Cracks that Let the Light in: Collective Reflections on Integrating Lived Experience of Psychosis in Research and Policy in the Context of a Global Commission.

Within psychiatric research fields, there has been a marked uptick of interest in service user involvement in recent years. Nevertheless, it is often unclear how robust or impactful common forms of inclusion are, and the extent to which they have included individuals with psychosis. Using collective auto-ethnography, this paper describes the experiences of 8 academic and non-academic members of the 'lived experience' and participatory research workgroup of a global psychosis Commission and our navigation of power and power hierarchies, differences in background and training, and multiple vectors of identity, diversity, and privilege. We conclude that the realities of "involvement" are much messier, more fraught, and less intrinsically empowering than often signaled in calls for involvement and co-production. We nevertheless stress the power of collective dialogue and support-between and among a pluralistic group-and of honesty and transparency about challenges, barriers, and the colonial underpinnings and geopolitics of global mental health.

Conjunctival melanoma treatment outcomes in 288 patients: a multicentre international data-sharing study.

BACKGROUND: To relate conjunctival melanoma characteristics to local control. METHODS: Retrospective, registry-based interventional study with data gathered from 10 ophthalmic oncology centres from 9 countries on 4 continents. Conjunctival melanoma patients diagnosed between January 2001 and December 2013 were enrolled in the study. Primary treatments included local excision, excision with cryotherapy and exenteration. Adjuvant treatments included topical chemotherapy, brachytherapy, proton and external beam radiotherapy (EBRT). Cumulative 5-year and 10-year Kaplan-Meier local recurrence rates were related to clinical and pathological T-categories of the eighth edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system. RESULTS: 288 patients had a mean initial age of 59.7±16.8 years. Clinical T-categories (cT) were cT1 (n=218,75.7%), cT2 (n=34, 11.8%), cT3 (n=15, 5.2%), cTx (n=21,7.3%) with no cT4. Primary treatment included local excision (n=161/288, 55.9%) followed by excision biopsy with cryotherapy (n=108/288, 37.5%) and exenteration (n=5/288, 1.7%). Adjuvant therapies included topical mitomycin (n=107/288, 37.1%), plaque-brachytherapy (n=55/288, 19.1%), proton-beam (n=36/288, 13.5%), topical interferon (n=20/288, 6.9%) and EBRT (n=15/288, 5.2%). Secondary exenteration was performed (n=11/283, 3.9%). Local recurrence was noted in 19.1% (median=3.6 years). Cumulative local recurrence was 5.4% (3.2-8.9%), 19.3% (14.4-25.5%) and 36.9% (26.5-49.9%) at 1, 5 and 10 years, respectively. cT3 and cT2 tumors were twice as likely to recur than cT1 tumours, but only cT3 had statistically significantly greater risk of local recurrence than T1 (p=0.013). Factors such as tumour ulceration, plica or caruncle involvement and tumour thickness were not significantly associated with an increased risk of local recurrence. CONCLUSION: This multicentre international study showed that eighth edition of AJCC tumour staging was related to the risk of local recurrence of conjunctival melanoma after treatment. The 10-year cumulative local recurrence remains high despite current management.

Crisis Response as a Human Rights Flashpoint: Critical Elements of Community Support for Individuals Experiencing Significant Emotional Distress.

This paper proposes a set of nine critical elements underpinned by human rights principles to support individuals experiencing a serious crisis related to mental health problems or psychosocial disabilities. These elements are distilled from a range of viable alternatives to traditional community mental health approaches and are linked to a normative human rights framework. We argue that crisis response is one of the areas of mental health care where there is a heightened risk that the rights of service recipients may be infringed. We further make the case that the nine critical elements found in advanced mental health care models should be used as building blocks for designing services and systems that promote effective rights-based care and supports.

Eficacia y seguridad a largo plazo de la estimulación del nervio vago: Reporte preliminar en pacientes adultos con epilepsia focal fármacorresistente / Efficacy and safety of the long-term Vagus Nerve Stimulation: Preliminary report in adult patients with drug-resistant focal epilepsy

Objetivo: Reportar la experiencia en eficacia y seguridad a largo plazo de la estimulación del nervio vago (ENV), en una serie de pacientes adultos con epilepsia focal fármacorresistente, tratados en un hospital del Seguro Social del Perú. Material y Métodos: Se revisó la base de datos de la Unidad de Epilepsia de Adultos del Hospital Nacional Edgardo Rebagliati, de junio 2016 a junio 2019, a efecto de identificar pacientes a quienes se había implantados el estimulador. Se registraron las características clínicas y de manejo de la epilepsia (i.e., frecuencia de las crisis y regímenes de antiepilépticos (DAE), previas al implante, a los 3 y 6 meses del mismo y al final del periodo de seguimiento. Igualmente, el cambio porcentual promedio en la frecuencia de crisis en cada periodo, analizándose las tasas de respuesta ≥ 50%, ≥75% y los cambios en DAE, así como los efectos adversos al final del periodo de seguimiento. Resultados: Cinco pacientes con epilepsia multifocal fármacorresistente recibieron implante de ENV por no ser candidatos a cirugía resectiva de epilepsia. La edad promedio fue de 20,6 años, el promedio de duración del seguimiento fue de 21 meses y el promedio porcentual en la reducción de frecuencia de las crisis a los 3 meses, 6 meses y al final del seguimiento (21 meses) fue de 24%, 45% y 69%, respectivamente. Las tasa de respuesta ≥ 50% y ≥ 75%, fueron 80% y 40%. Se evidenció una reducción parcial de DAE en solo 1 paciente. El principal efecto adverso fue la ronquera. Conclusiones: La experiencia con ENV, reportada por primera vez en el Perú, demuestra su eficacia como terapia paliativa y un buen perfil de seguridad en adultos con epilepsia multifocal fármacorresistente. La eficacia es significativamente mayor con la estimulación sostenida a largo plazo.

Objective: To report the efficacy and long-term safety of the Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS), in a series of adult patients with drug-resistant focal epilepsy, treated in a hospital of Peru’s Social Security System. Methods: Data of the Adult Epilepsy Unit at Edgardo Rebagliati National Hospital, from June 2016 to June 2019, were reviewed in order to identify patients who had been implanted with VNS. Frequency of seizures and antiepileptic drugs (AED), prior to implantation with VNS, at 3 and 6 months, and at the end of the follow-up period were recorded, as were the average percentage change in the frequency of seizures, response rates of ≥ 50%, ≥75%, and changes in AED and adverse effects. Results: Five patients with drug-resistant multifocal epilepsy who were implanted with VNS for not being candidates to resective epilepsy surgery were identified. The average age was 20.6 years old. The average duration of follow-up from the implant was 21 months and the average percentage in the reduction of the seizure frequency at 3, and 6 months, and at the end of the follow-up period (21 months), was 24%, 45% and 69%, respectively. The response rates of ≥ 50% and ≥ 75% were 80% and 40%. There was a partial reduction of AED in only 1 patient. The main adverse effect was hoarseness. Conclusions: The experience with VNS, reported for the first time in Peru, demonstrates its efficacy as palliative therapy, and good safety profile in adults with drug-resistant multifocal epilepsy. The effectiveness is significantly higher with sustained long-term stimulation.

Multicenter, International Assessment of the Eighth Edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer Cancer Staging Manual for Conjunctival Melanoma.

IMPORTANCE: Eye cancer staging systems used for standardizing patient care and research need to be validated. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy of the eighth edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) Cancer Staging Manual in estimating metastatis and mortality rates of conjunctival melanoma. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This international, multicenter, registry-based case series pooled data from 10 ophthalmic oncology centers from 9 countries on 4 continents. A total of 288 patients diagnosed with conjunctival melanoma from January 1, 2001, to December 31, 2013, were studied. Data analysis was performed from July 7, 2018, to September 11, 2018. INTERVENTIONS: Treatments included excision biopsy, cryotherapy, topical chemotherapy, radiation therapy, enucleation, and exenteration. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Metastasis rates and 5-year and 10-year Kaplan-Meier mortality rates according to the clinical T categories and subcategories of the eighth edition of the AJCC Cancer Staging Manual. RESULTS: A total of 288 eyes from 288 patients (mean [SD] age, 59.7 [16.8] years; 147 [51.0%] male) with conjunctival melanoma were studied. Clinical primary tumors (cT) were staged at presentation as cT1 in 218 patients (75.7%), cT2 in 34 (11.8%), cT3 in 15 (5.2%), and cTx in 21 (7.3%). There were no T4 tumors. Pathological T categories (pT) were pTis in 43 patients (14.9%), pT1 in 169 (58.7%), pT2 in 33 (11.5%), pT3 in 12 (4.2%), and pTx in 31 (10.8%). Metastasis at presentation was seen in 5 patients (1.7%). Metastasis during follow-up developed in 24 patients (8.5%) after a median time of 4.3 years (interquartile range, 2.9-6.0 years). Of the 288 patients, 29 died (melanoma-related mortality, 10.1%) at a median time of 5.3 years (interquartile range, 1.8-7.0 years). The cumulative rates of mortality among patients with cT1 tumors were 0% at 1 year, 2.5% (95% CI, 0.7%-7.7%) at 5 years, and 15.2% (95% CI, 8.1%-27.4%) at 10 years of follow-up; among patients with cT2 tumors, 0% at 1 year, 28.6% (95% CI, 12.9%-58.4%) at 5 years, and 43.6% (95% CI, 19.6%-77.9%) at 10 years of follow-up; and among patients with cT3 tumors, 21.1% (95% CI, 8.1%-52.7%) at 1 year of follow-up and 31.6% (95% CI, 13.5%-64.9%) at 5 years of follow-up. Patients with cT2 and cT3 tumors had a significantly higher cumulative mortality rate compared with those presenting with cT1 tumors (log-rank P < .001). Patients with ulcerated melanomas had significantly higher risk of mortality (hazard ratio, 7.58; 95% CI, 1.02-56.32; P = .04). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: This multicenter, international, collaborative study yielded evidence that the conjunctival melanoma staging system in the eighth edition of the AJCC Cancer Staging Manual can be used to accurately estimate metastasis and mortality rates. These findings appear to support the use of AJCC staging as a tool for patient care and research.

Psicosis postictal con delusiones de contenido religioso: reporte de caso / Postictal psychosis with religious delusions: a case report

Desde la antigüedad se han descrito manifestaciones de religiosidad peri-ictal en epilepsia. Es frecuente la psicopatología asociada a epilepsia; entre otras manifestaciones, la psicosis asociada a epilepsia ha sido reportada aunque con menor frecuencia que la depresión y la ansiedad; en especial la psicosis postictal. El uso del monitoreo prolongado con Video- EEG en los últimos años ha permitido estudiar mejor estas manifestaciones. Presentamos un caso de epilepsia del lóbulo temporal farmacorresistente, con un episodio de psicosis postictal caracterizado por delusiones de contenido religioso. Se realizó un estudio detallado que incluyó resonancia de encéfalo y Video-EEG prolongado; revisamos la literatura y los mecanismos fisiopatogénicos propuestos para este fenómeno postictal.

Peri-ictal religious manifestations in epilepsy have been described since ancestral times. Psychopathology associated with epilepsy is frequent; among other manifestations, the psychosis associated with epilepsy has been reported, although less frequently than depression and anxiety; especially postictal psychosis. In recent years the use of prolonged monitoring with Video-EEG has allowed us to better study these manifestations. We present a case of drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy, with an episode of postictal psychosis characterized by religious delusions. A detailed study was performed that included brain imaging and prolonged Video-EEG. We review the literature and physiopathogenic mechanisms proposed for this postictal phenomenon.

Targeting neurons in the gastrointestinal tract to treat Parkinson's disease.

BACKGROUND: Parkinson's disease (PD) is associated with α-synuclein (αS) aggregation within the enteric nervous system (ENS) and constipation. Squalamine displaces proteins that are electrostatically bound to intracellular membranes and through this mechanism suppresses aggregation of αS monomers into neurotoxic oligomers. OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate the safety of ENT-01 oral tablets (a synthetic squalamine salt), its pharmacokinetics, and its effect on bowel function in PD patients with constipation. METHODS: In Stage 1, 10 patients received escalating single doses from 25 to 200 mg/day or maximum tolerated dose (MTD). In Stage 2, 34 patients received daily doses escalating from 75 to a maximum of 250 mg/day, a dose that induced change in bowel function or MTD, followed by a fixed dose for 7 days, and a 2-week washout. Primary efficacy endpoint was defined as an increase of 1 complete spontaneous bowel movement (CSBM)/week, or 3 CSBM/week over the baseline period, as defined by FDA guidelines for prokinetic agents. Safety was also assessed. RESULTS: Over 80% of patients achieved the primary efficacy endpoint, with the mean number of CSBM/week increasing from 1.2 at baseline to 3.6 during fixed dosing (p = 1.2 × 10-7). Common adverse events included nausea in 21/44 (47%) and diarrhea in 18/44 (40%) patients. Systemic absorption was <0.3%. CONCLUSIONS: Orally administered ENT-01 was safe and significantly improved bowel function in PD, suggesting that the ENS is not irreversibly damaged in PD. Minimal systemic absorption suggests that improvements result from local stimulation of the ENS. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study is now ongoing.

El infrecuente signo de la cruz en epilepsia del lóbulo temporal: reporte de caso documentado con video-EEG / The infrequent sign of the Cross in temporal lobe epilepsy: case report documented with video-EEG

Las manifestaciones de religiosidad en epilepsia han sido descritas empíricamente desde la antigüedad. En los últimos 60 años con el uso del EEG y luego con la ayuda del Video-EEG se han estudiado mejor estas manifestaciones, en especial en su presentación peri-ictal. El signo de la cruz es un automatismo epiléptico muy infrecuente, con escasos reportes desde el 2009. Presentamos un caso de epilepsia del lóbulo temporal con este automatismo, con estudio detallado que incluyó el registro de la semiología por Video-EEG. Revisamos la literatura con el objetivo de entender los mecanismos fisiopatogénicos propuestos y conocer el valor localizador y/o lateralizador de este signo.

Religious manifestations in epilepsy have been described empirically since ancestral times. In the last 60 years with the use of the EEG and then with the help of the Video-EEG, these manifestations have been studied better, especially in their peri-ictal presentation. The Sign of the Cross is a very infrequent epileptic automatism, with few reports since 2009. We present a case of temporal lobe epilepsy with this automatism, with a detailed study that included the video-EEG recording of semiology. We review the literature with the objective of understanding the physiopathogenic mechanisms and know the localizing and / or lateralizing value of this sign.

Monitoreo prolongado con video-EEG en pacientes hospitalizados: primer reporte de eficacia y seguridad en el Perú / Inpatient long term video-EEG monitoring: first report of efficacy and safety in Peru

Objetivos: Determinar la utilidad diagnóstica y las complicaciones del monitoreo prolongado con video-EEG de superficie en pacientes hospitalizados en la Unidad de Epilepsia del Departamento de Neurología del Hospital Rebagliati. Material y Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo que evaluó la eficacia diagnóstica y las complicaciones en pacientes hospitalizados para monitoreo prolongado con Video-EEG. Se incluyó a los pacientes ingresados a La Unidad de Monitoreo de Video-EEG de noviembre de 2016 a octubre 2017. Se extrajo la información de la base de datos de La Unidad de Epilepsia. Resultados: De 55 pacientes (29 varones), con edad promedio de 25 años; 36 (65,5%) se realizaron el estudio para identificación de la zona epileptógena y/o clasificación del síndrome epiléptico y 17 (31%) para diagnóstico de los eventos paroxismales. La duración promedio del monitoreo fue de 55 horas. El número promedio de eventos por paciente fue de 5. En el 78%, el resultado del Video-EGG fue decisivo o generó un cambio en el planteamiento de manejo. Veintiún pacientes (38,2%) fueron definidos como candidatos a cirugía resectiva de epilepsia, 3 (5,5%) para callosotomía y 4 (7,3%) para estimulación del nervio vago. Se diagnosticó crisis no epilépticas psicógenas (CNEP) en 8 pacientes (14,5%) y se diagnosticó CNEP coexistentes con crisis epilépticas en 4 pacientes (7,3%). Las complicaciones fueron infrecuentes y reversibles, sin presentarse mortalidad. Conclusiones: El monitoreo prolongado con Video-EEG en pacientes hospitalizados es seguro y eficaz en el Seguro Social del Perú; si se realiza en una unidad de monitoreo con estándares internacionales mínimos.

Objectives: To determine the diagnostic utility and complications of inpatient long term surface video-EEG monitoring in Rebagliati Hospital Epilepsy Unit. Material and Methods: Descriptive and retrospective study that evaluated the diagnostic efficacy and complications of inpatient long term surface video-EEG monitoring. The patients admitted to the Video-EEG Monitoring Unit from November 2016 to October 2017 were included. The information was extracted from The Epilepsy Unit database. Results: Out of 55 patients (29 men), with median age of 25 years; 36 (65.5%) were admitted to identify the epileptogenic zone and / or classification of epileptic syndrome and 17 (31%) to diagnose the paroxysmal events. The median duration of video-EEG monitoring was 55 hours. The median number of events per patient was 5. In 78%, the result of the Video-EGG was decisive or generated a change in the management approach. Twenty-one patients (38.2%) were defined as candidates for respective epilepsy surgery, 3 (5.5%) for callosotomy and 4 (7.3%) for vagus nerve stimulation. Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) were diagnosed in 8 patients (14.5%); and PNES coexisting with epileptic seizures in 4 patients (7.3%). Complications were infrequent and reversible, without mortality. Conclusions: Inpatient long term surface video-EEG monitoring is safe and effective in The Social Security of Peru; if it is done with minimum international standards.

Cirugía resectiva de epilepsia lesional focal: Estudio en pacientes adultos del Seguro Social del Perú / Resective surgery in lesional focal epilepsy: A study in adult patients of Social Security in Peru

Objetivos: Reportar la experiencia en cirugía resectiva en una serie de pacientes adultos con epilepsia focal lesional tratados en un hospital del Seguro Social del Perú. Material y Métodos: Se revisó la información registrada en la Unidad de Epilepsia de Adultos del Hospital Rebagliati, en Lima, desde enero del 2012 hasta octubre del 2016, sobre características clínicas, electrográficas, de neuroimagen y quirúrgicas de todos los pacientes con epilepsia focal lesional farmacorresistente, en los cuales se efectuó cirugía resectiva de epilepsia. La eficacia del procedimiento fue valorada mediante la Escala de Engel. Resultados: Se describen los resultados de cinco pacientes,proveyéndose información pertinente respecto a historia de la enfermedad, diagnósticos precisos, procedimientos quirúrgicos, seguimiento y complicaciones neurológicas y psiquiátricas. Conclusiones: La cirugía de epilepsia resectiva, basada en un trabajo multidisciplinario es reportada por primera vez en esta pequeña serie, demuestra ser eficaz y segura en adultos con epilepsia refractaria tratados en el Seguro Social del Perú.

Objectives:To report the experience of resective surgery in a series of adult patients with lesional focal epilepsy seen in a hospital of Peru's Social Security system. Material and Methods: Data of the Adult Epilepsy Unit at Rebagliati Hospital in Lima, from January 2012 to October 2016 were reviewed. Information was obtained about clinical, electrographic, neuroimaging and surgical procedures of all patients with refractory lesional focal epilepsy, in whom resective epilepsy surgery was performed. Efficacy was evaluated using the Engel scale. Results: Analytic data of five patients with pertinent details regarding clinical history, diagnostic work-up, surgical procedures, follow-up and neurological and psychiatric complications, are presented and discussed. Conclusions: Resective epilepsy surgery, based on a multidisciplinary work and reported in this small first sample appears to be effective and safe in adults with refractory epilepsy seen in a Social Security facility from Peru.

Inclusion of persons with disabilities in systems of social protection: a population-based survey and case-control study in Peru.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the needs of people with disabilities and their level of inclusion in social protection programmes. DESIGN: Population based-survey with a nested case-control study. SETTING: Morropon, a semiurban district located in Piura, northern Peru. PARTICIPANTS: For the population survey, a two-stage sampling method was undertaken using data from the most updated census available and information of each household member aged ≥5 years was collected. In the nested case-control study, only one participant, case or control, per household was included in the study. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Disability was screened using the Washington Group short questionnaire. A case, defined as an individual aged ≥5 years with disabilities, was matched with one control without disabilities by sex and age (±5 years). Information was collected on socioeconomic status, education, health and rehabilitation and social protection participation. RESULTS: The survey included 3684 participants, 1848 (50.1%) females, mean age: 36.4 (SD: 21.7). A total of 290 participants (7.9%; 95% CI 7.0% to 8.7%) were classified as having disability. Adults with disabilities were more likely to be single (OR=3.40; 95% CI 1.54 to 7.51) and not to be working (OR=4.36; 95% CI 2.26 to 8.40), while those who did work were less likely to receive the national minimum wage (ie, 750 PEN or about US$265; p=0.007). People with disabilities were more likely to experience health problems. There was no difference between those enrolled in any social protection programme among participants with and without disabilities. CONCLUSIONS: People with disabilities were found to have higher needs for social protection, but were not more likely to be enrolled in social protection programmes. The Peruvian social protection system should consider adding disability status to selection criteria in their cash transfer programmes as well as implementing disability-specific interventions.

Gastrointestinal Tolerability of Delayed-Release Dimethyl Fumarate in a Multicenter, Open-Label Study of Patients with Relapsing Forms of Multiple Sclerosis (MANAGE).

BACKGROUND: In phase 3 trials, delayed-release dimethyl fumarate (DMF; also known as gastroresistant DMF) demonstrated efficacy in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS). Gastrointestinal (GI) events were associated with DMF treatment. The single-arm, open-label MANAGE study examined the incidence, severity, duration, and management of GI events in adults with relapsing MS initiating DMF treatment in clinical practice in the United States shortly after marketing approval. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients (N = 233) took DMF for up to 12 weeks and recorded information regarding GI events using an eDiary and numerical rating scales. RESULTS: Overall, 54.1% of patients used symptomatic therapy and had GI symptoms. The incidence of GI events was highest in the first month of treatment. The duration of GI events varied by event type, and severity was generally mild to moderate. Decreased severity was seen in patients treated with antacids, bismuth subsalicylate, acid-secretion blockers, antidiarrheals, and antiemetics. Less than 10% of patients were using symptomatic therapy for GI events by week 12 of DMF treatment. A modest reduction in severe GI events was observed in patients who regularly took DMF with food compared with patients who did not. The incidence of GI-related events was comparable in patients with or without a history of GI abnormalities and in patients who did or did not use alcohol or tobacco. CONCLUSIONS: Gastrointestinal events associated with DMF are generally transient, mild to moderate in severity, and manageable. Symptomatic therapy and dosing with food may mitigate these events.

Disability, caregiver's dependency and patterns of access to rehabilitation care: results from a national representative study in Peru.

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of disability in Peru, explore dependency on caregiver's assistance and assess access to rehabilitation care. METHOD: Data from Disability National Survey (ENEDIS), including urban and rural areas, were analyzed. Disability was defined as a permanent limitation on movement, vision, communication, hearing, learning/remembering or social relationships. Dependency was defined as the self-reported need for a caregiver to help with daily activities; and access to rehabilitation care was defined as the self-report of any therapy for disabilities. Estimates and projections were calculated using sample strata, primary sampling units and population weights, and prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95%CI were reported. RESULTS: From 798,308 people screened, 37,524 (5.1%; 95%CI 4.9--5.2%) had at least one disability. A total of 37,117 were included in further analysis, mean age 57.8 (SD ± 24.1) years, 52.1% women. Dependency was self-reported by 14,980 (40.5%; 95%CI: 39.2-41.9%) individuals with disabilities. A family member, usually female, was identified as a caregiver in 94.3% (95%CI: 93.3-95.3%) of dependent participants. Only 2881 (10.7%; 95%CI: 9.7-11.9%) of people with disabilities reported access to rehabilitation care. Major inequality patterns of disability burden versus access to rehabilitation care were observed by age and education level. Older age groups had higher disability burden yet lower chances of access to rehabilitation care. Conversely, the higher the education level, the lesser the overall disability burden but also the higher chances of reporting receiving care. Private healthcare insurance doubled the probability of having access to rehabilitation compared with those without insurance. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately 1.6 million Peruvians have at least one disability, and 40% of them require assistance with daily activities. Informal caregiving, likely female and relative-provided, is highly common. Rehabilitation care access is low and inequitable. Our results signal a major need to implement strategies to guarantee the highest standard of health care for people with disabilities. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: Major inequality patterns in terms of burden of disability versus access to rehabilitation care were observed: those groups who concentrate more disability reported receiving less rehabilitation care. Caregiving is mostly informal and provided by a direct relative, mainly a woman, who resigned to their usual activities in order to help care for the person with disability. As a result, there is a need to develop appropriate support and training for caregivers. Access to care services in Peru is low and inequitable, but especially for people with disabilities: they experience greater barriers when accessing healthcare services even in the case of having health insurance.

Clinical research training of Peruvian neurologists: a baseline assessment.

In Peru, despite a strong clinical research infrastructure in Lima, and Masters degree programs in epidemiology at three universities, few neurologists participate in clinical research. It was our objective to identify perceived needs and opportunities for increasing clinical research capacity and training opportunities for Peruvian neurologists. We conducted a descriptive, cross-sectional survey of Peruvian neurologists in Lima and Arequipa, Peru. Forty-eight neurologists completed written surveys and oral interviews. All neurologists reported interest in clinical research, but noted that lack of time and financial resources limited their ability to participate. Although most neurologists had received some training in epidemiology and research design as medical students or residents, the majority felt these topics were not adequately covered. Neurologists in Arequipa noted international funding for clinical research was uncommon outside the capital city of Lima. We concluded that clinical research is important to Peruvian neurologists. The three main barriers to increased participation in clinical research identified by neurologists were insufficient training in clinical research methodology, meager funding opportunities, and lack of dedicated time to participate in clinical research. Distance learning holds promise as a method for providing additional training in clinical research methodology, especially for neurologists who may have difficulty traveling to larger cities for additional training.

Relationship of symptoms to cardiac arrhythmias during 24 hours continuous ambulatory electrocardiography

A relaçäo entre os sintomas e as arritmias que ocorrem durante monitoragem eletrocardiográfica ambulatorial contínua de 24 horas foi avaliada em 1558 pacientes, sendo 790 do sexo masculino e 768 do feminino, com idades entre 13 e 68 anos (média 56,7 anos). Arritmias ventriculares foram registradas em 886 pacientes (57%) e supraventriculares em 414 deles (26,6%). Durante o período de registro, apenas 507 pacientes (32,5%) referiram sintomas correlacionados com a disritmia. A incidência de sintomas naqueles com ou sem arritmias näo era estatisticamente diferente. Apenas 16,6% dos pacientes sintomáticos (84 de 507) apresentaram sintomas simultaneamente à arritmia; os pacientes com arritmias de pouca importância tiveram uma incidência menor de sintomas que aqueles com disritmias mais relevantes (p < 0,001). Também 188 pacientes apresentaram sintomas durante ritmo normal, cujas causas näo eram arritmias cardíacas. As mulheres queixaram de mais sintomas, sejam eles arritmias ou näo (p < 0,001). Assim, verificamos uma correlaçäo baixa entre sintomas e arritmias na nossa casuística. Este fato deve ser lembrado quando lidamos com pacientes com tendência e arritmias complexas, onde a avaliaçäo adequada de sua doença de base poderia auxiliar na opçäo do tratamento apropriado