Experience of a TelEmergency program in Colombia South America: descriptive observational study between 2019 and 2021.

INTRODUCTION: Colombia has 50,912,429 inhabitants, but only 50-70% of the population can effectively access health care services. The emergency room (ER) is a main contributor to the in-hospital care system since up to half of the admissions come through it. Telemedicine has become a tool to facilitate effective access to health care services, improve the timeliness of care, reduce diagnostic variability, and reduce costs associated with health. The aim of this study is to describe the experience of a Distance Emergency Care Program through Telemedicine (TelEmergency) to improve specialist access for patients at the Emergency Room (ER) in low- and medium-level care hospitals in Colombia. METHODS: An observational descriptive study of a cohort including 1,544 patients during the program's first two years was conducted. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the available data. The data are presented with summarized statistics of sociodemographic, clinical, and patient-care variables. RESULTS: The study included a total of 1,544 patients, and the majority were adults between 60 and 79 years of age (n = 491, 32%). More than half were men (n = 832, 54%), and 68% (n = 1,057) belonged to the contributory health care regime. The service was requested from 346 municipalities, 70% (n = 1,076) from intermediate and rural settings. The most common diagnoses were related to COVID-19 (n = 356, 22%), respiratory diseases (n = 217, 14%), and cardiovascular diseases (n = 162, 10%). We observed 44% (n = 681) of local admissions either under observation (n = 53, 3%) or hospitalization (n = 380, 24%), limiting the need for hospital transfers. Program operation data revealed that 50% (n = 799) of requests were answered within two hours by the medical staff. The initial diagnosis was modified in 7% (n = 119) of the patients after being evaluated by specialists at the TelEmergency program. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows the operational data collected during the first two years after the implementation of the TelEmergency program in Colombia, the first of its kind in the country. Its implementation offered specialized timely management of patients at the ER in low- and medium-level care hospitals, where there is no availability of specialized doctors.

Functionality During the First Five Years After the Diagnosis of Schizophrenia. A Cohort Study in a Colombian Population.

OBJECTIVE: There is a lack of studies on the natural history of the initial stages of schizophrenia in Colombia. This study aims to assess functionality in the first five years after the diagnosis of schizophrenia. METHODS: Naturalistic longitudinal study of 50 patients with early schizophrenia evaluated between 2011 and 2014. Data about demographic background, symptoms, introspection, treatment and adverse reactions were collected in all patients every 3 months for at least 3-5 years. Functionality was measured with the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) and Personal and Social Performance (PSP) scales. RESULTS: Patients were followed up for a mean of 174±62.5 weeks and showed moderate difficulties in overall functioning. This functioning was modified by polypharmacy, degree of introspection, changes in antipsychotic regimens, and the number of episodes, relapses and hospitalisations. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that functional outcomes seem to be related to the use of polypharmacy, degree of insight, changes in antipsychotic regimens, and number of episodes, relapses and hospitalisations during the first years of schizophrenia.

Functionality During the First Five Years After the Diagnosis of Schizophrenia. A Cohort Study in a Colombian Population / Funcionalidad en los primeros cinco años después del diagnóstico de esquizofrenia. Estudio de cohorte en población colombiana

ABSTRACT Objective: There is a lack of studies on the natural history of the initial stages of schizophrenia in Colombia. This study aims to assess functionality in the first five years after the diagnosis of schizophrenia. Methods: Naturalistic longitudinal study of 50 patients with early schizophrenia evaluated between 2011 and 2014. Data about demographic background, symptoms, introspection, treatment and adverse reactions were collected in all patients every 3 months for at least 3-5 years. Functionality was measured with the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) and Personal and Social Performance (PSP) scales. Results: Patients were followed up for a mean of 174 ± 62.5 weeks and showed moderate difficulties in overall functioning. This functioning was modified by polypharmacy, degree of introspection, changes in antipsychotic regimens, and the number of episodes, relapses and hospitalisations. Conclusions: The results suggest that functional outcomes seem to be related to the use of polypharmacy, degree of insight, changes in antipsychotic regimens, and number of episodes, relapses and hospitalisations during the first years of schizophrenia.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Existe una falta de estudios en la historia natural de los estadios iniciales de la esquizofrenia en Colombia. Este estudio apunta a evaluar la funcionalidad en los primeros cinco años después del diagnóstico de esquizofrenia. Método: Estudio longitudinal naturalístico de 50 pacientes con esquizofrenia temprana evaluados entre los anos 2011 y 2014. Loa datos demográficos, síntomas, introspección, tratamiento, y reacciones adversas fueron recolectados en todos los pacientes cada 3 meses por lo menos3a5anos. La funcionalidad se midió mediante la escala global de funcionamiento (GAF), y la escala de funcionamiento personal y social (PSP). Resultados: Los pacientes fueron seguidos por una media de 174 semanas (SD: 62.5) y mostraron dificultades moderadas en su funcionamiento global. Este funcionamiento fue modificado por la presencia de polifarmacia, grado de introspección, cambios en los esquemas antipsicóticos, y el número de episodios, recaídas, y hospitalizaciones. Conclusiones: Los resultados sugieren que los desenlaces en funcionalidad parecen estar relacionados con uso de polifarmacia, grado de introspección, cambios en esquemas antipsicóticos, y numero de episodios, recaídas, y hospitalizaciones durante los primeros años de esquizofrenia.

Ruta integral de atención en salud a través de la telesalud para el manejo del síndrome coronario agudo / Comprehensive health care route through telehealth for the management of acute coronary syndrome

Resumen Objetivo: Proponer una ruta integral de atención en salud a través de la telesalud para el manejo del síndrome coronario agudo. Método: La construcción de la ruta se basa en la revisión de la literatura y la información obtenida en grupos focales con expertos. Resultados: Se construyó una ruta integral de atención en salud para el manejo del paciente con síndrome coronario agudo. Se diagrama en notación gráfica que describe la lógica de pasos, teniendo en cuenta los siguientes actores: pacientes y familias, sistemas de atención de emergencias, telesalud, hospitales de primer y segundo nivel de complejidad, terceros niveles de complejidad con capacidad resolutiva de los casos de síndrome coronario agudo, y entes de inspección, vigilancia y control. Conclusiones: La ruta integral de atención en salud soportada en la telesalud es una apuesta innovadora para optimizar procesos en salud. Puede entenderse como alternativa ante la crisis que afronta el sistema en términos de financiamiento, resultados y legitimidad, teniendo en cuenta el efecto positivo de la telesalud sobre la oferta y el acceso a servicios, diagnósticos y tratamientos oportunos, la superación de distancias geográficas, el mejoramiento de la calidad y la contribución con el despliegue de las guías de práctica clínica.

Abstract Objective: To propose a comprehensive route of health care through telemedicine for the management of acute coronary syndrome. Method: The construction of the route is based on the literature review and the information obtained in focus groups with experts. Results: A comprehensive route of health care has been built for the management of patients with acute coronary syndrome. This comprehensive route of health care is diagrammed in a graphic notation that describes the logic of the steps, taking into account the following actors: the patient and their families, emergency care systems, telemedicine, first and second level of care hospitals, third levels of care with resolution capacity of acute coronary syndrome cases, and inspection surveillance and control authorities. Conclusions: The comprehensive route of health care supported in telemedicine, is an innovative bet to improve processes in health care services. It can be understood as an alternative to the crisis faced by the sector in terms of financing, results and legitimacy, taking into account the positive effect of telemedicine on the provision and access to services, diagnostic and timely treatment, to overcome geographic distances, improve quality and contribute to the deployment of clinical practice guidelines.

Functionality During the First Five Years After the Diagnosis of Schizophrenia. A Cohort Study in a Colombian Population.

OBJECTIVE: There is a lack of studies on the natural history of the initial stages of schizophrenia in Colombia. This study aims to assess functionality in the first five years after the diagnosis of schizophrenia. METHODS: Naturalistic longitudinal study of 50 patients with early schizophrenia evaluated between 2011 and 2014. Data about demographic background, symptoms, introspection, treatment and adverse reactions were collected in all patients every 3 months for at least 3-5 years. Functionality was measured with the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) and Personal and Social Performance (PSP) scales. RESULTS: Patients were followed up for a mean of 174±62.5 weeks and showed moderate difficulties in overall functioning. This functioning was modified by polypharmacy, degree of introspection, changes in antipsychotic regimens, and the number of episodes, relapses and hospitalisations. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that functional outcomes seem to be related to the use of polypharmacy, degree of insight, changes in antipsychotic regimens, and number of episodes, relapses and hospitalisations during the first years of schizophrenia.

Subclinical hypothyroidism in the first years of life in patients with Down syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Subclinical hypothyroidism (SH), defined as mild thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) elevation with normal free thyroxine (FT4) levels and no symptoms, is common during the first few years of life in Down syndrome (DS) and can be self-limiting. Our objective was to confirm that SH is usually a transitory disorder and to identify the factors associated with spontaneous remission. METHODS: We reviewed clinical histories of patients from the Catalan Down Syndrome Foundation (CDSF) with DS and SH diagnosed before 5 y of age. SH was defined as TSH 5.5-25 µU/ml (6 mo-4 y) or 4.13-25 µU/ml (4-7 y), with FT4 0.89-1.87 ng/dl (6 mo-4 y) or 0.96-1.86 ng/dl (4-7 y). RESULTS: Fifty-three patients with SH were identified, with an average age of 2.4 ± 1.1 y, median (range) TSH at diagnosis 7.1 (4.2-23.9 µU/ml), and median (range) FT4 1.1 (0.9-1.7 ng/dl). SH resolved spontaneously in 39 cases (73.6%), with TSH at the most recent visit (mean age 6.7 ± 1.4 y) 3.9 (1.8-12.7 µU/ml). The rate of remission was significantly higher in patients without goiter (94.9 vs. 28.6%) and in those who were negative for antithyroid antibodies (89.7 vs. 42.9%). CONCLUSION: SH in infants and preschool children with DS is usually a transitory disorder, with remission in >70% of cases. The absence of goiter and thyroid autoantibodies was associated with a greater rate of spontaneous remission in our study.

Insulin resistance and hypertension in patients with type 1 diabetes.

AIM: The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of hypertension in type 1 diabetes patients and to analyze its relationship with insulin resistance and other associated factors. DESIGN AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study on 291 patients with type 1 immune-mediated diabetes managed at two outpatient endocrinology clinics was performed. All participants were Caucasian, 18 years or older with type 1 diabetes duration of more than 6 months, who had completed the study protocol. Hypertension was defined as blood pressure ≥130/80 mmHg or use of antihypertensive medication, excluding angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers when used as treatment for micro- or macroalbuminuria. RESULTS: Hypertension was found in 87 [29.9% (95% confidence interval, or CI): 24.6%-35.2%] patients with type 1 diabetes. Hypertensive patients presented older age, male predominance, higher body mass index and overweight/obesity prevalence, and longer diabetes duration compared with normotensive patients. Insulin sensitivity quantified by estimated glucose disposal rate (eGDR) was lower in patients with hypertension compared with normotensives (5.2±1.4 vs. 9.1±1.2 mg kg(-1) min(-1), P<.001) and showed a negative correlation with systolic blood pressure level (r=-0.612, P<.01). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, eGDR, besides nephropathy, emerged significantly and independently associated with hypertension. An increment of 1 unit in insulin sensitivity assessed by eGDR was associated with a 5.7% decrease in hypertension prevalence (95% CI: 0.018-0.175) and the absence of nephropathy with an 88.2% decrease (95% CI: 0.15-0.92). CONCLUSIONS: Hypertension was present in approximately one third of patients with type 1 diabetes, especially in men, those with microangiopathy, overweight or obesity, older age and longer diabetes duration. Hypertension prevalence increased in parallel to the degree of renal impairment and was inversely related to insulin sensitivity.

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and laparoscopic gastric bypass are equally effective for reduction of cardiovascular risk in severely obese patients at one year of follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Very few studies have compared laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) outcomes or analyzed improvement in cardiovascular risk (CVR) after bariatric surgery. None of the studies considered the Mediterranean population. Our primary objective was to compare the 10-year estimated CVR reduction achieved by LRYGB and LSG in Spanish subjects with severe obesity. The secondary objectives were to compare the techniques in terms of weight loss and co-morbidity improvement. The study was performed at a university hospital in Barcelona, Spain. METHODS: A 12-month prospective cohort study of 140 consecutive patients (95 LRYGB and 45 LSG) compared the 2 surgical intervention groups to study the percentage of excess weight loss, resolution and improvement/resolution of co-morbidities, and effect on CVR using both the Framingham risk score (FRS) and the Registre Gironí del Cor (REGICOR) model. RESULTS: At 12 months, the overall CVR decreased from 6.6% to 3.4% using the FRS and from 3.7% to 1.9% using the REGICOR score. Neither model found a difference between the 2 surgical intervention groups in decreased postoperative CVR risk, with a FRS of 3.4% ± 2.2% for LRYGB versus 3.3% ± 2.1% for LSG (P = .872) and a REGICOR score of 1.9% ± 1.5% versus 1.8% ± 1.6%, respectively (P = .813). No differences were observed in the percentage of excess weight loss or the resolution of type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension. The hypercholesterolemia improvement/resolution rate was lower in the LSG group than in the LRYGB group. CONCLUSION: Bariatric surgery reduces the estimated CVR by one half at 1 year after surgery. Except for the less-improved cholesterol metabolism, LSG, a restrictive technique, proved to be equally as effective at 1 year of follow-up as LRYGB.

Prevalencia del consumo de fármacos psicoactivos en una población de obesos / Prevalence of psychoactive drug consumption in an obese population

Objetivo Determinar la prevalencia de consumo de psicofármacos en una población de obesos. Material y métodos Recogimos datos procedentes de las historias clínicas de pacientes diagnosticados de obesidad y visitados por el Servicio de Endocrinología y Nutrición y por el Servicio de Psiquiatría del Hospital del Mar en el periodo comprendido entre junio del 2005 y mayo del 2006.Material y métodos Las variables recopiladas fueron datos antropométricos, epidemiológicos y toxicológicos. También investigamos la frecuencia de patología concomitante. Resultados El consumo de fármacos psicoactivos en los pacientes con obesidad fue del 37%, siendo los más utilizados los antidepresivos (27%), los ansiolíticos, los sedantes y los hipnóticos y los antiepilépticos. Además, el 15% de los pacientes estaba recibiendo tratamiento con 2 o más psicofármacos, siendo la combinación más frecuente la asociación de antidepresivos con antiepilépticos. Conclusiones La prevalencia de consumo de fármacos psicoactivos en nuestra muestra fue superior a los datos de prevalencia observados en la población general. En el caso de los antidepresivos, el consumo fue 3 veces superior respecto a la población general (AU)

Objective To establish the prevalence of psychoactive drug consumption in an obese population. Material and methods We collected data from the clinical records of obese patients attending the Endocrinology and Nutrition Department and Psychiatry Department of Hospital del Mar between June 2005 and May 2006 (n=259). We recorded anthropometric, epidemiological and toxicological data. We also investigated the prevalence of concomitant diseases in this population. Results Psychoactive drugs were consumed by 37% of obese patients, mainly antidepressants (27%), anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics, and anticonvulsants. Moreover, 15% of all patients received combination treatment with two or more psychoactive drugs, mostly the association of an antidepressant and an antiepileptic drug. Conclusion The prevalence of psychoactive drug consumption in our sample was higher than prevalence data observed in the general population, with antidepressant consumption being three-fold higher (AU)

Peripartum metabolic control in gestational diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate intrapartum metabolic control in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) patients and maternal factors influencing intrapartum glycemic control and neonatal hypoglycemia risk. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective observational study included 129 women with GDM admitted for delivery. Data collected included maternal intrapartum capillary blood glucose (CBG) and ketonemia, use of insulin, and neonatal hypoglycemia. RESULTS: In all, 86% of maternal intrapartum CBG values fell within target range (3.3-7.2 mmol/L) without need for insulin use. There were no cases of maternal hypoglycemia or severe ketosis. Intrapartum CBG >7.2 mmol/L was associated with third-trimester glycated hemoglobin (P = .02) and lack of endocrinologic follow-up (P = .04). Risk of neonatal hypoglycemia was related with pregnancy insulin use compared with dietary control (60.5% vs 29.5%; P = .02). CONCLUSION: Peripartum metabolic control in GDM patients was achieved without insulin in most cases. Intrapartum glycemic control was related with third-trimester glycated hemoglobin and with no endocrinologic follow-up. Neonatal hypoglycemia was associated with insulin use during pregnancy.

[Prevalence of psychoactive drug consumption in an obese population]. / Prevalencia del consumo de fármacos psicoactivos en una población de obesos.

OBJECTIVE: To establish the prevalence of psychoactive drug consumption in an obese population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We collected data from the clinical records of obese patients attending the Endocrinology and Nutrition Department and Psychiatry Department of Hospital del Mar between June 2005 and May 2006 (n=259). We recorded anthropometric, epidemiological and toxicological data. We also investigated the prevalence of concomitant diseases in this population. RESULTS: Psychoactive drugs were consumed by 37% of obese patients, mainly antidepressants (27%), anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics, and anticonvulsants. Moreover, 15% of all patients received combination treatment with two or more psychoactive drugs, mostly the association of an antidepressant and an antiepileptic drug. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of psychoactive drug consumption in our sample was higher than prevalence data observed in the general population, with antidepressant consumption being three-fold higher.

Waist circumference and impaired fasting glucose screening in a Mediterranean population.

We evaluate the merits of routine waist circumference measurements for screening of impaired fasting glucose (IFG). Waist circumference and body mass index showed a strong association with the risk of IFG. The present data indicate the need for routine anthropometric measurements in clinical practice screening for IFG.

[Prognostic factors for schizophrenia during first psychotic episode]. / Factores Pronósticos de Esquizofrenia en Primer Episodio Psicótico.

OBJECTIVE: Reviewing the available literature regarding prognosis for first psychotic episode for developing schizophrenia. METHOD: A systematic review of studies which have evaluated prognostic determinants for the first psychotic episode and its relationship to schizophrenia was made. RESULTS: 161 articles were reviewed which fulfilled the search criteria and which were adjusted to the purpose of the study. CONCLUSIONS: Duration of untreated psychosis (DUP), pre-morbid functioning level, the presence or predominance of negative symptoms, co-morbid consumption of psychoactive substances and psychosocial state were the most influential characteristics for developing schizophrenia in patients presenting a first psychotic episode.

Factores Pronósticos de Esquizofrenia en Primer Episodio Psicótico / Prognostic factors for schizophrenia during first psychotic episode

Objetivo: Revisar la literatura disponible sobre el pronóstico del primer episodio psicótico para el desarrollo de esquizofrenia. Método: Una revisión sistemática de los estudios que han evaluado los determinantes pronósticos para el primer episodio psicótico y su relación con esquizofrenia. Resultados: Se revisaron 161 artículos que cumplían con los criterios de búsqueda y que se ajustaban con el propósito del estudio. Conclusiones: El tiempo de psicosis no tratada (DUP), el nivel del funcionamiento premórbido, la presencia o predominio de síntomas negativos, el consumo comórbido de sustancias psicoactivas y el estado psicosocial fueron las características mas influyentes para el desarrollo de la esquizofrenia, en los pacientes que presentaban un primer episodio psicótico.

Objective: Reviewing the available literature regarding prognosis for first psychotic episode for developing schizophrenia. Method: A systematic review of studies which have evaluated prognostic determinants for the first psychotic episode and its relationship to schizophrenia was made. Results: 161 articles were reviewed which fulfilled the search criteria and which were adjusted to the purpose of the study. Conclusions: Duration of untreated psychosis (DUP), pre-morbid functioning level, the presence or predominance of negative symptoms, co-morbid consumption of psychoactive substances and psychosocial state were the most influential characteristics for developing schizophrenia in patients presenting a first psychotic episode.