Cierre de conducto arterioso persistente con dispositivo OcclutechTM, experiencia en un país andino / Closure of patent ductus arteriosus with OcclutechTM device, experience in an andean country

Resumen Objetivo: Presentar la experiencia en un país andino con el dispositivo OcclutechTM Duct Occluder para el cierre del conducto arterioso persistente. Método: Estudio observacional, retrospectivo, de corte transversal con análisis estadístico básico. Periodo: diciembre/2014 a diciembre/2022. Datos: historia clínica, informes de laboratorio de cateterismo. Resultados: Cuarenta y seis pacientes; de sexo femenino 71.3%, de sexo masculino 28.7%; edad: 0.6-38 años (mediana [Me]: 5.2); peso: 6.3-60 kg (Me: 16.5). Procedencia: andina 91.3%, costa 8.7%. Tipos de conducto arterioso persistente: E 54.4%, A 32.6%, D 13%. Diámetro ductal mínimo: 1.8-11.8 mm (Me: 3.5). Presión media de la arteria pulmonar previo a la oclusión: 14-67 mmHg (Me: 27). Índice de resistencias vasculares pulmonares previo a la oclusión: 0.28-4.9 UW/m2 (Me: 1.3). Fueron catalogados como conductos arteriosos persistentes hipertensivos seis de ellos. Tasa de oclusión: inmediata el 47.8%, a las 24 horas el 81%, a los seis meses el 100%. Tiempo de fluoroscopia: 2-13.8 minutos (Me: 4). Complicaciones: un dispositivo migrado. Seguimiento: 1-6.5 años. Conclusiones: El dispositivo OcclutechTM Duct Occluder fue efectivo y seguro para el cierre de conducto arterioso persistente tipo E, A y D en habitantes de baja y alta altitud, ya sea que estos hubieran sido niños o adultos, incluso cuando estos conductos arteriosos fueron hipertensivos.

Abstract Objective: To communicate the experience in an Andean country with the OcclutechTM Duct Occluder device for the closure of patent ductus arteriosus. Method: Observational, retrospective, cross-sectional study with basic statistical analysis. Period: December/2014 to December/2022. Data: medical chart, reports of catheterization. Results: Forty-six patients, female 71.3%, male 28.7%; age: 0.6-38 years-old (median [Me]: 5.2); weight: 6.3-60 kg (Me: 16.5). Origin: andean 91.3%, coast 8.7%. Types of patent ductus arteriosus: E 54.4%, A 32.6%, D 13%. Minimum ductal diameter: 1.8-11.8 mm (Me: 3.5). Mean pulmonary artery pressure prior to occlusion: 14-67 mmHg (Me: 27). Pulmonary vascular resistance index prior to occlusion: 0.28-4.9 WU/m2 (Me: 1.3). Six of them were classified as hypertensive patent ductus arteriosus. Occlusion rate: 47.8% immediate, 81% at 24 hours, 100% after six months. Fluoroscopy time: 2-13.8 minutes (Me: 4). Complications: a migrated device. Follow-up: 1-6.5 years. Conclusions: OcclutechTM Duct Occluder device was effective and safe for the closure of patent ductus arteriosus type E, A and D in low-altitude and high-altitude dwellers, whether they were children or adults, even when these ductus arteriosus were hypertensive.

Parameters of pubertal growth spurt in children and adolescents living at high altitude in Peru

Abstract Objectives: The aim was to estimate the pubertal growth height of children and adolescents living in a high-altitude region of Peru using the Preece-Baines model 1 (1 PB). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in schoolchildren from the department of Puno (Peru) between 3841 and 3874 masl. The age range was between 4 and 17 years. Standing height was evaluated. 1 PB was used to infer the mathematical and biological parameters of stature. Results: Mathematical parameters estimated by the 1 PB model reflected small residual standard error (RSE) values in both sexes (0.25 in boys and 0.27 in girls). In boys, the age at which peak velocity was reached (APHV) was estimated at 13.21 ± 0.33years. While in girls it was 9.96 ± 0.26years (p < 0.05). In general, girls reached APHV (y) 3.25 years earlier than boys. On the other hand, the growth velocity of maximum height [APHV (cm/y)] of boys was higher (6.33 ± 6.06 cm/y) relative to girls (6.06 ± 0.32 cm/y). Estimated final adult height (EFAH) in boys was reached at 166.020 ± 0.99 cm and height at maximum growth velocity (HPHV) was 153.07 ± 0.67 cm, while in girls they were significantly lower (EFAH; 153.74 ± 0.44 cm and HPHV: 139.73 ± 0.84 cm). Conclusions: This study showed that girls living in Puno at a high altitude in Peru reached APHV 3 years earlier than boys and at the same time reflected slower PHV. These results suggest that pubertal growth at high altitudes is slower in both sexes and especially in girls. Thus, modeling physical growth may be an important step in understanding the onset of puberty at different latitudes.

Study on difference in blood cell analysis of male officers and soldiers between at high altitude station and low altitude station in summer / 重庆医学

Objective To study the differences in the blood cell analysis of male officers and soldiers be-tween in the high altitude area station and low altitude area station in summer.Methods A total of 239 male officers and soldiers in the high altitude area(Amdo Xizang,average altitude 4 800 m)and 336 male officers and soldiers in the low altitude area(Nanjing,Jiangsu,average altitude 30 m)from July 18 to 24,2022 were selected as the study subjects and the differences in blood cell analysis parameters of male officers and soldiers stationed between at high altitude and low altitude areas were retrospectively analyzed.Results The eosino-phils percentage(EDS％),eosinophils count(EOS)in the high altitude group were significantly lower than thosein the low altitude group(P＜0.05),and the basophillic granulocyte percentage(BASO％),basophillic granulo-cyte count(BASO)and monocyte percentage(MONO％)were significantly higher than those in the low alti-tude group,and the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05),but which in the both groups were in the normal reference ranges.The red blood cell count(RBC)hemoglobin(Hb)and hematocrit(HCT)in the high altitude group were significantly higher than those in the low altitude group(P＜0.05),moreover Hb and HCT in the high altitude group were in the upper limit of the medical reference range.The mean corpus-cular volume(MCV),mean corpuscular hemoglobin(MCH),mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration(MCHC)and red blood cell distribution width-standard diviation(RDW-SD)in the high altitude group were lower than those in the low-altitude group(P＜0.05),but the both groups were in the normal reference ran-ges;there was no statistically significant difference in the erythrocyte distribution width coefficient of variation(RDW-CV)between the two groups(P＞0.05).The platelet(PLT)and thrombocytocrit(PCT)in the high altitude group were higher than those in the low altitude group,the platelet distribution width(PDW),mean platelet volume(MPV)and platelet large cell ratio(P-LCR)were lower than those in the low altitude group,and the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05);PDW in the low-altitude group was at the upper limit of the medical reference range,and the other platelet-related indexes were in the normal range.Conclusion There are obvious differences in the blood cell analysis indicators of male officers and soldiers be-tween the high altitude area and low altitude area.

Application of AI diagnostic system in the evaluation of CHD patients in high-altitude areas / 重庆医学

Objective To explore the application of diagnostic system with artificial intelligence(AI)in the evaluation of patients with coronary heart disease(CHD)at high altitude.Methods A total of 318 pa-tients underwent coronary CT angiography(CTA)at the hospital from January to December 2022 were pro-spectively collected.According to the altitude gradient,the patients were divided into the 2 000-3 000 m group and>3 000 m group.Coronary angiography(CAG)was used as the gold standard to verify the diag-nostic performance of AI diagnostic system.Coronary artery diagnosis system with AI technology and CT de-rived fractional flow reserve(CT-FFR)measurement system were used to evaluate the plaque structure char-acteristics and hemodynamic changes in the two groups of patients.Results Calcified plaques and vulnerable plaques in the>3 000 m group were more than those in the 2 000-3 000 m group(χ2=3.976,6.482,P= 0.046,0.011).The incidence of multi-vessel coronary artery disease,moderate stenosis,severe stenosis and complete occlusion in the>3 000 m group was higher than that in the 2 000-3 000 m group,and the inci-dence of single-vessel coronary artery disease and mild stenosis in the 2 000-3 000 m group was higher than that in the>3 000 m group(P<0.05).The incidence of CT-FFR≤0.80 and<0.70 in the>3 000 m group was higher than that in the 2 000-3 000 m group(χ2=4.782,28.118,P=0.029,<0.001).The comparison with the gold standard showed that this method has high sensitivity,specificity,and diagnostic consistency(P<0.001).Conclusion The coronary diagnosis system with AI technology has certain value in the system-atic evaluation of coronary artery characteristics and hemodynamic changes in CHD patients at high altitude.

Changes in pharmacokinetics of single dose of fentanyl in simulated high altitude in rats / 陆军军医大学学报

Objective To explore the pharmacokinetic changes of single dose of fentanyl in rats in a simulated high-altitude and contributing factors.Methods Thirty-six healthy female SD rats(6～8 weeks old,250±20 g)were randomly divided into high-altitude-acute-exposure group(group A),high-altitude-chronic-exposure group(group S)and control group(group C)through random number table,with 12 rats in each group.The group A and S were housed in a low-pressure chamber simulating the high altitude of 5000 m above sea level for 3 and 30 d respectively,and the group C was housed out of the chamber(at an altitude of 300 m).A single dose of fentanyl was administered through the femoral vein to 6 rats randomly selected from each group.Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry(LC-MS/MS)was used to detect blood concentrations of fentanyl and WinNonlin 8.2 software was used to calculate the pharmacokinetic parameters,while blood samples were taken through the femoral artery before and in 1,2,4,8,15,30,60,120 and 180 min after administration.The remaining 6 rats were ultrasonographically assessed for portal vein internal diameter(PVD),peak flow velocity(PVV)and blood flow(PVF),and liver tissues were collected for CYP3A1 protein content assay.Results The blood drug concentrations of fentanyl in the group A and group S were significantly lower than those in the group C at 60,120,and 180 min(P=0.002,P＜0.001,P= 0.001).Compared with the group C,the clearance rate(CL)of the group A was increased by 54.06%(P=0.021),and the mean residence time(MRTlast)was shortened by 24.21%(P=0.033);CL of the group S was increased by 50.10%(P=0.041),the area under the concentration-time curve(AUC0-t,AUC0-∞)and MRTlast were reduced by 18.92%(P=0.039),27.54%(P=0.018)and 33.61%(P= 0.004),respectively.PVD and PVF in the group S increased by 10.87%(P=0.006)and 42.50%(P= 0.006)when compared with the group C.The CYP3A1 protein content in the group A was 28.74%,which was higher than that in the group C(P=0.048).Conclusion Fentanyl is cleared significantly faster after a single dose in rats in simulated high-altitude,which may be related to the increased liver blood flow and increased CYP3A1 protein expression in liver.

Kidney injury in warfare at high altitude and countermeasures / 军事医学

The climate on the plateau is characterized by hypobaria and hypoxia,where the natural environment is harsh,which poses a serious threat to the health and combativeness of troops.As a vital organ of the human body,the kidney has a complex vascular structure,large oxygen consumption,and is vulnerable to damage from hypoxia and other factors.This paper outlines the special changes of renal function and current diagnosis and treatment of kidney injury by taking into consideration the actual conditions on the plateau and renal blood and oxygen supply.Meanwhile,related countermeasures are recommended to facilitate the prevention and treatment of kidney injury in warfare on the plateau.

Basic Research Progress of Zang Medicine in Treatment of Hypoxic Pulmonary Hypertension / 医药导报

Hypoxic pulmonary hypertension(HPH)is a kind of chronic high-altitude sickness disease,which is also the initiation link of high-altitude sickness such as pneumocardial disease and high-altitude pulmonary edema.Its main features are persistent vasoconstriction and irreversible remodeling of blood vessels.HPH has greatly impacted the health of people in the plat-eau section.As a typical representative of ethnic medicine,Zang medicine embodies the wisdom of the Zang people in their long-term struggle against diseases.Adapting to local conditions for a long time,Zang medicine has unique advantages in the treatment of HPH.By reviewing the pathogenesis of HPH and the research of single Zang medicine and the complex prescription of Zang medicine in the treatment of HPH,this article aims to provide a theoretical basis for the physiological and pathological research of HPH and to provide a reference for the clinical application of Zang medicine.

Relationship between polymorphism of resistin gene and metabolic associated fatty liver disease in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in middle and high altitude areas / 中国糖尿病杂志

Objective To investigate the relationship between polymorphism of resistin(RETN)gene and metabolic associated fatty liver disease(MAFLD)in type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)patients in middle and high altitude areas.Methods A total of 400 patients with T2DM in Qinghai area were recruited and divided into simple T2DM group(T2DM,n=200)and T2DM combined with MAFLD group(T2DM+ MAFLD,n=200)according to liver ultrasonography.Healthy individuals confirmed by physical examination were selected as the normal control group(NC,n=180).Plasma resistin levels were measured by ELISA.The polymorphism of RETN-420C/G and +299G/A genes were detected by PCR sequencing.Results By comparing the polymorphism of RETN-420C/G gene in each group,it was found that the frequencies of G/G genotype and G allele frequency in T2DM+MAFLD group were higher than those in NC group and T2DM group(P<0.05),while the frequencies of C/C genotype and C allele frequency were lower than those in NC group and T2DM group(P<0.05).The risk of MAFLD increased by 1.571,2.126 and 1.537 times respectively in T2DM patients with C/G,G/G genotype and G allele.Logistic regression analysis showed that G/G genotype was a risk factor for MAFLD in T2DM patients.By comparing the polymorphism of RETN+299G/A gene in each group,it was found that A allele frequency in T2DM+MAFLD group was higher than that in NC group and T2DM group,while G allele frequency was lower than that in NC group and T2DM group(P<0.05).The allele A increased the risk of MAFLD in T2DM patients by 1.432 times compared to allele G.Conclusion RETN gene-420C/G locus G/G genotype increases the risk of T2DM combined with MAFLD in middle and high altitudeareas.

Discussion on the relationship between the disposal time of hypobaric oxygen chamber and the establishment of rat cardiac arrest model at high altitude / 中华危重病急救医学

Objective:To establish the rat cardiac arrest model in high-altitude hypobaric hypoxia environment, and to explore the effect of the treatment time in the hypobaric oxygen chamber on the reproduction of high-altitude rat cardiac arrest model.Methods:SPF grade healthy male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were used as observation subjects. The experiment was conducted in two different altitude areas. The rats from the Plateau Branch of Institute of Cardiopulmonary and Cerebral Resuscitation of Sun Yat-sen University (Xining, Qinghai) were weighed and numbered, and they were placed in a hypobaric oxygen chamber (simulated altitude of 3 000 meters, speed of ascent and descent of 15 m/min, temperature of 20 ℃, cabin pressure of 69.5 kPa, cabin oxygen pressure of 14.5 kPa). After 30 days of feeding, the rats were obtained according to random number table method, and the cardiac arrest model was established by asphyxia method as the 30-day hypobaric hypoxia group. After 60 days of feeding, rats were randomly selected again, and the cardiac arrest model was established as the 60-day hypobaric hypoxia group. Thirty rats were randomly selected from the Institute of Cardiopulmonary Cerebral Resuscitation at Sun Yat-sen University (Guangzhou, Guangdong) by the same method, and the cardiac arrest model was established as the plain control group. The differences in the body weight of rat modeling precursors and the induction time of asphyxia during the modeling process among different groups were compared.Results:Finally, cardiac arrest model was established in 16 rats in the 30-day hypobaric hypoxia group and in 22 rats in the 60-day hypobaric hypoxia group. There was no significant difference in the body weight of rats before modeling among the plain control group, 30-day hypobaric hypoxia group and 60-day hypobaric hypoxia group [g: 429.00 (389.25, 440.75), 440.00 (415.50, 486.25), 440.00 (400.00, 452.50), all P > 0.05]. The asphyxia induction time of rats in the 60-day hypobaric hypoxia group was significantly longer than that in the 30-day hypobaric hypoxia group (s: 294.59±75.39 vs. 234.31±93.86, P < 0.01), even about 1.4 times of the plain control group (s: 294.59±75.39 vs. 208.73±30.88, P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in the asphyxia induction time between the 30-day hypobaric hypoxia group and the plain control group ( P > 0.05). Conclusion:Rats treated in a hypobaric oxygen chamber for 60 days are more suitable for the preparation of high-altitude cardiac arrest model, and are also consistent with the oxygen reserve and hypoxia tolerance of high-altitude rats.

Early coagulation function changes of penetrating intestinal firearm injury of pigs in high-altitude environment / 中华创伤杂志

Objective:To explore the early coagulation function changes of penetrating intestinal firearm injury of pig in high-altitude environments.Methods:Twenty healthy long white piglets were selected and divided into the plain group and the high-altitude group using the random number table method, with 10 pigs in each group. Pigs in the plain group were placed in a plain environment at an altitude of 800 meters, while pigs in the high-altitude group were placed in an experimental chamber simulating an altitude of 6 000 meters for 48 hours. Both groups received pistol gunshot to have firearm penetrating wounds to the abdominal intestinal tract and then returned to the plain observation room. At 0, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 24 hours after injury, coagulation in the peripheral blood and fibrinolytic indexes [prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), thrombin time (TT), fibrinogen (Fbg), D-dimer (D-D), and fibrinogen degradation product (FDP)], thromboelastogram (TEG) [reaction time (R), clotting time (K), clot formation rate (α), maximum amplitude (MA) and coagulation composite index (CI) ], platelet parameters [platelet count (PLT), mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), and platelet-large cell ratio (P-LCR)] in the two groups were detected separately.Results:The PT values at 0 and 2 hours after injury in the high-altitude group were significantly lower than those in the plain group, while they were significantly higher at 8, 12 and 24 hours than those in the plain group ( P<0.01); there was no significant difference at 4 hours between the two groups ( P>0.05). The APTT values at 0, 2 and 4 hours after injury in the high-altitude group were significantly lower than those in the plain group, while they were significantly higher at 8, 12 and 24 hours after injury than those in the plain group ( P<0.01). The TT values at 0, 2 and 4 hours after the injury in the high-altitude group were significantly lower than those in the plain group, while they were significantly higher at 12 and 24 hours after injury than those in the plain group ( P<0.01); there was no significant difference at 8 hours after injury between the two groups ( P>0.05). The Fbg, D-D and FDP values at 0, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 24 hours after injury were higher in the high-altitude group than those in the plain group ( P<0.01). The R values at 0, 2 and 4 hours after injury in the high-altitude group were significantly lower than those in the plain group, while they were significantly higher at 8, 12 and 24 hours after injury than those in the plain group ( P<0.01). The K values at 0, 2, 4 and 8 hours after injury in the high-altitude group were significantly lower than those in the plain group, while they were significantly higher at 12 and 24 hours after injury than those in the plain group ( P<0.05 or 0.01). The α angles at 0, 2 and 4 hours after injury in the high-altitude group were significantly higher than those in the plain group, while they were significantly lower at 8, 12 and 24 hours after injury than those in the plain group ( P<0.01). The MA values at 0, 2 and 4 hours after the injury in the high-altitude group were significantly higher than those in the plain group, while they were significantly lower at 8, 12 and 24 hours after injury than those in the plain group ( P<0.01). The CI values at 0, 2 and 4 hours after injury in the high-altitude group were significantly higher than those in the plain group, while they were significantly lower at 8, 12 and 24 hours after injury than those in the plain group ( P<0.01). The PLT values at 0, 2, 4 and 8 hours after injury in the high-altitude group were significantly higher than those in the plain group, while they were significantly lower at 12 and 24 hours after injury than those in the plain group ( P<0.05 or 0.01). The MPV values at 0, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 24 hours after injury in the high-altitude group were significantly higher than those in the plain group ( P<0.01). The PDW values at 2, 4, 8, 12 and 24 hours after injury in the high-altitude group were significantly higher than those in the plain group ( P<0.05 or 0.01), while there was no significant difference in PDW at 0 hour after injury between the two groups ( P>0.05). The P-LCR values at 0, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 24 hours after injury in the high-altitude group were all significantly higher than those in the plain group ( P<0.01). Conclusion:Compared with the plain environments, pig intestinal firearm penetrating injury in the high-altitude environments is more prone to early hypercoagulable state accompanied by mild hyperfibrinolysis, and faster to reach a hypocoagulable state accompanied by obvious hyperfibrinolysis.

Clinical characteristics and management strategies of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in high-altitude areas / 中华健康管理学杂志

Objective:To study the clinical characteristics and management strategies of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in high-altitude areas.Methods:An observational cross-sectional study was conducted in 79 stable COPD patients who visited the outpatient of Respiratory Medicine at Tibet Autonomous Region People′s Hospital and Peking University Third Hospital from August 3 rd 2020 to November 30 th 2020. Patients were divided into Lhasa group ( n=44) and Beijing group ( n=35). The differences of clinical characteristics including demographic characteristics, risk factors, respiratory symptoms, comorbidities, medications and spirometry were analyzed. Further comparative analysis was conducted on the clinical characteristics of smokers ( n=15) and non-smokers ( n=29) in Lhasa group. Results:The proportion of female patients and biofuel exposure in Lhasa group was significantly higher than Beijing group (56.8% vs 0, 86.4% vs 0, both P<0.001). The proportion of smokers in Lhasa group was significantly lower than Beijing group (34.1% vs 100%, P<0.001). The mean score of COPD assessment test (CAT) in Lhasa group was significantly higher than Beijing group (21.27 vs 9.17, P<0.001). The proportion of acute exacerbations ≥2 in the past year in Lhasa group was significantly higher than Beijing group (31.8% vs 11.4%, P=0.032). The median percentage of forced vital capacity in the first second of predicted value (FEV 1%pred) of patients in Lhasa group was significantly higher than Beijing group (63% vs 38%, P<0.001). The proportion of patients treated by inhaled corticosteroid/long-acting β 2-agonist (ICS/LABA) and inhaled long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMA) in Lhasa group was significantly lower than Beijing group (4.5% vs 60.0%, 0 vs 65.7%, both P<0.001). There were no significant differences in CAT score, number of acute exacerbations in the past year and lung function between smokers and non-smokers in Lhasa group. Conclusions:Compared with those patients in Beijing, the majority of patients with COPD living in Lhasa are female, with a low proportion of smokers and a high proportion of biofuel exposure. Although their lung function is better, their respiratory symptoms are more severe with more acute exacerbations in the past year, and most patients do not receive standardized medication.

Elevada prevalencia de malformaciones anorrectales en recién nacidos a gran altitud

Introducción. Las malformaciones anorrectales son un grupo de anomalías congénitas de etiología multifactorial, en las que intervienen diversos factores genéticos y ambientales. Los habitantes de regiones de gran altitud están expuestos a hipoxia hipobárica crónica, lo que se ha asociado a una mayor prevalencia de varias anomalías congénitas. Objetivo. El objetivo del estudio es investigar la prevalencia al nacimiento de malformaciones anorrectales en La Paz, Bolivia. Material y métodos. Se realizó un estudio transversal. Los casos fueron recolectados en el Hospital de la Mujer ubicado en La Paz, Bolivia, a una altitud promedio de 3600 metros sobre el nivel del mar. Resultados. De 56206 nacidos vivos registrados durante el periodo de estudio, 30 recién nacidos presentaban malformaciones anorrectales, lo que arrojaba una prevalencia de 5,34 por 10000 nacidos vivos. Esta prevalencia era superior a la prevalencia de 3 por 10000 nacidos vivos registrada anteriormente en la literatura. Conclusiones. Nuestro estudio muestra que la prevalencia de malformaciones anorrectales es mayor en la población de altura de La Paz, Bolivia, en comparación con la prevalencia previamente reportada en la literatura. Se necesitan más investigaciones para identificar los factores genéticos y ambientales subyacentes que contribuyen a esta mayor prevalencia, además de mejorar el diagnóstico y los sistemas de vigilancia.

Introduction. Anorectal matformations are a group of congenital anomalies that have a multifactorial etiology, involving various genetic and environmental factors. Inhabitants living at high-altitude regions are exposed to chronic hypobaric hypoxia, which has been associated with a higher prevalence of congenital anomalies. Objective. It was aimed to investígate the prevalence of anorectal malformations in newborns from La Paz, Bolivia. Material and methods. We conducted a cross-sectional study. Newborns data were collected at the Hospital de la Mujer located in La Paz, Bolivia, at an average altitude of 3600 masl. Results. Out of 56,206 live births were registered during the study period. 30 newborns had anorectal malformations, resulting in a prevalence of 5.34 per 10,000 live births. This prevalence was higher than the previously reported in the literature, 3 per 10,000 live births. Conclusions. Our study depicts the prevalence of anorectal malformations is higher in the population of La Paz-Bolivia living at high-altitude, this when compared to previously reported prevalence in the literature. Further research is needed to identify the underlying genetic and environmental factors that contribute to this increased prevalence, as well as to improve diagnosis and monitoring systems.

La obesidad como factor riesgo para eritrocitosis secundaria

Introducción. La obesidad es un problema de salud pública, está asociada exponencialmente al aumento del riesgo de desarrollar patologías como diabetes, cáncer, enfermedades cardiovasculares y pulmonares. En la altitud, la hipoxia hipobárica conllevaría una repercusión importante en personas con obesidad involucrando disminución de la funcionalidad pulmonar, incremento de HIF y de eritropoyetina que pueden condicionar el desarrollo de una eritrocitosis secundaria. Objetivo. Determinar el rol de la obesidad en la presentación de la eritrocitosis en un ambiente de hipoxia hipobárica. Material y métodos. Estudio descriptivo transversal con carácter retrospectivo que consideró 615 pacientes con eritrocitosis (EPA, ES) residentes a 3650 y 4150 m s. n. m., ciudades de La Paz y El Alto (Bolivia). Se analizó datos demográficos, clínicos y laboratoriales, considerando características del IMC según grados de obesidad. Resultados. Se observó que, el 7% que reflejaron IMC normal correlacionaron con EPA, mientras que el 93% distribuidos por grados de sobrepeso u obesidad correlacionaron con ES. Los eventos trombóticos estuvieron relacionados con el incremento eritropoyetina, no así con la obesidad. A mayor IMC, mayores fueron las concentraciones de eritropoyetina. La presentación de eritrocitosis fue representativa en varones (80 %), adicionalmente, la edad de presentación fue después de los 50 años de edad. Conclusiones. La obesidad constituye un factor de riesgo importante en la presentación de la eritrocitosis secundaria en grandes altitudes, su etiopatogenia está representada por el incremento de eritropoyetina sérica.

Introduction. Obesity is a public health problem, it is associated with an increased risk of developing pathologies such as diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular or lung diseases. At high-altitude, hypobaric hypoxia may imply a significant impact in people with obesity, it involves a decrease in lung functionality, an increase of HIF and erythropoietin conditioning the development of secondary erythrocytosis. Objective. To determine the role of obesity in the occurrence of erythrocytosis at a hypobaric hypoxia environment. Material and methods. Retrospective cross-sectional descriptive study that considered 615 patients with erythrocytosis (EPA, ES) residing at 3650 and 4150 m, La Paz and El Alto cities from Bolivia. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data by considering patients BMI characteristics as well as degrees of obesity were analyzed. Results. 7% corresponding to a normal BMI displayed correlation with CMS- erythrocytosis, while 93% distributed by degrees of overweight or obesity correlated with ES. Thrombotic events were related to increased erythropoietin, but not to obesity. The higher BMI, the higher erythropoietin concentrations were. Occurrence of erythrocytosis was representative in men (80%), likewise the occurrence age was after 50 years old. Conclusions. Obesity constitutes an important risk factor in the occurrence of secondary erythrocytosis at high altitude, its etiopathogenesis is represented by increased serum erythropoietin.

Estado de salud y frecuencia de factores predisponentes para covid-19 grave, población universitaria / Health status and frequency of predisposing factors for severe COVID-19, university population

INTRODUCCIÓN: La COVID-19 ha provocado diversas consecuencias en el mundo, actualmente se siguen estudiando sus factores predisponentes y consecuencias. El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar el estado de salud y la frecuencia de los factores de riesgo para COVID-19 grave en estudiantes, docentes y administrativos universitarios. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo de corte transversal, se aplicó un cuestionario virtual. Se recopiló información epidemiológica personal y del entorno cercano, grupo sanguíneo, hacinamiento en administrativos, peso y talla. RESULTADOS: Se obtuvo la información de 209 docentes, 103 administrativos y 1556 estudiantes. En docentes el 49.52% tiene alguna enfermedad crónica, el 29% tuvo COVID-19. En administrativos, el 56.31% tiene alguna enfermedad crónica, el 29% tuvo COVID-19. En estudiantes el 30% tiene enfermedad crónica, el 24.42% tuvo COVID-19. La mayoría de los docentes tiene sobrepeso, principalmente el sexo masculino desde los 51 años. El 50% del personal administrativo presenta sobrepeso, en igual proporción en ambos sexos y a partir de 41 años. En estudiantes la mayoría tiene un estado nutricional normal, el 27,9% presenta sobrepeso, siendo mayor en el sexo femenino y en el grupo de 20 a 25 años de edad. CONCLUSIONES: Son factores frecuentes en docentes y administrativos la edad, enfermedad crónica, grupo sanguíneo diferente de 0Rh positivo y sobrepeso.

INTRODUCTION: COVID-19 has caused various consequences in the world, its predisposing factors and consequences are currently being studied. The objective of this study was to determine the state of health and the frequency of risk factors for severe COVID-19 in university students, teachers, and administrators. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Descriptive cross-sectional study, a virtual questionnaire was applied. Personal epidemiological information and information about the immediate environment, blood group, overcrowding in administrative offices, weight and height were collected. RESULTS: Information was obtained from 209 teachers, 103 administrators and 1556 students. In teachers, 49.52% have some chronic disease, 29% had COVID-19. In administrative, 56.31% have some chronic disease, 29% had COVID-19. In students, 30% have a chronic disease, 24.42% had COVID-19. Most of the teachers are overweight, mainly the male sex from the age of 51. 50% of the administrative staff is overweight, in equal proportion in both sexes and from 41 years of age. In students, the majority have a normal nutritional status, 27.9% are overweight, being higher in the female sex and in the group of 20 to 25 years of age. CONCLUSIONS: Frequent factors in teachers and administrators are age, chronic illness, blood group other than 0Rh positive, and overweight

Estado ácido-base en obstetricia crítica y altitud / Acid-base status in critical care obstetrics at altitude

OBJETIVO: describir el estado ácido base en pacientes obstétricas críticamente enfermas a muy alta altitud, al momento de su ingreso a la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: estudio descriptivo transversal. Se incluyen todas las pacientes obstétricas internadas en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Adultos del Hospital del Norte de la ciudad de El Alto, La Paz a 4150 metros sobre el nivel del mar, ingresadas en el periodo enero 2019-enero 2022. RESULTADOS: se ingresaron 79 pacientes, con media de edad de 29 años (desviación estándar 8.06 años), 52 casos (66%) por preeclampsia severa, 14 casos (18%) por hemorragia obstétrica, 8 casos (10%) por sepsis obstétrica y 5 (6%) por diagnósticos diversos como taquicardia supraventricular e intoxicaciones, existieron 8 pacientes fallecidas (10% de mortalidad) destacando la sepsis obstétrica con mayor fallecimiento y mayor tiempo de internación. CONCLUSIÓN: los cambios fisiológicos propios del embarazo, la convierten en una paciente de riesgo, identificando la diferencia de iones fuertes aparente y abreviada como posibles factores pronóstico en la paciente obstétrica en estado crítico. PALABRAS CLAVE: estado acido-base, obstetricia crítica, gran altitud

OBJECTIVE: to describe the acid base status in critically ill obstetric patients at very high altitude, at the time of admission to the Intensive Care Unit. METHODOLOGY: retrospective descriptive study. All obstetric patients admitted to the Adult Intensive Care Unit of the Hospital del Norte in the city of El Alto, La Paz at 4150 meters above sea level, in the period January 2019-January 2022, are included. RESULTS: 79 patients were admitted, with a mean age of 29 years (standard deviation 8.06 years), 52 cases (66%) due to severe preeclampsia, 14 cases (18%) due to obstetric hemorrhage, 8 cases (10%) due to obstetric sepsis. and 5 (6%) due to various diagnoses such as supraventricular tachycardia and poisoning, there were 8 deceased patients (10% mortality), highlighting obstetric sepsis with the highest death rate and longest hospital stay. DISCUSSION: the physiological changes during pregnancy make her a risk patient, identifying the apparent and abbreviated strong ion difference as possible prognostic factors in the critically ill obstetric patient

Frecuencia de síndrome metabólico en adultos mayores de la ciudad El Alto-Bolivia, gestión 2019 / Frequency of metabolic syndrome among elderly people in the city of El Alto, Bolivia, in 2019

INTRODUCCIÓN: el síndrome metabólico es una entidad compleja, compuesta por factores de riesgo cardiaco como: Obesidad, Diabetes. Hipertensión, dislipemia etc. OBJETIVO: determinar la frecuencia de síndrome metabólico en adultos mayores de la ciudad El Alto, durante la gestión 2019. METODOLOGÍA: investigación transversal cuantitativa, se evaluaron a 124 individuos, reclutados en Auki Utas por el gobierno autónomo municipal de El Alto, mediante coordinación con la Unidad de Protección al Adulto Mayor, durante la gestión 2019. Previo consentimiento informado, se determinó antropometría, tensión arterial, toma de muestra de sangre venosa, para procesamiento de pruebas bioquímicas, (glucemia, triglicéridos, colesterol total, HDL colesterol y LDL colesterol). RESULTADOS: el 62% (77/124) de la población estudiada se encuadra dentro del diagnóstico de síndrome metabólico, presentando datos alterados en por lo menos tres de los criterios evaluados. CONCLUSIONES: la población estudiada presenta altos porcentajes de síndrome metabólico, con mayor tendencia a la obesidad e hipertensión, por lo que es importante la promoción y prevención, ya que el sobrepeso y obesidad son factores de riesgo para la resistencia a la insulina, determinante de los demás criterios (marcadores), actividades de promoción y prevención son necesarias en la ciudad de El Alto, para evitar morbimortalidad por síndrome metabólico

INTRODUCTION: metabolic syndrome is a complex entity, composed of cardiac risk factors such as: obesity, diabetes. hypertension, dyslipidemia, etc. OBJECTIVE: determine a baseline regarding metabolic syndrome in older adults in the El Alto city, which can be used in the future to carry out potential preventive interventions. METHODOLOGY: quali-quantitative research, studied 124 individuals, recruited in Auki Utas by the Autonomous Municipal Government of El Alto city, through coordination with the Protection Unit for the Elderly, during the 2019 administration. Prior informed consent, anthropometry was determined blood pressure, venous blood sampling, for processing biochemical tests (blood glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, HDL and LDL). RESULTS: 62% (77/124) of the studied population falls within the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome, presenting altered data in at least three of the evaluated entities. CONCLUSIONS: the population studied presents high percentages of metabolic syndrome, with a greater tendency to obesity and hypertension, so promotion and prevention is important, since overweight and obesity are risk factors for insulin resistance, a determinant of the other criteria (markers), promotion and prevention activities are necessary in the El Alto city, to avoid morbidity and mortality due to metabolic syndrome

Influencia de la altitud y el estado de hidratación en los soldados de la VIII Brigada de Montaña al nivel de alta montaña / Influence of altitude and hydration status on soldiers of the VIII Mountain Brigade at high mountain level

Resumen Introducción: realizar ejercicio en altitudes elevadas merece consideraciones especiales a la hora de determinar las necesidades de líquidos en los deportistas y más aún en las tropas de montaña del ejército. Mantener un estado de euhidratación durante la actividad física es imprescindible para evitar complicaciones en la salud. Esta investigación tiene como objetivo identificar el estado de hidratación en los soldados de la Brigada de Montaña VIII del Ejército Argentino con asiento en Mendoza, Argentina en el año 2021. Materiales y método: estudio descriptivo, observacional, longitudinal. La muestra fue conformada por 87 soldados masculinos. Los datos recopilados incluyeron la cantidad y tipo de ingesta de líquidos, la gravedad específica urinaria mediante un refractómetro manual, el porcentaje de cambio de peso y la percepción subjetiva de sed. El análisis estadístico para variables cualitativas se realizó con la prueba χ2 y con IC 95%, las cuantitativas se compararon mediante la prueba t-Student. Resultados: el 96,5% de los soldados se hidrataron con agua. La ingesta media de líquidos fue 1,34±0,74 litros (L), con una ingesta máxima de 4 L y un mínimo de 0,5 L. El 36% de la muestra presentó una pérdida de peso corporal superior al 2% al finalizar la actividad, la diferencia relativa referida al peso inicial medio fue 1,7±1,4%. Al finalizar, el 43% clasificó como euhidratado y 29% como hipohidratado severo según la gravedad específica urinaria. Según la percepción subjetiva de sed al finalizar solo un 14% de los soldados no tenía sed. Conclusión: el estudio reflejó que el 64% de los soldados mantuvo una estrategia de reposición de líquidos óptima, dado que las pérdidas de peso se limitaron a lo esperable.

Abstract Introduction: exercising at high altitudes deserves special considerations when it comes to determining fluid requirements in athletes, especially in Army mountain troops. Maintaining a state of euhydration during physical activity is essential to avoid health complications. The aim of this research is to identify the hydration status of soldiers of the VIII Mountain Brigade of the Argentine Army based in Mendoza, Argentina in 2021. Materials and method: descriptive, observational, longitudinal study. The sample consisted of 87 male soldiers. The data collected included the amount and type of fluid intake, urinary specific gravity by using a manual refractometer, percentage of weight change and subjective perception of thirst. Statistical analysis for qualitative variables was done with the χ2 test and 95% CI, quantitative variables were compared using the t-Student test. Results: 96.5% of soldiers hydrated themselves with water. The mean fluid intake was 1.34±0.74 liters (L), with a maximum intake of 4 L and a minimum of 0.5 L. 36% percent of the sample presented a body weight loss of more than 2% at the end of the activity, the relative difference referred to the mean initial weight was 1.7±1.4%. At the end, 43% were classified as euhydrated and 29% as severely hypohydrated according to specific urinary gravity. According to the subjective perception of thirst at the end, only 14% of the soldiers were not thirsty. Conclusion: the study showed that 64% of the soldiers maintained an optimal fluid replacement strategy, given that weight losses were limited to what was expected.

Tratamiento quirúrgico del divertículo de Zenker; un caso clínico; Hospital Militar Central de La Paz (COSSMIL) gestión 2022 / Surgical treatment of Zenker's diverticulum, a Clinical Case Central Military Hospital of La Paz (COSSMIL) gestión 2022

Se presenta un caso clínico de una paciente de 66 años de edad masculino que acude a nuestro hospital (COOSMIL), después de hacer una anamnesis donde el paciente manifiestas molestias como tos, regurgitación y mal alientos (halitosis) y se le hace exámenes complementarios y se llega a un diagnóstico de divertículo faringo-esofágico o Zenker. Esta patología no es muy frecuente, pero se presenta en ancianos por una alteración anatomo-funcional que es un debilitamiento del músculo esofágico Hay tres divertículos esofágicos de los cuales el divertículo de Zenker es el más común aunque es relativamente raro que se presente, en la mayoría de las personas en edad seniles. Después de analizar el tamaño y forma del divertículo de este paciente se toma la decisión de una intervención quirúrgica el más acertado por el tamaño que mide es la diverticulectomia este tratamiento quirúrgico actualmente se continúa realizando en esta patología y con buen pronóstico de vida del paciente. Actualmente, el paciente se encuentra en buen estado salud y su recuperación es favorable desde la operación hasta el momento.

A case of a male patient of 66 years old was referred to our hospital (COSSMIL), after making an anamnesis in which the patient manifested cough, regurgitation and bad breath (halitosis). After further examination a the diagnosis is pharyngo-esophageal diverticulum or Zenker. This condition is rare, but sometimes it happens in elders due to an anatomical and functional alteration caused by is an esophagus muscle weakening. There are three esophageal diverticula in which the Zenker diverticulum is the most common but relatively rarely to occur in elder people. Before analyzing the size and shape of the diverticulum in this patient, the decision is proceed with surgery, the most recommended solution for measuring the size of the diverticulectomy. is The surgical treatment is still being applied in this pathology, with a high probability of success. Currently, the patient is in good health and the recovery from surgery is favorable so far.

Uso de cánula nasal de alto flujo artesanal como oxigenoterapia en insuficiencia respiratoria por COVID-19 / Use of artisanal high flow nasal cannula as oxygen therapy in respiratory failure due to COVID-19

Los riesgos asociados a la neumonía por (SARS-CoV-2) es la generación de insuficiencia respiratoria secundaria que en algunos casos desencadenara al tan temido síndrome de distres respiratorio (SDRA); Informes sobre atención clínica, indican que tiene una incidencia (SDRA) de 3-10 % con necesidad de Asistencia Respiratoria Mecánica (ARM) en pacientes hospitalizados; por lo que dispositivos de oxigenación no invasivos siguen siendo una opción atractiva, de forma inicial. Caso clínico: mujer de 47 años con insuficiencia respiratoria secundario a neumonía por COVID-19, por la gravedad se indica su ingreso a terapia intensiva, pero por razones de falta de unidad es manejada en unidad respiratoria, con el uso de dispositivos de oxigenación de armado ARTESAL, de manera exitosa, con la utilización de CNAF-artesanal, se pretende mejorar el trabajo respiratorio, índices de oxigenación, mientras se da tratamiento a la infección por el COVID-19; el objetivo del presente caso es reportar el presente caso con evolución favorable a la literatura disponible. Discusión: El uso de terapia de oxigenación con dispositivo de Cánula Nasal de Alto Flujo, aún no ha sido normatizado en pacientes con COVID-19, pero existe evidencia clínica sobre los efectos beneficiosos en la insuficiencia respiratoria en neonatos mas no en adultos. Conclusión: El uso temprano de la CNAF-artesanal en la insuficiencia respiratoria resulta muy atractivo, más aún con dispositivo de confección artesanal, da una opción más al paciente fuera de UTI, pudiendo apoyar en evitar la intubación y su ingreso a ventilación mecánica.

The risks associated with pneumonia (SARS-CoV-2) is the generation of secondary respiratory failure that in some cases will trigger the much feared respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS); Reports on clinical care indicate that it has an incidence (ARDS) of 3-10% with the need for Mechanical Respiratory Assistance (ARM) in hospitalized patients; so non-invasive oxygenation devices remain an attractive option, initially. Clinical case: a 47-year-old woman with respiratory failure secondary to covid-19 pneumonia. Due to the severity, her admission to intensive care is indicated, but for reasons of lack of unity, she is managed in a common room, with the use of high-pressure oxygenation devices. ARTISAL assembly, successfully, with the use of CNAF-artisanal, is intended to improve the work of breathing, and oxygenation indices, while treating the infection by COVID-19; The objective of this case is to report the present case with a favorable evolution based on the available literature. Discussion: The use of oxygenation therapy with a High Flow Nasal Cannula device has not yet been standardized in patients with COVID-19, but there is clinical evidence on the beneficial effects in respiratory failure in neonates but not in adults. Conclusion: The early use of the artisan HFNC in respiratory failure is very attractive, even more so with an artisanal device, it gives the patient another option outside the ICU, being able to help avoid intubation and admission to mechanical ventilation.

Functional and morphological evaluation of the meibomian glands and ocular surface assessment at high altitude

Purpose: To compare the function and morphology of the meibomian glands and the ocular surface of individuals from highland and lowland. Methods: This was a randomized controlled trial. The study was performed with 104 individuals (51 individuals from the highland and 53 individuals from the lowland). Detailed eye examinations comprising tear meniscus height, lipid layer grading, non?invasive Keratograph tear breakup time (NIKBUT), and scoring of the meibomian glands from the upper and lower eyelids of the individuals were performed by Keratograph 5M (OCULUS, Wetzlar, Germany). Symptoms related to dry eye disease were assessed using the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI). Results: In the highland group, tear meniscus height was lower (P = 0.024), lipid layer grade, as well as all the meiboscores were higher (P < 0.05) than that in the lowland group. The OSDI (P = 0.018) and the percentage of dry eye disease were also higher as compared to that of the lowland group (P = 0.032). The first NIKBUT and average NIKBUT did not differ significantly between groups. The frequency of plugged meibomian gland orifices was greater in the lowland group compared to the highland group (P = 0.036). Conclusion: It was observed that dry eye disease was more common in the highland group. The morphological changes of meibomian gland dropout were significant in highlanders as demonstrated objectively with Keratograph 5M. Our study may raise a concern for environmental influences on ocular surface changes