Clinical inertia in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus among patients attending selected healthcare institutions in Colombia.

BACKGROUND: The burden of disease of diabetes in Colombia have increased in the last decades. Secondary prevention is crucial for diabetes control. Many patients already treated remain with poor glycemic control and without timely and appropriate treatment intensification. This has been called in the literature as Clinical Inertia. Updated information regarding clinical inertia based on the Colombian diabetes treatment guidelines is needed. OBJECTIVE: To measure the prevalence of clinical inertia in newly diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) patients in healthcare institutions in Colombia, based on the recommendations of the current official guidelines. METHODS: An observational and retrospective cohort study based on databases of two Health Medical Organizations (HMOs) in Colombia (one from subsidized regimen and one from contributory regimen) was conducted. Descriptive analysis was performed to summarize demographic and clinical information. Chi-square tests were used to assess associations between variables of interest. RESULTS: A total of 616 patients with T2DM (308 for each regimen) were included. Median age was 61 years. Overall clinical inertia was 93.5% (87.0% in contributory regimen and 100% in subsidized regimen). Patients with Hb1Ac ≥ 8% in the subsidized regimen were more likely to receive monotherapy than patients in the contributory regimen (OR 2.33; 95% CI 1.41-3.86). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the prevalence of overall clinical inertia was higher in the subsidized regime than in the contributory regime (100% vs 87%). Great efforts have been made to equalize the coverage between the two systems, but this finding is worrisome with respect to the difference in quality of the health care provided to these two populations. This information may help payers and clinicians to streamline strategies for reducing clinical inertia and improve patient outcomes.

Burden of COVID-19 in Córdoba, A Department of Colombia: Results of Disability-Adjusted Life-Years: Carga de COVID-19 en Córdoba, un Departamento de Colombia: Resultados de los Años de Vida Ajustados por Discapacidad.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to estimate the burden of acute COVID-19 in Córdoba, one of the most affected departments (states) in Colombia, through the estimation of disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs). METHODS: DALYs were estimated based on the number of cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection cases reported by official Colombian sources. A transition probability matrix among severity states was calculated using data obtained from a retrospective cohort that included 1736 COVID-19 confirmed subjects living in Córdoba. RESULTS: Córdoba had 120.23 deaths per 100 000 habitants during the study period (March 2020 to April 2021). Estimated total DALYs were 49 243 (2692 DALYs per 100 000 inhabitants), mostly attributed to fatal cases (99.7%). On average, 25 years of life were lost because of death by this infection. A relevant proportion of years of life lost because of COVID-19 (46.6%) was attributable to people < 60 years old and was greater in men. People ≥ 60 years old showed greater risk of progression to critical state than people between the age of 35 and 60 years (hazard ratio 2.5; 95% confidence interval 2.5-12.5) and younger than 35 years (9.1; 95% confidence interval 4.0-20.6). CONCLUSION: In Córdoba, premature mortality because of COVID-19 was substantially represented by people < 60 years old and was greater in males. Our data may be representative of Latin American populations with great infection spread during the first year of the pandemic and contribute to novel methodological aspects and parameter estimations that may be useful to measure COVID-19 burden in other countries of the region.

Effectiveness of a prevention program in the incidence of cardiovascular outcomes in a low-income population from Colombia: a real-world propensity score-matched cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and diabetes mellitus (DM) are among the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs) but evidence in these contexts regarding the effectiveness of primary prevention interventions taking into account patient adherence is scarce. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a cardiovascular risk management program (De Todo Corazón - DTC program) in the incidence of the first cardiovascular outcome (CVO) in a low-income population from the Caribbean region of Colombia using adherence as the main variable of exposure. METHODS: A retrospective propensity score-matched cohort study was conducted. Adult patients with a diagnosis of hypertension (HTA), diabetes mellitus (DM), chronic kidney disease (CKD), or dyslipidemia affiliated to the DTC program between 2013 and 2018 were considered as the study population. Patients with 30 to 76 years, without a history of CVOs, and with more than 6 months of exposure to the program were included. The main outcome of interest was the reduction in the risk of CVOs (stroke, myocardial infarction, or congestive heart failure) based on the adherence to the intervention (attendance to medical appointments with health care professionals and the control of cardiovascular risk factors). Kaplan Meier curves and propensity score-matched Cox regression models were used to evaluate the association between adherence and the incidence of CVOs. RESULTS: A total of 52,507 patients were included. After propensity score matching, a sample of 35,574 patients was analyzed. Mean (SD) exposure time was 1.97 (0.92) years. Being adherent to the program was associated to a 85.4, 71.9, 32.4 and 78.9% risk reduction of in the low (HR 0.14; 95% CI 0.05-0.37; p < 0.001), medium (HR 0.28; 95% CI 0.21-0.36; p < 0.001), high-risk with DM (HR 0.67; 95% CI 0.43-1.04; p = 0.075) and hig-risk without DM (HR 0.21; 95% CI 0.09-0.48; p < 0.001) categories, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The DTC program is effective in the reduction of the risk of CVOs. Population-based interventions may be an important strategy for the prevention of CVOs in underserved populations in the context of LMICs. A more exhaustive emphasis on the control of diabetes mellitus should be considered in these strategies.

Economic Cost of Severe Acute Respiratory Infection Associated to Influenza in Colombian Children: A Single Setting Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Influenza is considered a leading public health problem because its large economic burden of disease worldwide, especially in low-and middle-income countries, such as Colombia. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to estimate the economic costs of influenza-confirmed patients in a pediatric hospital in Cartagena, Colombia. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective costing analysis. We estimated the direct (direct medical and out-of-pocket expenditures) and indirect costs for influenza-confirmed severe acute respiratory infection cases from a societal perspective. Total economic costs were calculated adding direct medical costs, out-of-pocket expenditures, and indirect costs owing to loss of productivity of caregivers. Mean, median, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) and interquartile range (IQR) of costs were measured. All costs are reported in USD ($1.00 = COP$2000.7) RESULTS: Forty-four cases were included in the analysis: 30 had influenza B, 10 influenza A and B, and 4 influenza AH1N1. Thirty patients were hospitalized in the general ward, 14 went to the intensive care unit. The average duration of stay was ∼9 days (95% CI, 6.3-11.5). The median direct medical cost for hospitalized case in general ward was $743.50 (IQR $590.20-$1404.60) and in intensive care unit $4669.80 (IQR $1614.60-$7801.50). The economic cost per hospitalized case was $1826.10 (IQR $1343.30-$2376.50); direct medical costs represented 93.8% of this cost. The median indirect cost was $82.10 (IQR $41.10-$133.40) and the median out-of-pocket expenditure per case was $45.70 (IQR $29.50-$64.90). CONCLUSIONS: Severe acute respiratory infection is an important source of economic burden for the health system, families, and society in Colombia. Seasonal influenza vaccination should be strengthened to prevent more cases and save economic resources.

First cardiovascular event in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus of a cardiovascular risk management program of a poor Colombian population: a cohort study.

BACKGROUND: According to several studies in population of high-income countries (HIC), patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) have a considerably higher risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. However, it is not clear if the magnitude of this association can be widespread in other populations. The objective of this study was to determine the independent association between Type 2 DM and first cardiovascular event in Colombian Caribbean poor population with no records of previous cardiovascular events reported. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the individual records from the hospitalizations database of 64,668 patients of cardiovascular risk management program from July 2014 to December 2015. We used a propensity score matching cohort analysis for this study. The Kaplan-Meier curves were constructed for the cardiovascular events related endpoints and matched Cox-regression analysis to estimate associations of a history of Type 2 DM with cardiovascular outcomes during 1.5 years of follow-up. A formal sensitivity analysis using The Breslow-Day and Tarone Homogeneity tests was conducted. RESULTS: Out of 56,351 patients with no previous cardiovascular events records, 19,368 (34.4%) patients were found to suffer Type 2 DM. Using propensity scores for Type 2 DM, we gathered a cohort of 18,449 pairs of patients with and without Type 2 DM who were balanced on 22 baseline characteristics. A first cardiovascular event occurred in 650 (3.5%) and 403 (2.1%) matched patients with and without Type 2 DM, respectively, during 1.5 years of follow-up. Type 2 DM was associated with first cardiovascular event (HR 1.69; 95% CI 1.43-2.00; p = 0.000), AMI (HR 1.79; 95% CI 1.45-2.20; p = 0.000) and stroke (HR 1.54; 95% CI 1.18-2.02; p = 0.001). Hazard ratios (95% CIs) for the association of Type 2 DM with all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality and all-cause hospitalization were 1.36 (1.21-1.53; p < 0.001), 1.52 (1.12-2.08; p 0.004), and 1.20 (1.21-1.53; p < 0.001), respectively. CONCLUSION: Type 2 DM resulted to be a significant independent risk factor for first cardiovascular event in Colombian Caribbean poor population with no previous records of cardiovascular events.

Severity factors of Acquired Pneumonia Community in a children's hospital in the Colombian Caribbean / Factores de severidad de Neumonía Adquirida en la Comunidad en un hospital infantil del Caribe colombiano

Abstract Objective: To identify predisposing factors to developing severe pneumonia in hospitalized children diagnosed with community-acquired pneumonia hospitalized in Cartagena's Napoleón Franco Pareja children's Hospital. Methods: Analytical observational cross-sectional study performed in patients under 18 years. Data from surveys and records were analyzed. Univariate and bivariate analysis was performed. The variables are grouped according to the presence or absence of complications and analyzed by jisquare test. We calculated OR of each of the dummy variables to evaluate their association with complications. A P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant for all analyses. Results: 301 patients with severe pneumonia were included. Riskfactors related to severity: age less than 3 months (OR: 4.86; CI 95%: 1,5 -14.3; p = 0.004); exclusive breastfeeding for less than 6 months (CI:95% 7,7-1,4; p = 0.0019); heart disease (OR: 5.37; CI 95%: 1,28-19,88, p = 0.010); prematurity (OR: 1.62, CI 95%: 0.93- 6.69, p = 0.034); Incomplete vaccination (OR: 2.32; CI: 95% 1.07 - 5.10; p = 0.015). Conclusions: It was found increased severity risk, statistically significant, in patients less than 6 months breastfeeding, prematurity, heart disease, incomplete vaccination scheme, and positive blood culture with Sp. pneumonia

Resumen Objetivo: Identificar factores predisponentes a desarrollar neumonía severa en niños hospitalizados con diagnóstico de NAC en el Hospital Infantil Napoleón Franco Pareja de Cartagena Colombia. Materiales y métodos: Estudio observacional transversal analítico en pacientes menores de 18 años hospitalizados con neumonía adquirida en la comunidad. Se analizaron datos obtenidos de encuestas y registros clínicos. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo univariado y bivariado. Las variables se agruparon según la presencia o no de complicación y se analizaron a través de la prueba ji cuadrado. Se realizó el cálculo de OR de cada una de las variables dicotómicas para evaluar su asociación a complicaciones. Una P<0,05 fue considerada como estadísticamente significativa para todos los análisis. Resultados: Se incluyeron 301 pacientes con neumonía grave. Los factores de riesgo más relacionados con severidad fueron: edad menor de 3 meses (OR: 4,86; IC 95%: 1,5-14,3; p 0,004); la lactancia materna exclusiva menor a 6 meses (IC 95%: 1,4- 7,7; p 0,0019); cardiopatía (OR: 5,37; IC 95%: 1,28-19,88; p: 0,010); prematurez (OR: 1,62; IC: 0,93-6,69; p: 0,034); esquema incompleto de vacunación (OR: 2,32; IC 95%: 1,07-5,10: p: 0,015). Conclusiones: Se encontró aumento de riesgo de severidad en pacientes con lactancia materna menor de 6 meses, prematurez, cardiopatía, esquema de vacunación incompleto, y hemocultivo con Sp. Neumoniae positivo.

Prevalencia y factores socioeconómicos asociados al consumo de alcohol en jóvenes de hogares pobres en la subregión Montes de María, en el Caribe colombiano / Prevalence and Socioeconomic Factors Associated to Alcohol Consumption by Youngsters from Low-income Homes in the Montes de María Sub-region, in the Colombian Caribbean / Prevalência e fatores socioeconômicos associados ao consumo de álcool em jovens de lares pobres na sub-região Montes María, no Caribe colombiano

Resumen Objetivo: Estimar la prevalencia de consumo semanal de alcohol en población joven y sus determinantes socioeconómicos en la subregión Montes de María, del Caribe colombiano. Metodología: Estudio analítico transversal de 10 667 jóvenes encuestados de 10 a 24 años. Se utilizaron tablas de frecuencias y medidas de tendencia central, dispersión y posición, con estratificación de la muestra por sexo y grupos edad. Se usó un modelo logístico de respuesta dicotómica para la prevalecía, explorando factores de riesgo. Resultados: La prevalencia de consumo de alcohol de alguna vez por semana es 9,4 %. La prevalencia en hombres es 14,5 % y en mujeres es 5,6 %. En menores de edad es 3,9 % y en mayores de edad es 19,0 %. El municipio de San Onofre presenta la mayor prevalecía (14,9 %). Además, ser hombre, ser empleado, tener una mala relación con los padres, tener familiares víctimas del conflicto o asesorías psicológicas previas incrementó el riesgo de consumo de alcohol. En las mujeres, pero no en los hombres, tener pensamientos suicidas se relacionó con un mayor riesgo de consumo de alcohol. Para ambos sexos, tener de 18 a 24 años, perder años escolares, consumir sustancias psicoactivas y comportarse como agresor en casos de matoneo escolar incrementan el riesgo de consumo de alcohol. Discusión: La prevalencia de consumo de alcohol de alguna vez a la semana de los jóvenes de Montes de María está a 1,5 puntos porcentuales de la prevalencia de consumo perjudicial a nivel nacional (11,07 %). Los jóvenes de 18 a 24 años tienen una prevalencia igual al consumo de alcohol riesgoso y perjudicial nacional para el mismo rango de edad (18,76 %). Los factores de riesgo encontrados denotan problemas familiares, desinterés escolar y problemas psicológicos. Conclusiones: Hay alta prevalencia de consumo de alcohol en jóvenes de Montes de María, donde es necesario afianzar programas preventivos de consumo de alcohol en edades tempranas.

Abstract Objective: to estimate the prevalence of weekly alcohol composition in the young population and its socioeconomic determinants, in the Montes de María sub-region, Colombian Caribbean. Methodology: analytic cross-sectional study with 10667 surveys on youngsters aged 10-24 years. Frequency grids and measures of central tendency, dispersion and position were used, classifying the sample by sex and age groups. A logistic model of dichotomous questions was used for the prevalence, studying risk factors. Results: the prevalence of alcohol consumption at least once a week is 9.4%. In males, the prevalence is 14.5%, and in women, it is 5.6%. Underage prevalence is 3.9% and adult prevalence is 19.0%. The municipality of San Onofre has the highest prevalence (14.9%). Additionally, the risk of alcohol consumption increased in male who were employees, had dysfunctional family relationship, relatives who were victims of the armed conflict or who received previous psychological attention. In women, but not in men, having suicidal thoughts was associated with higher risk of alcohol consumption. For all the participants, being between 18 and 24 years of age, having failed school years, consuming psychoactive substances being a school bully increased the risk of alcohol consumption. Discussion: the prevalence of atleast- once-a-week alcohol consumption in the youngsters of Montes de María is 1.5% below the national harmful alcohol consumption level (11.07%). The sample's youngsters aged 18-24 years have the same prevalence of high-risk and harmful alcohol consumption as the national level for the same age range (18.76%). The risk factors found reveal family issues, a lack of interest in school and psychological problems. Conclusions: there is a high prevalence of alcohol consumption in the youngsters of Montes de María and it is necessary to enforce programs to prevent alcohol consumption at young ages.

Resumo Objetivo: Estimar a prevalência de consumo semanal de álcool na população jovem e seus determinantes socioeconômicos na sub-região Montes de María, do Caribe colombiano. Metodologia: foi um estudo analítico transversal de 10 667 jovens de 10 a 24 anos que foram indagados. Utilizaram-se grelhas de frequência e medidas de tendência central, dispersão e posição, com estratificação da amostra por sexo e grupos de idade. Utilizou-se um modelo logístico de resposta dicotómica para a prevalência, estudando fatores de risco. Resultados: a prevalência de consumo de álcool de alguma vez por semana é de 9,4%. A prevalência em homes é 14,5% e 5,6% em mulheres. Em menores de idade é 3,9% e em adultos é 19,0%. O município San Onofre tem a prevalência mais alta (14,9%). Além disso, ser homem, ser empregado, ter uma relação ruim com os pais, ter família vítima do conflito ou assessorias psicológicas anteriores aumentou o risco de consumo de álcool. Nas mulheres, não nos homens, ter pensamentos suicidas esteve relacionado com mais risco de consumo de álcool. Para todos, ter entre 18 e 24 anis, perder anos da escola, consumir substâncias psicoativas e ter comportamento agressor em casos de bullying na escola aumentam o risco de consumo de álcool. Discussão: a prevalência do consumo de álcool de alguma vez por semana dos jovens de Montes de Ma ría fica a 1,5 pontos de percentagem da prevalência do consumo prejudicial a nível nacional (11,07%). Os jovens de 18 a 24 anos têm uma prevalência igual ao consumo de álcool de risco e pre judicial nacional no mesmo intervalo de idade (18,76%). Os fa tores de risco achados revelam problemas familiares, desinteresse escolar e problemas psicológicos. Conclusões: há uma prevalên cia alta de consumo de álcool nos jovens de Montes de María, sendo necessário fortalecer programas de prevenção de consumo de álcool nas idades precoces.

Pacientes con crisis convulsivas en una unidad de cuidados intensivos pediátrico en un hospital de referencia de la ciudad de Cartagena, Colombia / Patients with seizures in a pediatric intensive care unit in a referral hospital in the city of Cartagena, Colombia

Introducción. Las crisis convulsivas son la urgencia neurológica más frecuente en pediatría, llegando a ser una urgencia vital, sobre todo cuando se presentan status convulsivos que ameritan vigilancia en unidad de cuidados intensivos pediátricos (UCIP). Materiales y métodos. La población de estudio fue un total de 60 pacientes menores de 18 años hospitalizados en UCIP en un hospital ubicado en Cartagena-Colombia. La data resultante se le calculó estadísticos univariados de tendencia central y proporciones, como tablas de frecuencia univariada y bivariadas. Resultados. Se obtuvo una población de 60 pacientes en edad pediátrica, con edad promedio de 3.85 años, teniendo antecedente de epilepsia el 64.81% y el 23,33% parálisis cerebral, la comorbilidad con mayor frecuencia fue la infección meníngea con un 25.71%. Los pacientes con antecedentes de epilepsia el medicamento más utilizado ambulatoriamente fue el ácido valproico con 48.33%, seguidamente de levetiracetam 26.67% y carbamazepina 13.33%. Dentro de la población estudiada el 83.33% presento status convulsivos, siendo la crisis tónico clónica generalizada el tipo de crisis más frecuentemente descrita con un porcentaje del 88%, los medicamentos anticonvulsivantes más utilizados para yugular crisis, se encontró el midazolam con un 98.33%. El 95% salió vivo de la institución y un 5% falleció. Conclusiones. Las principales causas de status epiléptico se encuentran la lesión cerebral aguda, convulsiones febriles atípicas, epilepsia y enfermedades degenerativas, lo que concuerda con lo descrito en la literatura, los medicamentos anticonvulsivantes más utilizados en UCIP son el midazolam en primera estancia y el ácido valproico en segunda estancia.

Introduction. Seizures are the most frequent neurological urgency in pediatrics, becoming a vital urgency, especially when there are convulsive states that merit surveillance in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Materials and methods. The study population was a total of 60 patients under the age of 18 hospitalized in PICU in a hospital located in Cartagena-Colombia. The resulting data were calculated univariate statistics of central tendency and proportions, such as univariate and bivariate frequency tables. Results. A population of 60 pediatric patients with a mean age of 3.85 years was obtained, having a history of epilepsy in 64.81% and 23.33% in cerebral palsy. The most common comorbidity was meningeal infection with 25.71%. Patients with a history of epilepsy, the most widely used outpatient medication was valproic acid with 48.33%, followed by levetiracetam 26.67% and carbamazepine 13.33%. Within the study population, 83.33% presented convulsive status, with the generalized clonic tonic crisis being the most frequently described type of crisis with a percentage of 88%, the most used anticonvulsant drugs for jugular crisis, midazolam was found with 98.33%. 95% left the institution alive and 5% died. Conclusions. The main causes of epileptic status are acute brain injury, atypical febrile seizures, epilepsy and degenerative diseases, which is consistent with what has been described in the literature, the most used anticonvulsant medications in PICU are midazolam in the first stay and valproic acid In second stay.