Implementation of the updated Sydney system biopsy protocol improves the diagnostic yield of gastric preneoplastic conditions: Results from a real-world study.

BACKGROUND: The updated Sydney system biopsy protocol (USSBP) standardizes the sampling of gastric biopsies for the detection of preneoplastic conditions (e.g., gastric intestinal metaplasia [GIM]), but the real-world diagnostic yield is not well-described. AIM: To determine whether regular application of USSBP is associated with higher detection of chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG), GIM and autoimmune gastritis (AIG). METHODS: We performed a real-world retrospective study at an academic urban tertiary hospital in Chile. We manually reviewed medical records from consecutive patients undergoing esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) from January to December 2017. Seven endoscopists who performed EGDs were categorized into two groups (USSBP 'regular' and USSBP 'infrequent') based on USSBP adherence, using minimum 20% adherence as the prespecified threshold. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association between endoscopist groups and the likelihood of diagnosing CAG, GIM or AIG. RESULTS: 1206 patients were included in the study (mean age: 58.5; 65.3% female). The USSBP regular group demonstrated a higher likelihood of detecting CAG (20% vs. 5.3%; aOR 4.03, 95%CI: 2.69-6.03), GIM (12.2% vs. 3.4%; aOR 3.91, 95%CI: 2.39-6.42) and AIG (2.9% vs. 0.8%; aOR 6.52, 95%CI: 1.87-22.74) compared to infrequent group. Detection of advanced-stage CAG (Operative Link for Gastritis Assessment stage III/IV) was significantly higher in the USSBP regular vs. infrequent group (aOR 5.84, 95%CI: 2.23-15.31). CONCLUSIONS: Routine adherence to USSBP increases the detection rates of preneoplastic conditions, including CAG, GIM and AIG. Standardized implementation of USSBP should be considered in high gastric cancer risk populations.

Osteoporosis postmenopáusica: relevancia de la búsqueda estructurada de causas secundarias / A search for secondary causes of osteoporosis or low mineral density in postmenopausal women

BACKGROUND: A secondary cause can be found in up to one third of women with osteoporosis, potentially modifying their therapeutic approach. AIM: To determine the prevalence of secondary causes and risk factors for decreased bone mineral density (BMD) and osteoporosis. Material and Methods: We included postmenopausal women with a diagnosis of osteoporosis or low BMD who consulted for the first time in an endocrinology clinic between October 2018 and March 2020. A complete medical history, physical examination and a standardized laboratory assessment to identify secondary causes were performed. RESULTS: During the study period, 114 women were evaluated, 30 of them with low BMD and 84 with osteoporosis. After obtaining a medical history and a structured laboratory screening, at least one secondary cause was found in 50% of patients with osteoporosis and in 67% of those with low BMD. Most patients with no identified secondary cause had at least one risk factor for fragility fractures. Conclusions: A structured evaluation that includes medical history and standardized laboratory study in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis or low BMD, is a valuable tool to identify secondary causes of osteoporosis.

[A search for secondary causes of osteoporosis or low mineral density in postmenopausal women]. / Osteoporosis postmenopáusica: relevancia de la búsqueda estructurada de causas secundarias.

BACKGROUND: A secondary cause can be found in up to one third of women with osteoporosis, potentially modifying their therapeutic approach. AIM: To determine the prevalence of secondary causes and risk factors for decreased bone mineral density (BMD) and osteoporosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We included postmenopausal women with a diagnosis of osteoporosis or low BMD who consulted for the first time in an endocrinology clinic between October 2018 and March 2020. A complete medical history, physical examination and a standardized laboratory assessment to identify secondary causes were performed. RESULTS: During the study period, 114 women were evaluated, 30 of them with low BMD and 84 with osteoporosis. After obtaining a medical history and a structured laboratory screening, at least one secondary cause was found in 50% of patients with osteoporosis and in 67% of those with low BMD. Most patients with no identified secondary cause had at least one risk factor for fragility fractures. CONCLUSIONS: A structured evaluation that includes medical history and standardized laboratory study in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis or low BMD, is a valuable tool to identify secondary causes of osteoporosis.

Characterization of Oral Health Status in Chilean Patients with X-Linked Hypophosphatemia.

X-Linked Hypophosphatemia (XLH) is the most common cause of inherited hypophosphatemic rickets. Dental involvement, including spontaneous abscesses and/or fistulae, is an important part of the disease and has not been completely defined, especially in cohorts from developing countries. To describe oral health status in a cohort of Chilean patients with XLH and explore its correlation with biochemical presentation and treatment, we conducted a cross-sectional observational study of patients with PHEX mutation-confirmed XLH. All patients had an oral clinical exam, radiographic evaluation; clinical and biochemical data were obtained to determine their association with oral features. Twenty-six patients were included, 77% adults and 23% children. Most adults (89%) had past or current dental pulp pathology (abscesses and/or fistulae). Pulpal chamber enlargement and radiolucent apical lesions were common radiological features (94 and 74%, respectively). In children, abscess and/or fistulae were also common (33%). Caries index, which was determined by dmft/DMFT, was higher than the Chilean national average. Early and long-term therapy with phosphate and activated vitamin D was associated with lower carious index and attachment loss. XLH patients frequently present with high pulpal involvement and carious index. Conventional therapy was associated with lower carious index and attachment loss. These data highlight the importance of early and periodical dental care in order to prevent dental damage and assure a good quality of oral health for XLH patients.

[Hypophosphatemia induced by carboxymaltose iron and imatinib. Report of two cases]. / Hipofosfatemia inducida por drogas: fierro carboximaltosa e imatinib. Casos clínicos.

Hypophosphatemia is a relatively frequent and a potentially serious adverse drug effect. Clinically it is characterized by bone pain and muscle weakness. There are several mechanisms by which a drug can induce hypophosphatemia and they can be classified according to whether or not they are mediated by an excess of Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 (FGF23). We report two patients with the condition: (i) A 49-year-old woman with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) and gastric sleeve surgery at 46 years of age. After receiving intravenous carboxymaltose iron in one occasion due to refractory anemia, she developed symptomatic hypophosphatemia. Urinary phosphate losses associated with high FGF23 levels were confirmed. Plasma phosphate returned to normal values 90 days after the iron administration. (ii) A 40-year-old man with a history of CML in whom imatinib was started. He developed symptomatic hypophosphatemia due to non FGF23-mediated hyperphosphaturia. As treatment with imatinib could not be interrupted, hypophosphatemia and its symptoms resolved with oral phosphate intake. These cases illustrate the importance of recognizing and treating drug-induced hypophosphatemia in a timely manner, and thus avoid the morbidity associated with this entity.

Hipofosfatemia inducida por drogas: fierro carboximaltosa e imatinib. Casos clínicos / Hypophosphatemia induced by carboxymaltose iron and imatinib. Report of two cases

Hypophosphatemia is a relatively frequent and a potentially serious adverse drug effect. Clinically it is characterized by bone pain and muscle weakness. There are several mechanisms by which a drug can induce hypophosphatemia and they can be classified according to whether or not they are mediated by an excess of Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 (FGF23). We report two patients with the condition: (i) A 49-year-old woman with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) and gastric sleeve surgery at 46 years of age. After receiving intravenous carboxymaltose iron in one occasion due to refractory anemia, she developed symptomatic hypophosphatemia. Urinary phosphate losses associated with high FGF23 levels were confirmed. Plasma phosphate returned to normal values 90 days after the iron administration. (ii) A 40-year-old man with a history of CML in whom imatinib was started. He developed symptomatic hypophosphatemia due to non FGF23-mediated hyperphosphaturia. As treatment with imatinib could not be interrupted, hypophosphatemia and its symptoms resolved with oral phosphate intake. These cases illustrate the importance of recognizing and treating drug-induced hypophosphatemia in a timely manner, and thus avoid the morbidity associated with this entity.

[Educational impact after 10 years of implementation of a portfolio for undergraduate medical students]. / Portafolio en pregrado de Medicina: impacto educacional a 10 años de su implementación.

BACKGROUND: A portfolio is a compilation of academic work that demonstrates student's knowledge, reflection and critical thinking. AIM: To describe the development and implementation of an undergraduate portfolio in the School of Medicine at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, its temporal evolution and its educational impact after 10 years of experience. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The development and implementation of a portfolio for 4th-year undergraduate medical student was analyzed. Its design, teaching and learning methodologies, results and perceptions of students and teachers were assessed. The educational impact was measured using Kirkpatrick's levels. RESULTS: A total of 1,320 students participated between 2007 and 2017, supported by six teachers and 190 assistant-students. The portfolio included clinical cases, narrative medicine, palliative care and evidence-based medicine (EBM). The overall student's perception was positive, highlighting the development of critical analysis, clinical reasoning and professionalism. The delivery of feedback and learning assessment, allowed students to obtain excellent grades. There were only two cases of plagiarism reported. Fifteen EBM articles and two books with 52 narrative medicine essays were published. The greatest organizational impact of this teaching innovation, was that it evolved to become an established and continuous assessment instrument in 10 consecutive years. CONCLUSIONS: This portfolio is a project with a high educational impact, with a favorable perception by students and tutors, excellent results related to grades, stimulating both scientific writing and reflective practice.

Portafolio en pregrado de Medicina: impacto educacional a 10 años de su implementación / Educational impact after 10 years of implementation of a portfolio for undergraduate medical students

Background: A portfolio is a compilation of academic work that demonstrates student's knowledge, reflection and critical thinking. Aim: To describe the development and implementation of an undergraduate portfolio in the School of Medicine at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, its temporal evolution and its educational impact after 10 years of experience. Material and Methods: The development and implementation of a portfolio for 4th-year undergraduate medical student was analyzed. Its design, teaching and learning methodologies, results and perceptions of students and teachers were assessed. The educational impact was measured using Kirkpatrick's levels. Results: A total of 1,320 students participated between 2007 and 2017, supported by six teachers and 190 assistant-students. The portfolio included clinical cases, narrative medicine, palliative care and evidence-based medicine (EBM). The overall student's perception was positive, highlighting the development of critical analysis, clinical reasoning and professionalism. The delivery of feedback and learning assessment, allowed students to obtain excellent grades. There were only two cases of plagiarism reported. Fifteen EBM articles and two books with 52 narrative medicine essays were published. The greatest organizational impact of this teaching innovation, was that it evolved to become an established and continuous assessment instrument in 10 consecutive years. Conclusions: This portfolio is a project with a high educational impact, with a favorable perception by students and tutors, excellent results related to grades, stimulating both scientific writing and reflective practice.

Autoimmune Diseases and Gastric Cancer Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE: Autoimmunity is an alternative etiology of gastric inflammation, the initiating event in the gastric carcinogenic cascade. This mechanism may be an increasingly important cause of gastric cancer with the waning prevalence of its primary etiologic factor, chronic Helicobacter pylori infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PubMed and EMBASE were searched up to September 2018. Autoimmunity and 96 specific manifestations were considered for associations with gastric cancer risk. Random effects analysis was used to calculate pooled relative risk estimates (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: We found a total of 52 observational studies representing 30 different autoimmune diseases. Overall, the presence of an autoimmune condition was associated with a gastric cancer pooled RR of 1.37 (95% CI, 1.24 to 1.52). Among the 24 autoimmune conditions with two or more independent reports, nine were significantly associated with increased gastric cancer risk: dermatomyositis (RR, 3.69; 95% CI, 1.74 to 7.79), pernicious anemia (RR, 2.84; 95% CI, 2.30 to 3.50), Addison disease (RR, 2.11; 95% CI, 1.26 to 3.53), dermatitis herpetiformis (RR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.02 to 2.97; n=3), IgG4-related disease (RR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.00 to 2.87), primary biliary cirrhosis (RR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.13 to 2.37), diabetes mellitus type 1 (RR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.20 to 1.67), systemic lupus erythematosus (RR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.84), and Graves disease (RR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.06 to 1.52). CONCLUSION: Our analysis documents the wide range of autoimmune diseases associated with gastric cancer. These associations may reflect unreported links between these conditions and autoimmune gastritis. Further studies are warranted to investigate potential causal mechanisms.

Diseño e implementación de un modelo de enseñanza en ambiente simulado de paracentesis abdomina / Design and implementation of an environment teaching model simulated abdominal paracentesis

Resumen: El aprendizaje de los estudiantes de Medicina de Pregrado en ambiente simulado constituye una alternativa en la obtención de competencias técnicas y no técnicas. Objetivo: Desarrollar un fantoma e implementar un taller modular de entrenamiento de paracentesis abdominal en ambiente simulado para estudiantes de Medicina. Métodos: Se diseñaron y desarrollaron modelos para la realización de paracentesis abdominal en la Escuela de Diseño de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC) y se implementó un taller para alumnos de 4to año de Medicina de la PUC, utilizando un enfoque constructivista, sesiones de entrenamiento simulado con debriefing basadas en el modelo plus-delta y evaluación pre y post-procedimiento siguiendo los principios de evaluación para el aprendizaje. Resultados: Se desarrollaron 3 prototipos hasta llegar a un modelo definitivo de alta fidelidad basado en la percepción de 20 expertos. 237 alumnos asistieron a un taller de paracentesis abdominal en el Centro de Cirugía Experimental y Simulación Universidad Católica (UC). Este consistió en una actividad práctica grupal (7-8 alumnos por sesión) que incluyó: una evaluación pre-sesión, un vídeo instruccional, una demostración en tiempo real en el fantoma por parte de un docente, la realización guiada del procedimiento por parte de los alumnos, debriefing y cierre de la sesión. Conclusiones: Un modelo de enseñanza en ambiente simulado es posible de ser diseñado e implementado exitosamente en un centro educacional para estudiantes de Medicina de Pregrado. Este taller de paracentesis permite entrenar a los alumnos en la realización de paracentesis abdominal en un ambiente seguro para los alumnos y pacientes y puede ser implementado a bajo costo en otros centros o instituciones. (AU)

Abstract: Simulated environments are an option in the learning process of undergraduate medical students in order to obtain technical and non-technical. Aim: To develop a mannequin for abdominal paracentesis and the implementation of a training workshop to perform abdominal paracentesis in a simulated environment for undergraduate medical students. Methods: The prototypes were designed and developed to perform abdominal paracentesis at the School of Design at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC) and a workshop was implemented in a course with 4-year medical students at the PUC, using a constructivist approach and simulated training sessions and providing debriefing (based on plus-delta model) and pre-post training assessment following the principles of Assessment for Learning. Results: Three prototypes were developed until the final high-fidelity-mannequin was achieved. The abdominal paracentesis workshop was attended by 237 students at the Universidad Católica (UC) Experimental Surgery and Simulation Center. This was a hands-on group activity (7-8 students per session) including pre-session assessment, instructional video-tape, real-time demonstration of abdominal paracentesis procedure by the clinical teacher, followed by abdominal paracentesis performed by the students, debriefing and closing session. Conclusions: A teaching model in a simulated environment is feasible to be successfully designed and implemented in an educational center for undergraduate medical students. This workshop allows students training process to perform abdominal paracentesis in a safe environment for students and patients and it can be implemented in other centers or institutions with low cost.(AU)

[Development of MEDUC-PG14 survey to assess postgraduate teaching in medical specialties]. / Evaluación de docentes clínicos de Postgrado: desarrollo y propiedades psicométricas del instrumento MEDUC-PG14.

BACKGROUND: Feedback is one of the most important tools to improve teaching in medical education. AIM: To develop an instrument to assess the performance of clinical postgraduate teachers in medical specialties. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A qualitative methodology consisting in interviews and focus-groups followed by a quantitative methodology to generate consensus, was employed. After generating the instrument, psychometric tests were performed to assess the construct validity (factor analysis) and reliability (Cronbach’s alpha). RESULTS: Experts in medical education, teachers and residents of a medical school participated in interviews and focus groups. With this information, 26 categories (79 items) were proposed and reduced to 14 items (Likert scale 1-5) by an expert’s Delphi panel, generating the MEDUC-PG14 survey, which was answered by 123 residents from different programs of medical specialties. Construct validity was carried out. Factor analysis showed three domains: Teaching and evaluation, respectful behavior towards patients and health care team, and providing feedback. The global score was 4.46 ± 0.94 (89% of the maximum). One teachers’ strength, as evaluated by their residents was “respectful behavior” with 4.85 ± 0.42 (97% of the maximum). “Providing feedback” obtained 4.09 ± 1.0 points (81.8% of the maximum). MEDUC-PG14 survey had a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.947. CONCLUSIONS: MEDUC-PG14 survey is a useful and reliable guide for teacher evaluation in medical specialty programs. Also provides feedback to improve educational skills of postgraduate clinical teachers.

Evaluación de docentes clínicos de Postgrado: desarrollo y propiedades psicométricas del instrumento MEDUC-PG14 / Development of MEDUC-PG14 survey to assess postgraduate teaching in medical specialties

Background: Feedback is one of the most important tools to improve teaching in medical education. Aim: To develop an instrument to assess the performance of clinical postgraduate teachers in medical specialties. Material and Methods: A qualitative methodology consisting in interviews and focus-groups followed by a quantitative methodology to generate consensus, was employed. After generating the instrument, psychometric tests were performed to assess the construct validity (factor analysis) and reliability (Cronbach’s alpha). Results: Experts in medical education, teachers and residents of a medical school participated in interviews and focus groups. With this information, 26 categories (79 items) were proposed and reduced to 14 items (Likert scale 1-5) by an expert’s Delphi panel, generating the MEDUC-PG14 survey, which was answered by 123 residents from different programs of medical specialties. Construct validity was carried out. Factor analysis showed three domains: Teaching and evaluation, respectful behavior towards patients and health care team, and providing feedback. The global score was 4.46 ± 0.94 (89% of the maximum). One teachers’ strength, as evaluated by their residents was “respectful behavior” with 4.85 ± 0.42 (97% of the maximum). “Providing feedback” obtained 4.09 ± 1.0 points (81.8% of the maximum). MEDUC-PG14 survey had a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.947. Conclusions: MEDUC-PG14 survey is a useful and reliable guide for teacher evaluation in medical specialty programs. Also provides feedback to improve educational skills of postgraduate clinical teachers.