Development of a novel clinimetric tool: PAtient Reported Disease Activity Index in Rheumatoid Arthritis (PARDAI-RA) by PANLAR, for the assessment of patients living with rheumatoid arthritis.

BACKGROUND: Clinical experience has shown that a single measure is not sufficient to assess disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Various clinimetric tools are necessary to address the many clinical situations that can arise. METHODS: In order to develop a comprehensive measurement tool, the Pan American League of Associations for Rheumatology searched for the most frequent measures of disease activity applied in RA by means of a semi-systematic review of the available literature. RESULTS: We found that the most frequently reported measures of disease activity were the 28-joint Disease Activity Score, C-reactive protein, and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, followed by patient-reported measures of pain and stiffness and many other composite indices and patient-reported outcome measures. The most frequent physician-reported sign of disease was the swollen joint count, and the most frequently self-reported feature was the increase in disease activity or flares. CONCLUSION: In this article, we present a new clinimetric tool developed based on expert consensus and on data retrieved from our search. Disease activity can be better assessed by combining various data sources, such as clinical, laboratory, and self-reported outcomes. These variables were included in our novel clinimetric tool. Key Points • The goal of treatment of RA is to achieve the best possible control of inflammation, or even remission; therefore, disease management should include systematic and regular evaluation of inflammation and health status. • Clinimetric tools evaluate a series of variables (e.g., symptoms, functional capacity, disease severity, quality of life, disease progression) and can reveal substantial prognostic and therapeutic differences between patients. • Our clinimetric tool, which is based on a combination of data (e.g., clinical variables, laboratory results, PROMs), can play a relevant role in patient assessment and care.

Risk factors of self-extubation in intensive care. Retrospective cohort study

Introduction Acute respiratory failure remains one of the three leading causes of admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). Self-extubation is an adverse outcome requiring reintubation in 50% of cases. Objective To assess for determinants (risk factors) of self-extubation and mortality in the ICU by using a generalized estimation equation model (GEE). Methods The data was collected from a retrospective cohort study from 2017-2020 including all patients admitted to the ICU with mechanical ventilation. Univariate and bivariate analyses were performed. Then, a GEE model was conducted to predict the risk of self-extubation and mortality. Results A total of 857 subjects were included, with a mean age of 60.5 +/- 17 years-old. Most of the subjects were males (55.2%). An 8.99-fold risk (95%CI 3.83-21.1, p<0.0i) of self-extubation was identified in patients with agitation. Exposure to infusion of neuromuscular blockade was also found to increase the risk of self-extubation 3.37 times (95%CI 1.31-8.68, p=0.01). No associations were identified between immobilization and self-extubation (OR 1.38 95%CI 0.76-2.51, p=0.29). Finally, light sedation according to the Richmond Sedation Scale (RASS) between 0 to -2 rather than moderate (RASS-3) reduces the risk of mortality (OR 0.57, 95%CI 0.38-0.83, p<0.01). Conclusions The main factors resulting in self-extubation were: agitation, delirium, and infusion of neuromuscular blocking agents. An association was found between light sedation and a lower risk of mortality. No association was found between the use of physical restraint and the desired outcome.

Introducción: La insuficiencia respiratoria aguda continúa siendo una de las tres causas principales de ingreso a la unidad de cuidado intensivo (UCI). La auto-extubación es un desenlace adverso que requiere re-intubación en un 50% de los casos. Objetivo: Evaluar los determinantes (factores de riesgo) de la auto-extubación y la mortalidad en UCI mediante el uso de un modelo de ecuaciones de estimación generalizadas (EEG). Métodos: Estudio de una cohorte retrospectiva realizada durante el periodo 2017-2020 incluyendo a todos los pacientes ingresados a UCI con ventilación mecánica invasiva. Se realizaron análisis univariado y bivariado. Adicionalmente, se utilizó un modelo EEG para predecir el riesgo de auto-extubación y mortalidad. Resultados: Se analizó un total de 857 pacientes con un promedio de edad entre 60,5 +/-17 años, siendo hombres en su mayoría (55,2%). Se encontró un riesgo 8,99 veces mayor (IC95% 3,83-21,1, p<0,01) de auto-extubación en los pacientes con agitación. La infusión de relajación muscular incrementó el riesgo de auto-extubación en 3,37 veces (IC95% 1,318,68, p=0,01). No se encontró asociación entre inmovilización y auto-extubación (OR 1,38 IC95% 0,76-2,51, p=0,29). Finalmente, una sedación ligera según la Escala de Sedación de Richmond (RASS) entre 0 a -2 en lugar de moderada (RASS-3) redujo el riesgo de mortalidad (OR 0,5 IC95% 0,38-0,83, p<0.01). Conclusiones: Los principales factores asociados a auto-extubación fueron agitación, delirium e infusión de relajantes musculares. Se encontró asociación entre una sedación ligera y menor riesgo de mortalidad. No se encontró asociación entre el uso de la restricción física y el desenlace de interés.

Quality assessment of breast cancer studies conducted with the Delphi technique.

BACKGROUND: The Delphi technique is a consensus method aiming to obtain statistical estimations from a qualitative approach, through an iterative process that leads to consensus within experts. The main characteristics of the technique include iteration, anonymity, feedback, and consensus reaching. When high-quality, quantitative evidence on a particular topic is insufficient, the Delphi technique can be used for making decisions in clinical scenarios. However, the quality of studies on breast cancer conducted with this technique, has not been assessed. OBJECTIVE: We aim to evaluate the quality of studies on breast cancer which used the Delphi technique as their method. METHODS: A quality assessment tool (Quali-D) was created through consensus among experts on the Delphi technique. Then, the tool was applied to studies on breast cancer which used the Delphi technique as their method. RESULTS: Studies conducted through the Delphi technique mainly assessed for quality indicators and expressed needs in patients with breast cancer. High-quality characteristics were reported in 63.89% of the studies. 98.61% used the Delphi technique due to lack of a more adequate method to solve their research question. 98.61% summarized and presented results in a clear way. In 91.67% of the studies, at least two rounds were conducted. 86.11% described the methods for expert selection in a complete manner. Only 54.17% of the studies reported an anonymous process and 4.17% of the studies disclosed conflicts of interest thoroughly. CONCLUSIONS: A variety of topics were assessed through the Delphi technique in cases where no other technique would have been more appropriate for assessing these issues. Significant limitations are present in terms of anonymity and full disclosure of conflicts of interest. We found that the quality of studies conducted with the Delphi technique regarding breast cancer is overall good. However, the limitations of each study must be considered when applying their results to clinical practice.

Does the association between smoking and mortality differ due to frailty status? A secondary analysis from the Mexican Health and Aging Study.

BACKGROUND: despite the well-known adverse health effects of smoking, evidence of these effects on frail individuals is still scarce. AIMS: to assess whether frailty influences the association between smoking and mortality. METHODS: individuals ≥50 years from the Mexican Health and Aging Study were analysed. Mortality rates from a 17-year follow-up were compared between smoking status groups (never, previous and current) and other smoking behaviour-related characteristics (pack-years, age commenced and cessation). Baseline variables were included to adjust the Cox regression models. First, models were adjusted for the whole sample, including an interaction term between the frailty index (FI) and smoking variables. A second set of models were stratified by FI levels: 0.00-0.10, 0.11-0.20, 0.21-0.30 and ≥ 0.31. RESULTS: from a total 14,025 individuals, mean age was 62.4 (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 62.1-62.8) and 53.9% were women (95% CI: 52.4-55.6). Main results from the survival analyses showed that when including FI interaction term with smoking status, comparing current to never smoking, the hazard ratio (HR) was 2.03 (95% CI: 1.07-3.85, P = 0.029), and comparing current to previous smoking, the HR was 2.13 (95% CI: 1.06-4.26, P = 0.032). Models stratified by FI levels showed a significant HR only for the two highest level groups. Similar results were found for the smoking behaviour-related characteristics. DISCUSSION: our results suggest that frailty could modify smoking mortality risk. Other smoking characteristics were impacted by frailty, in particular, cessation. It was noteworthy that having ≥10 years of tobacco cessation was beneficial for frail individuals. CONCLUSIONS: smoking has a higher toll on frail individuals, but ceasing is still beneficial for this group.

Cambios en la marcha asociados con demencia por cuerpos de Lewy: una revisión narrativa de la literatura / Gait changes associated with Lewy body dementia: a narrative review of the literature

RESUMEN INTRODUCCIÓN: La demencia por cuerpos de Lewy (DCL) es una enfermedad neurodegenerativa con alta prevalencia y a menudo subdiagnosticada. En las demencias pueden presentarse alteraciones en la marcha que potencialmente permitan identificar su subtipo y dar una orientación clínica, diagnóstica y terapéutica temprana. Esta revisión narrativa de la literatura busca revisar los cambios de la marcha que se han descrito asociados con DCL. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Se realizó una revisión de la literatura sobre la relación de las alteraciones de la marcha con la DCL. Se seleccionaron los siguientes parámetros de búsqueda mediante el buscador Scopus: ((falls and dementia and gait and (evaluation or analysis))). Los datos se ordenaron según relevancia y se obtuvieron 267 resultados. Igualmente, se hizo una búsqueda en PubMed, para a la que se introdujeron los términos (gait and lewy-body-disease), y no se utilizaron otros filtros; se obtuvieron 139 resultados. Se hizo una selección no sistemática de los artículos para llevar a cabo una revisión narrativa acerca de los cambios en la marcha asociados con DCL. RESULTADOS: Las alteraciones en la marcha pueden tener un valor predictor importante en la DCL. Los pacientes con demencias no debido a EA o causas vasculares muestran un deterioro de la funcionalidad física más rápido comparado con pacientes con EA y sin problemas cognitivos. La priorización incorrecta de las tareas, evidenciada en la EP, también es observable en los pacientes con DCL, y se asocia con el paradigma de doble tarea en el paciente con trastorno neurocognitivo mayor. El congelamiento de la marcha, también conocido como bloqueo de la marcha, se ha asociado con mayor progresión de la alteración cognitiva. Los pacientes con DCL también presentan un mayor compromiso en el tiempo de balanceo y la variabilidad de duración de la zancada, como también peor desempeño en ritmo y variabilidad de la marcha, e inestabilidad de la marcha, con posturas inadecuadas. CONCLUSIONES: Existe una relación entre la DCL y las caídas en el adulto mayor. En este grupo de edad, los cambios en la marcha y en las pruebas de desempeño podrían tener una utilidad clínica como factores asociados a con DCL, así como con las caídas. Al parecer, existe una variación característica entre los parámetros de la marcha y los subtipos de demencias que puede tener un valor como marcador diagnóstico. Se requieren más estudios con respecto a este tema puesto que hay escasa evidencia disponible hasta el momento, lo cual impide definir con mayor precisión las alteraciones más sensibles de cada dominio de la marcha que permitan diferenciar el envejecimiento normal del patológico.

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Lewy body dementia is a highly prevalent neurodegenerative disease and often goes unnoticed due to little knowledge about it. In dementias there may be gait alterations that potentially allow the identification of its subtype and provide early clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic guidance. This narrative review of the literature aims to review gait changes that have been described as associated with Lewy body dementia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature review was carried out on the relationship of gait disturbances and LBD. The following search parameters were selected using the Scopus search engine: ((falls and dementia and gait and (evaluation or analysis))). The data were ordered according to relevance, obtaining 267 results. Likewise, a search was made in PubMed, using the terms (gait and lewy-body-disease), and no other filters were used, obtaining 139 results. A non-systematic selection of literature was made to carry out a narrative review about the changes in gait associated with LBD. RESULTS: We found that gait disturbances may have an important predictive value in LBD. Patients with dementias not due to AD or vascular causes have a faster deterioration of physical function compared to patients with AD and without cognitive problems. The incorrect prioritization of tasks evidenced in PD is also observable in patients with LBD and is associated with the "dual-task" paradigm in patients with major neurocognitive disorder. Freezing of gait, also known as motor block or "freezing of gait" has been associated with a greater progression of cognitive impairment. Patients with LBD also show greater compromise in swing time, stride duration variability, poorer performance in gait pace and variability, and gait instability with inappropriate postures. CONCLUSIONS: We observe that there is a relationship between LBD and falls in the elderly. Changes in gait and performance tests could have clinical utility as factors associated with LBD as well as falls in the elderly. There appears to be a characteristic variation between gait parameters and dementia subtypes that may have value as a diagnostic marker. More studies are required on this subject since there is little evidence available to date, which makes it impossible to define with greater precision the most sensitive alterations in each domain of gait that make it possible to differentiate normal from pathological aging.

Rheumatology Training in Latin America: A Collaborative Study by the Pan American League of Associations for Rheumatology.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Demand for rheumatology care has steadily increased in recent years. The number of specialists in this field, however, seems insufficient. No recent studies have diagnosed the attributes of rheumatology training in Latin America. METHODS: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study. We obtained data on each country through local rheumatologists of the Pan-American League Against Rheumatism, who acted as principal investigators for participating countries. Our sample was analyzed and described through means and standard deviations or through frequencies and percentages, depending on the variable. RESULTS: Countries with the most rheumatology-training programs were Brazil (n = 50), Argentina (n = 18), and Mexico (n = 15). Ecuador, Honduras, and Nicaragua do not have rheumatology-training programs. The countries with the most available slots for rheumatology residents were Brazil (n = 126) and Argentina (n = 36). To be admitted into rheumatology training, candidates were required to have completed graduate studies in internal medicine in 42.1% of the programs. In 8 countries (42.1%), residents are not required to pay tuition; the median cost of tuition in the remaining countries is US $528 (interquartile range, US $2153). CONCLUSIONS: Conditions associated with rheumatology training in Latin America vary. Significant differences exist in income and tuition fees for residents, for example, and 4 countries in Latin America do not currently offer programs. Information collected in this study will be useful when comparing the status of rheumatology services offered in Latin America with those in other countries. Most countries require a wider offering of rheumatology-training programs, as well as more available slots.

Current status of the rheumatologists' workforce in Latin America: a PANLAR collaborative study.

INTRODUCTION: Studies conducted by various scientific societies have shown that the demand for specialized rheumatology care is greater than the projected growth of the workforce. Our research aims to assess the current status of the rheumatology workforce in Latin America. METHOD: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study. A survey was created on the RedCap platform. Data were analyzed with STATA 15® Software. We present descriptive analyses. The rate of inhabitants per rheumatologist was calculated using the number of rheumatologists practicing in each country and the inhabitants for year 2020. RESULTS: Our sample was composed by 19 PANLAR member countries in Latin America. Latin America has one rheumatologist per 106,838 inhabitants. The highest rate of rheumatologist per inhabitants was found in Uruguay (1 per 27,426 inhabitants), and the lowest was found in Nicaragua (1 per 640,648 inhabitants). Mean age was 51.59 (SD12.70), ranging between 28 and 96 years of age. Mean monthly compensation was USD $2382.6 (SD$1462.5). The country with lowest salary was Venezuela ($197), whereas the highest was Costa Rica ($4500). CONCLUSIONS: There is a high variability in rheumatologists' workforce characteristics in Latin America. These results could lead to policies aiming to increase the availability and income of rheumatologists, in order to increase opportunity and quality of care of patients living with rheumatic diseases. Key Points • The rheumatologists' workforce varies significantly among Latin American countries. • The supply of rheumatologists is insufficient for meeting the increasing need for specialists in this field.

Life-space assessment and associated clinical factors: SABE Colombia / Avaliação do espaço de vida e fatores clínicos associados: SABE Colômbia

OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to assess whether an association exists between chronic diseases or multimorbidity and limited life space in older adults. METHODS: This is a secondary analysis of the SABE (Salud, Bienestar y Envejecimiento) Colombia Study. We assessed chronic diseases through self-report, and a limited life space was defined as any score ≤ 60 in the Life-Space Assessment scale. Multimorbidity was defined as having two or more coexisting diseases. We performed bivariate analyses and multivariate logistic regressions aiming to obtain odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: The prevalence of limited life space was 2.95% with a mean score of 76.27 ± 19.34. Statistically significant associations were found between limited life space and mental disease (OR 1.45; 95%CI 1.15 ­ 1.82) and between limited life space and multimorbidity (OR 1.32; 95%CI 1.06 ­ 1.63). CONCLUSIONS: Mental disease and multimorbidity are associated with limited life space in older adults. Therefore, preventing, diagnosing, and treating mental illness should be sought in addition to the existing preventive and therapeutic approaches available for noncommunicable diseases.

OBJETIVO: Nosso objetivo foi avaliar se existe uma associação entre doenças crônicas ou multimorbidade e espaço de vida limitado em idosos. METODOLOGIA: Esta é uma análise secundária do Estudo SABE (Salud, Bienestar y Envejecimiento) Colômbia. Avaliamos as doenças crônicas por meio de autorrelato, e espaço de vida limitado foi definido como uma pontuação ≤ 60 na escala do Life-Space Assessment. Multimorbidade foi definida como a coexistência de duas ou mais doenças. Realizamos análises bivariadas e regressões logísticas multivariadas com o objetivo de obter odds ratios com intervalos de confiança de 95%. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de espaço de vida limitado foi de 2,95% com pontuação média de 76,27 ± 19,34. Associações estatisticamente significativas foram encontradas entre espaço de vida limitado e doença mental (OR 1,45; IC95% 1,15 ­ 1,82) e entre espaço de vida limitado e multimorbidade (OR 1,32; IC95% 1,06 ­ 1,63). CONCLUSÕES: A doença mental e a multimorbidade estão associadas ao espaço de vida limitado em idosos. Portanto, deve-se buscar formas de prevenir, diagnosticar e tratar doenças mentais além das abordagens preventivas e terapêuticas atualmente disponíveis para doenças não transmissíveis

Pediatric Index of Mortality 2 e 3 são preditores de mortalidade iguais? Estudo de concordância com base em unidade de terapia intensiva / Are the Pediatric Index of Mortality 2 and 3 equal predictors of mortality? An intensive care unit-based concordance study

RESUMO Objetivo: Determinar a concordância da classificação do risco de mortalidade por meio do uso dos escores Pediatric Index of Mortality (PIM) 2 e 3. Métodos: Avaliação de uma coorte retrospectiva pela análise dos pacientes admitidos à unidade de terapia intensiva pediátrica entre abril de 2016 e dezembro de 2018. Calculamos o risco de mortalidade por meio do PIM 2 e do 3. Realizaram-se análises para determinar a concordância entre a classificação de risco obtida com ambas as escalas pela utilização do cálculo do Kappa não ponderado e linearmente ponderado. Resultados: Incluímos 722 pacientes, sendo que 66,6% destes tinham uma condição crônica. A mortalidade global foi de 3,7%. O coeficiente Kappa de concordância para classificação dos pacientes, segundo o risco com o PIM 2 e o 3, foi moderado: 0,48 (IC95% 0,43 - 0,53). Após ponderação linear, a concordância foi substancial: 0,64 (IC95% 0,59 - 0,69). Para pacientes de cirurgia cardíaca, a concordância para a classificação de risco foi regular: 0,30 (IC95% 0,21 - 0,39); após ponderação linear, a concordância foi apenas moderada: 0,49 (IC95% 0,39 - 0,59). O PIM 3 acusou um risco mais baixo do que o PIM 2 em 44,8% dos pacientes desse subgrupo. Conclusão: Nosso estudo comprova que o PIM 2 e o 3 não são clinicamente equivalentes e não devem ser usadas de forma intercambiável para avaliação da qualidade em diferentes unidades de terapia intensiva. Devem ser conduzidos estudos de validação antes que se utilizem os PIM 2 e 3 em situações específicas.

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the concordance of mortality risk classification through the use of the Pediatric Index of Mortality (PIM) 2 and 3. Methods: Through a retrospective cohort, we evaluated patients admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit between April 2016 and December 2018. We calculated the mortality risk with the PIM 2 and 3. Analyses were carried out to determine the concordance between the risk classification obtained with both scales using unweighted and linearly weighted kappa. Results: A total of 722 subjects were included, and 66.6% had a chronic condition. The overall mortality was 3.7%. The global kappa concordance coefficient for classifying patients according to risk with the PIM 2 and 3 was moderate at 0.48 (95%CI 0.43 - 0.53). After linear weighting, concordance was substantial at 0.64 (95%CI 0.59 - 0.69). For cardiac surgery patients, concordance for risk classification was fair at 0.30 (95%CI 0.21 - 0.39), and after linear weighting, concordance was only moderate at 0.49 (95%CI 0.39 - 0.59). The PIM 3 assigned a lower risk than the PIM 2 in 44.8% of patients in this subgroup. Conclusion: Our study proves that the PIM 2 and 3 are not clinically equivalent and should not be used interchangeably for quality evaluation across pediatric intensive care units. Validation studies must be performed before using the PIM 2 or PIM 3 in specific settings.

Immunology and social networks: an approach towards impact assessment.

Scientific journals have changed the mechanisms they use for distribution and dissemination of information. Different approaches towards determining impact have emerged and among these, metrics derived from activity on social media are an emerging trend. This article aims to assess whether a correlation exists between the traditional impact factor and activity on social media. We assessed journals categorized within the area of "immunology" on the SCImago Journal and Country Rank website. Variables reflecting traditional and alternative measures of impact were collected. Differences between journals with and without social networks were assessed using non-parametric Mann-Whitney U tests. Correlation was assessed through Spearman tests. 156 journals were analyzed, 17% had at least one social network. 48.2% of journals with social networks were classified within SJR's quartile 1. An almost perfect correlation was found between the SJR and the number of followers on Twitter, this correlation remained statistically significant after adjusting for time since creation of the account [Spearman's correlation (rs) = 0.83]. We propose the use of Twitter as a mechanism for dissemination of information by immunology journals, as well as other social networks for their potential to increase their audience, as well as the dissemination and impact of their publications.

Are the Pediatric Index of Mortality 2 and 3 equal predictors of mortality? An intensive care unit-based concordance study. / Pediatric Index of Mortality 2 e 3 são preditores de mortalidade iguais? Estudo de concordância com base em unidade de terapia intensiva.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the concordance of mortality risk classification through the use of the Pediatric Index of Mortality (PIM) 2 and 3. METHODS: Through a retrospective cohort, we evaluated patients admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit between April 2016 and December 2018. We calculated the mortality risk with the PIM 2 and 3. Analyses were carried out to determine the concordance between the risk classification obtained with both scales using unweighted and linearly weighted kappa. RESULTS: A total of 722 subjects were included, and 66.6% had a chronic condition. The overall mortality was 3.7%. The global kappa concordance coefficient for classifying patients according to risk with the PIM 2 and 3 was moderate at 0.48 (95%CI 0.43 - 0.53). After linear weighting, concordance was substantial at 0.64 (95%CI 0.59 - 0.69). For cardiac surgery patients, concordance for risk classification was fair at 0.30 (95%CI 0.21 - 0.39), and after linear weighting, concordance was only moderate at 0.49 (95%CI 0.39 - 0.59). The PIM 3 assigned a lower risk than the PIM 2 in 44.8% of patients in this subgroup. CONCLUSION: Our study proves that the PIM 2 and 3 are not clinically equivalent and should not be used interchangeably for quality evaluation across pediatric intensive care units. Validation studies must be performed before using the PIM 2 or PIM 3 in specific settings.

OBJETIVO: Determinar a concordância da classificação do risco de mortalidade por meio do uso dos escores Pediatric Index of Mortality (PIM) 2 e 3. MÉTODOS: Avaliação de uma coorte retrospectiva pela análise dos pacientes admitidos à unidade de terapia intensiva pediátrica entre abril de 2016 e dezembro de 2018. Calculamos o risco de mortalidade por meio do PIM 2 e do 3. Realizaram-se análises para determinar a concordância entre a classificação de risco obtida com ambas as escalas pela utilização do cálculo do Kappa não ponderado e linearmente ponderado. RESULTADOS: Incluímos 722 pacientes, sendo que 66,6% destes tinham uma condição crônica. A mortalidade global foi de 3,7%. O coeficiente Kappa de concordância para classificação dos pacientes, segundo o risco com o PIM 2 e o 3, foi moderado: 0,48 (IC95% 0,43 - 0,53). Após ponderação linear, a concordância foi substancial: 0,64 (IC95% 0,59 - 0,69). Para pacientes de cirurgia cardíaca, a concordância para a classificação de risco foi regular: 0,30 (IC95% 0,21 - 0,39); após ponderação linear, a concordância foi apenas moderada: 0,49 (IC95% 0,39 - 0,59). O PIM 3 acusou um risco mais baixo do que o PIM 2 em 44,8% dos pacientes desse subgrupo. CONCLUSÃO: Nosso estudo comprova que o PIM 2 e o 3 não são clinicamente equivalentes e não devem ser usadas de forma intercambiável para avaliação da qualidade em diferentes unidades de terapia intensiva. Devem ser conduzidos estudos de validação antes que se utilizem os PIM 2 e 3 em situações específicas.

Comparison of Performance of the Pediatric Index of Mortality (PIM)-2 and PIM-3 Scores in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit of a High Complexity Institution.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the performance of each of the available pediatric index of mortality (PIM) scores, by assessing the capability for discrimination and calibration in patients admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit in Bogotá. DESIGN AND SETTING: We designed a retrospective, observational cohort study, which included all patients aged between a month and 17 years and 364 days, admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit of a high complexity university hospital between April 1, 2016 and December 31, 2018. We analyzed the standardized mortality ratio, discrimination, calibration, and net reclassification index (NRI) for each model. RESULTS: A total of 722 patients were included, the mortality rate was 3.74%, and for PIM-3, the ratio between expected and observed mortality was 0.66 [confidence interval (CI) 0.40-1.05] for PIM-2 and 1.00 (CI 0.59-1.68) for PIM-3. The Hosmer-Lemeshow (HL) test suggests inadequate calibration for PIM-2 (HL = 13.18, p = 0.11) and adequate calibration for PIM-3 (HL = 28.08, p < 0.01). The area under the diagnostic performance curves for PIM-2 and PIM-3 were 0.87 (95% CI 0.80-0.94) and 0.89 (95% CI 0.82-0.95), respectively. The NRI was -27.1%. PIM-3 classified survivors better than PIM-2, but inadequately classified nonsurvivors. CONCLUSION: Although both models show adequate discrimination ability, PIM-3 shows a better correlation between predicted risk score and observed mortality. Thus, it may be a useful tool for measuring the internal processes of intensive care units in Colombia and for making comparisons between groups of similar characteristics. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Quiñónez-López D, Patino-Hernandez D, Zuluaga CA, García ÁA, Muñoz-Velandia OM. Comparison of Performance of the Pediatric Index of Mortality (PIM)-2 and PIM-3 Scores in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit of a High Complexity Institution. Indian J Crit Care Med 2020;24(11):1095-1102.

Traqueostomía percutánea en cuidado intensivo: una opción rápida, fácil y segura / Percutaneus tracheostomy in intensive care, a quick, easy and safe option

Invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) is one of the most frequent causes of admission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), when such support is prolonged and its removal is not possible, tracheostomy emerges as the only alternative. We seek to identify and describe the clinical outcomes of patients in IMV undergoing a percutaneous tracheostomy technique. We present a descriptive cross-sectional study based on a cohort of adult patients with IMV admitted to the ICU between January 1, 2017 and June 30, 2019, performing the percutaneous tracheostomy technique at the patient's bedside. Demographic, intervention, and outcome variables were collected. We found 46 patients, with an average age of 52.6 years (DE), 69.57% corresponded to male sex. The most frequent indication was the presence of neurological disorders, and the average number of days until its completion was 10.36%. 36.96% were performed by the intensivists and the remaining 63.04% by general surgeons, their percentage of complications was diferent, compared to 7.4% worldwide. The most frequent complication was the pneumothorax 6.5%. We did not have mortality or infections. Percutaneous tracheostomy is a safe, fast and efficient alternative achievable in the patient's bedside by the trained anesthesiologist.

La ventilación mecánica invasiva (VMI) es una de las causas más frecuentes de ingreso en la Unidad de Cuidado Intensivo (UCI), cuando dicho soporte se prolonga y no es posible su retiro surge la traqueostomía como única alternativa. Buscamos identificar y describir los desenlaces clínicos de pacientes en VMI sometidos a una técnica de traqueostomía percutánea. Presentamos un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal basado en una cohorte de pacientes adultos con VMI ingresados en la UCI entre el 1 de enero de 2017 y 30 de junio de 2019, realizándoles la técnica percutánea de traqueostomía en la cabecera del paciente. Se recolectaron variables demográficas, de intervención y desenlace. Encontramos 46 pacientes, con una media de edad de 52,6 años (DE), el 69,57% correspondía a sexo masculino. La indicación más frecuente fue la presencia de trastornos neurológicos, y la media de días hasta su realización fue de 10,36. El 36,96% fueron realizadas por los intensivistas y el 63,04% restante por cirujanos generales, su porcentaje de complicaciones fue diferente, frente a 7,4% a nivel mundial. La complicación más frecuente fue el neumotórax 6,5%. No tuvimos mortalidad ni infecciones. La traqueostomía percutánea es una alternativa segura, rápida y eficiente realizable en la cabecera del paciente por el anestesiólogo entrenado.

Prevalencia del Síndrome de Burnout en médicos residentes venezolanos y su relación con el contexto de crisis sanitaria en Venezuela / Prevalence of Burnout Syndrome in venezuelan resident physicians and their relationship with the context of the health crisis in Venezuela

El síndrome de desgaste profesional o burnout es un fenómeno específico del trabajo que surge como respuesta a estresores crónicos emocionales e interpersonales en el entorno laboral. Considerando las consecuencias que puede tener el síndrome, resulta relevante estudiar cómo la situación de crisis sanitaria en Venezuela, que ha sido documentada ya por años, ha impactado a los profesionales de la salud del país. Objetivos: explorar la relación entre la crisis del sistema sanitario y la salud laboral de una muestra de 82 residentes de medicina interna a nivel nacional. se buscó esclarecer la relación del desabastecimiento de insumos médicos básicos y fallas en el servicio eléctrico con las puntuaciones en burnout obtenidas. Métodos: Se utilizó la versión MBI-HSS versión en español. Se realizo una prueba de correlación de Pearson entre las variables y una prueba de Chi-cuadrado para determinar si existían diferencias en el grado de las dimensiones de burnout según el auto-reporte de desabastecimiento de medicinas y fallas en el servicio eléctrico. Resultados: Se obtuvo una correlación significativa entre las fallas en el servicio eléctrico y el burnout, pero no fue así con el desabastecimiento ni se pudieron establecer diferencias en grado de las dimensiones según autoreporte de deficiencias. Conclusión: Se hacen necesarios más estudios con muestras mayores, más representativas y de mayor experiencia para seguir estudiando los posibles impactos de la crisis sanitaria en Venezuela sobre los profesionales de la salud(AU)

The burnout syndrome is a work-specific phenomenon that arises as a response to chronic emotional and interpersonal stressors at the the workplace. Considering the consequences of this work-related syndrome, it is relevant to study how the health crisis in Venezuela, which has been documented for years now, has impacted health professionals in the country. The present study aimed to explore the relationship between the long-standing Venezuelan health crisis and the work- related health of a sample of 82 internal medicine residents at a national level. More concretely, the goal was to explore the relationship between medical supplies shortages and power system failures and the scores obtained in burnout as measured by the MBI-HSS in its Spanish version. A Pearson correlation test was performed between the variables along with Chi-Square tests for determining if there were differences in degree of burnout dimensions according to self-reports in medical supplies shortages and power outages. A significant relationship was found between power system failures and burnout. However, that was not the case for medicine shortages nor for the differences in degree of burnout dimensions according to self-reported medical supplies shortages and power failures. More studies with larger more representative and experienced samples are needed to keep studying the possible impacts that the health crisis in Venezuela is having on healthcare professionals(AU)

Metrics of activity in social networks are correlated with traditional metrics of scientific impact in endocrinology journals.

AIMS: Traditional journal level metrics, as the impact factor or Scimago journal ranking indicator (SJR) measure the impact of research on other researchers, but fail to assess the reach of these publications among wider audiences. This study aims to assess the correlation between SJR and metrics of presence on social networks of endocrinology journals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Journals within the area of endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism were identified from the electronic portal Scimago Journal and Country Rank, and their metrics based on the number of citation collected. Different metrics of the presence on social networks, such as the number of followers and number of tweets, were assessed. The correlation between both metrics was evaluated by calculating the Spearman correlation coefficient. RESULTS: Of the 232 journals evaluated, 28 (12.1%) had social networks. The median SJR (1.53 vs 0.60, p < 0.01), and H index (58.5 vs 22, p < 0.01) were significantly higher among journals with social networks. The correlation between the number of followers on twitter and the SJR was moderate (r = 0.60, p < 0.05), and it was better in journals with more than 500 publications in the last 3 years (r = 0.85, p < 0.05). The number of tweets also had a moderate correlation with the SJR (r = 0.59, p < 0.05) CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the dissemination of research on social networks is moderately related to the traditional metrics of impact. Both types of metrics offer complementary information: while metrics based on social media may not perfectly predict the impact a scientific journal, it does have the advantage of immediacy.

La fragilidad se asocia con mayor mortalidad en la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica / Frailty is associated with increased mortality in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

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Sarcopenia, lung disease and mortality: a secondary analysis of the CRELES study / Sarcopenia, doença pulmonar e mortalidade: uma análise secundária do estudo CRELES

AIM: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a pro-inflammatory condition leading to wasting states such as sarcopenia. We aimed to describe the effect of COPD and sarcopenia on mortality in Costa Rican older adults in the Costa Rican Longevity and Healthy Aging Study (CRELES). METHOD: This is a secondary analysis of the CRELES, a cohort study consisting of three waves of interviews. For the current study, data from the first and third waves were used. The dependent variable was survival status. COPD and sarcopenia were independent variables. Bivariate analyses were used to compare mortality curves for each group. Association with 3-year mortality was tested with Cox regression models, and hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated as a measure of the strength of association. RESULTS: Of a total of 2704 participants, 54.29% (n = 1468) were women. Overall mortality was 9.05%. Sarcopenic older adults had the strongest association with mortality (HR = 2.65; 95%CI, 1.81­3.90; p < 0.001), followed by those with both COPD and sarcopenia (HR = 2.59; 95%CI, 1.37­4.92; p = 0.003). The weakest association with mortality was found in patients with neither COPD nor sarcopenia. CONCLUSIONS: The synergistic effect of sarcopenia and COPD has been shown to independently increase mortality in older patients. Our results may be applicable to both Latin American residents and subjects of Hispanic descent living in developed countries. Sarcopenia should be assessed in all patients with COPD since the latter is not a disease limited to the lungs, but rather a systemic disease.

OBJETIVO: A doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (DPOC) é uma condição pró-inflamatória que conduz a estados de perda como a sarcopenia. Nosso objetivo foi descrever o efeito da DPOC e da sarcopenia sobre a mortalidade em idosos costa-riquenhos do estudo Costa Rican Longevity and Healthy Aging Study (CRELES). MÉTODO: Esta é uma análise secundária do CRELES, um estudo de coorte composto por três ondas de entrevistas. Para o presente estudo, foram utilizados dados da primeira e terceira ondas. A variável dependente foi o status de sobrevida. DPOC e sarcopenia foram variáveis independentes. Foram realizadas análises bivariadas para comparar as curvas de mortalidade para cada grupo. Testou-se a associação à mortalidade em 3 anos com modelos de regressão de Cox, e razões de risco (HR) com intervalos de confiança (IC) de 95% foram estimadas como medida da força da associação. RESULTADOS: De um total de 2704 participantes, 54,29% (n = 1468) eram mulheres. A mortalidade geral foi 9,05%. Idosos sarcopênicos apresentaram a associação mais forte à mortalidade (HR = 2,65; IC95%, 1,81­3,90; p < 0,001), seguidos por aqueles com DPOC e sarcopenia (HR = 2,59; IC95%, 1,37­4,92; p = 0,003). A associação mais fraca à mortalidade foi encontrada em pacientes sem DPOC e sarcopenia. CONCLUSÕES: Demonstrou-se que o efeito sinérgico da sarcopenia e da DPOC aumenta de forma independente a mortalidade em pacientes idosos. Nossos resultados podem ser aplicáveis a residentes latino-americanos e a descendentes de hispânicos que vivem em países desenvolvidos. A sarcopenia deve ser avaliada em todos os pacientes com DPOC, visto que esta não é uma doença limitada aos pulmões, mas sim uma doença sistêmica.

Educational level and its Association with the domains of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Test.

Objective: To explore the association between educational level and the scores obtained in each of the domains of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment test. Methods: This is a secondary analysis of the SABE/2012 Bogotá survey; a cross-sectional study including 2000 subjects aged ≥60years. The MoCA test was the dependent variable and was stratified by cognitive domains, incorrect answers and scores were considered. Educational level was assessed through years of formal education. Age, sex and selected medical conditions were also included to adjust the multivariate models. Bivariate analyses, fitted logistic and linear regression models were employed for analyzing association between these variables. Results: The proportion of incorrect answers increased as schooling years decreased and as age increased. In the multivariate analysis, visuospatial and executive function were the most affected domains. Educational level displayed less influence than age on short memory-recall task (standardized beta 0.19 vs -0.24). Educational level showed a greater influence than age on no-memory tasks (the sum of all other domains; standardized beta 0.50 vs -0.29). Conclusions: It seems logical to consider that performance in most domains of the MoCA is influenced by years of education. Therefore, low scores on these tasks could lead to low total MoCA scores and thus to bias and over diagnosis of cognitive impairment in patients with lower educational levels. Memory-recall domain is not affected much by education and applying it separately could be useful in patients with low educational level in whom we suspect memory impairment.