Phthalate exposure and subclinical carotid atherosclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Phthalates may be associated with an increased risk of cardiometabolic diseases by interfering with glucose and lipid metabolism and by promoting adipogenesis. This study aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the association between phthalate exposure and subclinical carotid atherosclerosis, using surrogate markers such as carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and carotid plaques. The literature search was performed using four databases (Web of Science, Medline, PubMed, and Scopus), and this systematic review includes all available observational studies until July 6th, 2023. The Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool was used to assess the risk of bias. Meta-analyses were performed, and random effects models were used. Six high-quality cross-sectional studies and 2570 participants aged 12 to 70 were included. Six phthalate metabolites showed significant associations with subclinical carotid atherosclerosis. Exposure to MBzP, ΣDEHP, and MnBP was associated with increased carotid IMT. Exposure to MEP was associated with a higher prevalence of carotid plaques, and MiBP was associated with a lower prevalence. Mixed results were observed for MMP in older adults. The meta-analyses showed a high degree of heterogeneity, and the results are based on single studies. This study accurately describes the evidence of this association to date, suggesting that phthalates are associated with increased carotid IMT and a higher prevalence of carotid plaques. Further research is needed to elucidate this association, as phthalates are still used in the manufacture of everyday products, humans continue to be exposed to them, and atherosclerosis is a public health concern.

Comparative Analysis of Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Pharmacological Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Latin America.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the leading causes of death and disability in the world. The majority of diabetes deaths (> 80%) occur in low- and middle-income countries, which are predominant in Latin America. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to compare the clinical practice guideline (CPG) for the pharmacological management of T2DM in Latin America (LA) with international reference guidelines. RECENT FINDINGS: Several LA countries have recently developed CPGs. However, the quality of these guidelines is unknown according to the AGREE II tool and taking as reference three CPGs of international impact: American Diabetes Association (ADA), European Diabetes Association (EASD), and Latin American Diabetes Association (ALAD). Ten CPGs were selected for analysis. The ADA scored > 80% on the AGREE II domains and was selected as the main comparator. Eighty percent of LA CPGs were developed before 2018. Only one was not recommended (all domains < 60%). The CPGs in LA have good quality but are outdated. They have significant gaps compared to the reference. There is a need for improvement, as proposing updates every three years to maintain the best available clinical evidence in all guidelines.

[Voluntary interruption of pregnancy and sexual and reproductive health in migrant women in BarranquillaInterrupção voluntária da gravidez e saúde sexual e reprodutiva em mulheres migrantes em Barranquilla]. / Interrupción voluntaria del embarazo y salud sexual y reproductiva en mujeres migrantes en Barranquilla.

Objective: Identify knowledge about and barriers to effective access to voluntary interruption of pregnancy (VIP), and to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services in general, among women from Venezuela (Venezuelan migrants and Colombian returnees). Methods: Qualitative study of 20 semi-structured interviews with women from Venezuela who are residents of Barranquilla and who carry out leadership activities in communities or who participate in or benefit from those activities. The interviews included opinions and experiences related to access to VIP, and to SRH in general, as well as suggestions for improving access for migrant women. The relationship between access to these services and the migration process was explored, as well as the role of social organizations. Results: A lack of information on SRH-related rights was identified as the main access barrier to VIP. Other identified barriers were: attitude towards VIP, excessive steps involved in accessing medical care, difficulties in admission to the social security system, lack of training and care in SRH, and xenophobia in hospitals. The interviewees said they did not understand the legal framework in Colombia and did not know the channels for safe abortion care. Conclusions: Despite the efforts of institutions and international cooperation, Venezuelan migrant women in Barranquilla are in a situation of vulnerability due to their lack of access to sexual and reproductive health, including voluntary interruption of pregnancy. Implementing strategies for comprehensive care for migrants will improve current health conditions and the effective enjoyment of SRH-related rights.

Objetivo: Identificar os conhecimentos e as barreiras para o acesso efetivo das mulheres provenientes da Venezuela (migrantes venezuelanas e retornadas colombianas) à interrupção voluntária da gravidez (IVG) e aos serviços de saúde sexual e reprodutiva (SSR) em geral. Métodos: Estudo qualitativo de 20 entrevistas semiestruturadas com mulheres provenientes da Venezuela, residentes em Barranquilla, que atuam na liderança comunitária ou que participam (ou se beneficiam) das atividades. As entrevistas compreenderam as dimensões de opiniões e experiências relacionadas ao acesso à IVG e aos serviços de SSR em geral, e sugestões para melhorar o acesso das mulheres migrantes. Explorou-se a relação do acesso a esses serviços com o processo migratório e o papel das organizações sociais. Resultados: Identificou-se a falta de informações sobre direitos em SSR como a principal barreira para o acesso à IVG. Outras barreiras identificadas foram: atitude em relação à IVG, excesso de burocracia para obter atenção médica, dificuldades para inclusão no sistema de seguridade social, falta de capacitação e atenção em SSR e xenofobia nos hospitais. As entrevistadas declararam desconhecer o enquadramento jurídico na Colômbia e os trâmites para obter atenção ao aborto seguro. Conclusões: Apesar dos esforços institucionais e de cooperação internacional, as mulheres migrantes venezuelanas em Barranquilla estão em situação de vulnerabilidade por falta de acesso aos serviços de SSR, incluindo a IVG. A implementação de estratégias para atenção integral a migrantes possibilitará a melhoria das condições atuais de saúde e a efetiva fruição dos direitos em SSR.

Longitudinal health survey of women from Venezuela in Colombia (ELSA-VENCOL): First report.

BACKGROUND: Colombia is currently the world's main recipient country for Venezuelan migrants, and women represent a high proportion of them. This article presents the first report of a cohort of Venezuelan migrant women entering Colombia through Cúcuta and its metropolitan area. The study aimed to describe the health status and access to healthcare services among Venezuelan migrant women in Colombia with irregular migration status, and to analyze changes in those conditions at a one-month follow-up. METHODS: We carried out a longitudinal cohort study of Venezuelan migrant women, 18 to 45 years, who entered Colombia with an irregular migration status. Study participants were recruited in Cúcuta and its metropolitan area. At baseline, we administered a structured questionnaire including sociodemographic characteristics, migration history, health history, access to health services, sexual and reproductive health, practice of early detection of cervical cancer and breast cancer, food insecurity, and depressive symptoms. The women were again contacted by phone one month later, between March and July 2021, and a second questionnaire was applied. RESULTS: A total of 2,298 women were included in the baseline measurement and 56.4% could be contacted again at the one-month follow-up. At the baseline, 23.0% of the participants reported a self-perceived health problem or condition in the past month and 29.5% in the past 6 months, and 14.5% evaluated their health as fair or poor. A significant increase was found in the percentage of women who reported a self-perceived health problem during the past month (from 23.1% to 31.4%; p<0.01); as well as in the share who reported moderate, severe, or extreme difficulty working or performing daily chores (from 5.5% to 11.0%; p = 0.03) and who rated their health as fair (from 13.0% to 31.2%; p<0.01). Meanwhile, the percentage of women with depressive symptoms decreased from 80.5% to 71.2% (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: This report presents initial information on the health status of Venezuelan migrant women in Colombia, and is a starting point for further longer longitudinal follow-ups to assess changes over time in health conditions.

Interrupción voluntaria del embarazo y salud sexual y reproductiva en mujeres migrantes en Barranquilla

[RESUMEN]. Objetivo. Identificar el conocimiento y las barreras para acceder efectivamente a la interrupción voluntaria del embarazo (IVE), y en general a los servicios sexuales y reproductivos (SSR), entre mujeres provenientes de Venezuela (migrantes venezolanas y colombianas retornadas). Métodos. Estudio cualitativo de 20 entrevistas semiestructuradas en mujeres provenientes de Venezuela, resi- dentes en Barranquilla que ejecutan acciones de liderazgo en comunidades o que participan (o se benefician) de las actividades. Las entrevistas comprendieron dimensiones sobre opiniones y experiencias relacionadas con el acceso a IVE, y en general a SSR, y sugerencias para mejorar el acceso para las mujeres migrantes. Se exploró la relación del acceso a estos servicios con el proceso migratorio y el papel de las organizaciones sociales. Resultados. Se identificó la falta de información sobre derechos en SSR como principal barrera para acceso a la IVE. Otras barreras identificadas fueron: actitud hacia la IVE, exceso de trámites para atención médica, dificultades para la inclusión al sistema de seguridad social, falta de capacitación y atención en SSR y xeno- fobia en hospitales. Las entrevistadas manifestaron desconocer el marco legal en Colombia y las rutas para la atención de un aborto seguro. Conclusiones. Pese a los esfuerzos institucionales y de cooperación internacional, las mujeres migrantes venezolanas en Barranquilla se encuentran en una situación de vulnerabilidad debido a la falta de acceso a los SSR incluida la IVE. Implementar estrategias para atención integral a migrantes, permitirá mejorar condi- ciones de salud actual y el goce efectivo de los derechos en SSR.

[ABSTRACT]. Objective. Identify knowledge about and barriers to effective access to voluntary interruption of pregnancy (VIP), and to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services in general, among women from Venezuela (Vene- zuelan migrants and Colombian returnees). Methods. Qualitative study of 20 semi-structured interviews with women from Venezuela who are residents of Barranquilla and who carry out leadership activities in communities or who participate in or benefit from those activities. The interviews included opinions and experiences related to access to VIP, and to SRH in general, as well as suggestions for improving access for migrant women. The relationship between access to these services and the migration process was explored, as well as the role of social organizations. Results. A lack of information on SRH-related rights was identified as the main access barrier to VIP. Other identified barriers were: attitude towards VIP, excessive steps involved in accessing medical care, difficulties in admission to the social security system, lack of training and care in SRH, and xenophobia in hospitals. The interviewees said they did not understand the legal framework in Colombia and did not know the channels for safe abortion care. Conclusions. Despite the efforts of institutions and international cooperation, Venezuelan migrant women in Barranquilla are in a situation of vulnerability due to their lack of access to sexual and reproductive health, including voluntary interruption of pregnancy. Implementing strategies for comprehensive care for migrants will improve current health conditions and the effective enjoyment of SRH-related rights.

[RESUMO]. Objetivo. Identificar os conhecimentos e as barreiras para o acesso efetivo das mulheres provenientes da Venezuela (migrantes venezuelanas e retornadas colombianas) à interrupção voluntária da gravidez (IVG) e aos serviços de saúde sexual e reprodutiva (SSR) em geral. Métodos. Estudo qualitativo de 20 entrevistas semiestruturadas com mulheres provenientes da Venezuela, residentes em Barranquilla, que atuam na liderança comunitária ou que participam (ou se beneficiam) das atividades. As entrevistas compreenderam as dimensões de opiniões e experiências relacionadas ao acesso à IVG e aos serviços de SSR em geral, e sugestões para melhorar o acesso das mulheres migrantes. Explo- rou-se a relação do acesso a esses serviços com o processo migratório e o papel das organizações sociais. Resultados. Identificou-se a falta de informações sobre direitos em SSR como a principal barreira para o acesso à IVG. Outras barreiras identificadas foram: atitude em relação à IVG, excesso de burocracia para obter atenção médica, dificuldades para inclusão no sistema de seguridade social, falta de capacitação e atenção em SSR e xenofobia nos hospitais. As entrevistadas declararam desconhecer o enquadramento jurí- dico na Colômbia e os trâmites para obter atenção ao aborto seguro. Conclusões. Apesar dos esforços institucionais e de cooperação internacional, as mulheres migrantes vene- zuelanas em Barranquilla estão em situação de vulnerabilidade por falta de acesso aos serviços de SSR, incluindo a IVG. A implementação de estratégias para atenção integral a migrantes possibilitará a melhoria das condições atuais de saúde e a efetiva fruição dos direitos em SSR.

High levels of cardiovascular biomarkers in fatal Chikungunya virus infection.

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection is an emerging arboviral disease that has spread geographically to many previously unaffected areas. Although severe cases of acute CHIKV infection have been documented, little is known about its pathogenesis. We aimed to determine the levels of cardiovascular biomarkers in fatal and non-fatal patients with acute CHIKV infection. This study included fatal and non-fatal patients with CHIKV reported to National System for Public Health Surveillance and laboratory-confirmed by the Colombian National Institute of Health. Each fatal patient was matched to 2 non-fatal patients for age (± 10 years). Blood samples were processed for cardiovascular biomarkers by multiplex immunoassays. Twenty-five cases of fatal CHIKV infection and 50 patients of non-fatal CHIKV infection were included. Nearly 20% of the population were under 10 years old and 52% were over 60. The median serum levels of endocan-1 (p = 0.000), creatine kinase MB isoenzyme (p = 0.000), oncostatin (p = 0.000), fatty-acid-binding protein 3 (p = 0.000) and fatty-acid-binding protein 4 (p = 0.000) were significantly higher in fatal CHIKV infection cases than in non-fatal patients. Troponin I tended to be higher in fatal CHIKV infection cases than in non-fatal CHIKV infection patients (p = 0.063). Among fatal patients, no significant differences were found in serum levels of cardiovascular biomarkers among younger (< 50 years-old) and older (≥ 50 years-old) patients. We found high serum levels of cardiovascular biomarkers in fatal CHIKV infection. These results promote the fact that endothelial and cardiac damage can occurs and may be significant factors related organ failure and death in these patients.

Interrupción voluntaria del embarazo y salud sexual y reproductiva en mujeres migrantes en Barranquilla / Voluntary interruption of pregnancy and sexual and reproductive health in migrant women in Barranquilla / Interrupção voluntária da gravidez e saúde sexual e reprodutiva em mulheres migrantes em Barranquilla

RESUMEN Objetivo. Identificar el conocimiento y las barreras para acceder efectivamente a la interrupción voluntaria del embarazo (IVE), y en general a los servicios sexuales y reproductivos (SSR), entre mujeres provenientes de Venezuela (migrantes venezolanas y colombianas retornadas). Métodos. Estudio cualitativo de 20 entrevistas semiestructuradas en mujeres provenientes de Venezuela, residentes en Barranquilla que ejecutan acciones de liderazgo en comunidades o que participan (o se benefician) de las actividades. Las entrevistas comprendieron dimensiones sobre opiniones y experiencias relacionadas con el acceso a IVE, y en general a SSR, y sugerencias para mejorar el acceso para las mujeres migrantes. Se exploró la relación del acceso a estos servicios con el proceso migratorio y el papel de las organizaciones sociales. Resultados. Se identificó la falta de información sobre derechos en SSR como principal barrera para acceso a la IVE. Otras barreras identificadas fueron: actitud hacia la IVE, exceso de trámites para atención médica, dificultades para la inclusión al sistema de seguridad social, falta de capacitación y atención en SSR y xenofobia en hospitales. Las entrevistadas manifestaron desconocer el marco legal en Colombia y las rutas para la atención de un aborto seguro. Conclusiones. Pese a los esfuerzos institucionales y de cooperación internacional, las mujeres migrantes venezolanas en Barranquilla se encuentran en una situación de vulnerabilidad debido a la falta de acceso a los SSR incluida la IVE. Implementar estrategias para atención integral a migrantes, permitirá mejorar condiciones de salud actual y el goce efectivo de los derechos en SSR.

ABSTRACT Objective. Identify knowledge about and barriers to effective access to voluntary interruption of pregnancy (VIP), and to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services in general, among women from Venezuela (Venezuelan migrants and Colombian returnees). Methods. Qualitative study of 20 semi-structured interviews with women from Venezuela who are residents of Barranquilla and who carry out leadership activities in communities or who participate in or benefit from those activities. The interviews included opinions and experiences related to access to VIP, and to SRH in general, as well as suggestions for improving access for migrant women. The relationship between access to these services and the migration process was explored, as well as the role of social organizations. Results. A lack of information on SRH-related rights was identified as the main access barrier to VIP. Other identified barriers were: attitude towards VIP, excessive steps involved in accessing medical care, difficulties in admission to the social security system, lack of training and care in SRH, and xenophobia in hospitals. The interviewees said they did not understand the legal framework in Colombia and did not know the channels for safe abortion care. Conclusions. Despite the efforts of institutions and international cooperation, Venezuelan migrant women in Barranquilla are in a situation of vulnerability due to their lack of access to sexual and reproductive health, including voluntary interruption of pregnancy. Implementing strategies for comprehensive care for migrants will improve current health conditions and the effective enjoyment of SRH-related rights.

RESUMO Objetivo. Identificar os conhecimentos e as barreiras para o acesso efetivo das mulheres provenientes da Venezuela (migrantes venezuelanas e retornadas colombianas) à interrupção voluntária da gravidez (IVG) e aos serviços de saúde sexual e reprodutiva (SSR) em geral. Métodos. Estudo qualitativo de 20 entrevistas semiestruturadas com mulheres provenientes da Venezuela, residentes em Barranquilla, que atuam na liderança comunitária ou que participam (ou se beneficiam) das atividades. As entrevistas compreenderam as dimensões de opiniões e experiências relacionadas ao acesso à IVG e aos serviços de SSR em geral, e sugestões para melhorar o acesso das mulheres migrantes. Explorou-se a relação do acesso a esses serviços com o processo migratório e o papel das organizações sociais. Resultados. Identificou-se a falta de informações sobre direitos em SSR como a principal barreira para o acesso à IVG. Outras barreiras identificadas foram: atitude em relação à IVG, excesso de burocracia para obter atenção médica, dificuldades para inclusão no sistema de seguridade social, falta de capacitação e atenção em SSR e xenofobia nos hospitais. As entrevistadas declararam desconhecer o enquadramento jurídico na Colômbia e os trâmites para obter atenção ao aborto seguro. Conclusões. Apesar dos esforços institucionais e de cooperação internacional, as mulheres migrantes venezuelanas em Barranquilla estão em situação de vulnerabilidade por falta de acesso aos serviços de SSR, incluindo a IVG. A implementação de estratégias para atenção integral a migrantes possibilitará a melhoria das condições atuais de saúde e a efetiva fruição dos direitos em SSR.

Effectiveness and safety of available preventive tuberculosis treatment regimens for children and adolescents: protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Approximately 5%-10% of individuals with untreated latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) will progress to active tuberculosis (TB). Children are at a higher risk for progression to TB disease than adults. Isoniazid prophylaxis treatment period is long and can cause liver damage. Alternatives to isoniazid, such as rifamycin containing regimens, should be considered for prophylaxis. Previous systematic reviews, with different study designs and data combining results on children and adults, have evaluated the comparative efficacy and harms of LTBI treatment regimens. We aim to determine the effectiveness and safety of all the different regimens available for the treatment of LTBI for children and adolescents less than 18 years of age, contacts of drug-susceptible TB, without HIV infection. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials will be systematically searched for randomised controlled trials without any language or publication date restriction. Screening and extraction will be performed in duplicate. Risk of bias will be performed in duplicate with Cochrane Risk of Bias tool V.2. Pairwise meta-analysis of direct comparisons and network meta-analyses (NMAs) will be performed. Heterogeneity will be assessed using I2 and Cochrane thresholds. Direct and indirect estimates in an NMA will be combined if justifiable. Subgroups analyses will be performed in different mean age and study year groups. Sensitivity analysis based on the risk of bias will be conducted. Publication bias will be investigated using funnel plots and Egger's regression test. Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria will assess certainty of the evidence for the direct comparisons. GRADE approach for NMA will assess the quality of the evidence from the indirect and NMA. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval is not required as no primary data are collected. This systematic review will be disseminated in a peer-reviewed journal. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42021271512.

Seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in Colombia, 2020: A population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) continues to cause very high morbidity and mortality throughout Latin American countries. However, few population-based seroprevalence surveys have been conducted to quantify attack rates and characterize drivers of transmission. METHODS: We conducted a population-based cross-sectional study to assess the seroprevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in ten cities in Colombia between September and December 2020. The study involved multi-stage cluster sampling at each city. Participants provided a serum sample and answered a demographic and risk factor questionnaire. Prior infection by SARS-CoV-2 was ascertained using the "SARS-CoV-2 Total (COV2T) Advia Centaur - Siemens" chemiluminescence assay. FINDINGS: A total of 17863 participants from 7320 households participated in the study. Seroprevalence varied substantially between cities, ranging from 26% (95%CI 23-29 %) in Medellín to 68% (95%CI 62-74 %) in Guapi. There were no differences in seroprevalence by sex, but seropositivity was higher in certain ethnic groups. There was substantial heterogeneity in seroprevalence within cities, driven to a large extent by a strong association between socioeconomic stratum and seropositivity. INTERPRETATION: Colombia has been one of the Latin American countries most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study documented very high attack rates in several Colombian cities by the end of 2020 and identified key drivers of heterogeneities including ethnicity and socioeconomic stratum. Few studies of seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 have been conducted in Latin America, and therefore this study contributes to the fundamental understanding of the pandemic in the region. FUNDING: The study was sponsored by, Ministerio de Ciencia y Tecnología e Innovación -CT361/2020, Ministerio de Salud y Protección Social, Fundación Universitaria del Norte, Imperial College of London, Universidad Nacional de Colombia (Sede Medellín), Universidad de Córdoba, California University, Unidad Nacional de Gestión del Riesgo, Centro de Atención y Diagnóstico de Enfermedades Infecciosas -CDI-, Centro Internacional de Entrenamiento e Investigaciones Médicas -CIDEIM-, Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadística - DANE, Fondo Nacional de Turismo -FONTUR-, Secretarías de Salud Departamentales, Distritales y Municipales and Instituto Nacional de Salud.

International alliance and AGREE-ment of 71 clinical practice guidelines on the management of critical care patients with COVID-19: a living systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to systematically identify and critically assess the clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for the management of critically ill patients with COVID-19 with the AGREE II instrument. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: We searched Medline, CINAHL, EMBASE, CNKI, CBM, WanFang, and grey literature from November 2019 - November 2020. We did not apply language restrictions. One reviewer independently screened the retrieved titles and abstracts, and a second reviewer confirmed the decisions. Full texts were assessed independently and in duplicate. Disagreements were resolved by consensus. We included any guideline that provided recommendations on the management of critically ill patients with COVID-19. Data extraction was performed independently and in duplicate by two reviewers. We descriptively summarized CPGs characteristics. We assessed the quality with the AGREE II instrument and we summarized relevant therapeutic interventions. RESULTS: We retrieved 3,907 records and 71 CPGs were included. Means (Standard Deviations) of the scores for the 6 domains of the AGREE II instrument were 65%(SD19.56%), 39%(SD19.64%), 27%(SD19.48%), 70%(SD15.74%), 26%(SD18.49%), 42%(SD34.91) for the scope and purpose, stakeholder involvement, rigor of development, clarity of presentation, applicability, editorial independence domains, respectively. Most of the CPGs showed a low overall quality (less than 40%). CONCLUSION: Future CPGs for COVID-19 need to rely, for their development, on standard evidence-based methods and tools.

Ferritin levels in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis of systemic onset and children with other causes of fever of unknown origin: A multicenter study of diagnostic tests / Niveles de ferritina en artritis idiopática juvenil de inicio sistémico comparada con otras fiebres de origen desconocido: estudio multicéntrico de pruebas diagnósticas

Introduction: There are no sensitive or specific tests available to diagnose systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA). Objective: To assess the utility as diagnostic tests of total ferritin (TF) levels greater than 5 times the normal value (TF>5N) and the decreased percentage (less than or equal to 20% of TF) of glycosylated ferritin (GF≤20%) for the diagnosis of sJIA in patients with fever of unknown origin evaluated by pediatric rheumatology. Materials and methods: We conducted an observational, cross-sectional study of diagnostic tests in children under 16 years of age hospitalized between 2010 and 2014. The reference diagnostic standard was the fulfillment of the classification criteria or confirmed diagnosis at follow-up. We determined the measures of utility of the tests. Results: We included 40 patients with fever of unknown origin, 11 with sJIA, and 29 with other diagnoses. The median TF was higher in sAIJ (3992 ng/ml) versus other causes of fever of unknown origin (155 ng/ml) (p=0.0027), as well as TF>5N (90.91% versus 51.72%) (p=0.023). The percentage of GF≤20% was higher in patients with other causes of fever of unknown origin (96.5%) compared to sJIA (81.8%) (p=0.178). TF>5N had a sensitivity of 91%, specificity of 48%, positive likelihood ratio (LR) of 1.76, and negative LR of 0.19 demonstrating greater utility for the diagnosis of sJIA than the combination of FT> 5N with GFR <20%, with a sensitivity of 81.8%, specificity of 48.3%, positive LR of 1.58, and negative LR of 0.38. Conclusion: In patients with FUO evaluated by pediatric rheumatology, TF> 5N proved useful as a screening test for the diagnosis of sJIA.

Introducción. No se dispone de pruebas sensibles ni específicas para diagnosticar la artritis idiopática juvenil sistémica. Objetivo. Evaluar la utilidad diagnóstica de niveles de ferritina total cinco veces por encima del valor normal (ferritina total>5N) y el porcentaje disminuido (menor de o igual a 20 % de la ferritina total) de la ferritina glucosilada (ferritina glucosilada<20 %) para el diagnóstico de artritis idiopática juvenil sistémica en pacientes con fiebre de origen desconocido evaluados por reumatología pediátrica. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio observacional de pruebas diagnósticas de corte transversal en menores de 16 años hospitalizados entre el 2010 y el 2014. El patrón diagnóstico de referencia fue el cumplimiento de los criterios de clasificación o diagnóstico confirmado en el seguimiento. Se determinaron las medidas de utilidad de las pruebas. Resultados. Se incluyeron 40 pacientes con fiebre de origen desconocido: 11 con artritis idiopática juvenil sistémica y 29 con otros diagnósticos. La mediana de la ferritina total fue mayor en la artritis idiopática juvenil sistémica (3.992 ng/ml) comparada con otras causas de fiebre de origen desconocido (155 ng/ml) (p=0,0027), así como la ferritina total>5N (90,91 % Vs. 51,72 %) (p=0,023). El porcentaje de ferritina glucosilada≤20 % fue de 96,5 % en otras fiebres de origen desconocido en comparación con la artritis idiopática juvenil sistémica (81,8 %) (p=0,178). La ferritina total>5N tuvo una sensibilidad del 91 %, una especificidad del 48 %; un cociente de probabilidades (Likelihood Ratio, LR) positivo de 1,76 y uno negativo de 0,19, demostrando mayor utilidad para el diagnóstico que la combinación de la ferritina total>5N y ferritina glucosilada≤20 %, cuya sensibilidad fue del 81,8 %, la especificidad del 48,3 %, un cociente de probabilidades LR positivo de 1,58 y un LR negativo de 0,38. Conclusión. En pacientes con fiebre de origen desconocido evaluados por reumatología pediátrica, la ferritina total>5N demostró ser útil como prueba de tamización para el diagnóstico de artritis idiopática juvenil sistémica.

Niveles de ferritina en artritis idiopática juvenil de inicio sistémico comparada con otras fiebres de origen desconocido: estudio multicéntrico de pruebas diagnósticas / Ferritin levels in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis of systemic onset and children with other causes of fever of unknown origin: A multicenter study of diagnostic tests

Resumen | Introducción. No se dispone de pruebas sensibles ni específicas para diagnosticar la artritis idiopática juvenil sistémica. Objetivo. Evaluar la utilidad diagnóstica de niveles de ferritina total cinco veces por encima del valor normal (ferritina total>5N) y el porcentaje disminuido (menor de o igual a 20 % de la ferritina total) de la ferritina glucosilada (ferritina glucosilada<20 %) para el diagnóstico de artritis idiopática juvenil sistémica en pacientes con fiebre de origen desconocido evaluados por reumatología pediátrica. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio observacional de pruebas diagnósticas de corte transversal en menores de 16 años hospitalizados entre el 2010 y el 2014. El patrón diagnóstico de referencia fue el cumplimiento de los criterios de clasificación o diagnóstico confirmado en el seguimiento. Se determinaron las medidas de utilidad de las pruebas. Resultados. Se incluyeron 40 pacientes con fiebre de origen desconocido: 11 con artritis idiopática juvenil sistémica y 29 con otros diagnósticos. La mediana de la ferritina total fue mayor en la artritis idiopática juvenil sistémica (3.992 ng/ml) comparada con otras causas de fiebre de origen desconocido (155 ng/ml) (p=0,0027), así como la ferritina total>5N (90,91 % Vs. 51,72 %) (p=0,023). El porcentaje de ferritina glucosilada≤20 % fue de 96,5 % en otras fiebres de origen desconocido en comparación con la artritis idiopática juvenil sistémica (81,8 %) (p=0,178). La ferritina total>5N tuvo una sensibilidad del 91 %, una especificidad del 48 %; un cociente de probabilidades (Likelihood Ratio, LR) positivo de 1,76 y uno negativo de 0,19, demostrando mayor utilidad para el diagnóstico que la combinación de la ferritina total>5N y ferritina glucosilada≤20 %, cuya sensibilidad fue del 81,8 %, la especificidad del 48,3 %, un cociente de probabilidades LR positivo de 1,58 y un LR negativo de 0,38. Conclusión. En pacientes con fiebre de origen desconocido evaluados por reumatología pediátrica, la ferritina total>5N demostró ser útil como prueba de tamización para el diagnóstico de artritis idiopática juvenil sistémica.

Abstract | Introduction: There are no sensitive or specific tests available to diagnose systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA). Objective: To assess the utility as diagnostic tests of total ferritin (TF) levels greater than 5 times the normal value (TF>5N) and the decreased percentage (less than or equal to 20% of TF) of glycosylated ferritin (GF≤20%) for the diagnosis of sJIA in patients with fever of unknown origin evaluated by pediatric rheumatology. Materials and methods: We conducted an observational, cross-sectional study of diagnostic tests in children under 16 years of age hospitalized between 2010 and 2014. The reference diagnostic standard was the fulfillment of the classification criteria or confirmed diagnosis at follow-up. We determined the measures of utility of the tests. Results: We included 40 patients with fever of unknown origin, 11 with sJIA, and 29 with other diagnoses. The median TF was higher in sAIJ (3992 ng/ml) versus other causes of fever of unknown origin (155 ng/ml) (p=0.0027), as well as TF>5N (90.91% versus 51.72%) (p=0.023). The percentage of GF≤20% was higher in patients with other causes of fever of unknown origin (96.5%) compared to sJIA (81.8%) (p=0.178). TF>5N had a sensitivity of 91%, specificity of 48%, positive likelihood ratio (LR) of 1.76, and negative LR of 0.19 demonstrating greater utility for the diagnosis of sJIA than the combination of FT> 5N with GFR <20%, with a sensitivity of 81.8%, specificity of 48.3%, positive LR of 1.58, and negative LR of 0.38. Conclusion: In patients with FUO evaluated by pediatric rheumatology, TF> 5N proved useful as a screening test for the diagnosis of sJIA.

Validation of the Finnish Type 2 Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISC) with the OGTT in Health Care Practices in Europe.

AIMS: /hypothesis. To determine the best cut-off threshold value of the Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISC) for the detection of diabetes and non-diabetic hyperglycaemia in people 35 years or older at primary health care settings in Europe. METHODS: Cross-sectional study in 11,444 adults from primary health care centres using community and opportunistic screening approaches. All participants completed the FINDRISC questionnaire and underwent a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). The FINDRISC performance was assessed by the area under the curve (AUC) using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis. The sensitivity, specificity, Youdens index, positive and negative prediction values for different FINDRISC cut-offs were calculated. RESULTS: The optimal FINDRISC value for detecting both diabetes or glucose impairment in the community - screened sample was 14 point with the associated AUC 0.75,5 (95 %CI 0.73,7-0.77,3). The optimal score in the opportunistic screening sample was 16 with the associated AUC only 0.60,4 (95% CI 0.56, 4-0.64, 4). CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: The FINDRISC is a non-invasive tool useful for detecting people with unknown diabetes and glucose impairment in people visiting primary health centres in Europe.

Chikungunya outbreak (2015) in the Colombian Caribbean: Latent classes and gender differences in virus infection.

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), a mosquito-borne alphavirus of the Togaviridae family, is part of a group of emergent diseases, including arbovirus, constituting an increasing public health problem in tropical areas worldwide. CHIKV causes a severe and debilitating disease with high morbidity. The first Colombian autochthonous case was reported in the Colombian Caribbean region in September 2014. Within the next two to three months, the CHIKV outbreak reached its peak. Although the CHIKV pattern of clinical symptomatology has been documented in different epidemiological studies, understanding of the relationship between clinical symptomatology and variation in phenotypic response to CHIKV infection in humans remains limited. We performed a cross sectional study following 1160 individuals clinically diagnosed with CHIKV at the peak of the Chikungunya outbreak in the Colombian Caribbean region. We examined the relationship between symptomatology and diverse phenotypic responses. Latent Class Cluster Analysis (LCCA) models were used to characterize patients' symptomatology and further identify subgroups of individuals with differential phenotypic response. We found that most individuals presented fever (94.4%), headache (73.28%) and general discomfort (59.4%), which are distinct clinical symptoms of a viral infection. Furthermore, 11/26 (43.2%) of the categorized symptoms were more frequent in women than in men. LCCA disclosed seven distinctive phenotypic response profiles in this population of CHIKV infected individuals. Interestingly, 282 (24.3%) individuals exhibited a lower symptomatic "extreme" phenotype and 74 (6.4%) patients were within the severe complex "extreme" phenotype. Although clinical symptomatology may be diverse, there are distinct symptoms or group of symptoms that can be correlated with differential phenotypic response and perhaps susceptibility to CHIKV infection, especially in the female population. This suggests that, comparatively to men, women are a CHIKV at-risk population. Further study is needed to validate these results and determine whether the distinct LCCA profiles are a result of the immune response or a mixture of genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors. Our findings could contribute to the development of machine learning approaches to characterizing CHIKV infection in other populations. Preliminary results have shown prediction models achieving up to 92% accuracy overall, with substantial sensitivity, specificity and accuracy values per LCCA-derived cluster.

Characterization of patients with early vs. late-onset Alzheimers dementia / Caracterización de pacientes con demencia de tipo Alzheimer precoz vs tardío

Introduction: Alzheimer's dementia (AD) has an early and a late onset. More information is needed regarding risk factors according to the age of onset of AD. The objective is to characterize the sociodemographic, anthropometric, laboratory and genetic variables as well as the history of patients with ade novodiagnosis of AD, by age of onset, at the Hospital Universitario C.A.R.I.'s mental health site over a period of two years. Methods: a cross-sectional descriptive study of 39 patients with ade novodiagnosis of AD. A questionnaire was completed, paraclinical studies were ordered and a blood sample was obtained for APOE genotyping. The IBM SPSS 21 software was used for analysis. Results: 82.05% had late-onset and 17.95% had early-onset AD. Of those with early-onset AD, 57.14% were females, as were 71.90% of those with late-onset AD. 71.44% of those with early-onset AD were married and 53.12% with late-onset AD were widowed. Only 14.29% with early-onset and 18.75% with late-onset AD had optimal LDL levels. Altogether, 79.49% of the population was heterozygous for the ε4 allele. 71.43% of those with early-onset AD had a family history of dementia. Discussion: age is the main factor associated with AD and females were more frequent in both groups. Social relationships play a role in early detection of symptoms. Lipid profile abnormalities were seen in both groups. Having at least one ε4 allele is a frequent finding in AD. Having a first-degree relative with dementia and/or Alzheimer's was more frequent in early-onset AD.(Acta Med Colomb 2020; 45. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2020.1316).

Introducción: la demencia de tipo Alzheimer (DTA) tiene presentación precoz o tardía. Es necesaria mayor información sobre factores de riesgo según edad de aparición de DTA. El objetivo es caracterizar variables sociodemográficas, antropométricas, de laboratorio, genéticas y antecedentes en pacientes con diagnósticode novode DTA según edad de aparición en el Hospital Universitario C.A.R.I. sede salud mental en un periodo de dos años. Metodología: estudio descriptivo transversal con 39 pacientes con diagnósticode novode DTA. Se realizó un cuestionario, solicitaron paraclínicos y se obtuvo una muestra sanguínea para genotipificación deAPOE.Se utilizó el software IBM SPSS 21 para análisis. Resultados: el 82.05% tenían DTA tardío y 17.95% DTA precoz. El 57.14% con DTA precoz y 71.90% con DTA tardía eran de sexo femenino. El 71.44% con DTA precoz eran casados y 53.12% con DTA tardío eran viudos. Solo 14.29% con DTA precoz y 18.75% con DTA tardío tenían niveles óptimos de LDL. El 79.49% de la población era heterocigoto para el alelo ε4. El 71.43% con DTA precoz tenía antecedente familiar de demencia. Discusión: la edad es el principal factor asociado a DTA y el sexo femenino fue más frecuente en ambos grupos. Las relaciones sociales juegan un rol en la identificación temprana de la sintomatología. Las alteraciones del perfil lipídico se evidenciaron en ambos grupos. Tener al menos un alelo ε4 es un hallazgo frecuente de DTA. Tener un familiar con demencia y/o Alzheimer de primer grado de consanguinidad fue más frecuente en DTA precoz.(Acta Med Colomb 2020; 45. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2020.1316).

Antiemetics in Children With Acute Gastroenteritis: A Meta-analysis.

CONTEXT: Several antiemetics have been used in children with acute gastroenteritis. However, there is still controversy over their use. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness and safety of antiemetics for controlling vomiting in children with acute gastroenteritis. DATA SOURCES: Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Latin America and the Caribbean Literature on Health Sciences, and gray literature, until December 2018. STUDY SELECTION: We selected randomized clinical trials comparing metoclopramide, ondansetron, domperidone, dexamethasone, dimenhydrinate, and granisetron. DATA EXTRACTION: Two reviewers independently screened abstracts and full texts, extracted the data, and assessed the risk of bias. We performed pairwise and network meta-analysis using the random-effects model. RESULTS: Twenty-four studies were included (3482 children). Ondansetron revealed the largest effect in comparison to placebo for cessation of vomiting (odds ratio = 0.28 [95% credible interval = 0.16 to 0.46]; quality of evidence: high) and for hospitalization (odds ratio = 2.93 [95% credible interval = 1.69 to 6.18]; quality of evidence: moderate). Ondansetron was the only intervention that reduced the need for intravenous rehydration and the number of vomiting episodes. When considering side effects, dimenhydrinate was the only intervention that was worse than placebo. LIMITATIONS: Most treatment comparisons had low- or very low-quality evidence, because of risk of biases and imprecise estimates. CONCLUSIONS: Ondansetron is the only intervention that revealed an effect on the cessation of vomiting, on preventing hospitalizations, and in reducing the need for intravenous rehydration. Ondansetron was also considered a safe intervention.

Spatial distribution of the relative risk of Zika virus disease in Colombia during the 2015-2016 epidemic from a Bayesian approach.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the spatial distribution of the risk of Zika virus disease in each region of Colombia during the 2015-2016 epidemic. METHODS: An ecological study was designed to estimate the risks for each Colombian region using first-order neighbors, covariate effects, and three adjacent periods of time (beginning, development, and end of the epidemic) to analyze the spatial distribution of the disease based on a Bayesian hierarchical model. RESULTS: Spatial distribution of the estimated risks of Zika virus disease showed that it increased in a strip that crosses the central area of the country from west to east. Analysis of the three time periods showed greater risk of the disease in the central and southern zones-Arauca and Santander-where the increase in risk was four times higher during the peak phase compared with the initial phase of the outbreak. CONCLUSION: In the identified high-risk areas, integrated surveillance systems for Zika virus disease and its complications must be strengthened to provide up-to-date and accurate epidemiological information. This information would allow those involved in policy and decision making to identify new outbreaks and risk clusters, enabling more focused and accurate measures to target at-risk populations.

Clinical practice guidelines for the management of community-acquired pneumonia: A critical appraisal using the AGREE II instrument.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to appraise the methodological quality of published clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) using AGREE II instrument for further enhancing the CAP CPG development. METHODS: We performed a systematic review of published CPGs on CAP from January 2007 to May 2019. All reviewers independently assessed each CPG using the AGREE II instrument. A standardised score was calculated for each of the six domains. RESULTS: Our search strategy identified 4125 citations but just 18 met our inclusion criteria. Agreement among reviewers was very good: 0.98. The domains that scored better were: "scope and purpose" and "clarity and presentation". Those that scored worse were "editorial independence", and "applicability". According to the AGREE II evaluation for each Guideline, the NICE, IDSA, BTS, SWAB, Korea, Consensur II, Colombian and Peruvian CPGs were the only recommended with no further modifications. In addition, ERS and SEPAR CPGs were recommended with modifications, with lower scores regarding the editorial independence and applicability. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, published CPGs for CAP management vary in quality with a need to improve the methodological and applicability rigour. This could be achieved following the standards for guidelines development and a better emphasis on how to apply CPGs recommendations in clinical practice.

Seroprevalence of Zika virus among blood donors before the epidemic in Barranquilla, Colombia, 2015-2016.

The first cases of Zika virus infection in Colombia were reported and confirmed in October 2015. The objective of the study was estimate the seroprevalence of ZIKV infection during the pre-epidemic phase in Barranquilla, Colombia, and demonstrate the presence of virus before the Colombian Ministry of Health confirmed the first case. We conducted a descriptive study of the seroprevalence of Zika virus in 390 samples obtained from a blood bank located in Barranquilla, Colombia - a city endemic for dengue, and with a recent history of a Chikungunya disease epidemic. The serum pools were tested using Euroimmun ZIKV ELISA kit. Seroprevalence of Zika virus IgG were: May 2015: 0%, June and July 2015: 2.62% (95% CI = 0.28-12.13) and August 2015: 5.35% (95% CI = 1.74-16.74). This brings to our attention the need for extending the surveillance period of this virus in order to adequately assess its teratogenic effects.

Evaluation of a loop-mediated isothermal amplification method for rapid detection of human respiratory syncytial virus in children with acute respiratory infection / Evaluación de un método de amplificación isotérmica medida por bucle para la detección rápida del virus sincitial respiratorio en niños con infección respiratoria aguda

Introduction: Human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) is the most frequent cause of acute respiratory infection of the lower respiratory tract in children under the age of five. The development of molecular techniques able to identify hRSV is one of the current challenges in the field of clinical research. Objective: To evaluate the ability of an isothermal amplification method to rapidly detect hRSV in children with acute respiratory infection. Materials and methods: We collected 304 nasopharyngeal swab samples from children with symptoms of acute respiratory infection who attended the emergency unit at Hospital de la Universidad del Norte in Barranquilla from April, 2016, to July, 2017. After extracting viral RNA from the samples, we evaluated the ability of the reverse transcriptase-loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) M assay to rapidly detect hRSVA and hRSVB compared to other molecular techniques: quantitative PCR (qPCR), reverse transcriptase-LAMP L assay, and as a standard, the multiplex nested reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (nested RT-PCR). Results: The RT-LAMP M assay had a sensitivity of 93.59% and a specificity of 92.92%, and a concordance of 0.83 ± 0.036 as compared with the nested RT-PCR test. While the Kappa index of the RT-LAMP M assay was higher than the values for the RT-LAMP L assay and the qPCR, the values of the latter two methods were in agreement (0.75 ± 0.043 and 0.71 ± 0.045, respectively). Conclusion: Due to the shorter running times, lower costs and better performance of the RT-LAMP M assay, it can be considered as a useful clinical tool for the detection of RSVA.

Introducción. El virus sincicial respiratorio humano (hRSV) es la causa más frecuente de infección respiratoria aguda de las vías respiratorias inferiores en niños menores de cinco años. El desarrollo de técnicas moleculares para identificarlo es uno de los retos actuales en el campo de la investigación clínica. Objetivo. Evaluar un método de amplificación isotérmica para la detección rápida del hRSV en niños con infección respiratoria aguda. Materiales y métodos. Se extrajo el ARN viral de 304 muestras de hisopado nasal en niños con síntomas de infección respiratoria aguda atendidos en el servicio de urgencias del Hospital de la Universidad del Norte en Barranquilla entre abril del 2016 y julio del 2017. Se evaluó la prueba de amplificación isotérmica mediada por bucle mediante transcriptasa inversa de la proteína de la matriz (M) (Reverse Transcription Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification, RT-LAMP) comparada con técnicas moleculares como la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa mediante transcriptasa inversa múltiple anidada (Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction, RT-PCR), la cual se empleó como la prueba estándar, la PCR en tiempo real (quantitative PCR, qPCR) y la RT-LAMP de la proteína L (L) para la detección rápida del virus sincicial respiratorio (VSR), subtipo A y subtipo B. Resultados. La prueba de RT-LAMP (M) tuvo una sensibilidad de 93,59 %, una especificidad de 92,92 % y una concordancia de 0,83 ± 0,036 comparada con la prueba de RT-PCR anidada. El índice kappa del RT-LAMP (M) fue superior, y los valores del RTLAMP (L) y la qPCR concordaron (0,75 ± 0,043 y 0,71 ± 0,045, respectivamente).