Association between cardiovascular risk factors and cognitive impairment in adults aged 60 years or older from Chile: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Few studies in Latin America have examined the association between cardiovascular risk factors and cognitive impairment (CI) in a nationally representative sample. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the prevalence of CI in a nationally representative sample of adults aged 60 years or older from Chile and to investigate the association between cardiovascular risk factors and CI. METHODS: Data from the cross-sectional 2016-2017 National Health Survey of Chile, which included 2031 adults (63.7% women) was used. Body mass index, metabolic syndrome (blood pressure, triglycerides, fasting glucose or treatment for diabetics, waist circumference, and HDL cholesterol), risk of cardiovascular disease (history and measured variables, using the Framingham risk score), tobacco use, and physical activity were measured. CI was assessed using the Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE). RESULTS: Overall, the prevalence of CI was 12.2% at the national level. Significant differences in CI were observed by age, education level, risk of cardiovascular disease, and smoking. High risk of cardiovascular disease was associated with higher odds of CI (OR: 2.04; 95%CI: 1.20-3.45) compared to low risk. Smoking was significantly associated with a lower likelihood of CI (OR: 0.56; 95%CI: 0.36-0.87) compared to never smoking. Body mass index, metabolic syndrome, and physical activity were not associated with CI. CONCLUSIONS: This study provided additional support for previous findings on the relationship between cognitive decline and an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease. Worse CI was associated with the group with the highest risk of cardiovascular disease, and the presence of lifestyle factors, such as obesity and physical inactivity, exacerbate this relationship, but not being a current smoker.

Predictors of pathologic complete response to neoadjuvant treatment in HER2-overexpressing breast cancer: a retrospective analysis using real-world data.

The human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (ERBB2, HER2 or HER2/neu) is a transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptor that is overexpressed in approximately 20% of breast cancers. The use of the anti-HER2 monoclonal antibodies Pertuzumab and Trastuzumab in association with chemotherapy has achieved a higher percentage of pathologic complete response (pCR) than conventional chemotherapy. The purpose of our study was to identify factors that could affect the therapeutic response of patients with breast cancer and HER2 overexpression treated with cytotoxic chemotherapy plus double HER2 blockade in neoadjuvant setting at Fundación Arturo López Pérez (FALP). A case-control study was designed to evaluate the effect of clinical and histopathological variables on the response to neoadjuvant therapy. Ninety-four women with non-metastatic breast cancer and HER2 overexpression received neoadjuvant combination chemotherapy with Trastuzumab and Pertuzumab at FALP during the period 2017-2020. Seventy percent of patients achieved pCR, and in the group of hormone receptor negative patients, 89% of patients achieved pCR. Different variables were analysed trying to look for clinicopathological predictors of complete response. This study provides us with real-world data on the efficacy of using this treatment combination in our population of HER2-overexpressing breast cancer patients.

Incidence of lung cancer and air pollution in boroughs of Chile: an ecological study.

Lung cancer frequency has been progressively increasing; this has been linked to the use of inhaled tobacco and air pollution. In Chile, air pollution has reached alarming levels due to motor vehicle traffic, firewood burning for heating and minerals in urban areas; for this reason, our objective was to evaluate the association between the incidence of lung cancer and the concentration of the main air pollutants monitored in the country. We carried out a cross-sectional ecological study that evaluated the association between the average incidence of lung cancer in a 5-year period (2015-2019) with the average annual concentration of six atmospheric pollutants in the 5 years prior in 14 Chilean boroughs, using the population of beneficiaries of the Fundación Arturo-López-Pérez Cancer Institute. The annualised incidence of lung cancer was 9.77 per 100,000 and it varied significantly within the boroughs studied. When evaluating the relationship between lung-cancer incidence and the average concentration of atmospheric pollutants, we only found a direct and significant correlation between the level of respirable particulates 2.5 and the incidence of adenocarcinomas (ß: 0.16; p: 0.023).

Breast cancer incidence and the air pollution level in the communes of Chile: an ecological study.

There is evidence linking air pollutants associated with vehicular traffic such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with breast carcinogenesis. Epidemiological studies have shown conflicting results regarding air pollution and breast cancer risk, which could be explained by the multitude of other risk factors that could affect the association. In Chile, air pollution has reached alarming levels, either due to motorised vehicle traffic or the combustion of wood for heating; therefore, our objective was to evaluate the association between the incidence of breast cancer and the concentration of the main air pollutants monitored in the country. We carried out a cross-sectional ecological study that evaluated the association between the average incidence of breast cancer in years (2016 to 2018) and the average annual concentration of six atmospheric pollutants in the 5 years prior to the estimation of the rate in communes of Chile, using the population of beneficiaries of Instituto Oncológico Fundación Arturo López Pérez. The annual incidence of breast cancer was 72.21 cases per 100,000 women and it varied significantly in the communes studied compared to the human development index (HDI) and to the proportion of women in the age group at highest risk. Assessing the relationship between the incidence of breast cancer and the average concentration of atmospheric pollutants, we only found a direct correlation between the level of nitrogen dioxide and the rate (R = 0.82; p = 0.044), whose significance tends to be lost when age and the communal HDI are included in a regression model.

Relación de la actividad física medida objetivamente con dislipidemias y factores de riesgo cardiovascular en escolares de la Región de La Araucanía / Relationship of objectively measured physical activity with dyslipidemias and cardiovascular risk factors in schoolchildren from Región de La Araucanía cases

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las dislipidemias favorecen la formación precoz de placas ateroscleróticas, aumentando el riesgo de enfermedades cardiovasculares (ECVs). La Actividad Física (AF) es un factor protector de ECVs, por lo que el objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la asociación entre AF medida objetivamente y dislipidemias en población pediátrica. METODOLOGÍA: La AF fue evaluada en 159 niños (9-13 años) de la Región de La Araucanía a través de acelerometría (ActiGraph GT3X+). Por este medio se estimó el porcentaje de AF moderada a vigorosa (AFMV) y el de conducta sedentaria (CS). Sujetos con ≥60 min de AFMV se consideraron físicamente activos según recomendación de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS). Individuos con %CS>75° percentil fueron considerados sedentarios. El perfil lipídico fue determinado usando métodos convencionales. Fueron calculados índices de aterogenicidad TG/cHDL e índice de aterogenicidad del plasma (IAP). RESULTADOS: 37,1% presentó dislipidemia, 8% hipercolesterolemia, 19,5% hipertrigliceridemia, 6,3% cLDL elevado y 25,2% cHDL disminuido. Solo un 9,4% fueron considerados físicamente activos de acuerdo a la recomendación de la OMS. En los sujetos físicamente activos no hubo caso de dislipidemias (p= 0,032) y tampoco bajos niveles de cHDL (p= 0,013). El %AFMV estaba reducido en sujetos con cHDL bajo y se correlacionó positivamente con HDL-c (r= 0,157, p=0,048). Además, el %AFMV se correlacionó con menores valores de TG/cHDL (r= -0,193, p=0,015) e IAP (r= -0,214, p=0,006). Si bien el comportamiento sedentario no estuvo asociado con riesgo de dislipidemias, el %CS se correlacionó positivamente con niveles de glucosa (r= 0,159, p=0,044) y HOMA-IR (r= 0,178, p=0,037) y negativamente con Quicki (r= -0,160, p=0,044). CONCLUSIONES: Los hallazgos sugieren que la AF se correlaciona a menor frecuencia de dislipidemias y la práctica de AFMV aumentaría los valores de HDL-c y reduciría los índices aterogénicos, por lo que promoverla puede significar disminuir el riesgo de ECVs en nuestra población. Además, la CS se relaciona con un aumento en valores de glucosa e índices de resistencia insulínica en escolares de la Región de La Araucanía.

Dyslipidemias cause early formation of atherosclerotic plaque, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Physical Activity (PA) is a protective factor against CVDs. The aim of this study is to evaluate the association between objectively measured PA with dyslipidemias in a pediatric population. METHOD: The PA was evaluated in 159 children (9-13 years old) from Región de La Araucanía using accelerometry (ActiGraph GT3X +). The percentage of moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) and sedentary behavior (SB) were estimated. Subjects with ≥60 min of MVPA were considered physically active according to the recommendation of the World Health Organization (WHO). Individuals with %SB >75th percentile were sedentary. The lipid profile was determined using conventional methods. TG/HDL-C ratio and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) were calculated. RESULTS: 37.1% presented dyslipidemia, 8% hypercholesterolemia, 19.5% hypertriglyceridemia, 6.3% elevated LDL-C and 25.2% decreased HDL-C. Only 9.4% were physically active according to the WHO recommendation. In physically active subjects where no cases of dyslipidemias (p =0.032) and no low HDL-C (p = 0.013). The %MVPA was reduced in subjects with low HDL-C and positively correlated with HDL-c (r = 0.157, p = 0.048). In addition, %MVPA was correlated with lower TG / HDL-C values (r = -0.193, p = 0.015) and AIP (r = -0.214, p = 0.006). SB was not associated with risk of dyslipidemia, % SB was positively correlated with glucose levels (r = 0.159, p = 0.044) and HOMA-IR (r = 0.178, p = 0.037) and negatively with Quicki (r = -0.160, p = 0.044). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggested that PA is it correlates to a lower frequency of dyslipidemia and the practice of MVPA would increase HDL-c values and reduce atherogenic index, promoting it may been reducing the risk of CVDs in our population. In addition, the SB is related to an increase in glucose values and insulin resistance index in schoolchildren in Región de La Araucanía.

Estado nutricional-hematológico y parasitosis intestinal de niños escolares de 5 a 12 años de cuatro localidades rurales de Paraguay / Nutritional-hematological status and intestinal parasitosis of school children aged 5 to 12 years in four rural localities of Paraguay

El mundo, actualmente se enfrenta a una doble carga de malnutrición que incluye la desnutrición y la alimentación excesiva. A ello se suman las parasitosis intestinales que es una enfermedad frecuente con importante morbimortalidad en la población infantil, ligadas a la pobreza y malas condiciones higiénico-sanitarias. El objetivo de este trabajo fue describir el estado nutricional-hematológico y parasitológico de niños escolares de cuatro comunidades rurales de Paraguay. Estudio observacional descriptivo de corte transverso en el que participaron 102 niños de ambos sexos de 5 a 12 años de edad. Se realizó medición de peso y talla, utilizando balanza calibrada, y un altímetro fijado a la pared. Toma de muestra sanguínea por punción venosa para determinación de parámetros hematológicos, procesados en contador hematológico por impedancia. Muestras de heces de una sola toma fueron recogidas en frascos apropiados con formol al 10%, utilizándose 4 métodos: directo, flotación de Willis, Graham y de concentración. En relación al estado nutricional-hematológico se encontró que el 3,9% de los niños estaba con desnutrición moderada y el 9,8% presentó riesgo de desnutrición; anemia se observó en el 38,2% de los niños. En relación a la parasitosis, el estudio diagnóstico se realizó a 94 niños y se encontró que el 72,2% estaba parasitado, siendo Blastocystis hominis el más frecuente. Tanto la frecuencia de anemia como de parasitosis es alta en esta población, sin embargo no se pudo establecer una relación entre ellas(AU)

[Study and management of thyroid nodes by non specialist physicians: SOCHED consensus]. / Estudio y manejo de nódulos tiroideos por médicos no especialistas. Consenso SOCHED.

The thyroid nodule is a frequent cause of primary care consultation. The prevalence of a palpable thyroid nodule is approximately 4-7%, increasing up to 67% by the incidental detection of nodules on ultrasound. The vast majority are benign and asymptomatic, staying stable over time. The clinical importance of studying a thyroid nodule is to exclude thyroid cancer, which occurs in 5 to 10% of the nodules. The Board of SOCHED (Chilean Society of Endocrinology and Diabetes) asked the Thyroid Study Group to develop a consensus regarding the diagnostic management of the thyroid nodule in Chile, aimed at non-specialist physicians and adapted to the national reality. To this end, a multidisciplinary group of 31 experts was established among university academics, active researchers with publications on the subject and prominent members of scientific societies of endocrinology, head and neck surgery, pathology and radiology. A total of 14 questions were developed with key aspects for the diagnosis and subsequent referral of patients with thyroid nodules, which were addressed by the participants. In those areas where the evidence was insufficient or the national reality had to be considered, the consensus opinion of the experts was used through the Delphi methodology. The consensus was approved by the SOCHED board for publication.

[Lithogenic risk index in urinary lithiasis patients and their evolution after treatment.] / Índices de riesgo litogénico de pacientes litiásicos y su evolución post tratamiento.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the lithogenic risk index and its evolution after treatment of paraguayan lithiasic patients. METHODS: This experimental study of temporal series included 28 lithiasic patients of both sexes that attended to the Instituto de Prevision Social in 2012. Basal evaluation included metabolic study and urinary saturation indexes determined by EQUIL software. With this data, a specific treatment was selected for each patient. The follow up included a medical consultation monthly and the metabolic evaluation after 6 month. The study was approved by an ethical committee. RESULTS: Basal evaluation showed hypocitraturia, hypercalciuria and hyperoxaluria in 50%, 46.4% and 14.3% of patients, whereas 42.9% showed diuresis lower than 2 L/day. Crystallization risk for calcium oxalate, sodium urate, hidroxiapatite and uric acid was observed in 1,3, 12 and 12 patients respectively. After treatment, a decrease in the frequency of hypercalciuria and hypocitraturia was observed, just like the urinary saturation risk for all types of crystals studied. Statistical analysis showed a significant variation of diuresis (p 0,0001) and uric acid urinary saturation (p 0,002) after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The lithogenic risk factors more frequently detected were hipocitraturia and hypercalciuria. Therapeutic measures achieved the decrease of saturation risk indexes for all the crystals analyzed, registering significant effects in the increase of diuresis and uric acid saturation decrease. The use of software tools for the calculation of crystallization risk is an important innovation in Paraguay.

Índices de riesgo litogénico de pacientes litiásicos y su evolución post tratamiento / Lithogenic risk index in urinary lithiasis patients and their evolution after treatment

OBJETIVO: Determinar los índices de riesgo litogénico y su evolución post tratamiento en pacientes litiásicos paraguayos. MÉTODOS: Este trabajo experimental de series temporales, incluyó 28 pacientes litiásicos adultos de ambos sexos que concurrieron al Instituto de Previsión Social en el 2012. Se realizó una evaluación basal mediante el estudio metabólico e índices de saturación urinaria con el software EQUIL con estos datos se indicó un tratamiento específico para cada paciente. El seguimiento incluyó una consulta mensual y la evaluación metabólica a los 6 meses. El protocolo fue aprobado por el comité de ética. RESULTADOS: La evaluación basal mostró hipocitraturia, hipercalciuria e hiperoxaluria en el 50%, 46,4%, y 14,3% de los pacientes, mientras que el 42,9% presentó una diuresis inferior a 2L/día. Se observó riesgo de cristalización de oxalato de calcio, urato de sodio, hidroxiapatita y ácido úrico en 1, 3, 12 y 12 pacientes respectivamente. Después del tratamiento se observó una disminución de la frecuencia de hipercalciuria, hipocitraturia, así como de las saturaciones urinarias de riesgo para todos los cristales estudiados. El análisis estadístico mostró una variación postratamiento significativa en los valores de diuresis (p 0,0001) y saturación urinaria de ácido úrico (p 0,002). CONCLUSIÓN: Los factores de riesgo litogénicos más frecuentemente detectados fueron la hipocitraturia y la hipercalciuria. Las medidas de tratamiento lograron la disminución de los índices de saturación de riesgo para todos los cristales analizados, siendo los efectos más significativos aquellos registrados en el aumento de la diuresis y la disminución de la saturación de ácido úrico. El uso de herramientas informáticas para el cálculo del riesgo de cristalización es una innovación importante introducida al Paraguay

OBJECTIVE: To determine the lithogenic risk index and its evolution after treatment of paraguayan lithiasic patients. METHODS: This experimental study of temporal series included 28 lithiasic patients of both sexes that attended to the Instituto de Prevision Social in 2012. Basal evaluation included metabolic study and urinary saturation indexes determined by EQUIL software. With this data, a specific treatment was selected for each patient. The follow up included a medical consultation monthly and the metabolic evaluation after 6 month. The study was approved by an ethical committee. RESULTS: Basal evaluation showed hypocitraturia, hypercalciuria and hyperoxaluria in 50%, 46.4% and 14.3% of patients, whereas 42.9% showed diuresis lower than 2 L/day. Crystallization risk for calcium oxalate, sodium urate, hidroxiapatite and uric acid was observed in 1,3, 12 and 12 patients respectively. After treatment, a decrease in the frequency of hypercalciuria and hypocitraturia was observed, just like the urinary saturation risk for all types of crystals studied. Statistical analysis showed a significant variation of diuresis (p 0,0001) and uric acid urinary saturation (p 0,002) after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The lithogenic risk factors more frequently detected were hipocitraturia and hypercalciuria. Therapeutic measures achieved the decrease of saturation risk indexes for all the crystals analyzed, registering significant effects in the increase of diuresis and uric acid saturation decrease. The use of software tools for the calculation of crystallization risk is an important innovation in Paraguay

Estudio y manejo de nódulos tiroideos por médicos no especialistas. Consenso SOCHED / Study and management of thyroid nodes by non specialist physicians: SOCHED consensus

The thyroid nodule is a frequent cause of primary care consultation. The prevalence of a palpable thyroid nodule is approximately 4-7%, increasing up to 67% by the incidental detection of nodules on ultrasound. The vast majority are benign and asymptomatic, staying stable over time. The clinical importance of studying a thyroid nodule is to exclude thyroid cancer, which occurs in 5 to 10% of the nodules. The Board of SOCHED (Chilean Society of Endocrinology and Diabetes) asked the Thyroid Study Group to develop a consensus regarding the diagnostic management of the thyroid nodule in Chile, aimed at non-specialist physicians and adapted to the national reality. To this end, a multidisciplinary group of 31 experts was established among university academics, active researchers with publications on the subject and prominent members of scientific societies of endocrinology, head and neck surgery, pathology and radiology. A total of 14 questions were developed with key aspects for the diagnosis and subsequent referral of patients with thyroid nodules, which were addressed by the participants. In those areas where the evidence was insufficient or the national reality had to be considered, the consensus opinion of the experts was used through the Delphi methodology. The consensus was approved by the SOCHED board for publication.

[Lithogenic risk in patients from Paraguay with urolithiasis]. / Perfil de riesgo litogénico en pacientes con urolitiasis en Paraguay.

UNLABELLED: The lithogenic risk profile is a graphical representation of metabolic factors and urinary saturation involved in the stone formation with their respective critical values. AIM: To determine the lithogenic risk profile in patients with urolithiasis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Personal data such as anthropometric, history of diseases and family history of urolithiasis were recorded. Different compounds acting as promoters or inhibitors of crystallization were measured in serum and urine samples, and the data obtained were used to calculate urinary saturation using Equil software. RESULTS: We included 30 men and 43 women with a median age of 45 (34-54) years. Overweight and family history of urolithiasis was reported in 63 and 32% respectively. Crystallization risk was detected in 74% of participants. The most common urinary abnormalities were hypocitraturia in 48% and hypercalciuria in 40%. CONCLUSIONS: The lithogenic profile revealed urinary saturation compatible with crystallization risk in 74% of the studied patients.

Malnutrición en niños menores de 5 años indígenas y no indígenas de zonas rurales, Paraguay / Malnutrition in indigenous and non-indigenous children under five years of age in rural areas, Paraguay

Los menores de cinco años de edad se afectan por la falta de alimentos adecuados mucho más rápido que a edades superiores por las demandas del crecimiento. El objetivo fue evaluar la situación nutricional de niños menores de cinco años de comunidades rurales, indígenas y no indígenas. Previo consentimiento informado de los padres o tutores, fueron evaluados 226 niños menores de cinco años de ambos sexos, 117 indígenas y 109 no indígenas según indicadores antropométricos de malnutrición por defecto y por exceso. Se aplicó una encuesta para obtener información de las características sociodemográficas y hábitos alimentarios. En niños indígenas y no indígenas la prevalencia de desnutrición global fue de 2,4 % y 2,6 %, riesgo de desnutrición 22% y 5,1%, desnutrición crónica 35,9% y 12,8%, sobrepeso 28,9% y 12,9%, respectivamente. Se observó un consumo frecuente de frutas en ambas poblaciones, seguida del consumo de proteína vegetal en población indígena y de proteína animal en los no indígenas. El 69,2% de los niños indígenas y el 3,7% de los niños no indígenas vivían en la pobreza extrema. Los principales problemas nutricionales encontrados fueron la desnutrición crónica, el riesgo de desnutrición y el sobrepeso. Los niños más fuertemente afectados son los indígenas, que sobreviven en difíciles condiciones socioeconómicas.

Children under five years of age are affected by the lack of adequate food faster thanolder individuals due to growth demands. The objective was to evaluate the nutritional situation of indigenous and non-indigenous children under five years living in rural communities. After obtaining the informed consent of their parents, 226 boys and girls under five years, 117 indigenous and 109 non-indigenous children, were evaluated using nutritional indicators of malnutrition by defect and excess. A questionnaire was applied toobtain information about social-demographic characteristics and dietary habits. Inindigenous and non-indigenous children, the prevalences of global malnutrition were 2.4% and 2.6%, malnutrition risk 22% and 5.1%, chronic malnutrition 35.9% and 12.8%,overweight 28.9% and 12.9%. Frequent consumption of fruits was observed in both populations, followed by consumption of vegetable protein in indigenous population and animal protein in non-indigenous. 69.2% of indigenous children and 3.7% of non-indigenous children living in extreme poverty. The main nutritional problems found were chronic malnutrition, malnutrition risk and overweight. The most strongly affected children were theindigenous, who survive in difficult socio-economic conditions.

Perfil de riesgo litogénico en pacientes con urolitiasis en Paraguay / Lithogenic risk in patients from Paraguay with urolithiasis

The lithogenic risk profile is a graphical representation of metabolic factors and urinary saturation involved in the stone formation with their respective critical values. Aim: To determine the lithogenic risk profile in patients with urolithiasis. Material and Methods: Personal data such as anthropometric, history of diseases and family history of urolithiasis were recorded. Different compounds acting as promoters or inhibitors of crystallization were measured in serum and urine samples, and the data obtained were used to calculate urinary saturation using Equil software. Results: We included 30 men and 43 women with a median age of 45 (34-54) years. Overweight and family history of urolithiasis was reported in 63 and 32% respectively. Crystallization risk was detected in 74% of participants. The most common urinary abnormalities were hypocitraturia in 48% and hypercalciuria in 40%. Conclusions: The lithogenic profile revealed urinary saturation compatible with crystallization risk in 74% of the studied patients.

Enteroparasitosis en niños bajo 5 años de edad, indígenas y no indígenas, de comunidades rurales del Paraguay / Enteric parasitic disease in children under 5 years of age, indigenous and non-indigenous, from rural communities in Paraguay

Background: Official figures of mortality in children under five years of age in the Americas, report that infectious and parasitic diseases caused most of the deaths. Objective: To evaluate the frequency of intestinal parasites in vulnerable children, indigenous and non-indigenous, and their socio-environmental characteristics. Patients and Methods: We evaluated 247 children under five years of age, of both sexes. Descriptive study with an analytical component, transverse cutting. Copro-parasitological examinations were carried out and semi-structured interviews to collect socio-demographic data were conducted. Results: The frequency of intestinal parasitic diseases was 56.1% and 35.5% in indigenous and non-indigenous children, respectively. In both populations, the most common pathogens were Blastocystis hominis and Giardia lamblia. Conclusion: We found a high frequency of parasitism in indigenous children at the expense of protozoa. Non-indigenous children still present the same parasitic species found in previous studies, suggesting the need to implement more control and prevention. The poor conditions in which they live favor the development of these diseases.

Introducción: Cifras oficiales de mortalidad en niños bajo 5 años de edad, en las Américas, refieren que la mayor parte de las defunciones fueron causadas por enfermedades infecciosas incluyendo las parasitarias. Objetivo: Evaluar la frecuencia de enteroparasitosis en población infantil vulnerable, indígenas y no indígenas, y sus características socio-ambientales. Pacientes y Métodos: Se evaluaron 247 niños bajo 5 años de edad, de ambos sexos. Estudio descriptivo con componente analítico, de corte transverso. Se realizaron exámenes copro-parasitológicos y se aplicaron encuestas semi-estructuradas para recoger datos socio-demográficos. Resultados: la frecuencia de enteroparasitosis en los niños indígenas fue de 56,1% y en los niños no indígenas de 35,5%. En ambas poblaciones los patógenos más frecuentes fueron Gardia lamblia y Blastocystis hominis. Conclusión: Encontramos una elevada frecuencia de parasitosis en la población infantil indígena, a expensas de los protozoarios. Los niños no indígenas siguen portando las mismas especies parasitarias encontradas en estudios anteriores, sugiriendo la necesidad de implementar un mayor control y prevención. Existen escasos estudios en nuestro país sobre parasitosis en edades tempranas y no se cuentan con datos en la niñez indígena. Las pobres condiciones en las que viven favorecen el desarrollo de estas enfermedades.

[Enteric parasitic disease in children under 5 years of age, indigenous and non-indigenous, from rural communities in Paraguay]. / Enteroparasitosis en niños bajo 5 años de edad, indígenas y no indígenas, de comunidades rurales del Paraguay.

BACKGROUND: Official figures of mortality in children under five years of age in the Americas, report that infectious and parasitic diseases caused most of the deaths. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the frequency of intestinal parasites in vulnerable children, indigenous and non-indigenous, and their socio-environmental characteristics. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We evaluated 247 children under five years of age, of both sexes. Descriptive study with an analytical component, transverse cutting. Copro-parasitological examinations were carried out and semi-structured interviews to collect socio-demographic data were conducted. RESULTS: The frequency of intestinal parasitic diseases was 56.1% and 35.5% in indigenous and non-indigenous children, respectively. In both populations, the most common pathogens were Blastocystis hominis and Giardia lamblia. CONCLUSION: We found a high frequency of parasitism in indigenous children at the expense of protozoa. Non-indigenous children still present the same parasitic species found in previous studies, suggesting the need to implement more control and prevention. The poor conditions in which they live favor the development of these diseases.

Correlación entre el aclaramiento de creatinina y la fórmula MDRD-4 en la estimación del filtrado glomerular / Correlation between creatinine clearance and MDRD-4 formula in the estimation of the glomerular filtrate

La creatinina sérica y el aclaramiento de creatinina (ClCr) son los métodos mayoritariamente empleados como medida del Filtrado Glomerular (FG), procedimientos no exentos de problemas tanto preanalíticos como analíticos. En los últimos años se viene proponiendo la utilización de fórmulas predictivas del FG. Buscamos comprobar la correlación entre el método analítico y el estimado por la ecuación de MDRD-4. Se estudiaron retrospectivamente 89 pacientes, con un promedio de 51 ± 14 años; 31 varones y 58 mujeres. Aunque la media del FG estimada por la fórmula MDRD-4 fue de 66 ± 28.83 ml/min y la obtenida con la depuración de creatinina fue de 62±30.22ml/min. (p<0.05); se encontró una correlación positiva entre ambos métodos (r=0,796; p=0,001). En nuestra población la ecuación MDRD-4 presenta una buena equivalencia con el ClCr y podría utilizarse para evaluar la función renal en pacientes con riesgo de desarrollar enfermedad renal crónica (ERC).

Serum creatinine and creatinine clearance (CrCl) methods are mostly used as measures of glomerular filtration (GF) and are procedures that are not exempt from both pre-analytical and analytical problems. In recent years, it has been proposed the use of predictive formulas of GF. In this study, we sought to verify the correlation between the analytical method and the estimated by the MDRD-4 formula. Eighty nine patients were studied retrospectively, they had a mean age of 51±14 years and there were 31 males and 58 females. Though the mean GF estimated by the MRDR-4 formula was 66 ± 28.83 ml/min and the obtained by creatinine depuration was 62 ± 30.22ml/min. (p<0.05), a positive correlation between both methods was found (r=0.796; p=0.001). In our population, the MRDR-4 formula has a good equivalence with the CrCl and could be used to assess the renal function of patients at risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Niveles séricos de apolipoproteínas A-I y B en niños escolares de escuelas rurales / Serum levels of apolipoprotein A-I and B in rural school children

Los biomarcadores de riesgo aterogénico están presentes desdeetapas tempranas de la vida, uno de ellos son las apolipoproteínas. Estas juegan un papel fundamental en eldesarrollo de aterosclerosis según resultados de numerosos estudios epidemiológicos. El objetivo del trabajo fue evaluar los niveles de apolipoproteínas (apo) A-I y B y el coeficiente apo B/ apo A-1 en niños dislipidémicos. Se realizó un estudioobservacional, descriptivo, de corte transversal con muestreo no probabilístico. En una población de 132 niños, de ambos sexos, entre 4 a 13 años de edad, pertenecientes a 4 escuelas rurales de diferentes localidades del Paraguay, se encontraron 38 niños hipercolesterolémicos en quienes además se evaluaron los niveles de apolipoproteínas A-I y B. Se obtuvo consentimiento informado de los padres. El colesterol total fue medido por elmétodo enzimático automatizado y las apolipoproteínas A-I y B por el método inmunoturbidimétrico. Las concentraciones medias de apo A-I y B fueron de 159,89 ± 28,63 mg/dl y 99,79 ± 20,86 mg/dl respectivamente, la concentración media de colesterol fue de 192 ± 22,31. La media del cociente apo B/apo A-I fue de 0,64. Se detectaron niveles moderados a altos de apo B, en un considerable número de niños (63,5 %), y una correlación positiva entre las apolipoproteínas B y el colesterol, un 10, 53 % de los niños presentaron riesgo aterogénico alto deacuerdo al cociente apo B/apo A-I.

Biomarkers for atherogenic risk are present early in life, one such biomarker are the apolipoproteins. Apolipoproteins play a key role in the development of atherosclerosis according to results of numerous epidemiological studies. Our objective was to assess the levels of apolipoprotein (apo) A1 and B and the apo B/A-1 ratio in dyslipidemic children. We performed an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study with nonprobabilistic sampling. In a population of 132 children aged 4 to13 years of both sexes from 4 rural schools in different parts of Paraguay, levels of apolipoproteins A-1 and B were assessed in 38 who were found to be hypercholesterolemic. Informedconsent was obtained from parents. Total cholesterol was measured by the automated enzymatic method andapolipoproteins A1 and B by the immunoturbidimetric method. Mean concentration was 159.89 ±28.63 mg/dl for apo A-1 and 99.79 ±20.86 mg/dl for apo B, while the mean cholesterol concentration was 192 ±22.31. The mean ratio of apo B/A1 was 0.64. We detected moderate to high levels of apo B in a considerable number of children (63.5%), and a positive correlation between apolipoprotein B and cholesterol. Some10.53% of children demonstrated high atherogenic risk as shown by the apo B/A1 ratio found.

Anomalías de la esteroidogénesis suprarrenal en niños chilenos con micropene / Abnormalities in adrenal steroidogenesis in chilean boys with micropenis

Background: Mutations in type II 3ß hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase (3ßHSD) are found in male children with severe undervirilized genitalia. Mild undervirilization (isolated micropenis or with distal hypospadia) can be associated with a partial deficit in 3ßHSD activity. Aim: To assess the frequency of abnormal adrenal response to ACTH, suggesting a deficit in adrenal enzymatic activity, in children with mild undervirilization. Patients and methods : We studied 26 male children with micropenis, aged one to eight years. Children with evidences of puberal development or in treatment with drugs that affect steroidal metabolism were excluded from the study. Serum levels of androstenedione (A), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), progesterone (P), 17 hydroxyprogesterone (17 P) and the ratios DHEA/A, P/17 P, 17 P/DHEA were measured after an adrenal stimulation with 0.25 mg/m2 intramuscular ACTH. Results: Two children had DHEA y DHEA/A values suggesting a defective 3ßHSD activity. Other two children had high levels of 17 P, suggesting a deficiency of cytochrome p450c21. A CYP 21 gene mutation was found in one of the later children. Conclusions: A low proportion of children with micropenis have a deficient 3ßHSD activity