[Emergency and disaster response in critical care unit in the Mexican Social Security Institute: triage and evacuation]. / Atención en emergencias y desastres en las unidades de terapia intensiva del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social: triage y evacuación.

Providing medical assistance in emergencies and disaster in advance makes the need to maintain Medical Units functional despite the disturbing phenomenon that confronts the community, but conflict occurs when the Medical Unit needs support and needs to be evacuated, especially when the evacuation of patients in a Critical Care Unit is required. In world literature there is little on this topic, and what is there usually focuses on the conversion of areas and increased ability to care for mass casualties, but not about how to evacuate if necessary, and when a wrong decision can have fatal consequences. That is why the Mexican Social Security Institute gave the task of examining these problems to a working group composed of specialists of the Institute. The purpose was to evaluate and establish a method for performing a protocol in the removal of patients and considering always to safeguard both staff and patients and maintain the quality of care.

La atención en emergencias y desastres implica mantener las unidades médicas en funcionamiento, pese al fenómeno perturbador al que se enfrente la comunidad; sin embargo, el conflicto ocurre cuando es la unidad médica la que necesita el apoyo y requiere ser evacuada, más aún cuando es indispensable la evacuación de los pacientes de las unidades de terapia intensiva. En la bibliografía mundial poco hay acerca de este tema, por lo general está enfocado a la reconversión de áreas e incremento de la capacidad para atención a saldo masivo de víctimas, pero no sobre cómo evacuar en caso necesario, y donde una decisión errónea puede traer consecuencias fatales. Por esto el Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social encomendó a un grupo de trabajo, conformado por médicos especialistas del propio Instituto, evaluar y establecer un método para protocolizar la evacuación de estos pacientes con la salvaguarda correspondiente del personal y del paciente sin que los estándares de calidad en la atención se alteren.

[Perspective on type 2 diabetes mellitus in the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social]. / Perspectiva de la diabetes mellitus tipo 2 en el Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social.

The Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social--always sensitive to the needs of health of the beneficiary population and to the demographic and epidemiological changes of the society--has developed and implemented DiabetlMSS, a program of attention to the diabetic patient. DiabetlMSS organizes care processes based on the needs and values of the patients, through simultaneous activities of individual consultation and group meetings granted by the multidisciplinary health team. These actions and activities are focused to affect patients' lifestyles positively. Through a plan of nutrition, physical activity, self-care and monitoring, this program increases the interaction between patients, by having an exchange of successful experiences about diabetes control. DiabetlMSS was created with the purpose that the patients achieve the metabolic control and identify complications early on, with the perspective of timely intervention that is reflected in the decrease of the catastrophic effects that causes the disease, both for patient's life expectancy and the quality of care provided by the Institute.

[Social security for health system transformation]. / La seguridad social en la transformación del sistema de salud.

The aim of this article is to present the management and medical components within the public health institutions that can contribute to the transformation of the National Health System (NHS). It is expected that these will have an impact in the extent of the medical coverage and will improve the health care services delivered to the Mexican population. A diagnostic study revealed the existence of fragmentation in the NHS. The health institutions are vertically established and operate under isolated mechanisms of financing and administration. Additionally, it is pointed out the problematic derived from the multiplicity in the public insurance conditions among individuals and the lack of census of the insured population within the institutions. As part of the universalization of health services, it is necessary to integrate the health care system; accordingly, a variety of mechanisms for the partial and total integration are arise, such as the exchange of the health care services and the portability and convergence of the institutions. Particularly, we listed the actions carried out by the Mexican Institute of Social Security for the integration of the NHS such as, the independent management medical areas, diagnosis-related groups (DRG), the performing evaluation of the medical units, and the preventive and curative strategies in the implemented programs. Finally, is dealt some reflections in order to improve the public health care.

Epidemiological characterization of a fourth wave of pandemic A/H1N1 influenza in Mexico, winter 2011-2012: age shift and severity.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: A substantial recrudescent wave of pandemic influenza A/H1N1 affected the Mexican population from December 1, 2011-March 20, 2012 following a 2-year period of sporadic transmission. METHODS: We analyzed demographic and geographic data on all hospitalizations with severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) and laboratory-confirmed A/H1N1 influenza, and inpatient deaths, from a large prospective surveillance system maintained by a Mexican social security medical system during April 1, 2009-March 20, 2012. We also estimated the reproduction number (R) based on the growth rate of the daily case incidence by date of symptoms onset. RESULTS: A total of 7569 SARI hospitalizations and 443 in-patient deaths (5.9%) were reported between December 1, 2011, and March 20, 2012 (1115 A/H1N1-positive inpatients and 154 A/H1N1-positive deaths). The proportion of laboratory-confirmed A/H1N1 hospitalizations and deaths was higher among subjects ≥60 years of age (χ(2) test, p <0.0001) and lower among younger age groups (χ(2) test, p <0.04) for the 2011-2012 pandemic wave compared to the earlier waves in 2009. The reproduction number of the winter 2011-2012 wave in central Mexico was estimated at 1.2-1.3, similar to that reported for the fall 2009 wave, but lower than that of spring 2009. CONCLUSIONS: We documented a substantial increase in the number of SARI hospitalizations during the period December 2011-March 2012 and an older age distribution of laboratory-confirmed A/H1N1 influenza hospitalizations and deaths relative to 2009 A/H1N1 pandemic patterns. The gradual change in the age distribution of A/H1N1 infections in the post-pandemic period is consistent with a build-up of immunity among younger populations.

Epidemiological characteristics and underlying risk factors for mortality during the autumn 2009 pandemic wave in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Elucidating the role of the underlying risk factors for severe outcomes of the 2009 A/H1N1 influenza pandemic could be crucial to define priority risk groups in resource-limited settings in future pandemics. METHODS: We use individual-level clinical data on a large series of ARI (acute respiratory infection) hospitalizations from a prospective surveillance system of the Mexican Social Security medical system to analyze clinical features at presentation, admission delays, selected comorbidities and receipt of seasonal vaccine on the risk of A/H1N1-related death. We considered ARI hospitalizations and inpatient-deaths, and recorded demographic, geographic, and medical information on individual patients during August-December, 2009. RESULTS: Seasonal influenza vaccination was associated with a reduced risk of death among A/H1N1 inpatients (OR = 0.43 (95% CI: 0.25, 0.74)) after adjustment for age, gender, geography, antiviral treatment, admission delays, comorbidities and medical conditions. However, this result should be interpreted with caution as it could have been affected by factors not directly measured in our study. Moreover, the effect of antiviral treatment against A/H1N1 inpatient death did not reach statistical significance (OR = 0.56 (95% CI: 0.29, 1.10)) probably because only 8.9% of A/H1N1 inpatients received antiviral treatment. Moreover, diabetes (OR = 1.6) and immune suppression (OR = 2.3) were statistically significant risk factors for death whereas asthmatic persons (OR = 0.3) or pregnant women (OR = 0.4) experienced a reduced fatality rate among A/H1N1 inpatients. We also observed an increased risk of death among A/H1N1 inpatients with admission delays >2 days after symptom onset (OR = 2.7). Similar associations were also observed for A/H1N1-negative inpatients. CONCLUSIONS: Geographical variation in identified medical risk factors including prevalence of diabetes and immune suppression may in part explain between-country differences in pandemic mortality burden. Furthermore, access to care including hospitalization without delay and antiviral treatment and are also important factors, as well as vaccination coverage with the 2008-09 trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine.

Polymerized-type I collagen downregulates inflammation and improves clinical outcomes in patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis following arthroscopic lavage: a randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: Polymerized-type I collagen (polymerized collagen) is a downmodulator of inflammation and cartilage regenerator biodrug. AIM: To evaluate the effect of intraarticular injections of polymerized collagen after arthroscopic lavage on inflammation and clinical improvement in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: Patients (n = 19) were treated with 6 intraarticular injections of 2 mL of polymerized collagen (n = 10) or 2 mL of placebo (n = 9) during 3 months. Followup was 3 months. The primary endpoints included Lequesne index, pain on a visual analogue scale (VAS), WOMAC, analgesic usage, the number of Tregs and proinflammatory/anti-inflammatory cytokine-expressing peripheral cells. Secondary outcomes were Likert score and drug evaluation. Clinical and immunological improvement was determined if the decrease in pain exceeds 20 mm on a VAS, 20% of clinical outcomes, and inflammatory parameters from baseline. Urinary levels of C-terminal crosslinking telopeptide of collagen type II (CTXII) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were determined. RESULTS: Polymerized collagen was safe and well tolerated. Patients had a statistically significant improvement (P < 0.05) from baseline versus polymerized collagen and versus placebo at 6 months on Lequesne index, VAS, ESR, Tregs IL-1ß, and IL-10 peripheral-expressing cells. Urinary levels of CTXII were decreased 44% in polymerized collagen versus placebo. No differences were found on incidence of adverse events between groups. CONCLUSION: Polymerized collagen is safe and effective on downregulation of inflammation in patients with knee OA.

Recrudescent wave of pandemic A/H1N1 influenza in Mexico, winter 2011-2012: Age shift and severity.

BACKGROUND: A substantial recrudescent wave of pandemic influenza A/H1N1 that began in December 2011 is ongoing and has not yet peaked in Mexico, following a 2-year period of sporadic transmission. Mexico previously experienced three pandemic waves of A/H1N1 in 2009, associated with higher excess mortality rates than those reported in other countries, and prompting a large influenza vaccination campaign. Here we describe changes in the epidemiological patterns of the ongoing 4th pandemic wave in 2011-12, relative to the earlier waves in 2009. The analysis is intended to guide public health intervention strategies in near real time. METHODS: We analyzed demographic and geographic data on all hospitalizations with acute respiratory infection (ARI) and laboratory-confirmed A/H1N1 influenza, and inpatient deaths, from a large prospective surveillance system maintained by the Mexican Social Security medical system during 01-April 2009 to 10-Feb 2012. We characterized the age and regional patterns of A/H1N1-positive hospitalizations and inpatient-deaths relative to the 2009 A/H1N1 influenza pandemic. We also estimated the reproduction number (R) based on the growth rate of the daily case incidence by date of symptoms onset. RESULTS: A total of 5,795 ARI hospitalizations and 186 inpatient-deaths (3.2%) were reported between 01-December 2011 and 10-February 2012 (685 A/H1N1-positive inpatients and 75 A/H1N1-positive deaths). The nationwide peak of daily ARI hospitalizations in early 2012 has already exceeded the peak of ARI hospitalizations observed during the major fall pandemic wave in 2009. The mean age was 34.3 y (SD=21.3) among A/H1N1 inpatients and 43.5 y (SD=21) among A/H1N1 deaths in 2011-12. The proportion of laboratory-confirmed A/H1N1 hospitalizations and deaths was higher among seniors >=60 years of age (Chi-square test P<0.001) and lower among younger age groups (Chi-square test, P<0.03) for the 2011-2012 pandemic wave, compared to the earlier waves in 2009. The reproduction number of the winter 2011-12 wave in central Mexico was estimated at 1.2-1.3, similar to that reported for the fall 2009 wave, but lower than that of spring 2009. CONCLUSIONS: We have documented a substantial and ongoing increase in the number of ARI hospitalizations during the period December 2011-February 2012 and an older age distribution of laboratory-confirmed A/H1N1 influenza hospitalizations and deaths, relative to 2009 A/H1N1 pandemic patterns. The gradual change in the age distribution of A/H1N1 infections in the post-pandemic period is reminiscent of historical pandemics and indicates either a gradual drift in the A/H1N1 virus, and/or a build-up of immunity among younger populations.

Impact of antiviral treatment and hospital admission delay on risk of death associated with 2009 A/H1N1 pandemic influenza in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Increasing our understanding of the factors affecting the severity of the 2009 A/H1N1 influenza pandemic in different regions of the world could lead to improved clinical practice and mitigation strategies for future influenza pandemics. Even though a number of studies have shed light into the risk factors associated with severe outcomes of 2009 A/H1N1 influenza infections in different populations, analyses of the determinants of mortality risk spanning multiple pandemic waves and geographic regions are scarce. Between-country differences in the mortality burden of the 2009 pandemic could be linked to differences in influenza case management, underlying population health, or intrinsic differences in disease transmission. Additional studies elucidating the determinants of disease severity globally are warranted to guide prevention efforts in future influenza pandemics.In Mexico, the 2009 A/H1N1 influenza pandemic was characterized by a three-wave pattern occurring in the spring, summer, and fall of 2009 with substantial geographical heterogeneity. A recent study suggests that Mexico experienced high excess mortality burden during the 2009 A/H1N1 influenza pandemic relative to other countries. However, an assessment of potential factors that contributed to the relatively high pandemic death toll in Mexico are lacking. Here, we fill this gap by analyzing a large series of laboratory-confirmed A/H1N1 influenza cases, hospitalizations, and deaths monitored by the Mexican Social Security medical system during April 1 through December 31, 2009 in Mexico. In particular, we quantify the association between disease severity, hospital admission delays, and neuraminidase inhibitor use by demographic characteristics, pandemic wave, and geographic regions of Mexico. METHODS: We analyzed a large series of laboratory-confirmed pandemic A/H1N1 influenza cases from a prospective surveillance system maintained by the Mexican Social Security system, April-December 2009. We considered a spectrum of disease severity encompassing outpatient visits, hospitalizations, and deaths, and recorded demographic and geographic information on individual patients. We assessed the impact of neuraminidase inhibitor treatment and hospital admission delay (≤ > 2 days after disease onset) on the risk of death by multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: Approximately 50% of all A/H1N1-positive patients received antiviral medication during the Spring and Summer 2009 pandemic waves in Mexico while only 9% of A/H1N1 cases received antiviral medications during the fall wave (P < 0.0001). After adjustment for age, gender, and geography, antiviral treatment significantly reduced the risk of death (OR = 0.52 (95% CI: 0.30, 0.90)) while longer hospital admission delays increased the risk of death by 2.8-fold (95% CI: 2.25, 3.41). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings underscore the potential impact of decreasing admission delays and increasing antiviral use to mitigate the mortality burden of future influenza pandemics.

Mortality burden of the A/H1N1 pandemic in Mexico: a comparison of deaths and years of life lost to seasonal influenza.

BACKGROUND: The mortality burden of the 2009 A/H1N1 influenza pandemic remains controversial, in part because of delays in reporting of vital statistics that are traditionally used to measure influenza-related excess mortality. Here, we compare excess mortality rates and years of life lost (YLL) for pandemic and seasonal influenza in Mexico and evaluate laboratory-confirmed death reports. METHODS: Monthly age- and cause-specific death rates from January 2000 through April 2010 and population-based surveillance of influenza virus activity were used to estimate excess mortality and YLL in Mexico. Age-stratified laboratory-confirmed A/H1N1 death reports were obtained from an active surveillance system covering 40% of the population. RESULTS: The A/H1N1 pandemic was associated with 11.1 excess all-cause deaths per 100,000 population and 445,000 YLL during the 3 waves of virus activity in Mexico, April-December 2009. The pandemic mortality burden was 0.6-2.6 times that of a typical influenza season and lower than that of the severe 2003-2004 influenza epidemic. Individuals aged 5-19 and 20-59 years were disproportionately affected relative to their experience with seasonal influenza. Laboratory-confirmed deaths captured 1 of 7 pandemic excess deaths overall but only 1 of 41 deaths in persons >60 years of age in 2009. A recrudescence of excess mortality was observed in older persons during winter 2010, in a period when influenza and respiratory syncytial virus cocirculated. CONCLUSIONS: Mexico experienced higher 2009 A/H1N1 pandemic mortality burden than other countries for which estimates are available. Further analyses of detailed vital statistics are required to assess geographical variation in the mortality patterns of this pandemic.

Eventos adversos en cirugía / Adverse events in surgery

Objetivo: Analizar los eventos adversos reportados en el Sistema de Notificación de Evento Centinela, Evento Adverso y Cuasifalla ''VENCER II'' del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social. Sede: Unidad de Atención Médica Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social. Diseño: Estudio transversal, retrospectivo, observacional, descriptivo. Análisis estadístico: Porcentajes como medida de resumen para variables cualitativas. Material y métodos: Se presenta una revisión de los eventos adversos reportados durante un mes. En esta investigación fueron incluidos dos apartados, eventos adversos relacionados con procedimientos quirúrgicos y procesos infecciosos. Resultados: Total de eventos adversos 78, el grupo de edad más afectado fue de 16 a 45 años (49%), el género predominante fue el femenino con 66%, en el turno en el que ocurrieron con mayor frecuencia fue el matutino con 77%, especialidad de mayor incidencia fue cirugía general con el 51%. En relación al origen, la infección en sitio quirúrgico correspondió al 69%, otras infecciones nosocomiales 1.5% y causas no infecciosas 29.5% (lesión de órgano), la severidad moderada en el 71% de los casos y el personal involucrado con mayor frecuencia fue el médico con el 57%. Conclusión: El sistema prevé retroalimentación permanente, análisis para identificar la causa raíz y las acciones de mejora tendientes a reducir y prevenir los eventos adversos.

Objective: To analyze the adverse events reported to the Notification System of sentinel event, adverse event, and quasi-failure ''VENCER II'' of the Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS, for its initials in Spanish). Setting: Medical Care Unit, IMSS Design: Cross-sectional, retrospective, observational, descriptive study. Statistical analysis: Percentages as summary measure for qualitative variables. Material and methods: We present a review of the adverse events reported in one month. In this investigation, we included two types of events: those related to surgical procedures and those to infectious processes. Results: Total of adverse events, 78, the most affected age group was that of 16 to 45 years (49%), the predominating gender was the female with 66%; the shift during which they occurred most frequently was the morning shift with 77%, the specialty with the highest incidence was general surgery with 51%. In regard to origin, infections of the surgical site corresponded to 69%, other nosocomial infections represented 1.5%, and non-infectious cases corresponded to 29.5% (organ lesion); severity was moderate in 71%, and the medical personnel was the most infrequently involved with 57%. Conclusion: The system provides permanent feedback, as well as an analysis to identify the root cause and the improvement actions to reduce and prevent adverse events.

Characterizing the epidemiology of the 2009 influenza A/H1N1 pandemic in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Mexico's local and national authorities initiated an intense public health response during the early stages of the 2009 A/H1N1 pandemic. In this study we analyzed the epidemiological patterns of the pandemic during April-December 2009 in Mexico and evaluated the impact of nonmedical interventions, school cycles, and demographic factors on influenza transmission. METHODS AND FINDINGS: We used influenza surveillance data compiled by the Mexican Institute for Social Security, representing 40% of the population, to study patterns in influenza-like illness (ILIs) hospitalizations, deaths, and case-fatality rate by pandemic wave and geographical region. We also estimated the reproduction number (R) on the basis of the growth rate of daily cases, and used a transmission model to evaluate the effectiveness of mitigation strategies initiated during the spring pandemic wave. A total of 117,626 ILI cases were identified during April-December 2009, of which 30.6% were tested for influenza, and 23.3% were positive for the influenza A/H1N1 pandemic virus. A three-wave pandemic profile was identified, with an initial wave in April-May (Mexico City area), a second wave in June-July (southeastern states), and a geographically widespread third wave in August-December. The median age of laboratory confirmed ILI cases was ∼ 18 years overall and increased to ∼ 31 years during autumn (p<0.0001). The case-fatality ratio among ILI cases was 1.2% overall, and highest (5.5%) among people over 60 years. The regional R estimates were 1.8-2.1, 1.6-1.9, and 1.2-1.3 for the spring, summer, and fall waves, respectively. We estimate that the 18-day period of mandatory school closures and other social distancing measures implemented in the greater Mexico City area was associated with a 29%-37% reduction in influenza transmission in spring 2009. In addition, an increase in R was observed in late May and early June in the southeast states, after mandatory school suspension resumed and before summer vacation started. State-specific fall pandemic waves began 2-5 weeks after school reopened for the fall term, coinciding with an age shift in influenza cases. CONCLUSIONS: We documented three spatially heterogeneous waves of the 2009 A/H1N1 pandemic virus in Mexico, which were characterized by a relatively young age distribution of cases. Our study highlights the importance of school cycles on the transmission dynamics of this pandemic influenza strain and suggests that school closure and other mitigation measures could be useful to mitigate future influenza pandemics. Please see later in the article for the Editors' Summary.

Survey on physicians' knowledge and attitudes towards clinical practice guidelines at the Mexican Institute of Social Security.

OBJECTIVE: A survey was organized to determine the general level of knowledge and attitudes of medical personnel towards clinical practice guidelines (CPG). METHODS: A questionnaire modified from two validated instruments was used. Multi-stratified sampling was applied, and 1782 questionnaires were completed. RESULTS: A total of 80.4% of physicians had regular employment contract, 8.6% managerial post and 9.3% temporary work contract. Average age and working time were 43.7 and 15 years respectively; 64.3% were male. It was reported that 47.9% participated in academic activities, 70.8% belonged to a medical association, 40.3% identified CPG as steps towards arriving at a diagnosis and/or treatment and 14.9% thought that CPG were norms. A total of 10.7% of the physicians believed that guidelines are based on scientific evidence, 10% perceived them as supporting tools, 10.8% had no knowledge of them, 65% said that they used them, 76.7% thought that personal experience was as important as CPG recommendations and 57.4% thought that CPG were necessary for good medical practice. Physicians preferred that CPG be produced by personnel from outside the Mexican Institute of Social Security, or who had followed validity criteria. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of physicians considered CPG to be useful tools. It was evident that few knew where to acquire CPG, and this would lead to their limited use. Findings from this study enabled procuring a broader idea of the level of knowledge and attitudes of Mexican Institute of Social Security physicians towards CPG. This information is relevant when planning strategies for the purpose of sharing and implementing CPG.

[The clinical guidelines of practice project at the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social]. / Proyecto para el desarrollo de guías de práctica clínica en el Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social.

The advance in the knowledge and technology is growing quickly and greater quantity, so it is difficult for the health professional to access to whole information that is generated every day on diagnostic and therapeutic strategies more effective, so the clinic practice guidelines (CPG) is a resource to support the updating of the health professional and support them in making clinical decisions. The CPG is also a better support to the manager of health services in making decisions regarding the strategies that have performed for the patient and less risk to the individual and collective health. They also support the response capacity of the medical units and hospitals and guide the planning of services to the optimization of the resources. This paper summarizes the methodology of a national project for the development of GPC coordinated by the Mexican Social Security Institute with the collaboration of more than 1200 health professionals of the institution in a great effort institutional update and make information accessible to the entire health sector, which also defines the steps to upgrade and maintain the updating of knowledge and technology expressed in them.

[An e-learning educational strategy for skills development on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment on influenza A H1N1]. / Estrategia educativa en línea durante el brote de influenza A H1N1.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the clinical competence with influenza A H1N1 after an e-learning educational strategy based on the influenza A H1N1 clinical practice guideline. METHODS: An observational analytical study which included 860 students who responded to the assessment instrument (consistency of 0.89) at the beginning and end of phases IV to VII of the e-learning mode course about the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of influenza A H1N1. Nonparametric statistics were used. RESULTS: We included 25% of students admitted to phases IV to VII of the course. There was no statistical difference between the groups at the beginning evaluation. The 94.76% of the students were in the lower ranks. After the educational intervention 54.64% of students were located at intermediate or higher values. Critics to previous actions of colleagues and commitment of iatrogenic events were indicators that did not show an increase. A raise in the initial score was shown in 646 students, 122 declined and 88 remained unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: An e-learning strategy seems to develop adequate skills for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of influenza A H1N1.

Infection and death from influenza A H1N1 virus in Mexico: a retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: In April, 2009, the first cases of influenza A H1N1 were registered in Mexico and associated with an unexpected number of deaths. We report the timing and spread of H1N1 in cases, and explore protective and risk factors for infection, severe disease, and death. METHODS: We analysed information gathered by the influenza surveillance system from April 28 to July 31, 2009, for patients with influenza-like illness who attended clinics that were part of the Mexican Institute for Social Security network. We calculated odds ratios (ORs) to compare risks of testing positive for H1N1 in those with influenza-like illness at clinic visits, the risk of admission for laboratory-confirmed cases of H1N1, and of death for inpatients according to demographic characteristics, clinical symptoms, seasonal influenza vaccine status, and elapsed time from symptom onset to admission. FINDINGS: By July 31, 63 479 cases of influenza-like illness were reported; 6945 (11%) cases of H1N1 were confirmed, 6407 (92%) were outpatients, 475 (7%) were admitted and survived, and 63 (<1%) died. Those aged 10-39 years were most affected (3922 [56%]). Mortality rates showed a J-shaped curve, with greatest risk in those aged 70 years and older (10.3%). Risk of infection was lowered in those who had been vaccinated for seasonal influenza (OR 0.65 [95% CI 0.55-0.77]). Delayed admission (1.19 [1.11-1.28] per day) and presence of chronic diseases (6.1 [2.37-15.99]) were associated with increased risk of dying. INTERPRETATION: Risk communication and hospital preparedness are key factors to reduce mortality from H1N1 infection. Protective effects of seasonal influenza vaccination for the virus need to be investigated. FUNDING: None.

[Sickness absence certification from the medical perspective]. / La incapacidad temporal para el trabajo desde la perspectiva médica.

Sickness absence certification is a medical task with important clinical, social, occupational and ethical implications, in addition to economic consequences for the worker, the employers and social security institutions. In 2007, IMSS affiliated workers received certifications for 65,384,690 days of absence, with cash benefits for 8.1 billion pesos. The duration of return to work depends on the efficiency of health care team as well as factors associated to the worker and the occupational environment. The correct management of sickness absence certification requires adequate disease diagnosis, regulatory knowledge and adequate communication with the patient. The purpose of control and auditing is to make sure that the certification is adequate in the indication and the optimal length, in order to warrant a responsible and sustainable management of this resource of social protection. If expenditure reduction is not possible, the objective is to avoid inefficient or irrational management. Treating physicians, with proper information, can contribute to optimize the provision of this benefit to those who need it.

Síndrome de pinzamiento del manguito rotador, asociado a radiculopatía cervical: manejo quirúrgico / Impingement syndrome of the rotator cuff, associated to cervical radiculitits: surgical treatment

Determinar la utilidad del manejo medicoquirúrgico en el dolor crónico del hombro, en pacientes con síndrome de pinzamiento del manguito rotador asociado con radiculopatía cervical. Diseño del estudio: se trata de una cohorte retrospectiva de 17 pacientes con dolor crónico de hombro y cuello, evaluados mediante ultrasonografía (US), electromiografía (EMG), además de la prueba de instilación de lidocaína. A todos los pacientes se les realizó liberación quirúrgica del espacio subacromial. Las mediciones del dolor de hombro y cuello se llevaron a cabo mediante la escala visual análoga (EVA) y la movilidad del hombro se evaluó mediante escala funcional. Se estudiaron a 17 pacientes, 10 de sexo masculino y 7 de sexo femenino, todos los pacientes mostraron disminución significativa del dolor, tanto en hombro como en cuello, posterior a la liberación quirúrgica del espacio subacromial, además de lograr una función adecuada del hombro. En pacientes portadores de síndrome de pinzamiento del manguito rotador, asociado a radiculopatía cervical debe efectuarse liberación del espacio subacromial. El manejo conservador de la radiculopatía cervical se facilita en este tipo de pacientes posterior al tratamiento quirúrgico del hombro

Tratamiento quirúrgico de la inestabilidad glenohumeral multidireccional / Surgical treatment for multidirectional instability of the shoulder

Ensayo clínico realizado entre 1987 y 1992; la muestra estuvo conformada por 22 pacientes que reunieron los criterios de inclusión (inestabilidad glenohumeral multidireccional), las variables de estudios fueron: signos de hiperelasticidad, de inestabilidad glenohumeral, y de alamiento escapular. En todos se realizó tratamiento quirúrgico, y posteriormente llevaron a cabo tratamiento de rehabilitación. Se estudiaron 22 pacientes, 14 de sexo masculino y 8 de sexo femenino; rango de edad de 16 a 35 años; todos mostraron signos de alamiento escapular y en 20 se identificaron signos de alamiento escapular y en 20 se identificaron signos positivos de hiperelasticidad e inestabilidad anterior e inferior. Se mostró negativización de los signos clínicos a las 12 semanas del postoperatorio y hubo reintegración a las actividades deportivas al 5º mes de la cirugía. La técnica quirúrgica utilizada es un procedimiento sencillo, que no limita la movilidad articular y permite una rápida reintegración a las actividades ocupacionales y deportivas. No se registraron complicaciones