Burden of Stroke and Population-Attributable Fractions of Risk Factors in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Background Stroke burden characterization studies in low- and middle-income countries are scarce. We estimated the burden of stroke and its risk factors in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). Methods and Results We extracted GBD (Global Burden of Disease) study 2019 data on overall stroke and 3 subtypes (ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, and subarachnoid hemorrhage) for 20 LAC countries. We estimated absolute and age-standardized rates of disability-adjusted life years, years of life lost, years lived with disability, and deaths. The population-attributable fractions of 17 risk factors were estimated. All analyses were performed at regional and national levels by stroke subtype, sex, and age subgroups. In 2019, the LAC region had the fourth largest stroke burden worldwide (6.8 million disability-adjusted life years), predominantly attributable to premature deaths (89.5% of disability-adjusted life years). Intracerebral hemorrhage was the primary cause of the overall stroke burden (42% of disability-adjusted life years), but ischemic stroke was the leading cause of disability (69% of total years lived with disability). Haiti and Honduras had the highest age-standardized rates. Older adults and men had the largest burdens, although women had the highest rate of disability. Socioeconomic development level did not influence the burden. The major risk factor clusters were metabolic (high systolic blood pressure [population-attributable fraction=53%] and high body mass index [population-attributable fraction=37%]), which were more influential in hemorrhagic events, women, and older adults. Household air pollution was an important risk factor in low-income countries in LAC. Conclusions The stroke burden and stroke-related mortality in LAC are higher than the worldwide averages. However, stroke is a highly preventable disease in this region. Up to 90% of the burden could be reduced by targeting 2 modifiable factors: blood pressure and body mass index. Further research and implementation of primary and secondary prevention interventions are needed, as well as integrated national stroke care programs for acute, subacute, and rehabilitation management in LAC.

Factors associated with COVID-19 in people with Parkinson's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: There is debate as to whether there is an increased risk of COVID-19 infection in people with Parkinson's disease (PD), possibly due to associated factors. This study aimed to systematically review the factors associated with COVID-19 in people with PD. METHODS: A search was carried out in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science up to November 2020 (updated until 1 April 2021). Observational studies that analyzed factors associated with COVID-19 in people with PD were selected and revised. RESULTS: The authors included six studies (four case-controlled studies and two cross-sectional studies) in the qualitative and quantitative syntheses. The authors found that the following factors were associated with COVID-19 in people with PD: obesity (OR: 1.79, 95% CI: 1.07-2.99, I2 : 0%), any pulmonary disease (OR: 1.92, 95% CI: 1.17-3.15, I2 : 0%), COVID-19 contact (OR: 41.77, 95% CI: 4.77 - 365.56, I2 : 0%), vitamin D supplementation (OR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.30-0.83, I2 : 0%), hospitalization (OR: 11.78, 95% CI: 6.27-22.12, I2 : 0%), and death (OR: 11.23, 95% CI: 3.92-32.18, I2 : 0%). The authors did not find any significant association between COVID-19 and hypertension, diabetes, cardiopathy, cancer, any cognitive problem, dementia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, renal or hepatic disease, smoking, and tremor. CONCLUSIONS: Meta-analyses were limited by the number of events and some methodological limitations. Despite this, the authors assessed the available evidence, and the results may be useful for future health policies.

Prevalence and incidence of epilepsy in Latin America and the Caribbean: A systematic review and meta-analysis of population-based studies.

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to perform an updated systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the pooled prevalence and incidence of epilepsy in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), describing trends over time, and exploring potential clinical and epidemiological factors explaining the heterogeneity in the region. METHODS: Observational studies assessing the incidence or prevalence of epilepsy in LAC countries up to March 2020 were systematically reviewed according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Meta-analyses and cumulative analyses were performed using random-effects models. We assessed between-study heterogeneity with sensitivity, subgroup, and meta-regression analyses. Moreover, the quality of the included studies and the certainty of evidence were evaluated using the GRADE (grading of recommendation, assessment, development, and evaluation) approach. RESULTS: Overall, 40 studies (from 42 records) were included, 37 for prevalence analyses and six for incidence (312 387 inhabitants; 410 178 person-years). The lifetime prevalence was 14.09 per 1000 inhabitants (95% confidence interval [CI] = 11.72-16.67), for active epilepsy prevalence was 9.06 per 1000 individuals (95% CI = 6.94-11.44), and the incidence rate was 1.11 per 1000 person-years (95% CI = .65-1.70). These high estimates have been constant in the region since 1990. However, substantial statistical heterogeneity between studies and publication bias were found. The overall certainty of evidence was low. Methodological aspects (sample size) and countries' epidemiological characteristics such as access to sanitation services and child and adult mortality rates explained the high heterogeneity. Finally, the prevalence of epilepsy associated with neurocysticercosis (NCC) in the general population was high, and the proportion of NCC diagnosis among people living with epilepsy was 17.37%. SIGNIFICANCE: The epilepsy prevalence and incidence in LAC are higher than worldwide estimates, being constant since 1990 and strongly influenced by NCC. We identified high between-study heterogeneity and significant methodological limitations (e.g., heterogeneous definitions, lack of longitudinal studies). The region needs upgraded research using standardized definitions and diagnostic methods, and urgent action against preventable causes.

Noninvasive brain stimulation combined with exercise in chronic pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: The use of noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) combined with exercise could produce synergistic effects on chronic pain conditions. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of NIBS combined with exercise to treat chronic pain as well as to describe the parameters used to date in this combination.Methods: The search was carried out in Medline, Central, Scopus, Embase, and Pedro until November 2019. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and quasi-experimental studies reporting the use of noninvasive brain stimulation and exercise on patients with chronic pain were selected and revised.Results: The authors included eight studies (RCTs), reporting eight comparisons (219 participants). Authors found a significant and homogeneous pain decrease (ES: -0.62, 95% CI:-0.89 to -0.34; I2 = 0.0%) in favor of the combined intervention compared to sham NIBS + exercise, predominantly by excitatory (anodal tDCS/rTMS) motor cortex stimulation. Regarding NIBS techniques, the pooled effect sizes were significant for both tDCS (ES: -0.59, 95% CI: -0.89 to -0.29, I2 = 0.0%) and rTMS (ES: -0.76, 95% CI: -1.41 to -0.11, I2 = 0.0%).Conclusions: This meta-analysis suggests a significant moderate to large effects of the NIBS and exercise combination in chronic pain. The authors discuss the potential theoretical framework for this synergistic effect.

Migración infrecuente de tuberculosis extrapulmonar primaria: reporte de caso / Infrequent migration of primary extrapulmonary tuberculosis: case report / Migração infreqüente de tuberculose extrapulmonar primária: relato de caso

Resumen: A nivel global, la tuberculosis de localización extrapulmonar representa el 18% de los casos de la enfermedad, teniendo como lugares más frecuentes de afectación la pleura (54%), ganglios (11,1%), sistema nervioso central (9%) y sistema osteoarticular (3,6%), entre otros. La manifestación clínica de la meningoencefalitis tuberculosa se presenta con fiebre, cefalea, vómitos, alteración de la conciencia, fotofobia, afectación de pares craneales, alteraciones audiovisuales, signos de irritación meníngea y focalización neurológica. La tuberculosis ostearticular es consecuencia de una diseminación hemática, linfática o, excepcionalmente, por inoculación directa. La clínica es insidiosa, con dolor, inflamación y disminución del rango articular, pudiendo presentar abscesos y cavidades supurativas. Sin embargo, existen otros síntomas de baja frecuencia de aparición, dificultando el diagnóstico adecuado. Se describe el caso clínico infrecuente de tuberculosis extrapulmonar, destacando la diseminación de Mycobacterium tuberculosis con foco en la articulación coxofemoral izquierda hacia meninges y cerebro, y el uso inapropiado del tratamiento con corticoesteroides en un paciente seronegativo para VIH.

Abstract: Extrapulmonary tuberculosis accounts for 18% of tuberculosis cases, with the pleura (54%), lymph nodes (11.1%), central nervous system (9%) and osteoarticular system (3.6%) as sites of involvement, among others. Clinical manifestations of tuberculous meningoencephalitis are fever, headache, vomiting, altered consciousness, photophobia, cranial nerve involvement, audiovisual alterations, signs of meningeal irritation and neurological focalization. Ostearticular tuberculosis is the result of hematic, lymphatic dissemination or, exceptionally, by direct inoculation. The clinic is insidious, with pain, inflammation and diminished joint range, and can present abscesses and suppurative cavities. However, there are other symptoms of low frequency of appearance, making the diagnosis difficult. For this reason, an infrequent clinical case of extrapulmonary tuberculosis is described, highlighting the spread of Mycobacterium tuberculosis with focus on the left coxofemoral joint to the meninges and brain, and the inappropriate use of adrenal cortex hormones therapy in a seronegative patient for HIV.

Resumo: A tuberculose extrapulmonar é responsável por 18% dos casos de tuberculose, com pleura (54%), linfonodos (11,1%), sistema nervoso central (9%) e sistema osteoarticular (3,6%) como locais de envolvimento. entre outros. A manifestação clínica da meningoencefalite tuberculosa é febre, dor de cabeça, vômitos, consciência alterada, fotofobia, comprometimento dos nervos cranianos, alteraçõesaudiovisuais, sinais de irritação meníngea e focalização neurológica. A tuberculose ostearticular é o resultado de disseminação hemática, hemática ou, excepcionalmente, por inoculaçãodireta. A clínica é insidiosa, comdor, inflamação e diminuição do leque de articulações, podendoapresentarabscessos e cavidades supurativas. No entanto, existemoutrossintomas de baixafrequência de aparecimento, dificultando o diagnóstico. Por esta razão, nósdescrevemosum caso clínico raro de tuberculoseextrapulmonar, com destaque para a disseminação de Mycobacterium tuberculosis com foco naarticulação do quadrilesquerdo para meninges e cérebro, e uso inadequado de corticoterapiaem paciente soronegativa HIV.