Political and socioeconomic factors that shaped health taxes implementation in Peru.

BACKGROUND: In 2016 and 2018, the Peruvian Ministry of Economy and Finance (MoEF) significantly reformulated taxes on tobacco products, alcohol and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs). During these processes, different actors advanced arguments supporting or opposing the taxes. This study examines Peru's political and socioeconomic factors, the role of other actors and framing strategies, shaping health taxes introduction. METHODS: We conducted qualitative analysis by collecting information from three sources, such as: (1) media material (n=343 documents), (2) government documents (n=34) and (3) semistructured interviews (n=11). That data allowed us to identify and characterise the actors involved in implementing health taxes in Peru. We combined the data from these sources, synthesised our findings and conducted a stakeholder analysis. RESULTS: Key actors supporting taxes were the MoEF and civil society organisations, while trade associations and the alcohol, SSBs and tobacco industries opposed them using economic, trade-related arguments and criticised the policy process. The supporting group used arguments related to the economy and health to legitimate its narrative. The framing strategies employed by these stakeholders shaped and determined the outcome of the policy process. CONCLUSION: Peruvian stakeholders against health taxes demonstrated a strong capacity to convey their messages to the media and high-level policy-makers. Despite these efforts, attempts to interfere with health taxes were unsuccessful in 2016 and 2018 and failed to overcome state institutions, particularly the MoEF. Strong institutions and individual decision-makers in Peru also contributed to the successful implementation of health taxes in Peru in 2016 and 2018.

Labeling of Genetically Modified (GM) Foods in Peru: Current Dogma and Insights of the Regulatory and Legal Statutes.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected and afflicted human lives and been a transformative catalyst leading to closure of many companies, disrupting mental health, and reducing access to food and exacerbating food insecurity. This presents an opportunity to reflect on and examine genetically modified (GM) foods and their effective legislative regulation for the benefit of consumers. This review presents a detailed analysis of GM foods' regulation in Peru and the analysis of certain specific cases that show the need for greater regulation of the industry.

Managing antibiotics wisely in a neonatal intensive care unit in a low resource setting.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Unnecessary early antibiotic exposure is deleterious, it may induce the selection of multi-drug-resistant organisms. The objective of this project was to decrease antibiotic exposure of newborns admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit at Hospital Cayetano Heredia, a level 3 unit in Lima, Peru. METHODS: Quality improvement project in which we implemented an antibiotic stewardship program for early onset sepsis in the neonatal intensive care unit. Primary outcome measure was antibiotic usage rate, total number of days infants were exposed to antibacterial agents divided by 1000 patient-days. RESULTS: Antibiotic usage rate declined from 291/1000 patient-days to 82/1000 patient-days during the last months of 2020, representing a total decrease of 65.1%. CONCLUSIONS: Antibiotic stewardship for early-onset sepsis implemented in a perinatal center like ours is effective, appears to be safe and results in a sustained and significant decrease in the use of antibiotics for early-onset sepsis.

[Nutrient profile of food products exempted from the application of front-ofpackage warnings during the first stage of the Healthy Eating Law in Peru: case studyPerfil nutricional de produtos alimentícios isentos da aplicação de advertências na parte frontal da embalagem durante a primeira etapa da Lei de Alimentação Saudável no Peru: estudo de caso]. / Perfil de nutrientes de productos alimentarios eximidos de la aplicación de advertencias en el frente del envase durante la primera etapa de la Ley de alimentación saludable en Perú: estudio de caso.

OBJECTIVE: Identify the nutritional profile of food products exempted from presenting one or more front-ofpackage nutritional warnings during the first stage of Law 30,021 on the Promotion of Healthy Eating for Children and Adolescents in Peru. METHODS: Data were collected on 188 products from points of sale in the city of Lima. The convenience sample included products that until September 17, 2021 were exempted by the legislation from presenting any of the warning labels for sugar, sodium, or saturated fats. An assessment was made of the proportion of products that would be required to apply one or more warning labels when the second stage of the legislation takes effect. It was also calculated how many products exempted from the application of warning labels contain excess sugar, sodium, or saturated fats, according to the criteria of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). RESULTS: 76.1% of the products exceeded at least one of the thresholds for sugar, sodium, or saturated fats that entered in force in September 2021. The proportion of products that the law exempts from warnings and that contain excess sugar, sodium, or saturated fats according to PAHO will be 4.2, 3.4, and 2.3 times lower, respectively, in the second stage. CONCLUSION: During the first stage of the law's entry into force, 58%, 42%, and 28.2% of the products exempted from the presentation of warning labels contained excess sugar, saturated fats, or sodium, respectively, according to PAHO.

OBJETIVO: Identificar o perfil nutricional de produtos alimentícios isentos da aplicação de um ou mais selos de advertência nutricional na parte frontal da embalagem durante a primeira etapa de vigência da Lei 30021 de Promoção da Alimentação Saudável para Crianças e Adolescentes do Peru. MÉTODOS: Foram coletados dados de 188 produtos em pontos de venda da cidade de Lima. A amostra por conveniência incluiu produtos que, até 17 de setembro de 2021, estavam isentos, pela legislação, de apresentar quaisquer advertências para açúcar, sódio ou gorduras saturadas. Foi avaliada a proporção de produtos que seriam obrigados a apresentar um ou mais selos de advertência quando a segunda etapa da legislação entrasse em vigor. Verificou-se quantos produtos isentos da apresentação de advertências, pela legislação, contêm excesso de açúcar, sódio ou gorduras saturadas, segundo os critérios da Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde (OPAS). RESULTADOS: 76,1% dos produtos ultrapassaram pelo menos um dos limiares para açúcar, sódio ou gorduras saturadas vigentes a partir de setembro de 2021. A proporção de produtos isentos de apresentar advertências, pela legislação, e que contêm excesso de açúcar, sódio ou gorduras saturadas, segundo a OPAS, será 4,2, 3,4 e 2,3 vezes menor, respectivamente, a partir da segunda etapa. CONCLUSÃO: Durante a primeira etapa de vigência da lei, 58%, 42% e 28,2% dos produtos isentos da apresentação de advertências continham excesso de açúcar, gorduras saturadas ou sódio, respectivamente, segundo a OPAS.

Perfil de nutrientes de productos alimentarios eximidos de la aplicación de advertencias en el frente del envase durante la primera etapa de la Ley de alimentación saludable en Perú: estudio de caso

[RESUMEN]. Objetivo. Identificar el perfil nutricional de productos alimentarios eximidos de presentar uno o más sellos de advertencia nutricional en el frente del envase durante la primera etapa de vigencia de la Ley 30021 de Promoción de la Alimentación Saludable para Niños, Niñas y Adolescentes de Perú. Métodos. Se recolectaron datos de 188 productos desde puntos de venta de la ciudad de Lima. La muestra por conveniencia incluyó productos que hasta el 17 de septiembre de 2021 estaban eximidos por la legislación de presentar alguna de las advertencias para el azúcar, el sodio o las grasas saturadas. Se evaluó la proporción de productos que estarían obligados a aplicar uno o más sellos de advertencia a partir de la entrada en vigencia de la segunda etapa de la legislación. Se verificó cuántos productos eximidos de la aplicación de advertencias por la legislación contienen exceso de azúcar, sodio o grasas saturadas según los criterios de la Organización Panamericana de la Salud (OPS). Resultados. El 76,1% de los productos superaba al menos uno de los umbrales para el azúcar, el sodio o las grasas saturadas vigentes a partir de septiembre de 2021. La proporción de productos eximidos de presentar advertencias por la legislación y que contienen exceso de azúcar, sodio o grasas saturadas según la OPS será 4,2, 3,4 y 2,3 veces menor, respectivamente, a partir de la segunda etapa. Conclusión. Durante la primera etapa de vigencia de la ley, 58%, 42% y 28,2% de los productos eximidos de la presentación de advertencias contenían exceso de azúcar, grasas saturadas o sodio, respectivamente, según la OPS.

[ABSTRACT]. Objective. Identify the nutritional profile of food products exempted from presenting one or more front-of-package nutritional warnings during the first stage of Law 30,021 on the Promotion of Healthy Eating for Children and Adolescents in Peru. Methods. Data were collected on 188 products from points of sale in the city of Lima. The convenience sample included products that until September 17, 2021 were exempted by the legislation from presenting any of the warning labels for sugar, sodium, or saturated fats. An assessment was made of the proportion of products that would be required to apply one or more warning labels when the second stage of the legislation takes effect. It was also calculated how many products exempted from the application of warning labels contain excess sugar, sodium, or saturated fats, according to the criteria of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). Results. 76.1% of the products exceeded at least one of the thresholds for sugar, sodium, or saturated fats that entered in force in September 2021. The proportion of products that the law exempts from warnings and that contain excess sugar, sodium, or saturated fats according to PAHO will be 4.2, 3.4, and 2.3 times lower, respectively, in the second stage. Conclusion: During the first stage of the law's entry into force, 58%, 42%, and 28.2% of the products exempted from the presentation of warning labels contained excess sugar, saturated fats, or sodium, respectively, according to PAHO.

[RESUMO]. Objetivo. Identificar o perfil nutricional de produtos alimentícios isentos da aplicação de um ou mais selos de advertência nutricional na parte frontal da embalagem durante a primeira etapa de vigência da Lei 30021 de Promoção da Alimentação Saudável para Crianças e Adolescentes do Peru. Métodos. Foram coletados dados de 188 produtos em pontos de venda da cidade de Lima. A amostra por conveniência incluiu produtos que, até 17 de setembro de 2021, estavam isentos, pela legislação, de apresentar quaisquer advertências para açúcar, sódio ou gorduras saturadas. Foi avaliada a proporção de produtos que seriam obrigados a apresentar um ou mais selos de advertência quando a segunda etapa da legislação entrasse em vigor. Verificou-se quantos produtos isentos da apresentação de advertências, pela legislação, contêm excesso de açúcar, sódio ou gorduras saturadas, segundo os critérios da Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde (OPAS). Resultados. 76,1% dos produtos ultrapassaram pelo menos um dos limiares para açúcar, sódio ou gorduras saturadas vigentes a partir de setembro de 2021. A proporção de produtos isentos de apresentar advertências, pela legislação, e que contêm excesso de açúcar, sódio ou gorduras saturadas, segundo a OPAS, será 4,2, 3,4 e 2,3 vezes menor, respectivamente, a partir da segunda etapa. Conclusão. Durante a primeira etapa de vigência da lei, 58%, 42% e 28,2% dos produtos isentos da apresentação de advertências continham excesso de açúcar, gorduras saturadas ou sódio, respectivamente, segundo a OPAS.

Incidence and microbiological characteristics of neonatal late onset sepsis in a neonatal intensive care unit in Peru.

OBJECTIVES: Our study aimed to determine the incidence of late onset sepsis and the most frequent microorganisms causing it in the neonatal unit at Hospital Cayetano Heredia in Lima, Peru. METHODS: Descriptive and retrospective study. We reviewed all positive blood cultures and cultures of cerebrospinal fluid drawn from inborn patients beyond 72 h of life, admitted to the neonatal unit from January 2015 to December 2019. RESULTS: The incidence of late onset sepsis was 7.4% of admitted patients and 10.04 per 1000 live births. During our study period, 234 episodes of late onset sepsis occurred in 204 patients. The incidence was higher in very low birth weight infants, reaching 36.2% and even higher in extremely low birth weight infants (40.7%). Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus and then Klebsiella spp. were the most frequent causative microorganisms. The most frequent cause of late onset sepsis in very low birth weight infants was gram-negative bacteria (Klebsiella spp., was the most frequent causative microorganism). CONCLUSIONS: Late onset neonatal sepsis is prevalent in our neonatal unit. It is important to know which are the most prevalent causative microorganisms to be able to choose adequate antibiotic coverage and to design strategies to prevent infection.

Factors Associated with Survival and Survival without Major Morbidity in Very Preterm Infants in Two Neonatal Networks: SEN1500 and NEOCOSUR.

INTRODUCTION: Very low-birth weight (VLBW) infants represent a high-risk population for morbidity and mortality in the neonatal period. Variability in practices and outcomes between centers has been acknowledged. Multicenter benchmarking studies are useful to detect areas of improvement and constitute an interesting research tool. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to determine the perinatal variables and interventions associated with survival and survival without major morbidity in VLBW infants and compare the performance of 2 large networks. METHODS: This is a prospective study analyzing data collected in 2 databases, the Spanish SEN1500 and the South American NEOCOSUR networks, from January 2013 to December 2016. Inborn patients, from 240 to 306 weeks of gestational age (GA) were included. Hazard ratios for survival and survival without major morbidity until the first hospital discharge or transfer to another facility were studied by using Cox proportional hazards regression. RESULTS: A total of 10,565 patients, 6,120 (57.9%) from SEN1500 and 4,445 (42.1%) from NEOCOSUR, respectively, were included. In addition to GA, birth weight, small for gestational age (SGA), female sex, and multiple gestation, less invasive resuscitation, and the network of origin were significant independent factors influencing survival (aHR [SEN1500 vs. NEOCOSUR]: 1.20 [95% CI: 1.15-1.26] and survival without major morbidity: 1.34 [95% CI: 1.26-1.43]). Great variability in outcomes between centers was also found within each network. CONCLUSIONS: After adjusting for covariates, GA, birth weight, SGA, female sex, multiple gestation, less invasive resuscitation, and the network of origin showed an independent effect on outcomes. Determining the causes of these differences deserves further study.

Effect of bovine lactoferrin on prevention of late-onset sepsis in infants <1500 g: a pooled analysis of individual patient data from two randomized controlled trials.

We previously conducted two randomized controlled trials with bovine lactoferrin (bLF) for the prevention of late-onset sepsis (LOS) in infants with a birth weight <2500 g (Study 1) and <2000 g (Study 2). The aim of this study was to determine the preventative effects of bLF on culture-proven or probable LOS in infants with a birth weight <1500 g from both studies, and to determine the effect of bLF in relation to intake of human milk. Both trial designs had similar inclusion and exclusion criteria, the same dose of bLF [200 mg·(kg body mass)-1·day-1], and used the same control (maltodextrin). We fitted multivariate Cox regression models to estimate the effect of bLF on the risk of development of the composite outcome, adjusting for covariates. We included 335 neonates with a mean birth weight of 1162 ± 244 g; 27.5% were <1000 g. There were 33 first episodes of LOS in the bLF treatment group and 48 in the control group (19.5% vs. 28.9%). bLF had a protective effect on the risk of development of LOS [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.64; %95 CI = 0.41-0.99; p = 0.048]; particularly among infants weighing <1000 g [HR = 0.46; %95 CI = 0.22-0.96; p = 0.039] and infants with a low intake of human milk [HR = 0.40; %95 CI = 0.19-0.84; p = 0.015]. Therefore, bLF supplementation protects infants <1500 g from LOS, particularly those infants not receiving human milk.

Choque séptico con disfunción multiorgánica en paciente con pericarditis supurada y bacteriemia por Staphylococcus aureus meticilino sensible. Reporte de caso / Septic shock with multi-organ dysfunction in a patient with suppurative pericarditis and bacteraemia due to sensitive methicillin staphylococcus. Case report

RESUMEN Choque séptico con disfunción multiorgánica tiene una tasa de mortalidad mayor de 50%. Se presenta el caso de un varón que cursó con choque séptico con disfunción multiorgánica, secundario a bacteriemia por Staphylococcus aureus meticilino sensible, con foco de partida dérmico - partes blandas, quien presentó lesiones alveolo nodulares, pericarditis supurativa, lesiones embolicas a nivel dérmico, ocular y renal; recibió soporte en la unidad de cuidados intensivos, tratamiento antibiótico con oxacilina más vancomicina, pericardiectomia subtotal y drenaje pleural. Salió de alta estable para continuar tratamiento. Presentamos este caso para destacar la gravedad de la bacteriemia por Staphylococcus aureus meticilino sensible, con compromiso multiorgánico y así poder tomar medidas terapéuticas agresivas para disminuir la morbilidad y mortalidad por el mismo.

SUMMARY Septic Septic shock with multi organ dysfunction is associated with a mortality above 50%. We present here the case of a young male patient who presented with septic shock and multi organ dysfunctions secondary to methicillinsusceptible Staphylococcus aureus from a skin and soft tissue infection presenting with alveolar-nodular pulmonary lesions, purulent pericarditis and septic embolic lesions on the skin, eyes and kidneys. The patient was admitted to the ICU receiving antibiotic coverage with oxacillin and vancomycin, subtotal pericardiectomy and pleural drainage, and was discharged clinically stable. We present this case to draw attention to the severity of S. aureus bacteremia to initiate prompt aggressive therapeutic measures to ameliorate associated morbidity and mortality.

The Peru Approach against the COVID-19 Infodemic: Insights and Strategies.

The COVID-19 epidemic has spawned an "infodemic," with excessive and unfounded information that hinders an appropriate public health response. This perspective describes a selection of COVID-19 fake news that originated in Peru and the government's response to this information. Unlike other countries, Peru was relatively successful in controlling the infodemic possibly because of the implementation of prison sentences for persons who created and shared fake news. We believe that similar actions by other countries in collaboration with social media companies may offer a solution to the infodemic problem.

Trends in Perinatal Practices and Neonatal Outcomes of Very Low Birth Weight Infants during a 16-year Period at NEOCOSUR Centers.

OBJECTIVE: To describe trends in mortality, major morbidity, and perinatal care practices of very low birth weight infants born at NEOCOSUR Neonatal Network centers from January 1, 2001, through December 31, 2016. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from all inborn infants with a birthweight of 500-1500 g and 23-35 weeks of gestation. RESULTS: We examined data for 13 987 very low birth weight infants with a mean birth weight of 1081 ± 281 g and a gestational age of 28.8 ± 2.9 weeks. Overall mortality was 26.8% without significant changes throughout the study period. Decreases in early onset sepsis from 6.3% to 2.8% (P <.001), late onset sepsis from 21.1% to 19.5% (P = .002), retinopathy of prematurity from 21.3% to 13.8% (P <.001), and hydrocephalus from 3.8% to 2.4% (P <.001), were observed. The incidence for bronchopulmonary dysplasia decreased from 17.3% to 16% (P = .043), incidence of severe intraventricular hemorrhage was 10.4%, necrotizing enterocolitis 11.1%, and periventricular leukomalacia 3.8%, and did not change over the study period. Administration of antenatal corticosteroids increased from 70.2% to 82.3% and cesarean delivery from 65.9% to 75.4% (P <.001). The use of conventional mechanical ventilation decreased from 67.7% to 63.9% (P <.001) and continuous positive airway pressure use increased from 41.3% to 64.3% (P <.001). Survival without major morbidity increased from 37.4% to 44.5% over the study period (P <.001). CONCLUSIONS: Progress in perinatal and neonatal care at network centers was associated with an improvement in survival without major morbidity of very low birth weight infants during a 16-year period. However, overall mortality remained unchanged.

Is Mother's Own Milk Lactoferrin Intake Associated with Reduced Neonatal Sepsis, Necrotizing Enterocolitis, and Death?

INTRODUCTION: Lactoferrin (LF) is a protective protein present in milk with anti-infective and immune-modulating properties. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the association of maternal LF intake and mother's own milk intake in the first 10 days of life on the prevention of late-onset sepsis (LOS), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), or death in the first 8 weeks of life in newborns with a birth weight <2,000 g. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted, with the exposure being the consumption of mother's own LF and mother's own milk in the first 10 days of life, and the outcome being LOS, NEC, or death during days 11 and 56 of life, analyzed by Cox regression. RESULTS: Two hundred and ninety-nine infants were enrolled, including 240 with human LF intake information. The average daily human LF intake over days 4-10 of life was 283 mg/kg/day (IQR 114-606 mg/kg/day). The hazard ratio (HR) of mother's own milk LF intake ≥100 mg/kg/day in days 4-10 for LOS, NEC, or death was 0.297 (95% CI 0.156-0.568, p < 0.001); the adjusted HR was 0.752 (95% CI 0.301-1.877, p = 0.541). The adjusted HR of mother's own milk cumulative intake (days 4-10) of 54-344 mL/kg (25-75 quartiles) for LOS, NEC, or death was 0.414 (95% CI 0.196-0.873, p = 0.02). Infants who developed an event (LOS, NEC, or death) had significantly less median daily human LF intake than those that did not (89 vs. 334 mg/kg/day, respectively, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Consumption of higher amounts of mother's own milk in the first days of life is associated with less infection, NEC, and death. Early human milk intake should be strongly encouraged in all newborns.

Randomized Controlled Trial of Bovine Lactoferrin for Prevention of Sepsis and Neurodevelopment Impairment in Infants Weighing Less Than 2000 Grams.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of bovine lactoferrin on prevention of late-onset sepsis (LOS) and neurodevelopment delay. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized, double-blind, controlled trial in neonates with a birth weight of 500-2000 g in 3 neonatal units in Lima, Peru, comparing bovine lactoferrin 200 mg/kg/day with placebo administered for 8 weeks. The primary outcome was the first episode of culture-proven LOS or sepsis-associated death. Neurodevelopment delay was assessed by the Mullen Scales at 24 months corrected age. RESULTS: Of the 414 infants enrolled, 209 received bovine lactoferrin and 205 received placebo. LOS or sepsis-associated death occurred in 22 infants (10.5%) in the bovine lactoferrin group vs 30 (14.6%) in the placebo group; there was no difference after adjusting for hospital and birth weight; hazard ratio 0.73 (95% CI, 0.42-1.26). For infants with birth weights of <1500 g the hazard ratio was 0.69 (95% CI, 0.39-1.25). The mean age-adjusted normalized Mullen composite score at 24 months was 83.3 ± 13.6 in the bovine lactoferrin group vs 82.6 ± 13.1 in the placebo group. Growth outcomes and rehospitalization rates during the 2-year follow-up were similar in both groups, except for significantly less bronchiolitis in the bovine lactoferrin group (rate ratio, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.14-0.86). CONCLUSIONS: Supplementation with bovine lactoferrin did not decrease the incidence of sepsis in infants with birth weights of <2000 g. Growth and neurodevelopment outcomes at 24 months of age were similar. Neonatal bovine lactoferrin supplementation had no adverse effects. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01525316.

[Intraventricular hemorrhage and periventricular leukomalacia in low birth-weight neonates in three hospitals in Lima, Peru]. / Hemorragia intraventricular y leucomalacia periventricular en neonatos de bajo peso al nacer en tres hospitales de Lima, Perú.

To describe the frequency and severity of intraventricular hemorrhage and periventricular leukomalacia in low birth-weight neonates in three hospitals in Lima, Peru, 385 newborn babies weighing under 2,000 g at birth were evaluated between May 2012 and July 2014. Brain ultrasounds were obtained at 40 weeks' gestation, 3-5 days of life, and 3-4 weeks of life. Intraventricular hemorrhage occurred in 19.2% of neonates weighing under 1,500 g and was severe (grade III or with periventricular hemorrhagic infarction) in 9.6% of neonates under 1,500 g. Mortality in infants with intraventricular hemorrhage was 47.1%, while periventricular leukomalacia was found in 5.4% of neonates 1,500 g and under; both diagnoses were more frequent in lower-weight babies. The frequency of intraventricular hemorrhage is similar to that reported in other countries; however, severity and mortality are greater.

Con el objetivo de describir la frecuencia y severidad de la hemorragia intraventricular y leucomalacia periventricular en neonatos de bajo peso en tres hospitales de Lima, Perú se evaluaron 385 neonatos menores de 2000 g de peso al nacer durante mayo del 2012 a julio del 2014. Se obtuvo ultrasonidos cerebrales a las 40 semanas de gestación, 3-5 días de vida y 3-4 semanas de vida. Hemorragia intraventricular se presentó en 19,2% neonatos con menos de 1500 g y fue severa (grado III o con infarto hemorrágico periventricular) en 9,6% neonatos menores de 1500 g. La mortalidad en neonatos con hemorragia intraventricular fue de 47,1%, se encontró leucomalacia periventricular en 5,4% de los neonatos menores de 1500 g. Ambos diagnósticos fueron más frecuentes en neonatos con menor peso. La frecuencia de hemorragia intraventricular es similar a lo reportado en otros países; sin embargo, la severidad y mortalidad es mayor.

Hemorragia intraventricular y leucomalacia periventricular en neonatos de bajo peso al nacer en tres hospitales de Lima, Perú / Intraventricular hemorrhage and periventricular leukomalacia in low birth-weight neonates in three hospitals in Lima, Peru

RESUMEN Con el objetivo de describir la frecuencia y severidad de la hemorragia intraventricular y leucomalacia periventricular en neonatos de bajo peso en tres hospitales de Lima, Perú se evaluaron 385 neonatos menores de 2000 g de peso al nacer durante mayo del 2012 a julio del 2014. Se obtuvo ultrasonidos cerebrales a las 40 semanas de gestación, 3-5 días de vida y 3-4 semanas de vida. Hemorragia intraventricular se presentó en 19,2% neonatos con menos de 1500 g y fue severa (grado III o con infarto hemorrágico periventricular) en 9,6% neonatos menores de 1500 g. La mortalidad en neonatos con hemorragia intraventricular fue de 47,1%, se encontró leucomalacia periventricular en 5,4% de los neonatos menores de 1500 g. Ambos diagnósticos fueron más frecuentes en neonatos con menor peso. La frecuencia de hemorragia intraventricular es similar a lo reportado en otros países; sin embargo, la severidad y mortalidad es mayor.

ABSTRACT To describe the frequency and severity of intraventricular hemorrhage and periventricular leukomalacia in low birth-weight neonates in three hospitals in Lima, Peru, 385 newborn babies weighing under 2,000 g at birth were evaluated between May 2012 and July 2014. Brain ultrasounds were obtained at 40 weeks' gestation, 3-5 days of life, and 3-4 weeks of life. Intraventricular hemorrhage occurred in 19.2% of neonates weighing under 1,500 g and was severe (grade III or with periventricular hemorrhagic infarction) in 9.6% of neonates under 1,500 g. Mortality in infants with intraventricular hemorrhage was 47.1%, while periventricular leukomalacia was found in 5.4% of neonates 1,500 g and under; both diagnoses were more frequent in lower-weight babies. The frequency of intraventricular hemorrhage is similar to that reported in other countries; however, severity and mortality are greater.

Combined predictors of neurodevelopment in very low birth weight preterm infants.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the combined prognostic value of neurological examination, head circumference and cranial ultrasound for neurodevelopmental delay (NDD) in very low birth weight (VLBW, <1500 g) preterm infants. METHODS: Prospective follow-up study. Preterm infants with VLWB were assessed for NDD using the Mullen Scales of Early Learning test at 24 months of corrected age. Abnormal neurological examination (≥2 deviant items of Hammersmith neurological examination), microcephaly and major ultrasound abnormalities, each performed at term age, were evaluated as predictors of NDD in a multivariable Poisson model. RESULTS: 35/132 infants (26.5%) had NDD. In the multivariable analysis, microcephaly (RR, 3.2; 95% CI, 1.6-6.7) and major ultrasound abnormalities (RR, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.3-5.7) were associated to NDD. The combination of the two tests showed the highest positive predictive value (100%; 95% CI, 51%-100%), while the combination of normal neurological examination, no major US findings and normal head size at term showed the highest negative predictive value (89%; 95% CI, 78%-95%). The maximum under receiver operating characteristic curve area was for microcephaly or major ultrasound abnormalities (AUC 0.74 (0.65-0.83)). CONCLUSION: The combination of head circumference, cranial ultrasound and neurological examination at term age is useful to predict NDD in VLBW preterm infants.

Antibiotic Overuse in Premature Low Birth Weight Infants in a Developing Country.

BACKGROUND: Neonatal sepsis is a leading cause of child morbidity and mortality, especially in premature and low birth weight infants. Prompt antibiotic therapy is warranted, but its inappropriate use leads to bacterial resistance and adverse outcomes. Our objective is to describe the antibiotic use for late-onset sepsis in Peruvian premature infants. METHODS: This study is a prospective study as a secondary analysis of a clinical trial in 3 neonatal care units in Peru. We included infants in the first 72 hours of life, with birth weight (BW) <2000 g. We described the antibiotic use as length of therapy (LOT) per 1000 patient days (PD) and antibiotic courses. RESULTS: We included 408 neonates, with 12,204 PD of follow-up; 253 infants (62%) had a BW ≤1500 g. Total antibiotic use for late-onset sepsis was 2395 LOT (196 LOT/1000 PD). Two-hundred and seventy-one patients (66.4%) did not receive antibiotics for late-onset sepsis during their hospitalization. In total, 204 antibiotic courses were administered; 92 infants (22.5%) received 1 course, and 45 (11.0%) received 2-5 antibiotic courses. Mean duration of antibiotic course was 10.8 days (standard deviation: ±7.3). We found a significant association between a lower BW and increased antibiotic use per day (P < 0.001). The most commonly used antibiotics were vancomycin (143 LOT/1000 PD), carbapenems (115 LOT/1000 PD), aminoglycosides (72 LOT/1000 PD) and ampicillin (41 LOT/1000 PD). CONCLUSIONS: Premature infants receive antibiotics for longer than recommended periods of time. Antibiotic overuse is greater in neonates with lower BW. Vancomycin is the most used antibiotic. There is an urgent need to develop antimicrobial stewardship programs in our setting.

Uso indiscriminado de pesticidas y ausencia de control sanitario para el mercado interno en Perú

[RESUMEN]. Notificar el nivel de contaminación de los alimentos de origen animal y vegetal monitorizados por la autoridad sanitaria en Perú, que realiza el Servicio Nacional de Sanidad Agraria (SENASA), para poder informar al consumidor y a las autoridades nacionales de la situación del control sanitario del mercado interno en el país. La información se ha obtenido de los informes incluidos en la página web del SENASA. Los datos considerados corresponden a los de los informes de evaluación de todos los tipos de alimentos de origen vegetal y animal analizados en el período comprendido entre 2011 y 2015. Para este período, los resultados muestran que 202 muestras de animales y vegetales incumplen las normas (son no conformes). El porcentaje de muestras de alimentos de origen animal no conformes fue 12,68% y el correspondiente a alimentos de origen vegetal, 24,87%. En el periodo estudiado, se observó un aumento de 30,73% de las muestras no conformes, que incluso ha alcanzado 50%. Los niveles de contaminación de los alimentos de origen animal y vegetal monitorizados por el SENASA son preocupantes. Por ello, se recomienda iniciar acciones concretas para afrontar esta situación, confiando en que estas acciones sean priorizadas y planificadas con la participación de todos los actores del sistema agrícola de Perú a fin de introducir los cambios regulatorios necesarios y establecer indicadores claros, medibles y alcanzables de monitorización y control para proteger la salud de la población.

[ABSTRACT]. This communication seeks to report the level of contamination of foodstuffs of animal and vegetable origin monitored by a health authority of Peru, namely the National Agrarian Health Service (SENASA), in order to inform consumers and national authorities of the current situation of sanitary control of the Peruvian domestic market. Information was obtained from reports posted on the SENASA website. The data considered correspond to those present in evaluation reports of all food types of vegetable and animal origin analyzed in the period 2011–2015. Results for this period show that 202 samples of animal and plant origin were in violation of standards (noncompliant). Overall, 12.68% of food samples of animal origin and 24.87% of food samples of vegetable origin were noncompliant. Over the course of the studied period, a 30.73% increase in the proportion of noncompliant samples was observed, reaching as high as 50%. The levels of contamination of foods of animal and vegetable origin monitored by SENASA are concerning. It is thus recommended that concrete actions be implemented to address this situation, and that these actions be prioritized and planned with the involvement of all actors in Peru’s agricultural system in order to introduce the necessary regulatory changes and establish clear, measurable, and achievable indicators of monitoring and control to protect the health of the population.

[RESUMO]. Notificar o grau de contaminação de alimentos de origem animal e vegetal medido pela agência sanitária do Peru (Serviço Nacional de Sanidade Agrária, SENASA) a fim de informar o consumidor e as autoridades nacionais da situação de controle sanitário do mercado interno do país. A informação foi obtida de informes publicados no website do SENASA. Os dados correspondem aos obtidos de informes de avaliação de todos os tipos de alimentos de origem animal e vegetal analisados no período entre 2011 e 2015. Os resultados obtidos para o período de estudo revelam que 202 amostras de alimentos de origem animal e vegetal descumprem as normas (não conformidade). O percentual de amostras não conformes foi 12,68% para os alimentos de origem animal e 24,87% para os alimentos de origem vegetal. Observou-se neste período aumento de 30,73% das amostras em não conformidade, inclusive alcançando 50%. O grau de contaminação dos alimentos de origem animal e vegetal medido pelo SENASA é preocupante. Recomendam-se medidas concretas para enfrentar este problema e tais medidas devem ser priorizadas e planejadas com a participação de todos os interessados diretos do sistema agrícola do Peru a fim de introduzir as mudanças reguladoras necessárias e estabelecer indicadores claros, mensuráveis e alcançáveis para monitoramento e controle para proteger a saúde da população.

[Indiscriminate use of pesticides and lack of sanitary control in the domestic market in PeruUso indiscriminado de pesticidas e falta de controle sanitário do mercado interno no Peru]. / Uso indiscriminado de pesticidas y ausencia de control sanitario para el mercado interno en Perú.

This communication seeks to report the level of contamination of foodstuffs of animal and vegetable origin monitored by a health authority of Peru, namely the National Agrarian Health Service (SENASA), in order to inform consumers and national authorities of the current situation of sanitary control of the Peruvian domestic market.Information was obtained from reports posted on the SENASA website. The data considered correspond to those present in evaluation reports of all food types of vegetable and animal origin analyzed in the period 2011-2015.Results for this period show that 202 samples of animal and plant origin were in violation of standards (noncompliant). Overall, 12.68% of food samples of animal origin and 24.87% of food samples of vegetable origin were noncompliant. Over the course of the studied period, a 30.73% increase in the proportion of noncompliant samples was observed, reaching as high as 50%.The levels of contamination of foods of animal and vegetable origin monitored by SENASA are concerning. It is thus recommended that concrete actions be implemented to address this situation, and that these actions be prioritized and planned with the involvement of all actors in Peru's agricultural system in order to introduce the necessary regulatory changes and establish clear, measurable, and achievable indicators of monitoring and control to protect the health of the population.

Notificar o grau de contaminação de alimentos de origem animal e vegetal medido pela agência sanitária do Peru (Serviço Nacional de Sanidade Agrária, SENASA) a fim de informar o consumidor e as autoridades nacionais da situação de controle sanitário do mercado interno do país.A informação foi obtida de informes publicados no website do SENASA. Os dados correspondem aos obtidos de informes de avaliação de todos os tipos de alimentos de origem animal e vegetal analisados no período entre 2011 e 2015.Os resultados obtidos para o período de estudo revelam que 202 amostras de alimentos de origem animal e vegetal descumprem as normas (não conformidade). O percentual de amostras não conformes foi 12,68% para os alimentos de origem animal e 24,87% para os alimentos de origem vegetal. Observou-se neste período aumento de 30,73% das amostras em não conformidade, inclusive alcançando 50%.O grau de contaminação dos alimentos de origem animal e vegetal medido pelo SENASA é preocupante. Recomendam-se medidas concretas para enfrentar este problema e tais medidas devem ser priorizadas e planejadas com a participação de todos os interessados diretos do sistema agrícola do Peru a fim de introduzir as mudanças reguladoras necessárias e estabelecer indicadores claros, mensuráveis e alcançáveis para monitoramento e controle para proteger a saúde da população.