Right Biceps Pseudo-Tumor from COVID-19 Vaccination.

Delayed hypersensitivity reactions (DHRs) have been reported in association with COVID-19 vaccines, particularly those that are mRNA-based. Classic DHRs result in induration, erythema, tenderness, and urticaria. However, soft tissue mass is an uncommon complication of a COVID-19 vaccination-associated DHR and is rarely reported in the literature. We present a case of a 49-year-old male who recognized a mildly painful, firm soft tissue mass within the biceps mimicking neoplasm six months after receiving the booster dose of the Moderna vaccine. Non-operative conservative treatment modalities, including heating pads, ice packs, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen, failed to improve the patient's mass. The mass, which proved histologically to be an inflammatory pseudo-tumor, did not recur after complete excision. While there have been many reported cases of DHRs following COVID-19 vaccinations, we present this case to raise awareness of the development of pseudo-tumors as a possible, yet rare, clinical manifestation of DHRs following vaccination.

Post-COVID-19 syndrome: Descriptive analysis based on a survivors' cohort in Colombia.

Background: The prevalence of post-COVID-19 Syndrome (PCS) is estimated to be between 10% and 20%. The main reported symptoms are fatigue, memory alterations, dyspnea, sleep disorders, arthralgia, anxiety, taste alterations, coughing and depression. This study aims to determine the prevalence of post-COVID-19 symptoms in a group of Colombian patients who were recruited during their outpatient appointments. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2021 to May 2022. It included patients from outpatient facilities located in five main cities in Colombia who were positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing and reported PCS in the following 12 weeks after their COVID-19 diagnosis. Results: A total of 1047 individuals >18 years old met the inclusion criteria and were included in the study. The median age was 46 years old. 68.2% of the participants were female, 41.5% of the patients reported having a pre-existent condition (hypertension, anxiety disorder, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, obesity and asthma). Only 22% had received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine prior to the COVID-19 episode registered. The more prevalent symptoms within our group are described as follows: fatigue (53.3%), dyspnea (40.3%), arthralgia and/or myalgia (43%), cephalea (40.5%), sleep disorders (35.7%) and coughing (31.3%). 72% of the patients presented four or more post-COVID 19 symptoms, 9% two symptoms, and 10% only one symptom. Conclusion: The findings of this study are consistent with international literature publicly available. The distribution and prevalence of post-COVID symptoms highlight the importance of further research to improve understanding and its potential consequences and implications in terms of quality of life and health care planning services.

Risk factors for reamputation in patients with diabetic foot: A case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Reamputation as a complication of diabetic foot ulcers presents a high economic burden and represents a therapeutic failure. It is paramount to identify as early as possible patients in whom a minor amputation may not be the best option. The purpose of this investigation was to do a case-controlled study to determine risk factors associated with re-amputation in patients with DFU (diabetic foot ulcers) at two University Hospitals. METHODS: Multicentric, observational, retrospective, case-control study from clinical records of 2 university hospitals. Our study included 420 patients, with 171 cases (re-amputations), and 249 controls. We performed a multivariate logistic regression analysis and time-to-event survival analysis to identify re-amputation risk factors. RESULTS: Statistically significant risk factors were artery history of tobacco use (p = 0.001); male sex (p = 0.048); arterial occlusion in Doppler ultrasound (p = 0.001); percentage of stenosis in arterial ultrasound >50 % (p = 0.053); requirement of vascular intervention (p = 0.01); and microvascular involvement in photoplethysmography (p = 0.033). The most parsimonious regression model suggests that history of tobacco use, male sex, arterial occlusion in ultrasound, and percentage of stenosis in arterial ultrasound >50 % remained statistically significant. The survival analysis identified earlier amputations in patients with larger occlusion in arterial ultrasound, high leukocyte count, and elevated ESR. CONCLUSION: Direct and surrogate outcomes in patients with diabetic foot ulcers identify vascular involvement as an important risk factor for reamputation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Evaluación de la satisfacción de servicios de salud prestados en unidades del primer nivel de atención / Evaluation of the Satisfaction with the Healthcare Services Provided in First-Level Units

Introducción: La calidad en la prestación de servicios de salud en el primer nivel de atención constituye una de las prioridades de las autoridades de salud a nivel mundial. Lograr un servicio con calidad y calidez constituye la premisa a lograr. Objetivo: Evaluar la satisfacción de usuarios y prestadores en relación con los servicios de salud prestados en unidades del primer nivel de atención de la ciudad de Riobamba, Chimborazo. Ecuador. Métodos: Investigación básica, no experimental, con enfoque descriptivo y explicativo. Muestra constituida por un total de 427 usuarios y 113 prestadores de salud, a quienes se les aplicó un cuestionario para conocer su nivel de satisfacción. Resultados: Promedio de edad de los usuarios de 48,57 años, con predominio de personas femeninas (67,45 por ciento), nivel económico bajo (67,68 por ciento) y trabajadores (34,66 por ciento). En relación con los prestadores, el promedio de edad fue de 36,18 años, con predominio de féminas (71,6 por ciento) y de personal de servicio (33,63 por ciento). La satisfacción de los usuarios fue media en cuanto a la tangibilidad (media de 3,25) y la garantía (3,00) y baja en capacidad de respuesta (2,75), confiabilidad (2,60) y empatía (2,60). La satisfacción de usuarios fue media en organización enfocada al cliente (3,38) y enfoque de procesos (3,05) y baja en relación con comunicación (2,90), liderazgo (2,84) y mejora continua (2,63). Conclusiones: El nivel de satisfacción de los usuarios y prestadores identificado puede considerarse bajo. Este resultado muestra la necesidad de identificar los factores que están incidiendo negativamente en la calidad del servicio(AU)

Introduction: Quality of health services provision at the first level of care is one of the priorities set by health authorities worldwide. The goal is to provide service with quality and warmth. Objective: To evaluate the satisfaction of users and providers regarding the health services provided at first-level healthcare units in Riobamba City, Chimborazo Province, Ecuador. Methods: A basic and nonexperimental research with a descriptive and explanatory approach was carried out. The sample consisted of a total of 427 users and 113 healthcare providers, to whom a questionnaire was applied in order to determine their level of satisfaction. Results: The average age of the users was 48.57 years, with a predominance of women (67.45 percent), low economic level (67.68 percent) and workers (34.66 percent). Regarding the providers, the average age was 36.18 years, with a predominance of women (71.68 percent) and service personnel (33.63 percent). User satisfaction was fair in tangibility (mean of 3.25) and guarantee (3.00), while being low in responsiveness (2.75), reliability (2.60) and empathy (2.60). User satisfaction was fair in customer-focused organization (3.38) and process focus (3.05), while being low in communication (2.90), leadership (2.84) and continuous improvement (2.63). Conclusions: The level of satisfaction of the identified users and providers can be considered low. This result shows the need to identify the factors that are affecting the quality of service negatively(AU)

Cost-Minimization and Budget Impact Analysis of a Hexavalent Vaccine (Hexaxim®) in the Colombian Expanded Program on Immunization.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate cost implications of a hexavalent vaccine (diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis [DTaP]-inactivated polio vaccine [IPV]-hepatitis B [HB]-Haemophilus influenzae type B [Hib] polysaccharide conjugated to T protein [PRP∼T]) as an alternative to DT-whole-cell pertussis (wP)-HB//Hib, DTwP, IPV, and oral polio vaccines in the Expanded Program on Immunization schedule in Colombia. METHODS: Primary vaccination (DTaP-IPV-HB-PRP∼T or DTwP-HB-Hib + IPV [2, 4, 6 months]) and booster (DTaP-IPV-HB-PRP∼T or DTwP + oral polio vaccine [18 months]) (scenario 1) and primary vaccination only (DTaP-IPV-HB-PRP∼T or DTwP-HB-Hib + IPV) (scenario 2) were evaluated. An estimated cost-minimization analysis was based on a micro costing technique for vaccination-associated activities. Adverse event (AE)-associated costs, out-of-pocket costs, and productivity losses for caregivers were included. A budget impact (12-month temporal horizon) was estimated according to the distribution of full-term and premature infants. A 5% annual discount rate was used. A 2-way univariate (tornado) analysis evaluated which variables had the greatest impact on the overall cost. RESULTS: DTaP-IPV-HB-PRP∼T resulted in a cost increase of 29.38% (scenario 1) and 22.19% (scenario 2) for full-term infants and a decrease of 0.99% (scenario 1) and 18.88% (scenario 2) for premature infants, probably because of the higher incidence of wP-related AEs and associated costs in premature infants. With a 100% replacement rate, the budget impact for full-term infants and full-term plus premature infants was 23.73% and 21.80% (scenario 1), respectively, and 13.02% and 11.14% (scenario 2), respectively, of the national immunization program budget. The variables with most impact were the hexavalent vaccine price and costs associated with the pentavalent safety profile. CONCLUSIONS: Incorporation of the hexavalent vaccine in the Expanded Program on Immunization schedule would lead to an increase in spending largely mitigated by reduced AE incidence and reduced logistic and social costs.

Percepción del usuario sobre la relación médico-paciente en un servicio público / Perception of user on the medical-patient relationship in a public service

Introducción: Se presenta un análisis sobre la relación que establece el médico con su paciente, en el servicio de salud pública más importante de la provincia de Chimborazo. Es posible evidenciar claramente el trato inadecuado del profesional al paciente, determinar si repercute de manera negativa sobre la salud de estos, y el efecto sobre la cobertura del profesional y por ende de la unidad de salud a la que se pertenece, son las interrogantes de investigación. Metodología: Es un estudio de campo, descriptivo, de corte transversal, con una muestra de 1200 personas que acuden al servicio de consulta externa en el Hospital General Docente de Riobamba. Esta presentación se deriva de un estudio con más de 2600 individuos involucrados en tres servicios de salud privados y públicos. Se trabaja sobre variables específicas como respeto, sensibilidad, capacidad profesional, explicación del procedimiento, consejería del médico, y conformidad de la atención por parte del paciente. Además, se recolectan datos generales del paciente y del médico como sexo, edad y número de consultas que determinan el tipo de relación entre el profesional y la población. Resultados: De manera general existe un alto grado de satisfacción de pacientes atendidos. No obstante, existe evidencia sobre la falta de comprensión del paciente, poca sensibilidad del profesional y la inadecuada explicación sobre procedimientos, lo cual lleva a una atención insuficiente. Conclusión: La relación médico paciente es un conjunto de actividades que van, desde contacto visual, empatía, respeto y conocimiento adecuado hasta la manera de agendar una nueva cita.

Introduction: An analysis is presented on the relationship established by the doctor with his patient, in the most important public health service in the province of Chimborazo. It is possible to clearly demonstrate the inadequate treatment of the professional to the patient, determine if it negatively affects their health, and the effect on the coverage of the professional and therefore of the health unit to which it belongs, are the questions of investigation. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional, descriptive field study with a sample of 1200 people who attend the outpatient service in the General Teaching Hospital of Riobamba. This presentation is derived from a study with more than 2,600 individuals involved in three private and public health services. We work on specific variables such as respect, sensitivity, professional capacity, explanation of the procedure, doctor's advice, and compliance of the patient's care. In addition, general data of the patient and the doctor are collected as sex, age and number of consultations that determine the type of relationship between the professional and the population. Results: In general there is a high degree of satisfaction of patients attended. However, there is evidence of lack of understanding of the patient, poor sensitivity of the professional and inadequate explanation of procedures, which leads to insufficient attention. Conclusion: The patient doctor relationship is a set of activities ranging from eye contact, empathy, respect and adequate knowledge to the way of scheduling a new appointment.

Asistencia al control postparto de las madres atendidas en el servicio de patología obstétrica del Hospital Gineco Obstetrico Isidro Ayora / Attendance to the control postchildbirth of the mothers taken care of in the service of obstetrical pathology of the Hospital Gineco Obstetrico Isidro Ayora

Al conocer la magnitud de los problemas de salud de las madres atendidas en el Servicio de Patología Obstétrica, el grupo consideró fundamental indagar las características de las madres atendidas, podríamos en el futuro modificar la atención de enfermería, en el propósito de apoyar en la educación de la población materna y prevenir así las complicaciones post-parto...