Evaluation of UMELISA CHAGAS™ with the incorporation of new monomeric and chimeric peptides representative of different regions of Trypanosoma cruzi / [Evaluación del UMELISA CHAGAS® con la incorporación de nuevos péptidos monoméricos y quiméricos representativos de diferentes regiones de Trypanosoma cruzi].

Introduction: Most people with Chagas disease develop specific antibodies against Trypanosoma cruzi. In early infection, IgM antibodies against T. cruzi are produced and later replaced for IgG antibodies during the course of the disease. The first symptoms of the infection may be very mild and atypical, which is why the disease is often not detected in the acute phase. Objectives: To evaluate the clinical and analytical sensitivity, and specificity, accuracy, and efficacy of UMELISA CHAGAS™ with the addition of new synthetic peptides in the solid phase representative of the shed acute phase antigen protein (SAPA) and the trypomastigote surface antigen (TSA). Materials and methods: We evaluated a mixed anti-T. cruzi titer performance panel and a Chagas seroconversion one, as well as positive and negative serum samples from endemic areas of the disease and positive samples for other diseases that may interfere with the assay. The Bioelisa CHAGAS assay, Chaga test recombinant ELISA v.4.0, Chagatest HAI, and SD BIOLINE CHAGAS Ab Rapid were used as reference tests. Results: The sensitivity of the assay was 97.73% (95% CI: 96,23-99,24) and the clinical specificity, 99.33% (95% CI: 98,88-99,78) while the efficacy and the accuracy were 98.96%. Conclusions: Our results show that the new solid phase of UMELISA CHAGAS® can be used for immunodiagnostic, blood certification, and epidemiological surveillance in endemic and non-endemic countries with high-risk populations.

Introducción. La mayoría de las personas con enfermedad de Chagas desarrolla anticuerpos específicos contra Trypanosoma cruzi. En la infección temprana se producen anticuerpos IgM contra T. cruzi que son reemplazados por IgG durante el curso de la enfermedad. Los primeros síntomas de la enfermedad suelen ser muy leves y atípicos, por lo que a menudo no se detecta en la fase aguda. Objetivos. Evaluar la sensibilidad y la especificidad clínica y analítica, la precisión y la eficacia del UMELISA CHAGAS® con la incorporación de nuevos péptidos sintéticos en la fase sólida representativos de la proteína SAPA (Shed Acute Phase Antigen) y del antígeno TSA (Trypomastigote Surface Antigen). Materiales y métodos. Se evaluó un panel de desempeño de título mixto anti-T. cruzi y uno de seroconversión de Chagas, así como muestras de suero positivas y negativas provenientes de zonas endémicas de la enfermedad y muestras positivas de otras enfermedades que podían interferir con la prueba. Las pruebas Bioelisa CHAGAS, Chagatest ELISA recombinante v. 4.0, Chagatest HAI y SD BIOLINE CHAGAS Ab Rapid, se emplearon como referencia. Resultados. Los porcentajes de sensibilidad y especificidad clínica fueron de 97,73 % (IC95% 96,23-99,24) y 99,33 % (IC95% 98,88-99,78), respectivamente. Se obtuvo un 98,96 % de eficacia y una buena precisión. Conclusiones. Los resultados demuestran que la nueva fase sólida del UMELISA CHAGAS® puede utilizarse para el inmunodiagnóstico, la certificación de sangre y la vigilancia epidemiológica en países endémicos y no endémicos con población de alto riesgo.

Evaluación del UMELISA CHAGAS® con la incorporación de nuevos péptidos monoméricos y quiméricos representativos de diferentes regiones de Trypanosoma cruzi / Evaluation of UMELISA CHAGAS™ with the incorporation of new monomeric and chimeric peptides representative of different regions of Trypanosoma cruzi

Resumen | Introducción. La mayoría de las personas con enfermedad de Chagas desarrolla anticuerpos específicos contra Trypanosoma cruzi. En la infección temprana se producen anticuerpos IgM contra T. cruzi que son reemplazados por IgG durante el curso de la enfermedad. Los primeros síntomas de la enfermedad suelen ser muy leves y atípicos, por lo que a menudo no se detecta en la fase aguda. Objetivos. Evaluar la sensibilidad y la especificidad clínica y analítica, la precisión y la eficacia del UMELISA CHAGAS® con la incorporación de nuevos péptidos sintéticos en la fase sólida representativos de la proteína SAPA (Shed Acute Phase Antigen) y del antígeno TSA (Trypomastigote Surface Antigen). Materiales y métodos. Se evaluó un panel de desempeño de título mixto anti-I cruzi y uno de seroconversión de Chagas, así como muestras de suero positivas y negativas provenientes de zonas endémicas de la enfermedad y muestras positivas de otras enfermedades que podían interferir con la prueba. Las pruebas Bioelisa CHAGAS, Chagatest ELISA recombinante v. 4.0, Chagatest HAI y SD BIOLINE CHAGAS Ab Rapid, se emplearon como referencia. Resultados. Los porcentajes de sensibilidad y especificidad clínica fueron de 97,73 % (IC95% 96,23-99,24) y 99,33 % (IC95% 98,88-99,78), respectivamente. Se obtuvo un 98,96 % de eficacia y una buena precisión. Conclusiones. Los resultados demuestran que la nueva fase sólida del UMELISA CHAGAS® puede utilizarse para el inmunodiagnóstico, la certificación de sangre y la vigilancia epidemiológica en países endémicos y no endémicos con población de alto riesgo.

Abstract | Introduction: Most people with Chagas disease develop specific antibodies against Trypanosoma cruzi. In early infection, IgM antibodies against T. cruzi are produced and later replaced for IgG antibodies during the course of the disease. The first symptoms of the infection may be very mild and atypical, which is why the disease is often not detected in the acute phase. Objectives: To evaluate the clinical and analytical sensitivity, and specificity, accuracy, and efficacy of UMELISA CHAGAS™ with the addition of new synthetic peptides in the solid phase representative of the shed acute phase antigen protein (SAPA) and the trypomastigote surface antigen (TSA). Materials and methods: We evaluated a mixed anti-T. cruzi titer performance panel and a Chagas seroconversion one, as well as positive and negative serum samples from endemic areas of the disease and positive samples for other diseases that may interfere with the assay. The Bioelisa CHAGAS assay, Chaga test recombinant ELISA v.4.0, Chagatest HAI, and SD BIOLINE CHAGAS Ab Rapid were used as reference tests. Results: The sensitivity of the assay was 97.73% (95% CI: 96,23-99,24) and the clinical specificity, 99.33% (95% CI: 98,88-99,78) while the efficacy and the accuracy were 98.96%. Conclusions: Our results show that the new solid phase of UMELISA CHAGAS® can be used for immunodiagnostic, blood certification, and epidemiological surveillance in endemic and non-endemic countries with high-risk populations.

Safety profile of Infanrix hexa - 17 years of GSK's passive post-marketing surveillance.

INTRODUCTION: This paper reports 17 years of passive safety surveillance of routine use of the pediatric hexavalent diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis-hepatitis B-inactivated poliovirus-Haemophilus influenzae type b-conjugate vaccine (DTPa-HBV-IPV/Hib, Infanrix hexa, GSK). METHODS: Global post-licensure passive surveillance data collected in GSK's central safety database since DTPa-HBV-IPV/Hib's launch (2000) are described. RESULTS: The most common spontaneously reported adverse events (AEs) after DTPa-HBV-IPV/Hib vaccination in children were fever (reporting rate: 7.74/100,000 doses distributed), crying (2.62/100,000), injection site erythema (1.87/100,000) and swelling (1.28/100,000). A review of extensive limb swelling did not reveal any safety concerns. An observed-to-expected analysis did not show an increased risk of sudden death after DTPa-HBV-IPV/Hib vaccination, in line with previous observations. The analyses confirmed that increases in spontaneous reporting proportions of convulsions with/without fever and hypotonic-hyporesponsive episodes after co-administration of DTPa-HBV-IPV/Hib and 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine remained small and their clinical significance unknown. The most common vaccination errors were mistakes in the vaccination schedule. Reporting of preparation errors (mostly reconstitution) was low and did not impact the vaccine's benefit-risk profile. CONCLUSIONS: Seventeen years of post-licensure experience confirm confidence in the safety profile of DTPa-HBV-IPV/Hib in routine use, with a favorable benefit-risk profile in infants and toddlers. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: What is the context? The cornerstone of childhood vaccination in many countries worldwide is a vaccine that protects against several diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B, polio and Haemophilus influenzae type b infections (such as meningitis). One of these vaccines (the longest on the market) is called Infanrix hexa; it has been available for infants and toddlers since 2000. After a vaccine is included in a country's routine vaccination program, its safety is constantly checked; this is done in clinical trials and through spontaneous reporting of adverse events after vaccination. It is important to share up-to-date information on the safety of vaccines, particularly since concerns about vaccine safety in parents may lead to lower vaccination rates an disease outbreaks. Here we summarize 17 years of safety data for the Infanrix hexa vaccine. What is new? We analyzed spontaneously reported adverse events after Infanrix hexa vaccinations between 2000 and 2017 The most commonly reported adverse events were fever, crying and injection site redness and swelling An in-depth review of extensive limb swelling after Infanrix hexa vaccination revealed no safety concerns. There was no increased risk of sudden death after Infanrix hexa vaccination, consistent with what was shown in several other studies. As shown previously, seizures were more common when Infanrix hexa was given together with the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, Prevnar 13, than when it was given alone. What is the take-home message? The large amount of safety data gathered from clinical trials and from spontaneous adverse event reporting during 17 years of routine vaccination with Infanrix hexa supports its continued use in young children.

Immunization of preterm infants with GSK's hexavalent combined diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis-hepatitis B-inactivated poliovirus-Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccine: A review of safety and immunogenicity.

BACKGROUND: Infants with history of prematurity (<37 weeks gestation) and low birth weight (LBW, <2500 g) are at high risk of infection due to functional immaturity of normal physical and immunological defense mechanisms. Despite current recommendations that infants with history of prematurity/LBW should receive routine immunization according to the same schedule and chronological age as full-term infants, immunization is often delayed. METHODS: Here we summarize 10 clinical studies and 15 years of post-marketing safety surveillance of GSK's hexavalent vaccine (DTPa-HBV-IPV/Hib), a combined diphtheria-tetanus-acellular-pertussis-hepatitis-B-inactivated-poliovirus-Haemophilus influenzae-type-b (Hib) conjugate vaccine, when administered alone, or co-administered with pneumococcal conjugate, rotavirus, and meningococcal vaccines and respiratory syncytial virus IgG to infants with history of prematurity/LBW in clinical trials. RESULTS: At least 92.5% of infants with history of prematurity/LBW as young as 24 weeks gestation in clinical studies were seropositive to all vaccine antigens after 3-dose primary vaccination with GSK's hexavalent DTPa-HBV-IPV/Hib vaccine, with robust immune responses to booster vaccination. Seropositivity rates and antibody concentrations to hepatitis B and Hib appeared lower in infants with history of prematurity/LBW than term infants. Between 13-30% of medically stable infants with history of prematurity developed apnea after vaccination with GSK's hexavalent DTPa-HBV-IPV/Hib vaccine; usually after dose 1. The occurrence of post-immunization cardiorespiratory events appears to be influenced by the severity of any underlying neonatal condition. Most cardiorespiratory events resolve spontaneously or require minimal intervention. GSK's hexavalent DTPa-HBV-IPV/Hib vaccine was well tolerated in co-administration regimens. CONCLUSION: GSK's hexavalent DTPa-HBV-IPV/Hib vaccine alone or co-administered with other pediatric vaccines has a clinically acceptable safety and immunogenicity profile when used in infants with history of prematurity/LBW for primary and booster vaccination. Additional studies are needed in very premature and very LBW infants. However, currently available data support using GSK's hexavalent DTPa-HBV-IPV/Hib vaccine to immunize infants with history of prematurity/LBW according to chronological age.

The cost-savings of implementing kangaroo mother care in Nicaragua.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the costs of implementing kangaroo mother care (KMC) in a referral hospital in Nicaragua, including training, implementation, and ongoing operating costs, and to estimate the economic impact on the Nicaraguan health system if KMC were implemented in other maternity hospitals in the country. METHODS: After receiving clinical training in KMC, the implementation team trained their colleagues, wrote guidelines for clinicians and education material for parents, and ensured adherence to the new guidelines. The intervention began September 2010 The study compared data on infant weight, medication use, formula consumption, incubator use, and hospitalization for six months before and after implementation. Cost data were collected from accounting records of the implementers and health ministry formularies. RESULTS: A total of 46 randomly selected infants before implementation were compared to 52 after implementation. Controlling for confounders, neonates after implementation had lower lengths of hospitalization by 4.64 days (P = 0.017) and 71% were exclusively breastfed (P < 0.001). The intervention cost US$ 23 113 but the money saved with shorter hospitalization, elimination of incubator use, and lower antibiotic and infant formula costs made up for this expense in 1 - 2 months. Extending KMC to 12 other facilities in Nicaragua is projected to save approximately US$ 166 000 (based on the referral hospital incubator use estimate) or US$ 233 000 after one year (based on the more conservative incubator use estimate). CONCLUSIONS: Treating premature and low-birth-weight infants in Nicaragua with KMC implemented as a quality improvement program saves money within a short period even without considering the beneficial health effects of KMC. Implementation in more facilities is strongly recommended.

The cost-savings of implementing kangaroo mother care in Nicaragua / Reducción de costos mediante la implantación del método madre canguro en Nicaragua

OBJECTIVE: To examine the costs of implementing kangaroo mother care (KMC) in a referral hospital in Nicaragua, including training, implementation, and ongoing operating costs, and to estimate the economic impact on the Nicaraguan health system if KMC were implemented in other maternity hospitals in the country. METHODS: After receiving clinical training in KMC, the implementation team trained their colleagues, wrote guidelines for clinicians and education material for parents, and ensured adherence to the new guidelines. The intervention began September 2010 The study compared data on infant weight, medication use, formula consumption, incubator use, and hospitalization for six months before and after implementation. Cost data were collected from accounting records of the implementers and health ministry formularies. RESULTS: A total of 46 randomly selected infants before implementation were compared to 52 after implementation. Controlling for confounders, neonates after implementation had lower lengths of hospitalization by 4.64 days (P = 0.017) and 71% were exclusively breastfed (P < 0.001). The intervention cost US$ 23 113 but the money saved with shorter hospitalization, elimination of incubator use, and lower antibiotic and infant formula costs made up for this expense in 1 - 2 months. Extending KMC to 12 other facilities in Nicaragua is projected to save approximately US$ 166 000 (based on the referral hospital incubator use estimate) or US$ 233 000 after one year (based on the more conservative incubator use estimate). CONCLUSIONS: Treating premature and low-birth-weight infants in Nicaragua with KMC implemented as a quality improvement program saves money within a short period even without considering the beneficial health effects of KMC. Implementation in more facilities is strongly recommended.

OBJETIVO: Analizar los costos de la implantación del método madre canguro en un hospital de referencia de Nicaragua, incluidos los costos de capacitación, implantación y funcionamiento, y calcular la repercusión económica en el sistema de salud nicaragüense si se aplicara el método en otras maternidades del país. MÉTODOS: Tras recibir capacitación clínica en el método, los miembros del equipo encargado de su implantación capacitaron a sus colegas, elaboraron directrices para los médicos y material educativo para los padres, y garantizaron la adhesión a las nuevas directrices. La intervención empezó en septiembre del 2010. El estudio comparó los siguientes datos: peso de los lactantes, empleo de medicamentos, consumo de leches maternizadas, uso de incubadoras, y hospitalizaciones durante los seis meses previos y posteriores a la implantación. Los datos relativos a los costos se recopilaron a partir de los registros contables de los ejecutores y los formularios del Ministerio de Salud. RESULTADOS: Los datos de 46 lactantes seleccionados aleatoriamente antes de la implantación se compararon con los de 52 lactantes del período posterior a la intervención. Mediante el control de los factores de confusión, después de la intervención, el tiempo medio de hospitalización de los recién nacidos fue inferior en 4,64 días (P = 0,017), y el 71% (P < 0,001) de los lactantes recibieron lactancia materna exclusiva. La intervención tuvo un costo de US$ 23 113 pero el dinero ahorrado gracias a la menor duración de las hospitalizaciones, la eliminación del uso de incubadoras, y la reducción de los costos en antibióticos y leches maternizadas compensó estos gastos en uno a dos meses. Se proyecta extender el método a otros 12 establecimientos sanitarios de Nicaragua para ahorrar aproximadamente US$ 233 000 (con base en el cálculo del uso de incubadoras en el hospital de referencia) o US$ 166 000 (con base en un cálculo más conservador del uso de incubadoras) al cabo de un año. CONCLUSIONES: El tratamiento de los neonatos prematuros y con bajo peso al nacer mediante el método madre canguro, implantado como un programa de mejora de la calidad en Nicaragua, ahorra dinero en un período corto, incluso sin tener en cuenta los efectos beneficiosos del método sobre la salud. Se recomienda su implantación en otros establecimientos sanitarios.

Quality in practice: preventing and managing neonatal sepsis in Nicaragua.

QUALITY PROBLEM OR ISSUE: Incorrect and excessive diagnosis of newborn infections in Nicaragua caused overcrowding in the neonatal intensive care units and unnecessary hospitalization. INITIAL ASSESSMENT: A baseline study in nine hospitals found that none correctly utilized disinfectants, sterilization or hand hygiene and that diagnosis of neonatal sepsis was based primarily on clinical manifestations. CHOICE OF SOLUTION: In 2007, the Ministry of Health (MINSA), with Unites States Agency for the International Development technical assistance, began developing guidelines and implementing quality improvement in infection prevention and control to reduce neonatal infections. In a second intervention phase, the MINSA introduced an algorithm for correct identification of maternal risk factors and standardized laboratory tests for neonatal sepsis. IMPLEMENTATION: Interventions included developing national guidelines on correct use of disinfectants and hand hygiene; training medical staff on the guidelines; revising the basic medical supply list to support appropriate antisepsis; defining a package of diagnostic tests for neonatal sepsis and systematically measuring compliance with the new procedures. EVALUATION: The 18 hospitals achieved appropriate use of disinfectants in a 12-month period. In seven hospitals that introduced improvements in diagnosis and management of neonatal sepsis, application of the standardized laboratory package in suspected sepsis cases increased from 0% in April 2009 to 93% in July 2011, and the median incidence of neonatal sepsis was reduced by 67%. LESSONS LEARNED: The organizational changes implemented for the diagnosis and verification of neonatal sepsis led to a reduction in the newborn sepsis admissions and expenditures for antibiotics, allowing resources to be redirected to treating other critically ill newborns.

Hematocolpos en la infancia. A propósito de un caso / Hematocolpos in Childhood. A case Report

El hematocolpos no es común en nuestro medio, sigue a alteraciones en la génesis del aparato genitourinario femenino; entre las cuales, el himen imperforado es la malformación congénita más frecuente. La sintomatología suele ser variable e inespecífica; el dolor abdominal y los síntomas urinarios es la forma de presentación clínica más usual. La ecografía abdominal-pélvica y la tomografía axial computarizada confirman el diagnóstico y ayudan a descartar otras malformaciones asociadas. Se presentó un caso de una adolescente afectada por esta enfermedad.

The hematocolpos is not common disease. It follow to the alterations in the genesis of female urogenital apparatus among which the imperforate hymen is the most common congenital malformation. The symptoms are variable and nonspecific. The abdominal pain and urinary symptoms is the most common clinical presentation. Abdominal-pelvic ultrasonography and computed tomography help to confirm the diagnosis as well as to find other associated malformations. This article presented a case of an adolescent affected by this disease.

Hematocolpos en la infancia: a propósito de un caso / Hematocolpos in Childhood: a case Report

El hematocolpos no es común en nuestro medio, sigue a alteraciones en la génesis del aparato genitourinario femenino; entre las cuales, el himen imperforado es la malformación congénita más frecuente. La sintomatología suele ser variable e inespecífica; el dolor abdominal y los síntomas urinarios es la forma de presentación clínica más usual. La ecografía abdominal-pélvica y la tomografía axial computarizada confirman el diagnóstico y ayudan a descartar otras malformaciones asociadas. Se presentó un caso de una adolescente afectada por esta enfermedad(AU)

The hematocolpos is not common disease. It follow to the alterations in the genesis of female urogenital apparatus among which the imperforate hymen is the most common congenital malformation. The symptoms are variable and nonspecific. The abdominal pain and urinary symptoms is the most common clinical presentation. Abdominal-pelvic ultrasonography and computed tomography help to confirm the diagnosis as well as to find other associated malformations. This article presented a case of an adolescent affected by this disease(AU)

Caracterización de insomnio en estudiantes de medicina de la Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira / Characterization of the insomnia in students of medicine from Universidad Tecnologica de Pereira

Este estudio presenta la caracterización del insomnio en estudiantes de medicina de la Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira durante el segundo semestre del 2011. Se usó como instrumento el test de Pittsburgh, más una serie de preguntas referentes a la higiene del sueño y variables demográficas de importancia. Con los datos recolectados se realizó análisis univariado y bivariado. Resultados: 76% de la población fue clasificada como “malos dormidores”, 60% de los cuales está constantemente expuestos a situaciones estresantes. El 58% de la población presentó insomnio ocasional o transitorio, 11% insomnio de corta duración, 11% insomnio crónico y el 20% restante no presentó insomnio. Conclusiones: Los estudiantes del programa de medicina y cirugía de la Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira se encuentran expuestos constantemente a situaciones estresantes lo cual influye significativamente de manera negativa en su calidad del dormir manifestada en calificaciones del ICSP elevadas y el consecuente desarrollo de insomnio.

This study presents the characterization of the insomnia inmedicine students from the Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira during the second academic semester of 2011. It was implemented the sleep quality test of Pittsburgh, plusa series of questions concerning to the “sleep hygiene” and demographic variables of importance. With the recollected data were realized bivariate and univariate analysis. Results:76% of the studied population has been classified as “badsleepers”, 60% of them are constantly exposed to stressing situations. The 58% of the population presented occasional or transitory insomnia, 11% short duration insomnia, 11%chronic insomnia and the left 20% didn’t presented insomnia. Conclusions: The students of the program of medicine and surgery from the Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira are constantly exposed to stressing situations which adversely influences their sleep quality as manifested in their high PSQI qualifications and the consequent development of insomnia.

Cost-effectiveness of improving pediatric hospital care in Nicaragua / Costo-eficacia de la mejora de la atención hospitalaria pediátrica en Nicaragua

OBJECTIVE: To determine the costs and cost-effectiveness of an intervention to improve quality of care for children with diarrhea or pneumonia in 14 hospitals in Nicaragua, based on expenditure data and impact measures. METHODS: Hospital length of stay (LOS) and deaths were abstracted from a random sample of 1294 clinical records completed at seven of the 14 participating hospitals before the intervention (2003) and 1505 records completed after two years of intervention implementation ("post-intervention"; 2006). Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) were derived from outcome data. Hospitalization costs were calculated based on hospital and Ministry of Health records and private sector data. Intervention costs came from project accounting records. Decision-tree analysis was used to calculate incremental cost-effectiveness. RESULTS: Average LOS decreased from 3.87 and 4.23 days pre-intervention to 3.55 and 3.94 days post-intervention for diarrhea (P = 0.078) and pneumonia (P = 0.055), respectively. Case fatalities decreased from 45/10 000 and 34/10 000 pre-intervention to 30/10 000 and 27/10 000 post-intervention for diarrhea (P = 0.062) and pneumonia (P = 0.37), respectively. Average total hospitalization and antibiotic costs for both diagnoses were US$ 451 (95 percent credibility interval [CI]: US$ 419-US$ 482) pre-intervention and US$ 437 (95 percent CI: US$ 402-US$ 464) post-intervention. The intervention was cost-saving in terms of DALYs (95 percent CI: -US$ 522- US$ 32 per DALY averted) and cost US$ 21 per hospital day averted (95 percent CI: -US$ 45- US$ 204). CONCLUSIONS: After two years of intervention implementation, LOS and deaths for diarrhea decreased, along with LOS for pneumonia, with no increase in hospitalization costs. If these changes were entirely attributable to the intervention, it would be cost-saving.

OBJETIVO: Determinar el costo y la eficacia en función del costo de una intervención para mejorar la calidad de la atención de ni±os con diarrea o neumonía en 14 hospitales de Nicaragua, sobre la base de la información sobre gastos y la medición de las repercusiones. MÉTODOS: Se compilaron datos sobre la duración de la hospitalización y la mortalidad de una muestra aleatoria de 1 294 historias clínicas compiladas en 7 de los 14 hospitales participantes antes de la intervención (2003) y 1 505 historias clínicas compiladas después de dos a±os de ejecución de la intervención ("postintervención", 2006). Los a±os de vida ajustados en función de la discapacidad (AVAD) se obtuvieron de los resultados asistenciales. Se calcularon los costos de hospitalización según los registros de los hospitales y del Ministerio de Salud, y datos del sector privado. Los costos de la intervención se obtuvieron de los registros contables del proyecto. Para calcular la relación costo-eficacia incremental se usó un anßlisis de ßrbol de decisiones. RESULTADOS: La duración promedio de la hospitalización disminuyó de 3,87 y 4,23 días antes de la intervención a 3,55 y 3,94 días después de la intervención para la diarrea (P = 0,078) y la neumonía (P = 0,055), respectivamente. La letalidad disminuyó de 45/10 000 y 34/10 000 antes de la intervención a 30/10 000 y 27/10 000 después de la intervención para la diarrea (P = 0,062) y la neumonía (P = 0,37), respectivamente. Los costos totales promedio de la hospitalización y de los antibióticos para ambos diagnósticos fueron de US$ 451 (intervalo de confianza [IC] de 95 por ciento: US$ 419 a US$ 482) antes de la intervención y US$ 437 (IC 95 por ciento: US$ 402-US$ 464) después. La intervención representó un ahorro de costos en cuanto a los AVAD (IC 95 por ciento: -US$ 522 a US$ 32 por cada AVAD evitado) y costó US$ 21 por cada día de hospitalización evitado (IC 95 por ciento: -US$ 45 a US$2 04). CONCLUSIONES: Después de dos...

Cost-effectiveness of improving pediatric hospital care in Nicaragua.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the costs and cost-effectiveness of an intervention to improve quality of care for children with diarrhea or pneumonia in 14 hospitals in Nicaragua, based on expenditure data and impact measures. METHODS: Hospital length of stay (LOS) and deaths were abstracted from a random sample of 1294 clinical records completed at seven of the 14 participating hospitals before the intervention (2003) and 1505 records completed after two years of intervention implementation ("post-intervention"; 2006). Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) were derived from outcome data. Hospitalization costs were calculated based on hospital and Ministry of Health records and private sector data. Intervention costs came from project accounting records. Decision-tree analysis was used to calculate incremental cost-effectiveness. RESULTS: Average LOS decreased from 3.87 and 4.23 days pre-intervention to 3.55 and 3.94 days post-intervention for diarrhea (P = 0.078) and pneumonia (P = 0.055), respectively. Case fatalities decreased from 45/10 000 and 34/10 000 pre-intervention to 30/10 000 and 27/10 000 post-intervention for diarrhea (P = 0.062) and pneumonia (P = 0.37), respectively. Average total hospitalization and antibiotic costs for both diagnoses were US$ 451 (95% credibility interval [CI]: US$ 419-US$ 482) pre-intervention and US$ 437 (95% CI: US$ 402-US$ 464) post-intervention. The intervention was cost-saving in terms of DALYs (95% CI: -US$ 522- US$ 32 per DALY averted) and cost US$ 21 per hospital day averted (95% CI: -US$ 45- US$ 204). CONCLUSIONS: After two years of intervention implementation, LOS and deaths for diarrhea decreased, along with LOS for pneumonia, with no increase in hospitalization costs. If these changes were entirely attributable to the intervention, it would be cost-saving.

Are skilled birth attendants really skilled? A measurement method, some disturbing results and a potential way forward.

OBJECTIVE: Delivery by a skilled birth attendant (SBA) serves as an indicator of progress towards reducing maternal mortality worldwide -- the fifth Millennium Development Goal. Though WHO tracks the proportion of women delivered by SBAs, we know little about their competence to manage common life-threatening obstetric complications. We assessed SBA competence in five high maternal mortality settings as a basis for initiating quality improvement. METHODS: The WHO Integrated Management of Pregnancy and Childbirth (IMPAC) guidelines served as our competency standard. Evaluation included a written knowledge test, partograph (used to record all observations of a woman in labour) case studies and assessment of procedures demonstrated on anatomical models at five skills stations. We tested a purposive sample of 166 SBAs in Benin, Ecuador, Jamaica and Rwanda (Phase I). These initial results were used to refine the instruments, which were then used to evaluate 1358 SBAs throughout Nicaragua (Phase II). FINDINGS: On average, Phase I participants were correct for 56% of the knowledge questions and 48% of the skills steps. Phase II participants were correct for 62% of the knowledge questions. Their average skills scores by area were: active management of the third stage of labour -- 46%; manual removal of placenta -- 52%; bimanual uterine compression -- 46%; immediate newborn care -- 71%; and neonatal resuscitation -- 55%. CONCLUSION: There is a wide gap between current evidence-based standards and provider competence to manage selected obstetric and neonatal complications. We discuss the significance of that gap, suggest approaches to close it and describe briefly current efforts to do so in Ecuador, Nicaragua and Niger.

Informe anual 2003: qué hicimos y hacia dónde vamos / Inform 2003 yearly: what we made and toward where we go

El documento aborda los resultados de la implementación de diferentes componente relacionados con la mejora de la calidad de la atención en áreas tales como: cuidados pediátricos hospitalarios, uso adecuadado de desinfectantes y antisepticos, atención a la embarazada y al recién nacido, emergencias hospitalarias, y, en todos estos, medición de satisfacción de usuarios externos y del clima organizacional. En este informa se detallan las princpales actividades realizadas por cada componente y por SILAIS, igualmente, los alcances de las mismas y los retos planteados para el año 2004

Evaluación de un péptido quimérico NS4/NS5 para la detección de anticuerpos contra VHC / Evaluation of a chimeric peptide NS4 and NS5 for HCV antibody

Para el diagnóstico del virus de la hepatitis C, se utilizan las pruebas de Elisa, debido a su sensibilidad y especificidad. Gran parte de estas pruebas se basa en el empleo de péptidos sintéticos y, en la acutalidad, de péptidos quiméricos. En este estudio se sintetizó un péptido quimérico que comprende secuencias inmunodominantes de las regiones no estructurales NS4 y NS5 del virus de la hepatitis C. El péptido representativo de las dos secuencias está separado por un brazo espaciador de dos residuos de glicina. El peptido se evaluó como antígeno en un ensayo UMELISA, utilizando muestras positivas (n=30), muestras negativas (n=40) y el panel de Boston Biomedica Inc. (n=40). Los resultados del peptido quimérico NS4/NS5 se compararon con los resultados de los péptidos individuales NS4 y NS5 y con la mezcla de estos péptidos. Los resultados de los péptidos individuales coinciden con los datos informados en la literatura. Con la mezcla de los péptidos, no aumentó la detección de muestras positivas, pero con el péptido quimérico se logró aumentar la sensibilidad

Evaluación de diferentes péptidos de la región estructural del virus de la hepatitis C / Evaluation of different peptides in hepatitis C virus structural region

Para el diagnóstico del virus de la hepatitis C, se utilizan ampliamente las pruebas de Elisa por su sensibilidad y especificidad. Gran parte de ellos se basa en el empleo de péptidos sintéticos. Una de las zonas más conservadas y de gran antigenicidad es la región estructural del virus. en este estudio, se sintetizaron siete péptidos de zonas informadas como altamente antiénicas de la región estructural del virus de la hepatitis C. Los péptidos sintetizados representan la región del núcleo del virus. Se realizó la evaluación y comparación de los resultados de los péptidos sintetizados, para lo cual se emplearon muestras positivas (n=72) y negativas (n=42). Con los péptidos más cercanos a la región amino terminal, la reactividad fue alta, pero fue disminuyendo a medida que nos acercábamos a la región carboxilo terminal. Estos resultados coinciden con lo informado por otros autores

Anemia ferropénica en lactantes: un estudio prospectivo / Iron deficiency anemia in infants: a prospective study

Se estudiaron diferentes características de la anemia ferropénica en lactantes de 12 a 23 meses de edad en un estudio prospectivo realizado en una comunidad urbana de San José de Costa Rica. La incidencia de anemia en toda población estudiada fue de 63.5%. Excluyendo los niños factores de riesgo para deficiencia de hierro, sólo el 40% tenían Hb normal, y sólo el 13% Hb y Fe normales. El antecendente de Fe no modificó el nivel de Hb de la población, lo que sugiere un control inadecuado de su ingesta. La ingesta de leche materna mejoró el status de Fe de los lactantes. Después de tres meses de tratamiento, la Hb se incrementó significativamente en todos los grupos, aún en los niños con Hb "normal", para una Hb promedio final de 13.2g/dl(8.1mmol/l), lo que demuestra la deficiencia real de Fe de los lactantes estudiados. La respuesta fue más efectiva con Fe oral que con Fe intramuscular