, las infecciones respira-torias agudas representan una carga importante para los sistemas de salud. Después de la pandemia de SARS-CoV-2, era necesario estudiar su etiología. El objetivo es identificar los microorganismos asociados a las infecciones respiratorias agudas registra-das en un hospital privado del país.Metodología: Estudio descriptivo de corte transversal utilizando los resultados del Bio-Fire® FilmArray® Pneumonia panel en el periodo entre el 1 de enero 2022 al 30 de junio 2023, donde fueron seleccionadas 294 muestras positivas por muestreo no probabilístico por conveniencia.Resultados: El 58,5% de las muestras fue del sexo masculino, con un rango medio de 48,0 años. Los grupos etarios con mayor porcentaje fueron < 5 años 39,1% (n=115) y > 60 años 20,7%. La mayoría de las muestras fueron tomadas mediante hisopado naso-faríngeo 78,9%. Los agentes más frecuentemente identificados fueron el rinovirus/enterovirus humano 30,6%, seguido de parainfluenza 12,6%, adenovirus 12,3%, virus sincitial respiratorio 10,9%, SARS-CoV-2 10,5% e influenza A 10,2%.Conclusión: La mayoría de las infecciones se dieron en los extremos de edad, lo que sugiere que pueden ser grupos más vulnerables y necesitar de un hospital. Los hallazgos de este estudio enfatizan en la importancia de las medidas de prevención para reducir la transmisión de infecciones respiratorias.

Introduction: Acute respiratory infections represent a global burden for health systems, currently the fourth leading cause of death worldwide. After the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, it was necessary to study its etiology. The objective is to identify microorganisms associated with acute respiratory infections registered in a private hospital in the country. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted by gathering data between January 2022 and June 2023 from the BioFire® FilmArray® Pneumonia panel, where 294 positive samples were selected by non-probabilistic convenience sampling.Results: Among the samples analyzed, 58.5% were from male individuals, with a mid-range of 48 years. The age groups with the highest frequency were < 5 years 39.1% and > 60 years 20.7%. Most samples were taken by nasopharyngeal swab 78.9%. The most identified microorganisms were human rhinovirus/enterovirus detected in 30.6%, followed by parainfluenza 12.6%, adenovirus 12.3%, respiratory syncytial virus 10.9%, SARS-CoV-2 10.5% and influenza A 10.2%.Conclusion: Most of the infections occurred at the extremes of age, which suggests the vulnerability of these groups and the need for hospital care. The study's results empha-size the importance of preventive measures to reduce the transmission of respiratory in-fections.