Socioeconomic disparities in diet and physical activity in children: evidence from well-child visit electronic health records in the Canary Islands, Spain.

BACKGROUND: Diet and physical activity (PA) in childhood are heavily influenced by the living environment. While diet quality follows a socioeconomic pattern, limited evidence is available in relation to PA in children. We assessed the effect of socioeconomic status at the individual (SES) and neighbourhood (NSES) levels on diet and PA among children from the general population of the Canary Islands, Spain. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, patients aged 6-14 years from the Canary Health Service in 2018 were included (n=89 953). Diet and PA surveys from the electronic health records of the well-child visit programme were used. A healthy habits (HH) score was defined to assess the level of adherence to the dietary and leisure time PA guidelines. We modelled the association between the HH score, SES and NSES using a stepwise multilevel linear regression analysis, differentiating between specific and general contextual observational effects. RESULTS: A strong positive association between SES and the HH score was found, as children living in more affluent families were more likely to follow a healthy diet and being physically active. Differences in the HH score between geographical areas were of minor relevance (variance partition coefficient=1.8%) and the general contextual effects were not substantially mediated by NSES (proportional change in variance=3.5%). However, the HH score was significantly lower in children from areas with a higher percentage of annual incomes below the €18 000 threshold. CONCLUSION: HH followed a socioeconomic gradient at the individual and the neighbourhood level. In the study population, the geographical component of the inequalities found were low.

Patients Living with Arterial Hypertension in Mexico: First Insights of The Mexican Registry of Arterial Hypertension (RIHTA Study).

BACKGROUND: Arterial hypertension is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in Mexico. However, there is limited data available to understand blood pressure management and cardiometabolic profiles. AIMS: To assess the prevalence of controlled and uncontrolled blood pressure, as well as the prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors among patients from the Mexican Registry of Arterial Hypertension (RIHTA). METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of participants living with arterial hypertension registered on RIHTA between December 2021 and April 2023. We used both the 2017 ACC/AHA and 2018 ESC/ESH thresholds to define controlled and uncontrolled arterial hypertension. We considered eleven cardiometabolic risk factors, which include overweight, obesity, central obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, low-HDL-C, high-LDL-C, low-eGFR, and high CVD risk. RESULTS: In a sample of 5,590 participants (female: 61%, n=3,393; median age: 64 [IQR: 56-72] years), the prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension varied significantly, depending on the definition (2017 ACC/AHA: 59.9%, 95% CI: 58.6-61.2 and 2018 ESC/ESH: 20.1%, 95% CI: 19.0-21.2). In the sample, 40.43% exhibited at least 5-6 risk factors, and 32.4% had 3-4 risk factors, chiefly abdominal obesity (83.4%, 95% CI: 82.4-84.4), high-LDL-C (59.6%, 95% CI: 58.3-60.9), high-CVD risk (57.9%, 95% CI: 56.6-59.2), high triglycerides (56.2%, 95% CI: 54.9-57.5), and low-HDL-C (42.2%, 95% CI: 40.9-43.5). CONCLUSION: There is a high prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension interlinked with a high burden of cardiometabolic comorbidities in Mexican adults living with arterial hypertension, underscoring the urgent need for targeted interventions and better healthcare policies to reduce the burden of the disease in our country.

Is the Presence of Levator Ani Muscle Avulsion Relevant for the Diagnosis of Uterine Prolapse?

OBJECTIVE: To determine if the addition of the assessment of levator ani muscle (LAM) avulsion to the measurement of the difference in the pubis-uterine fundus distance between rest and with the Valsalva maneuver could increase the diagnostic capacity of ultrasound for uterine prolapse (UP). METHODS: This multicenter, observational and prospective study included 145 patients. Ultrasound assessment was performed, establishing the diagnosis of UP as a difference between the pubic-uterine fundus distance at rest and during the Valsalva maneuver ≥15 mm (standard technique), while LAM avulsion was defined as an abnormal LAM insertion in three central slices using multislice ultrasound. A binary multivariate logistic regression model was made using nonautomated methods to predict surgical UP (general population, premenopausal, and postmenopausal patients), including the difference between the pubis-uterine fundus distance at rest and with the Valsalva maneuver as well as LAM avulsion. RESULTS: A total of 143 patients completed the study. The addition of LAM avulsion criteria to the standard dynamic distance-based protocol for the diagnosis of UP resulted in a higher sensitivity for the general population (79.7 vs 68.1%) as well as for premenopausal (89.3 vs 79.9%) and postmenopausal patients (76 vs 66.1%). In contrast, the standard technique showed a higher specificity than the model based on the standard technique associated with LAM avulsion for the general population (89.2 vs 74.3%) and premenopausal women (91.7 vs 63.2%). For postmenopausal patients, the model based on the standard technique associated with LAM avulsion had a higher sensitivity (76 vs 66.1%) and specificity (91.7 vs 86.8%) than the ultrasound diagnosis of UP. CONCLUSION: The implementation of the assessment of LAM avulsion in the ultrasound diagnosis of UP is useful in postmenopausal patients, increasing sensitivity and specificity relative to the ultrasound assessment based only on the difference between the pubis-uterine fundus distance at rest and with the Valsalva maneuver.

SEOM SOGUG clinical guideline for treatment of kidney cancer (2022)

Renal cancer is the seventh most common cancer in men and the tenth in women. The aim of this article is to review the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of renal carcinoma accompanied by recommendations with new evidence and treatment algorithms. A new pathologic classification of RCC by the World Health Organization (WHO) was published in 2022 and this classification would be considered a “bridge” to a future molecular classification. For patients with localized disease, surgery is the treatment of choice with nephron-sparing surgery recommended when feasible. Adjuvant treatment with pembrolizumab is an option for intermediate-or high-risk cases, as well as patients after complete resection of metastatic disease. More data are needed in the future, including positive overall survival data. Clinical prognostic classification, preferably IMDC, should be used for treatment decision making in mRCC. Cytoreductive nephrectomy should not be deemed mandatory in individuals with intermediate-poor IMDC/MSKCC risk who require systemic therapy. Metastasectomy can be contemplated in selected subjects with a limited number of metastases or long metachronous disease-free interval. For the population of patients with metastatic ccRCC as a whole, the combination of pembrolizumab–axitinib, nivolumab–cabozantinib, or pembrolizumab–lenvatinib can be considered as the first option based on the benefit obtained in OS versus sunitinib. In cases that have an intermediate IMDC and poor prognosis, the combination of ipilimumab and nivolumab has demonstrated superior OS compared to sunitinib. As for individuals with advanced RCC previously treated with one or two antiangiogenic tyrosine-kinase inhibitors, nivolumab and cabozantinib are the options of choice. When there is progression following initial immunotherapy-based treatment, we recommend treatment with an antiangiogenic tyrosine-kinase inhibitor (AU)

Blood pressure telemonitoring and telemedicine, a Latin America perspective.

PURPOSE: To share a Latin-American perspective of the use of telemedicine, together with blood pressure measurements outside the medical office, as a potential contribution to improving access to the health system, diagnosis, adherence, and persistence in hypertension treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A document settled by a Writing Group of Mexico Hypertension Experts Group, Interamerican Society of Hypertension, Epidemiology and Cardiovascular Prevention Council of the Interamerican Society of Cardiology, and National Cardiologist Association of Mexico. RESULTS: In almost all Latin American countries, the health sector faces two fundamental challenges: (1) ensure equitable access to quality care services in a growing population that faces an increase in the prevalence of chronic diseases, and (2) optimise the growing costs of health services, maintaining equity, accessibility, universality, and quality. Telehealth proposes an innovative approach to patient management, especially for chronic conditions, intending to provide remote consultation, education, and follow-up to achieve measurements and goals. It is a tool that promises to improve access, empower the patient, and somehow influence their behaviour about lifestyle changes, improving prevention and reducing complications of hypertension. The clinical practitioner has seen increased evidence that the use of out-of-office blood pressure (BP) measurement and telemedicine are helpful tools to keep patients and physicians in contact and promote better pharmacological adherence and BP control. A survey carried out by medical and scientific institutions showed that practitioners are up-to-date with telemedicine, had internet access, and had hardware availability. CONCLUSIONS: A transcendent issue is the need to make the population aware of the benefits of taking blood pressure to avoid complications of hypertension, and in this scenario, promote the creation of teleconsultation mechanisms for the follow-up of patients diagnosed with hypertension.

What is the context?In almost all Latin American countries, the health sector faces two fundamental challenges: (1) ensure equitable access to quality care services in a growing population that faces an increase in the prevalence of chronic diseases, and (2) optimise the growing costs of health services, maintaining equity, accessibility, universality, and quality.What is new?Telehealth proposes an innovative approach to patient management, especially for chronic conditions, intending to provide remote consultation, education, and follow-up to achieve measurements and goals. It is a tool that promises to improve access, empower the patient, and somehow influence their behaviour about lifestyle changes, improving prevention and reducing complications of hypertension.What is the impact?Needs are always infinite, and resources are finite, so according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), advances in electronic, information, and communication technology point to more significant equity in the provision of services, considering the effectiveness, possibility of refining the rationalisation of health spending, and improving health care for remote populations.A transcendent issue is the need to make the population aware of the benefits of taking blood pressure to avoid complications of hypertension, and in this scenario, promote the creation of teleconsultation mechanisms for the follow-up of patients diagnosed with hypertension.

SEOM SOGUG clinical guideline for treatment of kidney cancer (2022).

Renal cancer is the seventh most common cancer in men and the tenth in women. The aim of this article is to review the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of renal carcinoma accompanied by recommendations with new evidence and treatment algorithms. A new pathologic classification of RCC by the World Health Organization (WHO) was published in 2022 and this classification would be considered a "bridge" to a future molecular classification. For patients with localized disease, surgery is the treatment of choice with nephron-sparing surgery recommended when feasible. Adjuvant treatment with pembrolizumab is an option for intermediate-or high-risk cases, as well as patients after complete resection of metastatic disease. More data are needed in the future, including positive overall survival data. Clinical prognostic classification, preferably IMDC, should be used for treatment decision making in mRCC. Cytoreductive nephrectomy should not be deemed mandatory in individuals with intermediate-poor IMDC/MSKCC risk who require systemic therapy. Metastasectomy can be contemplated in selected subjects with a limited number of metastases or long metachronous disease-free interval. For the population of patients with metastatic ccRCC as a whole, the combination of pembrolizumab-axitinib, nivolumab-cabozantinib, or pembrolizumab-lenvatinib can be considered as the first option based on the benefit obtained in OS versus sunitinib. In cases that have an intermediate IMDC and poor prognosis, the combination of ipilimumab and nivolumab has demonstrated superior OS compared to sunitinib. As for individuals with advanced RCC previously treated with one or two antiangiogenic tyrosine-kinase inhibitors, nivolumab and cabozantinib are the options of choice. When there is progression following initial immunotherapy-based treatment, we recommend treatment with an antiangiogenic tyrosine-kinase inhibitor. While no clear sequence can be advocated, medical oncologists and patients should be aware of the recent advances and new strategies that improve survival and quality of life in the setting of metastatic RC.

Is It Possible to Diagnose Surgical Uterine Prolapse With Transperineal Ultrasound? Multicenter Validation of Diagnostic Software.

OBJECTIVES: To validate an ultrasound software that uses transperineal ultrasound to diagnose uterine prolapse (UP). METHODS: Multicenter, observational and prospective study with 155 patients that had indications for surgical intervention for dysfunctional pelvic floor pathology. Each patient underwent an examination with Pozzi tenaculum forceps was performed in the operating room with the patient anesthetized, followed by surgical correction of stages II-IV UP. Transperineal ultrasound was used to assess the difference in the pubis-uterine fundus measurement. With a multivariate logistic regression binary model (with the measurement ultrasound at rest, the Valsalva maneuver and age) using nonautomated methods to predict UP. With the purpose of evaluating the model, a table with coordinates of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, after which sensitivity and specificity were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 153 patients were included (73 with a diagnosis of surgical UP). It was obtained from the AUC (0.89) of the probabilities predicted by the model (95% confidence interval, 0.84-0.95; P < .0005). Based on the ROC curve for the model, obtaining a sensitivity of 91.8% and a specificity of 72.7%, values that were superior to those for the clinical exam for surgical UP (sensitivity: 80.8%; specificity: 71.3%). CONCLUSIONS: We validated software that uses transperineal ultrasound of the pelvic floor and patient age to generate a more reliable diagnosis of surgical UP than that obtained from clinical examinations.

Identification of Surgical Uterine Prolapse in Premenopausal Patients With Clinical or Ultrasound Criteria? A Multicenter Comparative Study.

OBJECTIVES: It is unknown whether diagnosing uterine prolapse (UP) via ultrasound or surgical criteria is superior. Our objective is to determine whether the diagnostic capacity of ultrasound with surgical criteria differs from that of surgical criteria only. METHODS: This was a multicenter prospective observational study with 54 premenopausal patients with surgical criteria for a dysfunctional pelvic floor pathology who were consecutively recruited for 1 year. Clinical UP with surgical criteria was defined when UP stage II-IV was identified (during pelvic floor consultation), and UP diagnosed by ultrasound with surgical criteria was established when a difference ≥15 mm was found between rest and Valsalva applied to the pubis-uterine fundus. The sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values were determined to evaluate clinical and ultrasound methodologies as diagnostic tests. RESULTS: UP diagnosed by ultrasound with surgical criteria presented better sensitivity (78.57 vs 35.71%), specificity (92.11 vs 81.58%), positive predictive value (61.83 vs 23.99%), and negative predictive value (96.35 vs 11.37%) than UP diagnosed by surgical criteria only. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound with surgical criteria is superior to surgical criteria alone when diagnosing UP.

Análisis de supervivencia e identificación de factores pronósticos de metástasis hepáticas de cáncer colorrectal tras resección hepática / Survival analysis and identification of prognostic factors in colorectal liver metastasis after liver resection

Introducción: El único tratamiento curativo para las metástasis hepáticas de cáncer colorrectal es la cirugía. La identificación de factores pronósticos nos permite individualizar el tratamiento de estos pacientes, mejorando sus resultados oncológicos a largo plazo. El objetivo de nuestro estudio es identificar la supervivencia y los factores pronósticos de pacientes sometidos a tratamiento quirúrgico de metástasis hepáticas de cáncer colorrectal. Métodos: Se trata de un estudio retrospectivo de todos los casos de hepatectomías por metástasis hepáticas de cáncer colorrectal, operadas en un hospital de tercer nivel en España, entre los años 2010 y 2018. Se realizó análisis de supervivencia univariante con las curvas de supervivencia Kaplan-Meier. Mediante el modelo multivariante regresión de Cox se determinaron los factores pronósticos asociados a la supervivencia global. Resultados: La supervivencia global y supervivencia libre de enfermedad de nuestra serie, a los 5 años fue del 43% y del 33%, respectivamente. En el análisis de supervivencia, las características de las metástasis hepáticas (números, tamaño mayor, distribución bilobar y enfermedad extrahepática) y postoperatorias (transfusión sanguínea, complicaciones graves y margen afecto), así como el KRAS no mutado resultaron estadísticamente significativos. No obstante, después de aplicar la regresión de Cox, solo se identificaron 5 factores de riesgo independientes: mutación del KRAS, metástasis hepáticas >4cm, transfusión intraoperatoria, complicaciones graves y margen afecto. Conclusiones: En nuestro grupo de pacientes hemos observado que el tamaño>4cm de la metástasis hepáticas, la transfusión intraoperatoria, las complicaciones posquirúrgicas graves y el margen afecto se mantienen como factores pronósticos tradicionales vigentes. Mientras que el biomarcador KRAS cobra un valor predictivo importante como factor pronóstico de supervivencia. (AU)

Introduction: Liver resection is the only curative treatment for colorectal liver metastasis. The identification of predictive factors leads to personalize patient management to enhance their long-term outcomes. This population-based study aimed to characterize factors associated with, and survival impact of patients who received hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastasis. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of all the hepatectomies for colorectal liver metastasis performed at third-level hospital of Spain (2010–2018) was conducted. The Kaplan–Meier method was used for survival analyses. Multivariable Cox and regression models were used to determine prognostic factors associated with overall survival. Results: The 5-year overall survival and disease-free survival were 42 and 33%, respectively. Survival analysis showed that metastasis features (number, largest size, distribution, and extrahepatic disease) and postsurgical factors (transfusion, major complications, and positive margin resection), as well as non-mutated KRAS, showed a significant association with survival. Otherwise, on multivariate analysis, only 5 independent risk factors were identified: major size metastasis>4cm, RAS mutation, positive margin resection, intraoperative transfusion, and major complications. Conclusions: According to our findings, major size metastasis>4cm, intraoperative transfusion, and major postoperative complications continue to be traditional prognostic factors. Meanwhile, the KRAS biomarker has a powerful impact as a survival prognostic factor. (AU)

Use of intraoperative ultrasound to improve tension-free vaginal tape-obturator placement: A pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of intraoperative ultrasound (IUS) to achieve a postoperative optimal placement of the tension-free vaginal tape-obturator (TVT-O). METHODS: A cohort study was performed among women who underwent TVT-O placement. In 25 women, ultrasound was used for the placement, and based on current evidence, the optimal intraoperative and postoperative ultrasound pattern was selected. They were compared with 25 women where IUS was not used. RESULTS: IUS increased operative time (by 7.5 min), and in 36% (9/25) of cases it was necessary to perform some corrections based on the ultrasound findings. After 1 month, in patients of the IUS group, the tapes were more frequently placed at a distance of 3-5 mm (P = 0.01), and it was more common for it to be placed between 40% and 70% relative to the urethral length (P = 0.011). Of tapes placed with IUS, 76% (met the optimal postoperative ultrasound pattern, as opposed to only 48% placed without IUS (P = 0.041). No differences were found in the complications or the functional results at 1 month post-surgery. CONCLUSION: The use of IUS for the placement of TVT-O allows us to position them optimally and avoid erroneous placements, although IUS increases the operative time without improving the functional results and the rate of complications.

Survival analysis and identification of prognostic factors in colorectal liver metastasis after liver resection.

INTRODUCTION: Liver resection is the only curative treatment for colorectal liver metastasis. The identification of predictive factors leads to personalize patient management to enhance their long-term outcomes. This population-based study aimed to characterize factors associated with, and survival impact of patients who received hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastasis. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of all the hepatectomies for colorectal liver metastasis performed at third-level hospital of Spain (2010-2018) was conducted. The Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analyses. Multivariable Cox and regression models were used to determine prognostic factors associated with overall survival. RESULTS: The 5-year overall survival and disease-free survival were 42 and 33%, respectively. Survival analysis showed that metastasis features (number, largest size, distribution, and extrahepatic disease) and postsurgical factors (transfusion, major complications, and positive margin resection), as well as non-mutated KRAS, showed a significant association with survival. Otherwise, on multivariate analysis, only 5 independent risk factors were identified: major size metastasis >4 cm, RAS mutation, positive margin resection, intraoperative transfusion, and major complications. CONCLUSIONS: According to our findings, major size metastasis >4 cm, intraoperative transfusion, and major postoperative complications continue to be traditional prognostic factors. Meanwhile, the KRAS biomarker has a powerful impact as a survival prognostic factor.

Multicenter study of the evolution of different types of avulsion over the 12 months after delivery.

OBJECTIVE: To perform a multicenter study of muscle recovery in levator ani muscle (LAM) avulsion during the first 12 months postpartum according to the type of LAM avulsion suffered. METHODS: This was a multicenter prospective observational study including 242 primiparas. Transperineal ultrasound was performed at 6 months and 12 months after delivery. Type I LAM avulsion was present when most of the lateral fibers of the pubovisceral muscle were observed at the muscle's insertion at the pubic level. Type II LAM avulsion was defined as complete detachment of the pubovisceral muscle from its insertion at the pubic level. RESULTS: Among the 56 patients who completed the study (with ultrasound at 6 and 12 months after delivery), 76 avulsions (10 cases of bilateral avulsion) were identified at 6 months after delivery, and the total number of avulsions had decreased to 58 at 12 months after delivery (P < 0.001; 95% confidence interval [CI] 13.9%-33.5%). This decrease was due to the disappearance of 69.2% of the cases of Type I LAM avulsions (P < 0.001; 95% CI: 50.2%-88.2%). However, the number of Type II LAM avulsions remained constant at 6 months and 12 months after delivery. CONCLUSION: The spontaneous resolution of LAM avulsion during the first 12 months postpartum occurs in cases of Type I LAM avulsion but is not observed in Type II LAM avulsion.

Comparación de las características epidemiológicas, clínicas y quirúrgicas de pacientes con y sin recidiva de hernias inguinales operados en el Centro Médico Naval.

BACKGROUND: Recurrent inguinal hernia is currently considered a complex hernia of the abdominal wall after it has been managed with a primary procedure, which represents a more technically challenging hernia. OBJECTIVE: To determine the difference in epidemiological, clinical and surgical characteristics of patients with recurrent inguinal hernia and patients without recurrence. METHOD: Analytical cross-sectional study, in people over 18 years of age after surgery for inguinal hernia at the Naval Medical Center during the period from July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2019, integrating two study groups. RESULTS: 106 patients were included, 29 surgeries for recurrence, predominance of men and older than 60 years. Differences was found between the group of surgery for recurrence and the group of primary surgery in surgical time in minutes, with medians of 115 (p25 75 and p75 154) and 72 (p25 58 and p75 110), respectively (p = 0.001); type of open approach, 62.1% and 88.3% (p = 0.005), and type of regional anesthesia, 48.3% and 75.3% (p = 0.008). Correlation between body mass index and size of the hernial defect was explored, obtaining r of -0.099 and p = 0.652, with a null correlation between them. CONCLUSIONS: With the findings obtained in this study, it is possible to hypothesize the behavior of the naval population which may differ from the general population and thus establish follow-up protocols to give magnitude to already known factors.

ANTECEDENTES: La hernia inguinal recidivante es considerada actualmente como una hernia compleja de la pared abdominal después de que se haya manejado con un procedimiento primario, lo que representa una hernia con un mayor desafío técnico. OBJETIVO: Determinar las diferencias en las características epidemiológicas, clínicas y quirúrgicas de pacientes con hernia inguinal recidivante y sin recidiva. MÉTODO: Estudio transversal analítico en mayores de 18 años operados por hernia inguinal en el Centro Médico Naval durante el periodo del 1 de julio de 2016 al 30 de junio de 2019, integrando dos grupos de estudio. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 106 pacientes, 29 cirugías por recidiva, predominio de hombres y mayores de 60 años. Se encontraron diferencias entre el grupo de cirugía por recidiva y el grupo de cirugia primaria en tiempo quirúrgico, con medianas de 115 (p25 75 y p75 154) y 72 (p25 58 y p75 110) minutos, respectivamente (p = 0.001); tipo de abordaje, abierto 62.1% y 88.3% (p = 0.005); y tipo de anestesia, regional 48.3% y 75.3% (p = 0.008). Se exploró la correlación entre el índice de masa corporal y el tamaño del defecto herniario, obteniendo r de −0.099 y p = 0.652, con una correlación nula entre ambas. CONCLUSIONES: Con los hallazgos obtenidos en este estudio es posible plantear hipótesis del comportamiento de la población naval que pueda diferir de la población general, y con esto establecer protocolos de seguimiento para dar magnitud a factores ya conocidos.

Blood pressure telemonitoring and telemedicine for hypertension management-positions, expectations and feasibility of Latin-American practitioners. SURVEY carried out by several cardiology and hypertension societies of the Americas.

PURPOSE: To assess the opinion of Latin-American physicians on remote blood pressure monitoring and telehealth for hypertension management. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional survey of physicians residing in Latin-America. The study was conducted by the Mexico Hypertension Experts Group, Interamerican Society of Hypertension, Interamerican Society of Cardiology Epidemiology and Cardiovascular Prevention Council, and National Cardiologist Association of Mexico. An online survey composed of 40 questions using Google Forms was distributed from 7 December 2021, to 3 February 2022. The survey was approved by the GREHTA Ethics Committee and participation was voluntary and anonymous. Multiple logistic regression models were constructed to identify the challenges of telehealth. RESULTS: 1753 physicians' responses were gathered. The responses came from physicians from different Latin-American countries, as follows: 24% from Mexico, 20.6% from Argentina, 14.7% from Colombia, 10.9% from Brazil, 8.7% from Venezuela, 8.2% from Guatemala and 3.2% from Paraguay. Responders with a high interest in carrying out their assistance task through remote telemonitoring reached 48.9% (821), while 43.6% are already currently conducting telemonitoring. A high number, 62%, claimed to need telemonitoring training. There is a direct relation between higher interest in telemonitoring and age, medical specialty, team working, residence in the biggest cities, expectations regarding telemedicine and reimbursement. CONCLUSIONS: Remote monitoring is feasible in Latin-America. General practitioners and specialists from bigger cities seem eager and are self-perceived as well-trained and experienced. Facilities and resources do not seem to be a challenge but training reinforcement and telemedicine promotion is necessary for those physicians less motivated.PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARYWhat is the context?Hypertension is one of the leading worldwide modifiable risk factors for premature death. Strong evidence supports that effective treatment of this condition results in a significant reduction of hard outcomes.Only 20%-30% of hypertensive patients are within the blood pressure targets recommended by guidelines in Latin-America. There is an urgent need to implement innovative strategies to reverse this alarming health situation.What is new?Latin-American physicians were highly predisposed to telemonitoring practice. This high motivation was not influenced by hardware or software availability, technological knowledge or experience, by volume of monthly consultations, or by area (private-public) where the care activity is carried out.This high motivation may be supported by the conviction that this practice could be very useful as a complement to face-to-face assistance and a highly effective tool to improve adherence even though respondents considered that just 10% of the patients would prefer telemonitoring over office consultation.What is the impact?Facilities and resources do not seem to be a challenge but training reinforcement and telemedicine promotion is necessary for those physicians less motivated. The general perception is that it is necessary to move forward to resolve legal gaps and financial aspects.Physicians must adapt to changes and develop new communication strategies in a world where the unrestricted access to teleinformation makes patients self-perceived as experts.

Usefulness of the Measurement of Serum Paraoxonase-1 Arylesterase Activity in the Diagnoses of COVID-19.

The development of inexpensive, fast, and reliable screening tests for COVID-19 is, as yet, an unmet need. The present study was aimed at evaluating the usefulness of serum arylesterase activity of paraoxonase-1 (PON1) measurement as a screening test in patients with different severity levels of COVID-19 infection. We included 615 COVID-19-positive patients who were classified as asymptomatic, mildly symptomatic, severely symptomatic, or fatally symptomatic. Results were compared with 50 healthy volunteers, 330 patients with cancer, and 343 with morbid obesity. Results showed PON1 activity greatly decreased in COVID-19 compared to healthy volunteers; a receiver operating characteristics plot showed a high diagnostic accuracy. The degree of COVID-19 severity did not influence PON1 levels. Our results indicated that PON1 determination was efficient for disease diagnosis, but not for prognosis. Furthermore, patients with obesity or cancer presented alterations similar to those of COVID-19 patients. As such, elevated levels of PON1 indicate the absence of COVID-19, but low levels may be present in various other chronic diseases. The assay is fast and inexpensive. We suggest that PON1 measurement could be used as an initial, high cut-off point screening method, while lower values should be confirmed with the more expensive nucleic acid amplification test.

Caracterización inmunogenética de donantes cadavéricos cubanos en el año 2019 / Immunogenetic characterization of Cuban cadaveric donors in 2019

Introducción: El trasplante es la opción terapéutica más favorable para las personas con insuficiencia renal crónica. El donante puede ser cadavérico o donante vivo, emparentado o no. Los resultados del trasplante están en relación con varios factores inmunológicos y no inmunológicos. Objetivo: Caracterizar inmunogenéticamente a los donantes cadavéricos cubanos para trasplante renal. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal y descriptivo de los donantes cadavéricos durante el año 2019. Se analizó la región de procedencia, sexo, color de la piel y rangos de edades de los donantes, así como, grupo sanguíneos ABO y Rhesus Rh; serología para VIH, Virus de hepatitis B(VHB) y Virus de hepatitis C (VHC); y hábitos tóxicos. Resultados: Se estudió un total de 95 donantes cadavéricos, 62 provenientes del occidente y 33 del centro del país. El 63,2 por ciento fueron masculinos y 36,8 por ciento femenino. El grupo de edad de mayor frecuencia fue 40 - 60 años y la edad media de 49,45 años. El 58,95 por ciento de los pacientes fueron de grupo sanguíneo O; 30,53 por ciento grupo A y los grupos B y AB tuvieron 5,26 por ciento de prevalencia; y solo 8 fueron Rh negativos. Todos tuvieron serología para VIH, VHB y VHC negativas. Las enfermedades asociadas más frecuentes fueron la hipertensión arterial y la diabetes mellitus. Conclusiones: Los donantes cadavéricos durante el año 2019 mostraron características similares a las reportadas por otros estudios. El aumento de las edades de los donantes incide en la aparición de enfermedades asociadas y esto pudiera repercutir en el resultado del trasplante(AU)

Introduction: Transplantation is the most favorable therapeutic option for people with chronic renal failure. The donor can be a cadaveric or living donor, related or not. Transplant outcomes are related to various immunological and non-immunological factors. Objective: To characterize Cuban cadaveric donors for renal transplantation Materials and methods: A cross-sectional and descriptive study of cadaveric donors was carried out during the year 2019. The region of origin, sex, skin color and age ranges of the donors were analyzed, as well as ABO and Rhesus Rh blood groups; serology for HIV, Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), and toxic habits. Results: A total of 95 cadaveric donors were studied, 62 from the West and 33 from the Center of the country. 63.2 percent were male and 36.8 percent female due to the most frequent age group being 40-60 years and the mean age of 49.45 years. 58.95 percent of the patients were of blood group O, 30.53 percent group A and groups B and AB had 5.26 percent prevalence; and only 8 were Rh negative. All had negative serology for HIV, HBV and HCV. The most frequent associated diseases were arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Conclusions: The cadaveric donors during the year 2019 showed characteristics similar to those reported by other studies. The increase in the age of the donors affects the appearance of associated diseases and this could affect the result of the transplant(AU)

2D ultrasound diagnosis of middle compartment prolapse: a multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Recently, a specific methodology has been defined, using transperineal ultrasound, for the differential diagnosis of middle compartment prolapse [uterine prolapse (UP) or cervical elongation (CE) without UP] based on the difference in the pubis-uterine fundus distance at rest and with the Valsalva maneuver, with a cutoff point of 15 mm. The objective of this study was to validate the diagnostic utility of a ≥15 mm difference between the pubis-uterine fundus distance at rest and during the Valsalva maneuver to define UP in a multicenter study. METHODS: This prospective multicenter observational study included 94 patients (UP =51; CE without UP =43). The clinical examination was based on the International Continence Society Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (ICS POP-Q) system for assessing pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and patients were candidates for corrective surgery of the middle compartment of the pelvic floor (correction of UP or CE without UP). The ultrasound study was performed by transperineal ultrasound (B-mode) with the patient undergoing dorsal lithotomy. The distance evaluation was performed in relation to the posteroinferior pubic margin in the midsagittal plane, with reference to the uterine fundus (established as the most distal hyperechogenic) line from the pubis to the uterine fundus at rest and with the Valsalva maneuver. We defined UP detected using UP as a difference of ≥15 mm between the pubis-uterine fundus distance at rest and with the Valsalva maneuver. Agreement between the clinical and ultrasound diagnosis of UP was assessed using the Cohen kappa coefficient of agreement and its 95% CIs. RESULTS: The ultrasound diagnosis of global UP at the three centers showed very good agreement, with a kappa index of 0.826 (0.71, 0.94). The agreement of ultrasound with the clinical diagnosis of UP using the ICS POP-Q system was very good for each of the hospitals [Hospital 1: 0.814 (0.64, 0.98), Hospital 2: 0.847 (0.64, 1) and Hospital 3: 0.824 (0.59, 1)]. CONCLUSIONS: A difference of ≥15 mm between the pubis-uterine fundus distance at rest and during the Valsalva maneuver for the diagnosis of UP presents very good agreement with the results of clinical evaluation with the ICS POP-Q system.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injuries: New Evidence and Perspectives.

Perineal injury during childbirth is a common event with important morbidity associated in particular with third-and-fourth degree perineal tears (also referred to as obstetric anal sphincter injuries-OASIS). Early diagnosis of these damages is mandatory to define a prompt therapeutic strategy and thus avoid the development of late-onset consequences, such as faecal incontinence. For this purpose, various diagnostic exams can be performed after a thorough clinical examination. The management of OASIS includes several measures and should be individualized according to the timing and features of the clinical presentation.