Machine learning-ready mental health datasets for evaluating psychological effects and system needs in Mexico city during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The prevalence of mental health problems constitutes an open challenge for modern societies, particularly for low and middle-income countries with wide gaps in mental health support. With this in mind, five datasets were analyzed to track mental health trends in Mexico City during the pandemic's first year. This included 33,234 responses to an online mental health risk questionnaire, 349,202 emergency calls, and city epidemiological, mobility, and online trend data. The COVID-19 mental health risk questionnaire collects information on socioeconomic status, health conditions, bereavement, lockdown status, and symptoms of acute stress, sadness, avoidance, distancing, anger, and anxiety, along with binge drinking and abuse experiences. The lifeline service dataset includes daily call statistics, such as total, connected, and abandoned calls, average quit time, wait time, and call duration. Epidemiological, mobility, and trend data provide a daily overview of the city's situation. The integration of the datasets, as well as the preprocessing, optimization, and machine learning algorithms applied to them, evidence the usefulness of a combined analytic approach and the high reuse potential of the data set, particularly as a machine learning training set for evaluating and predicting anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as general psychological support needs and possible system loads.

The effectiveness of a school mindfulness-based intervention on the neural correlates of inhibitory control in children at risk: A randomized control trial.

Interest in the applications of mindfulness practice in education is growing in the scientific community. Recent research has shown that mindfulness practice in schools may be beneficial for executive functions (EFs) which are abilities crucial for healthy development. The study of the effects of mindfulness practices on children's neural correlates of EFs, particularly inhibitory control, may provide relevant information about the impact and mechanisms of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) in children. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of a MBI in elementary school children on the neural correlates of inhibitory control via a randomized controlled trial. Children from two 4th grade classrooms and two 5th grade classrooms located in a school identified as having low socioeconomic status in Santiago de Chile were randomly assigned to either receive a MBI or serve as active controls and receive a social skills program. Both before and after the interventions, electroencephalographic activity was recorded during a modified version of the Go/Nogo task in a subsample of children in each group. Additionally, teachers completed questionnaires of students' EFs and students completed self-report measures. Results revealed increases in EFs assessed by questionnaires together with improved P3 amplitude associated with successful response inhibition in children who received the MBI compared to active controls. These results contribute to the understanding of the ways in which mindfulness practices can promote the development of inhibitory control together with EF improvement, factors identified as critical for children's social and emotional development and positive mental health. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: This study investigated the effects of a mindfulness-based intervention in children from a low socioeconomic status school on neural correlates of EFs. Children performed a Go/Nogo task while electroencephalographic activity was recorded and completed questionnaires before and after a MBI or an active control program. Improvements in EFs assessed by questionnaires together with an increased Nogo-P3 activity associated with successful inhibition in children who received the MBI were found. The results could contribute to understand how mindfulness practice can promote the development of inhibitory control in children from vulnerable populations.

Multiple cranial neuropathy: Clinical findings in a case series of 142 patients.

INTRODUCTION: Multiple cranial neuropathies (MCN) is an entity frequently seen in clinical practice but there is a lack of studies published about this entity, with most of them based on case reports and small case series. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to describe the clinical involvement of different cranial nerves, the location within the central or peripheral nervous system and the diagnosis in a group of patients with MCN managed in one hospital in Bogotá-Colombia. METHODOLOGY: A case series study was conducted using the electronic clinical records of a teaching hospital in Bogota-Colombia. Clinical data were collected from patients aged ≥18 with a clinical diagnosis of MCN between 2015 and July 2021. RESULTS: The cranial nerves most commonly affected were III and VII, with the most prevalent combinations being III-IV, III-VI, and V-VII. Among etiologies, the most frequently found were autoimmune, vascular and neoplastic and most common locations included peripheral nerves, neuromuscular junction, cavernous sinus and lateral medulla. CONCLUSIONS: The differential diagnosis of MCN is broad, but clinical clues may aid in identifying the underlying etiology. According to our results, MG was the most frequent etiology, so it should be considered in any patient with a clinical diagnosis of MCN associated with fatigability.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors-associated thrombosis in patients with lung cancer and melanoma: a study of the Spanish society of medical oncology (SEOM) thrombosis and cancer group.

PURPOSE: Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (ICI) can be associated with thrombotic events, both venous and arterial (VTE/AT). However, there is a paucity of information regarding patients in routine clinical practice. METHODS/PATIENTS: Retrospective, multicenter study promoted by the Thrombosis and Cancer Section of the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM). Patients with melanoma and lung cancer who initiated ICI between 01/01/2015 and 31/12/2019 were recruited. Minimum follow-up was 6 months (unless it was not possible because of death). The primary objective was to calculate the incidence of ICI-associated VTE/AT and the secondary objectives included to analyze its impact on survival and to identify predictor variables for VTE/AT. RESULTS: 665 patients with lung cancer were enrolled. The incidence of VTE/AT during follow-up was 8.4%. Median overall survival (OS) was lower in the VTE/AT group (12 months 95% CI 4.84-19.16 vs. 19 months 95% CI 16.11-21.9; p = 0.0049). Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and anemia upon initiation of IT, as well as a history of thrombosis between cancer diagnosis and the start of ICI, were predictive variables for developing of VTE/AT (p < 0.05). 291 patients with melanoma were enrolled. There was a 5.8% incidence rate of VTE/AT during follow-up. Median OS was lower in the VTE/AT group (10 months 95% CI 0.0-20.27 vs. 29 months 95% CI 19.58-36.42; p = 0.034). NLR and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) at the beginning of ICI were predictor variables for VTE/AT (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: ICI increases the risk of VTE/AT in patients with lung cancer and melanoma, which impact OS.

Multivariate analysis in data science for the geospatial distribution of the breast cancer mortality rate in Colombia.

This research is framed in the area of biomathematics and contributes to the epidemiological surveillance entities in Colombia to clarify how breast cancer mortality rate (BCM) is spatially distributed in relation to the forest area index (FA) and circulating vehicle index (CV). In this regard, the World Health Organization has highlighted the scarce generation of knowledge that relates mortality from tumor diseases to environmental factors. Quantitative methods based on geospatial data science are used with cross-sectional information from the 2018 census; it's found that the BCM in Colombia is not spatially randomly distributed, but follows cluster aggregation patterns. Under multivariate modeling methods, the research provides sufficient statistical evidence in terms of not rejecting the hypothesis that if a spatial unit has high FA and low CV, then it has significant advantages in terms of lower BCM.

Mental Health Symptoms, Binge Drinking, and the Experience of Abuse During the COVID-19 Lockdown in Mexico.

Background: The health crisis associated with the COVID-19 pandemic is causally linked to negative mental health symptoms in the same way as other diseases such as Ebola. Objective: The purpose of this paper is to describe the relationship between mental health symptoms, binge drinking, and the experience of abuse during the COVID-19 lockdown. Method: We surveyed 9,361 participants, all Mexican, with an average age of 33 years old (SD = 10.86). In this group of people, we found out that 59% were single (5,523), 71% were women (6,693). Forty-six percentage were complying with lockdown procedures (4,286), 50% were partially complying (4,682), and 4% were not complying at all (393). The invitation to participate was open from April 24th to April 30th during the second stage of the pandemic in Mexico, in 2020, characterized by voluntary complete lockdown staying at home. Thus, we used a cross-sectional online survey design to assess mental health risk factors related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey was available on a WebApp designed by Linux®, PHP®, HTML®, CSS®, and JavaScript®. We calculated descriptive and inferential analysis to describe the mental health average distribution as a function of the lockdown, binge drinking, and experience of abuse. To calculate the reliability and validation of the subscales, we used Cronbach's Alpha and Factor Loading. We run the confirmatory factor loading analysis, and we described the relationship between each latent variable and its item factor load, obtained through structural modeling equations, derived from 179 iterations and 207 parameters (t[1,171] = 28,079.418, p < 0.001). We got a CFI of 0.947, a TLC of 0.940, an RMSEA of 0.049 (0.049-0.050), and an SRMR of 0.048. Findings: The results indicated that reported attitudes such as avoidance, sadness, withdrawal, anger, and anxiety were associated with acute stress, which was linked to an anxiety condition caused by uncertainty about achieving or maintaining overall good health. Discussion and Prospects: People in lockdown mentioned a sudden increase in alcohol consumption. They lived episodes of physical and emotional abuse, in contrast with those who stated that they did not go into lockdown or consume alcohol, or experienced abuse. Limitations: Further studies should diagnose mental health conditions as part of the impact of COVID-19, ensure their follow-up, and assess the effect of providing remote psychological care. There is a need to explore methods to curb the increase in the number of people affected by post-traumatic stress disorder.

Perception of musculoskeletal pain in the state of confinement: associated factors.

OBJECTIVE: to describe the perception of musculoskeletal pain in the population and how the state of confinement (adopted as a measure to control contagion by COVID-19) has interfered with it, as well as identifying the sociodemographic, occupational, physical, and psychosocial factors involved. METHOD: an observational, cross-sectional and analytical study, with simple random probabilistic sampling, aimed at residents in Spain over 18 years old during the confinement period. An ad hoc survey was conducted, consisting in 59 items. RESULTS: a total of 3,247 surveys were answered. Persistent musculoskeletal pain or significant episodes thereof increased 22.2% during confinement. The main location was the spine (49.5%). The related factors were decreased physical activity, increased seated position, and use of electronic devices. The psychological impact of confinement was also related to the perception of musculoskeletal pain. CONCLUSION: the state of confinement causes an increase in the perception of musculoskeletal pain. The identification of a particularly sensitive population profile, as well as that of the related factors, allows establishing multidisciplinary approaches in health promotion.

The effect of a toothpaste containing oleanolic acid in reducing plaque and gingivitis: a proof-of-concept randomized trial.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the safety and efficacy of an oleanolic acid (OA)-containing toothpaste in reducing gingival inflammation and plaque in patients with gingivitis. METHODS: This proof-of-concept parallel, double-blind, randomized controlled clinical trial included 99 patients. Following a 1-week washout, patients were randomized into three groups: OA group (fluoride toothpaste containing 0.1% OA and placebo mouthwash); negative control (fluoride toothpaste and placebo mouthwash); and CHX group (fluoride toothpaste and 0.12% chlorhexidine mouthwash). Patients were clinically assessed at inclusion, pre-washout visit, baseline and after 4 days, 1 week and 2 weeks of twice-daily use of the products. Patients received a diary for documentation of bleeding on brushing and provided unstimulated saliva samples. RESULTS: After two weeks, all groups showed significant reductions in all clinical parameters. The CHX group exhibited significantly greater reductions in gingival index and interproximal gingival index scores at week 2, as compared to patients in the negative control (p = 0.04). In contrast, reductions in gingival index scores did not differ between CHX and OA groups and between OA and negative control groups at week 2. The CHX group had significantly greater reductions in plaque index scores at day-4, 1-week and 2-week evaluations, as compared to the negative control and OA groups. The frequency of adverse events was similar among the groups. None of the groups reduced salivary transferrin levels. Finally, the OA group had the lowest percentage of self-reported bleeding events. CONCLUSION: OA toothpaste failed to provide antiplaque and antigingivitis effects superior to those of a fluoride toothpaste after 2 weeks of use.

Perception of musculoskeletal pain in the state of confinement: associated factors / Percepção da dor musculoesquelética em estado de confinamento: fatores associados / Percepción de dolor musculoesquelético en estado de confinamiento: factores asociados

Objective: to describe the perception of musculoskeletal pain in the population and how the state of confinement (adopted as a measure to control contagion by COVID-19) has interfered with it, as well as identifying the sociodemographic, occupational, physical, and psychosocial factors involved. Method: an observational, cross-sectional and analytical study, with simple random probabilistic sampling, aimed at residents in Spain over 18 years old during the confinement period. An ad hoc survey was conducted, consisting in 59 items. Results: a total of 3,247 surveys were answered. Persistent musculoskeletal pain or significant episodes thereof increased 22.2% during confinement. The main location was the spine (49.5%). The related factors were decreased physical activity, increased seated position, and use of electronic devices. The psychological impact of confinement was also related to the perception of musculoskeletal pain. Conclusion: the state of confinement causes an increase in the perception of musculoskeletal pain. The identification of a particularly sensitive population profile, as well as that of the related factors, allows establishing multidisciplinary approaches in health promotion.

Objetivo: descrever a percepção da dor musculoesquelética na população e como o estado de confinamento (adotado como medida de controle do contágio pela COVID-19) tem interferido na mesma, bem como identificar os fatores sociodemográficos, ocupacionais, físicos e psicossociais envolvidos. Método: estudo observacional, transversal e analítico, com amostragem probabilística aleatória simples, realizado com residentes na Espanha, maiores de 18 anos, durante o período de confinamento, para tanto, foi realizada uma enquete ad-hoc com 59 itens. Resultados: foram recebidas 3.247 respostas. Dor musculoesquelética persistente ou episódios significativos da mesma aumentaram em 22,2% durante o confinamento. A localização principal foi a coluna vertebral (49,5%). Os fatores relacionados foram a diminuição da atividade física, o aumento da posição sentada e o uso de dispositivos eletrônicos. O impacto psicológico do confinamento também esteve relacionado à percepção de dor musculoesquelética. Conclusão: o estado de confinamento acarreta aumento na percepção da dor musculoesquelética. A identificação de um perfil populacional particularmente sensível, bem como dos fatores relacionados, permite estabelecer abordagens multidisciplinares na promoção da saúde.

Objetivo: describir la percepción de dolor musculoesquelético en la población y cómo el estado de confinamiento (adoptado como medida de control de contagio por COVID-19) ha interferido en la misma, así como identificar los factores sociodemográficos, laborales, físicos y psicosociales implicados. Método: estudio observacional, transversal y analítico, con muestreo probabilístico aleatorio simple, dirigido a residentes en España, mayores de 18 años durante el periodo de confinamiento. Se realizó una encuesta ad-hoc compuesta por 59 ítems. Resultados: se cumplimentaron 3247 encuestas. El dolor musculoesquelético persistente o los episodios significativos del mismo se incrementaron un 22,2% durante el confinamiento. La principal localización fue el raquis (49,5%). Los factores relacionados fueron la disminución de la actividad física, el aumento de la posición sentada y del uso de dispositivos electrónicos. El impacto psicológico del confinamiento también se relacionó con la percepción de dolor musculoesquelético. Conclusión: el estado de confinamiento provoca un incremento en la percepción de dolor musculoesquelético. La identificación de un perfil poblacional especialmente sensible, así como la identificación de los factores relacionados, permite establecer abordajes multidisciplinares en la promoción de la salud.

Hallazgos estructurales en imágenes cerebrales de pacientes con diagnóstico de delirium en un hospital de alta complejidad de Bogotá / Structural findings in cerebral images of patients with diagnosis of delirium in a high-complexity hospital in Bogota

RESUMEN INTRODUCCIÓN: El delirium es una falla cerebral de origen multifactorial, común, y en ocasiones relacionada con un desenlace fatal. Afecta principalmente a la población hospitalizada mayor de 65 años. La realización de imágenes cerebrales en delirium se encuentra en discusión, porque en la mayoría de los casos no se pone en evidencia una correlación entre los hallazgos de la imagen y la enfermedad. La literatura médica actual muestra que las imágenes de rutina (tomografía o resonancia cerebral) resultan negativas para lesiones agudas hasta en el 94 % de los pacientes que cumplen criterios diagnósticos. En Colombia no hay estudios descriptivos en pacientes que presenten delirium. Por lo anterior, nuestra idea es describir los principales hallazgos radiológicos en imagen cerebral en pacientes con diagnóstico de delirium en urgencias u hospitalización en un hospital de alta complejidad de Bogotá, valorados por el departamento de neurología. MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio de corte transversal que incluyó a los pacientes con diagnóstico de delirium atendidos por neurología en hospitalización o urgencias entre octubre del 2015 y octubre del 2016. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 97 pacientes y se realizaron imágenes cerebrales a 79 (81 %). De estos, tan solo en ocho (10 %) se encontró lesión aguda en imágenes cerebrales. En los pacientes que tienen signos de focalización este porcentaje aumentó a tres pacientes (27 %), y en los que no tenían signos de focalización fue de cinco pacientes (7,3 %). CONCLUSIONES: La presencia de lesiones cerebrales agudas en pacientes con delirium es baja. El hecho de tener signos de focalización en el examen aumenta la posibilidad de tener lesiones agudas.

SUMMARY INTRODUCTION: Delirium is a brain failure of multifactorial origin, common and sometimes related to a fatal outcome. It mainly affects hospitalized population over 65 years. Work-up with cerebral images is in discussion, because in most of of the occasions it is not related to the pathology. Current medical literature shows that routine imaging (tomography or brain resonance) are negative for acute injuries in up to 94 % of patients that meets delirium diagnostic criteria. In Colombia there are no descriptive studies in patients with delirium. Therefore, our objective was to describe the main radiological findings in brain imaging in patients diagnosed with delirium in the emergency room or admitted subjects in a high complexity hospital in Bogotá-Colombia, assessed by the department of neurology between October 2015 and October 2016. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out, including all patients diagnosed with delirium treated by neurology in hospitalization or emergencies. RESULTS: This research showed a total of 97 patients diagnosed with delirium; 79 (81 %) had brain images; of these, only 8 (10 %) showed acute injury in brain images, in patients who have signs of focalization this percentage was higher to 3 (27 %) than in those who did not have them 5 (7.3 %). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of acute brain injuries in patients with delirium is low. The fact of having signs of focal injury on examination increases the possibility of having acute injuries.

Fatal reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome: A systematic review of case series and case reports.

OBJECTIVE: To describe patient characteristics, radiological findings and the clinical course of adults with fatal reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS). METHODS: A systematic literature search from January 1, 2000, until December 31, 2018, was performed using PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Cochrane reviews, LILACS and Scielo. Studies reporting RCVS in adult patients with fatal outcomes were included. RESULTS: 430 studies were initially identified, 179 full-text articles were reviewed, and 9 publications describing 12 subjects were included. The vast majority of the reports were from the U.S. Most of the female cases occurred during postpartum. All patients had a headache on initial presentation, although only 42% had thunderclap headache. A CT scan was performed on 67% of the patients. Imaging results were diverse, with a tendency toward cerebral hemorrhage followed by mixed cases. The main course of treatment included steroids (58% of the patients), with only 42% receiving nimodipine. The time to death ranged from 4 to 14 days, with a median of 9.2 days (SD ±â€¯3.2). CONCLUSION: We found that the majority of fatal cases reported in the literature are most likely related to postpartum angiopathy. We established a tendency in the onset of brain hemorrhage and the combination of infarction and brain hemorrhage. We described various markers for poor prognosis, including focal signs, the presence of hemorrhage and infarct in the first diagnostic image obtained and the need for invasive interventions. The majority of fatal cases in our report occurred in women, with over half of those cases during the puerperium period.

Split-night polysomnography at Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá / Caracterización de estudios de noche partida en la Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá

Abstract Introduction: The obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) is usually established using polysomnography (PSG). Most patients diagnosed with this condition receive treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). The conventional approach requires performing a full-night PSG and CPAP titration over a two-night stay in a sleep laboratory, which is costly and may present scheduling difficulties. However, the combined use of polysomnography and CPAP titration in a single night, procedure known as split-night polysomnography (SNPSG), is less-expensive and is a time saving strategy for diagnosis and treatment. Objectives: To characterize the SNPSG studies conducted in the sleep laboratory of the Hospital Universitario Santa Fe de Bogotá (HUFSFB) and assess their performance in the diagnosis and treatment of OSAHS. Materials and methods: Retrospective, observational and longitudinal study performed on a sample of 221 patients. Results: 208 (94.1%) SNPSG studies were compatible with OSAHS. Most cases (54.7%) had a hypopnea apnea index (AHI) ≥30. Adequate CPAP titration was achieved in 78% of patients who had severe AHI (p=0.00). Conclusions: OSAHS was diagnosed and an adequate CPAP titration was achieved in most of the SNPSG studies of the analyzed sample.

Resumen Introducción. El diagnóstico del síndrome de apnea/hipopnea obstructiva del sueño (SAHOS) se realiza mediante estudio de polisomnografía (PSG) y la mayoría de los pacientes con este diagnóstico recibe tratamiento con presión aérea positiva continua (CPAP). Este abordaje convencional requiere dos estudios de PSG: uno diagnóstico y otro de titulación. El uso combinado de PSG diagnóstica y de titulación en una sola noche, conocido como noche partida (PSGNP), es una alternativa diagnóstica y terapéutica válida que optimiza la utilización de tiempo y recursos. Objetivo. Caracterizar los estudios de PSGNP realizados en el laboratorio de sueño del Hospital Universitario de la Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá (HUFSFB) y evaluar su desempeño. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un estudio observacional analítico de tipo longitudinal retrospectivo de una muestra de 221 pacientes. Resultados. Se registraron 208 (94.1%) estudios de PSGNP compatibles con SAHOS, de los cuales la mayoría de los pacientes (54.7%) presentaron un índice de apnea hipopnea (IAH) >30. En 78% de los pacientes que presentaban IAH severo se logró una titulación adecuada del CPAP (p=0.00). Conclusiones. En la mayor parte de los estudios de PSGNP de la muestra analizada se diagnosticó SAHOS y se consiguió una titulación adecuada del CPAP.

Factores relacionados con desenlace adverso para ataque cerebrovascular en un hospital de Bogotá. Estudio de casos y controles / Factors related to an adverse outcome for stroke in a Bogota hospital. Case-control study

RESUMEN OBJETIVOS: Determinar los factores de riesgo para resultado adverso entre los pacientes con ataque cerebrovascular (ACV) isquémico agudo. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo de casos y controles. Se analizaron pacientes con un desenlace adverso al egreso con una escala de Rankin modificada mayor o igual a 3, contra los pacientes con un desenlace calificado como favorable por una escala menor o igual a 2. Se compararon los 2 grupos para determinar los factores que podrían estar relacionados con un desenlace adverso. Como desenlace secundario se analizaron los factores de riesgo asociados con mortalidad intrahospitalaria. En cuanto a las técnicas estadísticas, se realizó un análisis univariado y otro multivariado por regresión logística, con ajuste por variables como la edad y la severidad, medidas por la escala de NIHSS, conocidos previamente como factores de riesgo para desenlace adverso. RESULTADOS: Los factores de riesgo relacionados con un desenlace adverso entre los pacientes con ACV isquémico agudo fueron los antecedentes de hipertensión arterial, fibrilación auricular, la etiología cardioembólica y el hecho de ser candidato a trombolisis. Como factor protector se encontró la rápida mejoría. CONCLUSIONES: Los factores de riesgo encontrados en el estudio para desenlace adverso en ACV isquémico agudo son similares a los descritos previamente, aunque estos se han relacionado con desenlace en general, no solo para la entidad analizada.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVES: Determining risk factors for adverse outcome among acute ischemic stroke patients. METHODS: Retrospective case-control study. We compared two groups of patients: the first one with bad outcome after ischemic stroke (Modified Ranking Scale >3) and the second one with good outcome (Modified Ranking Scale <2) to find the risk factors that contributed to the complications. The secondary outcome observed was the in-hospital mortality risk factors. Statistics: univariate and multivariate analysis was made adjusted to age and severity using NIHSS and logistic regression. RESULTS: High blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, cardioembolic etiology and thrombolysis were identified as risk factors for bad outcome. The rapidly improving stroke proved to be a protective factor. CONCLUSION: Risk factors were similar to the ones known in the general group of stroke, proving they are similar in the group with acute stroke.

Prevalencia de infarto criptogénico en pacientes con diagnóstico de infarto cerebral / Prevalence of cryptogenic stroke in patients with a diagnosis of cerebral infarction

Resumen Objetivo: Definir la prevalencia del infarto de origen criptogénico en pacientes con diagnóstico de infarto cerebral isquémico entre los años 2007 a 2014. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio de tipo corte transversal. Se incluyeron todos los pacientes mayores de 18 años con ataque cerebrovascular isquémico agudo. Se evaluó cada caso mediante una lista de chequeo para la etiología y los estudios de cardiología. Se hizo una descripción de la población y de los factores de riesgo con análisis univariado. La asociación de los criptogénicos y no criptogénicos con las diferentes exposiciones se evaluó con el uso de Chi2 o T de Student de acuerdo con el tipo de variable. Se calcularon las razones de disparidad para los factores de riesgo. Se hizo un análisis multivariado para las variables independientes con p < 0,1. Resultados: en 340 pacientes se encontró una prevalencia de evento cerebrovascular Criptogénico del 19,71% (n = 67). Al dicotomizar la edad se observó que la prevalencia de ataque cerebrovascular criptogénico fue mayor en el grupo de <45 años 42,31% vs. 17,83% ≥45 años (p = 0,003), con una razón de prevalencias de 2,37. Solo la enfermedad coronaria (p = 0,04) y la fibrilación auricular (p < 0,0001), se relacionaron con los casos no criptogénicos en el modelo multivariado. Conclusiones: se halló una prevalencia de infarto criptogénico ligeramente inferior a la encontrada en la literatura reciente, que pudiera explicarse por un estudio más profundo en nuestra población o un subregistro de la enfermedad.

Abstract Objective: To define the prevalence of cryptogenic stroke in patients with a diagnosis of ischemic cerebral infarction between 2007 and 2014. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed that included all patients over the age of 18 who had suffered an acute ischemic stroke. Each case was evaluated using a checklist for aetiology and cardiology studies. A description was made of the population and the risk factors with univariate analysis. The association with different exposures of cryptogenic and non-cryptogenic stroke was evaluated using the Chi2 or Student's t-test according to the type of variable. The disparity ratios were calculated for the risk factors. A multivariate analysis was undertaken for the independent variables with p < 0.1. Results: a prevalence of 19.71% (n = 67) of cryptogenic stroke was found in 340 patients. When dichotomising age it was observed that the prevalence of cryptogenic stroke was greater in the <45 age group, 42.31% vs 17.83% in the ≥45 age group (p = 0.003), with a prevalence ratio of 2.37. Only coronary heart disease (p = 0.04) and atrial fibrillation (p < 0.0001), were associated with the non-cryptogenic cases in the multivariate model. Conclusions: a slightly lower prevalence of cryptogenic stroke was found than that described in the recent literature. This could be explained by a more in-depth study in our population or under-reporting of the disease.

Incidencia, factores de riesgo y pronóstico de la vasculopatía del injerto cardíaco en pacientes colombianos, según la clasificación de la ISHLT (International Society of Heart and Lung Trasplantation) / Incidence, risk factors and prognosis of cardiac allograft vasculopathy in colombian patients according to the classification of the ISHLT (International Society of Heart and Lung Transplantation)

Objetivo: describir la incidencia y el pronóstico de la vasculopatía del injerto cardíaco (CAV: cardiac allograft vasculopathy, su sigla en Inglés), de acuerdo con la clasificación propuesta por la Sociedad Internacional de Trasplante de Corazón y Pulmón (ISHLT). Metodología: estudio de cohortes de trasplantados cardíacos, llevado a cabo entre febrero de 2003 y noviembre de 2011 con seguimiento angiográfico; el desenlace principal fue CAV de acuerdo con la ISHLT. Se utilizaron pruebas de chi-cuadrado para variables cualitativas y t de student para las cuantitativas. Se hizo análisis de supervivencia de Kaplan-Meier. Resultados: se incluyeron 118 pacientes; 83,1% fueron hombres con mediana de edad de 46,4 RIQ (38,4-55,6) años. El seguimiento promedio fue de 5 + 4,7 años con 2,4 + 1,6 coronariografías/paciente. La incidencia total de CAV fue de 23,7%; grado 1 (leve) 11,9%, grado 2 (moderada) 7,6% y grado 3 (severa) 4,2%. El único factor con una asociación modesta fue la hipertensión pulmonar con RR 2,54 (1,1-6,1) p=0,05. La mortalidad de los pacientes de acuerdo con el grado de vasculopatía fue: leve 0%; grado 2 (moderada) 42% RR 2,59 IC95% (1,14-5,9) p=0,024; grado 3 (severa) 72% RR 4,44 IC95% (2,27-8,6) p<0,0005. Conclusiones: la incidencia de CAV fue de 23,7%. El único factor modestamente relacionado fue la hipertensión pulmonar. La escala propuesta por la ISHLT se asocia en sus grados 2 y 3 (moderada y severa) con mortalidad importante.

Objective: to describe the incidence and prognosis of cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV: cardiac allograft vasculopathy) according to the classification proposed by the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT). Methodology: cohort study of heart transplant recipients conducted between February 2003 and November 2011 with angiographic follow-up. The primary outcome was CAV according to the ISHLT. We used chi-square tests for categorical variables and Student t test for quantitative variables. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was made. Results: 118 patients were included. 83.1% were male with a mean age of 46.4 IQR (38.4 to 55.6) years. The average follow-up was 5 + 4.7 years with 2.4 + 1.6 coronary angiograms / patient. The overall incidence of CAV was 23.7%. Grade 1 (mild) 11.9%, grade 2 (moderate) 7.6% and grade 3 (severe) 4.2%. The only factor with a modest association was pulmonary hypertension with RR 2.54 (1.1 to 6.1) p = 0.05. The mortality of patients according to the degree of vasculopathy was: mild 0%, grade 2 (moderate) 42% RR 2.59 CI 95% (1.14 to 5.9) p = 0.024; Grade 3 (severe) 72 % RR 4.44 95% CI (2.27 to 8.6) p <0.0005. Conclusions: the incidence of CAV was 23.7%. The only factor modestly related was pulmonary hypertension. The scale proposed by the ISHLT is associated in grades 2 and 3 (moderate and severe) with significant mortality.

Cobertura de tratamiento en menores de 15 años infectados con tripanosoma cruzi, atendidos en el Hospital Pediátrico Juan Pablo II, Corrientes / Coverage of treatment in people younger than 15 years infected with trypanosoma cruzi, assisted in the Pediatric Hospital Juan Pablo II, Corrientes

INTRODUCCION: La enfermedad de Chagas representa un serio problema de salud pública en Corrientes. El área endémica de dispersión del vector alcanza a 32 municipios, con una población en riesgo de 28.468 menores de 15 años. En este grupo etario se espera obtener un porcentaje de cobertura de tratamiento equivalente al 80% de los casos tratados. Sin embargo, por razones que a veces se desconocen, los niños no vuelven y dejan el tratamiento inconcluso.OBJETIVO: Estimar el porcentaje de cobertura del tratamiento e identificar los factores que dificultan la accesibilidad al diagnóstico y al tratamiento tripanosomicida de los niños menores de 15 años, en el marco de las actividades del Programa Provincial.METODOS: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo observacional de corte transversal, con registros del Hospital Juan Pablo II y encuestas realizadas entre enero de 2008 y diciembre de 2009. Criterios de inclusión: Pacientes menores de 15 años infectados con Trypanosoma cruzi, incluidos los congénitos, diagnosticados durante el período de estudio.RESULTADOS: Se identificaron 29 casos positivos durante el período analizado, de los cuales 2 no iniciaron tratamiento (93% de casos diagnosticados y bajo programa). De los 27 casos bajo programa, 24 completaron el tratamiento (88%), con una negativización del 20,8% (5/24) en el control posterior al año de tratamiento. Respecto al número de testeos realizados, se determinó un porcentaje mayor de positivos del 2,4% (29/1.234). La distribución geográfica presentó una mayor concentración de casos en el Departamento Capital (9/27,33%). El 22% (6/27) de los pacientes realizó los tres controles en tiempo y forma.CONCLUSIONES: La cobertura del tratamiento fue del 88% durante los dos años de menor actividad del programa en lo que respecta al tamizaje serológico en menores de 15 años.

INTRODUCTION: Chagas disease represents a serious problem of public health in Corrientes. The endemic area of dispersion of the vector reaches 32 municipalities, including an at-risk population of 28.468 people younger than 15. In this age group, the coverage rate of treatment is expected to be 80% of the cases treated. Nevertheless, due to some unknown reasons, children do not come back to the hospital so that the treatment may be unfinished.OBJECTIVE: To estimate the rate of treatment coverage and to identify the factors which reduce the accessibility to diagnosis and trypanosoma treatment for people younger than 15, within the frame of Chagas Provincial Program in Corrientes.METHODS: A descriptive, observational, cross-sectional study was conducted, with data from records of the Juan Pablo II Hospital in Corrientes and surveys performed from January 2008 through December 2009. Inclusion criteria: Patients younger than 15 years old infected with Trypanosoma cruzi, including congenital cases diagnoses during that time.RESULTS: During the analyzed period 29 positive cases were identified, 2 of them did not initiate treatment (9% of cases diagnosed and under program). Of the 27 cases under program, 24 completed the treatment (88%); 20.8% of these patients (5/24) became negative according to the control conducted after one year of treatment. Regarding the number of tests conducted, 2.4% (29/1.234) of positive cases were determined. The geographical distribution showed a higher concentration in the capital department (9/27, 33.3%). 22.2% (6/27) of the patients underwent three controls properly and on time.CONCLUSIONS: The treatment coverage of the studied cases was 88% during two years of minor activity of the program regarding serological screening in people younger than 15.

Cobertura de tratamiento en menores de 15 años infectados con tripanosoma cruzi, atendidos en el Hospital Pediátrico Juan Pablo II, Corrientes / Coverage of treatment in people younger than 15 years infected with trypanosoma cruzi, assisted in the Pediatric Hospital Juan Pablo II, Corrientes

INTRODUCCION: La enfermedad de Chagas representa un serio problema de salud pública en Corrientes. El área endémica de dispersión del vector alcanza a 32 municipios, con una población en riesgo de 28.468 menores de 15 años. En este grupo etario se espera obtener un porcentaje de cobertura de tratamiento equivalente al 80% de los casos tratados. Sin embargo, por razones que a veces se desconocen, los niños no vuelven y dejan el tratamiento inconcluso.OBJETIVO: Estimar el porcentaje de cobertura del tratamiento e identificar los factores que dificultan la accesibilidad al diagnóstico y al tratamiento tripanosomicida de los niños menores de 15 años, en el marco de las actividades del Programa Provincial.METODOS: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo observacional de corte transversal, con registros del Hospital Juan Pablo II y encuestas realizadas entre enero de 2008 y diciembre de 2009. Criterios de inclusión: Pacientes menores de 15 años infectados con Trypanosoma cruzi, incluidos los congénitos, diagnosticados durante el período de estudio.RESULTADOS: Se identificaron 29 casos positivos durante el período analizado, de los cuales 2 no iniciaron tratamiento (93% de casos diagnosticados y bajo programa). De los 27 casos bajo programa, 24 completaron el tratamiento (88%), con una negativización del 20,8% (5/24) en el control posterior al año de tratamiento. Respecto al número de testeos realizados, se determinó un porcentaje mayor de positivos del 2,4% (29/1.234). La distribución geográfica presentó una mayor concentración de casos en el Departamento Capital (9/27,33%). El 22% (6/27) de los pacientes realizó los tres controles en tiempo y forma.CONCLUSIONES: La cobertura del tratamiento fue del 88% durante los dos años de menor actividad del programa en lo que respecta al tamizaje serológico en menores de 15 años.

INTRODUCTION: Chagas disease represents a serious problem of public health in Corrientes. The endemic area of dispersion of the vector reaches 32 municipalities, including an at-risk population of 28.468 people younger than 15. In this age group, the coverage rate of treatment is expected to be 80% of the cases treated. Nevertheless, due to some unknown reasons, children do not come back to the hospital so that the treatment may be unfinished.OBJECTIVE: To estimate the rate of treatment coverage and to identify the factors which reduce the accessibility to diagnosis and trypanosoma treatment for people younger than 15, within the frame of Chagas Provincial Program in Corrientes.METHODS: A descriptive, observational, cross-sectional study was conducted, with data from records of the Juan Pablo II Hospital in Corrientes and surveys performed from January 2008 through December 2009. Inclusion criteria: Patients younger than 15 years old infected with Trypanosoma cruzi, including congenital cases diagnoses during that time.RESULTS: During the analyzed period 29 positive cases were identified, 2 of them did not initiate treatment (9% of cases diagnosed and under program). Of the 27 cases under program, 24 completed the treatment (88%); 20.8% of these patients (5/24) became negative according to the control conducted after one year of treatment. Regarding the number of tests conducted, 2.4% (29/1.234) of positive cases were determined. The geographical distribution showed a higher concentration in the capital department (9/27, 33.3%). 22.2% (6/27) of the patients underwent three controls properly and on time.CONCLUSIONS: The treatment coverage of the studied cases was 88% during two years of minor activity of the program regarding serological screening in people younger than 15.

Chronic hepatitis C: treatment comparison between 3 and 5 million units of interferon alpha-2b

Interferon (IFN) is the only drug that has been approved by the FDA for therapy of chronic hepatitis C. However, optimal dose and duration of therapy are still controversial. This study compares the effectiveness of treatment of chronic hepatitis C patients with 3 vs. 5 million units (MU) of recombinant alpha-interferon 2-b three times per week. We also evaluated the relapse rate with a shorter 12 week-course of therapy in those patients who had normalization of aminotransferases by week 12. Seventy-five patients were randomized to receive either 3 vs. 5 MU of IFN; seventy-two completed the study. A complete response was seen in 11/35 (31 per cent) of those treated with 5 MU vs. 13/37 (35 per cent) in the 3 MU dose (p = 0.74). Patients were followed after IFN was withdrawn and only 2 had persistently normal aminotransferases. Analysis of multiple variables was done to predict response to FN and only elevations of GGT, ferritin and alkaline phosphatase were found to be predictors of a poor response. Therefore, we recommend initial therapy with 3 MU of IFN for a longer period than 12 weeks in patients who show a response.

Idiopathic hemochromatosis: a study in a large Puerto Rican family

We studied 13 first-degree relatives in a large family with an index case of idiopathic hemochromatosis to detect the relatives with evidence of iron overloading. Serum iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), and serum ferritin levels were measured in all family members. We also performed HLA typing to identify the relatives who are homozygous with the proband and genetically predisposed to develop the disease. The family was composed of the parents and 12 siblings including the index case. The mean age of the siblings was 25 years. None presented with evidence of iron overload by the iron biochemical tests. HLA typing demonstrated six homozygous siblings with the proband. In separate analysis these siblings did not present abnormalities in any of the iron biochemical tests. These homozygous relatives were followed for one year after initial evaluation and none presented abnormalities in the iron studies during this period. These results are contradictory to other previous studies done in families with idiopathic hemochromatosis. The most feasible explanations for these findings are the young age of these siblings and the predominance of females among them. We consider that these homozygous relatives must be followed for their life-times with iron studies to detect a possible increase in iron stores as expected in later ages