Análisis documental de los perfiles de egreso vigentes de las carreras de Fisioterapia en Chile / Documentary analysis of competency-based exit profile of Physiotherapy entry-level programs in Chile

Introducción El perfil de egreso corresponde a una declaración formal de los aprendizajes terminales de una profesión, comprometiendo la formación de una identidad profesional, especificando los principales ámbitos de acción profesional y sus atributos clave asociados a la formación universitaria, los cuales deben describirse para transparentar los compromisos que hacen las instituciones con sus egresados y la sociedad. En Chile no existen actualmente directrices para la formación profesional en Fisioterapia, y es necesario avanzar hacia ese objetivo comenzando con un análisis de lo ofrecido por las universidades actualmente. Objetivo Analizar los perfiles de egreso, sus principales ámbitos de desempeño y competencias declarados en las carreras de Fisioterapia que se imparten en 2021 en Chile. Material y método Se realizó una investigación documental cualitativa de los perfiles de egreso publicados en las páginas web de 41 instituciones de Educación Superior en Chile que imparten la carrera universitaria de Fisioterapia durante el año 2021. Se realizó un análisis de contenido temático asistido por el programa NVivo 12 pro. Resultados Se obtuvieron siete categorías principales que caracterizan los ámbitos de competencias de los perfiles de egreso de Fisioterapia en Chile: intervención; razonamiento clínico; promoción y prevención en salud; investigación; gestión y administración en salud; educación, y emprendimiento e innovación. Conclusiones Los principales ámbitos de desempeño presentes en los perfiles de egreso en los planes de formación de los programas universitarios de Fisioterapia en Chile en el presente estudio permitirán promover una reflexión acerca de los significados prácticos para la formación profesional, y así responder a las demandas profesionales presentes y futuras con una identidad centrada en el movimiento humano como eje de acción profesional (AU)

Introduction The entry-level profile corresponds to a formal statement of an institution about the intended learning outcomes of a profession. This commitment includes developing a professional identity, specifying the main areas of professional activity and its key attributes. Besides, universities’ training must transparentize institutions’ commitments to their graduates and society. There is currently no standard for professional training in Physiotherapy in Chile, and it is necessary to move toward this purpose by starting with an analysis of what universities offer today. Purpose To analyze the main areas of performance and competencies declared in the competency-based exit profile of Physiotherapy entry-level programs delivered in 2021 in Chile. Material and method Qualitative documentary research was carried out of the competency-based exit profile, published on the web sites of 41 Higher Education institutions in Chile that delivered Physiotherapy entry-level University Programs during the 2021. A thematic content analysis was carried out assisted by CAQDAS NVivo 12 pro. Results Seven main categories were obtained that characterize competence areas of the current competency-based exit profile in Physiotherapy entry-level programs in Chile: physiotherapist intervention; clinical reasoning in physiotherapy; promotion and prevention in health; research; health management and administration; education; and entrepreneurship and innovation. Conclusions The main areas of performance present in the exit profiles of the university programs of Physiotherapy in Chile were identified. A reflection would be made about the practical meanings for university professional training in Physiotherapy in Chile to respond to the present and future professionals requirements with the identity centered on the human movement as the axis of professional action (AU)

SAFETY AND EFFICACY OF THYMIC PEPTIDES IN THE TREATMENT OF HOSPITALIZED COVID-19 PATIENTS IN HONDURAS.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) active cases continue to demand the development of safe and effective treatments. This is the first clinical trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of oral thymic peptides. ; We conducted a nonrandomized phase 2 trial with a historic control group to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a daily 250-mg oral dose of thymic peptides in the treatment of hospitalized Covid-19 patients. Comparisons based on standard care from registry data were performed after propensity score matching. The primary outcomes were survival, time to recovery, and number of participants with treatment-related adverse events or side effects by day 20. ; A total of 44 patients were analyzed in this study: 22 in the thymic peptide group and 22 in the standard care group. There were no deaths in the intervention group compared to 24% mortality in standard care by day 20 (log-rank P=0.02). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a significantly shorter time to recovery by day 20 in the thymic peptide group than in the standard care group (median, 6 days vs. 12 days; hazard ratio for recovery, 2.75 [95% confidence interval, 1.34 to 5.62]; log-rank P=0.002). No side effects or adverse events were reported. ; In patients hospitalized with Covid-19, the use of thymic peptides resulted in no side effects, adverse events, or deaths by day 20. Compared with the registry data, a significantly shorter time to recovery and mortality reduction were measured.

Lingüística en el ejercicio de la psicoterapia infantil: desafíos para la práctica clínica / Linguistics in the practice of child psychotherapy: challenges for clinical practice

RESUMEN: Es sabido que, tanto psicólogos como psiquiatras infantiles, poseen escasa capacitación y formación en el área de lingüística, lo que sin duda tiene gran relevancia en la salud mental infantil. Consecuentemente, una mayor especialización en los aspectos evolutivos del lenguaje infantil, podría favorecer la eficacia en la psicoterapia con niñas y niños, potenciando las técnicas clásicamente utilizadas en setting, como lo son el juego y las actividades plásticas. Así, con mayor conocimiento en psicolingüística y pragmática, profesionales de la salud mental incrementarían su batería de herramientas prácticas para una efectiva comunicación momento a momento en el espacio terapéutico con el/la paciente. Esto no sólo ampliaría el uso de la psicolingüística infantil más allá del diagnóstico de los trastornos del lenguaje, sino que también contribuiría a converger los conocimientos teórico-prácticos para potenciar el trabajo psicológico con infancia, mediante una comunicación más efectiva del adulto con el/la niña/o.

ABSTRACT It is known that both child psychologists and psychiatrists have little training in linguistics, which undoubtedly has great relevance in children's mental health. A greater specialization in the evolutionary aspects of children's language could improve the effectiveness in psychotherapy, enhancing the techniques classically used in setting, such as games and artistic activities. Thus, with greater knowledge in psycholinguistics and pragmatics, mental health professionals could increase their battery of practical tools for effective moment-by-moment communication with the patient. This would expand the use of child psycholinguistics not only for the diagnosis of language disorders, but also contribute to converge theoretical and practical knowledge achieving a more effective communication between the adult and the child.

Comité de Ética Asistencial (CEA) del Hospital Regional de Talca, en pandemia COVID-19 / Care Ethics Committee (CEA) of Talca Regional Hospital, in COVID-19 pandemic

The healthcare ethics committee of the Regional Hospital of Talca, shares with the hospital community, ethical considerations in medical-clinical decisions, in the context of the COVID 19 pandemic. Focus attention on the person, with dignified treatment, with the center in quality and proportional to the individual condition, within the framework of protected teamwork, and that everyone is responsible for mutual care. The considerations of admission to critical units of complicated patients, with principles of caring over healing, without abandoning those who require assistance. Resources are scarce and must be protected, people must not be discriminated against, age is a precedent that must be considered, given the chances of survival, without going beyond the limitations to the therapeutic effort, which must be shared with the treating medical team and of the hospital ethics committee if required. A dignified death is an element to be considered with respect for the person, their families and the community.

Size of nesting female Broad-snouted Caimans (Caiman latirostris Daudin 1802) / Tamanho de fêmeas nidificantes do jacaré-de-papo-amarelo (Caiman latirostris Daudin 1802)

Abstract The southern distribution of the Broad-snouted Caiman (Caiman latirostris Daudin 1802) in Argentina occurs in Santa Fe Province, where its population has been under management by "Proyecto Yacaré" since 1990. From 1997 to 2016, we captured 77 nesting female Broad-snouted Caimans in Santa Fe Province. Our results suggest that previously defined size classes for Broad-snouted Caiman do not adequately describe the reproductively mature female segment of the population. Here we propose to change size ranges for general size classes for Broad-snouted Caiman. In addition, we have observed that reintroduced reproductive females by Proyecto Yacaré represent about 32% of captured females. These results indicate that reintroduced females by the management program are surviving and reproducing in the wild at least up to 20 years.

Resumo Na Argentina, a distribuição mais austral do jacaré-de-papo-amarelo (Caiman latirostris Daudin 1802) ocorre na Provincia de Santa Fe, sendo que suas populações são manejadas pelo "Proyecto Yacaré" desde 1990. Entre os anos de 1997 e 2016, nós capturamos 77 fêmeas nidificantes do jacaré-de-papo-amarelo em Santa Fe. Nossos resultados sugerem que as classes de tamanho definidas para o jacaré-de-papo-amarelo não representam a realidade dos animais capturados no presente estudo. Portanto, propõe-se uma alteração nas classes de tamanho para o jacaré-de-papo-amarelo. Nós também observamos que as fêmeas reintroduzidas pelo "Proyecto Yacaré" representaram 32% das fêmeas capturadas. Estes resultados indicam que fêmeas reintroduzidas pelo programa de manejo estão sobrevivendo e reproduzindo na natureza por, pelo menos, 20 anos.

Size of nesting female Broad-snouted Caimans (Caiman latirostris Daudin 1802).

The southern distribution of the Broad-snouted Caiman (Caiman latirostris Daudin 1802) in Argentina occurs in Santa Fe Province, where its population has been under management by "Proyecto Yacaré" since 1990. From 1997 to 2016, we captured 77 nesting female Broad-snouted Caimans in Santa Fe Province. Our results suggest that previously defined size classes for Broad-snouted Caiman do not adequately describe the reproductively mature female segment of the population. Here we propose to change size ranges for general size classes for Broad-snouted Caiman. In addition, we have observed that reintroduced reproductive females by Proyecto Yacaré represent about 32% of captured females. These results indicate that reintroduced females by the management program are surviving and reproducing in the wild at least up to 20 years.

Lichenomphalia altoandina, a new species of Hygrophoraceae from the Chilean Altiplano.

Lichenomphalia is a lichenized agaric genus characterized by its omphalinoid basidiomes. Lichenomphalia species are associated with unicellular green algae in the genus Coccomyxa and are mainly distributed in polar and alpine habitats. The aim of this work is to describe L. altoandina, a new species from northern Chile that grows among cushion plants over 3000 m above sea level in the Andes Mountains. The species is remarkable for living in highly saline environments, in some cases virtually on salt crusts. Lichenomphalia altoandina differs from other known species and particularly from L. aurantiaca, the most morphologically similar species, in its smooth and broader stipe and its slightly larger spores. Lichenomphalia altoandina is also morphologicaly and ecologically more similar to the core Lichenomphalia clade. Our phylogenetic study based on nuclear rDNA ITS and partial 28S sequences shows that L. altoandina belongs to the Protolichenomphalia clade and is sister to an unknown lineage, L. aff. umbellifera, from New Zealand.

Size of nesting female Broad-snouted Caimans (Caiman latirostris Daudin 1802)

Abstract The southern distribution of the Broad-snouted Caiman (Caiman latirostris Daudin 1802) in Argentina occurs in Santa Fe Province, where its population has been under management by Proyecto Yacaré since 1990. From 1997 to 2016, we captured 77 nesting female Broad-snouted Caimans in Santa Fe Province. Our results suggest that previously defined size classes for Broad-snouted Caiman do not adequately describe the reproductively mature female segment of the population. Here we propose to change size ranges for general size classes for Broad-snouted Caiman. In addition, we have observed that reintroduced reproductive females by Proyecto Yacaré represent about 32% of captured females. These results indicate that reintroduced females by the management program are surviving and reproducing in the wild at least up to 20 years.

Resumo Na Argentina, a distribuição mais austral do jacaré-de-papo-amarelo (Caiman latirostris Daudin 1802) ocorre na Provincia de Santa Fe, sendo que suas populações são manejadas pelo Proyecto Yacaré desde 1990. Entre os anos de 1997 e 2016, nós capturamos 77 fêmeas nidificantes do jacaré-de-papo-amarelo em Santa Fe. Nossos resultados sugerem que as classes de tamanho definidas para o jacaré-de-papo-amarelo não representam a realidade dos animais capturados no presente estudo. Portanto, propõe-se uma alteração nas classes de tamanho para o jacaré-de-papo-amarelo. Nós também observamos que as fêmeas reintroduzidas pelo Proyecto Yacaré representaram 32% das fêmeas capturadas. Estes resultados indicam que fêmeas reintroduzidas pelo programa de manejo estão sobrevivendo e reproduzindo na natureza por, pelo menos, 20 anos.

[Uropathogen pattern and antimicrobial susceptibility in positive urinary cultures isolates from paediatric patients]. / Patrón de aislamiento bacteriano y sensibilidad antimicrobiana en urocultivos positivos obtenidos de una población pediátrica.

OBJECTIVE: Knowledge of urophatogens and antibiotic susceptibility should be used to assist with empirical urinary tract infection treatment. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed local bacterial pattern and antimicrobial susceptibility in positive urinary isolates from paediatric patients collected in the period 2009-2013. Results were compared with a previous study carried out in the same sanitary area between 1995 and 1999. RESULTS: We identified 2,762 urinary isolates. Escherichia coli was the most common uropathogen (58.9%), followed by Enterococcus sp. (11.6%) and Proteus mirabilis (10.9%). More than 95% of non extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli were susceptible to nitrofurantoin, fosfomycin, cefotaxime and aminoglycosides. However, 56%, 49%, and 22% of the E. coli isolates were resistant to ampicillin, oral first-generation cephalosporins, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, respectively. Ampicillin and amoxicillin-clavulanate were the most effective antibiotics to treat Enterococcus sp. and P. mirabilis, respectively. Not significant modifications were found compared to results published at the same area in the 90´s. CONCLUSIONS: E. coli was the mostly isolated uropathogen, with a high percentage of resistance to ampicillin, oral first-generation cephalosporins, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. These urinary isolates and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns were similar to those reported in other paediatric studies and did not show significant changes compared to local previously published results. Thus, it can be considered that the current recommendations about empiric antibiotic therapy in paediatric urinary tract infections remain applicable nowadays.

Vibrisseaceous fungi from the southern hemisphere, including Chlorovibrissea chilensis (Helotiales, incertaesedis) sp. nov.

The discovery of Chlorovibrissea chilensis sp. nov.expands the distribution of Chlorovibrissea from Australasia to include South America. C. chilensis, phylogenetically distinct from other species in the genus, is also characterized morphologically by its ascoma with emerald green stalk and pale orange-brown head, budding paraphyses and 5-6-septate ascospores. Based on the phylogenetic analysis, the Australasian species Vibrisseaalbofusca is recombined in Chlorovibrissea, despite the fact it lacks the distinctive green pigmentation of other species in this genus. In addition, the genus Vibrissea in a strict phylogenetic sense is confirmed from the southern hemisphere for the first time; Vibrissea truncorum is reported from Chile and V. flavovirens from New Zealand.

Genotyping Chlamydia trachomatis strains among men who have sex with men from a Northern Spain region: a cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of anorectal Chlamydia trachomatis serovars in a group of men who have sex with men (MSM) with high risk sexual behaviour, attendees at a sexually transmitted infection (STI) unit from a region in Northwest Spain. DESIGN: Retrospective and descriptive study of all swabs obtained from all MSM attendees at an STI unit, from 2007 to 2011. Retrospective ethical approval was granted by the Ethical Regional Committee of Clinical Investigation of the Principality of Asturias. SETTING: The STI clinic in Oviedo, Spain, offers screening and free-of-charge treatment to about 3646 patients per year. PARTICIPANTS: 303 symptomatic and asymptomatic consecutive and unselected MSM patients (mean age 36.7 and range 21-55 years) were evaluated for anorectal chlamydial infection. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: C trachomatis DNA extraction and detection in all rectal and in 36 urethral swabs. Characterisation of C trachomatis genotypes through sequencing of ompA gene amplicons and further phylogenetic tree analysis. RESULTS: We found 40 (13. 2%) positive rectal samples. The distribution of genotypes was E (37. 5%) followed by G (25%), D (12. 5%), J (10%) and L2b (5%).25 (62.5%, 95% CI 46.2 to 78.7) of the chlamydia-infected MSM showed clinical manifestations while 15 (37.5%, 95% CI 21.25 to 53.75) reported no symptoms. Concurrent infection with other STIs was documented in 27 (67.5%, 95% CI 51.7 to 83.2) patients. The most frequently reported clinical symptom was anal ulcer (7 cases, 17.5%; 95% CI 4.47 to 30.52). E genotype was mostly detected in asymptomatic patients. There were non-E genotypes detected in 21 (84%, 95% CI 63.9 to 95.5) of 25 symptomatic patients (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The first two confirmed cases of lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) in MSM in Asturias are reported, probably indicating the increase of this infection. The Spanish C trachomatis laboratory-based surveillance system may underlie an underestimated number of chlamydial infections. Whenever mild and atypical symptoms exist, laboratory evaluation would contribute to the early implementation of appropriate therapy and prevent LGV dissemination.

Accuracy of ocular axial length measurement with MRI.

BACKGROUND: This study assessed axial length measurements taken with MRI compared to A-scan ultrasonography for use in silicone-filled eyes with cataracts. METHODS: This study was a double-blinded prospective comparison study of axial length measurements made by MRI and A-scan ultrasonography. MRI scans of 20 patients undergoing MRI were reviewed to determine axial length. Standard A-scan measurements of axial length were also obtained. Axial length measurements by MRI were compared to A-scan ultrasonography measurements. RESULTS: In 36 eyes, an MRI scan was obtained in the correct plane to measure the axial length. The axial length measured by MRI was on average 0.18 +/- 0.29 mm longer (range -0.41 to +0.7 mm) than the axial length measured by A-scan, for a refractive error average of +0.28 +/- 0.58 D (SD), and a range of -1.06 to +1.52 D. CONCLUSIONS: Axial length measurements with MRI match reliably with axial lengths measured by A-scan ultrasonography.

Long-term evolution of serum and liver viral markers in patients treated for chronic hepatitis C and sustained response.

Few studies have analysed the evolution of HCV markers in chronic hepatitis C (CHC)-treated patients. We have evaluated the presence or absence of serum and liver HCV-RNA, the core antigen (HCV-cAg) and the loss of specific antibodies (anti-HCV), in long-term sustained responders (SR). One hundred and seventy-six patients (132 SR and 44 nonresponders (NR) were included in the study. HCV-RNA was determined in serum and liver by a commercial PCR-kit. HCV-Ag was determined by ELISA and specific antibodies against HCV by means of a commercial line immunoblot assay (LIA) technique. Serum HCVcAg was found positive in three (4.2%) SR and in one (4%) NR (NS). Four SR (3.6%) and 44 NR (100%) were also HCV-RNA (+) in liver tissue. Two patients were HCV-cAg (+). A good correlation was found between the serum levels of HCV-cAg and HCV-RNA (r = 0.847, P < 0.001). Specific antibodies (anti-HCV) were determined by LIA in 45 patients. A decrease was found in the number of patients who presented reactivity to bands E2 and NS4 when we compared SR with a follow-up of more than 5 years with NR and SR with a follow-up <5 years (P < 0.01 and 0.005). A good correlation was found between the HCV-cAg and HCV-RNA serum levels in CHC-treated patients (P < 0.001). Few SR (3.6%) had HCV-RNA in the liver, and HCV-cAg (1.8%) in serum. In SR with more than 5 years of follow-up a clear tendency exists in the trend to clarify the bands E2 and NS4 of anti-HCV in serum.

Assessment of a new approach for the two-electron cumulant in natural-orbital-functional theory.

The Piris natural orbital functional (PNOF) based on a new approach for the two-electron cumulant has been used to predict adiabatic ionization potentials, equilibrium bond distances, and harmonic vibrational frequencies of 18 diatomic molecules. Vertical ionization potentials have been calculated for the same set of diatomic molecules and another set of 20 polyatomic molecules using energy-difference methods as well as the extended Koopman theorem. The PNOF properties compare favorably with the coupled-cluster-doubles results. The calculated PNOF values are in good agreement with the corresponding experimental data, considering the basis sets used (6-31G**).

Lesión mayor de vía biliar en colecistectomía / Severe common bile duct injury in cholecystectomy

La lesión mayor de vía biliar (LMVB)es la más grave y temida complicación de la colecistectomía, tanto abierta (CA) como laparoscópica (CL). Es una serie retrospectiva y descriptiva de 8 LMVB manejadas por los autores entre los años 1992 y 2000, provocadas en 1980 CA y 5650 CL realizadas consecutivamente en el mismo período. Su objetivo es revisar su incidencia relativa en CA y CL, las circunstancias en que se produjeron, las formas de presentación, la oportunidad de su diagnóstico, la técnica utilizada y sus resultados inmediatos y a mediano plazo. Son 4 secciones y 4 resecciones, 5 en CA y 3 en CL, 5 casos diagnosticados en el intraoperatorio y 3 casos en el postoperatorio. La reparación se hizo con una anastomosis t-t en 4 casos y con una hepaticoyeyunoanastomosis (HYA) en 4 casos. Cuatro pacientes presentaron complicaciones quirúrgicas postreparación (50 por ciento), solo uno falleció (12,5 por ciento), y 2 reestenosaron (25 por ciento). Por lo pequeño de esta serie no se logra identificar factores pronósticos inmediatos ni alejados. Se concluye sí, que en nuestra experiencia, la incidencia de la complicación es significativamente más frecuente en la CA que en la CL.

Actividad antimicrobiana de actinomycetes aislados desde ambientes acuáticos del sur de Chile / Antimicrobial activity of actinomycetes isolated from aquatic environments in Southern Chile

Background: The easy access and inappropriate use of antimicrobials led to selection and spread of resistant microorganisms strains. It is imperative to search for new and more effective antimicrobials. One strategy is the screening of metabolites produced by microorganisms found in the environment. Actinomycetes are a potential source of new drugs. Aim: To isolate actinomycetes from sediments of Chilean rivers and lakes and to screen them for antimicrobial activity against reference bacterial strains and pathogenic fungi. Material and Methods: Actinomycetes were isolated from sediment samples, using casein-starch agar. The antimicrobial activity against 3 bacterial species and 7 fungal species was tested using the disc diffusion method. For the extraction of active metabolites, culture broths of antagonistic actinomycetes were extracted with organic solvents followed by testing the antibiotic activity. Results: A total of 62 strains of actinomycetes were isolated, mainly Streptomyces sp (83.9 percent). Thirty six strains (58.1 percent) showed antimicrobial activity, mainly against Bacillus subtilis and Candida albicans. Some isolates inhibited a wide spectrum of indicator strains, like LRI 4A strain (Streptomyces sp) that inhibited Bacillus subtilis, Candida albicans and 4 filamentous fungi. Conclusions: Lakes and rivers of Southern Chile are an important reservoir of antagonistic actinomycetes, a potential source of new drugs.

Manejo quirúrgico de la estenosis benigna de la vía biliar / Surgery management of biliary duct benign stenosis

La estenosis benigna de vía biliar (EBVB) es una complicación tardía y muy grande de la cirugía biliar cuyo manejo implica morbimortalidad importante y un futuro incierto. El propósito de esta comunicación es hacer una revisión retrospectiva de los pacientes atendidos en nuestro servicio entre 1992 y 2000, analizando su forma de presentación, diagnóstico, manejo y resultados inmediatos y alejados. Se trata de 14 pacientes, 9 mujeres (64,3 por ciento) y 5 hombres (35,7 por ciento), con edades extremos de 15 y 64 años y promedio de 45 años, manejados en nuestro servicio con cirugía convencional, luego del fracaso de la canulación y dilatación endoscópica de la estenosis. Son 7 EVB con los conductos en continuidad (50 por ciento) y 7 estenosis de anastomosis biliodigestivas (50 por ciento) realizadas, como reparación en la operación de accidente en 3 casos, o como segundo intento para resolver una estenosis ya derivada, en 4. Todos los pacientes se manejaron con cirugía: en 9 casos se realizó una derivación biliodigestiva y en 5 una plastía de una hepaticoyeyunoanastomosis. Se observó sólo una complicación quirúgica (7,2 por ciento), y un paciente falleció (7,2 por ciento) por insuficiencia hepática secundaria a cirrosis biliar secundaria. Con un seguimiento promedio de 17 meses del 78 por ciento de los pacientes, no se ha observado ninguna reestenosis

Obstrucción de rama macular de arteria central de la retina / Occlusion of the macular branch of the central retinal artery

We report a 54 years old female on oral anticoagulant treatment with a mitral valve disease, with a history of two transient ischemic attacks and a decreased visual acuity. She was assessed by an ophthalmologist and signs of retinal vascular disease were found. During follow up, the patient experienced an acute unilateral loss of vision in the left eye. Fundoscopy revealed an obstruction of a macular branch of central retinal artery. Aspirin was added to oral anticoagulants and one month later, the patient experienced an upper gastrointestinal bleeding. After four months of follow up, there is no recovery of left eye vision

Prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection in the general population of northern Spain.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence of hepatitis C in a population of northern Spain and describe (i) the risk factors associated with infection and (ii) the distribution of genotypes. DESIGN: Randomized cross-sectional study. METHODS: A random sample of 1,170 people participated in the study. Sociodemographic data were obtained. Antibodies against hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes were determined. RESULTS: Nineteen of 1,170 (1.6%) subjects were anti-HCV positive (95% CI 1.0-2.6%). In 12 cases (63%), viraemia was present, and the predominant genotype was 1 b (80%). Anti-HCV positive subjects were older than anti-HCV negative subjects (55.8 +/- 15.3 v. 44.8 +/- 20.9; P = 0.02). Two peaks of maximum frequency were found (in the fourth decade and in those over 60 years). Parenteral drug addiction predominates among those of the fourth decade, while transfusion and surgery predominate in people over 60 years. Three (16%) subjects knew they were carriers of HCV. Only three variables remained significant in the multivariate model (illegal drug use, P< 0.0001; previous hepatitis, P< 0.0001; and age, P< 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Our study emphasizes the need to develop health policies that can cope with the foreseeable increases in the problems associated with HCV infection in the near future.