A qualidade do sono está associada a determinantes sociodemográficos e clínicos em usuários acompanhados na Atenção Primária à Saúde durante a pandemia de COVID-19 / Sleep quality is associated with sociodemographic and clinical determinants in users attended in Primary Health Care during the COVID-19 pandemic / La calidad del sueño se asocia con determinantes sociodemográficos y clínicos en usuarios monitoreados en Atención Primaria de Salud durante la pandemia de COVID-19

Introdução: O avanço da pandemia de COVID-19 acarretou alterações no sono da população. Os distúrbios do sono têm relação com as principais alterações de saúde mental e também possuem relação com os fatores psicossociais. Objetivo: Estimar a prevalência e fatores associados às alterações na qualidade do sono em usuários acompanhados na Atenção Primária à Saúde durante a pandemia de COVID-19. Métodos: Estudo do tipo transversal, com adultos (idade >18 anos) de ambos os gêneros, acompanhados por uma unidade de saúde. Foram levantadas as informações do prontuário eletrônico da unidade e, durante a visita domiciliar (entre agosto e setembro de 2021), os dados socioeconômicos, fatores de risco, sinais vitais, variáveis antropométricas, hábitos de vida, medicações em uso, uso dos serviços de saúde, internação e consultas no último ano. A qualidade de vida foi avaliada pelo questionário SF-36 e foi usado o Índice de Qualidade do sono Pittsburgh (PSQI). Resultados: A amostra foi formada predominantemente por mulheres (82,9%) com 60,5±11,7 anos de idade, da cor branca (70,7%), com companheiro (61%) e pertencentes à classe C (65,8%). 53,7% da amostra apresentou até duas comorbidades, 87,8% apresentavam sobrepeso/obesidade e 80% faziam uso de anti-hipertensivo. A prevalência de qualidade do sono ruim foi de 87,8% (IC95% 73,1­95,0). Os achados apontam para uma relação entre má qualidade do sono com consumo de álcool, presença de ≥3 comorbidades, níveis de PAS, uso de ansiolíticos, nível de escolaridade e uso de serviços de saúde durante a pandemia. Conclusões: A alta prevalência de qualidade do sono ruim na amostra estudada sugere que determinantes sociodemográficos, presença de comorbidades e hábitos de vida devem ser considerados para minimizar os efeitos das alterações do sono na pandemia.

Introduction: The advancement of the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in changes in the sleep patterns of the population. Sleep disorders are related to major mental health changes and are also associated with psychosocial factors. Objective: To estimate the prevalence and factors associated with sleep quality changes among users attended in Primary Health Care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving adults (age >18 years) of both genders who were being followed at a healthcare unit. Information was gathered from the unit's electronic medical records, and during home visits (between August and September 2021), socioeconomic data, risk factors, vital signs, anthropometric variables, lifestyle habits, current medications, healthcare service utilization, hospitalization, and consultations in the past year were collected. Quality of life was assessed using the SF-36 questionnaire, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to evaluate sleep quality. Results: The sample consisted predominantly of women (82.9%) with an average age of 60.5±11.7 years, of white ethnicity (70.7%), with a partner (61%), and belonging to class C (65.8%). 53.7% of the sample had up to two comorbidities, 87.8% were overweight/obese, and 80% were using antihypertensive medication. The prevalence of poor sleep quality was 87.8% (95%CI 73.1­95.0). The findings indicate a relationship between poor sleep quality and alcohol consumption, the presence of ≥3 comorbidities, systolic blood pressure levels, use of anxiolytics, education level, and the use of healthcare services during the pandemic. Conclusions: The high prevalence of poor sleep quality in the study sample suggests that sociodemographic determinants, presence of comorbidities, and lifestyle habits should be considered to minimize the effects of sleep disturbances during the pandemic.

Introducción: El avance de la pandemia de COVID-19 ha ocasionado cambios en el sueño de la población. Los trastornos del sueño están relacionados con los principales cambios en la salud mental y también se asocian con factores psicosociales. Objetivo: Estimar la prevalencia y los factores asociados con alteraciones en la calidad del sueño en usuarios atendidos en la Atención Primaria de Salud durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Métodos: Estudio transversal con adultos (edad >18 años) de ambos géneros que son atendidos en una unidad de salud. Se recopilaron datos del historial clínico electrónico de la unidad y durante la visita domiciliaria (entre agosto y septiembre de 2021) se obtuvieron datos socioeconómicos, factores de riesgo, signos vitales, variables antropométricas, hábitos de vida, medicamentos utilizados, uso de servicios de salud, hospitalización y consultas en el último año. La calidad de vida se evaluó mediante el cuestionario SF-36 y se utilizó el Índice de Calidad del Sueño de Pittsburgh (PSQI). Resultados: La muestra estuvo compuesta predominantemente por mujeres (82,9%) con una edad de 60,5±11,7 años, de raza blanca (70,7%), con pareja (61%) y pertenecientes a la clase C (65,8%). El 53,7% de la muestra presentó hasta dos comorbilidades, el 87,8% tenían sobrepeso/obesidad y el 80% utilizaba medicación antihipertensiva. La prevalencia de mala calidad del sueño fue del 87,8% (IC95% 73,1­95,0). Los hallazgos señalan una relación entre la mala calidad del sueño y el consumo de alcohol, la presencia de ≥3 comorbilidades, los niveles de presión arterial sistólica (PAS), el uso de ansiolíticos, el nivel de escolaridad y el uso de servicios de salud durante la pandemia. Conclusiones: La alta prevalencia de mala calidad del sueño en la muestra estudiada sugiere que se deben considerar los determinantes sociodemográficos, la presencia de comorbilidades y los hábitos de vida para minimizar los efectos de los trastornos del sueño en la pandemia.

Amiodarone or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator in chagas cardiomyopathy: the CHAGASICS randomized clinical trial

IMPORTANCE: Over 10 000 people with Chagas disease experience sudden cardiac death (SCD) annually, mostly caused by ventricular fibrillation. Amiodarone hydrochloride and the implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) have been empirically used to prevent SCD in patients with chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy. OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that ICD is more effective than amiodarone therapy for primary prevention of all-cause mortality in patients with chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy and moderate to high mortality risk, assessed by the Rassi score. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: CHAGASICS is an open-label, randomized clinical trial. The study enrolled patients from 13 centers in Brazil from May 30, 2014, to August 13, 2021, with the last follow-up November 8, 2021. Patients with serological findings positive for Chagas disease, a Rassi risk score of at least 10 points (intermediate to high risk), and at least 1 episode of nonsustained ventricular tachycardia were eligible to participate. Data were analyzed from May 3, 2022, to June 16, 2023. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomized 1:1 to receive ICD or amiodarone (with a loading dose of 600 mg after randomization). MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The primary outcome was all-cause mortality, and secondary outcomes included SCD, hospitalization for heart failure, and necessity of a pacemaker during the entire follow-up. RESULTS: The study was stopped prematurely for administrative reasons, with 323 patients randomized (166 in the amiodarone group and 157 in the ICD group), rather than the intended 1100 patients. Analysis was by intention to treat at a median follow-up of 3.6 (IQR, 1.8-4.4) years. Mean (SD) age was 57.4 (9.8) years, 185 patients (57.3%) were male, and the mean (SD) left ventricular ejection fraction was 37.0% (11.6%). There were 60 deaths (38.2%) in the ICD arm and 64 (38.6%) in the amiodarone group (hazard ratio [HR], 0.86 [95% CI, 0.60-1.22]; P = .40). The rates of SCD (6 [3.8%] vs 23 [13.9%]; HR, 0.25 [95% CI, 0.10-0.61]; P = .001), bradycardia requiring pacing (3 [1.9%] vs 27 [16.3%]; HR, 0.10 [95% CI, 0.03-0.34]; P < .001), and heart failure hospitalization (14 [8.9%] vs 28 [16.9%]; HR, 0.46 [95% CI, 0.24-0.87]; P = .01) were lower in the ICD group compared with the amiodarone arm. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In patients with chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy at moderate to high risk of mortality, ICD did not reduce the risk of all-cause mortality. However, ICD significantly reduced the risk of SCD, pacing need, and heart failure hospitalization compared with amiodarone therapy. Further studies are warranted to confirm the evidence generated by this trial.

Health in the Americas: Accelerating disease elimination. Executive summary

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) has published Health in the Americas (HIA) since 1954, focusing on one of the Organization's main mandates related to collecting and disseminating information on health conditions and trends in the countries and territories of the Americas and the Caribbean. The proposed topic for the 2024 Health in the Americas is to highlight the advances the Americas Region has made with the Elimination Initiative 30+, a policy for an integrated sustainable approach committed to eliminating more than 30 communicable diseases and related conditions by 2030. 

La santé dans les Amériques : Accélération de l'initiative d'élimination des maladies. Résumé d’orientation

L'Organisation panaméricaine de la santé publie La santé dans les Amériques depuis 1954, en se concentrant sur l'un des principaux mandats de l'Organisation lié à la collecte et à la diffusion d'informations sur les conditions et les tendances sanitaires dans les pays et territoires des Amériques et les Caraïbes. Le thème proposé pour la Santé dans les Amériques en 2024 est de mettre en lumière les progrès réalisés par la Région des Amériques avec l'Initiative d'élimination 30+, une politique pour une approche durable intégrée engagée à éliminer plus de 30 maladies transmissibles et affections associées d'ici 2030.  

Saúde nas Américas: Acelerando a eliminação de doenças. Resumo executivo

A Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde publica Saúde nas Américas desde 1954, concentrando-se em um dos principais mandatos da Organização relacionado à coleta e divulgação de informações sobre condições e tendências de saúde nos países e territórios das Américas e o Caribe. O tema proposto para o Saúde nas Américas 2024 é destacar os avanços que a Região das Américas obteve com a Iniciativa de Eliminação 30+, uma política para uma abordagem sustentável integrada comprometida em eliminar mais de 30 doenças transmissíveis e condições relacionadas até 2030.  

Salud en las Américas: Acelerar la eliminación de enfermedades. Resumen ejecutivo

La Organización Panamericana de la Salud publica Salud en las Américas desde 1954, centrándose en uno de los principales mandatos de la Organización relacionado con la recopilación y difusión de información sobre las condiciones y tendencias de salud en los países y territorios de las Américas y el caribe. El tema propuesto para Salud en las Américas 2024 es resaltar los avances que la Región de las Américas ha logrado con la Iniciativa de Eliminación 30+, una política para un enfoque integrado sostenible comprometido a eliminar más de 30 enfermedades transmisibles y condiciones relacionadas para 2030.  

Health in the Americas: Accelerating disease elimination. Final report

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has published Health in the Americas (HIA) since 1954, focusing on one of the Organization's main mandates related to collecting and disseminating information on health conditions and trends in the countries and territories of the Americas and the Caribbean. The proposed topic for the 2024 Health in the Americas is to highlight the advances the Americas Region has made with the Elimination Initiative 30+, a policy for an integrated sustainable approach committed to eliminating more than 30 communicable diseases and related conditions by 2030.  

Hipotermia terapéutica: estudio descriptivo de una cohorte de 10 años en un hospital público de alta complejidad / Therapeutic hypothermia: A descriptive, cohort study conducted over 10 years at a tertiary care public hospital

Introducción. La hipotermia terapéutica (HT) reduce el riesgo de muerte o discapacidad en niños con encefalopatía hipóxico-isquémica (EHI) moderada-grave. Objetivo. Describir una población de pacientes con EHI que requirió HT y su evolución hasta el alta hospitalaria. Población y métodos. Estudio descriptivo de cohorte retrospectivo. Se analizaron todos los pacientes que ingresaron a HT entre 2013 y 2022. Se evaluaron datos epidemiológicos, clínicos, de monitoreo, tratamiento, estudios complementarios y condición al alta. Se compararon los factores de riesgo entre pacientes fallecidos y sobrevivientes, y de estos, los que requirieron necesidades especiales al alta (NEAS). Resultados. Se incluyeron 247 pacientes. Mortalidad: 11 %. Evento centinela más frecuente: período expulsivo prolongado (39 %). Inicio del tratamiento: mediana 5 horas de vida. Convulsiones: 57 %. Eritropoyetina intravenosa: 66,7 %. Patrón anormal de monitoreo de función cerebral: 52 %. Normalización del monitoreo: mediana 24 horas. Resonancia magnética patológica: 42 %. Variables predictoras de mortalidad: Sarnat y Sarnat grave, y ecografía patológica al ingreso. Conclusión. La mortalidad global fue del 11 %. Las derivaciones aumentaron en forma más evidente a partir del año 2018. El horario de inicio de HT fue más tardío que en reportes anteriores. Los signos neurológicos de gravedad según la escala de Sarnat y Sarnat y la ecografía cerebral basal patológica fueron predictores independientes de mortalidad al alta. Los pacientes con NEAS presentaron normalización del trazado del electroencefalograma de amplitud integrada más tardío. El hallazgo más frecuente en la resonancia fue la afectación de los ganglios basales. No se encontraron diferencias clínicas ni de complicaciones estadísticamente significativas entre los pacientes que recibieron eritropoyetina.

Introduction. Therapeutic hypothermia (TH) reduces the risk of death or disability in children with moderate to severe hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Objective. To describe a population of patients with HIE that required TH and their course until discharge. Population and methods. Retrospective, descriptive, cohort study. All patients admitted to TH between 2013 and 2022 were studied. Epidemiological, clinical, monitoring, and treatment data were assessed, together with supplementary tests and condition at discharge. Risk factors were compared between deceased patients and survivors; and, among the latter, those requiring special healthcare needs (SHCN) at discharge. Results. A total of 247 patients were included. Mortality: 11%. Most common sentinel event: prolonged second stage of labor (39%). Treatment initiation: median of 5 hours of life. Seizures: 57%. Intravenous erythropoietin: 66.7%. Abnormal pattern in brain function monitoring: 52%. Normalization of monitoring: median of 24 hours. Pathological magnetic resonance imaging: 42%. Predictor variables of mortality: severe Sarnat and Sarnat staging and pathological ultrasound upon admission. Conclusion. The overall mortality rate was 11%. Referrals increased more markedly since 2018. The time of TH initiation was later than in previous reports. Severe neurological signs as per the Sarnat and Sarnat staging and a pathological baseline cranial ultrasound were independent predictors of mortality at discharge. Patients with SHCN at discharge showed a normalized tracing in the amplitude-integrated electroencephalography performed later. The most common finding in the magnetic resonance imaging was basal ganglia involvement. No statistically significant differences were observed in terms of clinical characteristics or complications among patients who received erythropoietin.

Aceleración mundial de las medidas para promover la salud de los adolescentes (Guía AA-HA!): orientación para apoyar la aplicación en los países, segunda edición

Los adolescentes no son simplemente niños mayores ni adultos jóvenes. Esta observación es clave para entender la salud de los adolescentes en el ámbito de la salud pública global. La primera edición de la “Guía de Acción Global Acelerada para la Salud de los Adolescentes (AA-HA!)”, publicada hace seis años, subrayó la necesidad de una respuesta integral a la salud adolescente, tras décadas de descuido. La segunda edición de la guía AA-HA! es un esfuerzo colaborativo liderado por la Organización Mundial de la Salud, junto con ONUSIDA, UNESCO, UNFPA, UNICEF, ONU Mujeres, el Programa Mundial de Alimentos y PMNCH. Basándose en la primera edición y en las voces de adolescentes y jóvenes de todo el mundo, esta guía ha evolucionado incorporando lecciones de los últimos seis años, incluyendo los efectos de la pandemia de COVID-19. Las últimas estimaciones de mortalidad y carga de morbilidad, junto con evidencia actualizada y un enfoque más amplio en el bienestar, convierten a esta segunda edición en un recurso de vanguardia para los responsables de políticas en salud adolescente. AA-HA! 2.0 ofrece una visión del panorama actual de salud y bienestar de los más de 1,200 millones de adolescentes en el mundo, destacando soluciones basadas en evidencia y estrategias para establecer prioridades, planificar, implementar y evaluar programas de salud y bienestar. La inclusión de estrategias y estudios de casos convierte a esta guía en una herramienta práctica para que los gobiernos diseñen e implementen una nueva generación de programas de salud y bienestar para adolescentes.

Alcohol tax indicators in the Region of the Americas

The harmful use of alcohol is one of the leading risk factors for population health. It is linked with over 200 health conditions, including noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health conditions, maternal and child health, infectious diseases, and injuries. This psychoactive substance caused 5.5% of all deaths and 6.7% of all disability-adjusted life years in the Region of the Americas in 2016. It also causes a significant social burden and imposes substantial direct treatment costs and indirect economic costs that represent a serious threat to economic and social development. This impact is recognized by target 3.5 of the Sustainable Development Goals aiming to “strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol”. The amount and frequency of alcohol consumed by an individual is determined, in large part, by the affordability of alcoholic beverages. Such affordability depends on the real price of alcoholic beverages, the price of other goods and services, and consumers’ incomes. Thus, there is strong health and economic rationale for the use of fiscal policies targeting alcoholic beverages. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends reducing the harmful use of alcohol through increased excise taxes on alcoholic beverages as part of the WHO Global strategy to reduce the harmful use of alcohol, and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Plan of Action to Reduce the Harmful Use of Alcohol. It is also part of the WHO recommended most cost-effective, evidence-based policies to prevent and control NCDs, and it is highlighted as one of five high-impact strategies of the SAFER technical package. Although 33 out of the 35 PAHO Member States apply excise taxes on alcoholic beverages, there is great heterogeneity in their design and rates, and most could be further leveraged to improve their impact on alcohol consumption and health. PAHO is committed to providing Member States with accurate, relevant, and internationally comparable information that they can use to guide the development of policy and to evaluate the impact of measures to prevent the harmful use of alcohol. Developing a tax share indicator is necessary to monitor taxes on alcoholic beverages, enable standardized comparisons across countries and over time, establish best practices in tax design, and provide a powerful tool for advocacy. Since 2016, the Department of Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health (NMH) at PAHO has been working on developing standardized and comparable indicators of the share of indirect taxes in the price of alcoholic beverages. Building on this experience and the WHO methodology for monitoring tobacco taxes, this brochure presents the results of pioneering tax share and complementary price and tax policy indicators for alcoholic beverages—including beer, wine, and spirits—in 30 PAHO Member States. This brochure is a tool for data dissemination to the different sectors involved in alcohol taxation in the Region of the Americas and, likewise, to help countries in designing, planning, and evaluating alcohol taxes to reduce the harmful use of alcohol.

Cobertura para el diagnóstico y tratamiento de la apnea obstructiva del sueño en Latinoamérica: reporte del Foro Latinoamericano de Sociedades Respiratorias / Coverage for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Latin America: Report from the Latin American Forum of Respiratory Societies

Introducción: La Apnea Obstructiva del Sueño (AOS) es un problema de salud pública en Latinoamérica; una región que es heterogénea, con recursos diferentes y sistemas de salud diversos. El objetivo fue describir la información recabada por el Foro Latino-americano de Sociedades Respiratorias sobre el acceso y cobertura para los estudios diagnósticos y tratamiento con CPAP de los pacientes con AOS. Material y Métodos: A través de la Asociación Latinoamericana de Tórax (ALAT), se envió una encuesta a todas las sociedades miembros con preguntas sobre el acceso a diagnóstico, tratamiento y cobertura de seguros privados. Resultados: El foro contó con 15 países. Se reportó la existencia de 396 unidades formales de sueño, 82% privadas y 18% públicas; en 12 países el sistema de salud público (SSP) contrata unidades privadas para otorgar servicios. En todos los países se realiza tanto polisomnografía como poligrafía respiratoria para el diagnóstico. En 8 (53%) países, el SSP cubre el tratamiento con CPAP de la AOS (en Argentina, Guatemala y México esta cobertura es parcial); los seguros privados cubren AOS en 7/15 países. Conclusiones: En Latinoamérica, existen pocas unidades formales de sueño y la mayoría son privadas. Cerca de la mitad de los sistemas de salud pública no cubren su tratamiento y, en la mayoría de los casos, los seguros privados no ofrecen cobertura. Esto deja a nuestra población vulnerable a las complicaciones de la AOS, con un concomitante aumento de la morbimortalidad y costos en salud.

Introduction: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a public health problem in Latin America, which is a heterogeneous region, with different resources and diverse health systems. The objective was to describe the information collected by the Latin American Forum of Respiratory Societies on access and coverage for diagnostic studies and CPAP treatment of patients with OSA. Methods: Through the Latin American Thorax Association (ALAT, Spanish acronym), a survey was sent to all member societies with questions about access to diagnosis, treatment, and private insurance coverage. Results: The forum included 15 countries. The existence of 396 sleep medicine units was reported, 82% private and 18% public; in 12/15 countries the public health system (PHS) contracts private units to provide services. In all countries, both polysomnography and respiratory polygraphy are performed to make the diagnosis. In only 8 (53%) countries the PHS covers the treatment of OSA (in Argentina, Guatemala and Mexico this coverage is partial); private insurance coverage is in 7/15 countries.Conclusions: In Latin America there are few formal sleep units and most are private. About half of public health systems do not cover their treatment and, in most cases, private insurance does not offer coverage. This leaves our population vulnerable to the complications of OSA, with a concomitant increase in morbidity, mortality and health costs.

Post-pulmonary embolism syndrome: A reminder for clinicians.

Acute pulmonary embolism (APE) is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular emergencies and the third leading cause of death. Although efforts focus on treating the acute event, patients who survive APE may develop long-term sequelae. Research reveals that approximately half of patients who have suffered an APE do not regain their previous level of function and experience a reduction in their quality of life for several years after the episode. Acute pulmonary embolism can be classified according to the risk of short-term mortality, with most mortality and morbidity concentrated in high-risk and intermediate-risk cases. The first-line treatment for APE is systemic anticoagulation. However, identifying and more aggressively treating people with intermediate to high risk, who have a more favorable risk profile for reperfusion treatments, could reduce short-term mortality and mitigate post-pulmonary embolism syndrome (PPES). Post-pulmonary embolism syndrome refers to a variety of persistent symptoms and functional limitations that occur after an APE. The presence of persistent dyspnea, functional limitations, and/or decreased quality of life after an APE has been recently termed "PPES," although this entity encompasses different manifestations. The most severe cause of persistent dyspnea is chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, where increased pulmonary artery pressure is due to the fibrotic organization of unresolved APE. Post-PE Syndrome is not always systematically addressed in management guidelines, and its prevalence may be underestimated. More research is needed to fully understand its causes and risk factors. Interventions such as cardiopulmonary rehabilitation have been suggested to improve the quality of life of patients with PPES. A comprehensive, evidence-based approach is essential to effectively prevent and manage PPES and improve the long-term outcomes and well-being of affected patients.

The immune thrombocytopenia paradox: Should we be concerned about thrombosis in ITP?

Despite the predisposition to bleeding, patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) may also have an increased risk of arterial and venous thrombosis, which can contribute to significant morbidity. The risk of thrombosis increases with age and the presence of cardiovascular risk factors. This narrative review explores the multifactorial nature of thrombosis in ITP, focusing on new pathological mechanisms, emerging evidence on the association between established treatments and thrombotic risk, the role of novel treatment approaches, and the challenges in assessing the balance between bleeding and thrombosis in ITP. The review also explores the challenges in managing acute thrombotic events in ITP, since the platelet count does not always reliably predict either the risk of bleeding or thrombosis and antithrombotic strategies lack specific guidelines for ITP. Notably, second-line therapeutic options, such as splenectomy and thrombopoietin receptor agonists (TPO-RAs), exhibit an increased risk of thrombosis especially in older individuals or those with multiple thrombotic risk factors or previous thrombosis, emphasizing the importance of careful risk assessment before treatment selection. In this context, it is important to consider second-line therapies such as rituximab and other immunosuppressive agents, dapsone and fostamatinib, which are not associated with increased thrombotic risk. In particular, fostamatinib, an oral spleen tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has promisingly low thrombotic risk. During the current era of the emergence of several novel ITP therapies that do not pose additional risks for thrombosis, it is critical to outline evidence-based strategies for the prevention and treatment of thrombosis in ITP patients.

Life-course influences of poverty on violence and homicide: 30-year Brazilian birth cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Homicide is the leading cause of death among young people in Latin America, one of the world's most violent regions. Poverty is widely considered a key cause of violence, but theories suggest different effects of poverty, depending on when it is experienced in the life-course. Longitudinal studies of violence are scarce in Latin America, and very few prospective data are available worldwide to test different life-course influences on homicide. METHODS: In a prospective birth cohort study following 5914 children born in southern Brazil, we examined the role of poverty at birth, in early childhood, and in early adulthood on violence and homicide perpetration, in criminal records up to age 30 years. A novel Structured Life Course Modelling Approach was used to test competing life-course hypotheses about 'sensitive periods', 'accumulation of risk', and 'downward mobility' regarding the influence of poverty on violence and homicide. RESULTS: Cumulative poverty and poverty in early adulthood were the most important influences on violence and homicide perpetration. This supports the hypothesis that early adulthood is a sensitive period for the influence of poverty on lethal and non-lethal violence. Results were replicable using different definitions of poverty and an alternative outcome of self-reported fights. CONCLUSION: Cumulative poverty from childhood to adulthood was an important driver of violence and homicide in this population. However, poverty experienced in early adulthood was especially influential, suggesting the importance of proximal mechanisms for violence in this context, such as unemployment, organized crime, drug trafficking, and ineffective policing and justice systems.

Association between cognitive impairment and socioeconomic and sociodemographic factors in Colombian older adults.

INTRODUCTION: Worldwide, because of the demographic transition, the proportion of older adults has increased, which has been reflected in an increase in the prevalence of major neurocognitive disorder (MND). This phenomenon is especially important in low- and middle-income countries such as Colombia, given the high economic and social costs it entails. The objective was to analyse the association between socioeconomic variables with the presence of cognitive impairment in Colombian older adults. METHODS: The records of 23,694 adults over 60 years-of-age surveyed for SABE Colombia 2015, that took a stratified sample by conglomerates and were representative of the adult population over 60 years-of-age. This instrument assessed cognitive impairment using the abbreviated version of the Minimental (AMMSE) and collected information on multiple socioeconomic variables. RESULTS: 19.7% of the older adults included in the survey were reviewed with cognitive impairment by presenting a score <13 in the AMMSE. There was a higher prevalence of cognitive impairment in women (21.5%) than in men (17.5%). The socioeconomic variables were shown to impact the prevalence of deterioration, especially being currently working (OR = 2.74; 95%CI, 2.43-3.09) as a risk factor and having attended primary school as a protective factor (OR = 0.30; 95%CI, 0.28-0.32), differentially according to gender. CONCLUSIONS: An association between socioeconomic and sociodemographic factors with cognitive impairment in Colombian older adults was evidenced. Despite the above, a differential impact dependent on sex is suggested.

Factors associated with hepatitis B virus infection in indigenous communities of Colombia / Factores asociados con la infección por el virus de la hepatitis B en comunidades indígenas de Colombia.

Introduction. Colombia is home to 2 million indigenous people who live in conditions of poverty and with health deficiencies, making them vulnerable to contracting hepatitis B (HBV). Amazonas has a high virus prevalence, and there are barriers to accessing vaccination; thus, part of the population is susceptible to infection. Objective. To identify factors associated with HBV in Colombian indigenous people. Materials and Methods. A case-control study of people over 18 years from four departments of Colombia. Cases were identified through the national hepatitis B notification registry (2015-2022). Controls were selected and matched to cases (2:1) by age, sex, ethnicity, and department. Sociodemographic characteristics, factors associated with contact with body fluids, cultural practices, and vaccination history were identified by means of a survey. The ethics committee of the Universidad de Antioquia approved the project. Results. Seventy five cases and 150 controls from 13 ethnic groups were surveyed. Amazonas contributed 49% of participants, 83% were women, and the median age of cases was 30 years (IQ range: 27-37). The associated factors were a family history of hepatitis B [adjusted OR: 2.61 (95% CI: 1.09-6.27)] and, in women, the number of pregnancies [adjusted OR: 1.61 (95% CI 1.02- 2.54)]. The vaccination history showed a protective effect, but the association was not significant. Conclusion. Aspects associated with family life and unprotected sexual relations seem to be responsible for the potential transmission of the virus. It was not possible to identify associated cultural practices. Innovative and differential strategies are required for indigenous people to achieve a reduction of HBV.

Introducción. Colombia alberga dos millones de indígenas, que viven en condiciones de pobreza y tienen deficiencias en salud, por lo cual están expuestos a contraer infecciones virales como la hepatitis B. El departamento del Amazonas presenta una gran prevalencia del virus y barreras para acceder a la vacunación; por esto, parte de la población es propensa a la infección. Objetivo. Identificar factores asociados con la infección por el virus de la hepatitis B en indígenas colombianos. Materiales y métodos. Se llevó a cabo un estudio de casos y controles en mayores de 18 años de cuatro departamentos del país. Los casos se identificaron mediante el registro nacional de notificación de hepatitis B (2015-2022). Los controles seleccionados de manera concurrente fueron pareados con los casos por edad, sexo, etnia y departamento. En una encuesta se consignaron las características sociodemográficas, los factores asociados con el contacto con sangre y fluidos, las prácticas socioculturales y los antecedentes de vacunación. El proyecto fue aprobado por Comité de Ética de la Universidad de Antioquia. Resultados. Participaron 75 casos y 150 controles de 13 grupos étnicos. El departamento del Amazonas aportó el 49 % de los participantes (83 % mujeres) con una mediana de edad de 30 años (RIC = 27-37). Los factores asociados con una mayor probabilidad de contraer la infección fueron el antecedente de algún familiar infectado con el virus de la hepatitis B (OR ajustado = 2,61) (IC95%: 1,09-6,27) y número de embarazos en mujeres, (OR ajustado = 1,61) (IC95%: 1,02-2,54). La vacunación mostró un efecto protector sin asociación significativa. Conclusión. Los aspectos asociados con la convivencia familiar y el número de embarazos contribuyen a una potencial transmisión vertical y horizontal del virus. No se identificaron prácticas culturales asociadas. Se requieren estrategias novedosas y diferenciales para reducir la transmisión del virus de la hepatitis B en poblaciones indígenas.

Prevalence and factors associated with hepatitis B susceptibility among men who sex with men on HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis in Northeastern Brazil: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with susceptibility to hepatitis B virus (HBV) among cisgender men who have sex with men (MSM) on HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in Northeastern Brazil. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional, analytical study conducted between September 2021 and June 2023. Participants underwent structured interviews to collect sociodemographic and clinical information, including hepatitis B vaccination history, HIV PrEP use and sexual health history. Blood samples were collected for hepatitis B serologic testing: HBV surface antigen (HBsAg), HBV surface antibody (anti-HBs), total and IgM HBV core antibody (anti-HBc). HBV susceptibility was defined as nonreactive results for all these serological markers. RESULTS: A total of 287 participants were enrolled into the study. The median age of the individuals was 31 years (interquartile range: 27; 36). HBV susceptibility was found in 58 out 286 individuals (20.3%; 95% CI: 15.9-25.2). Seventy-six percent of the participants reported completing the three-dose hepatitis B vaccine schedule. Susceptibility was significantly associated with a monthly income ≤ 5 minimum wages (PR: 2.02; 95% CI: 1.01-4.05), lack of complete hepatitis B vaccination schedule (PR: 4.52; 95% CI: 2.89-7.06), initiation of HIV PrEP (PR: 2.18; 95% CI: 1.21-3.94), duration of six months of HIV PrEP (PR: 2.16; 95% CI: 1.19-3.91), absence of tattoos (PR: 1.55; 95% CI: 1.00-2.40) and no history of sexually transmitted infections (PR: 1.65; 95% CI: 1.07-2.54). CONCLUSION: Our findings highlight the significant burden of HBV susceptibility among MSM on HIV PrEP in Northeastern Brazil. Socioeconomic factors, vaccination status, PrEP use and sexual health behaviors play critical roles in determining susceptibility to HBV. Integrating hepatitis B screening and vaccination into PrEP services is critical for identifying and addressing HBV susceptibility among MSM. Interventions aimed at increasing vaccination coverage and promoting safer sexual practices are essential for mitigating the burden of HBV infection in this population.

Association between non-esterified fatty acids and calcium concentrations at calving with early lactation clinical diseases, fertility and culling in grazing dairy cows in Uruguay.

This study describes the association of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and calcium concentrations at calving with early lactation disease, reproductive performance and culling in 646 dairy cows from 13 commercial grazing dairy herds in Uruguay. During one year, health events were recorded from calving to 30 days in milk (DIM). The first author visited each farm every 20 days. During each visit, body condition score (BCS) was recorded (scale 1-5), defining BCS < 3 as suboptimal and BCS > 3 as optimal, and a blood sample was taken from cows between 0 and 4 DIM for metabolite determination. To evaluate the association between health events (i.e., retained placenta-metritis and clinical mastitis) and risk factors (parity, BCS, high NEFA (> 0.6 mmol/L) and subclinical hypocalcemia (SCH) (< 2.10 mM)) data were analysed using multivariable logistic regression models. To evaluate the association of health events and risk factors with reproductive performance and culling, data were analysed using Cox proportional hazard regression models. A risk factor and an outcome of interest were assumed to be associated at P < 0.05 and a tendency to be associated was defined at P < 0.10. Overall, 47 % (n = 303) of the cows showed elevated NEFA concentration and 77 % (n = 499) had SCH. In addition, 21.5 % (n = 139) of the cows recorded at least one clinical disease. Cumulative incidence was 17 % (n = 109) for clinical mastitis, 4.2 % (n = 27) for retained placenta (RP)-metritis and 1.4 % (n = 7) for lameness. Clinical mastitis was associated with parity, with lower odds in primiparous (PP) cows (OR = 0.42, P < 0.01). Cows in an optimal BCS also tended to have lower odds (OR = 0.66, P = 0.07). Moreover, high NEFA and SCH cows had higher odds of CM (OR = 4.5, P = 0.01 and OR = 1.75, P = 0.04, respectively). Retained placenta-metritis tended to be associated with high NEFA concentration (OR = 2.2, P = 0.06). Primiparous cows with suboptimal BCS showed an increased first insemination rate (HR = 2.34; P < 0.01). The risk of culling was lower in PP cows (HR = 0.19; P < 0.01) and in cows with optimal BCS and low NEFA concentration (HR = 0.38; P = 0.03). Our data show that metabolic challenge (defined as peripartum suboptimal BCS, high NEFA or SCH) is associated with increased odds of clinical mastitis and RP-metritis, decreased probability of insemination and increased hazard of culling. Under grazing conditions, we suggest that farm management to improve the metabolic adaptation to lactation represents an opportunity to enhance cow performance in terms of health, fertility and longevity.

Comment on: "Operator gender differences in major mechanical complications after central line insertions: a subgroup analysis of a prospective multicentre cohort study".

We read with great interest the recent study by Naddi et al. in BMC Anesthesiology, which explores operator gender differences in major mechanical complications following central venous catheterization. The study identifies male operator gender as an independent risk factor for complications. However, our attempt to replicate these findings using Colombian data did not support this association. We caution against oversimplifying the influence of sex and gender on health outcomes, as numerous factors, including cultural norms, healthcare practices, and resource availability, significantly impact procedural outcomes. Differences in complication rates may reflect risk-taking behaviors and systemic healthcare disparities rather than inherent biological differences. We emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach to understand the multifaceted nature of central venous related complications. Replication studies across diverse populations are crucial for validating these findings and informing effective strategies for complication prevention and management.