Validation of the stratify scale for the prediction of falls among hospitalized adults in a tertiary hospital in Colombia: a retrospective cohort study.

The STRATIFY scale has been implemented as a preventive strategy for predicting the risk of accidental falls among hospitalized adults. However, there is still uncertainty about its accuracy. This study aimed to perform an external validation of the STRATIFY fall prediction scale in hospitalized adults in one tertiary care hospital in Bogotá, Colombia. The study was a retrospective cohort of adult hospitalized patients in a high-level complexity care hospital. The sample selected included admitted patients (age ≥ 18), consecutively by the institution between 2018 and 2020, with an evaluation of the fall risk measured by the STRATIFY score given to each at the time of hospital admission. For assessing the scale's feasibility, its discriminative capability was obtained by calculating sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios, predictive values, and area under the ROC curve. The evaluation included 93,347 patient hospital records (mean 56.9 years, 50.2% women). The overall sensitivity score was 0.672 [IC 95% 0.612-0.723], the specificity score was 0.612 [IC 95% 0.605-0.615], and the positive likelihood ratio was 1.73 [IC 95% 1.589-1.891]. The area under the ROC curve was 0.69 [IC 95% 0.66-0.72]. Subgroups of age obtained similar results. Applying the STRATIFY scale at hospital admission resulted in a lower performance of the tool-predict falls in hospitalized patients. It is necessary to implement an individual evaluation of the risk factors for falls in order to structure appropriate care plans to prevent and improve hospital safety.

Reporting of blood pressure levels and self-monitoring practices: a survey among outpatients diagnosed with hypertension in Bogotá, Colombia.

BACKGROUND: Routine blood pressure (BP) self-monitoring is recommended for patients already diagnosed with hypertension. How often these patients can report their BP levels is unknown, particularly in low-and-middle income countries. METHODS: We surveyed (January 2021 to May 2022) representative samples of patients with established diagnosis of hypertension from 3 health care networks (involving 74 outpatient clinics) and 2 university hospitals in Bogotá, Colombia. Trained health care professionals conducted a telephone survey including questions on demographics, medical history, and general understanding about hypertension and its potential complications. The outcome variables were the self-report of participant's BP levels (primary) and monitoring practices among participants. RESULTS: Out of 2609 consecutively contacted patients sampled from institutional records, 2323 were invited and 1566 (mean age 66.5, SD = 12.1 years, 74.4% females, 64.0% living low socio-economic strata) gave consent to participate. While 66% of participants had over 5 years of diagnosis, 39.5% had most (≥ 60%) of their follow-up visits with the same doctor. Overall, 645 (41.5%, 95%CI 39.1 -43.9) participants reported their BP levels. This proportion was independent of time from diagnosis, but higher among those of younger age, living in higher socio-economic strata, having more years of education and using more information technologies. Also, more patients reported their BP levels if seen ≥ 60% of the times by the same physician (43.4% Vs. 36.7%). Those reporting closer BP self-monitoring more often used electronic devices, received 2 + medications, and had better knowledge about hypertension. CONCLUSION: A minority of hypertensive patients seen in Bogotá were aware of their own BP levels. Those in such capacity were in a better social position, more often seen by the same doctor, knew their condition better and handled more complex treatments. Hypertensive patients from Bogotá may benefit from a more continuous medical care, patient education programs and promoting BP home monitoring.

Adherence to evidence-based recommendations for chronic noncommunicable diseases: a multicenter cross-sectional study of Bogotá physicians / Adherencia a recomendaciones basadas en evidencia para enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles: estudio de corte transversal multicéntrico en médicos de Bogotá / Adesão às recomendações baseadas em evidências para doenças crônicas não transmissíveis: estudo transversal multicêntrico em médicos de Bogotá

Introduction. The management of patients with chronic noncommunicable diseases, when it follows evidence-based recommendations, improves clinical outcomes and health costs. Despite its importance, little is known about adherence to guidelines and the processes for its monitoring in our environment. The objective of this study was to report the applicability and adherence to a selection of recommendations from clinical practice guidelines for noncommunicable chronic diseases by doctors in Bogotá. Methods. This was a cross-sectional study, the baseline of a cluster experiment that assessed the impact of disseminating recommendations on seven chronic diseases to patients, caregivers, and physicians. A total of 177 physicians from public and private health institutions were invited. Consecutive samples of their medical records were manually reviewed in predefined time ranges (up to 20 patients per physician, with up to two diseases of interest). The proportions of applicability and adherence were calculated according to 40 recommendations. Results. The 177 physicians who participated (out of 266 eligible) were from seven institutions, and 3,747 medical records (21,093 patients/recommendation) were analyzed. The general applicability was 31.9% (95% CI 31.3-32.6%), and it varied considerably by recommendation (range 0.3-100%) and disease (range 10.7-65%). Overall adherence was 42.0% (95% CI 40.8-43.2%), with higher adherence in acute coronary syndrome patients (58.4%) and lower adherence in diabetes mellitus patients (23.7%). Discussion. This is the most up-to-date, exhaustive, and representative measurement of adherence to guideline recommendations by doctors in Bogotá. Conclusions. Adherence to evidence-based recommendations for patients with chronic noncommunicable diseases in Bogotá is poor and highly variable. Keywords: Practice Guideline; Evidence-Based Medicine; Noncommunicable Diseases; Quality of Health Care; Implementation Science; Internal Medicine; Primary Health Care

Introducción. El manejo de pacientes con enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles, cuando se realiza a partir de recomendaciones basadas en la evidencia, mejora los desenlaces clínicos y los costos en salud. Pese a su importancia, poco se conocen la adherencia a las recomendaciones de guías y los procesos para su monitoreo en nuestro medio. El objetivo de este estudio es reportar la aplicabilidad y la adherencia a una selección de recomendaciones de guías de práctica clínica, en enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles, por médicos de Bogotá. Metodología. Estudio de corte MSc.Participaron 177 médicos de instituciones de salud públicas y privadas. Se revisaron manualmente muestras consecutivas de sus historias clínicas en rangos de tiempo predefinidos (meta hasta 20 pacientes por médico, en hasta dos enfermedades de interés). Se calcularon las proporciones de aplicabilidad y adherencia en 40 recomendaciones. Resultados. Participaron 177 médicos (de 266 elegibles), de 7 instituciones, con 3,747 historias clínicas (21,093 pacientes/recomendación) analizadas. La aplicabilidad general fue 31.9% (IC95% 31.3%-32.6%), y varió considerablemente por recomendación (rango 0.3%-100%) y enfermedad (rango 10.7%-65%). La adherencia general fue 42.0% (IC95% 40.8% -43.2%), siendo mayor en síndrome coronario agudo (58.4%) y menor en diabetes mellitus (23.7%). Discusión. Esta es la medición más actualizada, exhaustiva y representativa de la adherencia a las recomendaciones de guías por parte de médicos de Bogotá. Conclusiones. La adherencia a recomendaciones basadas en evidencia, para pacientes con enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles de Bogotá, es deficiente y altamente variable. Palabras clave: Guía de Práctica Clínica; Medicina Basada en la Evidencia; Enfermedades no Transmisibles; Calidad de la Atención de Salud; Ciencia de la Implementación; Medicina Interna; Atención Primaria de Salud

Introdução. O manejo de pacientes com doenças crônicas não transmissíveis, quando realizado com base em recomendações baseadas em evidências, melhora os resultados clínicos e os custos de saúde. Apesar da sua importância, pouco se sabe sobre a adesão às recomendações das diretrizes e os processos para monitorá-la em nosso meio. O objetivo deste estudo é relatar a aplicabilidade e adesão a uma seleção de recomendações das diretrizes de prática clínica, em doenças crônicas não transmissíveis, por médicos em Bogotá. Metodologia. Estudo transversal (linha de base de um experimento cluster que avalia o impacto da divulgação de recomendações sobre sete doenças crônicas a pacientes, cuidadores e médicos). Participaram 177 médicos de instituições de saúde públicas e privadas. Foram revisadas manualmente amostras consecutivas de seus prontuários em intervalos de tempo pré-definidos (alvo de até 20 pacientes por médico, em até duas doenças de interesse). Foram calculadas proporções de aplicabilidade e adesão para 40 recomendações. Resultados. Participaram 177 médicos (de 266 elegíveis), de 7 instituições, com 3,747 prontuários (21,093 pacientes/recomendação) analisados. A aplicabilidade geral foi de 31.9% (IC 95% 31.3%-32.6%) e variou consideravelmente por recomendação (intervalo 0.3%-100%) e doença (intervalo 10.7%-65%). A adesão geral foi de 42.0% (IC 95% 40.8%-43.2%), sendo maior na síndrome coronariana aguda (58.4%) e menor na diabetes mellitus (23.7%). Discussão. Esta é a medição mais atualizada, exaustiva e representativa da adesão às recomendações das diretrizes por médicos em Bogotá. Conclusões. A adesão às recomendações baseadas em evidências para pacientes com doenças crônicas não transmissíveis em Bogotá é fraca e altamente variável. Palavras-chave: Guia de Prática Clínica; Medicina Baseada em Evidências; Doenças não Transmissíveis; Qualidade da Assistência à Saúde; Ciência da Implementação; Medicina Interna; Atenção Primária à Saúde

Correction to: Nifurtimox versus benznidazole or placebo for asymptomatic Trypanosoma cruzi infection (Equivalence of Usual Interventions for Trypanosomiasis - EQUITY): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

Following publication of the original article [1], the authors notified us of a few requested editions that were not implemented adequately during proofing. The publisher apologizes for the inconvenience caused to our authors and readers.

Relación entre los atributos del sueño y el cambio en la presión arterial. Análisis de la cohorte CHICAMOCHA / Relationship between the attributes of sleep and the change in blood pressure: Analysis of the CHICAMOCHA cohort

Resumen Introducción: la hipertensión arterial es responsable de gran parte de la carga de enfermedad cardiovascular; sin embargo, el papel del sueño en su etiología aun es controversial. Objetivo: determinar la asociación entre atributos del sueño y cambio de la presión arterial. Métodos: estudio de cohorte prospectiva, de base comunitaria, en adultos jóvenes asintomáticos para enfermedad cardiovascular, seguidos por 12,4 años. En la línea de base se determinaron factores sociodemográficos y del comportamiento, y se caracterizó el sueño nocturno usual en términos de calidad, duración y presencia de ronquido. Se realizó medición estandarizada de índices antropométricos y presión arterial. La hipertensión arterial se definió como reporte de tratamiento antihipertensivo o cifras de presión arterial ≥140/90 mm Hg. Resultados: se evaluaron de manera prospectiva 1.032 participantes (media de edad: 36,8 años, 64% hombres; en la línea de base). La incidencia de hipertensión arterial fue de 15,1% (IC95%: 12,8 - 17,4), con evidencia de mayor riesgo en los roncadores, atenuado posteriormente al ajuste por adiposidad (p>0,05). Se observó un gradiente entre la duración del sueño y el cambio en la presión arterial sistólica/diastólica (2,2/1,3 mm Hg en quienes reportaron 6-8 horas/día y 2,7/1,6 mm Hg en quienes reportaron > 8 horas/día, respecto a < 6 horas/día). Ni la calidad subjetiva del sueño ni el reporte de siesta se asociaron con la presión arterial. Conclusión: los resultados sugieren que la duración prolongada del sueño podría incrementar la presión arterial en la población.

Abstract Introduction: Arterial hypertension is responsible for large part of the cardiovascular disease load. However, the role of sleep in its aetiology remains controversial. Objective: To determine the relationship between sleep attributes and the change in blood pressure. Methods: A prospective cohort study was carried out on a community basis in young adults asymptomatic for cardiovascular disease, followed up for 12.4 years. At baseline, sociodemographic and behavioural factors were determined. At the same, time nocturnal sleep was characterised in terms of quality, duration and presence of snoring. Standardised anthropometric indices and blood pressure were measured. Arterial hypertension was defined as a report of anti-hypertension treatment or blood pressure figures ≥140/90 mm Hg. Results: A total of 1,032 participants were prospectively evaluated (mean age 36.8 years, 64% males; at baseline). The incidence of arterial hypertension was 15.1% (95% CI: 12.8 - 17. 4), with evidence of a higher risk in snorers, with a subsequent reduction on adjusting for adiposity (P>.05). A gradient was observed between the duration of sleep and the change in systolic/diastolic arterial pressure (2.2/1.3 mmHg in those who reported 6-8 hours/day, and 2.7/1.6 mmHg in those who reported > 8 hours/day, compared to < 6 horas/day). Neither the subjective quality of the sleep nor the report of a siesta was associated with the blood pressure. Conclusion: The results suggest that the prolonged duration of sleep could increase blood pressure in the population.

Nifurtimox versus benznidazole or placebo for asymptomatic Trypanosoma cruzi infection (Equivalence of Usual Interventions for Trypanosomiasis - EQUITY): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Either benznidazole (BZN) or nifurtimox (NFX) is recommended as equivalent to treat Trypanosoma cruzi infection. Nonetheless, supportive data from randomised trials is limited to individuals treated with BZN in southern cone countries of Latin America. METHODS: The goal of this randomised, concealed, blind, parallel-group trial is to inform the trypanocidal efficacy and safety of NFX and its equivalence to BZN among individuals with T. cruzi positive serology (TC+). Eligible individuals are TC+, 20-65 years old, with no apparent symptoms/signs or uncontrolled risk factors for cardiomyopathy and at negligible risk of re-infection. Consenting individuals (adherent to a 10-day placebo run-in phase) receive a 120-day BID blinded treatment with NFX, BZN or matching placebo (2:2:1 ratio). The four active medication arms include (1) a randomly allocated sequence of 60-day, conventional-dose (60CD) regimes (BZN 300 mg/day or NFX 480 mg/day, ratio 1:1), followed or preceded by a 60-day placebo treatment, or (2) 120-day half-dose (120HD) regimes (BZN 150 mg/day or NFX 240 mg/day, ratio 1:1). The primary efficacy outcome is the proportion of participants testing positive at least once for up to three polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays (1 + PCR) 12-18 months after randomisation. A composite safety outcome includes moderate to severe adverse reactions, consistent blood marker abnormalities or treatment abandons. The trial outside Colombia (expected to recruit at least 60% of participants) is pragmatic; it may be open-label and not include all treatment groups, but it must adhere to the randomisation and data administration system and guarantee a blinded efficacy outcome evaluation. Our main comparisons include NFX groups with placebo (for superiority), NFX versus BZN groups and 60CD versus 120HD groups (for non-inferiority) and testing for the agent-dose and group-region interactions. Assuming a 1 + PCR ≥ 75% in the placebo group, up to 25% among BZN-treated and an absolute difference of up to ≥ 25% with NFX to claim its trypanocidal effect, 60-80 participants per group (at least 300 from Colombia) are needed to test our hypotheses (80-90% power; one-sided alpha level 1%). DISCUSSION: The EQUITY trial will inform the trypanocidal effect and equivalence of nitroderivative agents NFX and BZN, particularly outside southern cone countries. Its results may challenge current recommendations and inform choices for these agents. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02369978 . Registered on 24 February 2015.

Association between emergency department length of stay and adverse perioperative outcomes in emergency surgery: a cohort study in two Colombian University hospitals.

BACKGROUND: In low- and middle-income countries emergency surgery represents a higher proportion of the total number of surgeries and is associated with greater morbidity/mortality. Study aims were to determine if emergency department length of stay (ED-LOS) was associated with adverse perioperative outcomes and if such association varied across patient's risk categories. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted of adult patients who underwent orthopedic or abdominal emergency surgery at two Colombian University hospitals. The population comprised a mix of a representative sample of eligible cases, with unselected patients (2/3), enriched with a high-risk subset (1/3). ED-LOS was defined as the interval between emergency department arrival and surgery start time. Our primary outcome was an adverse perioperative outcome during hospitalization, which was a composite of in-hospital mortality or severe complications such as major cardiovascular adverse events, infection, renal failure and bleeding. RESULTS: Among 1487 patients analyzed, there were 519 adverse perioperative outcomes including 150 deaths. In the unselected sample (n = 998) 17.9% of patients presented an adverse perioperative outcome with a mortality of 4.9%. The median ED-LOS was 24.6 (IQR 12.5-53.2) hours. ED-LOS was associated with age, comorbidities and known risk factors for 30-day mortality. Patients developing an adverse perioperative outcome started surgery 27.1 h later than their counterparts. Prolonged ED-LOS increased the risk of an adverse perioperative outcome in patients without risk factors (covariate-adjusted OR = 2.52), while having 1-2 or 3+ risk factors was negatively associated (OR = 0.87 and 0.72, respectively, p < 0.001 for the interaction). CONCLUSION: Prolonged ED-LOS is associated with increased adverse perioperative outcome for patients without risk factors for mortality, but seems protective and medically justified for more complex cases.

[Strategies and determinants for recovering participants after 12 years: CHICAMOCHA cohort, Bucaramanga, Colombia]. / Estrategias y determinantes para recuperar participantes tras 12 años: cohorte CHICAMOCHA, Bucaramanga, Colombia.

This article seeks to describe the results of a participant recovery protocol in the CHICAMOCHA cohort after 12 years of follow-up and to identify factors associated with re-contact. In a prospective cohort study with 1,644 participants in Bucaramanga, Colombia (mean age 36 years; standard deviation = 8.5 years; 63% men), we implemented a participant recovery protocol that included 4 sequential strategies: (1) phone contact; (2) sending mail; (3) visiting the household; and (4) Publishing notices in the press local. Following steps 1-2, we attempted to update contact information through government databases in order to once again apply steps 1-2 for individuals who had not been contacted. We calculated crude and weighted rates of contact by participant recovery protocol strategy and overall return. We estimated the association between baseline participant characteristics and their state after participant recovery protocol through multiple logistical regression. We contacted 1,258 (76.4%) participants; 65% (n = 825) through phone contact. Weighted rates of contact were: 41% phone contact, 14.6% mail and 31% visits. Contact through newspaper ads was practically null. Age > 36 years (OR = 1.48); low socioeconomic stratum (OR = 1.42) or being a home owner at baseline (OR = 2.05) were associated with re-contact. Consistent with other descriptions, phone contact is the re-contacting strategy with greatest returns in longitudinal studies. Individuals with characteristics that increase geographical mobility may require shorter follow-up periods and additional contact strategies.

Estrategias y determinantes para recuperar participantes tras 12 años: cohorte CHICAMOCHA, Bucaramanga, Colombia / Strategies and determinants for recovering participants after 12 years: CHICAMOCHA cohort, Bucaramanga, Colombia / Estratégias e determinantes para recuperar participantes após 12 anos: coorte CHICAMOCHA, Bucaramanga, Colômbia

Resumen: Este artículo describe los resultados de un protocolo de recuperación de participantes (PRP) en la cohorte CHICAMOCHA, tras 12 años desde el último seguimiento, e identificar factores asociados al re-contacto. En un estudio de cohorte prospectiva de 1.644 participantes en Bucaramanga, Colombia (edad media 36 años; desviación estándar = 8.5 años; 63% hombres), se implementó el PRP que incluyó 4 estrategias secuenciales: (1) contacto telefónico; (2) envío de correspondencia; (3) visita al domicilio; y (4) publicación de avisos de prensa. Luego de los pasos 1-2, se buscó refrescar la información de contacto en bases de datos gubernamentales para reaplicar paralelamente la secuencia 1-2 en no contactados. Se calcularon tasas de contacto crudas y ponderadas por estrategia del PRP y el rendimiento global. Se estimó la asociación entre las características de los participantes en línea de base y su estado después del PRP mediante regresión logística múltiple. Se contactaron 1.258 (76,4%) participantes; el 65% (n = 825) por contacto telefónico. Las tasas de contacto ponderadas fueron: 41% contacto telefónico, 14,6% correspondencia y 31% visitas. El contacto por avisos de prensa fue virtualmente nulo. Una edad > 36 años (OR = 1,48); estrato socioeconómico bajo (OR = 1,42) y ser propietario de vivienda en la línea de base (OR = 2,05) se asociaron al re-contacto. Consistente con otros reportes, el contacto telefónico es la estrategia de re-contacto con mayor rendimiento en estudios longitudinales. Los individuos con características que aumentan la movilidad geográfica podrían requerir de periodos de seguimiento más estrechos y estrategias de contacto adicionales.

Abstract: This article seeks to describe the results of a participant recovery protocol in the CHICAMOCHA cohort after 12 years of follow-up and to identify factors associated with re-contact. In a prospective cohort study with 1,644 participants in Bucaramanga, Colombia (mean age 36 years; standard deviation = 8.5 years; 63% men), we implemented a participant recovery protocol that included 4 sequential strategies: (1) phone contact; (2) sending mail; (3) visiting the household; and (4) Publishing notices in the press local. Following steps 1-2, we attempted to update contact information through government databases in order to once again apply steps 1-2 for individuals who had not been contacted. We calculated crude and weighted rates of contact by participant recovery protocol strategy and overall return. We estimated the association between baseline participant characteristics and their state after participant recovery protocol through multiple logistical regression. We contacted 1,258 (76.4%) participants; 65% (n = 825) through phone contact. Weighted rates of contact were: 41% phone contact, 14.6% mail and 31% visits. Contact through newspaper ads was practically null. Age > 36 years (OR = 1.48); low socioeconomic stratum (OR = 1.42) or being a home owner at baseline (OR = 2.05) were associated with re-contact. Consistent with other descriptions, phone contact is the re-contacting strategy with greatest returns in longitudinal studies. Individuals with characteristics that increase geographical mobility may require shorter follow-up periods and additional contact strategies.

Resumo: Este artigo trata de descrever os resultados de um protocolo de recuperação dos participantes na coorte CHICAMOCHA, após 12 anos sem acompanhamento, e identificar fatores associados ao re-contato. Em um estudo de coorte prospectiva com 1.644 participantes em Bucaramanga, Colômbia (idade media 36 anos; desvio padrão = 8.5 anos; 63% homens), foi implementado protocolo de recuperação dos participantes que incluiu quatro estratégias sequenciais: (1) contato telefônico; (2) envio de correspondência; (3) visita ao domicílio; e (4) publicação de avisos na imprensa. Depois dos passos 1-2, tentou-se refrescar a informação de contato em bases de dados governamentais para voltar a aplicar paralelamente a sequência 1-2 nas pessoas que não foram contatadas. Foram calculadas as taxas de contacto brutas e ponderadas por estratégia do protocolo de recuperação dos participantes e o rendimento global. Foi estimada a associação entre as características dos participantes na linha de base e o seu estado depois do protocolo de recuperação dos participantes por meio de regressão logística múltipla. Foram contatados 1.258 (76,4%) participantes; o 65% (n = 825) através de contacto telefônico. As taxas de contato ponderadas foram: 41% contato telefônico, 14,6% correspondência e 31% visitas. O contato através de avisos no jornal foi virtualmente nulo. Uma idade > 36 anos (OR = 1,48); estrato socioeconômico baixo (OR = 1,42) ou ser proprietário de casa na linha de base (OR = 2,05) foram associados ao re-contato. Consistente com outras descrições, o contato telefônico é a estratégia do re-contato com maior rendimento em estudos longitudinais. Os indivíduos com características que aumentam a mobilidade geográfica poderiam precisar de períodos de acompanhamento mais estreitos e estratégias de contacto adicionais.

Cardiovascular Health Investigation and Collaboration to Assess the Markers and Outcomes of Chagas diseaseõ (CHICAMOCHA): concepto, métodos y características de una cohorte de donantes de sangre en Bucaramanga, Colombia / "Pesquisa de Saúde Cardiovascular e Colaboração para avaliar os marcadores e os resultados da doenþa de Chagas" (CHICAMOCHA): conceito, métodos e características de um grupo de doadores de sangue em Bucaramanga, Colombia / Cardiovascular Health Investigation and Collaboration to Assess the Markers and Outcomes of Chagas diseaseõ (CHICAMOCHA): Concept, Methods and Characteristics of a Cohort of Blood Donors in Bucaramanga, Colombia

Introducción: Colombia está expuesta simultáneamente a las enfermedades transmitidas por vectores como la Enfermedad de Chagas (ECHA), asícomo a la carga creciente de la enfermedad cardiovascular de origen aterosclerótico (ECV). Objetivo: Estudiar a través del ensamblaje de un estudio de cohorte de adultos jóvenes de Bucaramanga, el desarrollo de la ECHA y la ECV. Metodología: Se diseñó un estudio a partir de donantes de sangre con tamizacion serológica para T. cruzi. Se construyó una base de datos de donantes consecutivos con estatus positivo (T[+]) apareada (en relación 1:4, estratificada por banco y mes de donación) con donantes T[-]. Los participantes fueron clasificados por estado serológico y electrocardiograma y evaluados clínicamente (realizando pruebas adicionales de función cardiovascular a los T[+] y a una muestra aleatoria de T[-]). En los siguientes a±os se iniciaron ensayos clínicos en los participantes T[+] y mediciones repetidas en los T[-] para estudios de riesgo de ECV. Resultados: De 6,228 donantes (18 a 50 a±os de edad) registrados en la base (1997-2003), 2,130 donantes de sangre (edad media 36.4 [DE 8.4] a±os, 64.0% hombres, 73.4% residentes en los estratos 1-3, 486 T[+]) consintieron participar. El protocolo de contacto, seguimiento y recuperación de participantes ha logrado que se obtengan mediciones repetidas en al menos el 80% de los participantes. Conclusiones: CHICAMOCHA constituye un activo de valor social que aumenta las capacidades locales de investigación. Se requieren esfuerzos continuados para ensanchar sus posibilidades de formación de investigadores, generación de productos de conocimiento y recomendaciones para el sistema de salud.

Introduction: Geographical and socio-demographic conditions expose Colombian population to the threat of vector-borne diseases (such as ChagasÆ [CHAD]) and cardiovascular disease of atherosclerotic origin (CVD). Objective: To assemble a cohort study of young adults, to promote understanding of CHAD and CVD in Bucaramanga, Colombia. Methodology: A study of blood donors with serological screening for T.cruzi was designed. A database of consecutive donors with positive results (T[+]) was built. This group was compared with a random sample of T[-] individuals (1:4 ratio, within strata of bank and month of donation). Participants classified by serology and electrocardiography status underwent clinical interviews (additional cardiovascular tests to T[+] and a random sample to T[-] were performed. In the following years, T[+] individuals participated in randomized trials whereas those whereas those T[-] participated in repeated measurements to test CVD risk factors. Results: From 6,228 donors in the database (18 to 50 years old) registered in the database (1997-2203), 2,130 blood donors (mean age 36.4 (SD 8.4) years, 64% males, 73.4% living in low socioeconomic strata, 486 T[+]) agreed to participate. Our contact protocol, and follow-up procedure with participants allowed us to obtain repeatedly measurements of at least 80% of the participants. Conclusions: CHICAMOCHA represents a social asset that builds local research capacity. Continued efforts are required to enhance its potential for research training, scholarly work and health care guidance.

A Colombia esta exposta simultaneamente Ós doenças transmitidas por vetores, como a doença de Chagas (ECHA), assim como Ó crescente carga da doença cardiovascular de origem arterioscler¾tica (DCV). Objetivo: estudar, atravÚs da montagem de uma coorte de adultos jovens de Bucaramanga, o desenvolvimento da ECHA e DCV. Metodologia: O estudo foi realizado a partir de doadores de sangue com a triagem sorol¾gica para T. cruzi. Elaborou-se a base de dados consecutivos a partir das pessoas doadoras em estado positivo (T [+]) comparado (em relaþÒo de 1: 4, estratificadas pelo banco e mÛs da doaþÒo) com as pessoas doadoras T [-]. As pessoas que participaram foram classificadas pelo estado sorológico e pelo eletrocardiograma e avaliadas clinicamente (realizando testes adicionais de função cardiovascular aos T [+] e uma amostra aleatória de T [-]). Nos anos seguintes fizeram-se ensaios clínicos nos participantes T [+] e mediþ§es repetidas em T [-] para estudar o risco de DCV. Resultados: Dos 6.228 doadores (18-50 anos) registrados no banco de dados (1997-2003), 2.130 doadores de sangue (tinham entre 36,4 [8,4] anos, dos quais 64,0% eram do sexo masculino e 73,4% dos estratos 1-3, 486 T [+]) aceitaram em participar. O protocolo de contato, o acompanhamento e a recuperação dos participantes permitiu obter medisões repetidas, pelo menos em 80% dos participantes. Conclusões: CHICAMOCHA constitui um ativo de valor social que aumenta as capacidades locais de investigação. É necessário prosseguir os esforþos para ampliar a sua capacidade de formar pesquisadores, gerando produtos de conhecimento e recomendações para o sistema de saúde.