Early-life external exposome in children 2-5 years old in Colombia.

Exposome studies are advancing in high-income countries to understand how multiple environmental exposures impact health. However, there is a significant research gap in low- and middle-income and tropical countries. We aimed to describe the spatiotemporal variation of the external exposome, its correlation structure between and within exposure groups, and its dimensionality. A one-year follow-up cohort study of 506 children under 5 in two cities in Colombia was conducted to evaluate asthma, acute respiratory infections, and DNA damage. We examined 48 environmental exposures during pregnancy and 168 during childhood in eight exposure groups, including atmospheric pollutants, natural spaces, meteorology, built environment, traffic, indoor exposure, and socioeconomic capital. The exposome was estimated using geographic information systems, remote sensing, spatiotemporal modeling, and questionnaires. The median age of children at study entry was 3.7 years (interquartile range: 2.9-4.3). Air pollution and natural spaces exposure decreased from pregnancy to childhood, while socioeconomic capital increased. The highest median correlations within exposure groups were observed in meteorology (r = 0.85), traffic (r = 0.83), and atmospheric pollutants (r = 0.64). Important correlations between variables from different exposure groups were found, such as atmospheric pollutants and meteorology (r = 0.76), natural spaces (r = -0.34), and the built environment (r = 0.53). Twenty principal components explained 70%, and 57 explained 95% of the total variance in the childhood exposome. Our findings show that there is an important spatiotemporal variation in the exposome of children under 5. This is the first characterization of the external exposome in urban areas of Latin America and highlights its complexity, but also the need to better characterize and understand the exposome in order to optimize its analysis and applications in local interventions aimed at improving the health conditions and well-being of the child population and contributing to environmental health decision-making.

Use of complementary and alternative medicine by cancer patients in Colombia.

BACKGROUND: The use of complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) among cancer patients varies greatly. The available data suggest an increasing use of CAM over time and a higher prevalence in low- and middle-income countries. However, no reliable data are available from Latin America. Accordingly, we examined the prevalence of CAM use among cancer patients from six Colombian regions. METHODS: We conducted a survey on cancer patients attending comprehensive cancer centres in six capital cities from different regions. The survey was designed based on a literature review and information gathered through focus groups on CAM terminology in Colombia. Independent random samples of patients from two comprehensive cancer centres in every city were obtained. Patients 18 years and older with a histopathological diagnosis of cancer undergoing active treatment were eligible. The prevalence of CAM use is reported as a percentage with the corresponding confidence interval. CAM types are reported by region. The sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of CAM users and non-users were compared using Chi square and t tests. RESULTS: In total, 3117 patients were recruited. The average age 59.6 years old, and 62.8% were female. The prevalence of CAM use was 51.7%, and compared to non-users, CAM users were younger, more frequently women, affiliated with the health insurance plan for low-income populations and non-Catholic. We found no differences regarding the clinical stage or treatment modality, but CAM users reported more treatment-related side effects. The most frequent types of CAM were herbal products, specific foods and vitamins, and individually, soursop was the most frequently used product. Relevant variability between regions was observed regarding the prevalence and type of CAM used (range: 36.6% to 66.7%). The most frequent reason for using CAM was symptom management (30.5%), followed by curative purposes (19.5%). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of CAM use among cancer patients in Colombia is high in general, and variations between regions might be related to differences in cultural backgrounds and access to comprehensive cancer care. The most frequently used CAM products and practices have little scientific support, suggesting the need to enhance integrative oncology research in the country.

Characterization of the external exposome and its contribution to the clinical respiratory and early biological effects in children: The PROMESA cohort study protocol.

BACKGROUND: Air pollution contains a mixture of different pollutants from multiple sources. However, the interaction of these pollutants with other environmental exposures, as well as their harmful effects on children under five in tropical countries, is not well known. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to characterize the external exposome (ambient and indoor exposures) and its contribution to clinical respiratory and early biological effects in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cohort study will be conducted on children under five (n = 500) with a one-year follow-up. Enrolled children will be followed monthly (phone call) and at months 6 and 12 (in person) post-enrolment with upper and lower Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI) examinations, asthma development, asthma control, and genotoxic damage. The asthma diagnosis will be pediatric pulmonologist-based and a standardized protocol will be used. Exposure, effect, and susceptibility biomarkers will be measured on buccal cells samples. For environmental exposures PM2.5 will be sampled, and questionnaires, geographic information, dispersion models and Land Use Regression models for PM2.5 and NO2 will be used. Different statistical methods that include Bayesian and machine learning techniques will be used for the ambient and indoor exposures-and outcomes. This study was approved by the ethics committee at Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana. EXPECTED STUDY OUTCOMES/FINDINGS: To estimate i) The toxic effect of particulate matter transcending the approach based on pollutant concentration levels; ii) The risk of developing an upper and lower ARI, based on different exposure windows; iii) A baseline of early biological damage in children under five, and describe its progression after a one-year follow-up; and iv) How physical and chemical PM2.5 characteristics influence toxicity and children's health.

Adams-Oliver syndrome and associated complications: Report of a family in Colombia and review of the literature / Síndrome de Adams-Oliver y complicaciones asociadas: reporte de una familia en Colombia y revisión de la literatura

The Adams-Oliver syndrome is a rare congenital disorder characterized by aplasia cutis congenita of the scalp, terminal transverse limb defects, and congenital telangiectatic cutis marmorata. It can occur through different inheritance patterns: autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, or de novo dominant mutations. Although the Adams-Oliver syndrome is a rare disease, it is essential to know its clinical characteristics and inheritance patterns, to establish a correct diagnosis and its possible complications during follow-up. In the present study, we describe the case of an adolescent with Adams-Oliver syndrome with an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern, pulmonary hypertension and plastic bronchitis, and several compromised family members.

El síndrome de Adams-Oliver es un trastorno congénito raro, caracterizado por aplasia cutis congénita en el cuero cabelludo, defectos terminales transversales de las extremidades y piel marmorata telangiectásica congénita. Este puede presentarse debido a diferentes patrones de herencia de tipo autosómico dominante o autosómico recesivo, o por mutaciones dominantes de novo. Aunque el síndrome de Adams-Oliver es una enfermedad poco frecuente, es importante conocer sus características clínicas y patrones de herencia, para así establecer un correcto diagnóstico y sus posibles complicaciones durante el seguimiento. En el presente estudio, se describe el caso de una adolescente con síndrome de Adams-Oliver con patrón de herencia autosómica dominante, hipertensión pulmonar y bronquitis plástica. Había varios miembros de su familia con el mismo compromiso.

Consensus for the use of flash glucose monitoring in the Colombian adult population with type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus / Consenso para el uso de monitoreo de glucosa flash en la población adulta colombiana con diabetes mellitus tipo 1 y 2

Abstract Introduction: in Colombia, the Clinical Practice Guidelines for the treatment of patients with type 1 (DM1) and type 2 (DM2) diabetes do not mention the use of flash glucose monitoring, as this system was not available. The objective of this study was to establish a set of recommendations for the use of intermittent flash monitoring in Colombia. Methods: the group of experts consisted of eight Colombian physicians from different cities within Colombia, with expertise in the management of patients with DM1 and DM2; a certified diabetes nurse educator; a patient with DM1; and a methodological expert. Using the Zoom Enterprise video conferencing application (Zoom Video Communications, San Jose, California), the group generated questions through the Metaplan method, then carried out a systematic literature search and evidence review. The recommendations were made according to the degree of evidence and strength of the recommendation, following the GRADE method. Results: clinical recommendations were made for: a) patients with DM1 and hypoglycemia; b) patients with DM1 and poor metabolic control; c) patients with insulin-treated DM2; d) pregestational diabetes; e) quality of life; and f) inpatient use. Conclusions: this consensus's clinical recommendations guide clinical decision making with regard to the use of intermittent flash monitoring in patients with diabetes in various clinical settings. (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 47. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2022.2239).

Resumen Introducción: en Colombia las Guías de Práctica Clínica para el manejo del paciente con diabetes tipo 1 (DM1) y tipo 2 (DM2) no mencionan el uso del monitoreo de glucosa flash dado que dicho sistema no estaba disponible. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue establecer un grupo de recomendaciones sobre el uso del monitoreo intermitente flash en Colombia. Métodos: el grupo de expertos estuvo conformado por ocho médicos colombianos expertos en el manejo de pacientes con DM1 y DM2 de diversas ciudades de Colombia, una enfermera licenciada educadora en diabetes, una paciente con diagnóstico de DM1 y un experto metodológico. A través de Zoom Enterprise versión de la aplicación de videoconferencia Zoom (Zoom Video Communications, San Jose, California) el grupo generó las preguntas con metodología Metaplan. Posteriormente, se realizó una búsqueda sistemática de la literatura y análisis de la evidencia. Las recomendaciones se generaron mediante grupo nominal según el grado de evidencia y la formaleza de la recomendación siguiendo la metodología GRADE. Resultados: se generaron recomendaciones clínicas enfocadas a: a) paciente con diagnóstico de DM1 e hipoglucemia; b) paciente con diagnóstico de DM1 y mal control metabólico, c) paciente con diagnóstico de DM tipo 2 tratado con insulina, d) diabetes pregestacional, e) calidad de vida y f) uso intrahospitalario. Conclusiones: las recomendaciones clínicas del presente consenso orientan la toma de decisiones clínicas con respecto al uso de monitoreo intermitente flash en el paciente con diagnóstico de diabetes en diferentes escenarios clínicos. (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 47. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2022.2239).

Etiology and the challenge of diagnostic testing of community-acquired pneumonia in children and adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Pneumonia is the leading cause of mortality in pediatric population. The etiology of pneumonia in this population is variable and changes according to age and disease severity and where the study is conducted. Our aim was to determine the etiology of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in children aged 1 month to 17 years admitted to 13 Colombian hospitals. METHODS: Prospective cohort study. Hospitalized children with radiologically confirmed CAP and ≤ 15 days of symptoms were included and followed together with a control group. Induced sputum (IS) was submitted for stains and cultures for pyogenic bacteria and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and multiplex PCR (mPCR) for bacteria and viruses; urinary antigens for pneumococcus and Legionella pneumophila; nasopharyngeal swabs for viruses, and paired serology for atypical bacteria and viruses. Additional cultures were taken at the discretion of primary care pediatricians. RESULTS: Among 525 children with CAP, 71.6% had non-severe pneumonia; 24.8% severe and 3.6% very severe pneumonia, and no fatal cases. At least one microorganism was identified in 84% of children and 61% were of mixed etiology; 72% had at least one respiratory virus, 28% pyogenic bacteria and 21% atypical bacteria. Respiratory syncytial virus, Parainfluenza, Rhinovirus, Influenza, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Adenovirus and Streptococcus pneumoniae were the most common etiologies of CAP. Respiratory syncytial virus was more frequent in children under 2 years and in severe pneumonia. Tuberculosis was diagnosed in 2.3% of children. IS was the most useful specimen to identify the etiology (33.6%), and blood cultures were positive in 3.6%. The concordance between all available diagnostic tests was low. A high percentage of healthy children were colonized by S. pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae, or were infected by Parainfluenza, Rhinovirus, Influenza and Adenovirus. CONCLUSIONS: Respiratory viruses are the most frequent etiology of CAP in children and adolescents, in particular in those under 5 years. This study shows the challenges in making an etiologic diagnosis of CAP in pediatric population because of the poor concordance between tests and the high percentage of multiple microorganisms in healthy children. IS is useful for CAP diagnosis in pediatric population.

Acute Intrathoracic Tuberculosis in Children and Adolescents with Community-Acquired Pneumonia in an Area with an Intermediate Disease Burden.

Tuberculosis (TB) in the pediatric population is a major challenge. Our objective was to describe the clinical and microbiological characteristics, radiological patterns, and treatment outcomes of children and adolescents (from 1 month to 17 years) with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) caused by TB. We performed a prospective cohort study of a pediatric population between 1 month and 17 years of age and hospitalized in Medellín, Colombia, with the diagnosis of radiologically confirmed CAP that had ≤ 15 days of symptoms. The mycobacterial culture of induced sputum was used for the bacteriological confirmation; the history of TB contact, a tuberculin skin test, and clinical improvement with treatment were used to identify microbiologically negative TB cases. Among 499 children with CAP, TB was diagnosed in 12 (2.4%), of which 10 had less than 8 days of a cough, 10 had alveolar opacities, 9 were younger than 5 years old, and 2 had close contact with a TB patient. Among the TB cases, 50% (6) had microbiological confirmation, 8 had viral and/or bacterial confirmation, one patient had multidrug-resistant TB, and 10/12 had non-severe pneumonia. In countries with an intermediate TB burden, Mycobacterium tuberculosis should be included in the etiological differential diagnosis (as a cause or coinfection) of both pneumonia and severe CAP in the pediatric population.

Induced sputum as an adequate clinical specimen for the etiological diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in children and adolescents.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the utility of induced sputum (IS) for the diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in pediatric population. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included pediatric population aged between 1 month and 17 years who were hospitalized with a diagnosis of CAP in 13 hospitals in Colombia, in whom an IS sample was obtained. Gram staining, aerobic bacterial and mycobacterial culture tests, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for 6 atypical bacteria and 15 respiratory viruses were performed. We evaluated the quality of IS samples. RESULTS: IS samples were collected in 516 of 525 children included in this study. The median age was 32 months, 38.6% were younger than 2 years, and 40.9% were between 2 and 5 years. Two patients had transient hypoxemia during the procedure. The quality of the IS obtained was good in 48.4% and intermediate in 24.5%. Identification of a respiratory pathogen was achieved with an IS sample (with Gram staining, culture test, and PCR) in 372 of 516 children with CAP. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that IS is an adequate sample for the diagnosis of CAP in pediatric population that required hospitalization. The procedure was safe, well tolerated, and with better diagnostic yields compared with the rest of the samples obtained.

Sistema endocannabinoide y cannabidiol en el manejo del dolor en perros: revisión narrativa

Introducción: la marihuana (Cannabis sativa L.) es una planta originaria de Asia cada vez más reconocida por su valor terapéutico en la medicina humana y veterinaria. Contiene una gran cantidad de componentes entre los que destacan los fitocannabinoides, de los cuales los más representativos son el delta-9-tetrahidrocannabinol (THC) y Cannabidiol (CBD) que se acoplan respectivamente a los receptores CB1 y CB2 en el sistema endocannabinoide que es un sistema neurotransmisor entre células que regula varios procesos en los vertebrados como memoria, dolor, inflamación, apetito y procesos inmunológicos entre otros. Objetivo: realizar una síntesis narrativa del sistema endocannabinoide y cannabidiol en el manejo del dolor en perros, a partir de la búsqueda de publicaciones en bases de datos electrónica PubMed, NCBI, SciELO, Science Direct, Dialnet, Google y Google Académico. Resultados: el CBD es el principal cannabinoide utilizado en la terapia del manejo del dolor en perros por sus propiedades analgésicas y carencia de efectos psicoactivos. Conclusión: se evidencia la necesidad de realizar más investigaciones con ensayos clínicos controlados sobre el uso terapéutico del cannabidiol, que tengan validez interna y externa, con poblaciones más significativas en la especie de interés.

SUMMARY Introduction: marijuana (CannabissativaL.) is a plant native to Asia that is increasingly recognized for its therapeutic value in human and veterinary medicine. It contains a large number of components among which the phytocannabinoids stand out, of which the most representative are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD) that are coupled respectively to the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system, which is a neurotransmitter system between cells that regulates various processes in vertebrates such as memory, pain, inflammation, appetite and immune processes among others. Aim: to carry out a narrative synthesis of the endocannabinoid and cannabidiol system in the management of pain in dogs, from the search of publications in electronic databases PubMed, NCBI, SciELO, Science Direct, Dialnet, Google and Google Scholar. Results: CBD is the main cannabinoid used in pain management therapy in dogs due to its analgesic proper-ties and lack of psychoactive effects. Conclusion: there is evidence of the need for more research with controlled clinical trials on the therapeutic use of cannabidiol, which have internal and external validity, with more significant populations in the species of interest.

Introdução: a maconha (Cannabis sativa L.) é uma planta nativa da Ásia que é cada vez mais reconhecida por seu valor terapêutico na medicina humana e veterinária. Ele contém muitos componentes entre os quais se destacam os fitocanabinóides, dos quais os mais representativos são delta-9-tetrahidrocanabinol (THC) e Canabidiol (CBD) que estão acoplados respectivamente aos receptores CB1 e CB2 no sistema endocanabinóide, que é um sistema neurotransmissor entre as células que regula vários processos nos vertebrados, como memória, dor, inflamação, apetite e processos imunológicos, entre outros. Objetivo: realizar uma síntese narrativa do sistema endocanabinoide e canabidiol no manejo da dor em cães, a partir da busca de publicações nas bases de dados eletrônicas PubMed, NCBI, SciELO, Science Direct, Dialnet, Google e Google Scholar. Resultados: O CBD é o principal canabinoide utilizado na terapia de controle da dor em cães devido às suas propriedades analgésicas e ausência de efeitos psicoativos. Conclusão: há evidências da necessidade de mais pesquisas com ensaios clínicos controlados sobre o uso terapêutico do canabidiol, que tenham validade interna e externa, com populações mais significativas nas espécies de interesse.

Medical decisions concerning the end of life for cancer patients in three Colombian hospitals - a survey study.

BACKGROUND: Cancer patients' end-of-life care may involve complex decision-making processes. Colombia has legislation regarding provision of and access to palliative care and is the only Latin American country with regulation regarding euthanasia. We describe medical end-of-life decision-making practices among cancer patients in three Colombian hospitals. METHODS: Cancer patients who were at the end-of-life and attended in participating hospitals were identified. When these patients deceased, their attending physician was invited to participate. Attending physicians of 261 cancer patients (out of 348 identified) accepted the invitation and answered a questionnaire regarding end-of-life decisions: a.) decisions regarding the withdrawal or withholding of potentially life-prolonging medical treatments, b.) intensifying measures to alleviate pain or other symptoms with hastening of death as a potential side effect, and c.) the administration, supply or prescription of drugs with an explicit intention to hasten death. For each question addressing the first two decision types, we asked if the decision was fully or partially made with the intention or consideration that it may hasten the patient's death. RESULTS: Decisions to withdraw potentially life-prolonging treatment were made for 112 (43%) patients, 16 of them (14%) with an intention to hasten death. For 198 patients (76%) there had been some decision to not initiate potentially life-prolonging treatment. Twenty-three percent of patients received palliative sedation, 97% of all patients received opioids. Six patients (2%) explicitly requested to actively hasten their death, for two of them their wish was fulfilled. In another six patients, medications were used with the explicit intention to hasten death without their explicit request. In 44% (n = 114) of all cases, physicians did not know if their patient had any advance care directives, 26% (n = 38) of physicians had spoken to the patient regarding the possibility of certain treatment decisions to hasten death where this applied. CONCLUSIONS: Decisions concerning the end of life were common for patients with cancer in three Colombian hospitals, including euthanasia and palliative sedation. Physicians and patients often fail to communicate about advance care directives and potentially life-shortening effects of treatment decisions. Specific end-of-life procedures, patients' wishes, and availability of palliative care should be further investigated.

Decision making in the end-of-life care of patients who are terminally ill with cancer - a qualitative descriptive study with a phenomenological approach from the experience of healthcare workers.

BACKGROUND: In Colombia, recent legislation regarding end-of-life decisions includes palliative sedation, advance directives and euthanasia. We analysed which aspects influence health professionals´ decisions regarding end-of-life medical decisions and care for cancer patients. METHODS: Qualitative descriptive-exploratory study based on phenomenology using semi-structured interviews. We interviewed 28 oncologists, palliative care specialists, general practitioners and nurses from three major Colombian institutions, all involved in end-of-life care of cancer patients: Hospital Universitario San Ignacio and Instituto Nacional de Cancerología in Bogotá and Hospital Universitario San José in Popayan. RESULTS: When making decisions regarding end-of-life care, professionals consider: 1. Patient's clinical condition, cultural and social context, in particular treating indigenous patients requires special skills. 2. Professional skills and expertise: training in palliative care and experience in discussing end-of-life options and fear of legal consequences. Physicians indicate that many patients deny their imminent death which hampers shared decision-making and conversations. They mention frequent ambiguity regarding who initiates conversations regarding end-of-life decisions with patients and who finally takes decisions. Patients rarely initiate such conversations and the professionals normally do not ask patients directly for their preferences. Fear of confrontation with family members and lawsuits leads healthcare workers to carry out interventions such as initiating artificial feeding techniques and cardiopulmonary resuscitation, even in the absence of expected benefits. The opinions regarding the acceptability of palliative sedation, euthanasia and use of medications to accelerate death without the patients´ explicit request vary greatly. 3. Conditions of the insurance system: limitations exist in the offer of oncology and palliative care services for important proportions of the Colombian population. Colombians have access to opioid medications, barriers to their application are largely in delivery by the health system, the requirement of trained personnel for intravenous administration and ambulatory and home care plans which in Colombia are rare. CONCLUSIONS: To improve end-of-life decision making, Colombian healthcare workers and patients need to openly discuss wishes, needs and care options and prepare caregivers. Promotion of palliative care education and development of palliative care centres and home care plans is necessary to facilitate access to end-of-life care. Patients and caregivers' perspectives are needed to complement physicians' perceptions and practices.

Perspectivas de pacientes y profesionales en torno al uso de medicinas alternativas y complementarias para el cuidado del cáncer: un estudio exploratorio / Perception of Alternative and Complementary Medicine for Cancer Care among Patients and Health Professionals: An Exploratory Study

Introducción: el uso de medicinas alternativas y complementarias (MAC) por pacientes oncológicos es una práctica extendida, generalmente por fuera del tratamiento principal. La falta de entendimiento entre percepciones de pacientes y profesionales puede derivar en problemas de comunicación con repercusión negativa en el cuidado. Objetivo: indagar por coincidencias y divergencias en la percepción de pacientes y profesionales frente al uso de MAC en el paciente oncológico. Métodos: estudio exploratorio con análisis interpretativo fenomenológico mediante grupos focales, usando dominios prestablecidos. Se realizó codificación manual independiente y, posteriormente, se agruparon los códigos para su interpretación. El agrupamiento fue triangulado con el equipo de investigación para generar categorías definitivas. Resultados: surgieron dos categorías: conceptualización y vivencia frente a MAC. Cada categoría incluye subcategorías similares (p. ej., denominaciones, uso de MAC) y diferenciales (p. ej. valoración, fundamentación), entre los dos grupos. La conceptualización reconoce cómo los participantes caracterizan la MAC y la vivencia identifica la forma y vías como se relacionan con la MAC. Conclusiones: pacientes y profesionales comparten inquietudes frente al uso de MAC, pero existen diferencias en lenguaje y expectativas frente a su uso. Para los pacientes el consejo médico es relevante pero no definitivo y la evidencia científica solo es relevante para los profesionales.

Genital Hair-Thread Tourniquet Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Hair-thread tourniquet syndrome is a rare disorder that occurs when a hair or other fiber becomes wrapped around an appendage, resulting in swelling, pain, or even loss of the appendage. Some cases affecting the female genitals have been reported. CASE: The case of a 10-year-old girl with a 3-day history of genital pain is presented. During examination, a hair tourniquet was found at the base of a swollen and painful clitoris. The hair was removed under deep sedation, producing immediate relief. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION: The most important concern in genital hair-thread tourniquet syndrome is a high index of suspicion and prompt resolution in order to save the affected tissue. It should be considered on the differential diagnosis for all girls with vulvar swelling and indication of pain.

Barreras de acceso en la atención de las enfermedades pulmonares intersticiales en Colombia / Barriers to access for interstitial lung diseases care in Colombia

Resumen Existe una creciente cantidad de información referente al manejo de las enfermedades pulmonares intersticiales en el mundo, sin embargo, las barreras en el acceso a los sistemas de salud afectan la adherencia a los estándares de tratamiento de estos pacientes. Este artículo busca explorar las perspectivas de los médicos neumólogos sobre las barreras en el diagnóstico y tratamiento de los pacientes con enfermedades pulmonares intersticiales en Colombia. Para este fin, realizamos un estudio cualitativo cuya aproximación metodológica fue la fenomenología. Se conformaron grupos focales con médicos neumólogos para explorar las barreras en el acceso a los servicios de salud. Los datos se analizaron usando un análisis temático inductivo. Los participantes manifestaron la existencia de barreras derivadas de la falta de capacitación en atención primaria, de la ausencia de integralidad en los servicios y de la escasez de grupos de discusión multidisciplinaria. La inequidad en la atención se encuentra relacionada con problemas estructurales del sistema de seguridad social colombiano. Como conclusiones identificamos que las características del sistema de salud establecen la mayoría de las barreras para la atención de los pacientes. Una mayor sensibilización al personal médico podría evitar retrasos en el acceso a la atención especializada.

Abstract There is a growing amount of information regarding the management of interstitial lung diseases in the world. However, barriers in access to health systems affect adherence to treatment standards for these patients. This article aims to explore the perspectives of pulmonologists about the barriers in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with interstitial lung diseases in Colombia. For this purpose, we conducted a qualitative study whose methodological approach was phenomenological. Focus groups were formed with pulmonologists to explore the barriers in access to health services. The data were analyzed using an inductive thematic analysis. The participants expressed the existence of barriers derived from the lack of training in primary care, the lack of integrated services and the scarcity of multidisciplinary discussion groups. Inequality of care is related to structural problems of the Colombian social security system. We concluded that the characteristics of the health system establish most of the barriers to patient care. Greater awareness among medical professionals could avoid delays in access to specialized care.

La gestión de recursos humanos y la construcción de subjetividades en las nuevas condiciones de la economía / Human Resources Management and the Construction of Subjectivities in the New Economy Conditions

Resumen Este documento analiza la Teoría del capital humano y sus consecuencias en la gestión humana, donde cobran relevancia los planteamientos de Foucault y sus análisis de las formas de gobernar a sujetos y poblaciones, que interesan al estudio de las organizaciones. La presente revisión surge de la preocupación por discursos convertidos en mandatos en el mundo empresarial que plantean retos y objetivos a las empresas y las áreas de gestión humana, sin que se visibilicen los aportes críticos surgidos en el ámbito académico que establecen los riesgos de seguir trabajando desde miradas reduccionistas y pragmáticas, donde los sujetos son asumidos como absolutos responsables de sus éxitos, en un ámbito donde pareciera innecesaria la construcción de sentidos de comunidad.

Abstract The present document analyzes the theory of human capital and its consequences in the human management, where Foucault's approaches are relevant and his analysis of forms of governing resulting in new studies of organizations. The inspiration for this article came from the concern that the elevated discussions of chain of command in the business world would incorrectly identify the challenges and objectives for the businesses and for the areas of human management, without considering the suggestions from the academic world that establishes the risks of working only from the pragmatic point of view. From this point, the subjects are assumed as absolute responsibilities of their successes, where in the business world it appears unnecessary to create a sense of community.

Guía colombiana de práctica clínica para el tratamiento de la diabetes mellitus tipo 2: falla al tratamiento inicial / Colombian Clinical Practice Guideline for Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: First Line Treatment Failure

Introducción: Existen diferentes opciones de manejo para pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DMT2) que ya iniciaron tratamiento farmacológico con metformina y no han alcanzado metas de control glucémico. Resulta prioritario definir pautas para escoger la mejor opción en estos pacientes, así como en aquellos que no han tenido un control óptimo con la combinación de dos medicamentos. Objetivo: Definir cuál es antidiabético de elección, entre sulfonilureas, tiazolidinedionas, inhibidores de DPP-4, agonista del receptor de GLP-1 o insulina basal, como segunda y tercera líneas de manejo en pacientes con DMT2. Métodos: Se elaboró la guía de práctica clínica, siguiendo los lineamientos de la guía metodológica del Ministerio de Salud y Protección Social colombiano. Se revisó la evidencia disponible de forma sistemática y se formularon las recomendaciones utilizando la metodología GRADE. Conclusiones: En pacientes con DMT2 y falla terapéutica al manejo con metformina como monoterapia (HbA1C > 7 %) se recomienda como primera opción adicionar un inhibidor DPP-4, como segunda opción adicionar inhibidor SGLT2 o sulfonilureas con bajo riesgo de hipoglucemia y como tercera opción agregar insulina basal a los pacientes que con la combinación de dos fármacos fallen en alcanzar su meta de HbA1C. Si la falla terapéutica se asocia con un IMC persistentemente ≥ 30, se sugiere la adición de un agonista de GLP-1 por el potencial beneficio sobre la reducción de peso.

Introduction: There are different options to treat type 2 diabetes (DMT2) patients who began treatment with metformin and have not reached therapeutic golds. It is imperative to define rules to choose the best option, in these patients, as in those who have not achieved an optimal control under combined therapy. Aim: To define the best option between sulfonylureas, thiazolidinediones, DPP4 inhibitors, GLP-1 agonist or basal insulin, as second or third line treatment, in patients with DMT2 who have not reached therapeutic golds with metformin or combined therapy. Methods: A clinical practice guide has been developed following the broad outline of the methodological guide from the Colombian Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, with the aim of systematically gathering scientific evidence and formulating recommendations using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) methodology. Conclusions: In patients with DMT2 who did not reach their therapeutic goal with metformin as a monotherapy (Hb1Ac <7%), addition of a second oral antidiabetic medication is recommended. it is recommended as a first step to add a DPP-4 inhibitor. It is suggested to add a SGLT2 inhibitor or a sulfonylurea having low risk of hypoglycemia as acceptable options. It is suggested to add basal insulin as a third antidiabetic medication if the combination of two pharmacological treatments does not enable the patient to reach and maintain the HbA1c goal. It is suggested to add a GLP-1 agonist if therapeutic failure appears in patients who remain obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m²), considering its potential to reduce weight.

Combination inhaled steroid and long-acting beta2-agonist in addition to tiotropium versus tiotropium or combination alone for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

BACKGROUND: The long-acting bronchodilator tiotropium and single-inhaler combination therapy of inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta2-agonists (ICS/LABA) are commonly used for maintenance treatment of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Combining these treatments, which have different mechanisms of action, may be more effective than administering the individual components. OBJECTIVES: To assess relative effects of the following treatments on markers of exacerbations, symptoms, quality of life and lung function in patients with COPD.• Tiotropium plus LABA/ICS versus tiotropium.• Tiotropium plus LABA/ICS versus LABA/ICS. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Airways Group Specialised Register of Trials (April 2015), ClinicalTrials.gov (www.ClinicalTrials.gov), the World Health Organization (WHO) trials portal and reference lists of relevant articles. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included parallel, randomised controlled trials (RCTs) lasting three months or longer conducted to compare ICS and LABA combination therapy in addition to inhaled tiotropium versus tiotropium alone or combination therapy alone. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We independently assessed trials for inclusion, then extracted data on trial quality and outcome results. We contacted study authors to ask for additional information. We collected trial information on adverse effects. MAIN RESULTS: Tiotropium plus LABA/ICS versus tiotropiumWe included six studies (1902 participants) with low risk of bias that compared tiotropium in addition to inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting beta2-agonist combination therapy versus tiotropium alone. Investigators found no statistically significant differences in mortality between treatments (odds ratio (OR) 1.80, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.55 to 5.91; two studies; 961 participants), a reduction in all-cause hospitalisations with the use of combined therapy (tiotropium + LABA/ICS) (OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.40 to 0.92; two studies; 961 participants; number needed to treat for an additional beneficial outcome (NNTB) 19.7, 95% CI 10.75 to 123.41). The effect on exacerbations was heterogeneous among trials and was not meta-analysed. Health-related quality of life measured by St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) showed a statistically significant improvement in total scores with use of tiotropium + LABA/ICS compared with tiotropium alone (mean difference (MD) -3.46, 95% CI -5.05 to -1.87; four studies; 1446 participants). Lung function was significantly different in the combined therapy (tiotropium + LABA/ICS) group, although average benefit with this therapy was small. None of the included studies included exercise tolerance as an outcome.A pooled estimate of these studies did not show a statistically significant difference in adverse events (OR 1.16, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.47; four studies; 1363 participants), serious adverse events (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.57 to 1.30; four studies; 1758 participants) and pneumonia (Peto OR 1.62, 95% CI 0.54 to 4.82; four studies; 1758 participants). Tiotropium plus LABA/ICS versus LABA/ICSOne of the six studies (60 participants) also compared combined therapy (tiotropium + LABA/ICS) versus LABA/ICS therapy alone. This study was affected by lack of power; therefore results did not allow us to draw conclusions for this comparison. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: In this update, we found new moderate-quality evidence that combined tiotropium + LABA/ICS therapy compared with tiotropium plus placebo decreases hospital admission. Low-quality evidence suggests an improvement in disease-specific quality of life with combined therapy. However, evidence is insufficient to support the benefit of tiotropium + LABA/ICS for mortality and exacerbations (moderate- and low-quality evidence, respectively). Of note, not all participants enrolled in the included studies would be candidates for triple therapy according to current international guidance.Compared with the use of tiotropium plus placebo, tiotropium + LABA/ICS-based therapy does not increase undesirable effects such as adverse events or serious non-fatal adverse events.

Validez diagnóstica de los volúmenes pulmonares por pletismografía para el diagnóstico clínico y el seguimiento de la fibrosis pulmonar idiopática / Diagnostic validity of lung volumes by plethysmography for clinical diagnosis and follow-up of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

INTRODUCCIÓN: La fibrosis pulmonar idiopática es definida como una forma de neumonía intersticial crónica, progresiva, de causa desconocida, limitada a los pulmones, la cual se presenta principalmente en adultos mayores de 65 años. El diagnóstico de la enfermedad incluye la presencia de un patrón radiológico compatible con neumonía intersticial o hallazgos histopatológicos compatibles con neumonía intersticial usual y la exclusión de: enfermedades ocupacionales, toxicidad por drogas o enfermedades del colágeno que puedan producir enfermedad intersticial. La determinación de los volúmenes pulmonares por pletismografía permite identificar la presencia de trastornos restrictivos y la gravedad de estos en los estados patológicos del pulmón. OBJETIVO: Determinar la validez de la medición de los volúmenes pulmonares por pletismografía como apoyo del proceso diagnóstico de la fibrosis pulmonar idiopática y como medida del seguimiento de la progresión de la enfermedad. MÉTODOS: Dos estudios fueron incluidos, estos evaluaban pacientes con fibrosis pulmonar idiopática en los que se realizaron volúmenes pulmonares por pletismografía y se correlacionaron los datos de CPT con la tasa de sobrevida, la progresión de la enfermedad y las exacerbaciones. Se encontró que la media de sobrevida de estos pacientes es de 36 meses proximadamente y se asocia a bajos niveles de capacidad vital forzada y capacidad pulmonar total entre otros. Adicionalmente que pacientes con una reducción combinada de CPT y CV por debajo de los valores predichos presentan un deterioro restrictivo de la función pulmonar y un reducción de la sobrevida. CONCLUSIONES: La medición de los volúmenes pulmonares es un método complementario a la espirometría para determinar las capacidades y volúmenes pulmonares que ayudan a definir la gravedad de las alteraciones obstructivas, restrictivas o ambas, que está comprometiendo al paciente. La evidencia existente no soporta su efectividad en la confirmación diagnóstica de la fibrosis pulmonar idiopática, para la cual existen otras pruebas de mayor utilidad diagnóstica y tampoco soporta su como método de seguimiento de la progresión de la enfermedad.(AU)

Leucemia/linfoma T del adulto en pacientes infectados con HTLV-1: reporte de dos casos de Colombia / Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma in HTLV-1 infected patients: report of two cases in Colombia

La leucemia/linfoma de células T del adulto ( Adult T-Cell Leukemia/Lymphoma , ATLL) es una neoplasia maligna de los linfocitos T CD4 maduros, que resulta de la infección con el virus T-linfotrópico humano de tipo 1 (HTLV-1), con varias manifestaciones sistémicas y cutáneas. Se presentan dos casos de leucemia/linfoma de células T del adulto en pacientes del suroccidente de Colombia, cuyos diagnósticos fueron confirmados por histología, inmunohistoquímica, citometría de flujo y pruebas ELISA y Western blot. También, se discute acerca del virus y cómo hacer el diagnóstico en países como el nuestro.

Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) is a malignant neoplasia of mature CD4+ T lymphocytes,resulting from infection with human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1), with several systemic and cutaneous manifestations. We present two cases of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma, in patients from the Colombian Southwestern region, whose diagnoses were confirmed by histology, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, ELISA and Western blot tests. We also discuss about the virus and how to make this diagnosis in countries like Colombia.