Cost-Effectiveness of the Prenatal Detection of Congenital Heart Diseases: A Systematic Literature Review.

Background: Congenital heart disease is the most common congenital condition worldwide, with a prevalence of 80 cases per 10 000 live births. In addition to perinatal morbidity and mortality, it entails long-term consequences such as multiple surgeries, prolonged hospitalizations, lifelong cardiac follow-up, reduced quality of life, risk of heart failure, and premature mortality in adulthood. This significant health and economic burden on healthcare systems and families highlights the relevance of evaluating the cost-effectiveness of methods for early detection of this condition. Objective: To conduct a systematic literature review (SLR) to identify and analyze existing economic evaluations on prenatal detection of congenital heart diseases through ultrasound, focusing on the reported cost-effectiveness results and the methodological quality of the evaluated studies according to established criteria. Methods: An SLR of economic evaluations was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. A quantitative synthesis of key methodological components of each economic evaluation was performed. The incremental medical costs, effectiveness measures, and cost-effectiveness ratios reported in each study were compiled and compared. The methodological quality was assessed according to compliance with the 24 CHEERS criteria. Results: We found 785 articles, of which only 7 met all inclusion criteria. Most were cost-effectiveness analyses, with the most common outcome being number of cases detected. Screening with only 4-chamber views interpreted by general practitioners or cardiologists were dominant strategies compared with screening with 4-chamber plus outflow views interpreted by a general practitioner. Fetal echocardiography was most effective but most expensive. Screening with 4-chamber and outflow view, followed by referral to a specialist, were recommended as the least expensive strategy per defect detected. On average, articles met 17 of the 24 CHEERS criteria. Discussion: While recent cost-effectiveness analyses demonstrated improved methodological quality, there was a lack of homogeneity due to differences in comparators and population subgroups analyzed. Despite this heterogeneity, fetal ultrasonography screening was consistently identified as a cost-effective strategy, with its cost-effectiveness heavily influenced by the expertise of the interpreting physician. Conclusion: Most studies recommend implementing obstetric ultrasonography screening, without routine fetal echocardiography, for detecting congenital heart diseases.

Time Course of Mechanical Ventilation Driving Pressure Levels in Pediatric Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: Outcomes in a Prospective, Multicenter Cohort Study From Colombia, 2018-2022.

OBJECTIVES: High driving pressure (DP, ratio of tidal volume (Vt) over respiratory system compliance) is a risk for poor outcomes in patients with pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome (PARDS). We therefore assessed the time course in level of DP (i.e., 24, 48, and 72 hr) after starting mechanical ventilation (MV), and its association with 28-day mortality. DESIGN: Multicenter, prospective study conducted between February 2018 and December 2022. SETTING: Twelve tertiary care PICUs in Colombia. PATIENTS: One hundred eighty-four intubated children with moderate to severe PARDS. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The median (interquartile range [IQR]) age of the PARDS cohort was 11 (IQR 3-24) months. A total of 129 of 184 patients (70.2%) had a pulmonary etiology leading to PARDS, and 31 of 184 patients (16.8%) died. In the first 24 hours after admission, the plateau pressure in the nonsurvivor group, compared with the survivor group, differed (28.24 [IQR 24.14-32.11] vs. 23.18 [IQR 20.72-27.13] cm H2O, p < 0.01). Of note, children with a Vt less than 8 mL/kg of ideal body weight had lower adjusted odds ratio (aOR [95% CI]) of 28-day mortality (aOR 0.69, [95% CI, 0.55-0.87]; p = 0.02). However, we failed to identify an association between DP level and the oxygenation index (aOR 0.58; 95% CI, 0.21-1.58) at each of time point. In a diagnostic exploratory analysis, we found that DP greater than 15 cm H2O at 72 hours was an explanatory variable for mortality, with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.83 (95% CI, 0.74-0.89); there was also increased hazard for death with hazard ratio 2.5 (95% CI, 1.07-5.92). DP greater than 15 cm H2O at 72 hours was also associated with longer duration of MV (10 [IQR 7-14] vs. 7 [IQR 5-10] d; p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: In children with moderate to severe PARDS, a DP greater than 15 cm H2O at 72 hours after the initiation of MV is associated with greater odds of 28-day mortality and a longer duration of MV. DP should be considered a variable worth monitoring during protective ventilation for PARDS.

Efecto de la retroalimentación visual sobre la velocidad de la marcha después de un accidente cerebrovascular: diseño de caso único / Effects of Visual Feedback on Walking Speed for Stroke Patients: Single-case Design

Introducción. La recuperación de la marcha es uno de los principales objetivos en rehabilitación después de un ACV. Basados en los principios de aprendizaje motor, se han desarrollado nuevas estrategias en neurorrehabilitación basadas en la práctica repetitiva, orientada a la tarea y la retroalimentación. Esto último ha demostrado ser una de las variables clave para el entrenamiento, por su fácil obtención y manipulación. Sin embargo, aún no existen estudios concluyentes que permitan identificar el efecto real de esta variable y su influencia en la recuperación y el desempeño funcional de la marcha. Objetivo. Determinar el efecto de la retroalimentación visual sobre la velocidad de la marcha después de un accidente cerebrovascular en adultos con estadios subagudos y crónicos. Metodología. Diseño de caso único de línea de base múltiple, aleatorio no concurrente de cuatro participantes. Se evaluó la velocidad de la marcha determinando las diferencias en el nivel, la tendencia, la estabilidad de los datos y la no superposición de datos mediante el análisis visual basado en la documentación técnica para diseños de caso único de la What Works Clearinghouse. Resultados. Cuatro participantes con rango de edad de 19 a 73 años fueron incluidos en el estudio. El cambio en el nivel para todos los participantes demostró un incremento en los valores de la velocidad de la marcha después de la introducción de la intervención (media: 0.76 m/s). El análisis visual de la tendencia estimó aceleración para la línea de intervención para tres participantes. Los datos en la fase de base e intervención cumplieron el criterio de estabilidad medido con el método de banda de dos desviaciones estándar (media: 0.05 m/s); los patrones de cambio demostraron efecto inmediato con mejoría gradual durante la intervención para los participantes 1, 3 y 4. El porcentaje de no superposición de datos mostró efectividad de la intervención para tres de los participantes (PND >91.67%). Conclusiones. Los hallazgos presentados en este estudio representan un aporte científico que respalda la pertinencia del uso y aplicación de los principios de aprendizaje motor para el desarrollo de nuevas estrategias en rehabilitación motora. Sin embargo, este estudio constituye un primer paso para realizar estudios más robustos que incluyan replicación de las fases en el estudio y la evaluación del seguimiento para determinar la permanencia de los efectos a largo plazo.

Introduction. Gait recovery is one of the main goals in post-stroke rehabilitation. Based on the principles of motor learning, new strategies have been developed in neurorehabilitation based on repetitive, task-oriented practice, and feedback. The latter has proven to be one of the most critical variables for training, because it is easy to obtain and manipulate. However, there are still no conclusive studies to identify the real effect of this variable and its influence on recovery and functional gait performance. Objective. To determine the effect of visual feedback on gait speed after stroke in adults with subacute and chronic stages.Methodology. Single-case, multiple baseline, non-concurrent randomized, and four-participant design. Gait velocity was assessed by determining differences in level, trend, data stability, and nonoverlapping data using visual analysis based on technical documentation for single-case designs from the What Works Clearinghouse.Results. Four participants ranging in age from 19 to 73 years were included in the study. The change in level for all participants demonstrated an increase in gait velocity values after the introduction of the intervention (mean: 0.76 m/s). Visual trend analysis estimated acceleration for the intervention line for three participants. The data in the baseline and intervention phase met the stability criterion measured with the two standard deviation band method (mean: 0.05 m/s); patterns of change demonstrated immediate effect with gradual improvement during the intervention for participants 1, 3, and 4. The percentage of nonoverlapping data showed effective-ness of the intervention for three of the participants (PND >91.67%).Conclusions. The findings presented in this study represent a scientific contribution that supports the relevance of the use and application of motor learning principles for the development of new strategies in motor rehabilitation. However, this study constitutes a first step towards more robust studies that include replication of the phases in the study and follow-up evaluation to determine the permanence of long-term effects.

Unveiling the causes of pericardial effusion in a contemporary case series of pericardiocentesis in Latin America.

Pericardial effusions requiring pericardiocentesis have multiple causes that vary among geographical regions and health contexts. This procedure can be performed for diagnostic or therapeutic indications. The purpose of this study was to identify the principal causes of pericardial effusions and indications for pericardiocentesis, exploring differences among groups. This was a retrospective case series of patients who underwent pericardiocentesis for pericardial effusion in a single center in Latin America. Demographic, clinical, echocardiographic, and procedural variables were recorded and analyzed. The primary outcome was to determine the causes of pericardial effusions in these patients and the indication (diagnostic, therapeutic, or both). The results are presented in two groups (inflammatory and noninflammatory) according to the cause of the pericardial effusion. One hundred sixteen patients with pericardial effusion underwent pericardiocentesis. The median age was 58 years (IQR 46.2-70.7), and 50% were male. In the noninflammatory pericardial effusion group, there were 61 cases (53%), among which neoplastic pericardial effusion was the most frequent cause (n = 25, 40.9%). In the inflammatory group, there were 55 cases (47%), and the main cause was postpericardiectomy syndrome after cardiac surgery (n = 31, 56.4%). In conclusion, the principal indication for pericardiocentesis was therapeutic (n = 66, 56.8%). Large pericardial effusion without hemodynamic effect of cardiac tamponade was significantly more frequent in the inflammatory group (p = 0.03). The principal cause of pericardial effusion in patients who underwent pericardiocentesis was postpericardiectomy syndrome after cardiac surgery, followed by neoplastic pericardial effusion. Pericardiocentesis is mainly a therapeutic procedure.

Access to paediatric cardiac surgery in Colombia: a population-based study.

OBJECTIVES: Globally congenital heart disease mortality is declining, yet the proportion of infant deaths attributable to heart disease rises in Colombia and other middle-sociodemographic countries. We aimed to assess the accessibility of paediatric cardiac surgery (PCS) to children <18 years of age in 2016 in the South American country of Colombia. METHODS: In Bogotá, Colombia, a multi-national team used cross-sectional and retrospective cohort study designs to adapt and evaluate 4 health system indicators at the national level: first, the population with timely geographic access to an institution providing PCS; second, the number of paediatric cardiac surgeons; third, this specialized procedure volume and its national distribution; and fourth, the 30-day perioperative mortality rate after PCS in Colombia. RESULTS: Geospatial mapping approximates 64% (n = 9 894 356) of the under-18 Colombian population lives within 2-h drivetime of an institution providing PCS. Twenty-eight cardiovascular surgeons report performing PCS, 82% (n = 23) with formal training. In 2016, 1281 PCS procedures were registered, 90% of whom were performed in 6 of the country's 32 departments. National non-risk-adjusted all-cause 30-day perioperative mortality rate after PCS was 2.73% (n = 35). CONCLUSIONS: Colombia's paediatric population had variable access to cardiac surgery in 2016, largely dependent upon geography. While the country may have the capacity to provide timely, high-quality care to those who need it, our study enables future comparative analyses to measure the impact of health system interventions facilitating healthcare equity for the underserved populations across Colombia and the Latin American region.

Association Between Serum Lactate and Unsatisfactory Outcomes in Critically Ill Children in the Immediate Post-operative Period of Liver Transplantation.

OBJECTIVES: Serum lactate is a useful biomarker of tissue perfusion in critically ill patients. We evaluated the behavior of serum lactate in children in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) immediately after liver transplantation and its association with surgical complications, graft dysfunction and 90-day mortality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective observational study carried out between November 2009 and December 2019. Multidisciplinary PICU at the University Children's Hospital, Fundación Cardioinfantil-IC, Bogotá, Colombia. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Patients between 1 month and 18 years of age who were in the immediate post-operative period following living-donor or cadaveric liver transplantation were included. A total of 145 patients with a median age of 14 months (IQR 8-60) met the inclusion criteria. Biliary atresia was the main diagnosis in 56.5% of the cases. A serum lactate level > 3.0 mmol/L on admission to the PICU was associated with biliary complications (AUC 0.73 95% CI 0.54-0.93; p = 0.05) and mortality (AUC 0.72 95% CI 0.63-0.8; p = 0.01). A lactate level > 2 mmol/L after 6 h in the PICU was associated with mortality (AUC 0.70 95% CI 0.54-0.83; p = 0.02). Higher lactate levels and lack of clearance were associated with the presence of tardus et parvus waveforms (p = 0.001) on liver Doppler, primary dysfunction (p < 0.001), arterial thrombosis (p < 0.001) and neurological complications (p = 0.04). There was an inverse correlation between admission lactate and the volume of fluids administered during surgery (rho = 0.36; p < 0.001). A total procedure time > 350 min, along with a vasopressor score > 7 and elevated lactate, were associated with worse outcomes (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In post-operative pediatric liver transplant patients, the level of serum lactate is associated with post-operative surgical complications and mortality.

Immunoglobulin G4-related gastric pseudotumor - An impostor: Case report.

INTRODUCTION: Gastric pseudotumors are rare entities whose clinical presentation resembles typical gastric neoplasias, often making them unrecognized unless other causes are considered. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We present a case report of a patient that debuts with dysphagia, with an abdominal computed axial tomography (CAT) scan revealing a mass at the gastro-esophageal junction suggestive of malignant origin, with studies revealing it to be Immunoglobulin G4-related (IgG4). DISCUSSION: The diagnosis and identification of IgG4-related gastric pseudotumors is very complicated, often and most commonly an incidental diagnosis upon histologic analysis, as is the situation in this case. CONCLUSION: Understanding its clinical course and early diagnosis can reduce unwarranted surgical intervention in some patients with IgG4-related disease.

Quality of life in children with infrequent congenital heart defects: cohort study with one-year of follow-up.

BACKGROUND: The evidence regarding patient related outcomes in children with infrequent congenital heart defects (I-CHD) is very limited. We sought to measure quality of life (QoL) in children with I-CHD, and secondarily, to describe QoL changes after one-year of follow-up, self-reported by children and through their caregivers' perspective. METHODS: We assembled a cohort of children diagnosed with an I-CHD in a cardiovascular referral center in Colombia, between August 2016 and September 2018. At baseline and at one-year follow-up, a clinical psychology assessment was performed to establish perception of QoL. The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) 4.0 scale was used in both general and cardiac modules for patients and for their caregivers. We used a Mann-Whitney U test to compare scores for general and cardiac modules between patients and caregivers, while a Wilcoxon test was used to compared patients' and caregivers' baseline and follow-up scores. Results are presented as median and interquartile range. RESULTS: To date, QoL evaluation at one-year follow-up has been achieved in 112/157 patients (71%). Self-reported scores in general and cardiac modules were higher than the QoL perceived through their caregivers, both at baseline and after one-year of follow-up. When compared, there was no statistically significant difference in general module scores at baseline between patients (median = 74.4, IQR = 64.1-80.4) and caregivers scores (median = 68.4, IQR = 59.6-83.7), p = 0.296. On the contrary, there was a statistical difference in baseline scores in the cardiac module between patients (median = 79.6, IQR = 69.7-87.4) and caregivers (median = 73.6, IQR = 62.6-84.3), p = 0.019. At one-year of follow-up, scores for the general module between patients (median = 72.8, IQR = 59.2-85.9) and caregivers (median = 69.9, IQR = 58.1-83.7) were not statistically different (p = 0.332). Finally, a significant difference was found for cardiac module scores between patient (median = 75.0, IQR = 67.1-87.1) and caregivers (median = 73.1, IQR = 59.5-83.8), p = 0.034. CONCLUSIONS: QoL in children with I-CHD can be compromised. However, children have a better perception of their QoL when compared with their caregivers' assessments. To provide high-quality care, besides a thorough clinical evaluation, QoL directly elicited by the child should be an essential aspect in the integral management of I-CHD.

Evaluación de la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud pre y post trasplante hepático, en pacientes de un hospital de alta complejidad / Health- related quality of life evaluation pre and post liver transplant in patients of a high complexity hospital

Resumen El trasplante hepático es la alternativa terapéutica indicada en pacientes con enfermedad hepática terminal para mejorar su sobrevida y calidad de vida. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (CVRS) de pacientes con cirrosis hepática antes y después de trasplante hepático. Se incluyeron 33 personas adultas que estaban en lista de espera para trasplante en la institución, se aplicó una serie de cuestionarios antes y después del trasplante: para evaluar la calidad de vida se utilizaron el LDQOL-1 (específico para enfermedad y trasplante hepático) y SF36 (para población general); para evaluar los síntomas depresivos y ansiosos, se utilizaron el BDI y STAI, respectivamente. Los resultados señalan una mejoría en la CVRS, así como disminución de los síntomas ansiosos y depresivos posterior al trasplante.

Abstract Liver transplantation is the therapeutic intervention of choice in patients with terminal liver disease to improve survival rate and quality of life. The aim of this study was to assess health related quality of life (HRQOL) in liver cirrhosis patients before and after liver transplantation. Thirty-three patients in waiting list for transplant in the institution were included; some questionnaires were applied before and after transplantation: to assess HRQOL were used LDQOL-1 (specific for liver disease and transplant) and SF36 (for general population); to assess depressive and anxious symptoms, BDI and STAI were used, respectively. Results showed an improvement in HRQOL and reduction in depressive and anxious symptoms after transplantation.

Esplenectomía abierta versus laparoscópica: experiencia en la Fundación Cardioinfantil-Instituto de Cardiología, Bogotá-Colombia / Open versus Laparoscopic Splenectomy: Experience at Fundación Cardioinfantil-Instituto de Cardiología, Bogotá-Colombia

RESUMEN Objetivo: comparar los resultados de los abordajes abiertos y laparoscópicos en esplenectomía de pacientes con patología esplénica de origen hematológico. Métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional de corte transversal, teniendo como fuente de datos el registro institucional de las esplenectomías abiertas y laparoscópicas realizadas en la Fundación Cardioinfantil-Instituto de Cardiología entre 1996 y 2016. Se evaluaron variables preoperatorias, intraoperatorias y posoperatorias; se compararon la tasa de complicaciones, tiempo quirúrgico, estancia hospitalaria y la necesidad de re-intervención entre los dos abordajes. Resultados: se evaluó la información de 202 pacientes, 137 (68 %) tuvieron abordaje abierto, el 61% fueron hombres y la mediana de edad fue 39,5 años (P25-P75 27,7-58,0). La principal indicación de cirugía fue púrpura trombocitopénica refractaria a manejo con corticoides. Se identificó mayor tiempo quirúrgico (mediana=129 minutos) y menor sangrado (mediana=100 cc P25-P75 50-200) en el abordaje laparoscópico, versus el abordaje abierto (mediana=60 minutos; mediana=250 cc P25-P75 50-500, respectivamente) (p<0,001). Las complicaciones intraoperatorias fueron similares en ambos grupos (p=0,065), la tasa de conversión en el grupo laparoscópico fue de 26,1 %, asociada a esplenomegalia. No se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en cuanto al requerimiento de transfusión, estancia hospitalaria o necesidad de re-intervención entre los grupos. La tasa de complicaciones posoperatorias fue de 10,2 % en el grupo de esplenectomía abierta y 7,6 % en el grupo de laparoscópica. Conclusiones: la esplenectomía laparoscópica, es un procedimiento seguro que presenta beneficios respecto al abordaje abierto en el manejo de enfermedades hematológicas, en términos de sangrado intraoperatorio y es equiparable en identificación de bazos supernumerarios, complicaciones intraoperatorias y tiempo de hospitalización.

SUMMARY Objective: To compare laparoscopic and open splenectomy in patients with hemorrhagic splenic pathology. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, based on an institutional registry of open and laparoscopic splenectomies performed at Fundación Cardioinfantil-Instituto de Cardiología between 1996 and 2016. Preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative variables were assessed; the rate of complications, surgical time, hospital length of stay and the need for reoperation were compared between the approaches. Results: Information of 202 patients was assessed. Open approach was performed in 137 patients (68 %), 61% were men and the median age was 39.5 years (P25-P75 27.7-58.0). Thrombocytopenic purpura refractory to management with corticosteroids was the main indication for surgery. A longer surgical time (median=129 minutes) and less bleeding (median=100 cc P25-P75 50-200) for laparoscopic approach versus open approach (median=60 minutes; median=250 cc P25-P75 50-500, respectively) was identified (p<0.001). Intraoperative complications were similar in both groups (p=0,065), the conversion rate in laparoscopic group was 26.1 %, it was secondary to splenomegaly. No statistically significant differences were found in the two groups in the need for transfusion, hospital length of stay or reoperation. The rate of postoperative complications was 10.2 % for open splenectomy and 7.6 % for laparoscopic. Conclusions: Laparoscopic splenectomy is a safe procedure that offers benefits in relation to the open approach for the management of hematological diseases in terms of intraoperative bleeding and is comparable in the identification of supernumerary spleens, surgical complications, and hospitalization time.

Identification of clinically relevant phenotypes in patients with Ebstein anomaly.

BACKGROUND: Ebstein anomaly (EA) is a heterogeneous congenital heart defect (CHD), frequently accompanied by diverse cardiac and extracardiac comorbidities, resulting in a wide range of clinical outcomes. HYPOTHESIS: Phenotypic characterization of EA patients has the potential to identify variables that influence prognosis and subgroups with distinct contributing factors. METHODS: A comprehensive cross-sectional phenotypic characterization of 147 EA patients from one of the main referral institutions for CHD in Colombia was carried out. The most prevalent comorbidities and distinct subgroups within the patient cohort were identified through cluster analysis. RESULTS: The most prevalent cardiac comorbidities identified were atrial septal defect (61%), Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome (WPW; 27%), and right ventricular outflow tract obstruction (25%). Cluster analysis showed that patients can be classified into 2 distinct subgroups with defined phenotypes that determine disease severity and survival. Patients in cluster 1 represented a particularly homogeneous subgroup with a milder spectrum of disease, including only patients with WPW and/or supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). Cluster 2 included patients with more diverse cardiovascular comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS: This study represents one of the largest phenotypic characterizations of EA patients reported. The data show that EA is a heterogeneous disease, very frequently associated with cardiovascular and noncardiovascular comorbidities. Patients with WPW and SVT represent a homogeneous subgroup that presents with a less severe spectrum of disease and better survival when adequately managed. This should be considered when searching for genetic causes of EA and in the clinical setting.

The Prevalence of Electroconvulsive Therapy Use Since 1973: A Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: A formal meta-analysis of the use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has never been conducted before in literature reviews or syntheses. Such a study would be hampered by heterogeneity and potential reporting biases. However, it would provide a single comparable measure to allow an analysis of statistical key dimensions such as trends across time and psychiatric resources available. It would also help planners and decision makers to set standards and benchmarks for national and regional guidelines for quality assurance and research in health services. METHODS: We surveyed different databases for relevant studies, limited from 1973 to October 2013. Data were extracted independently by 4 reviewers. The articles retrieved were peerreviewed studies (data-based studies or surveys) presenting ECT population rates (annual patient rates calculated from the general population) or number of patients receiving ECT during or after 1973 and attending a psychiatric establishment (either hospitals or approved ECT delivery centers for inpatients and outpatients in well-defined geographic areas). RESULTS: This meta-analysis includes a total of 18 studies from 12 countries. A composite event rate of 16.9/100,000 inhabitants emerged, characterized by high heterogeneity. Across the countries assessed, the prevalence of ECT was higher in older studies. CONCLUSIONS: By its prevalence, ECT remains rare to exceptional as a specialist treatment for mental disorders. Heterogeneity across regions or countries could best be explained by insufficient standardization of ECT procedures and practices. Linked health databases and audits could help strengthen the effectiveness of ECT in relation to primary outcomes such as suicide and help determine the gap in ECT provision, if any.

Orally-transmitted Chagas disease: Epidemiological, clinical, serological and molecular outcomes of a school microepidemic in Chichiriviche de la Costa, Venezuela.

Oral transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi is a frequent cause of acute Chagas disease (ChD). In the present cross-sectional study, we report the epidemiological, clinical, serological and molecular outcomes of the second largest outbreak of oral ChD described in the literature. It occurred in March 2009 in Chichiriviche de la Costa, a rural seashore community at the central littoral in Venezuela. The vehicle was an artisanal guava juice prepared at the local school and Panstrongylus geniculatus was the vector involved. TcI genotype was isolated from patients and vector; some showed a mixture of haplotypes. Using molecular markers, parasitic loads were high. Eighty-nine cases were diagnosed, the majority (87.5%) in school children 6-15 years of age. Frequency of symptomatic patients was high (89.9%) with long-standing fever in 87.5%; 82.3% had pericardial effusion detected by echocardiogram and 41% had EKG abnormalities. Three children, a pregnant woman and her stillborn child died (5.6% mortality). The community was addressed by simultaneous determination of specific IgG and IgM, confirmed with indirect hemagglutination and lytic antibodies. Determination of IgG and IgA in saliva had low sensitivity. No individual parasitological or serological technique diagnosed 100% of cases. Culture and PCR detected T. cruzi in 95.5% of examined individuals. Based on the increasing incidence of oral acute cases of ChD, it appears that food is becoming one of the most important modes of transmission in the Amazon, Caribbean and Andes regions of America.

[Severe hypertriglyceridemia induced acute pancreatitis: a case report and review of the literature]. / Pancreatitis aguda por hipertrigliceridemia severa: reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura.

Hypertriglyceridemia-induced acute pancreatitis occurs in about 1-4% of the cases. It is the third leading cause of pancreatitis after biliary and alcoholic etiology. Hypertriglyceridemia can be caused by primary causes, lipid metabolism disorders and secondary causes. A 32 year old man, born in Huancayo, with a history of diabetes mellitus type 2, severe mixed dyslipidemia with primary hypertriglyceridemia, was admitted to emergency with 10 days of abdominal pain with moderate intensity in epigastrium and left hypochondrium spreading to dorsal region after intake of high-fat meal. 24 hours before admission, pain exacerbates increasing intensity and causing nausea and bilious vomits. Therefore, all laboratory examinations are carried out resulting in hypertriglyceridemia-induced acute pancreatitis. For that reason, an adequate clinical history physical examination associated with laboratory and image examinations are important to consider hypertriglyceridemia as part of the etiology of acute pancreatitis.

¿Puede asociarse el sedentarismo con hallazgos clínicos de alarma de enfermedad crónica en adultos jóvenes?: un análisis en el proyecto CHICAMOCHA / Poderia associar-se o sedentarismo Ós conclusões clínicas de alarme de doenças crónicas em adultos jovens?: análise no projeto CHICAMOCHA / Can sedentarism be associated with alarm clinical findings of chronic diseases in young adults?: an analysis in CHICAMOCHA project

La asociación entre sedentarismo y enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles (ECNT) requiere décadas de exposición. Es posible que esta se manifieste mas tempranamente, por algunos hallazgos clinicos en adultos jóvenes. Objetivo: Probar la hipótesis de que en adultos jóvenes el sedentarismo se asocia con algunos signos o síntomas de alarma para el desarrollo posterior de ECNT. Metodología: Usando la evaluación inicial (años 2000-2003) del proyecto CHICAMOCHA, en 1539 donantes de sangre clinicamente saludables con pruebas de tamización negativas (edad media 36, DE 8,3 años, 66% hombres) se estudió la asociación entre sedentarismo y una serie de hallazgos clinicos. Se definió sedentarismo como reportar actividad física moderada-intensa ≤150 minutos/semana (incluyendo el trabajo). El desenlace primario fue el compuesto de 11 hallazgos (5 síntomas y 6 signos) de alarma encontrados en la valoración médica. La asociación fue estimada usando un modelo regresión logística ajustado por covariables. Resultados: Se encontra que 56.9% (IC95% 54.3 û 59.3) de los participantes eran sedentarios. En el análisis multivariado, el sedentarismo se asoció positivamente con el estado civil soltero y negativamente con estar empleado. No se encontraron asociaciones significativas en el compuesto agregado de 5 sintomas (OR ajustado 1.07, IC95% 0.90 û 1.26), 6 signos (OR ajustado 1.01, IC95% 0.79 û 1.28). Sin embargo, se observó un gradiente positivo no significativo por el número de hallazgos presentes (1 hallazgo OR=0.91, IC95% 0.61 û 1.35), 2 hallazgos (OR=1.20, IC95% 0.84 û 1.73), 3 o más hallazgos (OR=1.31, IC95% 0.91 û 1.89). Conclusiones: Más de la mitad de la población estudiada se encontró sedentaria. Aunque este factor no se encontró asociado con signos o síntomas individualmente, se identificó un gradiente no significativo con el número de estos hallazgos, posiblemente relacionado con el tiempo de exposición relativamente breve.

The association between Sedentary Lifestyle (SL) and Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) takes decades of exposure. It is possible to be seen at an early stage in young adults due to some clinical findings. Objective: Test the hypothesis that a sedentary lifestyle in young adults is associated with some signs or symptoms of alarm for the further development of NCD. Methodology: Using the initial evaluation (years 2000-2003) of CHICAMOCHA project, it was found that 1539 blood donors were healthy with negative screening test results (mean age 36, SD 8.3 years, 66% male). The association between sedentary lifestyle and a series of clinical findings was studied. Sedentary Lifestyle was defined as moderate-intense physical activity of ≤150 minutes/week (including work). The primary outcome was the composite of 11 findings (5 symptoms and 6 signs) found in the medical assessment. We computed multivariate logistic regression models for both individual and pooled outcomes. Results: SL was found in 56.9% (IC95% 54.3û59.3) participants. In multivariate analysis SL was positively associated with single marital status and negatively associated with being employed. There were no significant associations between SL and the composite of 5 symptoms (Covariate-adjusted pooled OR 1.07, 95%CI 0.90û1.26), or 6 signs (Covariate-adjusted pooled OR 1.01, 95%CI 0.79û1.28). However, a positive non-significant gradient in association with the number of findings (Covariate-adjusted OR for any one clinical finding OR=0.91, 95%CI 0.61û1.35; any two findings OR=1.20, 95%CI 0.84 û 1.73, or 3 or more findings OR=1.31, 95%CI 0.91û1.89) was observed. Conclusions: It was found that more than half of the studied population presented a sedentary lifestyle. Even though this factor was not associated with individual signs and symptoms, a non-significant gradient was found, possibly related to a short exposure that may explain these results.

A associação entre sedentarismo e doenþas crónicas não transmissíveis (DCNT) requer décadas de exposição o. É possivel que esta se manifeste mais cedo, pelo que se tem observado clinicamente em alguns adultos jovens. Objetivo: Testar a hipótese de que um estilo de vida sedentário em adultos jovens está associada com alguns sinais ou sinais de alerta para o desenvolvimento de doenças não transmissíveis. Metodologia: Usando a avaliação inicial (2000-2003) do projeto CHICAMOCHA, em 1539 doadores de sangue clinicamente saudáveis com testes de rastreio negativos (idade média de 36 anos, 8.3 anos, 66% do sexo masculino), estudou-se a associação entre sedentarismo e uma sÚrie de achados clínicos. O sedentarismo foi definido como atividade física moderada-intensa ≤150 minutos / semana (incluindo trabalho). O desfecho primário foi o composto de 11 resultados (cinco sintomas e 6 sinais) de alarme encontrados na avaliação médica. A associação foi estimada utilizando um modelo de regressão logistica ajustado para co-variáveis. Resultados: Verificou-se que 56.9% (IC 95% 54.3-59.3) dos participantes eram sedentários. Na análise multivariada, o sedentarismo foi positivamente associado com o estado civil de solteiro e negativamente ao fato de estar empregado. Não foram encontradas associações significativas no agregado composto por 5 sintomas (OR ajustado 1,07, IC95% 0,90-1,26), 6 sinais (OR ajustado 1.01, IC95% 0.79 û 1.28). No entanto, é observado, um gradiente positivo, nada significativo pela descoberta presente (1 resultado OR = 0.91, IC 95% 0.61-1.35), 2 resultados (OR = 1.20, IC95% 0.84-1.73), 3 ou mais resultados (OR = 1.31, IC 95% 0.91 é 1.89). Conclusões: Mais da metade da população do estudo foi encontrada sedentária. Embora este fator não foi encontrado associado com sinais ou sintomas individualmente, foi identificado um gradiente não significativo com o número destes achados, possivelmente relacionada com o tempo de exposição relativamente curto.

Pancreatitis aguda por hipertrigliceridemia severa: reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura / Severe hypertriglyceridemia induced acute pancreatitis: a case report and review of the literature

La pancreatitis aguda por hipertrigliceridemia se presenta en aproximadamente 1-4 % de los casos, es la tercera causa de pancreatitis luego de la etiología biliar y alcohólica. La hipertrigliceridemia puede ser producida por causas primarias asociadas a trastornos genéticos en el metabolismo de los lípidos, y por casusas secundarias. Se presenta el caso de un paciente varón de 32 años de edad, natural de Huancayo, con antecedentes de diabetes mellitus tipo 2, dislipidemia mixta severa con hipertrigliceridemia primaria que ingresa de emergencia con un cuadro de 10 días de evolución caracterizado por dolor abdominal de moderada intensidad en epigastrio e hipocondrio izquierdo y que se irradia hacia región dorsal post ingesta de comida copiosa grasa, 24 horas antes del ingreso el dolor se reagudiza aumentando en intensidad, asociándose náuseas y vómitos de contenido bilioso. Por lo cual se le toman los exámenes de laboratorio correspondientes los cuales son compatibles con pancreatitis aguda por hipertrigliceridemia severa. Por tal motivo la realización de una adecuada historia clínica, un buen examen físico asociado a pruebas laboratoriales y de imagen son importantes para tener en cuenta a la hipertrigliceridemia como parte de la etiología de la pancreatitis aguda...

Hypertriglyceridemiaûinduced acute pancreatitis occurs in about 1-4% of the cases. It is the third leading cause of pancreatitis after biliary and alcoholic etiology. Hypertriglyceridemia can be caused by primary causes, lipid metabolism disorders and secondary causes. A 32 year old man, born in Huancayo, with a history of diabetes mellitus type 2, severe mixed dyslipidemia with primary hypertriglyceridemia, was admitted to emergency with 10 days of abdominal pain with moderate intensity in epigastrium and left hypochondrium spreading to dorsal region after intake of high-fat meal. 24 hours before admission, pain exacerbates increasing intensity and causing nausea and bilious vomits. Therefore, all laboratory examinations are carried out resulting in hypertriglyceridemiaûinduced acute pancreatitis. For that reason, an adequate clinical history physical examination associated with laboratory and image examinations are important to consider hypertriglyceridemia as part of the etiology of acute pancreatitis...

Transferencia del aprendizaje motor en pacientes con antecedentes de accidente cerebrovascular: serie de casos / Transfer of motor learning in stroke: a case report series

Antecedentes. La rehabilitación es un proceso de reaprendizaje motor, que mejora el desempeño en términos de adquisición de nuevas habilidades y adaptación o refinamiento de habilidades aprendidas previamente. A pesar de este conocimiento, existen, considerablemente, pocos estudios que describan el aprendizaje motor después de un accidente cerebrovascular (ACV) y la relevancia del mismo en los procesos de rehabilitación y recuperación. Objetivo. Describir la transferencia del aprendizaje motor en pacientes con antecedentes de accidente cerebrovascular después de un tratamiento con procedimientos de reeducación funcional. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de dos casos con pacientes que recibieron tratamiento fisioterapéutico ambulatorio con los principios de reeducación funcional desarrollados en el Hospital de las Clínicas de la Universidad de São Paulo (Brasil), entre los meses de agosto y octubre de 2013. La transferencia del aprendizaje motor se determinó según los resultados obtenidos en la evaluación de balance funcional (Mini-BESTest). Se evaluó el test antes y después del tratamiento y se compararon los resultados para determinar el porcentaje de mejora. Resultados. En los dos casos se observó mejora clínica en el desempeño de la evaluación de balance funcional Mini-BESTest con un porcentaje de mejora entre el 21% y el 41%. Conclusión. Existen pocos hallazgos literarios que describen el mantenimiento de la capacidad de aprendizaje motor en pacientes con antecedentes de ACV. Este estudio reportó la capacidad para transferir el aprendizaje motor a una habilidad motora no aprendida (balance) en dos casos, con base en la mejoría clínica del desempeño motor en el test aplicado.

Background. Rehabilitation for patients is fundamentally a process of relearning, which improves the acquisition of new skills and the adaptation or refinement of previously learned abilities. Despite this knowledge, few studies describe motor learning after stroke and its relevance in recovery and rehabilitation processes. Objective. To describe the transfer of motor learning in patients with stroke history after a treatment with functional reeducation procedures. Materials and methods. A descriptive study of series of cases was conducted, with two patients that received outpatient physiotherapy treatment with the principles of functional reeducation at the Hospital de las Clinicas in the São Paulo University (Brazil) between August and October of 2013. The transfer of motor learning was determined according to results in the functional balance test (Mini-BESTest). The test was applied before and after the treatment, and the results were compared to establish improvement percentage. Results. In the two cases, clinical improvement was observed during the performance of the Mini-BESTest with an improvement percentage between 21% and 41%. Conclusion. Few research studies report the preservation of motor learning in patients with history of stroke. This study reported that two patients were able to transfer motor ability trained on the treatment to a similar untrained task (balance) based on the clinical improvements of motor performance in the applied test.

Description of the population structure and genetic diversity of tuberculosis in Estado de México, a low prevalence setting from Mexico.

In order to identify the genetic characteristics of the strains of mycobacteria circulating in the Estado de México, one of the states with the lowest prevalence of tuberculosis in Mexico, spoligotyping and 12-loci MIRU-VNTR typing were used to genotype tuberculosis clinical isolates. The average age of the 183 patients analyzed was 50 (± 17) years, drug resistance was noted in 57 (31%) and multidrug resistance in 22 (12%) individuals. The results from the isolates recovered showed that 80% were located in four major Euro-American lineages: Haarlem (17%), LAM (15%), T (20%) and X (29%). Other lineages found in lower proportions were: EAI, S, Beijing, West African, Turkey, Vole and Bovis. Eighteen isolates were orphans. Only 57 isolates were grouped in nine clusters and the SIT119 (X1) showed the highest number of members (23). The LAM lineage showed an increased risk for development of drug resistance (RR=4, IC: 95%: 1.05-14.2, p = 0.03). Despite the important prevalence of four major lineages found and the diversity of strains circulating in the population, we found the presence of one of the largest populations of isolates clustered to the X lineage in a setting from a Latin American country.

Characterisation of pks15/1 in clinical isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from Mexico.

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectocontagious respiratory disease caused by members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. A 7 base pair (bp) deletion in the locus polyketide synthase (pks)15/1 is described as polymorphic among members of the M. tuberculosis complex, enabling the identification of Euro-American, Indo-Oceanic and Asian lineages. The aim of this study was to characterise this locus in TB isolates from Mexico. One hundred twenty clinical isolates were recovered from the states of Veracruz and Estado de Mexico. We determined the nucleotide sequence of a ± 400 bp fragment of the locus pks15/1, while genotypic characterisation was performed by spoligotyping. One hundred and fifty isolates contained the 7 bp deletion, while five had the wild type locus. Lineages X (22%), LAM (18%) and T (17%) were the most frequent; only three (2%) of the isolates were identified as Beijing and two (1%) EAI-Manila. The wild type pks15/1 locus was observed in all Asian lineage isolates tested. Our results confirm the utility of locus pks15/1 as a molecular marker for identifying Asian lineages of the M. tuberculosis complex. This marker could be of great value in the epidemiological surveillance of TB, especially in countries like Mexico, where the prevalence of such lineages is unknown.