Cervical cancer prevention program in Mexico disrupted due to COVID-19 pandemic: Challenges and opportunities.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the preventive services for cervical cancer (CC) control programs in Mexico, which will result in increased mortality. This study aims to assess the impact of the pandemic on the interruption of three preventive actions in the CC prevention program in Mexico. Methods: This study is a retrospective time series analysis based on administrative records for the uninsured population served by the Mexican Ministry of Health. Patient data were retrieved from the outpatient service information system and the hospital discharge database for the period 2017-2021. Data were aggregated by month, distinguishing a pre-pandemic and a pandemic period, considering April 2020 as the start date of the pandemic. A Poisson time series analysis was used to model seasonal and secular trends. Five process indicators were selected to assess the disruption of the CC program, these were analyzed as monthly data (N=39 pre-pandemic, N=21 during the pandemic). HPV vaccination indicators (number of doses and coverage) and diagnostic characteristics of CC cases were analyzed descriptively. The time elapsed between diagnosis and treatment initiation in CC cases was modeled using restricted cubic splines from robust regression. Results: Annual HPV vaccination coverage declined dramatically after 2019 and was almost null in 2021. The number of positive Papanicolaou smears decreased by 67.8% (90%CI: -72.3, -61.7) in April-December 2020, compared to their expected values without the pandemic. The immediate pandemic shock (April 2020) in the number of first-time and recurrent colposcopies was -80.5% (95%CI:-83.5, -77.0) and -77.9% (95%CI: -81.0, -74.4), respectively. An increasing trend was observed in the proportion of advanced stage and metastatic CC cases. The fraction of CC cases that did not receive medical treatment or surgery increased, as well as CC cases that received late treatment after diagnosis. Conclusions: Our analyses show significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic with declines at all levels of CC prevention and increasing inequalities. The restarting of the preventive programs against CC in Mexico offers an opportunity to put in place actions to reduce the disparities in the burden of disease between socioeconomic levels.

Evaluación de la calidad en el desempeño de la Clínica de Colposcopia del Hospital Militar de Especialidades de la Mujer y Neonatología / Evaluation of quality in the performance of the Colposcopy Clinic of the Hospital Militar de Especialidades de la Mujer y Neonatología

Resumen OBJETIVO: Evaluar la calidad del desempeño de la Clínica de Colposcopia del Hospital Militar de Especialidades de la Mujer y Neonatología, mediante indicadores establecidos, en el periodo 2008-2014 versus 2015 después de la implementación de acciones de mejora. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional, descriptivo, transversal y retrospectivo efectuado en el Hospital Militar de Especialidades de la Mujer y Neonatología en dos periodos (2008-2014 y 2015) en la clínica de Colposcopia. Para la selección de la muestra se utilizó un cálculo no probabilístico de conveniencia. Para el análisis de los datos se utilizó el mapa de ubicación MEDICSUS®. Los resultados se analizaron con el programa Microsoft Excel©; se utilizó estadística descriptiva. RESULTADOS: En el periodo 2008-2014 se analizaron 337 expedientes, con 22 indicadores de calidad, de los que 18 cumplieron en su totalidad. Para la comparación del periodo 2015 se evaluaron los 6 indicadores mínimos, enfocados en la valoración de lesiones de alto grado e invasoras, resultando en una calificación final de 88% mediante el mismo índice ("desempeño sobresaliente"). CONCLUSIONES: La medición de indicadores de calidad mejora el nivel de atención médica y refuerza las políticas de tratamiento en las instituciones de salud. Este tipo de estudios son decisivos para cumplir con las metas propuestas por las organizaciones de salud nacionales e internacionales.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the quality in the performance of the colposcopy clinic, of the "Hospital Militar de Especialidades de la Mujer y Neonatología" using quality indicators, through 2008-2014 and then comparing results with the year 2015. MATERIALS AND METHODOS: Descriptive, observational, cross-sectional retrospective study, held at the Hospital MiIitar de Especialidades de la Mujer y Neonatología in 2008-2014. Medical records of patients that had medical attention at the clinic were analyzed, using a non-probabilistic sample, without age limit and the MEDICSUS© methodology. The results will be analyzed with the Microsoft Excel© program; Be a descriptive statistic. RESULTS: In the 2008-2014 period, 337 files were analyzed, with 22 quality indicators, of which 18 were completed. For the comparison of the 2015 period, the 6 minimum indicators were evaluated, focused on the assessment of high-grade and invasive injuries, resulting in a final rating of 88% through the same index ("outstanding performance"). CONCLUSIONS: Measurement of quality indicators has improved the quality in medical care, and has improved institutional performance. These studies are key to meet the goals proposed by national and international health organizations.

Effect of care-delivery delay on the survival of Mexican women with breast cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the effect of care-delivery delays on survival among women with breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 854 women attending 11 hospitals from 2007-2009 was carried out. Kaplan-Meier estimators and a Cox proportional-risk model were employed. RESULTS: A total of 10.5% of cases were diagnosed in stage I. 82% of sampled women delayed care for more than 67 days between noticing a symptom and initiating treatment. The median time from receipt of results of the mammography to biopsy was 31 days (IQR 14-56). Compared with those who were in quartile I (Q1), survival was lower among those in Q3 and Q4 (HR=1.68, 95%CI 0.94-3.00; HR=1.76, 95% CI 1.04-2.98, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: To increase survival, it is suggested that the time between receipt of the mammography results and diagnostic biopsy be reduced.

Effect of care-delivery delay on the survival of Mexican women with breast cancer / Efecto de la demora en la atención sobre la supervivencia de mujeres mexicanas con cáncer de mama

Abstract Objective: To estimate the effect of care-delivery delays on survival among women with breast cancer. Materials and methods: A retrospective analysis of 854 women attending 11 hospitals from 2007-2009 was carried out. Kaplan-Meier estimators and a Cox proportional-risk model were employed. Results: A total of 10.5% of cases were diagnosed in stage I. 82% of sampled women delayed care for more than 67 days between noticing a symptom and initiating treatment. The median time from receipt of results of the mammography to biopsy was 31 days (IQR 14-56). Compared with those who were in quartile I (Q1), survival was lower among those in Q3 and Q4 (HR=1.68, 95%CI 0.94-3.00; HR=1.76, 95% CI 1.04-2.98, respectively). Conclusions: To increase survival, it is suggested that the time between receipt of the mammography results and diagnostic biopsy be reduced.

Resumen Objetivo: Estimar el efecto del tiempo de atención sobre la supervivencia de mujeres con cáncer de mama. Material y métodos: Se realizó el análisis retrospectivo de 854 mujeres atendidas en 11 hospitales entre 2007 y 2009. Se emplearon estimadores de Kaplan-Meier y un modelo de riesgos proporcionales de Cox. Resultados: 10.5% se diagnosticó en etapa I, mientras que 82.1% demoró más de 67 días entre la percepción de un síntoma y el inicio del tratamiento. La mediana del tiempo desde la entrega de los resultados de la mastografía hasta la biopsia fue de 31 días (RIQ 14-56); en comparación con quienes se encontraron en el cuartil 1 (Q1), la supervivencia fue menor en aquellas que se encontraron en los Q3 y Q4 (HR=1.68, IC95% 0.94-3.00; HR=1.76, IC95% 1.04-2.98, respectivamente). Conclusiones: Se sugiere reducir el tiempo desde la entrega de los resultados de la mastografía a la biopsia diagnóstica para incrementar la supervivencia.

Radiographers supporting radiologists in the interpretation of screening mammography: a viable strategy to meet the shortage in the number of radiologists.

BACKGROUND: An alternative approach to the traditional model of radiologists interpreting screening mammography is necessary due to the shortage of radiologists to interpret screening mammograms in many countries. METHODS: We evaluated the performance of 15 Mexican radiographers, also known as radiologic technologists, in the interpretation of screening mammography after a 6 months training period in a screening setting. Fifteen radiographers received 6 months standardized training with radiologists in the interpretation of screening mammography using the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) system. A challenging test set of 110 cases developed by the Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium was used to evaluate their performance. We estimated sensitivity, specificity, false positive rates, likelihood ratio of a positive test (LR+) and the area under the subject-specific Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) for diagnostic accuracy. A mathematical model simulating the consequences in costs and performance of two hypothetical scenarios compared to the status quo in which a radiologist reads all screening mammograms was also performed. RESULTS: Radiographer's sensitivity was comparable to the sensitivity scores achieved by U.S. radiologists who took the test but their false-positive rate was higher. Median sensitivity was 73.3 % (Interquartile range, IQR: 46.7-86.7 %) and the median false positive rate was 49.5 % (IQR: 34.7-57.9 %). The median LR+ was 1.4 (IQR: 1.3-1.7 %) and the median AUC was 0.6 (IQR: 0.6-0.7). A scenario in which a radiographer reads all mammograms first, and a radiologist reads only those that were difficult for the radiographer, was more cost-effective than a scenario in which either the radiographer or radiologist reads all mammograms. CONCLUSIONS: Given the comparable sensitivity achieved by Mexican radiographers and U.S. radiologists on a test set, screening mammography interpretation by radiographers appears to be a possible adjunct to radiologists in countries with shortages of radiologists. Further studies are required to assess the effectiveness of different training programs in order to obtain acceptable screening accuracy, as well as the best approaches for the use of non-physician readers to interpret screening mammography.

Indicadores del proceso de tamizaje de cáncer de mama en México: un estudio de caso / Breast cancer screening process indicators in Mexico: a study case

Objetivo. Identificar, medir y comparar indicadores de desempeño de productividad, acceso efectivo y calidad en el servicio del programa de detección oportuna de cáncer de mama en México. Material y métodos. Mediante un estudio de caso basado en datos del Sistema de Información de Cáncer de la Mujer (Sicam) 2011, se midieron y compararon los indicadores con la Norma Oficial Mexicana NOM-041-SSA2-2011 y con estándares internacionales. Resultados. El análisis mostró capacidad instalada insuficiente (37%), bajas coberturas en tamizaje (15%), evaluación diagnóstica (16%), biopsia (44%) y tratamiento (57%) y muy baja efectividad en la detección de casos confirmados por número de mastografías realizadas (0.04%). En el Sicam no existe información para estimar el resto de indicadores propuestos. Conclusiones. Se requieren sistemas de información en salud eficientes para monitorear indicadores y generar observatorios del desempeño de los programas de detección.

Objective. To identify, measure and compare the performance indicators of productivity, effective access and quality service for the early detection breast cancer program in Mexico. Material and methods. By means of a study case based on the 2011 Women Cancer Information System (Sicam), the indicators were measured and compared with the Mexican official standard NOM-041-SSA2-2011 and international standards. Results. The analysis showed insufficient installed capacity (37%), low coverage in screening (15%), diagnostic evaluation (16%), biopsy (44%) and treatment (57%), and very low effectiveness in confirmed cases by the total number of screening mammograms performed (0.04%). There was no information available, from Sicam, to estimate the rest of the indicators proposed. Conclusions. Efficient health information systems are required in order to monitor indicators and generate performance observatories of screening programs.

[Breast cancer screening process indicators in Mexico: a case study]. / Indicadores del proceso de tamizaje de cáncer de mama en México: un estudio de caso.

OBJECTIVE: To identify, measure and compare the performance indicators of productivity, effective access and quality service for the early detection breast cancer program in Mexico. MATERIAL AND METHODS: By means of a study case based on the 2011 Women Cancer Information System (SICAM), the indicators were measured and compared with the Mexican official standard NOM-041-SSA2-2011 and international standards. RESULTS: The analysis showed insufficient installed capacity (37%), low coverage in screening (15%), diagnostic evaluation (16%), biopsy (44%) and treatment (57%), and very low effectiveness in confirmed cases by the total number of screening mammograms performed (0.04%). There was no information available, from SICAM, to estimate the rest of the indicators proposed. CONCLUSIONS: Efficient health information systems are required in order to monitor indicators and generate performance observatories of screening programs.

[Comparative clinical multicenter study to evaluate analgesic effectiveness of intramuscular etofenamate and diclofenac in patients with post-surgical pain]. / Estudio multicéntrico comparativo para evaluar la eficacia analgésica de etofenamato y diclofenaco por vía intramuscular en pacientes con dolor postquirúrgico.

OBJECTIVE: The analgesic efficacy of intramuscular etofenamate (1 g/day) and intramuscular diclofenac (75 mg/day) was assessed in post-surgical pain relief during a period of 3 days. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred ten hospitalized patients undergoing elective surgery were evaluated in an open-label, comparative, randomized, parallel-group, multicenter study. Fifty five patients received etofenamate and 55 patients diclofenac, 1 h before surgery. The doses were administered after 24 and 48 h. Baseline evaluations were carried out 30 min after anesthesia recovery and the clinical efficacy variables were assessed at 1, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60 and 72 h. The efficacy variables were Pain Visual-Analogue Scale (VAS), Pain Analogous Verbal Scale (AVERS), and Well-Being Scale. Adverse events were documented. RESULTS: Patients in both groups showed similar values in post-surgical pain relief (VAS, AVERS). According to VAS, etofenamate at 24 h had a better analgesic action than diclofenac even though it was not statistically significant. Both drugs demonstrated to be safe. Patients in both groups reported nausea, vomiting, flatulence, and pain at injection site. CONCLUSIONS: We find that both etofenamate and diclofenac were safe, tolerable, and effective treatments for the relief of post-surgical pain.

Utilidad clínica de la toma de biopsia fraccionada de endometrio por aspiración con jeringa y cánula de Kermann en el diagnóstico histopatológico de la paciente con sangrado postmenopáusico / Clinical utility of fractioned endometrial sampling by aspiration with Karmann syringe and cannula for histological diagnosis in patients who have post-menopausal bleeding

La toma de la biopsia fraccionada del endometrio por aspiración con cánula y jeringa de Karmann parece una buena opción, confiable y de bajo costo para el estudio de las pacientes con diagnóstico de sangrado postmenopausico en búsqueda de patología endometrial. Se estudiaron 68 pacientes de enero de 1997 a abril de 1998, previo interrogatorio y exploración física, se realizó ultrasonido transvaginal para la medición del grosor endometrial y posteriormente la toma de la biopsia de endometrio por aspiración con cánula y jeringa de karmann. El reporte histopatológico de las muestras endometriales obtenidas fue de 7 muestras con tejido insuficiente (10.3 por ciento), 35 con datos de atrofia (51.5 por ciento), 24 con hiperplasia endometrial simple sin atipias (35.3 por ciento) y 2 con cáncer endometrial (2.9 por ciento). El grosor endometrial medido por ultrasonido transvaginal en el estudio tuvo una media aritmética de 3.56 mm, con medida de 3.0 mm; 21 del total de pacientes fueron candidatas a tratamiento quirúrgico (histerectomía). Al final del estudio se reportó una sensibilidad 85.7 por ciento y una especificidad de 50 por ciento del método empleado. Los datos en relación con el grosor endometrial medido por ultrasonido transvaginal fueron que el grosor menor de 4 mm se asocia estadísticamente con atrofia a la vez que 5 mm o más se asocia con patología endometrial significativa (hiperplasia y cáncer)

Tratamiento de la neoplasia trofoblastica gestacional de alto riesgo con cisplatino y etopósido / Cisplatin and etoposide in high risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia

Objetivo: Evaluar la efectividad resultante de la combinación etopósido-cisplatino (E-CDDP) en el tratamiento de la neoplasia trofoblástica gestacional de alto riesgo (NTG-AR). Justificación: La NTG_AR presenta mayor resistencia a quimioterapia. Incrementar índice de respuesta completa con medicamentos que en forma aislada ofrecen provecho, pero que por su sinergia, en combinación mejoran resultados. El tratamiento con E-CDDP es satisfactorio en primera línea. Pacientes y métodos: en la Unidad de Quimioterapia del Hospital General de México, pacientes clasificadas como de alto riesgo, en estudio prospectivo, realizado entre 1991 y 1993 fueron tratadas con la combinación E-CDDP. La fracción beta de la hormona gonadotropina coriónica humana fue monitorizada antes de cada ciclo para evaluar respuesta. Se aplicaron: cisplatino 100 mg/m² día 1 y etopósido 100 mg/m² día 1-5. Resultados: Se trataron siete pacientes con índice pronóstico entre 12 y 20. Se obtuvo respuesta completa en seis (86 por ciento). Una paciente con metástasis cerebrales que logró negativación de marcadores serológicos y de líquido cefalorraquídeo fallecío por sepsis de catéter central. La toxicidad hematológica fue de moderada a intensa pero manejada satisfactoriamente sin emplear estimuladores de colonias. Durante un seguimiento promedio de 24 meses, no se presentaron recaída. Conclusión: En estudio inicial y preliminar, la combinación E-CDDP resultó ser eficaz como esquema de primera línea en el tratamiento de NTG-AR