Impact of an Andean breakfast on biochemistry and immunochemistry laboratory tests: an evaluation on behalf COLABIOCLI WG-PRE-LATAM.

INTRODUCTION: In Andean countries, specifically in Ecuador, a food transition in the population has been observed because of economic growth. The Working Group for Preanalytical Phase in Latin America (WG-PRE-LATAM) of the Latin America Confederation of Clinical Biochemistry (COLABIOCLI) was established in 2017, and its main purpose is to study preanalytical variability and establish guidelines for preanalytical procedures in order to be implemented by clinical laboratories and healthcare professionals in Latin America. The aim of this study on behalf of COLABIOCLI WG-PRE-LATAM was to evaluate whether an Andean breakfast can interfere with routine biochemistry and immunochemistry laboratory tests. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied 20 healthy volunteers who consumed an Andean breakfast containing a standardized amount of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids. We collected blood specimens for laboratory tests before breakfast and 1, 2, and 4 hours thereafter. Significant differences between samples were assessed by the Wilcoxon ranked-pairs test. RESULTS: The Andean breakfast statistically (P ≤ 0.05), modified the results of the following tests: triglycerides, insulin, cortisol, thyroid stimulating hormone, free thyroxine, total protein, albumin, urea, creatinine, lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, amylase, lipase, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, iron, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and uric acid. CONCLUSIONS: Andean breakfast can influence the routine biochemistry and immunochemistry laboratory tests and might expose patient safety to some risks. Therefore, the COLABIOCLI WG-PRE-LATAM calls attention and highlights that the fasting time needs to be carefully considered when performing blood testing in order to prevent spurious results and thus, reduce laboratory errors.

HIV, STI and Behavioral Risk Among Men Who have Sex with Men in a Setting of Elevated HIV Prevalence Along Ecuador's Pacific Coast.

We assessed HIV and STI prevalence, risk behaviors and factors associated with HIV infection in men who have sex with men (MSM) in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Respondent-driven sampling was used to recruit 400 MSM in 2011-2012. Participants completed a computer-assisted self-interview and provided blood samples. Statistical analysis accounted for differential probability of selection and for recruitment patterns. HIV prevalence was 11.3 %, HSV-2 30.2 %, active syphilis 6.9 % and hepatitis B 1.2 %. In the previous 12 months, 84 % of MSM reported casual male sex partners and 25 % sex work. Only 48 % of MSM consistently used condoms with male partners and 54 % had ever been tested for HIV. Of 17 % of MSM reporting a female partner, consistent condom use was 6 %. HIV infection was associated with age 25 or older, active syphilis and homosexual self-identification. Findings suggest continuing HIV risk and a need to strengthen prevention and testing among MSM.

Relacín entre el bibrinógeno y el metabolismo lipidico en diabéticos no dependientes de insulina

El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar los niveles de fibrinogeno en sujetos diabéticos no dependientes de insulina (DMNID) con y sin enfermedad arterial coronaria (EAC) y en sujetos controles, así como su interrelación con los lípidos, lipoproteínas y aproteínas. No se encontraron significativas en los valores de fibrinógeno entre los sujetos normo e hipercolesterolemicos, normo e hipergliceridemicos, con c-HDL- normales o bajas, con Apo Al normales o bajas y con Apo B normales o altas. En el grupo con hipercolesterolemia, los diabéticos sin EAC presentaron niveles mas altos de fibrinogeno que los diabeticos con EAC (p<0.01). En el grupo con TG normales, los diabeticos sin EAC tuvieron niveles mas altos de fibrinogeno que los diabeticos con EAC (p<0.05). En el grupo con c-LDL normales, los diabeticos sin EAC tuvieron niveles más altos de fibrinógeno que los controles (p<0.01)y que los diabéticos con EAC (p<0.05). En conclusión, en este estudio no encontramos interacciones entre los niveles de fibrinógeno y lípidos, lipoproteínas más elevadas de fibrinógeno que con EAC y del grupo con c-HDL bajas donde los diabeticos sin EAC tuvieron niveles más altos de fibrinógeno que los controles y que los diabeticos con EAC.