High-flow carotid cavernous fistula and 'white eye': A rare and easily misdiagnosed presentation - A case report and literature review.

The three classic symptoms of carotid cavernous fistula (CCF) are pulsating exophthalmos, bruit and conjunctival chemosis. Here, we present a clinical case of isolated abducens nerve palsy due to a high-flow CCF in an 84-year-old woman, without the typical congestive orbito-ocular features. It was a diagnostic challenge because, for patients older than 50 years with cardiovascular risk factors, ischaemic mononeuropathy is the most frequent aetiology. This case illustrates the least common type of CCF that can be easily misdiagnosed. Physicians should consider fistula as a possible diagnosis in a patient with isolated abducens nerve palsy even without the classic triad.

[Cerebral infarction in young patients: clinical characteristics and evolution in an Argentine cohort]. / Infarto cerebral en pacientes jóvenes: características clínicas y evolución en una cohorte argentina.

INTRODUCTION: Stroke (CVA) in young adults comprises approximately 10% of all cerebrovascular events. The information available on the recurrence of a new event in this population and particularly in Latin America is limited. Our objective was to examine the presence of stroke recurrence after having presented a stroke. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was carried out, including patients with arterial cerebral infarctions between the ages of 18 and 55, between January 2005 and May 2020. The main outcome was the recurrence of a cerebrovascular attack. RESULTS: 138 patients were included during a median follow-up of 24 months. The 52.2% (n = 72) were male patients and 73.4% (n = 94) had an initial NIHSS score of less than 4. The 38% (n = 52) had a history of arterial hypertension and 13, 1% (n = 18) history of previous stroke / TIA. 13% (n = 18) presented recurrence during their follow-up. DISCUSSION: The recurrence of neurovascular events occurs predominantly in patients with a history of previous stroke/TIA, probably secondary to diseases that are difficult to diagnose.

Introducción: El ataque cerebral (ACV) en adultos jóvenes comprende aproximadamente el 10% de todos los eventos cerebrovasculares. La información disponible sobre la recurrencia de un nuevo evento en esta población y particularmente en Latinoamérica es limitada. Nuestro objetivo fue examinar la presencia de recurrencia de ACV luego de haber presentado un infarto cerebral. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio de cohorte retrospectivo, incluyendo pacientes con infartos cerebrales arteriales en edades comprendidas entre 18 y 55 años, entre enero de 2005 a mayo de 2020. El resultado principal fue la recurrencia de un ataque cerebrovascular. Resultados: Se incluyeron 138 pacientes durante una mediana de seguimiento de 24 meses. El 52.2% (n = 72) de sexo masculino y el 73,4% (n = 94) tuvo un NIHSS inicial menor a 4. El 38% (n = 52) tenía antecedentes de hipertensión arterial y 13,1% (n = 18) antecedentes de ACV / ataque isquémico transitorio (AIT) previo. El 13% (n = 18) presento recurrencia durante su seguimiento. Discusión: La recurrencia de los eventos neurovasculares ocurren predominantemente en pacientes con antecedentes de ACV/AIT previo, probablemente secundario a enfermedades de difícil diagnóstico.

Infarto cerebral en pacientes jóvenes: características clínicas y evolución en una cohorte Argentina / Cerebral infarction in young patients: clinical character istics and evolution in an Argentine cohort

Resumen Introducción : El ataque cerebral (ACV) en adultos jó venes comprende aproximadamente el 10% de todos los eventos cerebrovasculares. La información disponible so bre la recurrencia de un nuevo evento en esta población y particularmente en Latinoamérica es limitada. Nuestro objetivo fue examinar la presencia de recurrencia de ACV luego de haber presentado un infarto cerebral. Métodos : Se realizó un estudio de cohorte retros pectivo, incluyendo pacientes con infartos cerebrales arteriales en edades comprendidas entre 18 y 55 años, entre enero de 2005 a mayo de 2020. El resultado principal fue la recurrencia de un ataque cerebro vascular. Resultados: Se incluyeron 138 pacientes durante una mediana de seguimiento de 24 meses. El 52.2% (n = 72) de sexo masculino y el 73,4% (n = 94) tuvo un NIHSS inicial menor a 4. El 38% (n = 52) tenía antecedentes de hipertensión arterial y 13,1% (n = 18) antecedentes de ACV / ataque isquémico transitorio (AIT) previo. El 13% (n = 18) presento recurrencia durante su seguimiento. Discusión : La recurrencia de los eventos neurovas culares ocurren predominantemente en pacientes con antecedentes de ACV/AIT previo, probablemente secun dario a enfermedades de difícil diagnóstico.

Abstract Introduction : Stroke (CVA) in young adults comprises approximately 10% of all cerebrovascular events. The information available on the recurrence of a new event in this population and particularly in Latin America is limited. Our objective was to examine the presence of stroke recurrence after having presented a stroke. Methods : A retrospective cohort study was carried out, including patients with arterial cerebral infarctions between the ages of 18 and 55, between January 2005 and May 2020. The main outcome was the recurrence of a cerebrovascular attack. Results : 138 patients were included during a median follow-up of 24 months. The 52.2% (n = 72) were male patients and 73.4% (n = 94) had an initial NIHSS score of less than 4. The 38% (n = 52) had a history of arterial hypertension and 13, 1% (n = 18) history of previous stroke / TIA. 13% (n = 18) presented recurrence during their follow-up. Discussion : The recurrence of neurovascular events occurs predominantly in patients with a history of previ ous stroke/TIA, probably secondary to diseases that are difficult to diagnose.

The economics impacts of long-run droughts: Challenges, gaps, and way forward.

Quantifying drought's economic impacts has been key for decision-making to build future strategies and improve the development and implementation of proactive plans. However, climate change is changing drought frequency, intensity, and durability. These changes imply modifications of their economic impact, as longer droughts result in greater cumulative economic losses for water users. Though the longer the drought lasts, other factors also play a crucial role in its economic outcomes, such as Infrastructure capacity (IC), the Amount of Water in Storage (AWS) in reservoirs and aquifers, and short- and long-term responses to it. This study proposes and applies an analytical framework for the economic assessment of long-run droughts, assessing and explaining central Chile megadrought economic effects through the factors that begin to influence the economic impact level in this setting. High levels of both IC and the AWS, as well as short- and long-term responses of water users, allow for high resilience to long-run droughts, tolerating extraordinary water disruption in its society with relatively low total economic impacts. Despite this adaptability, long-term droughts bring places to a water-critical threshold where long-term adaptation strategies may be less flexible than short-term strategies, escalating the adverse economic effects. This fact suggests that the economic evaluation of megadrought needs to focus on future tipping points (substantial water scarcity). The tipping point depends on the IC, how water users manage the AWS, and adaptation strategies. Establishing the tipping point should be a priority for future interdisciplinary research.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome and COVID-19 Vaccine: A Multicenter Retrospective Study of 46 Cases.

ABSTRACT: In the context of the global vaccination campaign against COVID-19, several cases of postvaccinal Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) were reported. Whether a causal relationship exists between these events has yet to be established. We investigated the clinical and electromyographic characteristics of patients who developed GBS after COVID-19 vaccination and compare these with findings in patients with GBS, without a history of recent vaccination. We included 91 cases between March 2020 and March 2022, treated at 10 referral hospitals of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Of these, 46 had received vaccination against COVID-19 within the previous month. Although Medical Research Council sum-scores were similar in both groups (median 52 vs. 50; P = 0.4), cranial nerve involvement was significantly more frequent in the postvaccination group (59% vs. 38%; P = 0.02), as was bilateral facial paralysis (57% vs. 24%; P = 0.002). No differences were found in clinical or neurophysiological phenotypes, although 17 subjects presented the variant of bilateral facial palsy with paresthesias (11 vs. 6; P = 0.1); nor were significant differences observed in length of hospital stay or mortality rates. Future vaccine safety monitoring and epidemiology studies are essential to demonstrate any potential causal relationship between these events.

Cyclosporine-induced erythromelalgia.

Erythromelalgia is a rare syndrome characterised by recurrent erythema, heat and burning pain in the extremities. There are two types: primary (genetic) and secondary (toxic, drug-related or associated with other diseases). We report a 42-year-old woman who developed erythromelalgia after taking cyclosporine for myasthenia gravis. Although exact mechanism for this rare adverse effect is unclear, it is reversible, and so clinicians should be aware of the association . Additional use of corticosteroids could aggravate cyclosporine's toxic effects.

The RECAPACITA project: Description of the clinical, neuropsychological and functional profile of a sample of people with severe mental disorder and legal capacity modification in Spain.

Severe mental disorder (SMD) includes people with long-term mental disorders, disability and social dysfunction. The mental capacity evaluation of the people has been a key aspect in legislative systems around the world and different proposals have been made. In countries like Spain, until 2021, the mental capacity of individuals was assessed by means of legal proceedings. In the last years, there has been a notable increase in the number of claims for legal incapacity, but no data are available on the total number of persons with CM, neither on the specific pathologies, or clinical and cognitive profiles. In view of the total absence of data on the profile of people with SMD and modification of capacity, the RECAPACITA study was born. This study includes patients with SMD and CM, as well as those without CM, with the aim to describe exhaustively their clinical, neuropsychological and functional profile of people with SMD and CM, as well as obtaining a basic description of the social environment. OBJECTIVES: To describe CM in SMD, to identify clinical diagnoses, clinical severity and neuropsychological deterioration. METHODS: Cross-sectional descriptive study. 77 adult patients with SMD and CM, inpatients from the mental health sector of the Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu (Spain), outpatients linked to the community rehabilitation services (CRS), and penitentiary inmates. CM, sociodemographic, clinical, functional and neuropsychological data are collected. RESULTS: In the sample, 59.5% present total CM. 74.7% are men (mean: 52.5 years). 87,0% have a diagnosis of schizophrenia. The estimated premorbid IQ is 91.4. The Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) had a mean of 50.5, the "Clinical Global Impression Scale" (CGI) was 4.6 and Scale Unawareness of Mental Disorders (SUMD) was 9.28. The cognitive results shows a profile with slow proceeding speed (mean scale score: 6.6), good working memory (mean SC: 8.3) and adequate verbal comprehension (mean SC: 7.3). In memory, coding is altered (Pz: -1.9), and long-term spontaneous recall (Pz: -2.3). In abstract reasoning, a slight alteration is obtained (Mean SC: 6), as well as in semantic fluency (Mean SC: 6.3), phonological (Mean SC: 5.9), and inhibitory capacity (Mean SC: 5.7). CONCLUSIONS: Most of the sample are men with schizophrenia, with a total MC assumed by a tutelary foundation. They show a moderate alteration in global functioning and clinical global impression, with partial awareness of the disease. They present dysexecutive mild cognitive impairment, with poor memory coding and free retrieval capacity, and a normal IQ, adequate verbal comprehension and working memory. This study is the first to present objective data on the psychiatric, functional and cognitive status of a group of patients with CM. Such research could be a good starting point to address a topic of great interest from the health, social and legal point of view of the CM processes of people with SMD.

Crossbow injuries: A case of suicide.

We are reporting the case of a 65 year-old man who suffered a severe depression and committed suicide using a crossbow. The death happened at his home. The suicide victim was on his knees, with of a crossbow leveled at his thorax and located facing him on the sofa. He shot it by pulling the trigger with the bended end of a ramrod. The arrow entered between the third and the fourth rib on the left side, with a downwards and slightly outwards direction. It went through the lung and the tip of the arrow came out the back. The arrow was removed when the body was lifted, and the wounds had a three-pointed star shape which corresponded to the head of the arrow crossbow. Police enquiry and forensic investigation confirmed a suicidal manner of death. This paper presents different issues of the case, such as the attestation of tears in clothing, the morphology of the wounds or the arrow track. The case is compared with other cases in the medical forensic literature involving the use of crossbows. Finally, it is highlighted how easy it is to purchase these weapons despite their obvious power and accuracy, factors that seriously recommend legislative regulation to be increased and its use more restricted.

Central Venous Reflux, a Rare Cause of Neurological Manifestations in Hemodialysis Patients: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Central venous disease (CVD) is a serious complication in hemodialysis patients. Neurological manifestations are rare. We describe a female with end-stage renal disease with throbbing headache accompanied by paresthesia, weakness, and abnormal posture of her right hand during dialysis sessions. Motor symptoms completely resolved after each dialysis session, although the headaches persisted for several hours. No neurological deficit was evidenced on physical examination. Digital subtraction angiography identified an incomplete thrombosis of the left brachiocephalic vein with retrograde flow in the internal jugular vein, sigmoid sinus, and transverse sinus on the left side. This case illustrates that cerebral venous congestion due to CVD can produce neurological symptoms. Furthermore, we systematically review the literature to identify the characteristics of the cases described so far. This allows clinicians to know the entity and have a high index of suspicion in a hemodialysis patient who develops neurological symptoms.

Perfil clínico de los pacientes con aneurisma cerebral atendidos en el Hospital Carlos Andrade Marín / Clinical profile of patients with cerebral aneurysms treated at Carlos Andrade Marín Hospital

INTRODUCCIÓN. En Ecuador, las enfermedades cerebrovasculares son la tercera causa de muerte en la población general; existen pocos datos en la literatura médica sobre la hemorragia subaracnoidea aneurismática y aneurismas no rotos, por lo que fue fundamental describir un perfil clínico. OBJETIVO. Caracterizar la clínica de los pacientes con diagnóstico de aneurisma cerebral. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS. Estudio observacional descriptivo. Población de 450 y muestra de 447 pacientes con diagnóstico de aneurisma cerebral atendidos en la Unidad de Neurología del Hospital Carlos Andrade Marín, periodo enero 2010 a diciembre 2018. Los datos clínicos e imagenológicos fueron recolectados a través de la revisión de historias clínicas digitales obtenidas del sistema informático MIS/AS400, y se analizaron en el programa estadístico International Business Machines Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, versión 23. RESULTADOS. Se identificaron 605 aneurismas en 447 pacientes. El 80,5% (360; 447) presentó aneurismas rotos, de éstos el 81,4% (293; 360) tuvo un solo aneurisma. El factor de riesgo más frecuente fue la hipertensión arterial con el 44,3% (198; 447), las manifestaciones observadas fueron: hemorragia subaracnoidea con el 98,9% (356; 360) en aneurismas rotos; y cefalea con el 65,5% (57; 87) en aneurismas no rotos. DISCUSIÓN. Se encontró datos relevantes no coincidentes con la literatura científica mundial, como el bajo número de aneurismas asintomáticos y no rotos, comparados con su contraparte. CONCLUSIÓN. Se evidenció que los aneurismas intracraneales produjeron una amplia gama de manifestaciones clínicas, que fluctuaron desde la hemorragia subaracnoidea como la más frecuente en el grupo de aneurismas rotos, hasta pacientes completamente asintomáticos en el grupo de aneurismas no rotos.

INTRODUCTION. In Ecuador, cerebrovascular diseases are the third leading cause of death in the general population; there are few data in the medical literature on aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage and unruptured aneurysms, so it was essential to describe a clinical profile. OBJECTIVE. To characterize the clinical profile of patients diagnosed with cerebral aneurysm. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Descriptive observational study. Population of 450 and sample of 447 patients with a diagnosis of cerebral aneurysm seen in the Neurology Unit of the Carlos Andrade Marín Hospital, period January 2010 to December 2018. Clinical and imaging data were collected through the review of digital medical records obtained from the MIS/AS400 computer system, and were analyzed in the statistical program International Business Machines Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 23. RESULTS. A total of 605 aneurysms were identified in 447 patients. A total of 80,5% (360; 447) had ruptured aneurysms, of which 81,4% (293; 360) had a single aneurysm. The most common risk factor was hypertension with 44,3% (198; 447), the manifestations observed were: subarachnoid hemorrhage with 98,9% (356; 360) in ruptured aneurysms; and headache with 65,5% (57; 87) in unruptured aneurysms. DISCUSSION. We found relevant data not consistent with the world scientific literature, such as the low number of asymptomatic and unruptured aneurysms, compared with its counterpart. CONCLUSION. It was evidenced that intracranial aneurysms produced a wide range of clinical manifestations, ranging from subarachnoid hemorrhage as the most frequent in the group of ruptured aneurysms, to completely asymptomatic patients in the group of unruptured aneurysms.

Perfil clínico y epidemiológico de los pacientes con diagnóstico de neuromielitis óptica / Clinical and epidemiological profile of patients with neuromyelitis optica diagnosis

INTRODUCCIÓN. El trastorno del espectro de neuromielitis óptica, enfermedad inflamatoria, desmielinizante, afecta al sistema nervioso central, frecuente en poblaciones no caucásicas como la ecuatoriana. El retraso en su diagnóstico y tratamiento provoca discapacidad que se puede prevenir. OBJETIVO. Determinar el perfil clínico y epidemiológico de los pacientes con diagnóstico de trastorno del espectro de neuromielitis óptica. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS. Estudio descriptivo transversal. Población de 45 Historias Clínicas y una muestra de 41 de pacientes con diagnóstico de trastorno del espectro de neuromielitis óptica atendidos en la Unidad de Neurología del Hospital de Especialida-des Carlos Andrade Marín, período enero 2005 a diciembre 2019. Se realizó análisis univarial. Se aplicó el programa estadístico International Business Machines Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, versión 25. RESULTADOS. El 76,0% (31; 41) fueron mujeres. Datos promedios: edad 48,9 años; diagnóstico definitivo demoró 4,12 años, desde el inicio de los síntomas; tiempo de diagnóstico fue 3,17 años; 3,7 brotes en total; el 87,8% (36; 41) con un fenotipo recurrente. La media de duración de la enfermedad fue de 6,8 años. En el 70,7% (29; 41), se identificaron anticuerpos anti-AQP4 en suero mediante inmunofluorescencia directa, el 51,2% requirieron para la marcha apoyo uni o bilateral. El 43,9% (18; 41) debutó con neuritis óptica; el 31,7% (13; 41) presentaron mielitis como primer síntoma y el 24,4% (10; 41) la combinación de neuritis óptica y mielitis fueron los síntomas iniciales. CONCLUSIÓN. Se determinó el perfil clínico y epi-demiológico de los pacientes con diagnóstico de trastorno del espectro de neuromielitis óptica. Existió demora en el diagnóstico definitivo de los pacientes desde el inicio de los síntomas, lo que se tradujo en un aumento de la discapacidad.

INTRODUCTION. Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, an inflammatory, demyelinating disease, affects the central nervous system, common in non-Caucasian popu-lations such as Ecuadorians. The delay in its diagnosis and treatment causes disabi-lity that can be prevented. OBJECTIVE. To determine the clinical and epidemiological profile of patients diagnosed with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Cross-sectional descriptive study. Population of 45 Medical Records and a sample of 41 patients with a diagnosis of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disor-der seen at the Neurology Unit of the Carlos Andrade Marín Specialties Hospital, period from January 2005 to December 2019. Univariate analysis was performed. The statistical program International Business Machines Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 25 was used. RESULTS. 76,0% (31; 41) were women. Average data: age 48,9 years; definitive diagnosis took 4,12 years from the onset of symptoms; time to diagnosis was 3,17 years; 3,7 outbreaks in total; 87,8% (36; 41) with a recurrent phenotype. The average disease duration was 6,8 years. In 70,7% (29; 41), anti-AQP4 antibodies were identified in serum by direct immunofluorescence, 51,2% required uni- or bilateral su-pport for walking. Optic neuritis started in 43,9% (18; 41); 31,7% (13; 41) had myelitis as the first symptom and 24,4% (10; 41) the combination of optic neuritis and myelitis were the initial symptoms. CONCLUSION. The clinical and epidemiological profile of patients diagnosed with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder was determined. There was delay in the conclusive diagnosis of patients from the beginning of symptoms, which resulted in increased disability.

Impact of Rituximab on relapse rate and disability in an Ecuadorian cohort of patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders.

BACKGROUND: Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD) is a severe inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system that often causes disability. Based on evidence from prospective and retrospective studies, Rituximab (RTX) has been used as the first-line of therapy in NMOSD. Nevertheless, evidence of the impact of RTX on relapse rate and disability in Ecuadorian patients with NMOSD is lacking. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of RTX in an Ecuadorian cohort of patients with NMOSD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted in a cohort of patients with NMOSD who received treatment with RTX in a third-level hospital in Quito, Ecuador. Digital medical records of NMOSD patients were reviewed to attain sociodemographic data, disease characteristics, and treatment with RTX. The annualized relapse rate ARR, as well as the degree of disability measured through the expanded disability scale (EDSS), was established before and after treatment. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients with NMOSD treated with RTX were included, the mean age of onset of the disease was 37.2 years (range, 13-64.5). The average duration of disease was 8.5 years (range, 1.3-34.4). Positivity for antibodies against aquaporin-4 (AQP4-IgG) was identified in 78% of the patients. The mean duration of the treatment with RTX was 40 months (range, 12-61). After the RTX therapy, the number of relapses was reduced in 91% (21/23) of cases. The annualized relapsed rate (ARR) was reduced with RTX from 1.89 to 0.12 (p <0.001). The mean EDSS was also reduced from 4.8 to 3.9 (p = 0.014). In all patients, the mean EDSS was reduced or stabilized with RTX. Overall, the drug was well tolerated, the most frequent adverse events were infections which were present in 65.2% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: Though with the limitations of and observational study, our data support RTX effectiveness and safety in an Ecuadorian cohort of patients with NMOSD.

Calidad de vida relacionada con la salud en pacientes con diagnóstico de tuberculosis pulmonar / Health-related quality of life in patients diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis

INTRODUCCIÓN. La tuberculosis es la novena causa de muerte a nivel mundial y la principal causa de defunción por un agente infeccioso. La localización pulmonar es frecuente, tiene síntomas inespecíficos y tendencia a la cronicidad. OBJETIVO. Evaluar la calidad de vida en una cohorte de pacientes con diagnóstico de tuberculosis pulmonar. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS. Estudio observacional, analítico de casos y controles. Población y muestra conocida de 129 datos de Historias Clínicas, 43 casos y 86 controles sanos, en 15 Centros de Salud en Quito, de mayo a junio 2015. Criterios de inclusión (casos): mayor de 18 años, diagnóstico de tuberculosis pulmonar en tratamiento; (controles): no tener diagnóstico de tuberculosis pulmonar o extrapulmonar ni patologías crónicas. Los datos se tomaron de las Historias Clínicas, se aplicó una encuesta personalizada y el cuestionario de calidad de vida Short Form-36 versión 2. Se realizó un análisis univarial, bivarial y multivarial. Para el análisis de datos se utilizó el programa estadístico International Business Machines Statistical Package for the Social Sciences versión 23. RESULTADOS. Los casos tuvieron puntuaciones de calidad de vida bajos comparados con los contro- les (DM=34,11 IC 29,7-38,4). La dimensión más afectada fue función física (DM=46,5 IC 39,2­53,8) y la menos afectada fue dolor corporal (DM=24,1 IC 16,9­31,4). DISCUSIÓN. Se evidenció resultados similares de otros países con alta prevalencia de tuberculosis pulmonar que afectó la calidad de vida de los pacientes. CONCLUSIÓN. La tuberculosis pulmonar fue un factor determínate del deterioro de la calidad de vida.

INTRODUCTION. Tuberculosis is the ninth leading cause of death worldwide and the leading cause of death from an infectious agent. The pulmonary location is frequent, has nonspecific symptoms and a tendency to chronicity. OBJECTIVE. To assess the quality of life in a cohort of patients with a diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Observational, analytical case-control study. Population and known sample of 129 data from Medical Records, 43 cases and 86 healthy controls, in 15 Health Centers in Quito, from may to june 2015. Inclusion criteria (cases): older than 18 years, diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis under treatment; (controls): not having a diagnosis of pulmonary or extrapulmonary tuberculosis or chronic pathologies. The data were taken from the Medical Records, a personalized survey and the Short Form-36 version 2 quality of life question- naire were applied. A univariate, bivariate and multivariate analysis was performed. For data analysis, the statistical program International Business Machines Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 23 was used. RESULTS. The cases had low quality of life scores compared to the controls (MD=34,11 CI 29,7-38,4). The dimension most affected was physical function (MD=46,5 CI 39,2-53,8) and the least affected was body pain (MD=24,1 CI 16,9-31,4). DISCUSSION. Similar results were found in other countries with a high prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis that affected the quality of life of patients. CONCLUSION. Pulmonary tuberculosis was a determining factor in the deterioration of quality of life.

El Perfil Epidemiológico Y Clínico De La Esclerosis Múltiple En El Ecuador / The Clinical And Epidemiological Profile Of Multiple Sclerosis In Ecuador

Resumen En el Ecuador ha habido un importante incremento en el número de publicaciones sobre Esclerosis Múltiple (EM) en los últimos años. Este interés por conocer el comportamiento clínico y epidemiológico de la enfermedad nos ha permitido establecer semejanzas y diferencias con otras cohortes de pacientes con EM que provienen de regiones en donde la prevalencia de la enfermedad es alta. El Ecuador sigue siendo un país de baja prevalencia, los estudios han demostrado que la misma fluctúa entre 3 a 5 casos por 100.000 habitantes. El comportamiento epidemiológico es muy similar a la de cohortes europeas por ejemplo el sexo femenino es el principalmente afectado. Sin embargo, el comportamiento clínico difiere en lo que respecta a deterioro cognitivo, fatiga siendo éstos menos frecuentes. Aún se desconoce el impacto de la vitamina D en nuestros pacientes debido a que, solo un estudio ha sido llevado a cabo. Al parecer, existe una alta prevalencia de deficiencia e insuficiencia de vitamina D en los pacientes ecuatorianos pero no se traduce en un incremento de prevalencia o discapacidad como ocurre en poblaciones europeas. A pesar de que tenemos una mejor comprensión de la enfermedad en el país, más estudios son necesarios y es imperativo incluir a todos los pacientes ecuatorianos con esclerosis múltiple con el fin de mejorar nuestro conocimiento sobre el comportamiento de esta patología en nuestra región.

Abstract In recent years, the number of publications on Multiple Sclerosis (MS) from Ecuador has seen a significant increase. As a result, the research on the clinical and epidemiological behaviour of the disease has allowed us to make comparisons with other cohorts of patients with MS that come from regions where the prevalence of the disease is high. Nevertheless, Ecuador is still a country in which the prevalence of MS is low with a prevalence that fluctuates between 3 to 5 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. The epidemiological behaviour of MS is very similar to that of european cohorts, for example female patients are the most affected. However, the clinical behaviour of multiple sclerosis differs in terms of cognitive impairment and fatigue being less frequent. The impact of vitamin D on patients with MS is still unknown as only one study has been carried out. This study show that there is a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in ecuadorian patients, but this does not translate into an increase in prevalence or disability as it does in european populations. Although we have a better understanding of the disease in the country, more studies are necessary, and it is imperative that all ecuadorian patients with MS be included in future studies in order to improve our knowledge about the behaviour of this disease in our region.

Factores pronósticos de la Esclerosis Múltiple / Prognostic factors in Multiple Sclerosis

Resumen La Esclerosis Múltiple es una enfermedad inflamatoria y degenerativa del Sistema Nervioso Central que afecta a la población adulta joven. La prevalencia de esta entidad es heterogénea en el mundo y baja en el Ecuador. El diagnóstico se basa en los criterios de McDonald 2017. Una vez que el diagnóstico se ha establecido, es necesario determinar si los pacientes tienen factores de mal pronóstico los cuales van a generar un impacto en el tipo de tratamiento a elegir. Al momento, se han estudiado factores pronósticos epidemiológicos, clínicos, biomoleculares y de imagen los cuales nos permiten predecir si la enfermedad tiene un comportamiento agresivo o por el contrario un curso benigno. El número de lesiones en las imágenes de resonancia magnética cerebral, la presencia de lesiones en tronco encefálico y médula espinal son los factores que han demostrado tener un impacto en la progresión de discapacidad. La presencia de bandas oligoclonales en el líquido cefalorraquídeo tiene un rol fundamental en la conversión de un síndrome clínico aislado en esclerosis múltiple clínicamente establecida. Los niveles bajos de vitamina D ha demostrado estar asociado con mal pronóstico pero su aplicabilidad en países como el Ecuador es aún tema de investigación.

Abstract Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory and degenerative disease of the central nervous system which affects young adults. The prevalence of multiple sclerosis in the world is heterogeneous and is low in Ecuador. The diagnosis is based on the McDonald 2017 criteria. Once the diagnosis has been made, it is necessary that any negative factors which will impact the type of treatment used be identified. At this time, factors such as epidemiological, clinical, biomolecular, and magnetic resonance images, which will allow us to identify if the case is aggressive or benign, are studied. The number of lesions shown in a brain MRI, the presence of lesions in the brain stem and spinal cord are factors which have been demonstrated to have an impact on the progression of disability. The presence of oligoclonal bands in the cerebrospinal fluid has a fundamental role in the conversion of an isolated clinical syndrome to multiple sclerosis. Low levels of vitamin D have been associated with a negative prognosis, however how important vitamin D is in the prognosis of MS in countries such as Ecuador is still an area to be studied.

Malaria grave en unidad de cuidados intensivos: Reporte de un caso de una especie no endémica en Norte de Santander, Colombia / Severe Malaria in the Intensive Care Unit: The report of a Case of a Non-Endemic Species in North of Santander, Colombia / Malária grave na unidade de terapia intensiva: Informe de um caso de um tipo não endêmica no estado de Norte de Santander, na Colômbia

Introducción: La malaria es una enfermedad infecciosa vectorial de predominio en regiones tropicales y subtropicales. Existen 5 serotipos de Plasmodium, en Colombia se encuentran dos serotipos para malaria endémica, P. vivax y P. falciparum. Norte de Santander es una zona endémica para P. vivax. Objetivo: Presentación de un caso de malaria grave importada por P. falciparum, con una breve descripción de los aspectos fisiopatológicos de la malaria grave y los advenimientos de las nuevas terapias antipalúdicas. Presentación del caso: Paciente masculino de 45 años procedente de una región endémica para P. falciparum, que ingresó por cuadro febril inespecífico, trombocitopenia severa, alteración de la función renal y hepática con deterioro de su estado general. Es trasladado a la unidad de cuidados intensivos como urgencia dialítica, se diagnóstica malaria grave por P. falciparum, es tratado con antimaláricos y se reporta posible coinfección para el virus del dengue por inmunoglobulina M positiva (IgM), recibe terapia de reemplazo renal. Se contextualiza bajo un círculo vicioso en la disfunción de órganos, estructurado entre la insuficiencia renal y la insuficiencia respiratoria aguda con incremento de la permeabilidad vascular e hipoxemia refractaria, pese al esfuerzo terapéutico fallece por falla orgánica múltiple, por malaria grave. Conclusiones: La malaria es un problema en el área de salud pública, en nuestro caso corresponde a una malaria importada ya que en el departamento de Norte de Santander no se ha identificado dicho serotipo. [Ortiz-Ruiz G, Urbina-Contreras ZE, Lamos-Duarte AF, Ferreira MF, García-Zambrano F. Malaria grave en unidad de cuidados intensivos: Reporte de un caso de una especie no endémica en Norte de Santander, Colombia. MedUNAB 2017-2018; 20(3): 383-392].

Introduction: Malaria is a vector-borne infectious disease which is predominant in tropical and subtropical regions. There are 5 serotypes of Plasmodium, in Colombia there are two serotypes for endemic malaria, P. vivax and P. falciparum. North of Santander is an endemic area for P. vivax. Objective: To show a case of severe malaria caused by P. falciparum, with a brief description of the pathophysiological aspects of severe malaria and the advent of new antimalarial therapies. Case Presentation: A 45- year-old male patient from an endemic region with P. falciparum, who was admitted due to nonspecific febrile symptoms, severe thrombocytopenia, impaired renal and hepatic functions with deterioration of his general condition. He is transferred to the intensive care unit as a dialytic urgency. Severe malaria due to P. falciparum was diagnosed, he is treated with antimalarial medication, and a possible coinfection is reported for the dengue virus due to a positive immunoglobulin M (IgM) result, so he receives a renal replacement therapy. The case is contextualized in a vicious circle of organ dysfunction, which is structured between renal failure and acute respiratory failure with an increased vascular permeability and refractory hypoxemia; despite the therapeutic effort, the patient dies due to multiple organ failures, and severe malaria. Conclusions: Malaria is a problem in the public health area. This case corresponds to imported malaria because this serotype has not been identified yet in the department of North of Santander. [Ortiz- Ruiz G, Urbina-Contreras ZE, Lamos-Duarte AF, Ferreira MF, García-Zambrano F. Severe Malaria in the Intensive Care Unit: The report of a Case of a Non-Endemic Species in North of Santander, Colombia. MedUNAB 2017-2018; 20(3): 383-392].

Introdução: A malária é uma doença infecciosa vetorial predominantemente nas regiões tropicais e subtropicais. Existem 5 sorotipos de Plasmodium, na Colômbia existem dois sorotipos para malária endêmica, P. vivax e P. falciparum. O estado de Norte de Santander é uma região endêmica para P. vivax. Objetivo:Apresentação de um caso de malária grave importado por P. falciparum, com uma breve descrição dos aspectos fisiopatológicos da malária grave e o advento das novas terapias anti-maláricas. Apresentação do caso: Paciente do sexo masculino de 45 anos de uma região endêmica do P. falciparum, admitido com sintomas febris não específicados, trombocitopenia grave, insuficiência renal e função hepática, num estado geral deteriorado. Ele é transferido para a unidade de cuidados intensivos como emergência de diálise, é diagnosticada a malaria grave causada pelo P. falciparum, ele é tratado com antimaláricos e se reporta uma posível co-infecção pelo vírus da dengue pela imunoglobulina M (IgM) positiva, recebe então, tratamento de reposição renal. É contextualizado num círculo vicioso na disfunção dos órgãos, estruturado entre insuficiência renal e insuficiência respiratória aguda com aumento da permeabilidade vascular e hipoxemia refractária, apesar do esforço terapêutico morre devido à falência múltipla de órgãos, gerada pela malária grave. Conclusões: A malária é um problema na área da saúde pública, no nosso caso corresponde a uma malária importada, já que no departamento de Norte de Santander este serótipo não foi identificado. [Ortiz-Ruiz G, Urbina-Contreras ZE, Lamos- Duarte AF, Ferreira MF, García-Zambrano F. Malária grave na unidade de terapia intensiva: Informe de um caso de um tipo não endêmica no estado de Norte de Santander, na Colômbia. MedUNAB 2017-2018; 20(3): 383-392].

Validación al castellano de la escala de estigma social: community Attitudes towards Mental Illness en población adolescente / Spanish validation of the social stigma scale: Community Attitudes towards Mental Illness

Introducción. El estigma hacia las personas con una enfermedad mental es muy elevado. En España no existen instrumentos actuales para evaluar este constructo. El objetivo del presente estudio es validar la versión española del cuestionario Community Attitudes towards Mental Illness en una población de adolescentes, estudiando la consistencia interna del instrumento, así como la estabilidad temporal. Este último análisis se realizará también por género. Material y métodos. Se llevó a cabo una traducción y retrotraducción del Community Attitudes towards Mental Illness. Se evaluaron con este instrumento un total de 150 alumnos de Enseñanza Secundaria Obligatoria, de entre 14 y 18 años, en 2 momentos. Se analizó la consistencia interna del instrumento mediante el α de Cronbach, y la fiabilidad test-retest con el coeficiente de correlación intraclase. Se realizaron análisis estratificados por género. Resultados. El α de Cronbach fue de 0,861 para la primera evaluación y de 0,909 para la segunda evaluación. Los valores del coeficiente de correlación intraclase oscilan entre 0,775-0,339 en el análisis de ítem por ítem, y entre 0,88-0,81 en las subescalas. En la segmentación por género encontramos que las puntuaciones en el coeficiente de correlación intraclase en el grupo de chicas está entre 0,797-0,863 y en los chicos entre 0,889-0,774. Conclusiones. En conclusión podemos afirmar que el Community Attitudes towards Mental Illness es un instrumento fiable para la evaluación del estigma social. A pesar de resultar fiable de la misma manera para chicos y para chicas, se han encontrado algunas diferencias en el análisis por género (AU)

Introduction. The stigma against people with mental illness is very high. In Spain there are currently no tools to assess this construct. The aim of this study was to validate the Spanish version of the Community Attitudes towards Mental Illness questionnaire in an adolescent population, and determining its internal consistency and temporal stability. Another analysis by gender will be also performed. Material and methods. A translation and back-translation of the Community Attitudes towards Mental Illness was performed. A total of 150 students of between 14 and 18 years-old were evaluated with this tool in two stages. Internal consistency was tested using Cronbach α; and intraclass correlation coefficient was used for test-retest reliability. Gender-stratified analyses were also performed. Results. The Cronbach α was 0.861 for the first evaluation and 0.909 for the second evaluation. The values of the intraclass correlation coefficient ranged from 0.775 to 0.339 in the item by item analysis, and between 0.88 and 0.81 in the subscales. In the segmentation by gender, it was found that girls scored between 0.797 and 0.863 in the intraclass correlation coefficient, and boys scored between 0.889 and 0.774. Conclusions. In conclusion, the Community Attitudes towards Mental Illness is a reliable tool for the assessment of social stigma. Although reliable results have been found for boys and girls, our results found some gender differences in the analysis (AU)

Effectiveness of an intervention for reducing social stigma towards mental illness in adolescents.

AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention for reducing social stigma towards mental illness in adolescents. The effect of gender and knowledge of someone with mental illness was measured. METHODS: Two hundred and eighty secondary school students were evaluated using the Community Attitudes towards Mental Illness (CAMI) questionnaire. The schools were randomized and some received the intervention and others acted as the control group. The programme consisted of providing information via a documentary film and of contact with healthcare staff in order to reduce the social stigma within the school environment. RESULTS: The intervention was effective in reducing the CAMI authoritarianism and social restrictiveness subscales. The intervention showed significant changes in girls in terms of authoritarianism and social restrictiveness, while boys only showed significant changes in authoritarianism. Following the intervention, a significant reduction was found in authoritarianism and social restrictiveness in those who knew someone with mental illness, and only in authoritarianism in those who did not know anyone with mental illness. CONCLUSION: The intervention was effective to reduce social stigma towards people with mental illness, especially in the area of authoritarianism. Some differences were found depending on gender and whether or not the subjects knew someone with mental illness.

Spanish version of the link´s perceived devaluaton and discrimination scale / Versión española de la escala Perceived Devaluation and Discrimination de Link

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to translate, adapt and validate the «Perceived Devaluation and Discrimination Scale» (PDD) in Spanish in a sample of people with schizophrenia. METHOD: A total of 130 people between 18 and 65 years and with a diagnosis of schizophrenia according to DSM-IV-R criteria from Barcelona and Vitoria were included. The patients were assessed with the translated version of the PDD, the Social Functioning Scale (SFS), the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF), the Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGI-S) and the Self-perception of Stigma Questionnaire for people with schizophrenia (SSQ). RESULTS: The questionnaire scored a Cronbach's a of .868 regarding its internal consistency reliability. Two components were found in the factorial analysis explaining 40% of the variance of the instrument (component 1 associated with individual self-perception and component 2 refers more to social stigma). The stability of the instrument measured using the intraclass correlation coefficient on both occasions oscillated between .415 and .806. Significant correlations were found with SSQ and SFS. CONCLUSIONS: The Spanish version of the PDD seems a good instrument for the assessment of self stigma

ANTECEDENTES: el objetivo de este estudio es traducir, adaptar y validar la «Perceived Devaluation and Discrimination Scale» (PDD) en español en una muestra de personas con esquizofrenia. MÉTODO: se incluyeron un total de 130 personas de entre 18 y 65 años con un diagnóstico de esquizofrenia según los criterios del DSM-IV-R de Barcelona y Vitoria. Los pacientes fueron evaluados con la versión traducida de la PDD, la Escala de Funcionamiento Social (SFS), la Evaluación Global de Funcionamiento (GAF), la escala Clinical Global Impresión (CGI-S) y la autopercepción de Estigma Cuestionario para las personas con esquizofrenia (SSQ). RESULTADOS: la consistencia interna del cuestionario, evaluada utilizando a de Cronbach, fue .868. Dos componentes fueron encontrados en el análisis factorial explicando el 40% de la varianza del instrumento (componente 1 asociado a la auto-percepción y el componente 2 individual se refiere más al estigma social). Los valores de estabilidad temporal medidos utilizando el coeficiente de correlación intraclase en ambas ocasiones oscilan entre .415 y .806. Se encontraron correlaciones significativas con SSQ y SFS. CONCLUSIONES: la versión española de PDD parece un buen instrumento para la evaluación del auto-estigma