Cervical cancer prevention by vaccination: review.

Abstract: Routine use of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines is recommended in adolescents under 15 years of age worldwide. Still, effective programs remain suboptimal for several factors, making the WHO strategy to eradicate cervical cancer public health with an uncertain future. Objective: To review the literature on the effectiveness, long-term protection, and safety of HPV vaccination programs and vaccination as adjuvant management. This review aims to describe the current state of vaccination programs and demonstrate the long-term protection and safety of vaccines implemented worldwide targeting adolescent girls, with the most recent published evidence of the three prophylactic HPV vaccines - bivalent (bHPV), quadrivalent (qHPV), and nonavalent (nHPV)-. We mainly focus on publications evaluating efficacy, dosing schemes, and HPV vaccination, as well as studies contributing to the mounting evidence for the real-life effectiveness of prophylactic HPV vaccines from several countries. Findings: Human Papillomavirus vaccination programs have made remarkable strides in preventing HPV-related diseases; countries with robust vaccination efforts have witnessed substantial reductions in HPV-related diseases with a decline in high-grade cervical abnormalities and genital warts (54%-83%). However, global coverage remains uneven, with disparities between high-income (HICs) and low-income countries (LMICs). The long-term efficacy of the available human papillomavirus (HPV) goes up to 9.4 years and continues to be immunogenic and well tolerated with an excellent safety profile. Conclusions and relevance: As these are crucial topics in HPV vaccination, it is essential to establish systems for continued monitoring of vaccine immunogenicity, efficacy, and safety over time.

Resultados obstétricos y perinatales tras la muerte fetal de un solo gemelo en un embarazo monocorial biamniótico: reporte de caso y revisión bibliográfica

ANTECEDENTES: Las gestaciones múltiples sugieren un mayor riesgo de mortalidad perinatal. Dentro de estas estadísticas, la muerte de un solo gemelo ocurre en hasta el 6% de los embarazos múltiples. La incidencia general después de las 20 semanas de gestación (sdg) se estima entre el 2.6% y el 6.2% de todos estos embarazos. Se ha demostrado que es la coriónicidad, más que la cigosidad, la que influye en el resultado de esta complicación, debido a la angioarquitectura placentaria de las circulaciones en los embarazos monocoriónicos. Las tasas de pérdida de hasta el 30-50% se han asociado con embarazos monocoriónicos y monoamnióticos. Si ocurre antes de las 14 sdg, el embrión puede desaparecer; entre las 14 y las 20 sdg, el feto se reduce en tamaño y volumen. Y, si ocurre después de 20 sdg, el feto permanece dentro del útero hasta el final de la gestación. CASO CLÍNICO: femenina de 18 años de edad, quien acudió a revisión obstétrica con reporte ultrasonográfico de un embarazo gemelar monocorial biamniótico de 30.4 sdg, y muerte de uno de los gemelos. Tras demostrar estabilidad hemodinámica del feto sobreviviente, así como estabilidad materna, se decidió internamiento para monitoreo estrecho. Una semana después desarrolló trabajo de parto pretérmino y se decidió la interrupción de la gestación de manera urgente. Se obtuvo un recién nacido masculino con edad gestacional sugestiva de 32 sdg, con dificultad respiratoria y requirió hospitalización para monitoreo estrecho del recién nacido prematuro. Madre egresó a las 48 horas, nunca desarrolló datos de coagulación intravascular diseminada (CID) y el recién nacido se mantuvo en hospitalización aproximadamente 3 semanas y media hasta que se egresó por adecuada adaptación. Nunca se demostró afectación neurológica o de algún otro órgano o sistema. CONCLUSIONES: Los factores más importantes al considerar el riesgo para el gemelo sobreviviente son la edad gestacional a la que ocurre la muerte del otro feto, y la corionicidad. El manejo debe incluir ecografías seriadas y programadas para el crecimiento. Estudios de Doppler arterial/venoso periférico e intracardiaco y una resonancia magnética al menos 3 semanas después de la muerte fetal para buscar cambios en el cerebro del gemelo sobreviviente. A pesar de que existen casos reportados de manejo conservador, es necesario el seguimiento estricto de datos de CID maternos, así como de desprendimiento prematuro de placenta normoinserta. (provisto por Infomedic International)

BACKGROUND: Multiple gestations suggest an increased risk of perinatal mortality. Within these statistics, death of a single twin occurs in up to 6% of multiple pregnancies. The overall incidence after 20 weeks gestation (sdg) is estimated to be between 2.6% and 6.2% of all such pregnancies. Chorionicity, rather than zygosity, has been shown to influence the outcome of this complication, due to the placental angioarchitecture of the circulations in monochorionic pregnancies. Loss rates of up to 30-50% have been associated with monochorionic and monoamniotic pregnancies. If it occurs before 14 sdg, the embryo may disappear; between 14 and 20 sdg, the fetus is reduced in size and volume. And, if it occurs after 20 sdg, the fetus remains inside the uterus until the end of gestation. CLINICAL CASE: 18-year-old female, who attended an obstetric check-up with an ultrasonographic report of a biamniotic monochorionic twin pregnancy of 30.4 sdg, and death of one of the twins. After demonstrating hemodynamic stability of the surviving fetus, as well as maternal stability, it was decided to hospitalize her for close monitoring. One week later she developed preterm labor and it was decided to terminate the pregnancy urgently. A male newborn was obtained with a gestational age suggestive of 32 sdg, with respiratory distress and required hospitalization for close monitoring of the premature newborn. Mother was discharged at 48 hours, never developed disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and the newborn remained in hospital for approximately 3 and a half weeks until he was discharged due to adequate adaptation. No neurologic or other organ or system involvement was ever demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS: The most important factors when considering the risk to the surviving twin are the gestational age at which the death of the other fetus occurs, and chorionicity. Management should include serial and scheduled ultrasounds for growth. Peripheral arterial/venous and intracardiac Doppler studies and MRI at least 3 weeks after fetal death to look for changes in the brain of the surviving twin. Although there are case reports of conservative management, close monitoring of maternal DIC data, as well as normoinsert placental abruption, is necessary.     (provided by Infomedic International)

Changes in the endemic-epidemic pattern of malaria in Colombia, 1978-2021.

BACKGROUND: Malaria is a major global public health issue with varying epidemiologies across countries. In Colombia, it is a priority endemic-epidemic event included in the national public health policy. However, evidence demonstrating nationwide variations in the disease behavior is limited. This study aimed to analyze changes in the levels and distribution of endemic-epidemic malaria transmission in the eco-epidemiological regions of Colombia from 1978 to 1999 and 2000 to 2021. METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive time-series study using official secondary data on malaria-associated morbidity and mortality in Colombia from 1978 to 2021. Temporal-spatial and population variables were analyzed, and the absolute and relative frequency measures of general and regional morbidity and mortality were estimated. RESULTS: We observed an 18% reduction in malaria endemic cases between the two study periods. The frequency and severity of the epidemic transmission of malaria varied less and were comparable across both periods. A shift was observed in the frequency of parasitic infections, with a tendency to match and increase infections by Plasmodium falciparum. The risk of malaria transmission varied significantly among the eco-epidemiological regions during both study periods. This study demonstrated a sustained decrease of 78% in malarial mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Although the endemic components of malaria decreased slightly between the two study periods, the epidemic pattern persisted. There were significant variations in the risk of transmission across the different eco-epidemiological regions. These findings underscore the importance of targeted public health interventions in reducing malarial morbidity and mortality rates in Colombia.

Precarious employment in young adulthood and later alcohol-related morbidity: a register-based cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: The prevalence of precarious employment is increasing, particularly among young adults where less is known about the long-term health consequences. The present study aims to test if being precariously employed in young adulthood is associated with an increased risk of alcohol-related morbidity later in life. METHODS: A register-based cohort study was conducted in Sweden. The Swedish Work, Illness, and Labor-market Participation (SWIP) cohort was used to identify individuals who were aged 27 years between 2000 and 2003 (n=339 403). Information on labour market position (precarious employment, long-term unemployment, substandard employment and standard employment relations) was collected for young people 3 years after graduation from school using nationwide registers. Details about alcohol-related morbidity during a 28-year follow-up period were collected from the National Hospital Discharge Register. Data on sex, age, country of birth, education and previous poor health were also obtained from the registers. RESULTS: Young adults in precarious employment had an increased risk of alcohol-related morbidity compared with individuals of the same age in standard employment (HR 1.43, 95% CI 1.32 to 1.55), after adjusting for several important covariates. A stronger association was found among young men who were precariously employed compared with young women. CONCLUSION: This nationwide register-based study conducted in Sweden with a long-term follow-up suggests that being precariously employed in young adulthood is associated with an increased risk of alcohol-related morbidity later in life.

Changes in the endemic-epidemic pattern of malaria in Colombia, 1978-2021

ABSTRACT Background: Malaria is a major global public health issue with varying epidemiologies across countries. In Colombia, it is a priority endemic-epidemic event included in the national public health policy. However, evidence demonstrating nationwide variations in the disease behavior is limited. This study aimed to analyze changes in the levels and distribution of endemic-epidemic malaria transmission in the eco-epidemiological regions of Colombia from 1978 to 1999 and 2000 to 2021. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive time-series study using official secondary data on malaria-associated morbidity and mortality in Colombia from 1978 to 2021. Temporal-spatial and population variables were analyzed, and the absolute and relative frequency measures of general and regional morbidity and mortality were estimated. Results: We observed an 18% reduction in malaria endemic cases between the two study periods. The frequency and severity of the epidemic transmission of malaria varied less and were comparable across both periods. A shift was observed in the frequency of parasitic infections, with a tendency to match and increase infections by Plasmodium falciparum. The risk of malaria transmission varied significantly among the eco-epidemiological regions during both study periods. This study demonstrated a sustained decrease of 78% in malarial mortality. Conclusions: Although the endemic components of malaria decreased slightly between the two study periods, the epidemic pattern persisted. There were significant variations in the risk of transmission across the different eco-epidemiological regions. These findings underscore the importance of targeted public health interventions in reducing malarial morbidity and mortality rates in Colombia.

Analysis of Mexican young women with primary ovarian insufficiency induced by gynaecological and haematological cancer management.

This was a retrospective study that included 114 women younger than 40 years with induced primary ovarian insufficiency. Patients who presented vasomotor symptoms had a higher proportion (26 [63.41%] versus 58 [79.45%], OR 2.23, 95% CI 0.95-5.23, p = .065) to initiate hormone replacement therapy. Vasomotor symptoms were present in patients with ovarian cancer (OR 0.27, 95% CI 0.09-0.8, p = .18), haematologic cancer (OR 0.11, 95% CI 0.2-0.65, p = .014), radiotherapy (OR 2.62, 95% CI 1.04-6.54, p = .039) and chemotherapy with radiotherapy (OR 2.72, 95% CI 1.01-7.35, p = .049). Having ovarian or haematological cancer, being managed with radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy, and having follicle-stimulating hormone parameters higher than 35 mUI/mL are factors that significantly increase the risk of presenting vasomotor symptoms.Impact StatementWhat is already known on this subject? In young women with cancer, induced primary ovarian insufficiency can result as an ovarian surgery or as an adverse effect of chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Regardless of aetiology, patients are going to manifest early climacteric symptoms with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome and osteoporosis.What do the results of this study add? Patients who presented vasomotor symptoms had initially a higher proportion of hormone replacement therapy. Patients that were treated exclusively with radiotherapy or with chemotherapy and concomitant radiotherapy have a significantly increased risk to manifest vasomotor symptoms.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or future research? Having ovarian or haematological cancer, being managed with radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy and having follicle-stimulating hormone parameters higher than 35 mUI/mL are factors that significantly increase the risk of presenting vasomotor symptoms.

Malaria en la región eco-epidemiológica del Caribe Colombiano, 1960-2019 / Malaria in the eco-epidemiological region of the Colombian Caribbean, 1960-2019

La malaria en Colombia tiene un comportamiento heterogéneo y variable, entre las regiones. Para establecer su comportamiento epidemiológico en la región del Caribe colombiano entre 1960 y 2019 se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y retrospectivo a partir de registros del Ministerio de Salud y otras fuentes secundarias. Se definieron variables epidemiológicas y se elaboraron medidas de frecuencia y tendencia central. Se registraron 155 096 casos. Las décadas con mayor número de casos fueron 1990-1999 (20,5%) y 1980-1989 (18,9%). El promedio de casos por década fue de 25 849,3. Los índices parasitarios más elevados se registraron en 1970 (3,3 por 1000 habitantes) y 1981 (3,9 por 1000 habitantes). La especie Plasmodium vivax fue la más frecuente y la mayoría de la carga por grupos de edad se registró en menores de 29 años, entre 2010-2019. La malaria presentó un patrón endemo-epidémico de baja y muy baja intensidad de transmisión, con una tendencia al descenso.

Malaria has a heterogeneous and variable behavior among Colombian regions. In order to establish its epidemiological behavior in the Colombian Caribbean region between 1960 and 2019, we carried out an observational, descriptive and retrospective study based on records from the Ministry of Health and other secondary sources. We defined epidemiological variables and used measures of frequency and central tendency. A total of 155,096 cases were registered. The decades with the highest number of cases were 1990-1999 (20.5%) and 1980-1989 (18.9%). The average number of cases per decade was 25,849.3. The highest parasite rates were recorded in 1970 (3.3 per 1000 population) and 1981 (3.9 per 1000 population). Plasmodium vivax was the most frequent species and most of the burden by age group was found in people under 29 years of age, between 2010-2019. Malaria showed an endemic-epidemic pattern of low and very low transmission intensity, with a decreasing trend.

The malaria eradication campaign in Colombia, 1959-1979 / La campaña de erradicación de la malaria en Colombia, 1959-1979

Introduction: In the mid-fifties, Colombia adopted and implemented the Malaria Eradication Campaign (MEC), which has not been evaluated yet in the country. Objective: To evaluate the results achieved during the attack and consolidation phases of the MEC regarding malaria transmission in Colombia between 1959 and 1979. Materials and methods: We conducted a descriptive and retrospective study based on the malariometric and operational results of the MEC in Colombia from 1959 to 1979 compiled from the archives of the Ministry of Public Health. We used the criteria defined by the WHO Expert Committee on Malaria. The information was stored, tabulated, and analyzed based on the malariometric indicators we developed. Results: In the short-term eradication period (1959-1969), a reduction of 94% (4,172) in transmission was achieved during the first year of the attack phase (1959) while in the last year (1962), there was an 88% (8,426) reduction of the accumulated load of cases compared to the annual average of the 1950s (71,031). These low levels of transmission were maintained until the end of 1969. During the intensification period of control of the eradication (1970-1979), there was an increase in malaria endemicity and a resurgence of the epidemic transmission. Due to financial problems affecting the regularity of the operations, Colombia was unable to sustain the results and achieve an interruption of transmission, which resulted in a resurgence of cases during the attack and consolidation phases. Conclusions: The campaign did not achieve the goal of interrupting malaria transmission in the national territory but there was marked control in areas of medium and low intensity.

Introducción. A mediados de la década de 1950, el país adoptó e implementó la Campaña de Erradicación de la Malaria (CEM), sin que hasta ahora se haya hecho su evaluación. Objetivo. Evaluar los resultados alcanzados en las fases de ataque y consolidación de la campaña de erradicación de la malaria en Colombia, entre 1959 y 1979. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo de los resultados "malariométricos" y operacionales de la CEM en Colombia entre 1959 y 1979 a partir de los datos recopilados de los archivos del Ministerio de Salud Pública. Se utilizaron los criterios establecidos por la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) relacionados con las fases de un programa de erradicación de malaria. Se almacenó, tabuló y analizó la información, y se elaboraron y aplicaron indicadores malariométricos. Resultados. En el periodo de erradicación a corto plazo (1959-1969), durante el primer año de la fase de ataque (1959), se alcanzó una reducción de la transmisión del 94 % (4.172) y, en el último año (1962), una disminución del 88 % (8.426) en la carga acumulada de casos comparada con el promedio anual de la década del 50 (71.031); estos bajos niveles de transmisión se mantuvieron hasta finales de 1969. En el periodo de intensificación del control para la erradicación (1970-1979), se produjo un incremento de la endemia y resurgió la transmisión epidémica. Debido a problemas financieros que afectaron la regularidad de la operación para mantener los resultados, y no habiéndose logrado la interrupción de la transmisión, se observó un resurgimiento de casos en las fases de ataque y consolidación. Conclusiones. La campaña no logró la meta de interrupción de la transmisión de la malaria en el territorio nacional, pero sí se consiguió un acentuado control en áreas de mediana y baja intensidad.

Epidemiological evolution and historical anti-malarial control initiatives in Colombia, 1848-2019.

The evolution of epidemiological transmission and the control measures implemented in Colombia have been the result of complex global and regional economic and political processes that occurred at different historical moments, since the dawn of the country's republican life. The development of economic activities for the production, exploitation and export of agricultural products, minerals and raw materials demanded in the international market, favored the necessary conditions for the emergence, expansion, resurgence and persistence of the endemic epidemic of malaria in the different stages studied. A common and fundamental element in the different defined historical moments was the importance given to malaria as an economic problem due to the negative externalities it imposed on the labor force. In addition, due to the role it played as a barrier that limited the exploitation of natural resources and raw materials of interest; as well as the impact that it caused to the flow and commercial exchange. The previous situation was framed with the growth, consolidation and geostrategic expansion of the United States, as the main commercial partner of the region, and its interest in the exploitation of resources and raw materials, cheap labor, the need to create new markets, which coincided with the goals of modernization and economic strengthening of Colombia. Taking into account different relevant milestones that occurred in the 1848-2019 period, the following stages were defined: Epidemiological emergence and re-emergence of tropical fevers in places of economic exploitation, 1848-1899;Emergence of a new paradigm, control in enclaves of economic interest, ports and cities, 1900-1949;Control to eradication, intensified control-eradication, prevention and control, 1950-1999;Prevention, control and elimination of malaria, 2000-2019. Historically, antimalarial control initiatives in the country have been directed, restricted and prioritized in places of political and economic importance. The technical-scientific intervention measures implemented in the different stages studied have been uncritically replicated without adapting to the epidemiological scenarios existing in the country. Finally, the antimalarial control measures implemented in Colombia have been imported and adopted from international health initiatives as a result of commitments and obligations acquired in the global commercial context.

La campaña de erradicación de la malaria en Colombia, 1959-1979 / The malaria eradication campaign in Colombia, 1959-1979

Introducción. A mediados de la década de 1950, el país adoptó e implementó la Campaña de Erradicación de la Malaria (CEM), sin que hasta ahora se haya hecho su evaluación. Objetivo. Evaluar los resultados alcanzados en las fases de ataque y consolidación de la campaña de erradicación de la malaria en Colombia, entre 1959 y 1979. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo de los resultados "malariométricos" y operacionales de la CEM en Colombia entre 1959 y 1979 a partir de los datos recopilados de los archivos del Ministerio de Salud Pública. Se utilizaron los criterios establecidos por la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) relacionados con las fases de un programa de erradicación de malaria. Se almacenó, tabuló y analizó la información, y se elaboraron y aplicaron indicadores malariométricos. Resultados. En el periodo de erradicación a corto plazo (1959-1969), durante el primer año de la fase de ataque (1959), se alcanzó una reducción de la transmisión del 94 % (4.172) y, en el último año (1962), una disminución del 88 % (8.426) en la carga acumulada de casos comparada con el promedio anual de la década del 50 (71.031); estos bajos niveles de transmisión se mantuvieron hasta finales de 1969. En el periodo de intensificación del control para la erradicación (1970-1979), se produjo un incremento de la endemia y resurgió la transmisión epidémica. Debido a problemas financieros que afectaron la regularidad de la operación para mantener los resultados, y no habiéndose logrado la interrupción de la transmisión, se observó un resurgimiento de casos en las fases de ataque y consolidación. Conclusiones. La campaña no logró la meta de interrupción de la transmisión de la malaria en el territorio nacional, pero sí se consiguió un acentuado control en áreas de mediana y baja intensidad.

Introduction: In the mid-fifties, Colombia adopted and implemented the Malaria Eradication Campaign (MEC), which has not been evaluated yet in the country. Objective: To evaluate the results achieved during the attack and consolidation phases of the MEC regarding malaria transmission in Colombia between 1959 and 1979. Materials and methods: We conducted a descriptive and retrospective study based on the malariometric and operational results of the MEC in Colombia from 1959 to 1979 compiled from the archives of the Ministry of Public Health. We used the criteria defined by the WHO Expert Committee on Malaria. The information was stored, tabulated, and analyzed based on the malariometric indicators we developed. Results: In the short-term eradication period (1959-1969), a reduction of 94% (4,172) in transmission was achieved during the first year of the attack phase (1959) while in the last year (1962), there was an 88% (8,426) reduction of the accumulated load of cases compared to the annual average of the 1950s (71,031). These low levels of transmission were maintained until the end of 1969. During the intensification period of control of the eradication (1970-1979), there was an increase in malaria endemicity and a resurgence of the epidemic transmission. Due to financial problems affecting the regularity of the operations, Colombia was unable to sustain the results and achieve an interruption of transmission, which resulted in a resurgence of cases during the attack and consolidation phases. Conclusions: The campaign did not achieve the goal of interrupting malaria transmission in the national territory but there was marked control in areas of medium and low intensity.

Erythropoietin in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 2: Feasibility and Proof-of-Principle Issues from a Randomized Controlled Study.

BACKGROUND: Several pieces of evidence have shown the neurotrophic effect of erythropoietin (EPO) and its introduction in the therapeutic practice of neurological diseases. However, its usefulness in the treatment of spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2) has not been proven despite the fact that it is endogenously reduced in these patients. OBJECTIVE: The study aims to investigate the safety, tolerability, and clinical effects of a nasally administered recombinant EPO in SCA2 patients. METHODS: Thirty-four patients were enrolled in this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, phase I-II clinical trial of the nasally administered human-recombinant EPO (NeuroEPO) for 6 months. The primary outcome was the change in the spinocerebellar ataxia functional index (SCAFI), while other motor, neuropsychological, and oculomotor measures were assessed. RESULTS: The 6-month changes in SCAFI score were slightly higher in the patients allocated to NeuroEPO treatment than placebo in spite of the important placebo effect observed for this parameter. However, saccade latency was significantly decreased in the NeuroEPO group but not in placebo. The frequency and severity of adverse events were similar between both groups, without evidences of hematopoietic activity of the drug. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the safety and tolerability of NeuroEPO in SCA2 patients after 6 months of treatments and suggested a small clinical effect of this drug on motor and cognitive abnormalities, but confirmatory studies are warranted. © 2022 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Malaria epidemics in Colombia, 1970-2019.

BACKGROUND: Malaria has unstable transmission in Colombia and has variable endemic-epidemic patterns. This study describes the epidemiological characteristics of malaria epidemics registered in Colombia from 1970-2019. METHODS: Data from 1979-2019 were collected from the National Public Health Surveillance System. The data was tabulated and pertinent descriptive analyses were carried out. RESULTS: Fifteen malaria outbreaks and approximately five-year-long epidemic cycles were observed in Colombia during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: Malaria epidemics in Colombia present a five-yearly transmission pattern, mainly due to the increased vulnerability produced by seasonal population migrations in receptive areas with active transmission.

Malaria in the eco-epidemiological region of the Colombian Caribbean, 1960-2019. / Malaria en la región eco-epidemiológica del Caribe Colombiano, 1960-2019.

OBJECTIVES.: Motivation for the study: the information available on the epidemiology of malaria in the Colombian Caribbean region is incomplete, poorly systematized and its dissemination is limited. This has led to a lack of knowledge of its magnitude and a low perception of its importance as a public health problem. Main findings: the behavior of malaria is endemic-epidemic, with low to very low transmission, focused and with irregular outbreaks. Plasmodium vivax infections predominate. Implications: the results of this study contribute to improve evidence-based decision making for the implementation of malaria eradication plans. Malaria has a heterogeneous and variable behavior among Colombian regions. In order to establish its epidemiological behavior in the Colombian Caribbean region between 1960 and 2019, we carried out an observational, descriptive and retrospective study based on records from the Ministry of Health and other secondary sources. We defined epidemiological variables and used measures of frequency and central tendency. A total of 155,096 cases were registered. The decades with the highest number of cases were 1990-1999 (20.5%) and 1980-1989 (18.9%). The average number of cases per decade was 25,849.3. The highest parasite rates were recorded in 1970 (3.3 per 1000 population) and 1981 (3.9 per 1000 population). Plasmodium vivax was the most frequent species and most of the burden by age group was found in people under 29 years of age, between 2010-2019. Malaria showed an endemic-epidemic pattern of low and very low transmission intensity, with a decreasing trend.

OBJETIVOS.: Motivación para realizar el estudio: la información disponible sobre la epidemiología de la malaria en la región del Caribe colombiano está incompleta, poco sistematizada y su divulgación es limitada. Esto ha generado un desconocimiento en su magnitud y una baja percepción de su importancia como problema de salud pública. Principales hallazgos: el comportamiento de la malaria es endemo-epidémico, de baja a muy baja transmisión, focalizado y con aparición de brotes irregulares. Predominan las infecciones por Plasmodium vivax. Implicancias: los resultados este estudio contribuyen a mejorar la toma de decisiones basadas en evidencia, para la ejecución de planes de eliminación de la malaria. La malaria en Colombia tiene un comportamiento heterogéneo y variable, entre las regiones. Para establecer su comportamiento epidemiológico en la región del Caribe colombiano entre 1960 y 2019 se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y retrospectivo a partir de registros del Ministerio de Salud y otras fuentes secundarias. Se definieron variables epidemiológicas y se elaboraron medidas de frecuencia y tendencia central. Se registraron 155 096 casos. Las décadas con mayor número de casos fueron 1990-1999 (20,5%) y 1980-1989 (18,9%). El promedio de casos por década fue de 25 849,3. Los índices parasitarios más elevados se registraron en 1970 (3,3 por 1000 habitantes) y 1981 (3,9 por 1000 habitantes). La especie Plasmodium vivax fue la más frecuente y la mayoría de la carga por grupos de edad se registró en menores de 29 años, entre 2010-2019. La malaria presentó un patrón endemo-epidémico de baja y muy baja intensidad de transmisión, con una tendencia al descenso.

Malaria epidemics in Colombia, 1970-2019

ABSTRACT Background: Malaria has unstable transmission in Colombia and has variable endemic-epidemic patterns. This study describes the epidemiological characteristics of malaria epidemics registered in Colombia from 1970-2019. Methods: Data from 1979-2019 were collected from the National Public Health Surveillance System. The data was tabulated and pertinent descriptive analyses were carried out. Results: Fifteen malaria outbreaks and approximately five-year-long epidemic cycles were observed in Colombia during the study period. Conclusions: Malaria epidemics in Colombia present a five-yearly transmission pattern, mainly due to the increased vulnerability produced by seasonal population migrations in receptive areas with active transmission.

Malaria risk stratification in Colombia 2010 to 2019.

BACKGROUND: Heterogeneity and focalization are the most common epidemiological characteristics of endemic countries in the Americas, where malaria transmission is moderate and low. During malaria elimination, the first step is to perform a risk stratification exercise to prioritize interventions. This study aimed to identify malaria risk strata in the ecoepidemiological regions of Colombia. METHODS: This was a descriptive and retrospective study using cumulative malaria cases in 1,122 municipalities of Colombia from 2010 to 2019. To identify the strata, the criteria proposed by PAHO were adapted. To classify the receptive areas (strata 2, 3, and 4) and nonreceptive areas (stratum 1), 1,600 m above sea level, ecotypes, main malaria vector presence, Plasmodium species prevalence and occurrence of malaria cases were used. The area occupied by the receptive municipalities, the cumulative burden, and the at-risk population in the regions were calculated. RESULTS: Ninety-one percent of the Colombian territory is receptive to the transmission of malaria and includes 749 municipalities with 9,734,271 (9,514,243-9,954,299) million at-risk inhabitants. Stratum 4 accounted for 96.7% of the malaria burden, and cases were concentrated primarily in the Pacific and Uraba-Bajo Cauca-Sinu-San Jorge regions. Plasmodium vivax predominates in most of the receptive municipalities, except in the municipalities of the Pacific region, where P. falciparum predominates. Anopheles albimanus, An. nuneztovari s.l., and An. darlingi were the main vectors in receptive areas. CONCLUSIONS: In Colombia, 91.2% of the territory is receptive to the transmission of malaria and is characterized by being both heterogeneous and focused. Stratum 4 contains the greatest burden of disease, with a relatively greater proportion of municipalities with a predominance of P. vivax. However, there is a low proportion of municipalities with P. falciparum mainly in the Pacific region. These findings suggest that the latter be prioritized within the malaria elimination plan in Colombia.

Malaria mortality in Colombia from 2009 to 2018: a descriptive study.

INTRODUCTION: Colombia has an endemo-epidemic for malaria, with a downward trend in mortality over the last few decades. This study describes the malaria mortality rates from 2009-2018. METHODS: We obtained data from the Colombian Mortality Information System and calculated the case fatality and crude and age-adjusted mortality rates. RESULTS: During the study, 148 malaria-related deaths were registered. The average annual mortality rate was 0.032 deaths/100,000. Two peaks were observed in 2010 and 2016. Choco contributed to the highest number of deaths (27.7%). CONCLUSIONS: The unstable downward trend of malaria mortality rates calls for greater emphasis on surveillance and interventions.

Malaria mortality in Colombia from 2009 to 2018: a descriptive study

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Colombia has an endemo-epidemic for malaria, with a downward trend in mortality over the last few decades. This study describes the malaria mortality rates from 2009-2018. METHODS We obtained data from the Colombian Mortality Information System and calculated the case fatality and crude and age-adjusted mortality rates. RESULTS: During the study, 148 malaria-related deaths were registered. The average annual mortality rate was 0.032 deaths/100,000. Two peaks were observed in 2010 and 2016. Choco contributed to the highest number of deaths (27.7%). CONCLUSIONS: The unstable downward trend of malaria mortality rates calls for greater emphasis on surveillance and interventions.

Detection of a nonerythropoietic erythropoietin, Neuro-EPO, in blood after intranasal administration in rat.

Nonerythropoietic erythropoietins (EPOs) are investigated for their high antioxidant properties. A new drug candidate under clinical investigation to treat brain diseases is Neuro-EPO, produced by selecting EPO isoforms with low sialic acid content. Intranasal administration allows to bypass the blood-brain barrier to get a fast and concentrated delivery to the brain. The aims of this project were to characterize Neuro-EPO with anti-doping methods used to detect conventional recombinant EPOs (isoelectric focusing [IEF] and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis [SDS-PAGE]) and to evaluate the window of detection of Neuro-EPO in brain and blood (plasma) after a single intranasal administration in rats. Neuro-EPO drug analyzed by IEF-PAGE presented a very basic profile completely detected only when using a 2-8 or 2-10 pH gradient instead of the conventional 2-6 pH gradient. Its profile consisted in six main bands that did not interfere with endogenous EPO profile from human or rat. After SDS-PAGE, a broad band was detected for Neuro-EPO in the same area as endogenous EPO, making Neuro-EPO identification very difficult by this approach. Therefore, IEF was the method for identification chosen after administration in rats. Neuro-EPO was clearly identified in blood 2 and 6 h after the delivery. Fainter signals were obtained between 12 and 48 h, but some characteristic very basic bands remained detectable. Surprisingly, brain extracts did not show the presence of Neuro-EPO even 2 h after administration, indicating a fast degradation or elimination from the brain to the bloodstream. This experiment indicated that detection of Neuro-EPO after intranasal delivery should be possible for a few days.