EviSIP: using evidence to change practice through mentorship - an innovative experience for reproductive health in the Latin American and Caribbean regions.

Maternal mortality is unacceptably high in our region. In 2015, the Latin American Center for Perinatology and Women´s Reproductive Health (CLAP) created a regional network of institutions including 16 countries, committed to improving epidemiological surveillance and healthcare of women in a situation of abortion or near miss event, using a common platform, the Perinatal Information System (SIP). The objective of the current pilot project was to test a new method of study called EviSIP (Evidence from SIP), a method of generating information on maternal near miss and abortion for the region. We describe the implementation of this initiative in reproductive healthcare facilities using SIP. Junior researchers/clinicians from these countries were included, along with expert researchers in reproductive health from across the world. Articles were produced with data on maternal near miss and abortion gathered from the SIP of each participating sentinel center; and recommendations from experts. EviSIP was the first joint workspace to discuss patient outcomes after treatment of abortion or near miss cases, with data analysis of each Sentinel Center; discuss and analyze data among centers, at a country and regional level; discuss the main outcomes and their impact on changing procedures and policies; strengthen the operational research capacity of the centers; develop and encourage the publication of scientific articles. The EviSIP initiative also promoted training of healthcare professionals in research. EviSIP provided a unique opportunity to train for research and mentorship and was pivotal to the production of scientific knowledge of reproductive health in the region.

COVID-19 and newborn health: systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To describe perinatal and neonatal outcomes in newborns exposed to SARS-CoV-2. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted by searching PubMed Central, LILACS, and Google Scholar using the keywords 'covid ' AND 'newborn' OR 'child' OR 'infant,' on 18 March 2020, and again on 17 April 2020. One researcher conducted the search and extracted data on demographics, maternal outcomes, diagnostic tests, imaging, and neonatal outcomes. RESULTS: Of 256 publications identified, 20 met inclusion criteria and comprised neonatal outcome data for 222 newborns whose mothers were suspected or confirmed to be SARS-CoV-2 positive perinatally (17 studies) or of newborns referred to hospital with infection/pneumonia (3 studies). Most (12 studies) were case-series reports; all were from China, except three (Australia, Iran, and Spain). Of the 222 newborns, 13 were reported as positive for SARS-CoV-2; most of the studies reported no or mild symptoms and no adverse perinatal outcomes. Two papers among those from newborns who tested positive reported moderate or severe clinical characteristics. Five studies using data on umbilical cord blood, placenta, and/or amniotic fluid reported no positive results. Nine studies reported radiographic imaging, including 5 with images of pneumonia, increased lung marking, thickened texture, or high-density nodular shadow. Minor, non-specific changes in biochemical variables were reported. Studies that tested breast milk reported negative SARS-CoV-2 results. CONCLUSIONS: Given the paucity of studies at this time, vertical transmission cannot be confirmed or denied. Current literature does not support abstaining from breastfeeding nor separating mothers and newborns. Further evidence and data collection networks, particularly in the Americas, are needed for establishing definitive guidelines and recommendations.

COVID-19 and newborn health: systematic review

[Abstract]. Objective. To describe perinatal and neonatal outcomes in newborns exposed to SARS-CoV-2. Methods. A systematic review was conducted by searching PubMed Central, LILACS, and Google Scholar using the keywords ‘covid ’ AND ‘newborn’ OR ‘child’ OR ‘infant,’ on 18 March 2020, and again on 17 April 2020. One researcher conducted the search and extracted data on demographics, maternal outcomes, diagnostic tests, imaging, and neonatal outcomes. Results. Of 256 publications identified, 20 met inclusion criteria and comprised neonatal outcome data for 222 newborns whose mothers were suspected or confirmed to be SARS-CoV-2 positive perinatally (17 studies) or of newborns referred to hospital with infection/pneumonia (3 studies). Most (12 studies) were case-series reports; all were from China, except three (Australia, Iran, and Spain). Of the 222 newborns, 13 were reported as positive for SARS-CoV-2; most of the studies reported no or mild symptoms and no adverse perinatal outcomes. Two papers among those from newborns who tested positive reported moderate or severe clinical characteristics. Five studies using data on umbilical cord blood, placenta, and/or amniotic fluid reported no positive results. Nine studies reported radiographic imaging, including 5 with images of pneumonia, increased lung marking, thickened texture, or high-density nodular shadow. Minor, non-specific changes in biochemical variables were reported. Studies that tested breast milk reported negative SARS-CoV-2 results. Conclusions. Given the paucity of studies at this time, vertical transmission cannot be confirmed or denied. Current literature does not support abstaining from breastfeeding nor separating mothers and newborns. Further evidence and data collection networks, particularly in the Americas, are needed for establishing definitive guidelines and recommendations.

[Resumen]. Objetivo. Describir los resultados perinatales y neonatales de los recién nacidos expuestos al SARS-CoV-2. Métodos. Se realizó una revisión sistemática con búsqueda bibliográfica en PubMed Central, LILACS, y Google Scholar usando las palabras clave 'covid' Y 'newborn' O 'child' O 'infant', el 18 de marzo de 2020, y de nuevo el 17 de abril de 2020. Un investigador llevó a cabo la búsqueda y extrajo datos sobre demografía, resultados maternos, pruebas de diagnóstico, imágenes y resultados neonatales. Resultados. De las 256 publicaciones identificadas, 20 cumplieron los criterios de inclusión y comprendían datos de resultados neonatales de 222 recién nacidos cuyas madres eran casos sospechosos o positivos confirmados de SARS-CoV-2 en el período perinatal (17 estudios) o bien recién nacidos internados en el hospital con infección/neumonía (3 estudios). La mayoría (12 estudios) eran informes de series de casos; todos procedían de China, excepto tres (de Australia, España e Irán). De los 222 recién nacidos, 13 tenían resultados positivos para SARS-CoV-2; en la mayoría de los estudios se informó que los recién nacidos eran asintomáticos o tenían síntomas leves y que no se habían producido resultados perinatales adversos. Entre los estudios con recién nacidos positivos, en dos se informaron características clínicas moderadas o graves. En cinco estudios se analizó la sangre del cordón umbilical, la placenta o el líquido amniótico y no se informaron resultados positivos. En nueve estudios se reportaron imágenes radiográficas, entre ellos cinco con imágenes de neumonía, aumento de la trama pulmonar, textura engrosada u opacidades nodulares de alta densidad. Se informaron alteraciones menores e inespecíficas de los parámetros bioquímicos. En los estudios en que se analizó la leche materna se informaron resultados negativos para el SARS-CoV-2.

[Resumo]. Objetivo. Descrever os resultados perinatais e neonatais dos recém-nascidos expostos à SARS-CoV-2. Métodos. Uma revisão sistemática com pesquisa bibliográfica em PubMed Central, LILACS e Google Scholar foi realizada utilizando as palavras-chave 'covid' E ('newborn' OU 'child' OU 'infant') em 18 de março de 2020, e novamente em 17 de abril de 2020 por um pesquisador. Foram analisados dados sobre demografia, resultados maternos, testes de diagnóstico, técnicas de imagem e resultados neonatais. Resultados. Das 256 publicações identificadas, 20 preenchiam os critérios de inclusão e incluíam dados de resultados neonatais de 222 recém-nascidos cujas mães eram suspeitas ou positivas para a SARSCoV-2 no período perinatal (17 estudos) ou recém-nascidos internados no hospital com infecção/pneumonia (3 estudos). A maioria (12 estudos) eram relatos de séries de casos; todos, exceto três (Austrália, Irão e Espanha), eram provenientes da China. Dos 222 recém-nascidos, 13 eram positivos para SARS-CoV-2; a maioria dos estudos relatou que os recém-nascidos eram assintomáticos ou tinham sintomas leves e que não foram observados resultados perinatais adversos. Entre os estudos com recém-nascidos positivos, dois descreviam características clínicas moderadas ou graves. O sangue do cordão umbilical, a placenta ou o líquido amniótico foram analisados em cinco estudos, não tendo sido relatados resultados positivos. Imagens radiográficas foram descritas em nove estudos, incluindo cinco com imagens de pneumonia, aumento da trama pulmonar, espessamento da textura ou opacidades nodulares de alta densidade. Foram relatadas alterações menores e não específicas dos parâmetros bioquímicos. Estudos que analisaram leite materno mostraram resultados negativos para SARS-CoV-2. Conclusões. Dada a escassez de estudos, neste momento a transmissão vertical não pode ser confirmada ou excluída. A literatura atual não apoia a abstenção da amamentação ou a separação dos recém-nascidos das suas mães. São necessárias mais provas e mais dados, especialmente na Região das Américas, para estabelecer orientações e recomendações definitivas.

COVID-19 and newborn health: systematic review / COVID-19 y la salud del recién nacido: revisión sistemática / COVID-19 e saúde do recém-nascido: revisão sistemática

Objective. To describe perinatal and neonatal outcomes in newborns exposed to SARS-CoV-2. Methods. A systematic review was conducted by searching PubMed Central, LILACS, and Google Scholar using the keywords 'covid ' AND 'newborn' OR 'child' OR 'infant,' on 18 March 2020, and again on 17 April 2020. One researcher conducted the search and extracted data on demographics, maternal outcomes, diagnostic tests, imaging, and neonatal outcomes. Results. Of 256 publications identified, 20 met inclusion criteria and comprised neonatal outcome data for 222 newborns whose mothers were suspected or confirmed to be SARS-CoV-2 positive perinatally (17 studies) or of newborns referred to hospital with infection/pneumonia (3 studies). Most (12 studies) were case-series reports; all were from China, except three (Australia, Iran, and Spain). Of the 222 newborns, 13 were reported as positive for SARS-CoV-2; most of the studies reported no or mild symptoms and no adverse perinatal outcomes. Two papers among those from newborns who tested positive reported moderate or severe clinical characteristics. Five studies using data on umbilical cord blood, placenta, and/or amniotic fluid reported no positive results. Nine studies reported radiographic imaging, including 5 with images of pneumonia, increased lung marking, thickened texture, or high-density nodular shadow. Minor, non-specific changes in biochemical variables were reported. Studies that tested breast milk reported negative SARS-CoV-2 results. Conclusions. Given the paucity of studies at this time, vertical transmission cannot be confirmed or denied. Current literature does not support abstaining from breastfeeding nor separating mothers and newborns. Further evidence and data collection networks, particularly in the Americas, are needed for establishing definitive guidelines and recommendations.(AU)

Objetivo. Describir los resultados perinatales y neonatales de los recién nacidos expuestos al SARS-CoV-2. Métodos. Se realizó una revisión sistemática con búsqueda bibliográfica en PubMed Central, LILACS, y Google Scholar usando las palabras clave 'covid' Y 'newborn' O 'child' O 'infant', el 18 de marzo de 2020, y de nuevo el 17 de abril de 2020. Un investigador llevó a cabo la búsqueda y extrajo datos sobre demografía, resultados maternos, pruebas de diagnóstico, imágenes y resultados neonatales. Resultados. De las 256 publicaciones identificadas, 20 cumplieron los criterios de inclusión y comprendían datos de resultados neonatales de 222 recién nacidos cuyas madres eran casos sospechosos o positivos confirmados de SARS-CoV-2 en el período perinatal (17 estudios) o bien recién nacidos internados en el hospital con infección/neumonía (3 estudios). La mayoría (12 estudios) eran informes de series de casos; todos procedían de China, excepto tres (de Australia, España e Irán). De los 222 recién nacidos, 13 tenían resultados positivos para SARS-CoV-2; en la mayoría de los estudios se informó que los recién nacidos eran asintomáticos o tenían síntomas leves y que no se habían producido resultados perinatales adversos. Entre los estudios con recién nacidos positivos, en dos se informaron características clínicas moderadas o graves. En cinco estudios se analizó la sangre del cordón umbilical, la placenta o el líquido amniótico y no se informaron resultados positivos. En nueve estudios se reportaron imágenes radiográficas, entre ellos cinco con imágenes de neumonía, aumento de la trama pulmonar, textura engrosada u opacidades nodulares de alta densidad. Se informaron alteraciones menores e inespecíficas de los parámetros bioquímicos. En los estudios en que se analizó la leche materna se informaron resultados negativos para el SARS-CoV-2.(AU)

Objetivo. Descrever os resultados perinatais e neonatais dos recém-nascidos expostos à SARS-CoV-2. Métodos. Uma revisão sistemática com pesquisa bibliográfica em PubMed Central, LILACS e Google Scholar foi realizada utilizando as palavras-chave 'covid' E ('newborn' OU 'child' OU 'infant') em 18 de março de 2020, e novamente em 17 de abril de 2020 por um pesquisador. Foram analisados dados sobre demografia, resultados maternos, testes de diagnóstico, técnicas de imagem e resultados neonatais. Resultados. Das 256 publicações identificadas, 20 preenchiam os critérios de inclusão e incluíam dados de resultados neonatais de 222 recém-nascidos cujas mães eram suspeitas ou positivas para a SARSCoV-2 no período perinatal (17 estudos) ou recém-nascidos internados no hospital com infecção/pneumonia (3 estudos). A maioria (12 estudos) eram relatos de séries de casos; todos, exceto três (Austrália, Irão e Espanha), eram provenientes da China. Dos 222 recém-nascidos, 13 eram positivos para SARS-CoV-2; a maioria dos estudos relatou que os recém-nascidos eram assintomáticos ou tinham sintomas leves e que não foram observados resultados perinatais adversos. Entre os estudos com recém-nascidos positivos, dois descreviam características clínicas moderadas ou graves. O sangue do cordão umbilical, a placenta ou o líquido amniótico foram analisados em cinco estudos, não tendo sido relatados resultados positivos. Imagens radiográficas foram descritas em nove estudos, incluindo cinco com imagens de pneumonia, aumento da trama pulmonar, espessamento da textura ou opacidades nodulares de alta densidade. Foram relatadas alterações menores e não específicas dos parâmetros bioquímicos. Estudos que analisaram leite materno mostraram resultados negativos para SARS-CoV-2. Conclusões. Dada a escassez de estudos, neste momento a transmissão vertical não pode ser confirmada ou excluída. A literatura atual não apoia a abstenção da amamentação ou a separação dos recém-nascidos das suas mães. São necessárias mais provas e mais dados, especialmente na Região das Américas, para estabelecer orientações e recomendações definitivas.(AU)

Estado de la vitamina D en adultos uruguayos aparentemente saludables, en invierno y en Montevideo / Vitamin D status in apparently healthy uruguayan adults in winter in Montevideo city

Objetivo: determinar la prevalencia del estado de la vitamina D por los niveles séricos de 25(OH) Vit D total y su relación con edad, sexo, etnia, índice de masa corporal (IMC), exposición solar y parámetros del metabolismo fosfo-cálcico en adultos de ambos sexos, aparentemente sanos, en invierno y en Montevideo (latitud sur 34,50°). Material y método: estudio descriptivo, transversal, sobre 175/331 adultos (95% 50), 102 hombres y 73 mujeres (95% premenopáusicas), caucásicos (84%), exposición solar habitual (43%), IMC (62% >27 kg/m2). Se determinaron 25(OH) Vit D total, PTHi, calcemia iónica, fosfatemia, magnesemia y eIVFG. Resultados: niveles de 25(OH) Vit D: 89% <30 ng/mL; Deficiencia (<14) 25,7%; Insuficiencia (14 - <30) 63,4%; Suficiencia (30 - <=80) 10,9% (diferencias altamente significativas entre las categorías), sin asociación con ninguna de las variables estudiadas. La PTHi se correlacionó negativa y muy significativamente con la calcemia iónica, pero su correlación inversa con 25(OH) Vit D no alcanzó significación. Sin hiperparatiroidismo secundario al déficit. Conclusiones: la población aparentemente sana, en invierno, presentó muy alta prevalencia del estado de la vitamina D bajo, sin correlación significativa con ninguna de las variables. La PTHi mostró respuestas individuales diferentes frente a distintos niveles de 25(OH) Vit D, por lo que no es buen biomarcador del estado de Vit D en el organismo. Con estos resultados (en concordancia con la bibliografía) y ante la imposibilidad del cribado de la población global por el alto costo del test surge la pregunta ¿qué hacer? ¿Suplementación profiláctica en todas las edades?, ¿cómo?, ¿cuánto reponer?, ¿hasta qué niveles?, ¿valores >30 ng/mL protegen igualmente la salud ósea y la extraósea? La controversia persiste.

Objectives: Determine the prevalence of the "Vitamin D Status" through the serum levels of total 25(OH) Vit D) and its relationship with age, sex, ethnicity, BMI, usual sun exposure and parameters of the phosphate-calcium metabolism, in an adult population, of both sexes, asymptomatic and apparently healthy, in winter, in Montevideo (Latitude 34,50° S) Material and methods: Cross-sectional, descriptive study where 175/331 outpatient subjects (18-76 y.o; 95% 50 y.o.), 102 men and 73 women (95% premenopausal), Caucasian (84%), usual sun exposure (43%), BMI (62% > 27 kg/m2 ). Total 25(OH)VitD, Intact PTH (IPTH), ionized Calcium, magnesium, phosphate eIVFG were determined Results: serum levels of total 25(OH)Vt D: 89% <30 ng/mL; Deficiency (<14) 25,7%; Insufficiency (14-<30) 63,4%; Sufficiency (30-80) 10,9%. Among categories, differences were highly significant, without association with any of the studied variables. IPTH had a negative and highly significant correlation with ionized calcium but the inverse correlation with 25(OH)Vit D didn´t reach significance. Secondary hyperparathyroidism due to the deficit wasn't found. Conclusions: apparently healthy adults in winter had a very prevalent "Low Vitamin D Status", without any significant association with the studied variables. IPTH had different individual responses before distinct levels of 25(OH)Vit D; then it isn´t a good bio-marker of "Vitamin D status". Facing these results ( in agreement with the bibliography) and the impossibility of a global screening (very costly test) ¿what to do?: ¿prophylactic supplementation at all ages?; ¿how; how much supplement; up to which level? ¿do >30 ng/mL levels protect similarly the osseus and the extra-osseus health? The controversy persists.

Objetivo: determinar a prevalência do nível de vitamina D de acordo com os níveis séricos de 25(OH) Vit D total e sua relação com idade, sexo, etnia, índice de massa corporal (IMC), exposição solar e parâmetros do metabolismo de fósforo e cálcio em adultos de ambos sexos, aparentemente saudáveis, durante o inverno na cidade de Montevidéu (latitude sul 34,50°). Material e método: estudo descritivo, transversal, com 175/331 adultos (95% 50), 102 homens e 73 mulheres (95% pré-menopáusicas), caucásicos (84%), exposição solar habitual (43%), IMC (62% >27 kg/m2 ). Foram determinados os valores de 25(OH) Vit D total, PTHi, calcemia iônica, fosfate mia, magnesemia e eIVFG. Resultados: foram obtidos valores de 25(OH) Vit D: 89% <30 ng/mL: deficiência (<14) 25,7%; insuficiência (14 - <30) 63,4%; suficiência (30 - <80) 10,9% (diferencias altamente significativas entre as categorias), sem associação com nenhuma das variáveis estudadas. Observou-se uma correlação negativa e altamente significativa da PTHi a calcemia iônica, porém sua correlação inversa com 25(OH) Vit D não mostrou valores significativos. Não se observou hiperparatiroidismo secundário ao déficit. Conclusões: a população aparentemente saudável, no inverno, apresentou uma prevalência muito alta de baixo nível de vitamina D, sem correlação significativa com nenhuma das variáveis estudadas. A PTHi apresentou respostas individuais diferentes considerando distintos níveis de 25(OH) Vit D, não sendo por isso um bom biomarcador do estado de Vit D no organismo. Com estes resultados, que concordam com os descritos na literatura e considerando a impossibilidade da triagem na população em geral devido aos altos custos surgem algumas dúvidas sobre que decisões tomar ­ realizar suplementação profilática em todas as idades, de que maneira, quanto repor, até que níveis, valores >30 ng/mL protegem igualmente a saúde óssea e a extra-óssea? A controvérsia persiste.

[Intracranial sinus venous thrombosis in ulcerative colitis. Report of one case]. / Trombosis de senos venosos intracraneales: una complicación infrecuente y grave de la colitis ulcerosa. Primera comunicación de un caso en Uruguay.

Intracranial sinus venous thrombosis (ICSVT) is a rare complication of ulcerative colitis that affects from 1.7 to 7.5% of patients. We report a 22 year-old male with ulcerative colitis in treatment with mesalazine and prednisone presenting with headache and speech disturbances. A magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed a left temporal hemorrhagic infarct with thrombosis of the ispilateral superficial vein and sigmoid venous sinus. No cause of thrombophilia was detected. Anticoagulation with heparin was started which was changed to oral anticoagulation with warfarin. The patient was discharged ten days after admission.

Trombosis de senos venosos intracraneales: una complicación infrecuente y grave de la colitis ulcerosa. Primera comunicación de un caso en Uruguay / Intracranial sinus venous thrombosis in ulcerative colitis: Report of one case

Intracranial sinus venous thrombosis (ICSVT) is a rare complication of ulcerative colitis that affects from 1.7 to 7.5% of patients. We report a 22 year-old male with ulcerative colitis in treatment with mesalazine and prednisone presenting with headache and speech disturbances. A magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed a left temporal hemorrhagic infarct with thrombosis of the ispilateral superficial vein and sigmoid venous sinus. No cause of thrombophilia was detected. Anticoagulation with heparin was started which was changed to oral anticoagulation with warfarin. The patient was discharged ten days after admission.

Teaching tobacco cessation skills to Uruguayan physicians using information and communication technologies.

INTRODUCTION: Since 2004, with the ratification of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, Uruguay has implemented a wide range of legal restrictions designed to reduce the devastating impacts of tobacco. This legal process generated an increase in demand for tobacco cessation treatment, which led to the need to train a large number of physicians. Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are evolving constantly, creating new opportunities to make online education more interactive. The evolution of ICTs presents an opportunity to develop innovative continuing medical education (CME) experiences to meet the increasing demand for this topic. METHODS: A blended-learning course on tobacco cessation was developed and implemented, combining face-to-face and online activities. Educational strategy focused on (1) facilitating interaction among generalists and between generalists and experts, and (2) providing high impact CME incorporating multifaceted interventions with wiki-type collaborative construction of practical knowledge. Multiple-choice tests and commitments-to-change were used for evaluation. RESULTS: Three hundred thirty-five health professionals participated in the course. Of these, 145 (43.3%) attended the on-site workshop, 216 (64.5%) participated in the online activities, and 109 (32.5%) completed both phases. Fifty of the 105 (47.6%) participants completing the pretest had a passing score, while 78.1% received a passing score on the final test (p < .001). Differences between mean pretest and posttest scores among those who completed both phases compared with those who only did the online phase were statistically significant (p = .003 and p = .009, respectively). DISCUSSION: The need to train physicians on tobacco cessation skills can be addressed via ICTs and educational activities that include participant interaction.

Distance education for physicians: adaptation of a Canadian experience to Uruguay.

INTRODUCTION: The production of online high-quality continuing professional development is a complex process that demands familiarity with effective program and content design. Collaboration and sharing across nations would appear to be a reasonable way to improve quality, increase access, and reduce costs. METHODS: In this case report, the process of adapting and modifying a course to improve the management of Alzheimer's disease developed for the Canadian context for use in Uruguay is described. RESULTS: Both quantitative and qualitative data on the process are shown. The original course was developed by the University of Calgary in the 1990s, and taught initially face to face and later online. The adaptation included using a distance education system developed and widely used in Uruguay, called eviDoctor. DISCUSSION: The key aspects of transforming this course from one country to another with different resources, health care systems, culture, and language are analyzed. Problems encountered are described, as well as their possible solutions.

InfoSUIS

InfoSUIS es la publicación oficial de la Sociedad Uruguaya de Informática en la Salud. Se publica 3 veces al año desde 1998. Disponible a texto completo en su sitio, brinda información sobre informática en salud en el Uruguay y la región.