A generalized framework for estimating snakebite underreporting using statistical models: A study in Colombia.

BACKGROUND: Snakebite envenoming is a neglected tropical disease affecting deprived populations, and its burden is underestimated in some regions where patients prefer using traditional medicine, case reporting systems are deficient, or health systems are inaccessible to at-risk populations. Thus, the development of strategies to optimize disease management is a major challenge. We propose a framework that can be used to estimate total snakebite incidence at a fine political scale. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: First, we generated fine-scale snakebite risk maps based on the distribution of venomous snakes in Colombia. We then used a generalized mixed-effect model that estimates total snakebite incidence based on risk maps, poverty, and travel time to the nearest medical center. Finally, we calibrated our model with snakebite data in Colombia from 2010 to 2019 using the Markov-chain-Monte-Carlo algorithm. Our results suggest that 10.19% of total snakebite cases (532.26 yearly envenomings) are not reported and these snakebite victims do not seek medical attention, and that populations in the Orinoco and Amazonian regions are the most at-risk and show the highest percentage of underreporting. We also found that variables such as precipitation of the driest month and mean temperature of the warmest quarter influences the suitability of environments for venomous snakes rather than absolute temperature or rainfall. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Our framework permits snakebite underreporting to be estimated using data on snakebite incidence and surveillance, presence locations for the most medically significant venomous snake species, and openly available information on population size, poverty, climate, land cover, roads, and the locations of medical centers. Thus, our algorithm could be used in other countries to estimate total snakebite incidence and improve disease management strategies; however, this framework does not serve as a replacement for a surveillance system, which should be made a priority in countries facing similar public health challenges.

SARS-CoV-2 Drive/Walk-Thru screening centers in Colombia: The CoVIDA Project / Centros de tamizaje masivo para SARS COV-2 en Colombia: Proyecto CoVIDA

Abstract Objective: The CoVIDA project is a public-private collaboration led by Universidad de los Andes that contributed to the SARS-CoV-2 epidemiological surveillance in Bogotá and nearby municipalities. We aimed to describe the development and performance of the Drive/Walk-through free RT- PCR for SARS-CoV-2 testing strategy implemented by CoVIDA. Material and method: We performed a descriptive analysis of the characteristics and performance of the CoVIDA Drive/Walk-through testing centers. The model and the process indicators to assess the model's performance were based on international experiences and scientific literature. Two screening centers were imple mented in shopping centers in the north and south of Bogotá. We reported the number of tests taken, the number of positive tests, and the number of participants that used the model by the type of occupations. Results: In total, 36,689 nasopharyngeal RT-PCR tests for SARS-CoV-2 were performed with a 5.75% cumulative positivity. Process indicators showed an excellent performance and an important contribution in reducing barriers to access to testing. Conclusions: the CoVIDA Drive/Walk-through testing centers supported the epidemiological surveillance in asymptomatic or mild-symptomatic population in Bo gotá. Low and middle-income countries can use this model as a cost-effective and innovative solution strategy to intensify testing and help mitigate the pandemic.

Resumen Objetivo: El proyecto CoVIDA es una colaboración público-privada liderada por la Universidad de los Andes que contribuyó a la vigilancia epidemiológica del SARS-CoV-2 en Bogotá y municipios cercanos. Nuestro objetivo fue describir el desarrollo y rendimiento de la estrategia de tamizaje gratuito con RT-PCR mediante un modelo Drive/Walk through para SARS-CoV-2 implementado por CoVIDA. Materiales y métodos: Realizamos un análisis descriptivo de las características y desempeño de los centros de tamizaje Drive/Walk through de CoVIDA. El modelo y los indicadores de proceso para evaluar el desempeño del modelo se basaron en experiencias internacionales y la literatura científica. Se implementaron dos cen tros de tamizaje en centros comerciales del norte y sur de Bogotá. Se reportó la cantidad de pruebas tomadas, pruebas positivas y de participantes que utilizaron el modelo de acuerdo con el tipo de ocupaciones. Resultados : En total, se realizaron 36,689 pruebas RT-PCR nasofaríngeas para SARS-CoV-2 con una positividad acumulada del 5,75%. Los indicadores de proceso mostraron un excelente desempeño y una contribución importante en la reducción de las barreras de acceso a las pruebas. Conclusiones: los centros de tamizaje con modelo Drive/Walk through de CoVIDA apoyaron la vigilancia epidemiológica en población asintomática o con síntomas leves en Bogotá. Los países de ingresos bajos y medianos pueden utilizar este modelo como una estrategia innovadora y rentable para aumentar la realización de las pruebas y ayudar a mitigar la pandemia.

Epidemiology of snakebites in Colombia (2008-2016) / Epidemiología de las mordeduras por serpientes en Colombia (2008-2016)

ABSTRACT Objective To describe the main epidemiological features of snakebites in Colombia during the period 2008 to 2016. Methods A retrospective (quantitative) descriptive analytical empirical study was carried out, based on the official databases of the Public Health Surveillance in the Integral Information System of the Social Protection (SISPRO) and the Surveillance System in Public Health (Sivigila) of the reported cases of snakebites in Colombia for that period. Results In total, 37 066 cases were reported, with annual incidences ranging from 7.0 (2008) to 9.7 (2011 and 2012) cases per 100,000 population. Mortality rates ranged from 0.059 (2013) to 0.091 (2011) deaths per 100 000 population, with case fatality rates ranging from 0.6% (2013) to 1.0% (2010). Indigenous and Afro-Colombian populations were highly affected, and highest incidences occurred in males, and in people living in rural areas. The average age of affected people is 31.7 years (95% CI 28.3 34.5). The regions with higher incidence are Amazonia and Orinoquia. Species of the genus Bothrops are responsible for the highest number of bites (64.5%), owing to their wide distribution in Colombia. Regarding clinical manifestations, pain and edema were observed in 86.9% and 78.8% of patients, respectively. Cellulitis and abscesses were the most frequent local complications of these envenomings. Conclusions Results underscore the relevance of snakebite envenoming in Colombia, and provide information for improving the public health attention to these envenoming.(AU)

RESUMEN Objetivo Describir las principales características epidemiológicas de las mordeduras por serpientes en Colombia durante el período 2008-2016. Métodos Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo (cuantitativo) analítico empírico sobre los reportes de accidentes por mordedura de serpientes en Colombia para el período 2008 a 2016, a partir de las bases de datos oficiales del Sistema Integral de Información de la Protección Social (SISPRO) y del Sistema Nacional de Vigilancia en Salud Pública (Sivigila). Resultados Se reportaron 37 066 casos de mordeduras por serpientes en ese período. Las incidencias anuales oscilaron entre 7,0 (2008) y 9,7 (2011 y 2012) casos por 100,000 habitantes. Las tasas de mortalidad oscilaron entre 0,059 (2013) y 0,091 (2011) muertes por 100 000 habitantes, con tasas de letalidad entre 0,6% (2013) y 1,0% (2010). Los grupos más afectados fueron las poblaciones indígenas y afrocolombianas, y las personas residentes en zonas rurales. La edad promedio de las personas afectadas fue 31,7 años (IC 95% 28,3 34,5). Las regiones con mayor incidencia fueron la Amazonía y la Orino-quía. Especies del género Bothrops fueron responsables del mayor número de casos (64,5%), debido a su amplia distribución en el territorio colombiano. Con relación a las manifestaciones clínicas, se describió dolor y edema en 86,9% y 78,8% de los pacientes, respectivamente. Las complicaciones locales más frecuentes fueron las celulitis y los abscesos. Conclusiones Los resultados muestran la importancia de las mordeduras por serpientes en Colombia y suministran información para mejorar la atención de la salud pública ante estos envenenamientos.(AU)

Epidemiology of snakebites in Colombia (2008-2016).

OBJECTIVE: To describe the main epidemiological features of snakebites in Colombia during the period 2008 to 2016. METHODS: A retrospective (quantitative) descriptive analytical empirical study was carried out, based on the official databases of the Public Health Surveillance in the Integral Information System of the Social Protection (SISPRO) and the Surveillance System in Public Health (Sivigila) of the reported cases of snakebites in Colombia for that period. RESULTS: In total, 37 066 cases were reported, with annual incidences ranging from 7.0 (2008) to 9.7 (2011 and 2012) cases per 100,000 population. Mortality rates ranged from 0.059 (2013) to 0.091 (2011) deaths per 100 000 population, with case fatality rates ranging from 0.6% (2013) to 1.0% (2010). Indigenous and Afro-Colombian populations were highly affected, and highest incidences occurred in males, and in people living in rural areas. The average age of affected people is 31.7 years (95% CI 28.3 34.5). The regions with higher incidence are Amazonia and Orinoquia. Species of the genus Bothrops are responsible for the highest number of bites (64.5%), owing to their wide distribution in Colombia. Regarding clinical manifestations, pain and edema were observed in 86.9% and 78.8% of patients, respectively. Cellulitis and abscesses were the most frequent local complications of these envenomings. CONCLUSIONS: Results underscore the relevance of snakebite envenoming in Colombia, and provide information for improving the public health attention to these envenoming.

Canalización venosa yugular interna: que tanta seguridad podemos llegar a ofrecer? / Internal jugular vein cannulation: How much safety can we offer?

Introduction: Central venous catheterization, performed by the anatomical landmark technique, has a mechanical complication rate between 5% and 19%. This technique has been modified and new approaches have been implemented aiming to improve patient safety. With the introduction of ultrasonography in the clinical practice, and recently in central venous catheter insertion, the rate of complications has dropped over time. Objective: To measure the clinical application of the algorithm "Successful ultrasound-guided internal jugular vein cannulation". Methods: A descriptive, prospective, case series study. Patients over 18 years of age were selected, and the informed consent documentation was filled out appropriately. Patients with masses, anatomical abnormalities, insertion site infections and coagulopathy (International Normalized Ratio [INR] ≥ 2.0, platelet count ≤50.000) were excluded. Central venous cannulation was performed under ultrasound guidance in accordance with safety of the Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá University Hospital (HUFSFB). Adjustment and validation of the algorithm was done according to an expert consensus in our department. A descriptive univariate analysis was conducted, and efficacy was determined on the basis of the number of attempts to achieve successful venous cannulation, and the incidence of complications. Results: This series included 38 patients with a mean age of 62 years. In 97.4% of the cases, successful venous cannulation was achieved on the first attempt. Guidewire displacement was observed in one case, requiring a second attempt. The posterior jugular vein wall was punctured in two patients (5.2%), with no associated arterial vascular injury or pneumoth-orax. Conclusions: This algorithm resulted in a high rate of successful first attempts and the prevention of potential complications, improving operational standards and healthcare quality for the patients.

Introducción: La canulación venosa central por técnica de reparos anatómicos presenta complicaciones mecánicas entre 5-19%, por tal motivo se han modificado e implementado técnicas buscando disminuir los riesgos para el paciente. La introducción de la ultrasonografía en la práctica clínica y más recientemente en la colocación de catéteres venosos centrales, ha disminuido la incidencia de complicaciones. Objetivo: Evaluar la aplicación clínica del algoritmo "Adecuada inserción de catéteres venosos yugulares internos guiados por ultrasonografía". Metodología: Estudio descriptivo prospectivo de serie de casos. Se seleccionaron pacientes mayores de 18 anos de edad, con el consentimiento informado completamente diligenciado. Los criterios de exclusión fueron pacientes con masas, alteraciones anatómicas o infecciones en el sitio de punción, trastornos de coagulación (Índice Normalizado Internacional INR ≥ 2,0 y conteo plaquetario ≤50.000). La canulación venosa central fue realizada con técnica ultrasonofigura considerando las recomendaciones de seguridad que se tienen en el departamento de anestesia del Hospital Universitario Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá (HUFSFB), los ajustes y validación del algoritmo guía se realizaron según el consenso de expertos en procedimientos invasivos y ultrasonografía. Se realizó análisis descriptivo uni-variado y la eficacia fue determinada por el número de punciones necesarias para una adecuada canulación vascular y la incidencia de complicaciones. Resultados: La serie de casos fue de 38 pacientes con una edad promedio de 62 años. En el 97,4% de los casos el paso fue realizado en el primer intento. En un paciente se evidenció desplazamiento inadecuado de la guía por lo que fue necesario repetir la punción. En 2 pacientes (5,2%) se presentó punción de la pared posterior del vaso sin que esto se hubiese correlacionado con presencia de lesión vascular arterial o neumotórax. Conclusiones: La implementación del algoritmo guía, permitió una alta tasa de éxito en el primer intento y la prevención de complicaciones potenciales, mejorando los estándares operacionales, brindando una mayor calidad en el cuidado y atención de los pacientes.