COVID-19 among Chronic Dialysis Patients after First Year of Pandemic, Argentina.

We performed a descriptive study to characterize effects from COVID-19 among chronic dialysis patients compared with the general population in Argentina during March 2020-February 2021. COVID-19 case-fatality rate of chronic dialysis patients was 10 times the national rate; the age-standardized mortality ratio was 6.8 (95% CI 6.3-7.3).

Adaptación cultural para la población argentina del cuestionario Supportive Care Needs Survey-Partners and Caregivers / Cultural adaptation for the Argentine population of the Supportive Care Needs Survey-Partners and Caregivers questionnaire

OBJETIVO: realizar la adaptación cultural del Supportive Care Needs Survey-Partners and Caregivers (SCNS-P&C) de pacientes con cáncer para la población argentina. MÉTODO: se llevó a cabo la adaptación cultural siguiendo los pasos propuestos por Beaton et al. (17): paso 1) Dos traducciones independientes del SCNS-P&C al español utilizado en Argentina; paso 2) Resolución de discrepancias entre las dos traducciones para generar la primera versión preliminar; paso 3) Dos traducciones inversas del SCNS-P&C-S-V1 al inglés. Evaluación de las diferencias entre las traducciones inversas y el SCNS-P&C; paso 4) Ajuste del SCNS-P&C-S-V1 en función de lo observado en la traducción inversa, generación de SCNS-P&C-S-V2; paso 5) pilotaje con entrevistas a personas cuidadoras familiares de pacientes oncológicos atendidos en el Hospital Zonal Bariloche (Argentina). Se registraron datos sociodemográficos y se administró la versión semifinal del cuestionario en español. En relación a estas entrevistas se realizaron ajustes finales y se generó el SCNS-P&C-S. RESULTADOS: la traducción directa e inversa no presentó dificultades. Se entrevistó a 20 personas cuidadoras. La tasa de rechazo fue del 10% y el tiempo medio de administración del SCNS-P&C-S fue de 19 minutos. Se observaron dificultades en la comprensión de dos ítems: uno por falta de conocimiento de la organización de las instituciones de salud y el otro derivado del lenguaje utilizado por lo que fue modificado para facilitar su comprensión. CONCLUSIONES: se obtuvo una versión del SCNS-P&C en español adaptada a la población argentina para su validación posterior. Se recomienda la heteroadministración en el proceso de validación. Este instrumento permitirá efectuar un diagnóstico de las necesidades de información y soporte de las personas cuidadoras de pacientes con cáncer en instituciones de salud de Argentina

OBJECTIVE: to conduct the cultural adaptation for the Argentine population of the Supportive Care Needs Survey-Partners and Caregivers (SCNS-P&C) for cancer patients. METHOD: the cultural adaptation was conducted following the steps proposed by Beaton et al. (17): Step 1) Two independent translations of the SCNS-P&C into Argentinean Spanish; Step 2) Addressing any discrepancies between both translations in order to generate the first preliminary version; Step 3) Two reverse translations of the SCNS-P&C-S-V1 into English. Assessment of the differences between the reverse translations and the SCNS-P&C; Step 4) Adjustment of the SCNS-P&C-S-V1 based on what has been observed in the reverse translation, generation of SCNS-P&C-S-V2; Step 5) Pilot test with interviews with relatives who are caregivers of oncological patients treated at the Hospital Zonal de Bariloche. Sociodemographic data were recorded, and the semi-final version of the questionnaire in Spanish was used. Based on these interviews, final adjustments were conducted, and the SCNS-P&C-S was generated. RESULTS: the direct and reverse translation presented no difficulties. Twenty (20) caregivers were interviewed. There was a 10% rejection rate, and the mean time for answering the SCNS-P&C-S was 19 minutes. Difficulties were observed for understanding two items: one due to lack of knowledge of the structure of health institutions, and the other derived of the language used, which was modified in order to make it understandable. CONCLUSIONS: a version of the SCNS-P&C in Spanish was obtained, adapted to the Argentine population, for its subsequent validation. Hetero-administration is recommended in the validation process. This tool will allow us to diagnose the needs for information and support of caregivers for cancer patients in Argentine health institutions

Cancer patterns, trends, and transitions in Peru: a regional perspective.

Peru, like several other South American countries, is experiencing remarkable population growth, ageing, and urbanisation, which has given rise to profound changes in its epidemiological profile. Prostate and breast cancer are the most frequent cancers in men and women, respectively, in Lima and Arequipa, the two areas with population-based cancer registries. However, infection-associated cancers (cervix and stomach) are also common, and rank highest in the national cancer mortality profile. Although a foundation of surveillance informs cancer-control initiatives in Peru, improvements in the vital statistics system, and the quality and use of incidence data for the planning and assessment of cancer prevention and control actions, are needed. Existing population-based cancer registries in Lima and Arequipa, and linkages to the established national mandatory cancer reporting system, are crucial for the collection of high-quality data on national cancer incidence. The delivery of effective cancer prevention and control measures requires sustained investment in the collection of high-quality data capable of informing policies and driving research programmes.

Female breast cancer in Central and South America.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVE: The burden of breast cancer has increased worldwide. Breast cancer mortality has been increasing in Central and South America (CSA) in the last few decades. We describe the current burden of breast cancer in CSA and review the current status of disease control. METHODS: We obtained regional- and national-level incidence data from 48 population-based cancer registries in 13 countries and cancer deaths from the WHO mortality database for 18 countries. We estimated world population age-standardized incidence and mortality rates per 100,000 person-years for 2003-2007 and the estimated annual percentage change to describe time trends. RESULTS: In the most recent 5-year period, Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay had the highest incidence rates (67.7-71.9) and Bolivia and El Salvador had the lowest (7.9-12.7). For most countries, mortality rates were ≤12.3, except in Uruguay, Argentina and Cuba (14.9-20.5). Age-specific rates increased after the age of 40-50 years and reached a maximum after age 65 years (mean age at diagnosis 56-62 years). Most countries have developed national screening guidelines; however, there is limited capacity for screening. CONCLUSION: The geographic variation of breast cancer rates may be explained by differences in the prevalence of reproductive patterns, lifestyle factors, early detection, and healthcare access. Extending early-detection programs is challenging because of inequalities in healthcare access and coverage, limited funding, and inadequate infrastructure, and thus it may not be feasible. Given the current status of breast cancer in CSA, data generated by population-based cancer registries is urgently needed for effective planning for cancer control.

Hodgkin lymphoma burden in Central and South America.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVE: Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is largely curable owing to improvements in treatment since the 1960s; nevertheless, high mortality rates have been reported in Central and South America. We describe the current burden of HL in the Central and South American region. METHODS: We obtained regional- and national-level incidence data from 48 population-based cancer registries in 13 countries, and national-level mortality data from the WHO mortality database for 18 countries. We estimated world population age-standardized incidence rates (ASRs) and age-standardized mortality rates (ASMRs) per 100,000 person-years for 2003-2007 and present distributions by histological subtype. RESULTS: HL incidence rates varied 7-fold in males and 11-fold in females (male-to-female ratio 1:1-2.5:1). The highest ASRs were seen Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica (males), Cuba (males) and Uruguay (females), whereas the lowest were in Bolivia and El Salvador. ASMRs varied by 4-fold in males and 6-fold in females (male-to-female ratio 1:1-4.3:1), with ASMRs <0.7 for most countries, except Cuba (≥1.0). In most countries, age-specific incidence rates of HL showed a bimodal pattern. Trends in HL in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Costa Rica remained stable in 1997-2008. Of all HL cases, 48% were unspecified as to histological subtype. Nodular sclerosis and mixed cellularity were the most frequent histologies. CONCLUSION: The geographic variation in HL across the region may in part reflect differences in data quality and coverage, and differences in the adoption of modern therapies and healthcare access. Our results highlight the need for high-quality data and increased coverage in order to provide vital guidance for future cancer control activities.

The burden of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in Central and South America.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVE: The burden of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) has increased in some Central and South American countries. We describe the current patterns and trends in NHL incidence and mortality in Central and South America. METHODS: We obtained regional- and national-level incidence data from 48 population-based cancer registries in 13 countries, and national-level cancer mortality data from the WHO mortality database for 18 countries. We estimated world population age-standardized incidence rates (ASRs) and mortality rates (ASMRs) per 100,000 person-years for 2003-2007, and presented distributions by histological subtype. RESULTS: NHL incidence and mortality rates varied between countries by 2-8- and 6-fold, respectively. ASRs per 100,000 ranged from 1.4 to 10.9 among males and 1.3-9.2 among females. Corresponding ASMRs were between 0.5 and 4.8 among males and between 0.5 and 3.0 among females. The highest incidence was observed in Uruguay (males), Ecuador, Peru and Colombia (males). The highest mortality was seen in Uruguay and Costa Rica. Trends in NHL incidence and mortality in Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Costa Rica did not show marked changes. B-cell neoplasms and NHL not otherwise specified (NOS) accounted for 44% and 34% of all NHL cases. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, NOS, was the most frequent histological subtype. CONCLUSION: The geographic variations in NHL rates may partially reflect differences in registration practices, disease classification, diagnostic practice, and death certification quality. There is a need for high-quality data and improvements in the accuracy of NHL histological diagnosis. Given the expected increase in NHL, careful monitoring of rates remains a priority to guide cancer control programs.

Childhood cancer: incidence and early deaths in Argentina, 2000-2008.

INTRODUCTION: Knowledge on the epidemiology of childhood cancer in Latin America is limited. The Argentinean Oncopaediatric Registry (ROHA) has been active since 2000. Data for 2000-2008 are described in the present work. MATERIALS AND METHODS: ROHA is fed from a network of paediatric units and population-based cancer registries. Cases are coded by the International Classification of Childhood Cancer. RESULTS: A total of 11447 children aged 0-14 diagnosed with cancer were reported. Histologically verified cases and cases identified only through death certificates were respectively 91% and 6%. The annual age of standardised incidence rate of all cancers was 128.5 per million. Proportions of leukaemia's, lymphoma's and Central Nervous System tumours were 37%, 13% and 18%. The distribution of rates of acute lymphatic leukaemia by the year of age showed a peak around age 3. Eighty percent of the patients are treated in public hospital and around 35% migrate for some of the treatment. Deaths within a month of diagnosis were 5% in 2000 and 3% in 2008. CONCLUSIONS: Childhood cancer incidence in Argentina is somewhat lower than in North American and in Western European countries: the deficit is mainly due to tumours of the Central Nervous system and other solid tumours. Childhood cancer incidence did not show any tendency to increase. The possible excess of Hodgkin lymphoma in the Northeast region requires additional studies. Early deaths after diagnosis indicate an unsatisfactory state of the overall organisation of childhood cancer care. Data from ROHA are used for decision making at local and national levels.

Impact of vaccination against Haemophilus influenzae type b with and without a booster dose on meningitis in four South American countries.

To inform World Health Organization recommendations regarding use of Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccines in national immunization programs, a multi-country evaluation of trends in Hib meningitis incidence and prevalence of nasopharyngeal Hib carriage was conducted in four South American countries using either a primary, three-dose immunization schedule without a booster dose or with a booster dose in the second year of life. Surveillance data suggest that high coverage of Hib conjugate vaccine sustained low incidence of Hib meningitis and low prevalence of Hib carriage whether or not a booster dose was used.

Tendencia de la mortalidad por càncer en Argentina, Cuba y Uruguay en un período de 15 años / Fifteen-year trends in cancer mortality in Argentina, Cuba and Uruguay

El càncer es la segunda causa de muerte en Argentina, Cuba y Uruguay durante la última década, la mortalidad por càncer ha mostrado una tendencia hacia la disminución en los países màs desarrollados. Objetivos: describir la tendencia temporal de la mortalidad por sitios seleccionados de càncer en Argentina, Cuba y Uruguay durante 1990-2005. Para cada sitio de càncer, sexo y país se calcularon las tasas específicas por grupos de edad y ajustadas por el método directo (a la población mundial). Para identificar los puntos de cambio estadísticamente significativos en la tendencia de las tasas ajustadas se utilizó el anàlisis de regresión lineal segmentada; se estimó el porcentaje de cambio anual. Excepto para Cuba, la mortalidad por todas las causas decreció durante el período. Pulmón: se observó una tendencia decreciente en hombres en Argentina y Uruguay (porcentaje estimado de cambio anual: -2,25 y -1,28 por ciento respectivamente), y creciente en mujeres (porcentaje estimado de cambio anual: 1,75; 2,83 y 3,02) en Argentina, Uruguay y Cuba, respectivamente. Mama: tendencia decreciente en los tres países. Próstata: es el segundo tumor en importancia en Cuba y Uruguay, tercero en Argentina. Un cambio negativo en la tendencia se observó desde 1993 (Cuba) y 1998 (Argentina). Colon/recto: tasas decrecientes en Argentina en ambos sexos y estables en Cuba y Uruguay. Esófago: mortalidad decreciente en Argentina y Uruguay. Útero: en los tres países la mortalidad por Útero no especificado fue similar a cuello, disminuyó para Argentina y Uruguay, mientras aumentó en Cuba. El càncer de cuerpo disminuyó en Argentina. La mortalidad en Cuba refleja un aumento para los tumores tabaco-relacionados. Mayor calidad de la certificación de muerte podría enmascarar una tendencia negativa de la mortalidad por cßncer de cuello de útero. Las tendencias negativas en càncer de próstata podrían ser resultado de avances en ...

Cancer is the second cause of death in Argentina, Cuba and Uruguay during the last decade, cancer mortality has shown a decrease trend in developed countries. Objective To describe mortality trends over time by cancer site in Argentina, Cuba and Uruguay during 1990-2005. For each cancer site, country and gender, age-group specific and standardised (overall) rates were calculated by direct method (using the world standard population). The jointpoint regression analysis was used to identify the best-fitting points were a statistically significant change in the trend occurred and annual percent change was also estimated. Total cancer mortality rates decline during the whole period excepting for Cuba. Lung: a negative tendency was observed in men in Argentina and Uruguay (annual percent change: -2.25 and -1.28 percent respectively), and increased in women (annual percent change: 1,75, 2,83 and 3,02) in Argentina, Uruguay and Cuba respectively. Breast: Negative trends were observed in the three countries. Prostate: it is the second cause of mortality in men in Cuba and Uruguay , and third in Argentina. A negative change in the tendency was observed from 1993 (Cuba) and 1998 (Argentina). Colon/recto: Decreasing rates were shown in Argentina in both sexes whereas not changes were noted in Cuba and Uruguay. Esophagus: Negative trends were detected in Argentina and Uruguay. Uterus: in the three countries mortality for Uterus non-specified was similar to cervix, diminishing for Argentina and Uruguay, while increased in Cuba. Body of uterus mortality diminished in Argentina. Conclusions Mortality trends in Cuba indicate an increasing for the tobacco related-cancer. Enhancing quality of death certification could mask a negative tendency of the mortality for cervix cancer. Negative trends in prostate cancer might be view from the impact of advances in diagnosis and treatment...

Tendencia de la mortalidad por càncer en Argentina, Cuba y Uruguay en un período de 15 años / Fifteen-year trends in cancer mortality in Argentina, Cuba and Uruguay

El càncer es la segunda causa de muerte en Argentina, Cuba y Uruguay durante la última década, la mortalidad por càncer ha mostrado una tendencia hacia la disminución en los países màs desarrollados. Objetivos: describir la tendencia temporal de la mortalidad por sitios seleccionados de càncer en Argentina, Cuba y Uruguay durante 1990-2005. Para cada sitio de càncer, sexo y país se calcularon las tasas específicas por grupos de edad y ajustadas por el método directo (a la población mundial). Para identificar los puntos de cambio estadísticamente significativos en la tendencia de las tasas ajustadas se utilizó el anàlisis de regresión lineal segmentada; se estimó el porcentaje de cambio anual. Excepto para Cuba, la mortalidad por todas las causas decreció durante el período. Pulmón: se observó una tendencia decreciente en hombres en Argentina y Uruguay (porcentaje estimado de cambio anual: -2,25 y -1,28 por ciento respectivamente), y creciente en mujeres (porcentaje estimado de cambio anual: 1,75; 2,83 y 3,02) en Argentina, Uruguay y Cuba, respectivamente. Mama: tendencia decreciente en los tres países. Próstata: es el segundo tumor en importancia en Cuba y Uruguay, tercero en Argentina. Un cambio negativo en la tendencia se observó desde 1993 (Cuba) y 1998 (Argentina). Colon/recto: tasas decrecientes en Argentina en ambos sexos y estables en Cuba y Uruguay. Esófago: mortalidad decreciente en Argentina y Uruguay. Útero: en los tres países la mortalidad por Útero no especificado fue similar a cuello, disminuyó para Argentina y Uruguay, mientras aumentó en Cuba. El càncer de cuerpo disminuyó en Argentina. La mortalidad en Cuba refleja un aumento para los tumores tabaco-relacionados. Mayor calidad de la certificación de muerte podría enmascarar una tendencia negativa de la mortalidad por cßncer de cuello de útero. Las tendencias negativas en càncer de próstata podrían ser resultado de avances en ...(AU)

Cancer is the second cause of death in Argentina, Cuba and Uruguay during the last decade, cancer mortality has shown a decrease trend in developed countries. Objective To describe mortality trends over time by cancer site in Argentina, Cuba and Uruguay during 1990-2005. For each cancer site, country and gender, age-group specific and standardised (overall) rates were calculated by direct method (using the world standard population). The jointpoint regression analysis was used to identify the best-fitting points were a statistically significant change in the trend occurred and annual percent change was also estimated. Total cancer mortality rates decline during the whole period excepting for Cuba. Lung: a negative tendency was observed in men in Argentina and Uruguay (annual percent change: -2.25 and -1.28 percent respectively), and increased in women (annual percent change: 1,75, 2,83 and 3,02) in Argentina, Uruguay and Cuba respectively. Breast: Negative trends were observed in the three countries. Prostate: it is the second cause of mortality in men in Cuba and Uruguay , and third in Argentina. A negative change in the tendency was observed from 1993 (Cuba) and 1998 (Argentina). Colon/recto: Decreasing rates were shown in Argentina in both sexes whereas not changes were noted in Cuba and Uruguay. Esophagus: Negative trends were detected in Argentina and Uruguay. Uterus: in the three countries mortality for Uterus non-specified was similar to cervix, diminishing for Argentina and Uruguay, while increased in Cuba. Body of uterus mortality diminished in Argentina. Conclusions Mortality trends in Cuba indicate an increasing for the tobacco related-cancer. Enhancing quality of death certification could mask a negative tendency of the mortality for cervix cancer. Negative trends in prostate cancer might be view from the impact of advances in diagnosis and treatment...(AU)

Fijación de prioridades en investigación en VIH/Sida. Uso de la matriz de estrategias combinadas, herramienta recomendada por el Foro Global de Investigación en Salud / Research priority setting in HIV/AIDS using the comined approach matrix, a tool recommended by TH Global Forum For Health Research

A partir de la aplicación de la matriz de estrategias cominadas, un equipo interdisciplinario de investigadores elaboró un diagnóstico sobre la epidemia de VIH/Sida en Argentina... En el taller se discutieron la situación epidemiológica argentina en VIH/SIDA, sus determinantes y las eventuales intervenciones útiles para mejorar o revertir dicha situación. Estas opiniones junto con las respuestas obetenidas de la encuesta y el material provisto por el equipo interdisciplinario, ayudaron a completar la matriz desde la cuál se elaboró un listado de prioridades en investigación en VIH/SIDA.

The combined approach matrix, tool recommended by the Global Forum for Health Research to set priorities for selection, organises information from different sources to establish the current situation on any sanitary problem form the point of view of the individual, the family, the community, the ministry of health, other institutions related or not to health and macroeconomic politics. By the application of the combined approach matrix, an interdisciplinary teams of researchers elaborated a diagnosis on HIV/aids epidemics in Argentina.

Metodologías de fijación de prioridades en la selección de investigaciones / Methodology of priority setting in the investigations selection

La matriz de estrategias combinadas (MEC), instrumento para fijar prioridades en investigación, permite la organización de información procedente de diversas fuentes y la configuración del estado de situación sobre determinada enfermedad desde el punto de vista del individuo, la familia y la comunidad, el ministerio, otras instituciones relacionadas o no con la salud, y de políticas macroeconómicas. Objetivos: Adaptar y validar la MEC como herramienta para establecer prioridades en investigación en salud en Argentina. Metodología: Se analizaron las prioridades de cinco áreas problemáticas: enfermedades transmisibles, factores de riesgo de enfermedades no transmisibles, salud sexual y reproductiva, lesiones y salud del niño y de la niña. Un equipo de trabajo interdisciplinario (ETI) de 19 profesionales fue responsable de la ejecución del protocolo. Expertos en cada tema completaron una encuesta que permitió conocer su perspectiva. Se organizaron 5 talleres abiertos con invitados especiales representantes de distintas dimensiones institucionales. Resultados: Un total de 48 asesores, 81 expertos y 266 participantes de diferentes provincias y de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires concurrieron a los talleres donde en pequeños grupos discutieron el proceso de validación de la MEC que sumado a la búsqueda, recuperación y análisis crítico de la información a cargo del ETI permitió construir una matriz para la mayoría de las entidades propuestas inicialmente. Conclusión: El proceso de validación indica que la MEC es una herramienta útil, factible de ser completada, que facilita el diálogo entre diversos actores con diferentes conocimientos, intereses y necesidades en materia de investigación sanitaria.

The Combined Approach Matrix (CAM), a tool to set research priorities, helps to organize the information coming from different sources and present the current knowledge about a certain disease from the point of view of the individual, household and community, the health ministry and other institutions related or not with health, and macroeconomic policies. Objective: adapt and validate the CAM as a tool to set research priorities in health in Argentina. Methodology: the priorities for five health problems were analyzed: communicable diseases, risk factors for non-communicable diseases, sexual and reproductive health, disabilities and children's health. An interdisciplinary working group (IWG) of 19 professionals was responsible for the execution of the protocol. Experts in each topic filled a survey that presents their perspective. Five open workshops were organized with special guests representing the different institutional dimensions. Results: A total of 48 advisors, 81 experts and 266 participants from different provinces and Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires attended the workshops, where in small groups they discussed the validation process of the CAM, that together with the search, retrieval and critical analysis of the information in charge of the IWG allowed the filling of the CAM for the majorities of the health problems initially proposed. Conclusions: the validation process indicates that the CAM is a useful tool, feasible to be completed, which fosters dialogue between the various stakeholders or participants needing health research.