Cuidados paliativos en la atención primaria de salud

En la actualidad, la oferta de cuidados paliativos especializados ha sido superada por la demanda, por lo cual la atención a pacientes con enfermedades en estado terminal o en fase final de la vida suele estar a cargo del médico del nivel primario de asistencia. En ese sentido, los cuidados paliativos primarios incluyen el diagnóstico, el tratamiento paliativo, la planificación anticipada, la gestión y coordinación de intervenciones multidisciplinarias y la transferencia a cuidados especializados cuando sea necesario y haya disponibilidad para ello. Al respecto, en este artículo se exponen brevemente algunos elementos sobre el tema y se propone, además, un algoritmo práctico y fácil de aplicar en la atención primaria, que permitirá identificar a la población aquejada por dolencias en esas etapas, con diferenciación en cuanto a afecciones neoplásicas o no neoplásicas.

Nowadays, the offer of specialized palliative care has been overcome by the demand, reason why care to patients with terminal illness or in end-of-life period is usually in charge of the doctor from primary care level. In that sense, primary palliative care includes the diagnosis, palliative treatment, early planning, administration and coordination of multidisciplinary interventions and referring to specialized care when it is necessary and the service is available. In this respect, some elements on the topic are shortly exposed in this work and, also, a practical and easy implementation algorithm in primary care is proposed that will allow identifying population suffering from pain in those stages, with differentiation as for neoplastic or non neoplastic affections.

Use of complementary and alternative medicine by cancer patients in Colombia.

BACKGROUND: The use of complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) among cancer patients varies greatly. The available data suggest an increasing use of CAM over time and a higher prevalence in low- and middle-income countries. However, no reliable data are available from Latin America. Accordingly, we examined the prevalence of CAM use among cancer patients from six Colombian regions. METHODS: We conducted a survey on cancer patients attending comprehensive cancer centres in six capital cities from different regions. The survey was designed based on a literature review and information gathered through focus groups on CAM terminology in Colombia. Independent random samples of patients from two comprehensive cancer centres in every city were obtained. Patients 18 years and older with a histopathological diagnosis of cancer undergoing active treatment were eligible. The prevalence of CAM use is reported as a percentage with the corresponding confidence interval. CAM types are reported by region. The sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of CAM users and non-users were compared using Chi square and t tests. RESULTS: In total, 3117 patients were recruited. The average age 59.6 years old, and 62.8% were female. The prevalence of CAM use was 51.7%, and compared to non-users, CAM users were younger, more frequently women, affiliated with the health insurance plan for low-income populations and non-Catholic. We found no differences regarding the clinical stage or treatment modality, but CAM users reported more treatment-related side effects. The most frequent types of CAM were herbal products, specific foods and vitamins, and individually, soursop was the most frequently used product. Relevant variability between regions was observed regarding the prevalence and type of CAM used (range: 36.6% to 66.7%). The most frequent reason for using CAM was symptom management (30.5%), followed by curative purposes (19.5%). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of CAM use among cancer patients in Colombia is high in general, and variations between regions might be related to differences in cultural backgrounds and access to comprehensive cancer care. The most frequently used CAM products and practices have little scientific support, suggesting the need to enhance integrative oncology research in the country.

New STAG3 gene variant as a cause of premature ovarian insufficiency / Nueva variante del gen STAG3 causante de insuficiencia ovárica prematura

Objectives: To describe a case of ovarian failure secondary to a homozygous pathogenic variant in the STAG3 gene not previously reported. Materials and Methods: A 16-year-old patient with primary amenorrhea and absence of secondary sexual characteristics, with documented autoimmune hypothyroidism, poor genital and gonadal streak development which prompted the performance of clinical exome sequencing. A homozygous pathogenic variant not previously reported in the STAG3 gene, which has been associated with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), was identified. Conclusions: In this case, clinical exome sequencing was key for identifying a STAG gene abnormality, probably associated with POI and long term prognosis for the patient. A new pathogenic variant c.2773delT; p.Ser925Profs*6 of the STAG3 gene associated with POI was established.

Objetivos: describir un caso de falla ovárica secundaria a una variante patogénica homocigota en el gen STAG3 no reportada previamente. Materiales y métodos: paciente de 16 años con amenorrea primaria y ausencia de características sexuales secundarias, en quien se documentó hipotiroidismo autoinmune, pobre desarrollo genital y cintilla gonadal, por lo cual se realizó secuenciación de exoma clínico. Se identificó una variante homocigota patogénica previamente no reportada en el gen STAG3, el cual ha sido relacionado con insuficiencia ovárica prematura (IOP). Conclusiones: en este caso, la realización de exoma clínico fue determinante para identificar una alteración del gen STAG, probablemente asociada a la IOP y el pronóstico a largo plazo de la paciente. Se establece una nueva variante patogénica c.2773delT; p.Ser925Profs*6 del gen STAG3 asociada a la IOP.

Nueva variante del gen STAG3 causante de insuficiencia ovárica prematura / New STAG3 gene variant as a cause of premature ovarian insufficiency

RESUMEN Objetivos: describir un caso de falla ovárica secundaria a una variante patogénica homocigota en el gen STAG3 no reportada previamente. Materiales y métodos: paciente de 16 años con amenorrea primaria y ausencia de características sexuales secundarias, en quien se documentó hipotiroidismo autoinmune, pobre desarrollo genital y cintilla gonadal, por lo cual se realizó secuenciación de exorna clínico. Se identificó una variante homocigota patogénica previamente no reportada en el gen STAG3, el cual ha sido relacionado con insuficiencia ovárica prematura (IOP). Conclusiones: en este caso, la realización de exorna clínico fue determinante para identificar una alteración del gen STAG, probablemente asociada a la IOP y el pronóstico a largo plazo de la paciente. Se establece una nueva variante patogénica c.2773delT; p.Ser925Profs*6 del gen STAG3 asociada a la IOP.

ABSTRACT Objectives: To describe a case of ovarian failure secondary to a homozygous pathogenic variant in the STAG3 gene not previously reported. Material and methods: A 16-year-old patient with primary amenorrhea and absence of secondary sexual characteristics, with documented autoimmune hypothyroidism, poor genital and gonadal streak development which prompted the performance of clinical exorne sequencing. A homozygous pathogenic variant not previously reported in the STAG3 gene, which has been associated with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), was identified. Conclusions: In this case, clinical exorne sequencing was key for identifying a STAG gene abnormality, probably associated with POI and long term prognosis for the patient. A new pathogenic variant c.2773delT; p.Ser925Profs*6 of the STAG3 gene associated with POI was established.

COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy and Emerging Variants: Evidence from Six Countries.

As the world tries to cope with the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and emerging variants of the virus, COVID-19 vaccination has become an even more critical tool toward normalcy. The effectiveness of the vaccination program and specifically vaccine uptake and coverage, however, is a function of an individual's knowledge and individual opinion about the disease and available vaccines. This study investigated the knowledge, attitudes, and resulting community practice(s) associated with the new COVID-19 variants and vaccines in Bangladesh, Colombia, India, Malaysia, Zimbabwe, and the USA. A cross-sectional web-based Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) survey was administered to respondents living in six different countries using a structured and multi-item questionnaire. Survey questions were translated into English, Spanish, and Malay to accommodate the local language in each country. Associations between KAP and a range of explanatory variables were assessed using univariate and multiple logistic regression. A total of 781 responses were included in the final analysis. The Knowledge score mean was 24 (out of 46), Attitude score 28.9 (out of 55), and Practice score 7.3 (out of 11). Almost 65% of the respondents reported being knowledgeable about COVID-19 variants and vaccination, 55% reported a positive attitude toward available COVID-19 vaccines, and 85% reported engaging in practices that supported COVID-19 vaccination. From the multiple logistic models, we found post-graduate education (AOR = 1.83, 95% CI: 1.23-2.74) and an age range 45-54 years (AOR = 5.81, 95% CI: 2.30-14.69) to be significantly associated with reported COVID-19 knowledge. In addition, positive Attitude scores were associated with respondents living in Zimbabwe (AOR = 4.49, 95% CI: 2.04-9.90) and positive Practice scores were found to be associated with people from India (AOR = 3.68, 95% CI: 1.15-11.74) and high school education (AOR = 2.16, 95% CI: 1.07-4.38). This study contributes to the identification of socio-demographic factors associated with poor knowledge, attitudes, and practices relating to COVID-19 variants and vaccines. It presents an opportunity for collaboration with diverse communities to address COVID-19 misinformation and common sources of vaccine hesitancy (i.e., knowledge, attitudes, and practices).

Verificación del desempeño de la prueba rápida "AMP Rapid Test SARS-CoV-2 IgG/IgM- Cassettes" / Quick test performance verification "AMP Rapid Test SARS-CoV-2 IgG/IgM- Cassettes"

Resumen Objetivo: Verificación del desempeño de las pruebas serológicas rápidas utilizadas en el departamento de Risaralda, Colombia. Métodos: Estudio analitico, de corte transversal. Incluyó muestras de sueros de trabajadores de la salud de la ciudad de Pereira, quienes tuvieron sospecha clínica y epidemiológica por SARS-CoV-2. El procesamiento y validación de las pruebas fue realizado en las instalaciones de la Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira. Se calculó sensibilidad y especificidad de las pruebas rápidas serológicas IgM/IgG usando como prueba de oro la RT-PCR. Resultados: Se incluyeron las muestras de 144 profesionales de la salud. Las pruebas serológicas rápidas evidenciaron ser útiles para identificar o descartar la presencia de anticuerpos IgM e IgG, especialmente en pacientes sintomáticos, en quienes el inicio de los síntomas es superior a 11 días. Discusión: El uso de pruebas rápidas se encuentra en aumento, no solo por la rapidez de sus resultados, sino también por los bajos costos asociados y la necesidad de identificar pacientes no susceptibles, quienes deben priorizar su retorno a actividades laborales en comunidad como parte de la reactivación económica de Colombia. Es necesario confirmar el desempeño de la prueba para aumentar la probabilidad de una adecuada clasificación antes de proceder a su uso rutinario.

Abstract Objective: We aimed to realize a verification of the performance of the rapid serological tests used in Risaralda department. Methods: Analytical, cross-sectional study. Serum samples from health workers in Pereira city, who had a clinical and epidemiological suspicion for SARS-CoV-2 were included. The processing and validation of the tests was carried out at Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira. Sensitivity and specificity of rapid IgM / IgG sero logical tests were calculated using RT-PCR as the gold standard test. Results: 144 samples of health professionals were included. Rapid serological tests useful to identify or rule out the presence of IgM and IgG antibodies, especially in symptomatic patients, in whom the onset of symptoms is longer than 11 days. Discussion: The use of rapid tests is increasing, not only due to the speed of their results, but also due to the low associated costs and the need to identify non-susceptible patients, who must prioritize their return to work activities in the community as part of the economic reactivation of Colombia. It is necessary to confirm the adequate performance of the test to increase the probability of an adequate classification before proceeding with the routine use of this test.

Hallazgos radiográficos asociados a la COVID-19: una mirada desde la atención primaria / Radiographic findings associated with the COVID-19: a glance from the primary health care

La actual pandemia de COVID-19 ha afectado múltiples sectores económicos y sociales a escala mundial, con especial afectación sobre el sector de la salud, ya que constituye un reto adicional para la atención primaria, dada la marcada escasez de recursos. La infección por SARS-CoV-2 ocasiona morbilidad y mortalidad crecientes, por lo que el diagnóstico mediante imágenes es una herramienta imprescindible en la práctica clínica; sin embargo, el acceso limitado a algunos medios como la tomografía axial computarizada en diferentes niveles de atención, justifica el uso de la radiografía de tórax como una opción costo-efectiva y accesible en muchas regiones. En el presente artículo se exponen los hallazgos asociados a procesos infecciosos virales sugestivos de infección por el nuevo coronavirus y una serie de escalas de clasificación que buscan estandarizar la lectura e interpretación radiográfica por parte del personal médico.

The pandemic of COVID-19 has affected multiple economic and social sectors worldwide, with special effects on the health sector, since it constitutes an additional challenge for the primary health care, given the marked lack of resources. The infection due to SARS-CoV-2 causes increasing morbidity and mortality, reason why the diagnosis by means of images is an indispensable tool in the clinical practice; however, the limited access to some means as the computerized axial tomography in different levels of care, justifies the use of the thorax x-ray as a cost-effective and accessible option in many regions. Findings associated with suggestive viral infectious processes of infection due to the new coronavirus and a series of classification scales that seek to standardize reading and radiographic interpretation by the medical staff are exposed in this work.

Humanización de los Cuidados Intensivos: Un llamado a la acción durante y después del COVID-19 / Humanization of Critical Medicine and Intensive Care: A call for action amid and beyond COVID-19

En las últimas décadas, secundario al desarrollo científico y tecnológico, las prácticas de la medicina crítica y los cuidados intensivos se han caracterizado por alcanzar una mayor supervivencia asociada a prácticas poco humanizadas, la cual se enfoca de forma exclusiva en el manejo de una patología, dejando un vacío en importantes aspectos característicos de cada paciente y su familia. Actualmente, durante la pandemia de SARS-CoV-2, la implementación de prácticas de humanización para el paciente gravemente enfermo y sus familiares es una necesidad imperiosa para los sistemas de salud (AU)

In recent decades, due to scientific and technological development, the practices of critical care and intensive medicine have been characterized by achieving greater survival associated with practices that are not very humanized, which focuses exclusively on the management of a pathology leaving a gap in the aspects that are important for patients and relatives. Currently, during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the implementation of humanization practices for the seriously ill patient and their families, it is a pressing need for health systems (AU)

Supervivencia en pacientes con falla cardiaca y desfibrilador automático implantable en una unidad de electrofisiología de Pereira, Colombia / Survival in patients with heart failure and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator in an electrophysiological unit in Pereira, Colombia

Objetivo: identificar las variables clínicas que impactan en la mortalidad de los pacientes con falla cardiaca implantados con desfibrilador automático. La terapia con cardiodesfibrilador implantable busca prevenir la muerte súbita cardiaca por arritmias malignas colapsantes. Material y métodos: estudio de cohorte retrospectiva. Se incluyó a pacientes con implante de desfibrilador entre los años 2010-2012, con dispositivo funcional, historia clínica y disponibilidad de seguimiento hasta el primer trimestre del 2014. Resultados: un total de 30 pacientes fueron incluidos, con una supervivencia del 77% a los cuatro años de seguimiento. El 82,7% de los pacientes presentó cardiopatía isquémica y el promedio de la fracción de eyección ventricular izquierda fue 27,8 ± 6,3. El tiempo promedio de uso del desfibrilador fue de 2,1 años, la tasa de peligro mayor reportada fue del 6% para los días 759 y 760. Se encontró una asociación entre una duración del QRS mayor a 120 ms (HR= 7,7, IC 90%= 1,77- 33,6; p=0,022), fibrilación auricular (HR= 4,2, IC 90%=1,13-15,68; p=0,072) y el uso de beta-bloqueadores (HR= 0,15, IC 90%= 0,03 ­ 0,64; p=0,031) con el tiempo de supervivencia. Discusión: la prevención de muerte súbita está condicionada por la optimización farmacológica, así como las anomalías estructurales y de la conducción eléctrica, por lo cual se debe aumentar el seguimiento en estos casos y el ajuste de la terapia farmacológica. Conclusiones: el uso de beta bloqueadores en pacientes con falla cardiaca con fibrilación auricular y duración del QRS mayor de 120 ms es un factor protector..Au

Objective: to identify the clinical variables that impact on the mortality of patients with heart failure implanted with cardioverter defibrillator. Implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapy seeks to prevent sudden cardiac death by collapsing malignant arrhythmias. Material y methods: retrospective cohort study. Patients with a defibrillator implant from the year 2010 to the year 2012 were included, with functional device, clinical history and availability of follow-up until the first quarter of 2014. Results: a total of 30 patients were included, with a 77% survival at four years of follow-up. 82.7% of the patients presented with ischemic heart disease and the mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 27.8 ± 6.3. The mean time of use of the defibrillator was 2.1 years, the reported mayor danger rate was 6% for days 759 and 760. An association was found between a QRS mayor duration at 120 ms (HR = 7.7, 90% CI = 1.77-33.6, p = 0.022), atrial fibrillation (HR = 4.2, 90% CI = 1.13-15.68, p = 0.072), and beta- blockers (HR = 0.15, 90% CI = 0.03-0.64, p = 0.031) with survival time. Discussion: the prevention of death is conditioned by pharmacological optimization, as well as structural and electrical conduction anomalies, so the monitoring and adjustment of pharmacological therapy should be increased. Conclusions: the use of beta-blockers in patients with atrial fibrillation and QRS duration greater than 120 ms is a protective factor..Au