Estimación de la eficiencia del uso de pabellones electivos en el sistema de salud público chileno entre 2018 y 2021 / Efficiency estimation on the use of elective surgical theaters in the Chilean public health system from 2018 to 2021

Objective The efficient use of wards intended for elective surgeries is essential to resolve cases on the surgical waiting list. This study aims to estimate the efficiency of ward use in the Chilean public health system between 2018 and 2021. Methods The design was an ecological study. Section A.21 of the database constructed by the monthly statistical summaries that each public health network facility reported to the Ministry of Health between 2018 and 2021 was analyzed. Data from subsections A, E and F were extracted: ward staffing, total elective surgeries by specialty, number and causes of suspension of elective surgeries. Then, the surgical performance during working hours and the percentage of hourly occupancy for a working day was estimated. Additionally, an analysis was made by region with data from 2021. Results The percentage of elective wards in use ranged from 81.1% to 94.1%, while those enabled for those staffing ranged from 70.5% to 90.4% during 2018 and 2021. The total number of surgeries was highest in 2019 (n = 416 339), but for 2018, 2020, and 2021 it ranged from 259 000 to 297 000. Suspensions varied between 10.8% (2019) and 6.9% (2021), with the leading cause being patient-related. When analyzing the number of cases canceled monthly by facility, we saw that the leading cause was trade union-related. The maximum throughput of a ward intended for elective surgery was reached in 2019 and was 2.5 surgeries; in 2018, 2020 and 2021, the throughput borders on two surgeries per ward enabled for elective surgery. The percentage of ward time occupied during working hours by contract day varies between 80.7% (2018) and 56.8% (2020). Conclusions All the parameters found and estimated in this study show that there is an inefficient utilization of operating rooms in Chilean public healthcare facilities.

Objetivo El uso eficiente de pabellones destinados a cirugías electivas es fundamental para resolver patologías en lista de espera quirúrgica. El objetivo general de este estudio es estimar la eficiencia del uso de pabellones en el sistema de salud público de Chile entre los años 2018 y 2021. Métodos El diseño fue un estudio ecológico. Se analizó la Sección A.21 de la base de datos construida por los resúmenes estadísticos mensuales que cada establecimiento de la red de salud pública reportó al Ministerio de Salud de Chile entre 2018 y 2021. Se extrajeron los datos de la subsección A, E y F: dotación de pabellones, total de cirugías electivas por especialidad, número y causas de suspensión de cirugías electivas. Luego se estimó el rendimiento quirúrgico en horario hábil y el porcentaje de ocupación horaria respecto de una jornada laboral. Adicionalmente, se hizo un análisis por región con datos de 2021. Resultados El porcentaje de pabellones electivos respecto de los en dotación varió entre 81,1 y 94,1%; mientras que los habilitados respecto de los en dotación varió entre 70,5 y 90,4% durante 2018 y 2021. El número total de cirugías fue más alto en 2019 (n = 416 339), pero en 2018, 2020 y 2021 variaron entre 259 y 297 mil cirugías. Las suspensiones varían entre 10,8 (2019) y 6,9%w(2021), siendo la principal causa de suspensión atribuida al "paciente". Al analizar la cantidad de pacientes suspendidos mensualmente por institución, se observa que la principal causa es "gremial". El rendimiento máximo de un pabellón destinado a cirugía electiva se alcanzó en 2019 y fue de 2,5 cirugías; mientras que en 2018, 2020 y 2021 el rendimiento bordea las dos cirugías por pabellón habilitado para cirugía electiva. El porcentaje de tiempo de pabellón ocupado en horario hábil respecto a una jornada de contrato varía entre 80,7 (2018) y 56,8% (2020). Conclusiones Todos los parámetros encontrados y estimados en este estudio muestran que el uso de pabellones en el sistema público de Chile es ineficiente.

Radiografía al acceso en artroplastia de rodilla entre los beneficiarios del Fondo Nacional de Salud entre 2004 y 2021 / Access to knee arthroplasty among National Health Fund beneficiaries in Chile between 2004 and 2021

Introducción La artrosis de rodilla es una patología que afecta la calidad de vida, siendo la artroplastía de rodilla un tratamiento costo-efectivo para la etapa severa de esta enfermedad. El acceso a artroplastia de rodilla es un indicador de salud de la Organización de Cooperación y Desarrollo Económico. Los objetivos de este estudio son determinar la incidencia de artroplastia de rodilla entre 2004 y 2021 en los beneficiarios del Fondo Nacional de Salud en Chile, la proporción que se operaron en el sistema privado y estimar el gasto del bolsillo del paciente para operarse. Método Estudio transversal. Se utilizó la base de datos del Departamento de Estadística e Información de Salud. Se pesquisaron pacientes que egresaron de un centro de salud chileno que fueron intervenidos por artroplastia rodilla entre 2004 y 2021. Se analizó la proporción de pacientes por tramo del Fondo Nacional de Salud y si se realizó su cirugía en establecimiento de la red pública o privada. Resultados De las 31 526 intervenciones de artroplastia de rodilla, 21 248 (67,38%) fueron realizadas en pacientes del Fondo Nacional de Salud y 16 238 en instituciones públicas (51,49%). Los pacientes de dicho fondo presentan un alza sistemática en el volumen de artroplastías de rodilla hasta 2019, pero disminuyeron en 2020 y 2021 un 68% y un 51%. Del total de pacientes del sistema público operados de artroplastia de rodilla, 856 (9%) pertenecían al tramo A1, al tramo B 12 806 (60%), al tramo C 2044 (10%) y al tramo D 4421 (21%). Se estimó que el gasto incurrido por estos pacientes varía entre el 24,4 y 27,2%. Las proporciones históricas de acceso en instituciones privadas a esta cirugía son en el tramo A 7%, tramo B 13%, tramo C 24% y tramo D 52%. Conclusión El 50% de las cirugías de artroplastía de rodilla se realizan en instituciones públicas y dos tercios se realizan en pacientes del Fondo Nacional de Salud. El 46% de los tramos C y D se operaron en el sistema privado. La pandemia ha aumentado la brecha de acceso, lo que ha provocado un alza significativa en la proporción de pacientes del Fondo Nacional de Salud de los tramos B, C y D que han migrado al sistema privado para acceder a esta cirugía.

Introduction Knee osteoarthritis affects the quality of life, with knee arthroplasty being a cost-effective treatment for the severe stage of this disease. Access to knee arthroplasty is a health indicator of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The objectives of this study are to determine the incidence of knee arthroplasty between 2004 and 2021 in beneficiaries of the National Health Fund in Chile, the proportion of patients who underwent surgery in the private system, and to estimate the patient's out-of-pocket expenditure for surgery. Methods Cross-sectional study. We used the Department of Statistics and Health Information database. Patients discharged from a Chilean health center who underwent knee arthroplasty surgery between 2004 and 2021 were investigated. We analyzed the proportion of patients by their National Health Fund category and whether their surgery was performed in public or private network facilities. Results Of the 31 526 knee arthroplasty procedures, 21 248 (67.38%) were performed on National Health Fund patients and 16 238 in public institutions (51.49%). Patients from the National Health Fund showed a systematic increase in knee arthroplasty volume until 2019 but decreased in 2020 and 2021 by 68% and 51%. Of the total number of patients in the public system operated on for knee arthroplasty, 856 (9%) belonged to group A1, 12 806 (60%) to group B, 2044 (10%) to group C, and 4421 (21%) to group D. The expenditure incurred by these patients was estimated to vary between 24.4% and 27.2%. The historical proportions of access to this surgery in private institutions are 7% in group A, 13% in group B, 24% in group C, and 52% in group D. Conclusion Fifty percent of knee arthroplasty surgeries are performed in public institutions, and two-thirds are performed on patients of the National Health Fund. Forty-six percent of the C and D groups were operated in the private system. The pandemic has increased the access gap, leading to a substantial increase in the proportion of patients from the National Health Fund of the B, C, and D groups who have migrated to the private system to access this surgery.

Herramientas de evaluación de actividades de la vida diaria instrumentales en población adulta: revisión sistemática / Tools for the evaluation of daily life activities instrumental in adults: systematic review

Introducción: La transición al modelo biopsicosocial implica que las herramientas de evaluación se adapten a esta nueva visión de la salud. Las herramientas usadas en Chile para medir la funcionalidad en las actividades de la vida diaria instrumentales (AVDI) son las mismas desde los años 50, por lo que se requiere hacer una revisión de la literatura a fin de conocer nuevas metodologías de evaluación en la materia. Objetivo: Identificar las herramientas de evaluación en AVDI, qué ítems son considerados, metodología de puntuación (rangos, puntajes, categorización de resultados), tiempo y contexto de aplicación, creadores de las herramientas y propiedades psicométricas de los mismos. Diseño: Revisión sistemática. Fuentes de datos: PubMed, BIREME y Epistemonikos. Se realizaron tres búsquedas: dos el 2018 (marzo y septiembre) y una el 2020 (diciembre). Selección de estudios: Estudios observacionales (estudios de cohorte y estudios de corte transversal) y revisiones sistemáticas que contemplaron la valoración de AVDI en mayores de 18 años, en inglés o español, publicados desde 1998 y de libre acceso. Extracción de datos: Se realizó lectura de títulos y resúmenes como primer filtro, y posteriormente el texto completo. Una vez seleccionados los estudios que cumplen con los criterios de inclusión, se les aplicó la pauta "Strengthening The Reporting of Observational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE)" y la pauta "Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Spanish (CASPe)" para evaluar la calidad metodológica. Se estableció, a través de un consenso de las investigadoras, que cada estudio seleccionado debía cumplir con al menos 13 de los 22 ítems de la pauta STROBE. Resultados: De los 27.606 artículos encontrados, 15 cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión y el punto de corte establecido de la pauta. Sólo un artículo era en idioma español y 14 en inglés; y fueron publicados principalmente en EE.UU. y España. De los 20 instrumentos encontrados en los artículos seleccionados, el 60% corresponde a la "Escala Lawton y Brody", el 10% a la de "The Performance Assessment of Self-Care Skills (PASS)" y el porcentaje restante otras herramientas. Conclusiones: A nivel internacional se han creado nuevas herramientas de evaluación de AVDI en respuesta a necesidades locales, dificultando la posibilidad de ser generalizadas a otros contextos sin contar previamente con un proceso de validación transcultural y estadística que resguarde la confiabilidad de su aplicación y data. La "Escala de Lawton y Brody", pese a las limitaciones ni sesgos, sigue siendo un patrón de oro a nivel internacional.

Background: The transition to the biopsychosocial model implies that the assessment tools are adapted to this new vision of health. In Chile, the evaluations to measure functionality on Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), have been the same since the 1950s, so a review of the literature is required to know new evaluation tools in the matter. Aim: To identify the evaluation tools that exist to assess the functionality in AVDI, what items are considered, scoring methodology (rank, score, categorization of results), time and in which contexts they are applied, assessment creators and psychometric properties. Design: Systematic review. Data sources: PubMed, BIREME and Epistemonikos. Three searches were carried out: two in 2018 (March and September) and one in 2020 (December). Study selection: Observational studies (cohort studies and cross-sectional studies) and Systematic Reviews that contemplated the assessment of IADL in people over 18 years of age, in English or Spanish, published since 1998 and open access. Data extraction: Titles and abstracts were read as a first filter, followed by the full text. Once the studies that met the inclusion criteria had been selected, the "Strengthening The Reporting of Observational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE)" and "Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Spanish (CASPe)" guideline was applied to assess methodological quality. It was established, through a consensus of the researchers, that each selected study had to comply with at least 13 of the 22 items of STROBE guideline. Results: Of the 27.606 articles found, 15 met the inclusion criteria and the established cut-off point of the guideline. One article was written in Spanish and 14 in English, which were carried out mainly in the United States and Spain (3 out of 15 respectively). Of the 20 instruments found in the selected articles, 60% correspond to "Lawton & Brody Scale", 10% to "The Performance Assessment of Self-Care Skills (PASS)" and the remaining percentage other tools. Conclusions: At an international level, new IADL assessment tools have been created in response to local needs, making it difficult to generalize to other contexts without previously having a cross-cultural and statistical validation process that safeguards the reliability of its application and data. The "Lawton s Brody Scale", despite its limitations and biases, remains an international gold standard.

Adolescent Lifestyle Profile-Revised 2: validity and reliability among adolescents in Chile

Abstract Objective: The aims of this study were twofold. First, to provide evidence of the validity and reliability of the Adolescent Lifestyle Profile-Revised 2 (ALP-R2) among adolescents in Chile; and second, to examine the relationship between the health-promoting behaviors measured by this scale and several demographic variables. Methods: Cross-sectional survey. Students attending grades 9 through 12 from schools representing low-, middle-, and high-income families were included. All schools were in the city of San Felipe, Chile. Students completed the ALP-R2, a fourty-four-item scale aiming to assess health-promoting behaviors. To evaluate validity and reliability, confirmatory factor analysis and omega coefficient calculation were conducted, respectively. Results: The sample size was 572 students (82.5% of the eligible population). More males (56.6%) than females (43.4%) participated in the study, and the mean age was 16.4 (SD, 1.3) years. The ALP-R2 had adequate adjustment indicators in the confirmatory factor analysis, which means that the data supports the original theoretical model (seven subscales). The highest internal consistency was obtained for the total scale (Ω = 0.87); and (among the subscales), physical activity (Ω = 0.85) and spiritual health (Ω = 0.78) had the highest reliability. Conclusions: The ALP-R2 appears to be a valid and reliable instrument to assess health-promoting behaviors among adolescents attending secondary schools.

Riesgo de infección en pacientes con enfermedades inmunológicas y oncológicas tratados con biológicos: revisión panorámica

Biological medications are effective for the treatment of cancer and inflammatory diseases. The aim of this review is to summarize the available evidence in systematic reviews or meta-analyses about the risk of infection in patients with cancer, arthritis, psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease who use biological medications. We included systematic reviews or meta-analyses of controlled clinical trials and case/control studies that analyze infections during and after treatment with FDA-approved biological medications for the treatment of cancer, arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and psoriasis, both in adults and children. The following databases were consulted: PubMed, Epistemonikos, Crochrane reviews, JIB, and Prospero. A quality guideline (AMSTAR) was applied to the selected studies. We included 26 studies. The risk of infections in patients with solid organ cancer is consistent in the literature. In psoriasis there is a risk of non-serious infections. In arthritis and other inflammatory diseases there is a risk of serious infections. In inflammatory bowel disease there is a risk for opportunistic infections. In conclusion, in patients with cancer and inflammatory diseases use biological medications entails a risk of infection. The evidence is different depending on the underlying disease of each patient.

Caracterización de incontinencia urinaria en mujeres premenopáusicas con cáncer de mama en tratamiento con tamoxifeno por cinco años en el Instituto Nacional del Cáncer / Characterization of urinary incontinence in pre-menopausal women with breast cancer treated with tamoxifen for 5 years at the National Cancer Institute

INTRODUCCIÓN El cáncer de mama es el tipo de cáncer que se diagnostica con mayor frecuencia en mujeres y la segunda causa más común de muerte por cáncer en este género. Dentro de las indicaciones de tratamiento, se encuentran: cirugía, radioterapia, quimioterapia y terapia endocrina. Esta última se basa en el uso de tamoxifeno, cuyo uso de forma prolongada puede producir efectos secundarios como sequedad vaginal, ardor, irritación, picazón, disuria, incontinencia urinaria, entre otros OBJETIVO Caracterizar la incontinencia urinaria en mujeres premenopáusicas con cáncer de mama en tratamiento con tamoxifeno por 5 años en el Instituto Nacional del Cáncer MATERIAL Y MÉTODO Estudio descriptivo de corte transversal. Se incluyeron mujeres diagnosticadas con cáncer de mama inscritas y tratadas en el Instituto Nacional del Cáncer. Se aplicó cuestionario ICIQ ­SF a la población de estudio con el fin de caracterizar la presencia de incontinencia urinaria. Además, se calculó la proporción entre mujeres con incontinencia urinaria y nuliparidad/mujeres con incontinencia urinaria y paridad RESULTADOS Se evaluaron 15 pacientes. 93,33% presentaron incontinencia urinaria. El promedio de edad de mujeres con incontinencia urinaria fue de 51,21 (± 4,74) años. La razón de mujeres con nuliparidad/con paridad fue de 4:15 CONCLUSIÓN 99,33% de las pacientes presentaron incontinencia urinaria. Los resultados entregados en este estudio deben ser considerados como un elemento que contribuya a detectar la magnitud del problema en la población inscrita y tratada en el Instituto Nacional del Cáncer.

BACKGROUND Breast cancer is the type of cancer diagnosed most frequently in women, and the second most common cause of death from cancer in this gender. Within the indications of treatment, they are: surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and endocrine therapy. The last is based on the use of tamoxifen, whose prolonged use can produce side effects such as vaginal dryness, burning, irritation, itching, dysuria, urinary incontinence, among others OBJECTIVE To characterize urinary incontinence in pre-menopausal women with breast cancer treated with tamoxifen for 5 years at the Instituto Nacional del Cáncer MATERIAL AND METHOD Descriptive cross-sectional study. We included women diagnosed with breast cancer enrolled and treated at the Instituto Nacional del Cáncer. The ICIQ -SF questionnaire was applied to the study population to characterize the presence of urinary incontinence. In addition, the proportion between women with urinary incontinence and nulliparity / women with urinary incontinence and parity was calculated RESULTS 93,33% presented urinary incontinence. The average age of women with urinary incontinence was 51,21 (± 4,74) years. The ratio of women with nulliparity / with parity was 4:15 CONCLUSION 99,33% of the patients presented urinary incontinence. The results delivered in this study should be considered as one element that helps to detect the magnitude of this problem in the population registered and treated in the Instituto Nacional del Cáncer. Keywords:

Confección de un modelo predictor para infección de herida operatoria en pacientes adultos intervenidos de artroplastía total de cadera en un hospital de alta complejidad, años 2012 y 2014 / Predictive model preparation for surgical wound infection in adult patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty in high complexity hospital for years 2012 and 2014

Resumen Introducción: Las infecciones de herida operatoria de pacientes intervenidos de artroplastía total de cadera, presentan una incidencia desde 2 a 5%, generando impacto en la estadía hospitalaria, uso de recursos, antibioterapia prolongada y secuelas temporales o definitivas. Objetivo: Generar un modelo predictivo para la infección de herida operatoria en pacientes intervenidos de artroplastía total de cadera, entre los años 2012 y 2014, en un hospital de alta complejidad. Material y Método: Cohorte de pacientes con artroplastía total de cadera. Se efectuó la descripción de las variables epidemiológicas y se generó un modelo predictivo por regresión logística. Resultados: Se analizaron 441 pacientes. El modelo predictivo obtenido incluyó las variables: días de estadía post operatoria (OR 1,11 IC95% [1,03-1,20]), transfusión de al menos una unidad de glóbulos rojos (OR 3,13 IC95% [1,17-10,86]), diagnóstico de depresión previo a la cirugía (OR 5,75 IC95% [1,32-25,32], incumplimiento del tiempo de administración de la antibioprofilaxis (OR 5,46 IC95% [1,68-17,78]; p < 0,001) y pseudo R2 = 0,2293. Punto de corte de "score" de 13 puntos con sensibilidad 44,4%, especificidad de 91,6%, LR (+) 5,29, LR (-) 0,61, considerando además la siguiente clasificación: 1 a 6 puntos "bajo riesgo", 7 a 12 puntos "mediano riesgo", 13 a 18 puntos "alto riesgo", desde 19 puntos como "máximo riesgo". Conclusión: El modelo presenta una buena capacidad de predicción de infección de herida operatoria y representa adecuadamente a la cohorte en estudio.

Introduction: Operative wound infections of patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty have an incidence from 2% to 5%, generating impact on hospital stay, resource use, prolonged antibiotic therapy, including temporary or definitive sequelae. Objective: To generate a predictive model for surgical wound infection in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty between 2012 and 2014 at the High Complexity Hospital. Material and Method: Cohort of patients with total hip arthroplasty. A description of the epidemiological variables was made and a predictive model was generated by means of logistic regression. Results: 441 patients were analyzed. The predictive model obtained included the variables: days of post-operative stay (OR 1.11 IC95% [1.03 - 1.20]), transfusion of at least one unit of red blood cells (OR 3.13 IC95% [1.17 - 10.86]), diagnosis of previous depression to surgery (OR 5.75 IC95% [1.32 - 25.32], non-compliance with antibioprophylaxis administration time (OR 5.46 IC95% [1.68 - 17.78], P < 0.001) and pseudo R2 = 0.2293. Score point of 13 points with sensitivity 44.4%, specificity of 91.6%, LR (+) 5.29, LR (-) 0.61, 1 to 6 points "low risk", 7 to 12 points "medium risk", 13 to 18 points "high risk", from 19 points as "maximum risk". Conclusion: the model presents a good predictive capacity of operative wound infection and adequately represents the cohort under study.

Anestesia general con máscara laríngea para radioterapia infantil: técnica y complicaciones / General anesthesia with laryngeal mask airway management for radiotherapy in children: anesthetic technique and complications

Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio es describir la técnica de anestesia general con máscara laríngea y la presencia de complicaciones anestésica en niños sometidos a radioterapia entre el 2014 y el 2016 en el Instituto Nacional del Cáncer. Secundariamente, se describirán las características demográficas y clínicas de la población estudiada. Material y Método: Estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo. Se extrajeron datos clínicos y demográficos de radioterapia bajo anestesia general realizados entre 2014 y el 2016 en niños menores de 15 años. Los datos recopilados fueron: edad, sexo, número de radioterapias con anestesia general, diagnóstico, tipo de anestesia, dispositivo de la vía aérea utilizado, complicaciones (náuseas, vómitos, laringoespasmo, aspiración broncopulmonar). El análisis estadístico fue descriptivo. Resultados: Se registraron 1.285 radioterapias en 65 niños. Todas con anestesia general. Del total de sesiones, en 85 (7%) fue necesario instalar una vía venosa periférica o el paciente contaba con una. Con respecto a los dispositivos de vía aérea, en 1.139 (94%) se utilizó máscara laríngea, en 64 (5%) presentaba traqueostomía y en 8 (0,66%) fue necesario la intubación orotraqueal. Dentro de las complicaciones encontramos náuseas y/o vómitos en 71 sesiones, correspondientes al 5,53%. Espasmo laríngeo ocurrió en 9 (0,7%) de las sesiones. Conclusiones: La anestesia general con máscara laríngea es una técnica útil y con pocas complicaciones para el manejo de niños que requieren radioterapia, donde parece no ser indispensable contar con una vía venosa periférica o central de rutina.

Objective: Describe the use of general anesthesia with laryngeal mask airway management, and the presence of complications in children who require anesthesia for radiotherapy. The demographic and clinical characteristics of the children studied will also be described. Material and Methods: This is a descriptive, retrospective study. Clinical and demographic data were obtained from radiotherapy procedures with general anesthesia in children under 15 years of age completed between 2014 and 2016. The data collected included: sex, age, number of radiotherapies with general anesthesia, diagnosis, type of anesthesia, airway management device, complications (nausea and vomiting, laryngospasm and bronchopulmonary aspiration). The data were analyzed through descriptive statistics. Results: 1,285 radiotherapies where analyzed in 65 children. All patients received general anesthesia. Of the total sessions, only in 85 (7%). Was required to install a peripheral intravenous line or the patient had one. In 1,139 (94%) of the cases, the preferred airway management device was laryngeal mask, 64 (5%) presented with tracheostomy, and in 8 (0.66%) patients it was necessary to use an orotracheal tube. Nausea and vomiting occurred in 71 cases (5.53%), and laryngospasm in only 9 (0.7%) patients. Conclusion: General anesthesia with laryngeal mask airway management is a useful technique associated with low complications when caring for children requiring anesthesia for radiotherapy. Also, in this context, it seems unnecessary to routine install a peripheral intravenous line.

Cáncer de cabeza y cuello: validación de cuestionario QLQ-H& N35 / Head and neck cancer: validation of the QLQ-H& N35 quality of life questionnaire

Background: Head and neck cancer affects esthetic and anatomical parameters, causing pain and functional impotence, affecting vital functions such as eating and breathing, hampering the quality of life of patients. EORTCQLQ-C30 questionnaire with its supplementary module QLQ-H & N35 evaluates the quality of life of these patients. Aim: To statistically validate the QLQ-H & N35 questionnaire in patients with head and neck cancer. Material and Methods: In a cross-sectional study, we studied patients with head and neck cancer who attended a rehabilitation unit. Reliability was measured using Cronbach's α and validity was determined by the diagnostic efficiency of the QLQ-H & N35 scale as compared with the SF-36 quality of life survey. A Receiver Operational Characteristic (ROC) curve was generated. Results: The Cronbach's α global internal consistency of the questionnaire was > 0.70 and its discrimination capacity was 74.2%, which are considered acceptable. Conclusions: These results confirm the statistical validity of the QLQ-H & N35 questionnaire, specifically for patients with head and neck cancer in Chile.

Descripción electrofisiològica del síndrome de túnel carpiano según edad en pacientes adultos / Electrophysiological severity of carpal tunnel syndrome according to age in adult patients

Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) represents 90% of entrapment neuropathies. Severity may be greater in older patients. Aim: To describe the electrophysiological findings in adult patients with CTS and determine if severity is related to age. Material and Methods: Descriptive and retrospective study of electrophysiological findings in patients over 18 years of age with clinical suspicion of CTS, studied between January 2011 and December 2015. Neurophysiological severity was classified in 3 grades, comparing them by age, gender and laterality. Results: Of 1156 patients subjected to electrophysiological studies due to a clinical suspicion of CTS, 690 (60%) had electrophysiological features of the disease. In 274 patients (24%) the compromise was mild, in 162 (14%) it was moderate and in 254 (22%) it was severe. There was a positive association between age and CTS severity (p < 0.01). Severity was significantly greater in males than females (p < 0.01). Bilateral CTS was present in 471 patients (68%), which was associated with increased age and severity (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Electrophysiological severity in CTS increases with age. Other factors associated with higher severity are male gender and bilateral disease.

Uso de opioides en pacientes paliativos oncológicos al momento de fallecer: “el mito de la morfina” / Use of opioids in palliative cancer patients at the time of his death: the myth of morphine

Objetivos: determinar cuáles fueron los opioides usados al momento de morir, tiempo de uso e incremento de dosis. Materiales y Métodos: Pacientes paliativos ingresados el año 2008 al Instituto Nacional del Cáncer. Los datos fueron obtenidos del libro de ingresos y registro informático de recetas. Resultados: Ingresaron 456 pacientes, de éstos fallecieron 170 (37 por ciento), con mediana de edad de 66 años (16-97) y 53 por ciento mujeres. Al momento del fallecimiento, un 14 por ciento no estaba recibiendo opioides. Los opioides utilizados fueron codeína, 11,7 por ciento; tramadol, 32,4 por ciento; oxicodona, 0,7 por ciento; morfina, 37,2 por ciento; metadona, 4,8 por ciento; buprenorfina TTS, 10,3 por ciento; y fentanilo TTS, 2,8 por ciento. En todos, las dosis promedio fueron bajas (morfina, 26,9 mg/día; metadona, 17,9 mg/ día; tramadol, 142,8 mg/día; buprenorfina, 19 ug/h; y fentanilo, 19,5 ug/h). No se evidenció un incrementosignificativo en las dosis. El tiempo promedio de uso desde el último cambio de opioide fue 41,3 DE+63,5 días con una mediana de 26 días (1 a 366). No se encontró diferencia entre los opioides. Discusión: La mitad de los pacientes fallecidos estaban en OMSIII. De los usuarios de opioides potentes, solo un 37 por ciento estaba con morfina. Las dosis promedio de todosfueron bajas. El tiempo transcurrido entre el inicio del opioide y la muerte no difirió entre opioides. En suma, no todos los pacientes paliativos en nuestra población falleció recibiendo morfina, no se evidenciaron diferencias en el tiempo de uso del opioide ni un aumento de la dosis, lo cual desmitifica dos creencias: “si uso morfina me voy a morir antes” y “si uso morfina deberé aumentar las dosis y me haré dependiente”.

Objectives: to determine which were the opioids used at the time of death, time usage and increasing doses. Materials and Methods: Palliative patients admitted to the National Cancer Institute in 2008. Data were obtained from the book income and prescription computer records. Results: 456 patients were treated, 170 died (37 percent), with median age of 66 (16-97) and 53 percent women. At death time, 14 percent was not receiving opioids. Used opioids were 11.7 percent codeine; 32.4 percent tramadol; 0.7 percent oxycodone; 37.2 percent morphine; 4.8 percent methadone; 10.3 percent TTS buprenorphine and 2.8 percent TTS fentanyl. All average doses were low (morphine 26,9 mg/day, methadone 17,9 mg/ day, tramadol, 142,8 mg/ day, buprenorphina 19 ug/h and fentanyl 19,5 ug/h). A significant increase in dose was not observed. Average time since the last change of opiode was 41.3 DE+63.5 days with a median of 26 days (1-366), no difference was found between different opioids. Discussion: Half of the patients who died were in OMSIII. Only 37 percent of strong opioids users was using morphine. The average doses of all were low. Time between start opioid use and death was no different for different opioids. So not all palliative patients died using morphine, and no differences were observed in opioids time of use, or increasing doses which demystifies two beliefs: “If I use morphine I will die prematurely” and “If I use morphine, I will increase dose and I will be dependent ”.

Caracterización de pacientes hospitalizados con neoplasia activa y diagnóstico de enfermedad tromboembólica venosa mediante la puntuación de Khorana en el Instituto Nacional del Cáncer / Khorama score as a predictive tool for thromboembolic events in high risk patients

Background: There is an established relation between cancer and the development of thromboembolic venous disease. Khorana et al developed a predictive score using clinical characteristics and laboratory values to stratify patients according to their risk. Aim: To characterize using Khorana score, patients with active cancer and a diagnosis of thromboembolic disease during hospitalization in an oncology hospital. Material and Methods: Review of records of the pharmacy of the hospital, selecting patients who received heparin in therapeutic doses during their hospitalization. Using laboratory values available in the medical records, the Khorama score was calculated. Results: Twenty seven patients with thromboembolic events, aged 60 ± 2 years (56% males) were selected for the study. Eighty percent of them were catalogued in the intermediate and high risk group according to Khorana score. Conclusions: Khorana score is a simple scale that might be useful to establish early prophylactic measures in patients with high risk for thromboembolic events, especially those with cancer.

Tendencia de la tasa global de fecundidad y el aumento de la fuerza laboral femenina en Chile. 1960-2011 / Association between the decline in global fertility rate and the incorporation of women to the workforce

Background: The global fertility rate (GFR) is defined as the mean number of children that a woman could have in a hypothetical cohort, not exposed to death during the fertile period. GFR has fallen from 3.4 to 1.9 children per women in the period 1970-2010. Aim: To explore the relationship between the fall in GFR and the incorporation of women to work in the period 1960-2011. Material and Methods: Data from the National Statistics Institute was used. GRF was calculated using specific fertility rates for each year considering women aged 15 to 49 years. Work rates were obtained from yearly vital statistics reports. Results: Between 1960 and 2011, GRF decreased from 5.5 to 1.9 in Chile. The first inflection occurred in 1970. In the same period, female workforce increased from 22.4 to 40.2%. Conclusions: To motivate the participation of female work­force without decrease the GRF allowing population replacement, it is suggested the need to create new public policies with benefits and support from the state.

Prevalencia del virus papiloma humano en pacientes con diagnóstico de carcinoma escamoso de la cavidad oral / Human papilloma virus prevalence in patients diagnosed with squamous carcinoma oral cavity

Aim: To establish the prevalence of HPV in patients with diagnose of Oral Squamous cell carcinoma, treated in the Instituto nacional del Cáncer in fresh tumoral samples. methods: Cross-sectional study. The inclusion criteria were patients over 18 years, histological diagnosis of Oral Squamous cell carcinoma, that haven’t received any previous cancer treatment, in normal physical and mental conditions. All patients signed an informed consent. Samples consisting of fresh biopsies of lesions with clinical and pathological diagnosis were made. The samples were processed in the Programme of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, through PCR and genotyped by Linear Array® (ROCHE). Results: The prevalence of VPH obtained in this patients was of 9.09% (2/22), corresponding 1 to VPH 56. The positive patients for VPH resulted to be a man of 35 years and a woman of 73 years (9%). Conclusion: The prevalence of HPV in this type of patients was 9.09%, similar than the international publications.

Objetivos: Determinar la prevalencia del virus papiloma humano (VPH) en pacientes con diagnóstico de carcinoma escamoso de la cavidad oral (COCE), atendidos en el Instituto nacional del Cáncer (INCANCER). material y método: Estudio de corte transversal. Criterios de inclusión: pacientes mayores de 18 años, con diagnóstico histológico de COCE, que no hubiesen recibido ningún tratamiento oncológico previo, en condiciones físicas y mentales normales. Todos los pacientes firmaron el consentimiento informado. Se les realizó una entrevista y se tomaron muestras que consistieron en biopsias frescas de lesiones con diagnóstico clínico y anatomopatológico de COCE. Las muestras se procesaron en el Programa de Virología de la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad de Chile, a través de PCR y se genotipificaron mediante Linear Array® (ROCHE). Resultados: La prevalencia de VPH obtenida en estos pacientes fue de un 9,09% (2/22), correspondiendo 1 a VPH 56. Los pacientes positivos para VPH resultaron ser un hombre de 35 años y una mujer de 73 años (9%). Conclusión: La prevalencia del VPH en este tipo de pacientes fue de 9,09%, similar a las publicaciones internacionales.

Adjuvant chemoradiation for resected gallbladder cancer: Treatment strategies for one of the leading causes of cancer death in Chilean women.

BACKGROUND: Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is the second leading cause of cancer death in women in Chile. Even after curative surgery, prognosis is grim. To evaluate acute and late toxicity and efficacy of adjuvant chemoradiation (CRT) after curatively resected GBC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the cohort of patients diagnosed between January 1999 and December 2009, treated with adjuvant CRT at our institution. Treatment protocol considered external beam radiation (RT) (45–54 Gy) to tumor bed and regional lymph nodes with or without concurrent 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) (500 mg/m2/day by 120-hours continuous infusion on days 1–5 and 29–33). Data was obtained from medical records, mortality from death certificates. Survival was estimated by Kaplan– Meier curves. RESULTS: 46 patients with curatively resected GBC received adjuvant CRT. Median age was 57 years (range 33–76); 39 patients were female. After diagnosis, a second surgery was performed in 42 patients. Cholecystectomy with hepatic segmentectomy and lymphadenectomy was the curative surgery in 41 patients. All patients received RT with a planned dose of 45 Gy in 25 fractions, 11 patients received a boost to the tumor bed up to 54 Gy and 34 patients had concurrent 5-FU. Therapy was well tolerated. Five patients experienced grade 3 toxicities. No grade 4 or 5 toxicity was observed. No grade >2 late toxicity was observed. Three- and 5-year overall survival (OS) were 57% and 51%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Adjuvant chemoradiation is well tolerated and might impact favorably on survival in patients with curatively resected GBC.

Quimiorradioterapia adyuvante en el cáncer gástrico resecado con intención curativa: análisis de supervivencia y toxicidad de pacientes tratados entre 1995 y 2003 en el Instituto Nacional del Cáncer, Chile / Results of adjuvant chemoradiation after curative surgery for gastric cancer: a retrospective study

Background: Survival rates after curative surgery for gastric cancer are disappointing. Therefore adjuvant therapeutic strategies are required. Aim: To analyze survival and side effects of treatment among gastric cancer patients treated with adjuvant chemo radiotherapy after curative resection of gastric adenocarcinoma. Material and methods: Retrospective review of medical records of 74 patients aged 20 to 74 years, treated with complete resection of gastric adenocarcinoma followed by adjuvant chemo radiation. Survival analysis was based on the records and information from the National Mortality Registry. Results: Five years survival fluctuated from 50 percent among patients in stage IB to 25 percent among those is stage IV. Significant acute toxicity was observed in 23 patients (31 percent). No patients died due to acute toxicity. Eleven patients (16.4 percent) developed significant late toxicity, with two possible deaths related to treatment. Conclusions: Postoperative chemo radiotherapy is feasible in our experience. Continues infusion of 5-fluoruracil is recommended to reduce toxicity.