Edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) for real-time automatic quantification of filariasis in mobile microscopy.

Filariasis, a neglected tropical disease caused by roundworms, is a significant public health concern in many tropical countries. Microscopic examination of blood samples can detect and differentiate parasite species, but it is time consuming and requires expert microscopists, a resource that is not always available. In this context, artificial intelligence (AI) can assist in the diagnosis of this disease by automatically detecting and differentiating microfilariae. In line with the target product profile for lymphatic filariasis as defined by the World Health Organization, we developed an edge AI system running on a smartphone whose camera is aligned with the ocular of an optical microscope that detects and differentiates filarias species in real time without the internet connection. Our object detection algorithm that uses the Single-Shot Detection (SSD) MobileNet V2 detection model was developed with 115 cases, 85 cases with 1903 fields of view and 3342 labels for model training, and 30 cases with 484 fields of view and 873 labels for model validation before clinical validation, is able to detect microfilariae at 10x magnification and distinguishes four species of them at 40x magnification: Loa loa, Mansonella perstans, Wuchereria bancrofti, and Brugia malayi. We validated our augmented microscopy system in the clinical environment by replicating the diagnostic workflow encompassed examinations at 10x and 40x with the assistance of the AI models analyzing 18 samples with the AI running on a middle range smartphone. It achieved an overall precision of 94.14%, recall of 91.90% and F1 score of 93.01% for the screening algorithm and 95.46%, 97.81% and 96.62% for the species differentiation algorithm respectively. This innovative solution has the potential to support filariasis diagnosis and monitoring, particularly in resource-limited settings where access to expert technicians and laboratory equipment is scarce.

Digital Microscopy Augmented by Artificial Intelligence to Interpret Bone Marrow Samples for Hematological Diseases.

Analysis of bone marrow aspirates (BMAs) is an essential step in the diagnosis of hematological disorders. This analysis is usually performed based on a visual examination of samples under a conventional optical microscope, which involves a labor-intensive process, limited by clinical experience and subject to high observer variability. In this work, we present a comprehensive digital microscopy system that enables BMA analysis for cell type counting and differentiation in an efficient and objective manner. This system not only provides an accessible and simple method to digitize, store, and analyze BMA samples remotely but is also supported by an Artificial Intelligence (AI) pipeline that accelerates the differential cell counting process and reduces interobserver variability. It has been designed to integrate AI algorithms with the daily clinical routine and can be used in any regular hospital workflow.

Pedological formations on old mountain geomorphological surfaces of central Spain.

The chemo-morphological properties of soils on ancient landforms (quarzitic pliocene alluvial fans, pleistocene terraces), namely "rañizos", on middle-high mountains (Eastern-Central System, Iberian Peninsula, Rio Negro, Cogolludo) were investigated. Several properties were analyzed by standard procedures. A detailed soil diagnostics and classification on "rañizos" were done, unlike those widely studied on "rañas" (similar landform), by identifying parallel pedogenetic processes in both formations. The genetic and geographic features of Alfisols, Ultisols and Inceptisols are closely related to the nature of their parent materials, based on quartzite and quartz conglomerates, sometimes with an arkosic matrix, red shale, polygenic gravels and pebbles. Soil features were determined by genuine soil-forming inherent lithological rock properties. Other driving factors were flat topography and enough soil formation time to allow intense pedogenesis. The main soil-forming processes were intense weathering, clay enrichment horizons with illuviation, red color caused by iron oxide dehydration and signs of pseudogleyzation processes. Such pedological formations can be considered endemisms; that is, "rare" soils and, up to a point, "relict". The soil reaction is acid/slightly acid with low base saturation. Despite lying on mountains, soils are characterized by moderate-low organic matter content. Soil conditions and climate provide good vine production requirements despite acidity levels. A common feature of all Rio Negro soils is the presence of gravel (size up to 3-5 cm), which is evenly distributed on arable layers. The results can be used to assess vineyard soil use in a potential Pago (Protected Denomination of Origin) and to extend the database of vineyard soils from poorly studied Mediterranean continental mountain regions.

Conventional ovarian stimulation vs. delayed single dose corifollitropin alfa ovarian stimulation in oocyte donors: a prospective randomized study. Tail trial.

The present study compares two protocols for ovarian controlled stimulation in terms of number of cumulus-oocyte complexes and metaphase II oocytes. We employed a single injection of 150mcg of corifollitropin alfa after a 7-day oral contraceptive pill-free interval for TAIL group and a conventional administration of corifollitropin alfa after a 5-day OCP-free interval with additional rFSH from 8th of ovarian controlled stimulation. Prospective, randomized, comparative, non-inferiority, opened and controlled trial carried out in 180 oocyte donors 31 were excluded, 81 were randomized to the control group and 68 to the TAIL group. No differences were found in the number of follicles larger than 14 and 17 mm at triggering day. However, a lower number of cumulus-oocyte complexes and metaphase II oocytes were obtained in TAIL group compared to the control group, expressed as median (interquartile range): 10.5 (5.5-19) vs. 14 [11-21] and 9 (4-13) vs. 12 (9-17) respectively. Additionally, the incidence of failed retrieval or metaphase II oocytes = 0 was higher in TAIL group 7(10.3%) vs. 1(1.2%) p = 0.024. The use of a single injection of corifollitropin alfa after a 7-day oral contraceptive pill-free interval in oocyte donors resulted in a lower number of cumulus-oocyte complexes and metaphase II oocytes. No additional rFSH was administered in this group. Clinical Trial Registration: https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/ctr-search/trial/2019-001343-44/results.

Evaluation of the Performance of a 3D-Printed Smartphone-Based Retinal Imaging Device as a Screening Tool for Retinal Pathology in Mozambique.

Low-income countries carry approximately 90% of the global burden of visual impairment, and up to 80% of this could be prevented or cured. However, there are only a few studies on the prevalence of retinal disease in these countries. Easier access to retinal information would allow differential diagnosis and promote strategies to improve eye health, which are currently scarce. This pilot study aims to evaluate the functionality and usability of a tele-retinography system for the detection of retinal pathology, based on a low-cost portable retinal scanner, manufactured with 3D printing and controlled by a mobile phone with an application designed ad hoc. The study was conducted at the Manhiça Rural Hospital in Mozambique. General practitioners, with no specific knowledge of ophthalmology or previous use of retinography, performed digital retinographies on 104 hospitalized patients. The retinographies were acquired in video format, uploaded to a web platform, and reviewed centrally by two ophthalmologists, analyzing the image quality and the presence of retinal lesions. In our sample there was a high proportion of exudates and hemorrhages-8% and 4%, respectively. In addition, the presence of lesions was studied in patients with known underlying risk factors for retinal disease, such as HIV, diabetes, and/or hypertension. Our tele-retinography system based on a smartphone coupled with a simple and low-cost 3D printed device is easy to use by healthcare personnel without specialized ophthalmological knowledge and could be applied for the screening and initial diagnosis of retinal pathology.

Mobility of antimony in contrasting surface environments of a mine site: influence of redox conditions and microbial communities.

Microbial processes can influence the complex geochemical behaviour of the toxic metalloid antimony (Sb) in mining environments. The present study is aimed to evaluate the influence of microbial communities on the mobility of Sb from solid phases to water in different compartments and redox conditions of a mining site in southwest (SW) Spain. Samples of surface materials presenting high Sb concentrations, from two weathered mining waste dumps, and an aquatic sediment were incubated in slurries comparing oxic and anoxic conditions. The initial microbial communities of the three materials strongly differed. Incubations induced an increase of microbial biomass and an evolution of the microbial communities' structures and compositions, which diverged in different redox conditions. The presence of active bacteria always influenced the mobility of Sb, except in the neutral pH waste incubated in oxic conditions. The effect of active microbial activities in oxic conditions was dependent on the material: Sb oxic release was biologically amplified with the acidic waste, but attenuated with the sediment. Different bacterial genera involved in Sb, Fe and S oxidation or reduction were present and/or grew during incubation of each material. The results highlighted the wide diversity of microbial communities and metabolisms at the small geographic scale of a mining site and their strong implication in Sb mobility.

Presencia de nódulos tiroideos en pacientes con síndrome metabólico en un hospital de tercer nivel de atención peruano / Presence of thyroid nodes in patients with metabolic syndrome in a Peruvian tertiary care hospital

RESUMEN Objetivo: comparar la frecuencia de enfermedad nodular tiroidea (ENT) en pacientes con síndrome metabólico (SM) y en pacientes sin SM en un área yodosuficiente. Materiales y métodos: estudio analítico, de casos y controles, comparativo de grupos pareados. Fueron 40 pacientes con SM y 40 controles, pareados por edad y sexo, los cuales acudieron al servicio de Endocrinología del Hospital Cayetano Heredia, Lima - Perú. El peso, talla y la presión arterial fueron tomadas de la historia clínica. Se evaluó el perímetro abdominal y la presencia de acantosis nigricans. Se midió perfil lipídico, glucosa basal y TSH. Se realizó ecografía tiroidea a todos los participantes. Se midió el volumen tiroideo y se consideró clínicamente significativo a nódulos tiroideos > 5 mm. Resultados: el 80 % de la población estudiada en ambos grupos fueron mujeres. Hubo diferencias significativas en el hábito tabáquico, la acantosis nigricans, la TSH, el volumen tiroideo, peso, índice de masa corporal, perímetro abdominal, presión diastólica, glucosa basal, HDL-colesterol y triglicéridos entre ambos grupos. La ENT fue más frecuente en los pacientes con SM que en los pacientes sin SM (40% vs. 12,5% respectivamente, p = 0,015). El odds ratio (OR) para presentar nódulos tiroideos en presencia de SM fue de 4,66 (intervalo de confianza al 95%: 1,34 - 16,24). Hubo diferencia significativa en el volumen tiroideo entre ambos grupos (p = 0,039). Conclusión: en una población de una zona yodosuficiente, el SM estuvo asociado a ENT y al incremento del volumen tiroideo.

ABSTRACT: Objective : To compare the frequency of thyroid node disease (TND) in patients with metabolic syndrome (MS) and in patients without metabolic syndrome in an area with good iodine supply. Materials and Methods : This is an analytical comparative case- control study performed in paired groups. There were 40 patients with MS and 40 controls attending the Endocrinology service in Cayetano Heredia Hospital in Lima, Peru, who were paired according to age and sex. Weight, height, and blood pressure measurements were taken from clinical records. Abdominal circumference was measured, and the presence of acanthosis nigricans was determined. Lipid profile, baseline blood glucose and TSH were determined. Thyroid ultrasonography was performed in all participants. Thyroid volume values were recorded and thyroid nodes measuring >5-mm were considered as clinically significant. Results : Eighty per cent of the studied population in both groups was women. There were significant differences in tobacco use, acanthosis nigricans, TSH levels, thyroid volume, weight, body mass index, abdominal circumference, diastolic blood pressure, baseline blood glucose, HDL-cholesterol and triglyceride levels between both groups. TND was more frequent in those patients with MS compared to patients with no MS (40% vs. 12.5%, respectively; p= 0.015). The odds ratio (OR) for having thyroid nodes in the presence of MS was 4.66 (95% confidence interval: 1.34-16.24). There were significant differences in thyroid volume for both groups (p= 0.039). Conclusion : In an area with good iodine supply, MS was associated to TND to with an increased thyroid volume.

Response of healthy local tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) populations to grafting in organic farming.

Demands for tomato local varieties are increasing worldwide, especially in organic farming mainly for their high sensory value and attractive appearance. This is the case of the "Moruno" tomato type, widely grown in the Mediterranean countries and greatly due to its highly appreciated organoleptic attributes but low yield or a short postharvest period. For this reason, the study aimed to assess if grafting of local "Moruno" populations (Mor-62, Mor-204) using commercial rootstocks (King-Kong F1, K; Multifort F1, M; Spirit F1, S) affects yield, fruit nutritional and functional composition, postharvest storage and consumer acceptance. Results showed differences between both populations, while rootstocks were only different for the glucose content and the flavour quality. Grafting improved the marketable yield (~43%), fruit number (~22%) and mean fruit weight (~12%), but had no incidence on the blossom-end rot disorder. This technique increased the carotenoid (lycopene, ß-carotene and total carotene) content but decreased the organic acids (malic and citric) and sugar (fructose and glucose) rates, while ascorbic acid was not affected. The fruit postharvest storage was not practically modified. However, the overall flavour preference and visual appearance varied depending on the scion.

Collaborative intelligence and gamification for on-line malaria species differentiation.

BACKGROUND: Current World Health Organization recommendations for the management of malaria include the need for a parasitological confirmation prior to triggering appropriate treatment. The use of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for malaria has contributed to a better infection recognition and a more targeted treatment. Nevertheless, low-density infections and parasites that fail to produce HRP2 can cause false-negative RDT results. Microscopy has traditionally been the methodology most commonly used to quantify malaria and characterize the infecting species, but the wider use of this technique remains challenging, as it requires trained personnel and processing capacity. OBJECTIVE: In this study, the feasibility of an on-line system for remote malaria species identification and differentiation has been investigated by crowdsourcing the analysis of digitalized infected thin blood smears by non-expert observers using a mobile app. METHODS: An on-line videogame in which players learned how to differentiate the young trophozoite stage of the five Plasmodium species has been designed. Images were digitalized with a smartphone camera adapted to the ocular of a conventional light microscope. Images from infected red blood cells were cropped and puzzled into an on-line game. During the game, players had to decide the malaria species (Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium malariae, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale, Plasmodium knowlesi) of the infected cells that were shown in the screen. After 2 months, each player's decisions were analysed individually and collectively. RESULTS: On-line volunteers playing the game made more than 500,000 assessments for species differentiation. Statistically, when the choice of several players was combined (n > 25), they were able to significantly discriminate Plasmodium species, reaching a level of accuracy of 99% for all species combinations, except for P. knowlesi (80%). Non-expert decisions on which Plasmodium species was shown in the screen were made in less than 3 s. CONCLUSION: These findings show that it is possible to train malaria-naïve non-experts to identify and differentiate malaria species in digitalized thin blood samples. Although the accuracy of a single player is not perfect, the combination of the responses of multiple casual gamers can achieve an accuracy that is within the range of the diagnostic accuracy made by a trained microscopist.

Deterioration pattern of six biodegradable, potentially low-environmental impact mulches in field conditions.

Polyethylene plastic mulches are widely used in agriculture due to the countless advantages they have. However, the environmental problems associated with their use have led us to look for alternative mulch materials which degrade naturally and quickly, impact the environment less and function satisfactorily. To this end, biodegradable plastics and paper mulches are being used, but aspects related to their degradation should be studied more in-depth. This work provides the deterioration pattern of six biodegradable mulch materials (i.e. vegetable starch, polylactic acid plastic films or paper mulches) in horticultural crop in the edaphoclimatic conditions of Central Spain in two situations: over the lifetime of the mulches and after being incorporated into the soil. In the first situation, the deterioration levels were evaluated by recording the puncture resistance, weight and area covered in the above-soil and the in-soil part, and after soil incorporation by the number of fragments, their surfaces and weight. In the above-soil part, biodegradable plastics experienced further deterioration, particularly with no crop, while the paper mulch remained practically intact. However, the in-soil paper experienced complete and rapid degradation. At 200 days after soil incorporation, mulch residues were scarce, with the environmental effects it entails. These findings offer practical implications regarding the type of crop. The measurement of the surface covered, rather than the weight, was shown to be a more reliable indicator of the degradation of mulches. Furthermore, visual estimation was found to underestimate the functionality of mulches in comparison to that of the measurement of the surface covered.

Anomalías congénitas tras técnicas de reproducción asistida y su correlación con la calidad embrionaria / Congenital anomalies after assisted reproduction techniques and their correlation with embryonic quality

OBJETIVO: Conocer la posible relación entre la calidad de los embriones transferidos en ciclos de Fecundación In Vitro (FIV) y Microinyección Intracitoplásmica de Espermatozoides (ICSI) con la presencia de anomalías fetales. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Análisis retrospectivo incluyendo casos de anomalías congénitas (n=76), comparándolos con un grupo control (n=240) de nacimientos tras técnicas de reproducción asistida (TRA). Según los tipos de embriones obtenidos, se dividieron los casos en transferencia de calidad alta, media y baja. RESULTADOS: La aparición de defectos es similar con embriones de calidad alta (22,5 %) y media (21,8 %) pero se incrementa cuando se emplean los de baja calidad (40,0 %). Es similar en cuanto a la técnica empleada (FIV o ICSI), gestación única o múltiple, cultivo corto o largo. Sí hay influencia según la edad materna. CONCLUSIÓN: La transferencia de embriones de baja calidad, se asocia a la aparición de un mayor número de defectos congénitos

OBJECTIVE: To find out the possible correlation between the quality of embryos transferred in In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) cycles and fetal anomalies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective study including cases of congenital anomalies (n=76), compared to the control group (n=240) in births after assisted reproductive techniques (ART). Depending on the type of embryos obtained, the cases were divided into cases of high, medium and low quality transfer. RESULTS: The appearance of defects is similar between high (22.5 %) and medium (21.8 %) quality embryos, but increase when low quality embryos are used (40.0 %). This is similar in both techniques (IVF or ICSI), single or multiple pregnancies, long and short cultures. Maternal age does have an influence. CONCLUSION: Transferring low quality embryos is related to the appearance of a higher number of congenital defects

Insulin resistance by homeostasis model assessment in HIV-infected patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy: cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has altered the course of HIV infection, transforming it from a fatal illness to a chronic condition, reducing morbidity and mortality. However, this therapy has led to an increased incidence of metabolic problems such as insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, lipodystrophy and impaired glucose metabolism. The objectives of this study are to determine the prevalence of insulin resistance (IR) in a cohort of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and to investigate the potentially associated factors. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study including 219 adult patients with HIV on HAART. IR was determined through the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR) mathematical model, using fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and insulin. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess the association between demographic information, clinical characteristics and laboratory results, and IR. RESULTS: 75 (34.2 %) [95 % confidence interval (CI) 28.9-40.9] HIV-patients on HAART showed IR. 61 (81 %) of these patients were on HAART for more than one year, which was mainly composed by non-protease inhibitors drugs (88 %). Metabolic syndrome (MS) was found in 59 (26.9 %) subjects. In the multivariate analysis, the factors associated with IR were age ≥ 46 years (Prevalence ratio = 2.767, 95 % CI 1.325 to 5.780) and greater body mass index (BMI) (Prevalence ratio = 1.148, 95 % CI 1.054 to 1.250). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of IR was 34.2 %. Factors associated with IR were age and BMI. We did not find any significant association between IR and protease inhibitors (PI), which may be explained by the small number of patients using PI as part of their HAART regimen included in our study.

Diabetes Mellitus in Peru.

BACKGROUND: Peru is an upper medium-income developing country with an increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, including diabetes. OBJECTIVE: To review and describe the epidemiology, drivers, and diabetes care plan in Peru. METHODS: The medical literature was reviewed based on systematic searching of PubMed, Scielo, and various gray literature from the International Diabetes Federation, World Health Organization, and local Peruvian agencies. FINDINGS: In Peru, diabetes affects 7% of the population. Type 2 diabetes accounts for 96.8% of outpatients visits with this condition. Type 1 diabetes has an incidence of 0.4/100,000 per year, and gestational diabetes affects 16% of pregnancies. The prevalence of glucose intolerance is 8.11% and that of impaired fasting glucose 22.4%. The prevalence of overweight, obesity, and metabolic syndrome in adults is 34.7%, 17.5%, and 25%, respectively. Metabolic syndrome prevalence is greater in women and the elderly and at urban and low-altitude locations. Diabetes is the eighth cause of death, the sixth cause of blindness, and the leading cause of end-stage kidney disease and nontraumatic lower limb amputation. In Peru, diabetes accounts for 31.5% of acute myocardial infarctions and 25% of strokes. Infections, diabetic emergencies, and cardiovascular disorders are the main causes for admissions, with a mortality rate < 10%, mainly as a result of infections, chronic kidney disease, and stroke. Sixty-two percent of the population has health insurance coverage, with inequities in the distribution of health care personnel across the country. Less than 30% of treated patients have a hemoglobin A1c < 7%. CONCLUSIONS: Diabetes is a major health care issue in Peru that exposes difficult challenges and shortcomings. The national strategy for tackling diabetes includes promotion of healthy lifestyles; training primary care physicians and providing them with evidence-based clinical practice guidelines, safe and effective medications, and tools for monitoring treatment; and, finally, construction of a comprehensive health care network for early referral in order to prevent, detect, and treat diabetic complications.

Elevada frecuencia de neuropatía periférica en pacientes con Diabetes mellitus tipo 2 de un hospital general de Lima-Perú / High frequency of peripheral neuropathy in type 2 diabetic patients in a general hospital in Lima-Peru

Objetivos: Determinar la frecuencia de neuropatía periférica en pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 y la correlación entre la evaluación clínica con el estudio de la velocidad de conducción nerviosa (VCN). Material y métodos: Estudio descriptivo, transversal. Se evaluaron 62 pacientes con diagnóstico de diabetes mellitus tipo 2. Se utilizó el Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI), el Michigan Diabetic Neuropatic Score (MDNS) y el estudio de VCN. Además se describieron las variables demográficas, antropométricas y de laboratorio. Resultados: La frecuencia de neuropatía periférica fue 96,8% según la VCN y 45% según el MNSI. La correlación entre el número de nervios afectados según VCN y el score MDNS fue moderada (Spearman r=0,59; p<0,001). Conclusiones: Existe una elevada frecuencia de neuropatía periférica en los pacientes diabéticos evaluados y no hubo buena correlación entre VCN y el score MDNS.

Objectives: To determine the frequency of peripheral neuropathy in type 2 diabetic patients and to correlate it with clinical evolution and with nervous conduction velocity studies (NCV). Methods: Descriptive and cross-sectional study that evaluated 62 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI), the Michigan Diabetic Neuropathic Score (MDNS) and NCV were used. Demographic, anthropometric and laboratory data were also analyzed. Results: the frequency of peripheral neuropathy was 96,8% based on NCV and MNSI. A moderate correlation between the number of nerves affected by NCV and MDNS score was observed (Spearman r=0,59; p<0,001). Conclusions: A high frequency of peripheral neuropathy was observed among type 2 diabetic patients, no good correlation was observed between NCV and MDNS score.

Prevalence of diabetic retinopathy in Peruvian patients with type 2 diabetes: results of a hospital-based retinal telescreening program / Prevalencia de retinopatía diabética en pacientes con diabetes tipo 2 en el Perú: resultados de un programa hospitalario de detección sistemßtica mediante telemedicina

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in patients with type 2 diabetes and to determine any association with clinical factors. METHODS: This hospital-based screening project was designed to prospectively detect the presence of DR in patients with type 2 diabetes by grading images acquired with a digital retinal camera. RESULTS: Of 1 311 patients screened, appropriate retinal images were obtained in 1 222 subjects (93.2 percent). DR was detected in 282 patients (23.1 percent) [95 percent confidence interval (CI): 20.71-25.44]; 249 patients (20.4 percent) (95 percent CI: 18.1-22.6) had nonproliferative DR and 33 (2.7 percent) (95 percent CI: 1.8-3.6) had proliferative DR. In 32 patients (11.3 percent), DR was unilateral. The frequency of DR was the same in both sexes. Prevalence of blindness was twice as frequent in patients with DR as in those without it (9.4 percent and 4.6 percent, respectively) (P = 0.001). The frequency of DR at diagnosis was 3.5 percent and it increased with the duration of diabetes. DR was more frequent in patients with arterial hypertension, macrovascular or microvascular complications, and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) > 7.0 percent and in those treated with insulin or sulfonylureas. It was less prevalent in those with HbA1c < 7.0 percent, with greater body mass index, and who had been treated with metformin. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of DR in these patients with type 2 diabetes was 23.1 percent. Nonproliferative retinopathy accounted for 77.0 percent of cases. Although less prevalent than in a previous report, it doubled the frequency of blindness in the people affected. A national screening DR program should be considered in order to detect this prevalent condition early and treat it in a timely fashion.

OBJETIVO: Calcular la prevalencia de la retinopatía diabética en pacientes con diabetes tipo 2 y determinar su asociación con factores clínicos. MÉTODOS: Este proyecto de detección sistemßtica hospitalaria se dise±ó para detectar de manera prospectiva la presencia de retinopatía diabética en pacientes con diabetes tipo 2 mediante la valoración de imßgenes obtenidas con una cßmara digital para fotografía retiniana. RESULTADOS: Se evaluó a 1 311 pacientes y se obtuvieron imßgenes retinianas apropiadas en 1 222 de ellos (93,2 por ciento). Se detectó retinopatía diabética en 282 pacientes (23,1 por ciento) (intervalo de confianza [IC] de 95 por ciento: 20,71-25,44): 249 pacientes (20,4 por ciento) (IC de 95 por ciento: 18,1-22,6) tenían retinopatía diabética no proliferativa y 33 (2,7 por ciento) (IC 95 por ciento: 1,8-3,6) presentaban retinopatía diabética proliferativa. En 32 pacientes (11,3 por ciento), la retinopatía diabética era unilateral. La frecuencia de retinopatía diabética fue la misma en ambos sexos. La prevalencia de ceguera fue del doble en los pacientes con retinopatía diabética que en aquellos sin ella (9,4 por ciento y 4,6 por ciento, respectivamente) (P = 0,001). La frecuencia de retinopatía diabética en el momento del diagnóstico fue de 3,5 por ciento y aumentó con la duración de la diabetes. La retinopatía diabética fue mßs frecuente en los pacientes con hipertensión arterial, complicaciones macrovasculares o microvasculares y hemoglobina A1c (HbA1c) > 7,0 por ciento, y en aquellos tratados con insulina o sulfonilureas. Fue menos prevalente en los pacientes con HbA1c < 7,0 por ciento, en aquellos con mayor índice de masa corporal y en los tratados con metformina. CONCLUSIONES: La prevalencia de retinopatía diabética en estos pacientes con diabetes tipo 2 fue de 23,1 por ciento. La retinopatía no proliferativa representó 77,0 por ciento de los casos. Aunque la prevalencia de la ceguera fue menor que en un informe anterior...