Ángulo de fase como indicador de riesgo cardiovascular en estudiantes universitarios / Phase angle as an indicator of cardiovascular risk in university students

Resumen Introducción El ángulo de fase se utiliza actualmente como indicador del estado nutricional de los adultos y marcador pronóstico de presencia y progresión de enfermedades crónicas, como las cardiovasculares. Objetivo Determinar la asociación entre el ángulo de fase y los indicadores de riesgo cardiovascular en estudiantes universitarios. Método: Estudio correlacional de corte transversal, en el que se evalúo a 30 estudiantes universitarios (edad 22.1 ± 2 años, peso 65.6 ± 10,3 kg) a través de IPAQ (versión corta), glucometría basal, composición corporal mediante bioimpedancia eléctrica con el instrumento Inbody® de referencia 770, fuerza prensil, batería de Bosco (Optogait®) y consumo de oxígeno indirecto (test de Leger). Resultados Se encontró una media de ángulo de fase de 6.4 ± 0.66, y se halló correlación moderada entre masa magra en tronco (0.68; p = 0.05), tasa metabólica basal (0.64; p = 0.009), nivel de fitness (0.71; p = 0.003), Counter Movement Jump (0.56; p = 0.028) y ángulo de fase. Las mujeres presentan correlación entre relación de cintura y cadera (r = 0.74; p = 0.034). Conclusiones El ángulo demostró ser un indicador predictor de riesgo cardiovascular en población adulta joven; además, permitió una visión más exacta de la predisposición y la potencialidad para padecer enfermedad cardiovascular.

Abstract Introduction The phase angle is currently used as an indicator of the nutritional status of adults and a prognostic marker of the presence and progression of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases. Objective To determine the association between phase angle and cardiovascular risk indicators in university students. Method Correlational cross-sectional study. Thirty university students (age 22.1 ± 2 years, weight 65.6 ± 10.3 kg) were evaluated through IPAQ (short version), baseline glucometry, body composition using electrical bioimpedance with the Inbody® reference instrument 770, prehensile force, Bosco battery (Optogait®), indirect oxygen consumption (Leger test). Results A mean phase angle 6.4 ± 0.66 was found, with a moderate correlation between lean trunk mass (0.68; p =0.05), basal metabolic rate (0.64; p = 0.009), fitness level (0.71; p = 0.003), Counter Movement Jump (0.56; p = 0.028) and phase angle. Women have a correlation between waist and hip ratio (r = 0.74; p = 0.034). Conclusions The angle proved to be a predictive indicator of cardiovascular risk in young adult population, also allowed a more accurate view of the predisposition and potential for cardiovascular disease.

Using evidence-informed policies to tackle overweight and obesity in Chile

Overweight and obesity are a global epidemic with rates having risen to alarming levels in both developed and developing countries. Chile has been no exemption, with sharp increases in obesity prevalence, especially among school-age children. This paper describes the policy actions and strategies implemented to tackle this major public health concern in Chile over the last 10 years, and highlights the main challenges and nuances of the process. Chile has taken policy action that includes front-of-package labelling, advertising regulations, and school-food restrictions. New policies focus on the social determinants of health as they relate to food environments and people's behavior. These actions are not only suitable to the current context in Chile, but are also supported by the best available scientific evidence. Moreover, the implementation of these policies has produced a broad debate involving public institutions and the food industry, with discussions issues ranging from property rights to trade barriers. Despite some differences among stakeholders, a valuable political consensus has been achieved, and several international organizations are eager to evaluate the impact of these pioneer initiatives in Latin America.

Desempeño hospitalario en un sistema de salud segmentado y desigual: Chile 2001-2010 / Hospital performance in a segmented and unequal health system: Chile 2001-2010

Resumen: Objetivo: Analizar las diferencias en los resultados en salud según condiciones observadas de los hospitales, en particular su tipo de propiedad: hospitales públicos, privados sin fines de lucro (PSL) y privados con fines de lucro (PCL). Material y métodos: Se utilizó información de egresos hospitalarios en Chile entre 2001 y 2010 con un total de 16 205 314 altas de 20 hospitales públicos, 6 de PSL y 15 de PCL. Se seleccionó una muestra de pacientes con infarto al miocardio (IAM) y accidente cerebrovascular (ACV). Se estimó una regresión probit utilizando como variable dependiente la mortalidad intrahospitalaria y controlando por variables como estado de salud, nivel socioeconómico y características del hospital. Resultados: Los hospitales privados tienen menor riesgo de mortalidad intrahospitalaria: 1.3% en PSL y 0.7% en PCL, mientras que en los hospitales públicos el riesgo llega a 3.5%. Conclusiones: Este análisis muestra las inequidades que el sector público tiene respecto de los demás sectores.

Abstract: Objective: To analyze the differences in health outcomes by hospital characteristics, focusing on ownership: public, private not-for-profit (PNFP) and private for-profit (PFP). Materials and methods: We used a discharged patient dataset of Chilean hospitals for the period 2001-2010 with a total of 16 205 314 discharges in 20 public, six PNFP and 15 PFP hospitals.We selected a subsample of two medical conditions: myocardial infarction and stroke.We used probit regression analyses with mortality rates as dependent variable, ownership status as the key explanatory variable, and control variables which included patients' health status and socioeconomic level, and hospital characteristics. Results: Private hospitals showed lower risk of death relative to public hospitals: 1.3% in PNFP, 0.7% in PFP and 3.5% in public hospitals. Conclusions: The analysis shows the inequities that exist between public hospitals and the private sector.

A snapshot of cancer in Chile: analytical frameworks for developing a cancer policy

INTRODUCTION: The South American country Chile now boasts a life expectancy of over 80 years. As a consequence, Chile now faces the increasing social and economic burden of cancer and must implement political policy to deliver equitable cancer care. Hindering the development of a national cancer policy is the lack of comprehensive analysis of cancer infrastructure and economic impact. OBJECTIVES: Evaluate existing cancer policy, the extent of national investigation and the socio-economic impact of cancer to deliver guidelines for the framing of an equitable national cancer policy. METHODS: Burden, research and care-policy systems were assessed by triangulating objective system metrics -epidemiological, economic, etc. - with political and policy analysis. Analysis of the literature and governmental databases was performed. The oncology community was interviewed and surveyed. RESULTS: Chile utilizes 1% of its gross domestic product on cancer care and treatment. We estimate that the economic impact as measured in Disability Adjusted Life Years to be US$ 3.5 billion. Persistent inequalities still occur in cancer distribution and treatment. A high quality cancer research community is expanding, however, insufficient funding is directed towards disproportionally prevalent stomach, lung and gallbladder cancers. CONCLUSIONS: Chile has a rapidly ageing population wherein 40% smoke, 67% are overweight and 18% abuse alcohol, and thus the corresponding burden of cancer will have a negative impact on an affordable health care system. We conclude that the Chilean government must develop a national cancer strategy, which the authors outline herein and believe is essential to permit equitable cancer care for the country.

Identificación de las necesidades de capacitación docente de los jefes de programa de especialización médica / Identifying the main training needs of postgraduate medical program managers

Training of postgraduate medical specialty program managers (PMSPM) is essential for the proper development of their programs. Aim: To identify the main training needs of PMSPM at a medical school. Material and Methods: A mixed-methodology approach was implemented including focus group/interviews and the administration of the Program Managers Training Needs Assessment Questionnaire (PROMANAQ) developed by an expert panel with 59 items (with two sections: relevance/performance-self-perception). Higher priority was assigned to items with high relevance and low performance. Results: Forty five PMSPM completed the PROMANAQ (81.8% response rate). Both sections of PROMANAQ were highly reliable (Cronbach alpha of 0.95/0.97 for relevance/performance-self-perception, respectively). The items with higher priority value were evaluation of clinical educators, evaluation of teaching programs and accreditation of programs. Ten PMSPM were included in the focus group (18.2% of the universe). The findings of the qualitative component were concordant with the areas explored in the questionnaire. Conclusions: The PROMANAQ is valid and reliable to identify the training needs of PMSPM. The views of PMSPM must be taken into account for faculty development planning.

Evaluación del ambiente educacional en programas de especialización médica / Evaluation of the educational environment in medical specialty programs

Background: The Postgraduate Hospital Education Environment Measure (PHEEM) questionnaire, is a valid and reliable instrument to measure the educational environment (EE) in postgraduate medical education. Aim: To evaluate the EE perceived by the residents of a postgraduate training program using the PHEEM. Material and Methods: The PHEEM was applied in 2010-2011 in 35 specialty programs. We calculated their individual results and compared means of both global and individual domain scores of the PHEEM, by gender, university of origin and nationality. Cronbach's alpha coefficients and D study (Generalizability theory) were performed for reliability. Results: Three hundred eighteen residents were surveyed (75.7% of the total universe). The mean score of the PHEEM was 105.09 ± 22.46 (65.7% of the maximal score) which is considered a positive EE. The instrument is highly reliable (Cronbach's alpha = 0.934). The D study found that 15 subjects are required to obtain reliable results (G coefficient = 0.813). There were no significant differences between gender and university of origin. Foreigners evaluated better the EE than Chileans and racism was not perceived. The programs showed a safe physical environment and teachers with good clinical skills. The negative aspects perceived were a lack of information about working hours, insufficient academic counseling, and scanty time left for extracurricular activities. Conclusions: This questionnaire allowed us to identify positive aspects of the EE, and areas to be improved in the specialty programs. The PHEEM is a useful instrument to evaluate the EE in Spanish-speaking participants of medical specialty programs.

Relación entre la Enfermedad Periodontal (EP) y la Enfermedad Cardiovascular (ECV): Una revisión de tema / Relationship between periodontal disease (PD) and Cardiovascular Disease (CVD): a review of topic

Several clinical studies had investigated the possible relationship between periodontal disease (PD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Some studies prove an epidemiological association between PD and CVD, that from the biological viewpoint may be linked to both chronic inflammation triggered by microbes and persistent microbial infection by periodontal pathogens. In that sense, individuals presenting deep periodontal pockets without periodontal treatment, increased number of missing teeth and other periodontal markers like clinical attachment level and bleeding on probing, seem to be important risk factors markers for cardiovascular disease. Both, EP and cerebrovascular diseases are frequent, and those association is important in Public Health setting. EP and CVD share risk factors such as age, tobacco, stress, socioeconomic status and fat metabolism, so that the chances of introducing confusion into the studies is high. Few population studies have examined the effect of periodontal treatment on the risk of developing cardiovascular events (either primary or secondary prevention), however, it must be noted that the evidence in human studies suggest a possible beneficial effect of periodontal treatment of cardiovascular function index. In this paper, we review the literature that enables the general dentist and specialist an approach to this problem and better understanding of this phenomenon to patient benefit...(AU)

Varios estudios clínicos han investigado la posible relación entre la enfermedad periodontal (EP) y la enfermedad cardiovascular (ECV). Algunos demuestran una asociación epidemiológica entre EP y ECV que desde el punto de vista biológico puede estar ligado con inflamación crónica e infección microbiana persistente con la presencia de patógenos periodontales. En ese sentido para los individuos el presentar las bolsas periodontales profundas sin tratamiento periodontal, el número de dientes perdidos y otros marcadores periodontales como el nivel de inserción clínica y el sangrado al sondeo, parecen ser factores de riesgo importantes para las enfermedades cardiovasculares. Ambas enfermedades EP y ECV son frecuentes, y su asociación es muy importante en salud pública, porque comparten factores de riesgo, tales como la edad, tabaco, stress, estatus socioeconómico y metabolismo de las grasas, por lo que las posibilidades de introducir confusión en los estudios son elevadas. Muy pocos estudios poblacionales han estudiado el efecto del tratamiento periodontal en el riesgo de desarrollar eventos cardiovasculares (ya sea en la prevención primaria o secundaria), sin embargo, hay que señalar que es la evidencia en estudios con seres humanos sugieren un posible efecto beneficioso del tratamiento periodontal de los índices de función cardiovascular. En este trabajo, se hace una revisión de la literatura que permita al odontólogo general y especializado, un acercamiento a esta problemática y una mayor comprensión del fenómeno para el beneficio de los pacientes...(AU)

Evaluación del ambiente educacional pre-clínico en seis Escuelas de Medicina en Chile / Evaluation of the undergraduate educational environment in six medical schools in Chile

Background: The Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM) is the most valid and reliable instrument to measure the educational environment (EE) in undergraduate medical education. Aim: To evaluate the EE perceived by undergraduate medical students in Chile, using a Spanish version of the DREEM questionnaire. Material and Methods: The DREEM was applied during 2008 in third, fourth and ffith undergraduate years of six medical schools. The individual results were calculated and means of both global and individual domain scores of the DREEM were compared, by year, gender and between different Schools. Results: One thousand ninety two students (77 percent of the total universe of students), answered the questionnaire. The mean score of the six Schools was 113.9. The domains of Perception of Learning and Social Self-Perception obtained the lower scores, with a global outcome indicating a more positive than negative EE. Two schools obtained mean scores of 128.32 and 126.87, that were significantly higher than the global scores obtained by other schools. No relevant differences by years or gender were observed. Conclusions: There is a signifiicant variability between the six schools evaluated and two of these obtained signifiicantly better scores than the rest. The identified positive and negative areas will orient the actions to improve the EE for undergraduate medical students.

Sacroiliitis bacteriana en niños / Bacterial sacroiliitis in children

Introducción: la sacroiliitis séptica es relativamente rara, con una incidencia aproximada del 1,5% de todos los casos de artritis séptica. El propósito de este trabajo es describir las características epidemiológicas, clínicas y terapéuticas de una serie de niños con esta enfermedad. Materiales y métodos: se trata de un estudio observacional descriptivo tipo serie de casos, de pacientes con sacroiliitis bacteriana tratados en la Fundación Hospital de la Misericordia entre los años 1995 y 2008. Se analizaron diferentes variables como la edad, sexo, síntomas, signos clínicos y tratamiento. Resultados: se seleccionaron 16 pacientes, 9 niños y 7 niñas con una edad promedio de 10,8 años. El motivo de consulta más frecuente fue el dolor en 12 casos, dolor asociado a fiebre en 2, dolor asociado a cojera en 1 y cojera aislada en otro. El antibiótico de elección fue cefazolina en 11 niños, 14 niños mejoraron con el tratamiento instaurado y 2 requirieron manejo en unidad de cuidados intensivos, uno de ellos falleció. Discusión: la sacroiliitis bacteriana debe ser incluida como diagnóstico diferencial en todo cuadro febril acompañado de dolor en la nalga, la cadera y la parte lumbar. Todos nuestros pacientes tuvieron dolor a la palpación de la articulación sacroíliaca. Se encontró que con antibióticos de primera línea como las cefalosporinas de primera generación, la mayoría de los pacientes mejoraron rápidamente, en un tiempo de 5 a 6 semanas.

Síndrome de Boerhaave. Revisión a propósito de dos casos clínicos / Boerhaave syndrome: review a propos of two clinical cases

Presentamos dos pacientes con síndrome de Boerhaave. Este síndrome es una forma infrecuente de perforación esofágica. Presenta una alta morbimortalidad según el tiempo transcurrido hasta su diagnóstico. La anatomía distintiva hace que la mayor parte de las perforaciones tengan lugar en su tercio inferior cercano al diafragma. La tomografía computada de tórax es diagnóstica usualmente. Nuestros pacientes necesitaron cirugía y manejo en cuidados intensivos, en ellos se utilizó ventilación mecánica, drogas vasoactivas, nutrición parenteral prolongada y antibióticos de amplio espectro. El tratamiento quirúrgico más frecuente consiste en el cierre simple, la técnica de Thal, la exclusión bipolar intratorácica con drenajes o la esofagostomía cervical con esofaguectomía y alimentación por yeyunostomía, asociado o no con drenaje mediastínico a través de toracotomía.

Un caso de prolongación del intervalo QT asociado a consumo de metadona / QT interval prolongation associated with methadone consumption: report of a case

La farmacodependencia es una epidemia de nuestro tiempo, con graves consecuencias sanitarias y económicas, tanto para la sociedad como para el individuo. A continuación presentamos el caso clínico de un hombre de 37 años con antecedentes de abuso de drogas (cocaína, antidepresivos, benzodiacepinas y heroína), en tratamiento con metadona, y que es hallado en su hogar en coma. Tras presentar síndrome de deprivación se reinició metadona, a partir del tercer día de evolución presenta bradicardia sinusal progresiva, con prolongación del intervalo QT hasta 0,64 segundos y un episodio de fibrilación ventricular (FV), que responde a desfibrilación con 200 J. Se sospecha rol etiológico de la metadona y se inicia su descenso gradual. Se observa en los días sucesivos la progresiva y definitiva normalización del ritmo y duración del intervalo QT (Figura 1, 2, 3). Consideramos que la medición rutinaria del intervalo QT corregido parece justificada en presencia de factores de riesgo y cuando se está prescribiendo fármacos con conocido efecto sobre él.

Masa anexiales durante el embarazo / Adnexal masses during pregnancy

Las masas anexiales son un hallazgo raro durante el embarazo (0,5 por ciento y 2,2 por ciento). El ultrasonido es el medio de elección en la evaluación de una masa pélvica sospechosa, es segura tanto para la madre como para el feto, y permite sospechar entre tumores benignos y malignos. La manera tradicional de enfocar las masas pélvicas persistentes mayores de 5 cm. durante el embarazo ha sido a través de la intervención quirúrgica, esto debido a la tasa de complicaciones de 10 a 30 por ciento. En general se prefiere realizar en el segundo trimestre, puesto que el riesgo de pérdida fetal y de parto prematuro son menores, y existe la posibilidad de una intervención menos dificultosa (5). Se realizó un estudio descriptivo retrospectorio entre el 1 de julio de 1999 y el 30 de junio del 2001 de las pacientes atendidas con esta patología en nuestra maternidad