Description of maternal and neonatal adverse events in pregnant people immunised with COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy in the CLAP NETWORK of sentinel sites. Nested case-control analysis of the immunization-associated risk: A study protocol.

INTRODUCTION: COVID-19 is associated with higher morbimortality in pregnant people compared with non-pregnant people. At present, the benefits of maternal immunisation are considered to outweigh the risks, and therefore, vaccination is recommended during pregnancy. However, additional information is needed on the safety of the vaccines in this population. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This a retrospective cohort nested case-control study in pregnant people who attended maternity hospitals from eight Latin American and Caribbean countries. A perinatal electronic clinical history database with neonatal and obstetric information will be used. The proportion of pregnant people immunised with COVID-19 vaccines of the following maternal and neonatal events will be described: preterm infant, small for gestational age, low birth weight, stillbirth, neonatal death, congenital malformations, maternal near miss and maternal death. Moreover, the risk of prematurity, small for gestational age and low birth weight associated with exposure to COVID-19 vaccines will be estimated. Each case will be matched with two groups of three randomly selected controls. Controls will be matched by hospital and mother's age (±3 years) with an additional matching by delivery date and conception time in the first and second control groups, respectively. The estimated required sample size for the main analysis (exposure to any vaccine) concerning 'non-use' is at least 1009 cases (3027 controls) to detect an increased probability of vaccine-associated event risk of 30% and at least 650 cases (1950 controls) to detect 30% protection. Sensitivity and secondary analyses considering country, type of vaccine, exposure windows and completeness of immunisation will be reported. ETHICS: The study protocol was reviewed by the Ethical Review Committee on Research of the Pan American Health Organization. Patient informed consent was waived due to the retrospective design and the utilisation of anonymised data (Ref. No: PAHOERC.0546.01). Results will be disseminated in open access journals.

Effect of the unfavorable maternal-fetal environment cause by mitigation measures of the covid-19 pandemic in the public maternity of reference of Uruguay.

INTRODUCTION: The mitigation measures to face the health emergency due to the COVID 19 pandemic generated a deep economic, social, and psychological crisis at the community level. This effect is greater in the people, who are the most violated in their rights. In relation to the social crisis and gender perspective, women are particularly affected by the pandemic. Given the disadvantaged situation of women socially, economically, and politically, their self-care is diminished. OBJECTIVE: To identify whether there is an association between the classic risk factors for prematurity and fetal growth restriction and the increase in these pathologies in the period March-September 2020, in a maternity hospital that assists women from low resources. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study, with a comparative analysis of the periods between 15 March and 30 September 2019 and the same period in 2020. The data were obtained from an electronic clinical database. The prevalence of preterm birth and small-for-gestational age newborn was analyzed. Indicators available in the database that reflect maternal conditions that lead to an unfavorable maternal environment were selected and they were classified into categories. RESULTS: In the period of 2019, 3225 births were registered and in the period of 2020, 3036 births. In the 2019 period, 12.2% of prematurity was evidenced, while in the 2020 period, 14.5% (RR = 1.19, IC 95% = 1.05-1.35, p = .005). In relation to PEG 5.5% in the first period versus 6.9% in the second (RR = 1.26, CI 95% = 1.04-1.53, p = .01). No increases were found in the indicators that are traditionally related to the etiologies proposed to explain the increase in prematurity and small-for-age gestational, there was no evidence of an increase in inflammatory or vascular conditions. CONCLUSION: The economic, psychological and social crises, in the 1st semester of the health emergency, seriously affected the social determinants of the health of pregnant women who use the Public Maternity of reference in Uruguay. This situation is at the base of the poor perinatal results in the period of the maximum mediated mitigation of the pandemic.

Measurement of Head Circumference: Implications for Microcephaly Surveillance in Zika-Affected Areas.

Worldwide recognition of the Zika virus outbreak in the Americas was triggered by an unexplained increase in the frequency of microcephaly. While severe microcephaly is readily identifiable at birth, diagnosing less severe cases requires comparison of head circumference (HC) measurement to a growth chart. We examine measured values of HC and digit preference in those values, and, by extension, the prevalence of microcephaly at birth in two data sources: a research study in Honduras and routine surveillance data in Uruguay. The Zika in Pregnancy in Honduras study enrolled pregnant women prenatally and followed them until delivery. Head circumference was measured with insertion tapes (SECA 212), and instructions including consistent placement of the tape and a request to record HC to the millimeter were posted where newborns were examined. Three indicators of microcephaly were calculated: (1) HC more than 2 standard deviations (SD) below the mean, (2) HC more than 3 SD below the mean (referred to as "severe microcephaly") and (3) HC less than the 3rd percentile for sex and gestational age, using the INTERGROWTH-21st growth standards. We compared these results from those from a previous analysis of surveillance HC data from the Uruguay Perinatal Information System (Sistema Informático Perinatal (SIP). Valid data on HC were available on 579 infants, 578 with gestational age data. Nine babies (1.56%, 95% CI 0.71-2.93) had HC < 2SD, including two (0.35%, 95% CI 0.04-1.24) with HC < 3SD, and 11 (1.9%, 95% CI, 0.79-3.02) were below the 3rd percentile. The distribution of HC showed strong digit preference: 72% of measures were to the whole centimeter (cm) and 19% to the half-cm. Training and use of insertion tapes had little effect on digit preference, nor were overall HC curves sufficient to detect an increase in microcephaly during the Zika epidemic in Honduras. When microcephaly prevalence needs to be carefully analyzed, such as during the Zika epidemic, researchers may need to interpret HC data with caution.

Measurement error, microcephaly prevalence and implications for Zika: an analysis of Uruguay perinatal data.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The Zika virus outbreak has drawn attention to microcephaly, whose definition is based on head circumference measuring below a percentile or number of SDs below the mean. The objective of this analysis was to assess how differences in measurement precision might affect prevalence and trends of microcephaly. METHODS: Data from all births in Uruguay during 2010-2015 were obtained from the Perinatal Information System. The prevalence of births with microcephaly was calculated based on head circumference measurement at birth applying the INTERGROWTH-21st standards for sex and gestational age, and compared by method of ascertaining gestational age. RESULTS: Rounding and digit preference was observed: 74% of head circumference measurements were reported as a whole centimetre value. The prevalence of births varied substantially by the criterion used to define microcephaly (<3 SD, <2 SD, <3rd percentile for gestational age) and could be halved or doubled based on adding or subtracting a half-centimetre from all reported head circumference measurements. If 4 days were added to gestational age calculations, rather than using completed gestational weeks (without days) for gestational age reporting, the prevalence was 1.7-2 times higher. DISCUSSION: Rounding in measurement of head circumference and reporting preferences of gestational age may have contributed to a lower prevalence of microcephaly than expected in this population. Differences in head circumference measurement protocols and gestational age dating have the potential to affect the prevalence of babies reported with microcephaly, and this limitation should be acknowledged when interpreting head circumference data collected for surveillance.

Análisis de la vía del parto en los diferentes escenarios asistenciales en Uruguay / Analysis of ways of delivery in the different health scenarios in Uruguay / Análise da via de parto nos diferentes setores assistenciais no Uruguai

Antecedentes: en Uruguay, el Ministerio de Salud ha seleccionado la disminución de las cesáreas innecesarias como uno de los objetivos sanitarios nacionales por considerarlo un problema de salud pública. Objetivos: analizar las tasas de cesáreas por sector asistencial: público versus privado y Montevideo versus interior, usando la clasificación de Robson como insumo para su disminución. Material y método: estudio descriptivo de corte transversal que categoriza cada nacimiento ocurrido en Uruguay en 2017 en uno de los diez grupos de Robson, según el sector de asistencia y el lugar geográfico donde ocurrió, informando el tamaño relativo, la tasa de cesáreas y las contribuciones absolutas y relativas hechas por cada grupo a la tasa global de cesáreas. Resultados: la tasa de cesáreas en 2017 fue de 44%. Los grupos que más contribuyeron a la tasa global de cesáreas (70% de las cesáreas practicadas en el país) fueron: mujeres con una o más cesáreas previas, cesáreas electivas o inducciones fallidas en nulíparas y el grupo de nulíparas de término con inicio espontáneo. Luego de ajustar por las variables pronósticas, la probabilidad de terminar en cesáreas en el sector privado fue 18% mayor que en el sector público, sin mostrar diferencias en los resultados perinatales. Las tasas de cesáreas por grupos de Robson en Montevideo y en el interior se muestran muy similares. Conclusiones: fomentar el parto vaginal después de una cesáreas, evitar cesáreas electivas e inducciones innecesarias y disminuir la primera cesáreas son las medidas propuestas para bajar las tasas de cesáreas innecesarias. Guías clínicas basadas en la mejor evidencia científica que sistematicen estas intervenciones ayudarán a implementar los cambios.

Background: in Uruguay, the Ministry of Public Health has set the reduction of unnecessary C-sections as one of the "National Health Goals", as it considers this a public health issue. Objectives: to analyse the C-section rates by health sector: the private sector versus the public sector and Montevideo versus the rest of the country, using the Robson classification and an input to be used to reduce the rate. Method: transversal descriptive study that categorizes every birth in Uruguay during 2017 according to the Robson criterion in one of the 10 groups, depending on the healthcare center and the geographical place of birth, reporting the relative size, the C-section rate and the absolute and relative contributions of each group to the global CS rate. Results: in 2017 the CS rare was 44%. The groups that contributed the most to the global CS rate (70% of the CS in the country) were the following: women with previous CS, elective CS or failed induced labor in nulliparous women and the term nulliparous women with spontaneous initiation of labor group. After adjusting the prognostic variables, the possibility of ending up in CS in the private sector was 18% higher than in the public sector, without there being any differences in terms of the perinatal results. CS rates by Robson group in Montevideo and the rest of the country are very similar. Conclusions: vaginal birth must be encouraged after a CS, elective CS and unnecessary induction of labor must be avoided, and the number of first CS needs to be reduced. These are the measures proposed to reduce the unnecessary CS rates. Clinical guidelines based on the best scientific evidence that systematize these interventions will contribute to the implementation of changes.

Antecedentes: o Ministério da Saúde do Uruguai (MS) definiu como um dos "Objetivos sanitários nacionais" a redução do número de cesáreas (CS) necessárias por considerar que este é um problema de saúde pública. Objetivos: analisar as taxas de CS por setor assistencial: público vs privado e geográfico: Montevideo vs Interior usando a classificação de Robson, como insumo para sua redução. Material e métodos: estudo descritivo transversal que classifica cada nascimento ocorrido no Uruguai em 2017, em um dos 10 grupos de Robson de acordo com o setor de assistência e o lugar onde aconteceu, informando tamanho relativo, taxa de CS e as contribuições absolutas e relativas de cada grupo à taxa global de CS. Resultados: a taxa de CS em 2017, foi de 44%. Os grupos que mais contribuíram para a taxa global de CS (70% das CSs realizadas no país) foram: as cesareadas previas, as cesáreas eletivas ou induções falidas em nulíparas e o grupo de nulíparas a termo com início espontâneo. Depois de ajustar pelas variáveis prognósticas, a probabilidade de terminar em CS no setor privado foi 18% maior que no setor público, sem diferenças nos resultados perinatais. As taxas de CS por grupos de Robson em Montevideo e no Interior foram similares. Conclusões: fomentar o parto vaginal depois de uma CS, evitar CS eletivas e induções desnecessárias e diminuir a quantidade de primeira CS, são las medidas propostas para reduzir as taxas de cesáreas desnecessárias. Pautas clínicas baseadas na melhor evidência científica que sistematizem estas intervenções ajudarão a implementar as mudanças propostas.

Supply kits for antenatal and childbirth care: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: It is critical to increase the uptake of interventions proven to be effective to improve maternal and perinatal outcomes. Supply kits have been suggested to be a feasible strategy designed to ensure timely availability and effective follow-up of care. OBJECTIVE: We conducted a systematic review to summarize the evidence on the uptake, effectiveness and safety of supply kits for maternal care. SEARCH STRATEGY: MEDLINE, the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register, Campbell Collaboration, Lilacs, Embase and unpublished studies were searched. SELECTION CRITERIA: Studies that reported the efficacy, safety and use of supply kits for maternal healthcare were eligible. Participants were pregnant women or in childbirth. Supply kits were defined as a collection of medicines, supplies or instruments packaged together with the aim of conducting a healthcare task. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two reviewers independently performed the screening, data extraction, and methodological and quality assessment. MAIN RESULTS: 24 studies were included: 4 of them were systematic reviews and 20 primary studies. Eighteen studies evaluated a so-called "clean delivery kit". In all but two studies, the kits were used by more than half of the participants. A meta-analysis was deemed inappropriate due to the heterogeneity in study design, in the components of the interventions implemented, in the content of the kits, and in outcomes. Nine studies assessed neonatal outcomes and found statistically significant reductions in cord infection, sepsis and tetanus-related mortality in the intervention group. Three studies showed evidence of reduced neonatal mortality (OR 0.52, 0.60 and 0.71) with statistically significant confidence intervals in all cases. Four studies reported odd ratios for maternal mortality, but only one showed evidence of a statistically significant decrease in this outcome but it was ascribed to hand washing prior to childbirth and not with the use of kits. CONCLUSION: This review suggests potential benefits in the use of supply kits to improve maternal and neonatal health. However, the observational nature of the studies, the heterogeneity and the use of kits incorporated within complex interventions limit the interpretation of the findings.

Supply kits for antenatal and childbirth care during antenatal care and delivery: a mixed-methods systematic review, the qualitative approach.

Antenatal care reduces maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity through the detection and treatment of some conditions, but its coverage is less than optimal within certain populations. Supply kits for maternal health were designed to overcome barriers present when providing care during pregnancy and childbirth particularly to women from underserved population.We conducted a mixed-methods systematic review on the use of supply kits. This manuscript presents the findings from qualitative studies that reported barriers, facilitators, and user's recommendation in the adoption and implementation of any type of kit designed to be used during pregnancy or childbirth.This review included eight studies, and seven were implemented in developing countries. Most studies assessed the implementation of clean delivery kits to be used during labour and delivery, and contributed to gain insights into factors that may hinder or foster the use of kits.Clean delivery kits were conceived to cope with barriers related mainly to access. The most important barrier identified were those related to the socio-cultural and the lack of knowledge dimension such as who held the decision-making authority in the household, as well as popular beliefs behind the idea that birth preparation could bring bad luck, may prevent clients from adhering to their use. In addition, financial constraints and limited understanding of the instructions of use were accessibility barriers found. On the other hand, once used, clean delivery kits for maternal health were accepted by women and health workers. Convenience, hygienic components, and avoidance of delays in receiving care were viewed as satisfactory features.Supply kits are mostly affordable and easily deployable. Increasing awareness among the population about the offered kits and providing information on their benefits emerges as a critical step to foster use in settings where kits are available. Implementation of this strategy requires low complexity resources and could make the use of kits an accepted alternative to increase the use of evidence-based interventions and thus improve quality of care during pregnancy, childbirth and neonatal period mainly at the community level in low income countries and remote areas with low access.

Overall and abortion-related maternal mortality rates in Uruguay over the past 25years and their association with policies and actions aimed at protecting women's rights.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate changes in maternal mortality rates in Uruguay over the past 25years, as well as their distribution by cause, and their temporal relationship with social changes and Human Development Index (HDI) indicators. METHODS: Data on maternal mortality obtained directly from the Uruguayan Ministry of Public Health for the 2001 to 2015 period were analyzed together with data from the United Nations Inter-Agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation for the 1990 to 2015 period. The swiftness of the decrease in maternal mortality per five-year period, the variation in the percentage of abortion-related deaths, and the correlation with HDI indicators were evaluated. RESULTS: Maternal mortality decreased significantly, basically due to a reduction in the number of deaths from unsafe abortion, which was the principal cause of maternal mortality in the 1990s. The reduction in maternal mortality over the past 10years also coincides with a reduction in poverty and an improvement in the HDI. CONCLUSION: A rapid reduction occurred in maternal mortality in Uruguay, particularly in maternal mortality resulting from unsafe abortion. This coincided with the application of a model for reducing the risk and harm of unsafe abortions, which finally led to the decriminalization of abortion.

Prevalencia del déficit de vitamina D en una población de embarazadas que se asisten en el Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell / Prevalence of vitamin D Deficiency in pregnant women who are followed in the Pereira Rossell Hospital Center

Introducción: la falta de vitamina D (Vit D) en las embarazadas puede perjudicar la salud de la madre y del niño si no es diagnosticada y tratada adecuadamente. Su déficit está relacionado con diversas complicaciones obstétricas, como la preeclampsia y la diabetes gestacional y del recién nacido, bajo peso al nacer e hipocalcemia; pobre crecimiento posnatal, fragilidad ósea y aumento de la incidencia de enfermedades autoinmunes. Múltiples estudios muestran que la falta de Vit D ocurre con una extraordinaria frecuencia que oscila entre 18% y 84% dependiendo de la población estudiada, sin embargo no tenemos datos nacionales. Objetivo: conocer la prevalencia de deficiencia e insuficiencia de Vit D en una población de mujeres embarazadas de un hospital público de Montevideo, el Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell. Material y método: se realizaron cuestionarios especialmente confeccionados y extracciones de sangre en embarazadas del tercer trimestre para creatininemia, calcio total en sangre, albuminemia, PTH intacta y 25 (OH) Vit D, previa firma de consentimiento informado. Se consideró como deficiencia severa una concentración de Vit D < 10 ng/ml; deficiencia 10-20 ng/ml; insuficiente 20-30 ng/ml, y suficiente > 30 ng/ml. Resultados: de 71 muestras analizadas, 3 (4,3%) tuvieron niveles de suficiencia, 18 tuvieron insuficiencia (25,7%), 30 deficiencia (42,9%) y 19 severa deficiencia (27,1%). Conclusiones: tal como ocurre a nivel internacional el déficit de Vit D en la población estudiada se presenta con una frecuencia extraordinaria. Se requiere la pronta atención de este problema para evitar complicaciones en la embarazada y en el recién nacido.

Abstract Introduction: vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women may be harmful or the mother’s and the child’s health if it is not adequately diagnosed and treated. Its deficiency has been associated to several obstetric complications such as pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes and diabetes of the newborn, low birth weight and hypocalcemia; poor postnatal growth, bone fragility and increase if autoimmune disorders. Multiple studies show that vitamin D deficiency happens very frequently, between 18% and 84%, depending on the population studied. However, there are no national data. Objective: to learn about the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in a population of pregnant women in the Pereira Rossell Hospital center, a public hospital of Montevideo, Method: surveys that were specially designed and blood tests in pregnant women during their third trimester of pregnancy for creatininemia, total calcium in blood and albuminemia, serum 25(OH)D3 and intact PTH were determined, upon the signature of an informed consent. A concentration of vitamin D < 10 ng/ml was considered to be a severe deficiency, 10-20 ng/ml was deficient, 20-30 ng/ml was insufficient and > 30 ng/ml was considered to be sufficient. Results: out of 71 samples analysed, 3 (4.3%) revealed sufficient levels, 18 were insufficient (25.7%), 30 were deficient (42.9%) and 19 were severely deficient (27.1%). Conclusions: just as it happens globally, vitamin D deficiency in the population studied is extraordinarily frequent. Attention needs to paid to this issue to avoid complications in pregnant women and newborns.

Resumo Introdução: a falta de vitamina D (Vit D) em gestantes pode prejudicar a saúde da mãe e da criança se não é diagnosticada e tratada adequadamente. Sua deficiência está relacionada com diversas complicações obstétricas, como a pré-eclâmpsia e a diabetes gestacional e, do recém-nascido como baixo peso ao nascer e hipocalcemia, pobre crescimento pós-natal, fragilidade óssea e aumento da incidência de doenças autoimunes. Vários estudos mostram que a falta de Vit D tem uma frequência extraordinária que varia entre 18% e 84% dependendo da população estudada, no entanto não temos dados nacionais. Objetivo: conhecer a prevalência de deficiência e insuficiência de Vit D em uma população de gestantes de um hospital público de Montevidéu, o Centro Hospitalar Pereira Rossell. Material e método: foram realizadas entrevistas e foram tomadas amostras de sangue gestantes no terceiro trimestre para dosificacão de creatininemia, cálcio total, albuminemia, PTH intacta e 25 (OH) Vit D; previamente foi solicitada a assinatura de consentimento informado. Foram classificadas como deficiência severa concentrações de Vit D < 10 ng/ml; deficiência valores entre 10-20 ng/ml, insuficiente 20-30 ng/ml, e suficiente > 30 ng/ml. Resultados: das 71 amostras analisadas, 3 (4,3%) apresentaram níveis de suficiência, 18 insuficiências (25,7%), 30 deficiências (42,9%) e 19 deficiências grave (27,1%). Conclusões: a deficiência de Vit D na população estudada se apresenta com una frequência extraordinária como o informado a nível global. É necessário atender este problema rapidamente para evitar complicações na gestante e no recém-nascido.

Overall and abortion-related maternal mortality rates in Uruguay over the past 25 years and their association with policies and actions aimed at protecting women's rights.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate changes in maternal mortality rates in Uruguay over the past 25 years, as well as their distribution by cause, and their temporal relationship with social changes and Human Development Index (HDI) indicators. METHODS: Data on maternal mortality obtained directly from the Uruguayan Ministry of Public Health for the 2001 to 2015 period were analyzed together with data from the United Nations Inter-Agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation for the 1990 to 2015 period. The swiftness of the decrease in maternal mortality per five-year period, the variation in the percentage of abortion-related deaths, and the correlation with HDI indicators were evaluated. RESULTS: Maternal mortality decreased significantly, basically due to a reduction in the number of deaths from unsafe abortion, which was the principal cause of maternal mortality in the 1990s. The reduction in maternal mortality over the past 10 years also coincides with a reduction in poverty and an improvement in the HDI. CONCLUSION: A rapid reduction occurred in maternal mortality in Uruguay, particularly in maternal mortality resulting from unsafe abortion. This coincided with the application of a model for reducing the risk and harm of unsafe abortions, which finally led to the decriminalization of abortion.

A multifaceted intervention to increase prophylactic oxytocin use during the third stage of labor and to reduce routine episiotomies in Nicaragua.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of a multifaceted intervention among skilled birth attendants on the use of oxytocin during the third stage of labor, the active management of the third stage of labor (AMTSL), and the rate of routine episiotomy during vaginal births in two health districts in Nicaragua. METHODS: An uncontrolled before-and-after study design was used. The rates of oxytocin use in the third stage of labor, AMTSL, and episiotomy were measured for vaginal births occurring in eight hospitals and health centers during 2011-2012, before and after implementation of a multifaceted facility-based intervention. The intervention involved the use of opinion leaders, interactive workshops to develop and implement evidence-based guidelines, academic detailing, the use of reminders, and feedback on the rates of oxytocin use and episiotomy. RESULTS: Oxytocin use during the third stage of labor increased significantly from 95.3% to 97.4% (P=0.003). The episiotomy rate dropped significantly from 31.2% to 21.2% overall, and from 59.6% to 40.5% in primiparous women (P<0.001 for both comparisons). CONCLUSION: The multifaceted intervention improved the targeted care practices during childbirth. However, a further decrease in the routine use of episiotomy would be desirable.

Restricción de crecimiento fetal, epigenética y transmisión trans generacional de las enfermedades crónicas y la pobreza / Fetal growth restriction, epigenetic and trans generational transmission of chronic diseases and poverty

El conjunto de las enfermedades crónicas denominadas tradicionalmente como “no transmisibles” (s¡ndrome metabólico, diabetes, obesidad, hipertensión, resistencia a la insulina, entre otras) podr¡an originarse tempranamente en la vida fetal y en la primera infancia por medio de la activación de mecanismos epigenéticos, aun no suficientemente conocidos pero que claramente no implicar¡an cambios estructurales en las secuencias génicas. El presente artículo, intenta poner a punto el conocimiento disponible desde una perspectiva perinatal. Además, se propone una hipótesis por la cual existiría la posibilidad de la transmisión trans generacional de las enfermedades crónicas en el contexto de la pobreza y la exclusión social. La activación epigenética del denominado “genotipo ahorrador”, se encuentra de manera más prevalente en los sectores socio económicos, más vulnerables y vulnerados y tienden a aumentar el riesgo en su progenie. Se propone que estas enfermedades crónicas son en realidad socialmente transmisibles y se evalúa cómo este conocimiento cambiar  el manejo clínico de la restricción de crecimiento intrauterino. Por último; se analizan las ventanas de oportunidad que las políticas públicas tienen para revertir este círculo vicioso.

The set of chronic diseases traditionally referred to as “non-communicable” (metabolic syndrome, diabetes, obesity, hypertension, insulin resistance, etc.) could arise early in fetal life and early childhood through activation of epigenetic mechanisms, not yet sufficiently known but clearly not involve structural changes in the gene sequences. This article attempts to overhaul the knowledge available from a perinatal perspective. Furthermore, a hypothesis for which there would be the possibility of trans-generational transmission of chronic diseases in the context of poverty and social exclusion is proposed. Epigenetic activation of the so-called “thrifty genotype” is most prevalent way violated the most vulnerable and socio-economic sectors and tend to increase the risk in their offspring.It is proposed that these chronic diseases are actually socially communicable and evaluated how this knowledge will change the clinical management of intrauterine growth restriction. Finally the windows of opportunity that public policies have to reverse this vicious cycle are analyzed.

Prevalencia de la enfermedad por reflujo gastroesofágico en Uruguay / Prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease in Uruguay

Antecedente La enfermedad por reflujo gastroesofágico (ERGE) es una condición frecuente, con grandes diferencias geográficas en todo el mundo. Uruguay carece de datos epidemiológicos sobre esta enfermedad. Objetivo Estimar la prevalencia de la ERGE en 2 poblaciones adultas de Uruguay, urbana y hospitalaria, mediante el Gastroesophageal reflux disease Questionnaire (GerdQ) e interrogatorio de síntomas típicos. Material y método Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal mediante el uso de 2 métodos diagnósticos administrados a 2 niveles: urbano y hospitalario. Uno de ellos fue el cuestionario GerdQ, estandarizado, de respuesta estructurada y el otro consistió en evaluar síntomas característicos de ERGE. Se incluyeron 1.141 personas procedentes de población urbana, con edad promedio de 52 (± 18 años) y 163 pacientes de una policlínica de gastroenterología, con edad promedio de 53 años (± 16 años).Resultados La prevalencia de ERGE en Uruguay utilizando el cuestionario GerdQ fue 4,69%, (IC 95% 2,92-6,46%), mientras que al considerar solo los síntomas típicos ascendió a 14,14% (IC 95% 12,57-15,71). En la muestra hospitalaria la prevalencia fue de 11,66% (IC 95% 6,42-16,89%) y 20,25% (IC 95% 14,01-26,48), respectivamente. Conclusión La prevalencia obtenida en la población urbana de Uruguay con el cuestionario GerdQ en la población sintomática (hospitalaria) fue más del doble respecto de la población general, 11,66 y 4,69%, respectivamente. La evaluación de síntomas, pirosis y/o regurgitación conduce sistemáticamente a un resultado de mayor prevalencia. El consenso en la definición de la ERGE y la herramienta utilizada son claves para interpretar y comparar los estudios epidemiológicos (AU)

Background Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common condition, with wide geographical differences worldwide. There are no epidemiological data on this disease for Uruguay. Objective To estimate the prevalence of GERD in two adult populations in Uruguay (urban and hospital) through the Gastroesophageal reflux disease Questionnaire (GerdQ) questionnaire and evaluation of typical symptoms. Material and method A descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out through the use of two diagnostic methods administered in two settings: an urban and a hospital setting. The first method consisted of administration of the standardized GerdQ structured questionnaire and the other consisted of evaluating the typical symptoms of GERD. A total of 1141 persons from the urban population, with a mean age of 52 years (± 18 years), and 163 persons from a gastroenterology polyclinic, with a mean age of 53 years (± 16 years), were included. Results The prevalence of GERD in Uruguay was 4.69%, (95% CI 2.92-6.46%) when the GerdQ questionnaire was used, but increased to 14.14% (95% CI 12.57-15.71) when only typical symptoms were considered. In the hospital sample, the prevalence was 11.66% (95% CI 6.42-16.89%) and 20.25% (95% CI 14.01-26.48), respectively. Conclusion The prevalence obtained in the urban population of Uruguay with the GerdQ questionnaire in the symptomatic (hospital) population was more than double that in the general population, 11.66% and 4.69%, respectively. Evaluation of symptoms, pyrosis and/or regurgitation systematically yields a higher prevalence. Consensus on the definition of GERD and on the instrument used for its diagnosis are essential to interpret and compare epidemiological studies (AU)

[Prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease in Uruguay]. / Prevalencia de la enfermedad por reflujo gastroesofágico en Uruguay.

BACKGROUND: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common condition, with wide geographical differences worldwide. There are no epidemiological data on this disease for Uruguay. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of GERD in two adult populations in Uruguay (urban and hospital) through the Gastroesophageal reflux disease Questionnaire (GerdQ) questionnaire and evaluation of typical symptoms. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out through the use of two diagnostic methods administered in two settings: an urban and a hospital setting. The first method consisted of administration of the standardized GerdQ structured questionnaire and the other consisted of evaluating the typical symptoms of GERD. A total of 1141 persons from the urban population, with a mean age of 52 years (± 18 years), and 163 persons from a gastroenterology polyclinic, with a mean age of 53 years (± 16 years), were included. RESULTS: The prevalence of GERD in Uruguay was 4.69%, (95% CI 2.92-6.46%) when the GerdQ questionnaire was used, but increased to 14.14% (95% CI 12.57-15.71) when only typical symptoms were considered. In the hospital sample, the prevalence was 11.66% (95% CI 6.42-16.89%) and 20.25% (95% CI 14.01-26.48), respectively. CONCLUSION: The prevalence obtained in the urban population of Uruguay with the GerdQ questionnaire in the symptomatic (hospital) population was more than double that in the general population, 11.66% and 4.69%, respectively. Evaluation of symptoms, pyrosis and/or regurgitation systematically yields a higher prevalence. Consensus on the definition of GERD and on the instrument used for its diagnosis are essential to interpret and compare epidemiological studies.

A pilot randomized controlled trial of controlled cord traction to reduce postpartum blood loss.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether controlled cord traction (CCT) for management of the third stage of labor reduced postpartum blood loss compared with a "hands-off" management protocol. METHODS: Women with imminent vaginal delivery were randomly assigned to either a CCT group or a hands-off group. The women received prophylactic oxytocin. The primary outcome was blood loss during the third stage of labor. RESULTS: In total, 103 women were allocated to the CCT group and 101 were allocated to the hands-off group. Median blood loss in the CCT group and the hands-off group was 282.0 mL and 310.2 mL, respectively. The difference in blood loss (-28.2 mL) was not significant (95% confidence interval, -92.3 to 35.9; P=0.126). Blood collection in the hands-off group took 1.2 minutes longer than in the CCT group, which may have contributed to this difference. CONCLUSION: CCT may reduce postpartum blood loss. The present findings support conducting a large trial to determine whether CCT can prevent postpartum hemorrhage.

An evidence-based, Latin-American consensus on gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

In recognition of the high prevalence of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) and its importance in Latin America, the InterAmerican Association of Gastroenterology and the InterAmerican Society of Digestive Endoscopy organized a Latin-American Consensus on GORD in Cancun, Mexico in September 2004. The main objectives of the consensus meeting were to provide evidence-based guidance with respect to the diagnosis and treatment of GORD, relevant to all countries in the region. The methodology, results and recommendations of the consensus are described in detail.