Epilepsy Care in Latin America and the Caribbean: Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Opportunities.

The burden of epilepsy in the Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) region causes a profound regional impact on the health care system and significantly contributes to the global epilepsy burden. As in many other resource-limited settings worldwide, health care professionals and patients with epilepsy in LAC countries face profound challenges due to a combination of factors, including high disease prevalence, stigmatization of epilepsy, disparities in access to care, limited resources, substantial treatment gaps, insufficient training opportunities for health care providers, and a diverse patient population with varying needs. This article presents an overview of the epidemiology of epilepsy and discusses the principal obstacles to epilepsy care and key contributors to the epilepsy diagnosis and treatment gap in the LAC region. We conclude by highlighting various initiatives across different LAC countries to improve epilepsy care in marginalized communities, listing strategies to mitigate treatment gaps and facilitate better health care access for patients with epilepsy by enhancing the epilepsy workforce.

Short-, mid-, and long-term complications after multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children over a 24-month follow-up period in a hospital in Lima-Peru, 2020-2022.

Objective: To determine the short-, mid-, and long-term complications after multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) over a 24-month follow-up period in a hospital in Lima, Peru, 2020-2022, and to explore differences according to the immunomodulatory treatment received and type of SARS-CoV-2 virus circulating. Methods: Ambispective 24-month follow-up study in children <14 years of age diagnosed with MIS-C at the Hospital Nacional Edgardo Rebagliati Martins (HNERM). Results: A total of 62 children were admitted with MIS-C. The most common short-term complications and serious events were intensive care unit (ICU) admission, invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) due to respiratory failure, and shock; predominantly during the second pandemic wave (lambda predominance) and in children that received intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) plus a corticosteroid. Two patients died during the first wave due to MIS-C. During prospective follow-up (median of 24 months; IQR: 16.7-24), only 46.7% of patients were followed for >18-24 months. Of the total, seven (11.3%) patients were identified with some sequelae on discharge. Among the 43 remaining children, sequelae persisted in five (11.6%) cases (neurological, hematological, and skin problems). Six patients (13.9%) presented with new onset disease (hematologic, respiratory, neurological, and psychiatric disorders). One patient died due to acute leukemia during the follow-up period. None of them were admitted to the ICU or presented with MIS-C reactivation. Two patients presented persistence of coronary aneurysm until 8- and 24-month post-discharge. Conclusion: In our hospital, children with MIS-C frequently developed short-term complications and serious events during the acute phase, with less frequent complications in the mid- and long-term. More studies are required to confirm these findings.

Association between weight status and migraine in the paediatric population: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: An association between weight status and migraine has been previously reported; however, this relationship has only been studied in adults, not in the paediatric population. Objective: To evaluate the association between weight status and migraine in the paediatric population. Methods: We searched PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, Ovid Medline, and Embase using a cut-off date of May 2023. We included observational studies that evaluated the association between weight status (underweight, overweight, obese, and excess weight) and migraine in the paediatric population (children and adolescents). Normal weight was the comparator. The outcome was migraine (all types, episodic and chronic). We performed meta-analyses using a random-effects model to estimate the pooled effects for each outcome. Sensitivity analysis was performed based on study design and risk of bias (using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale). Certainty of evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. Results: Eight studies (6 cross-sectional, 1 case-control and 1 cohort) covering 16,556 patients were included. The overall certainty of evidence was very low for the association between overweight, obesity, and excess weight with migraine. In the sensitivity analysis, meta-analyses of studies with a low risk of bias found that the overweight population probably had an increased odds of migraine (OR: 1.70; 95% CI: 1.14 to 2.53; I2 = 32.3%, p = 0.224) and that excess weight may increase the odds of migraine (OR: 1.58; 95% CI: 1.06 to 2.35; I2 = 83.7%, p = 0.002). Additionally, cohort and case-control studies found that obesity probably increases the odds of migraine. No studies analysed the association between underweight and migraine. Conclusion: The associations between overweight, obesity, excess weight and migraine were uncertain, but studies with better methodological quality reported increased odds. Future longitudinal studies with proper confounding control are needed to disentangle their causal relationship. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO, identifier CRD42021271533.

Prevalence and incidence of neuropsychiatric disorders in post hospitalized COVID-19 patients in South America: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: There are multiple reports of neuropsychiatric disorders (NDs) such as stress, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or anxiety, in patients who have survived the acute phase of COVID-19, being even more frequent in people who were hospitalized with moderate or severe disease. South America (SA) was one of the most affected continents during this time due to its health, social, political and economic context. We aimed to determine the prevalence and incidence of NDs in patients following hospitalization for COVID-19 in SA. Materials and methods: We searched in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, SciELO, and Google Scholar databases up to October 2022. We performed proportion meta-analysis with a random-effect model and Freeman-Tukey Double Arcsine transformation using the STATA 16.1 program. Finally, we evaluated heterogeneity by subgroup analysis and certainty of evidence with the GRADE approach. Results: We included eight studies from four countries. We only pooled six studies with prevalence measures. The estimated prevalence of all NDs was 31.48% (two-studies, 95%CI: 25.82-37.43). Depression, anxiety, insomnia, PTSD, and memory alterations had a pooled prevalence of 16.23% (three-studies, 95%CI: 7.18-27.93, I2: 94.22), 18.72% (three-studies, 95%CI: 11.65-26.97, I2: 87.56), 43.07% (three-studies, 95%CI: 32.77-53.37, I2: 92.61), 31.78% (three-studies, 95%CI: 14.33-52.40, I2: 97.96), and 38.24% (two-studies, 95%CI: 35.5-40.97), respectively. The evidence included was deemed as moderate to high certainty. Conclusion: We suggest that NDs should be prioritized in research and care in South America with public policies that can support their identification and prompt management to improve the quality of life of patients. More studies are needed to adequately study the prevalence of NDs in South America, their associated factors, and evaluate the causes of heterogeneity. Systematic review registration: https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.21901041.v1.

The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio as a prognostic biomarker in Guillain-Barre syndrome: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

Background and objectives: Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is an immune-mediated neuropathy. This has raised the possibility that the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) may be a biomarker of its activity. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize the evidence of NLR as a potential biomarker for GBS. Methods: We systematically searched databases (PubMed, Ovid-Medline, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO Citation Index, LILACS, and Google Scholar) until October 2021 for studies evaluating pre-treatment NLR values in GBS patients. A meta-analysis using a random-effects model to estimate pooled effects was realized for each outcome and a narrative synthesis when this was not possible. Subgroup and sensitivity analysis were realized. GRADE criteria were used to identify the certainty of evidence for each result. Results: Ten studies from 745 originally included were selected. Regarding GBS patients versus healthy controls, a meta-analysis of six studies (968 patients) demonstrated a significant increase in NLR values in GBS patients (MD: 1.76; 95% CI: 1.29, 2.24; I2 = 86%) with moderate certainty due to heterogeneity of GBS diagnosis criteria used. Regarding GBS prognosis, assessed by Hughes Score ≥ 3, NLR had a sensitivity between 67.3 and 81.5 and a specificity between 67.3 and 87.5 with low certainty due to imprecision, and heterogeneity. In relation to respiratory failure, NLR had a sensitivity of 86.5 and specificity of 68.2 with high and moderate certainty, respectively. Discussion: With moderate certainty, mean NLR is higher in GBS patients compared to healthy controls. Furthermore, we found that NLR could be a prognostic factor for disability and respiratory failure with low and moderate certainty, respectively. These results may prove useful for NLR in GBS patients; however, further research is needed. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier: CRD42021285212.

Clinical and imagenologic significance of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder: A systematic review with meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Recently, the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has become a biomarker for assessing inflammatory stress and prognosis in different diseases. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize the current evidence on the capacity of the NLR to serve as a biomarker in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). METHODS: Through a comprehensive systematic search up to December 2021 and using the search terms "neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio" and "neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder" we selected studies evaluating NLR values in NMOSD patients. A meta-analysis was planned, and a narrative synthesis was performed when this was not possible. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were planned. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) approach was used to assess certainty of the evidence. RESULTS: Six studies were included (1036 patients). A significant increase in the NLR was observed between NMOSD patients and healthy controls with high heterogeneity (MD: 1.04; 95% CI: 0.76; 1.32; I2 = 59%). Regarding NMOSD prognosis, relapse (OR: 1.33 -OR: 2.14) was evaluated as being related to NLR with low certainty. An association with Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score ≥4 (OR: 1.23 -OR: 1.43) was reported with moderate certainty. An association with the occurrence of lesions on MRI was reported with an OR of 1.52. CONCLUSION: We found the NLR to be useful as a biomarker of NMOSD as it was significantly increased in the patient group compared to the healthy control group with high certainty. Additionally, the NLR was applicable as an indicator of poor prognosis with low to moderate certainty.

Primary headache disorders in Latin America and the Caribbean: A meta-analysis of population-based studies.

BACKGROUND: In this manuscript, we aim to systematically estimate the pooled prevalence and incidence of primary headaches and its subtypes (migraine, tension-type headache, and chronic headaches) in Latin America and the Caribbean, describing its epidemiological profile and associated factors. METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and LILACS (From conception to March 2021), for populational studies reporting the epidemiology of primary headaches and their associated factors in Latin America and the Caribbean. The data extraction was conducted independently. We performed random-effect model meta-analysis of prevalence (overall primary headaches and by subtypes) and associated factors, assessed potential sources of heterogeneity, the risk of bias, publication bias, and the evidence certainty (GRADE methodology). RESULTS: We included 32 populational studies (38 subpopulations, n = 63,813). The prevalence of primary headaches was 41.4% (95% CI 31.1-52.2%; n = 54,357), 15% for migraine (95% CI 12.0-18.3; n = 53,658 individuals), 20.6% for tension-type headache (95% CI 12.4-30.2; n = 25,840), and 6% for chronic headaches (95% CI 3.3-9.6; n = 21,720), with high between-study heterogeneity. No incidence data was found. Female sex, white ethnicity, high BMI, comorbid mental health disorders, and low-back pain were associated with higher prevalence of primary headaches. The prevalence was less in rural areas. CONCLUSION: In Latin America and the Caribbean, primary headaches are highly prevalent affecting young females disproportionally. The prevalence of chronic headaches is higher than in other systematic global and regional estimations. The presence of comorbidities as modifiable risk factors should encourage their integration as targets for community-based preventive and therapeutic interventions. PROTOCOL REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42018105116.

Microsurgical and endovascular treatment of posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysms: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) aneurysms are uncommon vascular lesions of the posterior fossa. In addition to aneurysmal morphology, structural anatomic considerations may confer additional procedural risk, and as a result there is currently no consensus as to whether a surgical or endovascular approach offers greater safety and efficacy for patients. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: We systematically examined peer-reviewed literature describing PICA aneurysm treatment planning from January 2000 to May 2021 using the PRISMA methodology. A meta-analysis of proportions was performed. Certainty of the evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Fifty-eight studies including 1673 PICA aneurysms were analyzed. Overall treatment occlusion rate was 97% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 93-100%) for surgery and 85% (95% CI: 78-92%) for endovascular therapy. The recurrence rate was 6% in the endovascular group and 1% for surgery. Overall morbidity and mortality were 16% and 7%, respectively. Intraoperative complications occurred in 9% of the surgical patients. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a large body of literature, analysis indicates that 62% of studies had moderate or serious risk of bias, suggesting very-low certainty results. Therefore, treatment via either approach should be determined on a case-by-case basis and according to institutional experience.

Stroke imaging modality for endovascular therapy in the extended window: systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: In anterior circulation large vessel occlusion (LVO) in the extended time window, the guidelines recommend advanced imaging (ADVI) to select patients for endovascular therapy (EVT). However, questions remain regarding its availability and applicability in the real world. It is unclear whether an approach to the extended window EVT that does not use ADVI would be equivalent. METHODS: In April 2022, a literature search was performed to identified randomized controlled trials (RCT) and observational studies describing 90-day outcomes. We performed a meta-analysis of the proportion of aggregate using a random effect to estimate rates of functional independence, defined as modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score ≤2 at 90 days, mean mRS, mortality and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) stratified by imaging modality. RESULTS: Four RCTs and 28 observational studies were included. The pooled proportion of functional independence among patients selected by ADVI was 44% (95% CI 39% to 48%; I2=80%) and 48% (95% CI 41% to 55%; I2=75%) with non-contrast CT/CT angiography (NCCT/CTA) (p=0.36). Mean mRS with ADVI was 2.88 (95% CI 2.36 to 3.41; I2=0.0%) and 2.79 (95% CI 2.31 to 3.27; I2=0.0%) with NCCT (p=0.79). Mortality in patients selected by ADVI was 13% (95% CI 10% to 17%; I2=81%) and 16% (95% CI 12% to 22%; I2=69%) with NCCT (p=0.29). sICH with ADVI was 4% (95% CI 3% to 7%; I2=73%) and 6% with NCCT/CTA (95% CI 4% to 8%; I2=6%, p=0.27). CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that, in anterior circulation LVO, the rates of functional independence may be similar when patients are selected using ADVI or NCCT for EVT in the extended time window. A simplified triage protocol does not seem to increase mortality or sICH. PROTOCOL REGISTRATION NUMBER: (PROSPERO ID: CRD42021236092).

Clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of Duchenne muscular dystrophy: a scoping review.

Introduction: Our objective was to identify recent CPGs for the diagnosis and management of DMD and summarize their characteristics and reliability. Methods: We conducted a scoping review of CPGs using MEDLINE, the Turning Research Into Practice (TRIP) database, Google Scholar, guidelines created by organizations, and other repositories to identify CPGs published in the last 5 years. Our protocol was drafted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses for scoping reviews. To assess the reliability of the CPGs, we used all the domains included in the Appraisal of Guidelines Research and Evaluation II. Results: We selected three CPGs published or updated between 2015 and 2020. All the guidelines showed good or adequate methodological rigor but presented pitfalls in stakeholder involvement and applicability domains. Recommendations were coherent across CPGs on steroid treatment, except for minor differences in dosing regimens. However, the recommendations were different for new drugs. Discussion: There is a need for current and reliable CPGs that develop broad topics on the management of DMD and consider the challenges of developing recommendations for RDs.

Burden of Stroke and Population-Attributable Fractions of Risk Factors in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Background Stroke burden characterization studies in low- and middle-income countries are scarce. We estimated the burden of stroke and its risk factors in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). Methods and Results We extracted GBD (Global Burden of Disease) study 2019 data on overall stroke and 3 subtypes (ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, and subarachnoid hemorrhage) for 20 LAC countries. We estimated absolute and age-standardized rates of disability-adjusted life years, years of life lost, years lived with disability, and deaths. The population-attributable fractions of 17 risk factors were estimated. All analyses were performed at regional and national levels by stroke subtype, sex, and age subgroups. In 2019, the LAC region had the fourth largest stroke burden worldwide (6.8 million disability-adjusted life years), predominantly attributable to premature deaths (89.5% of disability-adjusted life years). Intracerebral hemorrhage was the primary cause of the overall stroke burden (42% of disability-adjusted life years), but ischemic stroke was the leading cause of disability (69% of total years lived with disability). Haiti and Honduras had the highest age-standardized rates. Older adults and men had the largest burdens, although women had the highest rate of disability. Socioeconomic development level did not influence the burden. The major risk factor clusters were metabolic (high systolic blood pressure [population-attributable fraction=53%] and high body mass index [population-attributable fraction=37%]), which were more influential in hemorrhagic events, women, and older adults. Household air pollution was an important risk factor in low-income countries in LAC. Conclusions The stroke burden and stroke-related mortality in LAC are higher than the worldwide averages. However, stroke is a highly preventable disease in this region. Up to 90% of the burden could be reduced by targeting 2 modifiable factors: blood pressure and body mass index. Further research and implementation of primary and secondary prevention interventions are needed, as well as integrated national stroke care programs for acute, subacute, and rehabilitation management in LAC.

Trends and geographical variation in mortality from coronary disease in Peru.

BACKGROUND: Coronary disease (CD) is the main cause of mortality worldwide. Data about trends and geographical variation in CD mortality is available in some American countries. This information varies among countries since CD risk factors frequencies vary. OBJECTIVE: To describe the trend and geographical variation of coronary disease (CD) mortality in Peru, 2005-2017. METHODS: Analysis of secondary data of the Peruvian Ministry of Health's registry of deaths. We analyzed CD mortality. We described the absolute and relative frequency of deaths and age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) by natural regions, departments, age, sex, and year. We also described the change of ASMR between two periods (2005-2010 vs. 2011-2017). RESULTS: There were 64,721 CD deaths between 2005 and 2017 (4.12% among all deaths). The absolute frequency of CD deaths was 5,665 and 6,565 in 2005 and 2017, respectively. CD mortality was more frequent in men and older adults. The ASMR varied among natural regions, being higher in the Coast (19.61 per 100,000 inhabitants). The change between the two periods revealed that almost all departments reduced their ASMRs, except for Callao, Lambayeque, and Madre de Dios. CONCLUSION: CD mortality has increased in Peru. Mortality was higher in men and older adults, and it varied among departments. More political efforts are needed to reduce these trends.

Diagnosis of Guillain-Barré syndrome and use of Brighton criteria in Peruvian hospitals.

BACKGROUND: Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an autoimmune disease of the peripheral nervous system that caused multiple epidemiological outbreaks in Peru during 2018 and 2019. It is usually diagnosed using the Brighton criteria (BC). OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine the performance of Peruvian neurologists in diagnosing GBS based on the BC, along with its associated factors. METHODS: This was a retrospective multicenter cohort study. We included patients diagnosed with GBS between 2007 and 2018 in three public hospitals in Lima, Peru. We collected data regarding demographic, clinical and management characteristics. We evaluated the use of the BC for confirmatory diagnosis of GBS and developed a logistic regression model to identify factors associated with its use. RESULTS: Out of 328 cases, we reviewed 201 available charts. The median age was 48 years, with male predominance. Over half of the patients presented an inadequate motor examination according to their Medical Research Council (MRC) score. Additional testing included lumbar puncture and electrophysiological testing, in over 70% of the cases. The BC showed certainty level 1 in 13.4% and levels 2 and 3 in 18.3%. Neither the quality of the motor examination nor the type of institution showed any association with the BC. CONCLUSIONS: Level 1 diagnostic certainty of the BC was met in less than one quarter of the cases with a GBS diagnosis in three centers in Lima, Peru, between 2007 and 2018. This level was not significantly associated with being treated in a specialized institute, rather than in a general hospital.

Validation of the Peruvian Spanish Version of the Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemics-6 Scale to Measure Viral Anxiety of Medical Students During COVID-19.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has created academic problems for Peruvian medical students leading to anxiety and depression. Hence, validated scales, such as the Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemics-6 items (SAVE-6), are required to identify and propose interventions to improve mental health. We aimed to perform a psychometric validation of the Peruvian version of SAVE-6 on medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic in Lima, Peru, in 2022. Methods: A total of 260 medical students at National University of San Marcos (UNMSM) participated in an online survey in January 2022. We collected sociodemographic characteristics and classified psychiatric symptoms using SAVE-6, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 items (GAD-7) scale, and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 items (PHQ-9). We performed confirmatory and parallel factor analysis to examine the validity of the Peruvian Spanish version of SAVE-6. Results: We explored the reliability and validity of SAVE-6 and SAVE-6 after excluding item 5, since factor loading of item 5 is too low. Both scales showed good internal consistencies (Cronbach's α = 0.780 and.82 and McDonald's Ω = 0.792 and.829, respectively). Furthermore, SAVE-6 after excluding item 5 showed good convergent validity with GAD-7 (r = 0.224, p <.001) and PHQ-9 (r = 0.217, p <.001). Consequently, instead of the full SAVE-6, SAVE-6 excluding item 5 proved to be reliable and valid enough to assess the anxiety of Peruvian medical students during the pandemic. Conclusion: The Peruvian Spanish SAVE-6 scale excluding item 5, rather than the full SAVE-6, can be applied to measure viral anxiety of medical students in Peru with good validity and reliability.

Greater occipital nerve block for chronic migraine patients: A meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Greater occipital nerve block (GONB) is a minimally invasive procedure frequently used in patients with chronic migraine (CM); however, the quality of the evidence supporting its use is still unknown. Therefore, we aimed to conduct a systematic review, meta-analysis and quality assessment of GONB local anaesthetics combined or not with corticosteroids to prevent CM. METHODS: We searched Medline, Scopus and Web of Science up to October 2020. We included randomized control trials (RCT) and observational studies assessing GONB without language restrictions. Two researchers selected the studies, extracted the data and evaluated the risk of bias independently. The primary outcomes measured to assess efficacy were the change from baseline in the intensity and frequency of headache in the intervention group compared to placebo at a onetime point. We performed a meta-analysis with random effect models, and we evaluated random errors with trial sequential analysis (TSA). We assessed the risk of bias (ROB) with the ROB2 tool and the certainty of the evidence with GRADE. RESULTS: We identified 2864 studies in the databases and included three RCTs for quantitative synthesis. Most ROB assessments were 'high risk' or 'some concerns'. GONB reduced the intensity of headaches at the end of the first month (MD: -1.35, 95% CI: -2.12 to -0.59) and the second month (MD: -2.10, CI 95%: -2.94 to -1.26) as well as the frequency of headaches (first month: MD: -4.45 days, 95% CI: -6.56 to -2.34 days; second month: MD: -5.49, 95% CI -8.94 to -2.03 days). Corticosteroids did not show a significant decrease in the frequency of headaches during the first month of treatment (MD: -1.1 days, 95% CI: -4.1 to 1.8, p = .45). Included trials reported similar adverse events between groups. The exploratory TSA showed inconclusive results. Overall, the quality of the evidence was very low because of the substantial risk of bias and imprecision. CONCLUSION: The limited evidence available shows that GONB with local anaesthetics could reduce headache frequency and intensity compared to placebo, while adding corticosteroids did not show additional benefits. GONB was safe with a similar number of minor adverse events. However, our confidence in these estimates is very low since the evidence is based on a few trials, with a small sample size and a significant risk of bias. In addition, the exploratory TSA was inconclusive, so we need larger and specific trials.

Diagnosis of Guillain-Barré syndrome and use of Brighton criteria in Peruvian hospitals / Diagnóstico del Síndrome de Guillain-Barré y uso de los criterios de Brighton en hospitales Peruanos

ABSTRACT Background: Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an autoimmune disease of the peripheral nervous system that caused multiple epidemiological outbreaks in Peru during 2018 and 2019. It is usually diagnosed using the Brighton criteria (BC). Objective: We aimed to determine the performance of Peruvian neurologists in diagnosing GBS based on the BC, along with its associated factors. Methods: This was a retrospective multicenter cohort study. We included patients diagnosed with GBS between 2007 and 2018 in three public hospitals in Lima, Peru. We collected data regarding demographic, clinical and management characteristics. We evaluated the use of the BC for confirmatory diagnosis of GBS and developed a logistic regression model to identify factors associated with its use. Results: Out of 328 cases, we reviewed 201 available charts. The median age was 48 years, with male predominance. Over half of the patients presented an inadequate motor examination according to their Medical Research Council (MRC) score. Additional testing included lumbar puncture and electrophysiological testing, in over 70% of the cases. The BC showed certainty level 1 in 13.4% and levels 2 and 3 in 18.3%. Neither the quality of the motor examination nor the type of institution showed any association with the BC. Conclusions: Level 1 diagnostic certainty of the BC was met in less than one quarter of the cases with a GBS diagnosis in three centers in Lima, Peru, between 2007 and 2018. This level was not significantly associated with being treated in a specialized institute, rather than in a general hospital.

Resumen Antecedentes: El Síndrome de Guillain-Barré (SGB) es una enfermedad autoinmune del sistema nervioso periférico, causante de brotes epidemiológicos en Perú entre el 2018 y el 2019. El diagnóstico se realiza a través de los Criterios de Brighton (CB). Objetivo: Determinar el desempeño de neurólogos peruanos en diagnosticar SGB basándose en los CB, así como factores asociados. Métodos: Cohorte retrospectiva multicéntrica. Incluimos pacientes diagnosticados con SGB del 2007-2018 en 3 hospitales públicos en Lima, Perú. Recolectamos sus características demográficas, clínicas y de manejo. Evaluamos el uso de los CB para el diagnostico de SGB y empleamos un modelo de regresión logística para identificar los factores asociados con su uso. Resultados: De 328 casos, revisamos 201 historias disponibles. La edad mediana fue 48 años, con predominancia masculina. Mas del 50% de pacientes presento un examen motor inadecuado acorde con el puntaje MRC. Se realizaron exámenes auxiliares como punción lumbar y estudios electrofisiológicos en mas del 70% de pacientes. Se obtuvo un nivel de certeza 1 para los CB en un 13.4% de casos , y un nivel 2 o 3 en un 18.3%. El nivel no estuvo asociado con la calidad del examen motor ni el tipo de institución de atención. Conclusiones: Un diagnostico nivel 1 de certeza acorde con los BC se obtuvó en menos de un cuarto de casos diagnosticados como SGB. Este nivel no estuvo asociado con la atención en una institución especializada, comparado con un hospital general.

Guía de práctica clínica para el diagnóstico y tratamiento de la distrofia muscular de Duchenne. Sociedad Peruana de Neurología. Versión Corta / Clinical Practice Guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Peruvian Neurology Society. Short Version

RESUMEN Objetivo : Elaborar una guía de práctica clínica peruana para el diagnóstico y tratamiento de la Distrofia Muscular de Duchenne y Becker (DMD). Materiales y métodos : Se conformó un grupo elaborador de la guía (GEG) que incluyó médicos especialistas en neurología, neuropediatría, genética y metodología. El GEG formuló ocho preguntas para desarrollar las recomendaciones de la Guía de Práctica Clínica (GPC). Se realizó una búsqueda sistemática en Medline, Scopus y CCRT durante el periodo enero-abril 2021 para responder a las preguntas PICO. La certeza de la evidencia fue evaluada usando la metodología Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE). Resultados : Las preguntas PICO, se orientaron para explorar el tamizaje, diagnóstico y tratamiento de la DMD. Se formularon 15 recomendaciones (10 fuertes, 5 condicionales) y 11 puntos de buena práctica clínica Conclusión : Se presenta la guía para el diagnóstico y tratamiento de la DMD, elaborada bajo una metodología basada en las evidencias actuales.

ABSTRACT Objective : to provide evidence-based clinical recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Methods : a guideline development group (GEG) was formed that included specialized physicians in the fields of neurology, neuropediatrics, genetics, and methodology. The GEG asked eight clinical questions to be answered by recommendations in this clinical practice guidelines (CPG). We conducted a systematic search and - when deemed relevant - primary studies in Medline, Scopus, and the Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials during 2021 were reviewed. Evidence was selected to answer each of the clinical questions posed. Certainty of the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system. In periodic work meetings, the GEG used the GRADE methodology to review the evidence and formulate recommendations, points of good clinical practice, and a diagnosis and treatment flowchart. Results : this CPG addressed eight clinical questions, divided into three topics: screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Based on these questions, fifteen recommendations were formulated (10 strong, 5 conditional) and 11 points for good clinical practice. Conclusion : this paper summarizes the methodology and evidence- based conclusions of the CPG for the diagnosis and treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Estudio comparativo de la capacidad denominativa y la memoria episódica de los pacientes con demencia degenerativa / Comparative Study of the Word Capacity and Episodic Memory of Patients with Degenerative Dementia

RESUMEN Introducción: Aunque la ausencia de deterioro de la memoria se consideró entre los criterios diagnósticos para diferenciar la enfermedad de Alzheimer (EA) de la demencia frontotemporal variante conductual (DFTvC), la evidencia actual, en aumento, sería la un importante porcentaje de casos de DFTvC con déficits de la memoria episódica. El presente estudio se diseñó con el fin de comparar el perfil de desempeño de la capacidad denominativa y de la memoria episódica de los pacientes con EA y DFTvC. Métodos: Estudio transversal y analítico con grupo de control (n = 32). Se incluyó a 42 sujetos con probable EA y 22 con probable DFTvC, todos mayores de 60 años. Se utilizaron instrumentos del Uniform Data Set validados en español: Multilingual Naming Test (MINT), historia de Craft-21 y Figura compleja de Benson, entre otros. Resultados: Se observó un mayor promedio de edad entre los pacientes con EA. La capacidad denominativa fue mucho menor en los pacientes con DFTvC que en aquellos con EA, medida según el MINT y el coeficiente de denominación sustantivos/verbos. Todos los pacientes con DFTvC, el 73,81% de aquellos con EAy solo el 31,25% de los controles no lograron reconocer la Figura compleja de Benson. Todas las diferencias fueron estadísticamente significativas (p< 0,001). Resultados: Este estudio confirma el perfil amnésico de los pacientes con EA y revela la disminución de la capacidad denominativa de los pacientes con DFTvC, un área del lenguaje que se afecta típica y tempranamente con las funciones ejecutivas, según recientes hallazgos. Conclusiones: Los pacientes con EA rinden peor en las tareas de memoria episódica verbal y visual, mientras que los pacientes con DFTvC rinden peor en tareas de denominación. Estos hallazgos abren la posibilidad de explorar los mecanismos de participación prefrontal en la memoria episódica, típicamente atribuida al hipocampo.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Although the absence of memory impairment was considered among the Alzheimer's disease diagnostic criteria to differentiate Alzheimer's disease (AD) from Behavioural Variant of Frontotemporal dementia Frontotemporal Dementia (bvFTD), current and growingevidence indicates that a significant Neuropsychological assessment percentage of cases of bvFTD present with episodic memory deficits. In order to compare Memory the performance profile of the naming capacity and episodic memory in patients with AD and bvFTD the present study was designed. Methods: Cross-sectional and analytical study with control group (32 people). The study included 42 people with probable AD and 22 with probable bvFTD, all over 60 years old. Uniform Data Set instruments validated in Spanish were used: Multilingual Naming Test (MINT), Craft-21 history and Benson's complex figure, among others. Results: A higher average age was observed among the patients with AD. The naming capacity was much lower in patients with bvFTD compared to patients with AD, measured according to the MINT and the nouns/verbs naming coefficient. All patients with bvFTD, 73.81% of those with AD and only 31.25% of the control group failed to recognise Benson's complex figure. All differences were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Results:This study confirms the amnesic profile of patients with AD and reveals the decrease in naming capacity in patients with bvFTD, an area of language that is typically affected early on with executive functions, according to recent findings. Conclusions: Patients with AD perform worse in verbal and visual episodic memory tasks, while patients with bvFTD perform worse in naming tasks. These findings open the possibility of exploring the mechanisms of prefrontal participation in episodic memory, typically attributed to the hippocampus.

Comparative study of the word capacity and episodic memory of patients with degenerative dementia.

INTRODUCTION: Although the absence of memory impairment was considered among the diagnostic criteria to differentiate Alzheimer's disease (AD) from Behavioural Variant of Frontotemporal Dementia (bvFTD), current and growing evidence indicates that a significant percentage of cases of bvFTD present with episodic memory deficits. In order to compare the performance profile of the naming capacity and episodic memory in patients with AD and bvFTD the present study was designed. METHODS: Cross-sectional and analytical study with control group (32 people). The study included 42 people with probable AD and 22 with probable bvFTD, all over 60 years old. Uniform Data Set instruments validated in Spanish were used: Multilingual Naming Test (MINT), Craft-21 history and Benson's complex figure, among others. RESULTS: A higher average age was observed among the patients with AD. The naming capacity was much lower in patients with bvFTD compared to patients with AD, measured according to the MINT and the nouns/verbs naming coefficient. All patients with bvFTD, 73.81% of those with AD and only 31.25% of the control group failed to recognise Benson's complex figure. All differences were statistically significant (p < 0.001). RESULTS: This study confirms the amnesic profile of patients with AD and reveals the decrease in naming capacity in patients with bvFTD, an area of ​​language that is typically affected early on with executive functions, according to recent findings. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with AD perform worse in verbal and visual episodic memory tasks, while patients with bvFTD perform worse in naming tasks. These findings open the possibility of exploring the mechanisms of prefrontal participation in episodic memory, typically attributed to the hippocampus.

Toma de decisiones en la práctica clínica: Propuesta de un enfoque basado en evidencia "4E" / Decision-making in clinical practice: "4E" evidence-based framework proposal

Introducción: Las decisiones humanas son parcialmente racionales. En medicina, los escenarios críticos dificultan la toma de decisiones (TD). En esta revisión, proponemos el enfoque "4E" para mejorar la TD de intervenciones. Las "4E" incluyen decisiones: "eficaces" cuando las intervenciones han sido probadas en entornos controlados, "efectivas" cuando las intervenciones han sido probadas en entornos clínicos no controlados o pragmáticos, "eficientes" cuando los beneficios de una nueva intervención se evalúan con relación a sus costos, y decisiones que promuevan "equidad" cuando estas intervenciones se recomiendan de acuerdo con las necesidades del paciente, evitando barreras. El uso de este enfoque podría mejorar la TD en la práctica clínica, pero no es suficiente para garantizar su incorporación y uso. También es importante promover una dinámica organizativa, institucional y política de los sistemas de salud que promuevan el uso crítico de la evidencia para tomar decisiones.

Background:Human decisions are partially rational. In medicine, critical scenarios make decide-making (DM) difficult. In this review, we propose the "4E" approach to improve the DM of interventions. The "4E" approach includes decisions: "effectual" when interventions have been tested in controlled settings, "effective" when interventions have been tested in uncontrolled or pragmatic clinical settings, "efficient" when the benefits of a new intervention are evaluated by its costs, and decisionsthatpromote"equity"whentheseinterventionsare recommended according to the needs of the patient, avoiding barriers. Using this approach could improve DM in clinical practice, but it is not enough to guarantee its incorporation and use. It is also essential to promote the organizational, institutional, and political dynamics of health systems that promote evidence's critical use to make decisions