Effectiveness and efficiency of telerehabilitation on functionality after spinal cord injury: A matched case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Telerehabilitation in spinal cord injury (teleSCI) is a growing field that can improve access to care and health outcomes in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). The clinical effectiveness of teleSCI is not known. OBJECTIVES: To compare independence in activities of daily living and mobility capacity in patients following teleSCI and matched controls undergoing traditional rehabilitation. DESIGN: Matched case-control study. SETTING: TeleSCI occurring in home setting (cases) versus traditional rehabilitation on inpatient unit (controls). PARTICIPANTS: Forty-two consecutive patients with SCI followed with teleSCI were compared to 42 historical rehabilitation inpatients (controls) matched for age, time since injury to rehabilitation admission, level of injury (paraplegia/tetraplegia), complete or incomplete injury, and etiology (traumatic/nontraumatic). The teleSCI group (n = 42) was also compared to the complete cohort of historical controls (n = 613). INTERVENTIONS: The teleSCI group followed home-based telerehabilitation (3.5 h/day, 5 days/week, 67 days average duration) and historical controls followed in-person rehabilitation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The Functional Independence Measure (FIM), the Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM) and the Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injury (WISCI). We formally compared gains, efficiency and effectiveness. International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury and the American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) were used. RESULTS: The teleSCI group (57.1% nontraumatic, 71.4% paraplegia, 73.8% incomplete, 52.4% AIS grade D) showed no significant differences compared with historical controls in AIS grades, neurological levels, duration, gains, efficiency and effectiveness in FIM, SCIM, or WISCI, although the teleSCI cohort had significantly higher admission FIM scores compared with the complete cohort of historical controls. CONCLUSIONS: TeleSCI may provide similar improvements in mobility and functional outcomes as traditional rehabilitation in medically stable patients (predominantly with paraplegia and motor incomplete SCI) when provided with appropriate support and equipment.

Glycemic control metrics in a cohort of hospitalized patients with type 1 diabetes using hybrid closed-loop and advanced hybrid closed-loop systems.

AIMS: To describe Hybrid closed-loop (HCL) and advanced hybrid closed-loop (AHCL) performance in the hospital setting based on the continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) metrics description. METHODS: This was an observational study from a cohort of patients with T1D using HCL/AHCL with history of hospitalization. CGM metrics were analyzed during the hospital stay. CGM metrics sub-analysis of the population with active Automated Mode (AM) and SmartGuard (SG) during hospitalization and/or surgical procedure was performed. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients were included (50 % women; mean age, 49 years [inter-quartile range (IQR), 39-62 years]). During hospitalization 70.8 % patients achieved %Time in Range (TIR) between 70 and 180 mg/dL ≥ 70 %. The overall %TIR was 75.5 % (IQR, 67.3-81.5 %), % time below range (TBR) < 70 mg/dL was 2.1 % (IQR, 0.7-5.4 %) and %TBR < 54 mg/dL was 0 % (IQR, 0-5.4 %). Users of the AHCL with active SG achieved a non-significant higher %TIR during hospitalization (79 % [73.8.88 %] vs. 76 % [72.81 %], p = 0.312) and had a shorter stay (3[IQR, 2.4] vs. 6 days[IQR, 5.7], p = 0.045) compared to the users of the HCL with AM active. No device-related serious adverse events occurred for users of either system. CONCLUSIONS: HCL/AHCL systems with active AM/SG in patients with T1D in the hospital environment leads to %TIR > 70 % in ranges of 70-180 mg/dL in patients without increasing hypoglycemia.

Use of Drugs Associated with QT Interval Prolongation at the Hospital Level during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Colombia.

Background: Many of the therapeutic proposals for COVID-19 have been associated with adverse effects, including the risk of QT interval prolongation and torsades de pointes (TdP). The objective was to determine the use of drugs with a risk of QT interval prolongation in 21 clinics/hospitals in Colombia from January to December 2020. Methods: This cross-sectional study identified drug use according to pharmacological groups with potential risk of QT interval prolongation according to a risk classification: conditional, possible, and known risk of TdP. Descriptive analyses were performed. Results: A total of 355,574 patients who received QT-prolonging drugs were identified (equivalent to 51.4% of all inpatients treated during the study period). Of the group of patients on QT drugs, 54.4% used at least one drug with conditional risk, 52.6% with possible risk, and 40.3% with known risk. The most commonly used belonged to the group of drugs for the nervous system (63.0%), alimentary tract and metabolism (56.8%), anti-infectives for systemic use (13.0%), and the cardiovascular system (11.7%). On average, patients received 2.0 ± 1.5 risk drugs. Regarding drugs initially considered against COVID-19, 2,120 patients (0.6%) received azithromycin, 802 (0.2%) received chloroquine, 517 received hydroxychloroquine (0.1%), and 265 received lopinavir/ritonavir (0.1%). Conclusion: The high proportion of patients treated at the hospital level who receive drugs with risk of prolonging the QT interval should alert those responsible for their care to avoid fatal outcomes, especially during the COVID-19 epidemic, when some QT drugs are being used more frequently.

Patterns of Antinuclear Antibodies in a New Variant of Endemic Pemphigus in El Bagre, Colombia, Colocalizing with Antigens against MIZAP, ARVCF, p0071, and Desmoplakins I and II.

BACKGROUND: A new variant of endemic pemphigus foliaceus (EPF) has been documented, El Bagre-EPF. We aimed to study antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) in these patients. METHODS: We performed a case-control study, testing 57 patients affected by this disease and 57 controls from the endemic area matched by work activity and demographics. The participants were evaluated clinically as well as by detection of ANAs utilizing HEp-2 cells. We utilized Triton-induced partial permeabilization of the cell membranes, allowing for the visualization of intracellular and intranuclear antigens. We also immunoadsorbed the ANAs using synthetic peptides to elucidate the nature of the ANA. RESULTS: We detected the presence of a new pattern of ANAs. The new pattern of ANAs was seen in 24% of the El Bagre-EPF patients, compared to our controls (P < 0.001). The new ANA pattern consisted of a thin nuclear and nucleolar rim, finely speckled nucleolar, nuclear membrane pores stains, and a positive intranuclear stain directed against small nuclear components, as well as cytoplasmic deposits of autoantibodies were also observed. The new ANAs pattern perfectly colocalized with commercial antibodies to miocardium-enriched zonula occlusans-1 associated protein (MIZAP), armadillo repeat gene deleted in velo-cardio-facial syndrome (ARVCF), p0071 and desmoplakins I-II (all from Progen Biotechnik). Additionally in 14% of patients with El Bagre-EPF forme fruste and hyperpigmented clinical presentations, a classic homogeneous ANA pattern was observed with autoantibodies specific for Ro, La, Sm, and double-stranded DNA antigens. Immunoadsorption with peptide-based sequences from MIZAP, ARVCF, p0071 and desmoplakins I-II removed the new ANA pattern. CONCLUSIONS: We describe a new pattern of ANAs in El Bagre-EPF, colocalizing with autoantibodies directed against MIZAP, ARVCF, p0071, and desmoplakins I-II.

Extrusion of pilosebaceous units into blisters of patients affected by a new variant of endemic pemphigus in El Bagre, Colombia, South America.

BACKGROUND: A new variant of endemic pemphigus foliaceus is present in El Bagre, Colombia, and surrounding municipalities (El Bagre-EPF) that affects the skin and in some presentations affects other organs with autoantibodies directed against cell junctions. METHODS: We studied 200 El Bagre-EPF patient perilesional skin biopsies, as well as 200 skin biopsies from normal controls in the endemic area. RESULTS: We observed blister extrusions of sebaceous glands or entire pilosebaceous units via the isthmus in 23% of the patients and not in the controls. CONCLUSIONS: The extrusion of hair follicular unit contents is consistent with our previous pathologic findings of autoreactivity to these units, and their observed clinical decrease in patients affected by El Bagre-EPF.

Glycemic control metrics using flash glucose monitoring and hospital complications in patients with COVID-19.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Few studies have reported on the use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) during the Covid-19 pandemic. We aimed to examine glycemic control metrics using flash glucose monitoring during insulin treatment and the clinical outcome in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. METHODS: Prospective, single-center cohort of adult patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes or hyperglycemia and COVID-19 infection treated with basal bolus insulin regimen. Glycemic control was assessed with the use of intermittent Freestyle Libre flash glucose monitoring during the hospital stay. Outcome of interest were time in range [TIR], time above [TAR] and below [TBR] range, glycemic variability [coefficient of variation [% CV]), and differences in a composite of complications including ICU admission, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and acute kidney injury. RESULTS: A total of 60 patients were included (44 known diabetes and 16 new onset hyperglycemia). In total 190,080 data points of CGM were available, of which 72.5% of values were within the target area [TIR (70-180 mg/dL)], 22% TAR (>180 mg/dL), and 3% were TBR (<70 mg/dL). During treatment, the coefficient of variation (% CV) was 30%. There were no association with TIR, but patients with TAR >180 mg/dl had higher rates of a composite of complications (22.5% vs 16%, p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Basal bolus insulin regimen was safe and effective in achieving inpatient glycemic control in most patients with COVID-19. The association between TAR and complications indicates the need for improved inpatient glycemic control in hospitalized patients with COVID-19.

Papel pronóstico de factores asociados con lesión isquémica de la circulación anterior: estudio de cohorte / Prognosis role of factors associated with anterior circulation stroke: a cohort study

RESUMEN INTRODUCCIÓN: La enfermedad cerebrovascular constituye un problema de salud pública. Esta entidad representa una importante causa de discapacidad permanente en el adulto, además de tener impacto social, económico y sanitario. Los altos costos que demanda la atención sanitaria desde su momento diagnóstico, el manejo inicial del evento y la posterior rehabilitación-paliación de las secuelas, obligan al conocimiento de características del individuo y factores pronósticos. Esto como insumo de planificación de servicios de prevención para personas en riesgo y atención de pacientes con ataque cerebrovascular. OBJETIVO: Identificar el papel pronóstico que tienen algunos factores asociados con la lesión isquémica, con respecto al grado de discapacidad y mortalidad en el infarto cerebral de la circulación anterior. METODOLOGÍA: Estudio observacional analítico, prospectivo de cohorte, con un análisis anidado de casos y controles. Se identificó la escala del National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) para determinar el compromiso neurológico al ingreso. A los tres meses del evento, se obtuvo la escala Rankin modificado (mRS, variable dependiente) en busca de discapacidad residual y mortalidad; se consideraron casos los mRS desfavorables (puntajes: 3, 4, 5 y 6), y controles los mRS favorables (puntajes: 0, 1, 2). RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 93 pacientes con ACV-i de circulación anterior; la mediana para la edad fue 67 años RIC (57-76); el NIHSS más frecuente fue moderado (50 pacientes, 53,8 %) y la mediana de tiempo transcurrido para el inicio de manejo médico fue de 5 horas RIC (3-24 horas). La identificación de la etiología del ACVi fue posible en 33 pacientes (35,5 %, más frecuente el cardioembólico). Luego de 90 días del ACVi, la clasificación mRS más frecuente fue de tres puntos "moderado" (22 pacientes, 23,7 %) y la mortalidad fue de siete pacientes (7,5 %). En el análisis bivariado la ubicación del infarto en el hemisferio izquierdo fue una variable desfavorable en términos de discapacidad a los tres meses en comparación con el hemisferio derecho (OR: 2,51; IC 95 %: 1,06 - 5,9; p = 0,03). CONCLUSIONES: La población de estudio fue predominantemente de sexo masculino, con una limitación funcional moderada (NIHSS 5-15) al ingreso a urgencias. Tres meses después del evento, la mayoría de los pacientes cursó con movilidad reducida, algún compromiso de las funciones mentales, pero esencialmente independientes en su vida diaria. La lesión del hemisferio izquierdo se comportó como un factor de mal pronóstico en la recuperación funcional de los pacientes.

SUMMARY INTRODUCTION: Cerebrovascular disease constitutes a public health problem. This entity represents an important cause of permanent disability in adults, social, economic and health impact as well. The high costs demanded by health care from the moment of diagnosis, initial management of the event, and subsequent rehabilitation-palliation of the sequelae, requires knowledge of population characteristics and possible prognostic factors. This can be useful as an input for planning prevention services for people at risk and care of stroke patients. OBJECTIVE: To identify the prognostic role that some factors associated with the ischemic lesion have regarding the degree of disability and mortality, in the cerebral infarction of the anterior circulation. Methods: Observational, analytical, prospective cohort study was performed, with a nested case-control analysis. Neurological involvement was measured at admission with the NIHSS scale. At three months post-event, the modified Rankin scale (mRS: dependent variable) was measured, pursuing residual disability and mortality; cases: patient with unfavorable mRS score (score: 3, 4, 5, 6); controls: patient with favorable mRS score (score: 0, 1, 2). RESULTS: 93 patients with diagnosis of ischemic stroke of anterior circulation were included. Median age was 67 years RIQ (57-76); most frequent NIHSS was moderate (50; 53.8 %) and the median evolution time to medical management was 5 hours RIQ (3-24 hours). Etiology was identified in 33 patients (35.5 %, cardio-embolic the most). After 90 days since ischemic injury, most frequent mRS was "3: moderate" (22; 23.7 %) and 7 (7.5 %) patients died. Bivariate analysis identified left hemisphere stroke as an unfavorable variable in terms of disability at three months compared to the right hemisphere (OR 2.51, 95 % CI 1.06-5.9, p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The population with ischemic stroke was predominantly males with multiple comorbidities, with a moderate neurological compromise on admission (NIHSS score: 5-15). After three months post event, patients were predominantly with reduced mobility, some mental functions affection, but essentially independent in activities of daily living. The involvement of left hemisphere is projected as poor prognostic factor in the functional recovery of our patients.

Use of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants in Colombia: A descriptive study using a national administrative healthcare database.

PURPOSE: We aimed to describe time-trends in the use of NOACs among a group of ambulatory patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) in Colombia and to describe treatment patterns and user characteristics. METHODS: Using the Audifarma S.A administrative healthcare database in Colombia, we identified 10 528 patients with NVAF aged at least 18 years between July 2009 and June 2017 with a first prescription (index date) for apixaban, dabigatran or rivaroxaban (index NOAC) and followed them for at least year (max, 8.0 years, mean 2.2 years). We described patient characteristics, NOAC use over time, and the dose of the first NOAC prescription. RESULTS: A total of 2153 (20.5%) patients started on apixaban, 3089 (29.3%) on dabigatran and 5286 (50.2%) on rivaroxaban. The incidence of new users of apixaban and rivaroxaban increased over study years while for dabigatran it decreased. Mean age at the index date was: 78.5 years (apixaban), 76.5 years (dabigatran), 76.0 years (rivaroxaban). The percentage of patients started NOAC therapy on the standard dose was: apixaban 38.0%, dabigatran 30.9%, rivaroxaban 56.9%. The percentage still prescribed their index NOAC at 6 months was apixaban 44.6%, dabigatran 51.4%, rivaroxaban 52.7%. Hypertension was the most common comorbidity (>80% in each NOAC cohort). CONCLUSION: During the last decade, the incidence of NOAC use in patients with NVAF affiliated with a private healthcare regime in Colombia has markedly increased. Future studies should evaluate whether the large number of patients with NVAF starting NOAC treatment on a reduced dose are done so appropriately.

Involvement of the Areae Compositae of the Heart in Endemic Pemphigus Foliaceus.

BACKGROUND: A new variant of endemic pemphigus foliaceus in El Bagre (El Bagre-EPF), Colombia, South America, shares features with Senear-Usher syndrome and occurs in an endemic fashion. Patients affected by El Bagre-EPF have heterogeneous antigenic reactivity not only to the skin but to other organs, including the heart. Here we test for autoantibodies to the areae compositae of the heart (structure consisting of typical desmosomal amalgamated fascia adherens molecules) and evaluate any possible clinical correlation. METHODS: A case-control study comparing 45 patients and 45 controls from the endemic area, matched by demographics including age, gender, weight, work activities, and comorbidities, was performed. Direct and indirect immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, confocal microscopic studies, and echocardiogram studies were completed. RESULTS: The main clinical abnormally seen in the El Bagre-EPF patients was left ventricular hypertrophy in 15/45 patients, compared with no such findings in the control population (P < 0.1). Seventy percent of El Bagre-EPF patients and none of the controls displayed polyclonal autoreactivity using different immunoglobulins and complement to the areae compositae of the heart using different methods and antibodies (P < 0.1). CONCLUSIONS: Patients affected by El Bagre-EPF demonstrated autoantibodies to the areae compositae of the heart. This finding was associated with left ventricular hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The areae compositae may play a role in cell junction tension and the El Bagre-EPF patients' autoantibodies possibly disrupting these junctions and thereby contributing to the left ventricular hypertrophy.

Membrane attack complex (C5b-9 complex or Mac), is strongly present in lesional skin from patients with endemic pemphigus foliaceus in El Bagre, Colombia.

BACKGROUND: El Bagre endemic pemphigus foliaceus (El Bagre-EPF) is a new variant of endemic pemphigus foliaceus present in the El Bagre area of Colombia, South America. Here, we investigate the presence of complement/C5-b9 in lesional skin of patients and matched controls from the endemic area. We also aim to compare the patient's autoantibody levels using indirect immunofluorescent titers (IIF) and correlate with the lesional presence of complement/C5b-9. METHODS: A case-control study was carried out by testing for the presence of complement/C5b-9 in lesional skin in 43 patients affected by El Bagre-EPF, as well as 43 matched, healthy controls from the endemic area. Skin biopsies were obtained and evaluated via hematoxylin and eosin staining, and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The presence of complement/C5b-9 was observed in all cases of the patients affected by El Bagre-EPF and was not observed in the controls from the endemic area (P < 0.001). The patients' autoantibody titers utilizing IIF for IgG and IgM showed correlation between higher autoantibody titers and stronger intensity of staining with complement/C5-b9 staining (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Patients affected by El Bagre-EPF have lesional deposition of complement/C5b, which correlates with disease severity and previously established serologies.

Determinantes de estancia prolongada de neonatos en una unidad de cuidados intensivos / Determinants of Prolonged Stay of Neonates in Intensive Care Unit / Determinantes de estadia prolongada de neonatos em uma unidade de cuidados intensivos

Resumen Objetivo : determinar los factores asociados con estancias prolongadas en uci neonatal. Materiales y métodos : estudio de tipo retrospectivo, de corte transversal, descriptivo y analítico a partir de los Registros Individuales de Prestación de Servicios (RIPS) y la facturación de una Empresa Prestadora de Servicios de Salud (EPS) de Colombia. Se estimó un modelo logístico binomial tomando como variable dependiente estancias prolongadas. Resultados : la mediana de la duración en estancia en uci de los 947 neonatos incluidos en el análisis fue de 3 días y una estancia promedio de 4.8 días (amplitud intercuartílica de 1-5 días). Respecto a los determinantes, la edad gestacional, el peso al nacer y la edad de la madre mantienen una relación inversa con la probabilidad de generar días estancias, residir en zonas urbanas y contar con un buen control prenatal se convierten en factores protectores. Conclusión : el control prenatal es una intervención eficiente y efectiva para la gestión del riesgo de la salud, así como disminuir los embarazos en las mujeres jóvenes (<18 años) y mayores (>35 años) cumplirían un papel fundamental en la reducción de estancias prolongadas en uci neonatal.

Abstract Objective : To determine the factors associated with prolonged stays in neonatal icu. Materials and Methods : This is a retrospective, cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study based on the Individual Service Delivery Registries (RIPS) and the billing of a Health Services Provider Company (EPS) of Colombia. A binomial logistic model was estimated using prolonged stays as a dependent variable. Results : The median length of stay in the icu of the 947 neonates included in the analysis was three days with an average sojourn of 4.8 days (interquartile range of 1-5 days). Regarding the determinants: gestational age, birth weight and age of the mother, they have an inverse relationship with the probability of ge nerating stays, while living in urban areas and having accurate prenatal control become protective factors. Conclusion : Prenatal control is an efficient and effective intervention for managing health risk, also reducing pregnancies in young (<18 years) and older women (> 35 years) would play a key role in decreasing prolonged stays in neonatal icu.

Resumo Objetivo : determinar os fatores associados a estadias prolongadas na uci neonatal. Materiais e métodos : estudo de tipo retrospectivo, de corte transversal, descritivo e analítico a partir dos Registros Individuais de prestação de serviços (RIPS) e a faturação de uma Empresa Prestadora de Serviços de Saúde (EPS) da Colômbia. Se estimou um modelo logístico binomial tomando como variável dependente estadias pro longadas. Resultados : a mediana da duração em estadias na uci dos 947 neonatos incluídos na análise foi de 3 dias e uma estadia média de 4.8 dias (amplitude interquartílica de 1-5 dias). Respeito aos deter minantes, a idade gestacional, o peso ao nascer e a idade da mãe mantêm uma relação inversa com a probabilidade de gerar dias estadias, residir em zonas urbanas e contar com um bom controle pré-natal tornam-se em fatores protetores. Conclusão : o controle pré-natal é uma intervenção eficiente e efetiva para a gestão do risco da saúde, assim como diminuir as gravidezes nas mulheres jovens (<18 anos) e maiores (>35 anos) teriam um papel fundamental na redução de estadias prolongadas na uci neonatal.

The challenges of health situation analysis in Colombia.

General and local health situation analyses have increasingly become a political issue with implications for the population under study and for decision makers, as it involves the spheres of power, and entails economic, social and cultural responsibilities.As an essential function of public health, health situation analysis has assessment parameters that make it possible to direct its development and measure its implications. This is where the first challenge lies. However, the most important ones go beyond the technical criteria established in the year 2000 by the Pan American Health Organization.The local dynamics where health situation analyses are inscribed, are increasingly more influenced by globalization processes, which in turn demand that international policies be articulated in our country, as is the case with the Sustainable Development Goals. Moreover, the demographic and epidemiological transition requires accounting for heterogeneous profiles including mental, occupational and environmental health.In addition, complexity increases in a context like ours, with deep inequalities that should be addressed within the framework of the Social Security System, which imply challenges in terms of knowledge, technical aspects, articulation, context, coherence, and policies.

Desafíos del análisis de la situación de salud en Colombia

El análisis de la situación general o local de la salud pasó de ser un asunto exclusivamente técnico del sector de la salud a convertirse en un asunto político, con implicaciones para la población objeto del análisis y para quienes toman las decisiones, ya que involucra las esferas del poder, así como aspectos económicos, sociales y culturales de suma importancia. Como función esencial de la salud pública, dicho análisis se sustenta en parámetros de evaluación que permiten orientar su desarrollo y medir sus implicaciones, lo cual constituye el primero de los retos que enfrenta; sin embargo, sus desafíos van más allá de los criterios técnicos planteados en el año 2000 por la Organización Panamericana de la Salud. Las dinámicas locales en las cuales se inserta el análisis de la situación de salud están cada vez más permeadas por procesos de globalización que, a su vez, demandan la articulación de las políticas internacionales adoptadas por el país. La transición demográfica y epidemiológica requiere dar cuenta de perfiles heterogéneos de temas que cobran importancia, que comprenden la salud mental, la laboral y la ambiental. Además, tal análisis se hace más complejo en un contexto como el nuestro, con profundas desigualdadesaún por subsanar, y en el marco del Sistema de Seguridad Social en Salud, lo cual implica desafíostécnicos y políticos, asícomo de conocimiento y de articulación.

General and local health situation analyses have increasingly become a political issue with implications for the population under study and for decision makers, as it involves the spheres of power, and entails economic, social and cultural responsibilities. As an essential function of public health, health situation analysis has assessment parameters that make it possible to direct its development and measure its implications. This is where the first challenge lies. However, the most important ones go beyond the technical criteria established in the year 2000 by the Pan American Health Organization. The local dynamics where health situation analyses are inscribed, are increasingly more influenced by globalization processes, which in turn demand that international policies be articulated in our country, as is the case with the Sustainable Development Goals. Moreover, the demographic and epidemiological transition requires accounting for heterogeneous profiles including mental, occupational and environmental health. In addition, complexity increases in a context like ours, with deep inequalities that should be addressed within the framework of the Social Security System, which imply challenges in terms of knowledge, technical aspects, articulation, context, coherence, and policies.

Control temprano de los factores de mal pronóstico en el abordaje de los pacientes con eventos cerebrovasculares isquémicos / Early control of the factors of poor prognosis in the approach of patients with ischemic cerebrovascular events

RESUMEN OBJETIVO: Describir aspectos generales en relación con los eventos cerebrovasculares (ECV) isquémicos, así como los principales factores pronósticos que se han relacionado con el desenlace y la recuperación funcional posterior al evento cerebrovascular. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Se realizó una revisión narrativa utilizando bases de datos (PubMed, Science Direct, MEDLINE), plataformas virtuales (National Institutes of Health) y publicaciones del Acta Neurológica Colombiana. RESULTADOS: Ser mujer, la edad avanzada, la inatención (negligencia), la gravedad del compromiso cognitivo y de la función ejecutiva, la desnutrición, y comorbilidades como la neumonía se asocian con un peor pronóstico en los 90 días posteriores al evento. Las alteraciones en la esfera mental (delirio), alteración de la conciencia, hemiplejia o parálisis de la mirada conjugada y el origen cardioembólico del ECV son algunos de los factores asociados con la mortalidad. La lateralidad hemisférica es una variable importante a tener en cuenta para valorar el pronóstico y la discapacidad funcional residual posevento; sin embargo, la evidencia actual es poco concluyente y algo contradictoria en relación con su rol como factor pronóstico. CONCLUSIONES: Es importante un diagnóstico temprano y una intervención adecuada de los pacientes afectados con ECV isquémico, así como el control precoz de los factores modificables de mal pronóstico. Entre los no modificables, la lateralidad hemisférica podría ser más bien un criterio de selección para un programa de rehabilitación específico y personalizado, pues indudablemente existe un compromiso cognitivo y del lenguaje que difiere sustancialmente en relación con la ubicación topográfica de la lesión.

SUMMARY OBJETIVE: To describe general aspects related to acute ischemic stroke (AIS), as well as to know the main prognostic factors that have been related to the outcome and functional recovery after the AIS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A narrative review was performed using databases (PubMed, Science-Direct, MEDLINE), virtual platforms (National Institutes of Health) and publications of the Colombian Neurological Record. RESULTS: Being female, advanced age, inattention (neglect), severity of cognitive and executive function impairment, malnutrition, and comorbidities such as pneumonia are associated with a worse prognosis in the 90 days after the event. Alterations in the mental sphere (delirium), altered consciousness, hemiplegia or paralysis of the conjugate gaze and the cardioembolic origin of the AIS are some of the factors that are associated with higher mortality. Hemispheric laterality is an important variable to consider in assessing the prognosis and residual functional disability post-event; however the current evidence is inconclusive and somewhat contradictory. CONCLUSIONS: Early diagnosis and adequate intervention of patients with AIS and early control of modifiable factors of poor prognosis are important. Among the non-modifiable, hemispheric laterality may be more a selection criterion for a specific and personalized rehabilitation program, since there is undoubtedly a cognitive and language compromise that differs substantially in relation to the topographical location of the ischemic lesion.

Síndrome de Moyamoya: una respuesta defensiva al daño crónico de un gran vaso cerebral Reporte de una serie de casos y revisión de la literatura / Moyamoya syndrome: a defensive response to the chronic damage of a large cerebral vessel. Cases report and review of the literature

RESUMEN OBJETIVOS: Presentar algunos casos de pacientes con síndrome de Moyamoya secundario a etiologías diversas y con base en ellos revisar aspectos generales del cuadro; de acuerdo con dos de los casos se propone una nueva hipótesis. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Se describen cuatro casos clínicos de síndrome de Moyamoya, identificados en la ciudad de Medellín, Colombia, con sus respectivas imágenes y la evolución de su cuadro. Con base en dos de los casos, en los cuales el síndrome se desencadenó posteriormente a la implantación de un stent diversor de flujo, se propone una nueva etiología. RESULTADOS: En dos casos se identificó la implantación de un stent diversor de flujo como el desencadenante del cuadro de Moyamoya. En uno de los casos la enfermedad primaria fue una neurofibromatosis tipo 1; en el cuarto caso no fue posible identificar la causa del síndrome. Ninguno de los pacientes presentó compromiso neurológico a pesar del grave daño arterial. CONCLUSIONES: El síndrome de Moyamoya (SMM), más que una entidad independiente, debería ser entendido como un mecanismo compensatorio y defensivo secundario a la deprivación del flujo sanguíneo en la circulación cerebral anterior, el cual protege a los pacientes de eventos cerebrovasculares isquémicos con consecuencias devastadoras. La implantación de stents diversores de flujo como método de tratamiento de algunos aneurismas cerebrales, se proyecta en el tiempo como una de las causas más importantes del síndrome.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVES: To present some cases of patients with Moyamoya syndrome secondary to diverse etiologies, and, based on them, to review general aspects of the clinical picture. Supported on two cases, the hypothesis of a new mechanism is proposed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four clinical cases of Moyamoya syndrome are described, identified in the city of Medellín, Colombia, with their respective images and the evolution of their condition. Based on two of the cases, in which the syndrome was triggered after the implantation of a flow-diverter stent, a new etiology is proposed. RESULTS: In two cases, the implantation of a flow-diverter stent was identified as the trigger of the Moyamoya picture. In one case the primary disease was type 1 neurofibromatosis; in the fourth case it was not possible to identify the cause of the syndrome. None of the patients presented neurological compromise despite severe arterial damage. CONCLUSIONS: Moyamoya syndrome (MMS), rather than an independent entity, should be understood as a compensatory and defensive mechanism in response to the deprivation of blood flow in the anterior cerebral circulation, which protects patients from ischemic cerebrovascular events. Implantation of flow-diverter stents, as a method of treatment of some cerebral aneurysms, is projected in time as an important cause of this syndrome.

Cefalea y edema fronto-orbitario de aparición súbita en un adolescente / Fronto-orbital headache and oedema of sudden onset in an adolescent

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Case report: microcephaly associated with Zika virus infection, Colombia.

BACKGROUND: Recently there has been a large outbreak of Zika virus infections in Colombia, South America. The epidemic began in September 2015 and continued to April 2017, for the total number of Zika cases reported of 107,870. For those confirmed Zika cases, there were nearly 20,000 (18.5%) suspected to be pregnant women, resulting in 157 confirmed cases of microcephaly in newborns reported by their health government agency. There is a clear under-estimation of the total number of cases and in addition no prior publications have been published to demonstrate the clinical aspects of the Zika infection in Colombia. We characterized one Zika presentation to be able to compare and contrast with other cases of Zika infection already reported in the literature. CASE PRESENTATION: In this case report, we demonstrate congenital microcephaly at week 19 of gestation in a 34-year-old mother who showed symptoms compatible with Zika virus infection from Sincelejo, State of Sucre, in the Colombian Caribbean. Zika virus RNA was detected in the placenta using real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). At week 25, the fetus weigh estimate was 770 g, had a cephalic perimeter of 20.2 cm (5th percentile), ventriculomegaly on the right side and dilatation of the fourth ventricle. At week 32, the microcephaly was confirmed with a cephalic perimeter of 22 cm, dilatation of the posterior atrium to 13 mm, an abnormally small cerebellum (29 mm), and an augmented cisterna magna. At birth (39 weeks by cesarean section), the head circumference was 27.5 cm, and computerized axial tomography (Siemens Corp, 32-slides) confirmed microcephaly with calcifications. CONCLUSION: We report a first case of maternal Zika virus infection associated with fetal microcephaly in Colombia and confirmed similar presentation to those observed previous in Brazil, 2015-2016.

Adaptación colombiana de las guías de neuroestimulación espinal en el manejo del dolor crónico e isquémico / Colombian adaptation of guidelines for the use of neurostimulation in the management of chronic pain and ischemia

Introduction: Management of chronic pain by conventional means is usually insufficient, but the enhanced knowledge of the neurobiology of pain has led to the development of new treatments like spinal neurostimulation, with optimal short- and long-term results. Objectives: To integrate and update clinical practice guidelines on the effectiveness and safety of spinal neurostimulation in the management of chronic pain. Materials and methods: Search of practice guidelines, systematic reviews and clinical trials in the main databases (Cochrane, EMBASE, LILACS and MEDLINE), and assessment of their quality and level of evidence in order to propose recommendations for the management of chronic painful syndromes and cardiac and lower-limb ischemia. Results: Suficient evidence was found to support the use of spinal neurostimulation for pain relief in cases of persistent pain after back surgery and also for complex regional pain syndrome. Growing evidence was found for the use of spinal neurostimulation in refractory angina pectoris and in painful ischemic lower limbs. Conclusions: Neurostimulation is a minimally invasive technique useful for the management of persistent pain after back surgery and for complex regional pain syndrome.

Introducción: El manejo del dolor crónico por medios convencionales a menudo es insuficiente, es por eso que con el mayor conocimiento de la neurobiología del dolor se han desarrollado nuevos tratamientos como la neuroestimulación espinal, con resultados óptimos a corto y largo plazo por parte de los médicos tratantes. Objetivos: Integrar y actualizar guías de práctica clínica sobre la efectividad y seguridad de la neuroestimulación espinal en el manejo del dolor crónico. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó una búsqueda de guías de práctica, revisiones sistemáticas y ensayos clínicos en las principales bases de datos (Cochrane, EMBASE, LILACS y MEDLINE) evaluando su calidad y grado de evidencia para proponer recomendaciones en el manejo de síndromes dolorosos crónicos, y en isquemia cardiaca y de miembros inferiores. Resultados: Se encontró evidencia suficiente para soportar el uso de la neuroestimulación espinal para el alivio del dolor que persiste después de cirugía de espalda y también para síndrome doloroso regional complejo. Se encontró evidencia en ascenso para el uso en angina de pecho refractaria y en extremidad inferior isquémica dolorosa. Conclusiones: La neuroestimulación es una técnica mínimamente invasiva útil para el manejo de dolor persistente posterior a cirugía de columna y para síndrome regional complejo.

Enfermedad renal crónica en pacientes trasplantados de hígado en el Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe 2005-2013 / Chronic Kidney Disease in Liver Transplant Patients in the Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe 2005-2013

Avances en la terapia inmunosupresora han revolucionado los resultados a largo plazo del trasplante de hígado, sin embargo esto ha incrementado la prevalencia de enfermedad renal crónica (ERC); existen algunos factores de riesgo asociados como el uso de inhibidores de calcineurínicos, la presencia de diabetes e hipertensión. El objetivo de este estudio es determinar la incidencia de ERC en los pacientes trasplantados de hígado del hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe durante los años 2005-2013 y evaluar las complicaciones asociadas. Metodología: cohorte retrospectiva. Resultados: se evaluaron 215 pacientes trasplantados de hígado, la edad mediana fue de 50,37 años (DE ± 12,6), el 42,8% mujeres; 3,3% de los pacientes necesitaron terapia de reemplazo renal al primer mes del trasplante; la terapia inmunosupresora más utilizada fue ciclosporina en el 90,7%. Durante el seguimiento la tasa de filtración disminuye con el tiempo, con una mediana de 86,2 mL/min/1,73 (DE ± 25,9) al momento del trasplante y llegando a 74,2 mL/min/1,73 (DE ± 24,5) a 3 años de seguimiento. La velocidad de deterioro de la función renal por medio del modelo de ecuaciones generalizadas estimadas fue de 3,5 mL/año (IC: 95% 2,44-4,74, p= 0,000). Al momento del trasplante de hígado el 16,3% de los pacientes presentaban una TFG menor a 60 mL/min; a tres años de seguimiento fue de 29,6%; al agrupar las complicaciones encontradas, según presencia o no de disfunción renal al final del seguimiento, encontramos que a excepción de la muerte, la presencia de enfermedad cerebrovascular y enfermedad coronaria fue similar en ambos grupos. Conclusión: la ERC es una complicación frecuente en los pacientes trasplantados de hígado, nuestra recomendación es el control frecuente de los marcadores de daño renal.

Advances in immunosuppressive therapy have revolutionized long-term results of liver transplantation, but this has increased the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Some risk factors including diabetes and hypertension are associated with the use of calcineurin inhibitors. The objective of this study is to determine the incidence of CKD in liver transplant patients at the Hospital Pablo Tobon Uribe from 2005 to 2013 and then assess associated complications. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study. Results: This study evaluated 215 patients with liver transplants. Average patient age at transplant was 50.37 years (SD +/- 12.6), and 42.8% of the patients were women. Kidney replacements were required by 3.3% of the patients within the first month after liver transplantation. The most frequently used immunosuppressive therapy was cyclosporine which was used for 90.7% of the patients. During follow-up, the filtration rate decreased over time with a median of 86.2ml/min/1.73 (SD +/- 25.9) at transplant. This reached 74.2ml/min/1.73 (SD +/- 24.5) at 3 years follow-up. The rate of deterioration of renal function determined by generalized estimated equations was 3.5ml/year (95% CI 2.44 to 4.74, p = 0.000). At the time of liver transplantation 16.3% of patients had glomerular filtration rates of less than 60ml/min. After three years of follow-up, 29.6% of patients had glomerular filtration rates of less than 60ml/min. By grouping complications such as the presence or absence of renal dysfunction at follow-up, we found that, except for death, the presence of cerebrovascular disease and coronary heart disease was similar in both groups. Conclusion: CKD is a frequent complication in liver transplant patients. Our recommendation is frequent monitoring of kidney damage markers.