Abstract Sudden cardiac death is a common occurrence. Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is a global public health problem suffered by ≈3.8 million people annually. Progress has been made in the knowledge of this disease, its prevention, and treatment; however, most events occur in people without a previous diagnosis of heart disease. Due to its multifactorial and complex nature, it represents a challenge in public health, so it led us to work in a consensus to achieve the implementation of cardioprotected areas in Mexico as a priority mechanism to treat these events. Public access cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and early defibrillation require training of non-medical personnel, who are usually the first responders in the chain of survival. They should be able to establish a basic and efficient CPR and use of the automatic external defibrillator (AED) until the emergency services arrive at the scene of the incident. Some of the current problems in Mexico and alternative solutions for them are addressed in the present work.

Resumen La muerte súbita cardíaca (SCD) es un acontecimiento común. El paro cardiaco extrahospitalario (OHCA) es un problema de salud pública mundial que sufren ≈3.8 millones de personas al año. Se ha avanzado en el conocimiento de esta enfermedad, su prevención y tratamiento, sin embargo, la mayoría de los eventos se producen en personas sin diagnóstico previo de cardiopatía. Debido a su carácter multifactorial y complejo, representa un reto en salud pública, lo que obliga a trabajar en un consenso para lograr la implementación de "Espacios Cardio protegidos" en México, como mecanismo prioritario de atención a estos eventos. La reanimación cardiopulmonar básica (RCPB) y la desfibrilación temprana de acceso público requieren de entrenamiento al personal no médico, que suelen ser los primeros respondientes para iniciar la cadena de la supervivencia. Ellos deberían instaurar una RCPB eficiente y el uso del desfibrilador automático externo (AED) hasta que lleguen al lugar del incidente los servicios de emergencias. El presente trabajo menciona algunos de los problemas actuales en México y algunas opciones de solución para los mismos.

Abstract Objective: To determine the clinical-epidemiological characteristics, diagnostic feasibility of home respiratory polygraphy and treatment of patients with suspected obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) at cardiovascular risk. Methods: An observational, cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted in patients seen in a cardiology outpatient service with suspected OSA, from January 2015 to December 2019. The information was obtained from medical records, and a descriptive statistical analysis was applied to this information. Results: 138 files were reviewed; only 8% of the home respiratory polygraphs were discarded, because they did not meet the required quality standards. It was demonstrated that 89% suffered from OSA, 60% moderate to severe; in men after 50 years of age. The main cardiovascular risk factors was hypertension (89%). The most prevalent heart disease was hypertension (52%). Cardiovascular pharmacological treatment was improved in 82% of the cases. Cardiac rehabilitation in 30%, noninvasive mechanical ventilation 41%, fixed modality 33%, and self-adjustable 9%, all with telemetry. Conclusions: The prevalence and severity of OSA is higher in the presence of risk or established cardiovascular disease. In the presence of clinical suspicion, it is feasible to confirm the diagnosis with home respiratory poligrafy due to the level of precision and the lower infrastructure required. Greater involvement of the cardiologist in the diagnosis and treatment of this disorder is necessary due to the significant risk of cardiovascular disease it represents.

Resumen Objetivo: Determinar las características clínico-epidemiológicas, viabilidad diagnóstica de la poligrafía respiratoria domiciliaria y el tratamiento de pacientes con sospecha de apnea obstructiva del sueño (AOS) en riesgo cardiovascular. Métodos: Se realizó estudio observacional, transversal, descriptivo en pacientes atendidos en un servicio de consulta externa de cardiología con sospecha de AOS, de enero de 2015 a diciembre de 2019. La información se obtuvo de los expedientes médicos, se aplicó análisis estadístico descriptivo. Resultados: Se examinaron 138 expedientes, de las poligrafías respiratorias domiciliarias fueron descartadas solo el 8% por no cumplir con los estándares de calidad requeridos. Se demostró que el 89% padecían AOS, un 60% moderada a severa; predominó en hombres después de los 50 años. El principal ractores de riesgo cardiovascular fue hipertensión (89%). La cardiopatía más prevalente fue la hipertensiva (52%). Se optimizó tratamiento farmacológico cardiovascular en el 82% de los casos. Rehabilitación cardiaca en el 30%, ventilación mecánica no invasiva 41%, modalidad fija 33% y autoajustable 9%, todos con telemetría. Conclusiones: La prevalencia y severidad de la AOS es mayor en presencia de riesgo o enfermedad cardiovascular establecida. Ante la sospecha clínica es factible confirmar el diagnóstico con poligrafía respiratoria domiciliaria por el nivel de precisión y la menor infraestructura requerida. Es necesaria una mayor participación del cardiólogo en el diagnóstico y tratamiento de este trastorno por el riesgo significativo de enfermedad cardiovascular que representa.

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most widespread solid organ malignancy in males and ranks as the fifth leading cause of death globally. Identifying and treating men with clinically significant disease while avoiding the over-diagnosis and over-treatment of indolent disease remains a significant challenge. Several professional associations have developed guidelines on screening and early diagnosis of asymptomatic men with prostate-specific antigen testing. With recent updates from several large randomised prospective trials, the South African Urological Association and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of South Africa have developed these evidence-based recommendations to guide clinicians on PCa screening and early diagnosis for South African men.

BACKGROUND. Although leprosy, a neglected tropical disease, has been eliminated (<1 case per 10 000 population) in South Africa (SA) since 1926, according to the World Health Organization, new cases continue to be reported. The management of leprosy poses several challenges, including patient adherence, education and insufficient training of healthcare practitioners. OBJECTIVES. To describe the biographical profile, clinical manifestations and treatment outcomes in patients with leprosy in KwaZulu-Natal Province. METHODS. This retrospective study aimed to analyse the clinical data of leprosy patients in SA from 2002 to 2022. Data collected included patient demographics, comorbidities, cutaneous and neurological manifestations of leprosy, complications, treatment and adverse reactions. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the data. RESULTS. The study analysed the clinical data of 194 leprosy patients from 2002 to 2022. The majority of patients were male and middle aged, with a disproportionate representation of black South Africans. Regarding socioeconomic status, 80% were unemployed and 40% were social grant recipients. Most cases were clustered in urban centres and diagnosed at secondary care facilities, with 15% being HIV positive. The majority of patients (90%) were classified as having multibacillary leprosy. Common symptoms included upper respiratory tract involvement, hair loss and painful nerves, with the face and limbs being most frequently affected. Cutaneous morphology predominantly included plaques and hypopigmented patches, while neurological signs included ulnar nerve tenderness, muscle weakness and sensory deficits. Debilitating neurological complications were found in one-fifth of patients. Despite initiation of multidrug therapy in most patients, a significant proportion (27.3%) did not complete the full course of treatment, and treatment reactions were noted in 33.5% of patients. CONCLUSION. These findings emphasise the urgent need for enhanced patient and healthcare worker education, particularly in primary healthcare settings, to improve adherence to treatment, advocate for prophylactic measures and prevent new cases. Achieving leprosy-free status in SA requires the collaboration of many role-players to address these challenges and improve healthcare practices.

RESUMEN Introducción: la necrosis pancreática se presenta entre 10 y 20 % de los pacientes con pancreatitis aguda, tiene una mortalidad de 10 a 25 % y si se agrega infección a la necrosis entre 40 y 70 %. Objetivo: describir el manejo clínico quirúrgico de la necrosis pancreática infectada en el Servicio de Cirugía General del Hospital Nacional entre el periodo 2021-2022. Metodología: estudio observacional descriptivo de corte temporal transversal. En pacientes internados en el Servicio de Cirugía General del Hospital Nacional por pancreatitis aguda grave con necrosis pancreática infectada. Resultados: se analizaron un total de 30 pacientes. La media de edad fue de 39 años. Predominó en nuestra población pacientes de sexo masculino en el 56.67 %. En cuanto a las comorbilidades asociadas un 33.3 % los pacientes presentaron principalmente Diabetes mellitus tipo 2 e Hipertensión arterial; en menor medida Obesidad en un 23.3 %. De la población en estudio 76.6 % recibieron tratamiento quirúrgico y 23.33% tratamiento médico principalmente antibiótico terapia. De los pacientes sometidos a tratamiento quirúrgico 9 fueron a necrosectomia abierta, 7 a drenaje percutáneo, y en menor medida drenaje biliar y endoscópico. En cuanto a la mortalidad por necrosis pancreática infectada encontramos un 10 % de mortalidad. Discusión: la mayor parte de los pacientes con pancreatitis aguda grave sufren de necrosis pancreática; la necrosis pancreática infectada se asocia con mayor riesgo de mortalidad y en su mayoría requieren tratamientos invasivos. Conclusión: el manejo mínimamente invasivo en el tratamiento inicial de la necrosis pancreática infectada podría resolver la mayoría de los casos sin necesidad de realizar necrosectomia; reservando esta última solo a los que fracasan en el tratamiento inicial.

ABSTRACT Introduction: pancreatic necrosis occurs between 10 and 20 % of patients with pancreatitis, has a mortality of 10 to 25 % and if infection is added to the necrosis between 40 and 70 %. Objective: to describe the surgical and clinical management of infected necrotizing pancreatitis in patients admitted to the General Surgery Service of the Hospital Nacional between the period 2021-2022. Methodology: this was an observational, descriptive and cross-section study with a temporal cut. We included patients admitted to the general surgery service of the National Hospital with severe acute pancreatitis with infected necrotizing pancreatitis. Results: a total of 30 patients were included. The mean age was 39 years. Male patients prevailed in our population in 56.67 %. Regarding the associated comorbidities, 33.3 % of the patients presented mainly type 2 diabetes mellitus and arterial hypertension; to a lesser extent Obesity in 23.3 %. In the study population, 76.6 % received surgical treatment and 23.33 % medical treatment, mainly antibiotic therapy. Of the patients who underwent surgical treatment, 9 were open necrosectomy, 7 had percutaneous drainage, and to a lesser extent biliary and endoscopic drainage. Regarding mortality due to infected necrotizing pancreatitis, we found a 10% mortality. Discussion: most of the patients with severe acute pancreatitis suffer from necrotizing pancreatitis; infected necrotizing pancreatitis is associated with increased risk of mortality and most require invasive treatment. Conclusion: minimally invasive management in the initial treatment of infected necrotizing pancreatitis, which could resolve most cases without the need to perform necrosectomy; the latter should be reserved for those who fail the initial treatment.

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second most common cause of cancer death in women. The anthracycline, doxorubicin, is a well-known and highly effective treatment for breast cancer patients; however, many patients present with resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs, which ultimately results in treatment failure and contributes to high mortality rates. It is well established that the mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase 1 (MKP-1) mediates the response to chemotherapy, where upregulated MKP-1 is associated with chemoresistance. We investigated whether MKP-1 inhibition or silencing can sensitise triple-negative MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells to doxorubicin therapy. We found that MKP-1 inhibition and silencing sensitises breast cancer cells to doxorubicin-induced apoptosis. Additionally, the inhibition of MKP-1 in combination with doxorubicin treatment promotes autophagy induction, while doxorubicin and not MKP-1 modulation increased lysosomal acidic compartments. As such, this study demonstrated that MKP-1 inhibition has a potential therapeutic benefit for breast cancer patients by increasing the efficacy of conventional chemotherapy. Therefore, MKP-1 inhibition should be developed as a clinically relevant adjuvant therapy, which could provide a novel avenue for therapeutic intervention in combination with chemotherapy in breast cancer patients. SIGNIFICANCE: • MKP-1 inhibition with sanguinarine and silencing sensitises breast cancer cells to doxorubicin-induced apoptosis. • The inhibition of MKP-1 with sanguinarine in combination with doxorubicin treatment promotes autophagy induction. • MKP-1 inhibition can have a potential therapeutic benefit for breast cancer patients by increasing the efficacy of conventional chemotherapy.

In the South African public healthcare sector, 28% of diabetic patients present to primary healthcare clinics with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), often presenting in advanced stages of ulcer severity. In this study, we aimed to categorise factors predisposing individuals to developing a DFU and to identify the potential shortcomings in existing treatment plans in the South African healthcare system. In addition, the use of preventative measures in the management of DFUs was examined as well as the influence of past treatment practices. A total minimum sample size of 50 DFUs was required for this study. Participants who were selected for this study had their past records reviewed in order to determine the likelihood of previous DFU infections, as well as to determine the occurrence of co-morbidities. The treatment protocol implemented was recorded. Twelve-month patient records were used to identify the infection frequency and past treatment protocols. A total of 48.9% of patients reported that they did not make use of any preventative measures. The most frequent concurrent medical conditions were hypertension, dyslipidaemia, and peripheral neuropathy. Polypharmacy was prevalent, with 55% of the population prescribed five or more medications. Potential medication interactions were examined and a total of 210 interactions were documented. An analysis of past and current treatment practices revealed that 52.1% of the treatment protocols did not comply with local treatment guidelines. This study highlights the urgent need for updated DFU treatment protocols in relation to the overall management of DFUs, taking into account existing international guidelines. SIGNIFICANCE: We determined that the South African treatment guidelines and DFU classification system do not align to international standards. Furthermore, the use of preventative measures among DFU patients was poor and polypharmacy was present in the patient cohort. We emphasise the need for all members of a healthcare team, including podiatrists, clinicians, microbiologists and pharmacists, to work together in order to identify at-risk patients, prevent possible DFUs and effectively treat existing DFUs in a manner that does not contribute to antimicrobial resistance and provides the best possible outcome for the patient.

RESUMEN Introducción: El cáncer de laringe es la neoplasia maligna más común de las vías aerodigestivas superiores. La laringectomía total es el tratamiento de elección en casos avanzados, pero se asocia a una alta tasa de complicaciones. Objetivos: Conocer la prevalencia de las complicaciones posquirúrgicas de la laringectomía total y los factores asociados en pacientes con cáncer de laringe. Materiales y métodos: Estudio observacional, descriptivo, retrospectivo, de corte transversal, revisando el comportamiento de la laringectomía total y sus principales complicaciones en la Cátedra y Servicio de Otorrinolaringología del Hospital de Clínicas de la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas de la Universidad Nacional de Asunción, Paraguay, de 2015 a 2022. Se incluyeron pacientes mayores de 18 años, de ambos sexos, postoperados de laringectomía total, con diagnóstico anatomopatológico de neoplasia de laringe. Se excluyeron pacientes no operados, con fichas incompletas o que abandonaron el tratamiento. Se analizaron variables demográficas, clínicas, quirúrgicas y anatomopatológicas. Resultados: Se incluyeron 10 pacientes, todos varones, con edad media de 56,3 ± 10,2 años. El 90% presentaba hábitos tóxicos. La complicación más frecuente fue la fístula faringocutánea (70%), seguida por infección del sitio quirúrgico (10%) y sangrado posoperatorio (10%). El 71,4% de las fístulas se resolvieron con medidas conservadoras. El 30% tenía afectación supraglótica y el 57,1% de los que presentaron complicaciones recibieron radioterapia previa. Conclusión: Las complicaciones de la laringectomía total son frecuentes, principalmente la fístula faringocutánea. La afectación supraglótica y la radioterapia previa se asociaron a mayor tasa de complicaciones. Se requieren estudios prospectivos con muestras más grandes para confirmar estos hallazgos.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Laryngeal cancer is the most common malignant neoplasm of the upper aerodigestive tract. Total laryngectomy is the treatment of choice in advanced cases, but it is associated with a high rate of complications. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of postoperative complications of total laryngectomy and associated factors in patients with laryngeal cancer. Materials and methods: Observational, descriptive, retrospective, cross-sectional study, reviewing the behavior of total laryngectomy and its main complications in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology of the Hospital de Clínicas, Faculty of Medical Sciences, National University of Asunción, Paraguay, from 2015 to 2022. Patients over 18 years of age, of both sexes, who underwent total laryngectomy, with anatomopathological diagnosis of laryngeal neoplasm were included. Non-operated patients, those with incomplete records or who abandoned treatment were excluded. Demographic, clinical, surgical and anatomopathological variables were analyzed. Results: Ten patients were included, all male, with a mean age of 56.3 ± 10.2 years. Ninety percent had toxic habits. The most frequent complication was pharyngocutaneous fistula (70%), followed by surgical site infection (10%) and postoperative bleeding (10%). Conservative measures resolved 71.4% of the fistulas. Thirty percent had supraglottic involvement and 57.1% of those who presented complications received previous radiotherapy. Conclusion: Complications of total laryngectomy are frequent, mainly pharyngocutaneous fistula. Supraglottic involvement and previous radiotherapy were associated with a higher rate of complications. Prospective studies with larger samples are required to confirm these findings.

RESUMEN Introducción: La herida es una pérdida de continuidad de la piel o mucosa producida por algún agente físico o químico. Una herida es “compleja” cuando por su extensión, localización, profundidad o exposición de elementos nobles, necesita para su curación una terapéutica especial. Este es el caso de heridas con compromiso tisular que afecta a estructuras como músculos, fascias, tendones, huesos, vasos sanguíneos, nervios o las lesiones de lenta evolución como úlceras o escaras. Objetivos: Determinar el método de reconstrucción más utilizado en el manejo terapéutico de las heridas complejas del tercio distal de la pierna en los pacientes atendidos en el Hospital de Trauma y en la Unidad de Cirugía Plástica de la FCM - UNA. Materiales y métodos: Estudio de diseño observacional, tipo de estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo. Fueron incluidos pacientes de ambos sexos, mayores de edad, con heridas complejas en el tercio distal de la pierna, atendidos en el Hospital de Trauma y en la Unidad de Cirugía Plástica de la FCM - UNA, durante el periodo 2010 al 2019. Resultados: Se incluyó a 112 pacientes de los cuales el 80,36 % fue hombres y el 19,64 % mujeres. Las edades estaban comprendidas entre los 18 y los 73 años y una media de 33,8 ± 14 años. La edad más frecuente fue 18 años. La mediana de edad es de 30 años, lo que implica que la mitad de la muestra tuvo por lo menos dicha edad. En cuanto a la procedencia, el 41,07 % era del interior, el 30,36 % del departamento Central y el 28,57 % restante de Asunción. En cuanto al mecanismo de la lesión, se puede observar que el mecanismo más frecuente fue el accidente de tráfico, seguido por caída de altura, en un gran porcentaje. En cuanto a la evolución y complicaciones se puede ver que 92 individuos, o sea 82 % de los pacientes no tuvo ninguna evolución negativa o complicaciones. Lo más común fue la infección con 1,9% de prevalencia, la pérdida parcial del colgajo o piel representan el 2,4%, dehiscencia de la sutura el 0,9 %, hematoma 0,6 % y pérdida total del colgajo 0,54 %. En cuanto al tratamiento aplicado, se debe tener en cuenta que los pacientes pudieron haber recibido más de un tratamiento por lo que el tamaño de la muestra se refiere a las visitas. El tratamiento más frecuente fue el colgajo sural con 28,57%, tutor externo con el 20,19%, injerto de piel 16,46%, toillete 12,73% y colgajo fascio - cutáneo en 6,21%. Conclusión: La gran mayoría de los casos tratados corresponde a algún tipo de accidente de tránsito. Se necesita de un equipo multidisciplinario: ortopedistas, cirujanos plásticos, cirujanos vasculares, fisioterapeutas, etc. en trabajo coordinado para tratar estas graves lesiones de forma a obtener resultados favorables. Para la cobertura de la pierna traumatizada, con exposición ósea, recurrimos a los colgajos musculares, en el 1/3 proximal el gemelo, en el 1/3 medio el sóleo. Para la cobertura del 1/3 distal de la pierna utilizamos el colgajo neuro-veno-fascio-cutáneo (sural) a pedículo distal.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The wound is a loss of continuity of the skin or mucosa produced by some physical or chemical agent. A wound is “complex” when due to its extension, location, depth, exposure of noble elements, it requires special therapy to heal. This is the case of wounds with tissue involvement that affects structures such as muscles, fascia, tendons, bones, blood vessels, nerves, or slowly evolving lesions such as ulcers or bedsores. Objectives: Determine the reconstruction method most used in the therapeutic management of complex wounds of the distal third of the leg in patients treated at the Trauma Hospital and the Plastic Surgery Unit of the FCM - UNA. Materials and methods: Observational, descriptive, and temporally retrospective study. Patients of both sexes, of legal age, with complex wounds in the distal third of the leg, treated at the Trauma Hospital and in the Plastic Surgery Unit of the FCM - UNA, during the period 2010 to 2019, were included. Results: 112 patients were included, of which 80.36% are men and 19.64% are women. The ages range from 18 to 73 years and an average of 33.8 ± 14 years. The most common age was 18 years. The median age is 30 years, which implies that half of the sample is at least that age. Regarding origin, 41.07% are from the interior, 30.36% from the Central department and the remaining 28.57% from Asunción. Regarding the mechanism of injury, the most frequent mechanism was a traffic accident, followed by a fall from a height, in a large percentage. Regarding the evolution and complications, 92, that is, 82% of the patients do not have any negative evolution or complications. The most common was infection with 1.9%, partial loss of the flap or skin represented 2.4%, suture dehiscence with 0.9%, hematoma 0.6%, and total loss of the flap 0.54. %. Regarding the treatment applied, it must be considered that patients may have received more than one treatment, so the sample size refers to visits. The most frequent treatment was the sural flap with 28.57%, external tutor with 20.19%, skin graft 16.46%, toilette 12.73% and fasciocutaneous flap in 6.21%. Conclusion: Most cases treated correspond to some type of traffic accident. A multidisciplinary team is needed: orthopedists, plastic surgeons, vascular surgeons, physiotherapists, etc. in coordinated work to treat these serious injuries to obtain favorable results. To cover the traumatized leg, with bone exposure, we resort to muscle flaps. In the proximal 1/3, the gastrocnemius. In the middle 1/3, the soleus. To cover the distal 1/3 of the leg we used the neuro-veno-fascio-cutaneous (sural) flap to the distal pedicle.

RESUMEN Introducción: Cada año en América Latina, más de 200,000 mujeres son diagnosticadas con cáncer de mama. Como parte del tratamiento de esta enfermedad, la cirugía es uno de los pilares fundamentales. El acto quirúrgico es una experiencia extrema para el paciente y el cirujano, necesaria en esta patología para el tratamiento completo y, como todo acto médico, no está exento de complicaciones. En Paraguay no se cuentan con estadísticas sobre la prevalencia de las complicaciones debidas a cirugías por cáncer de mama, por lo que este trabajo tiene como principal objetivo establecer dicha frecuencia en un hospital de cuarto nivel de complejidad. Materiales y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo, observacional, de corte transversal. Muestreo no probabilístico de casos consecutivos. La selección de sujetos de estudios se realizó de la población de pacientes que fueron sometidos a cirugía por cáncer de mama, en el Hospital de Clínicas en el periodo enero de 2018 a agosto 2022, y que cumplan con los criterios de inclusión y exclusión. Todas las variables han sido extraídas de la ficha clínica y fueron documentadas en el formulario de registro de datos. Se esperaba una frecuencia de 42 % de complicaciones post quirúrgicas utilizando el programa estadístico EPIINFO 7 para un IC de 95% a precisión de 5%, el tamaño mínimo a incluir debía ser de 143 pacientes. Resultados: Se analizaron 203 historias clínicas de pacientes con diagnóstico de cáncer de mama que fueron sometidas a cirugía como parte del tratamiento, correspondientes al periodo comprendido entre enero de 2018 a agosto de 2022. Cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión 201 pacientes. Se registraron un total de 92 pacientes que presentaron alguna complicación relacionada a la cirugía, que corresponden 46 % del total de pacientes en el periodo de tiempo estudiado. De las complicaciones encontradas, 40 desarrollaron seromas, representando el 43% del total de pacientes con complicaciones; 18 pacientes tuvieron infección de la herida operatoria, representando el 20%. 7 pacientes presentaron dehiscencia de la herida operatoria, siendo el 7,5% del total; y 5 desarrollaron un hematoma, siendo el 5,3%. Entre otras complicaciones encontradas, 4 pacientes presentaron linfedema (4,3%), 4 dolor crónico (4,3%), 3 extrusión de prótesis mamaria (3,2 %), 2 de celulitis del miembro superior afecto (2,1%), 2 presentaron necrosis del complejo areola-pezón (2,1%), 1 sufrimiento de piel sin necrosis, 1 sufrimiento del complejo areola-pezón sin necrosis (1% ambos), 1 presentó fistula (1%), 1 disfunción del miembro superior homolateral (1%), y una contractura capsular (1%). Discusión: Se registraron 92 pacientes con una complicación post quirúrgica luego de una cirugía por cáncer de mama; representa así el 46% del total de pacientes estudiados. Esta prevalencia se corresponde con lo publicado en la literatura. En cuanto a las complicaciones encontradas, la más frecuente en nuestra revisión fue el seroma, que se presentó en un 40% de las complicaciones. Las publicaciones describen a esta como una de las complicaciones más frecuentemente relacionadas a la cirugía mamaria, con frecuencias que varían desde 18 al 86% según diversos autores. Conclusión: De 201 pacientes que cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión y exclusión, se registraron un total de 92 pacientes que presentaron alguna complicación relacionada a la cirugía, que corresponden 46 % del total de pacientes en el periodo de tiempo estudiado. La complicación más frecuente fue el seroma. Todos los hallazgos de este estudio se correlacionan con lo encontrado en la literatura.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Every year in Latin America, more than 200,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer. As part of the treatment of this disease, surgery is one of the fundamental pillars. The surgical act is an extreme experience for the patient and the surgeon, necessary in this pathology for complete treatment and, like any medical act, it is not exempt from complications. In Paraguay there are no statistics on the prevalence of complications due to surgeries for breast cancer, so the main objective of this work is to establish said frequency in a hospital of fourth level of complexity. Materials and methods: retrospective, observational, cross-sectional study. non-probabilistic sampling of consecutive cases. The selection of study subjects was made from the population of patients who underwent surgery for breast cancer, at the Hospital de Clínicas in the period January 2018 to August 2022, and who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. All the variables have been extracted from the clinical record and were documented in the data recording form. A frequency of 42% of post-surgical complications was expected using the statistical program EPIINFO 7 for a CI of 95% with a precision of 5%, the minimum size to include had to be 143 patients. Results: 203 medical records of patients diagnosed with breast cancer who underwent surgery as part of the treatment, corresponding to the period from January 2018 to August 2022, were analyzed. 201 patients met the inclusion criteria. A total of 92 patients who presented some complication related to surgery were registered, corresponding to 46% of the total number of patients in the period of time studied. Of the complications found, 40 developed seromas, representing 43% of all patients with complications; 18 patients had surgical wound infection, representing 20%. 7 patients presented dehiscence of the surgical wound, being 7.5% of the total; and 5 developed a hematoma, being 5.3%. Among other complications found, 4 patients presented lymphedema (4.3%), 4 chronic pain (4.3%), 3 extrusion of breast prosthesis (3.2%), 2 cellulitis of the affected upper limb (2.1%), 2 presented necrosis of the nipple-areola complex (2.1%), 1 suffering from skin without necrosis, 1 suffering from the nipple-areola complex without necrosis (1% both), 1 presented fistula (1%), 1 homolateral upper limb dysfunction (1%), and capsular contracture (1%). Discussion: 92 patients with a post-surgical complication after surgery for breast cancer were registered; thus represents 46% of all patients studied. This prevalence corresponds to what has been published in the literature. Regarding the complications found, the most frequent in our review was seroma, which occurred in 40% of the complications. The publications describe this as one of the complications most frequently related to breast surgery, with frequencies ranging from 18 to 86% according to various authors. Conclusion: Of 201 patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 92 patients who presented some complication related to surgery were registered, corresponding to 46% of the total number of patients in the period of time studied. The most frequent complication was seroma. All the findings of this study correlate with what is found in the literature.

This policy brief document utilised an original published study from three academic hospitals in South Africa (SA) and all relevant published literature to develop recommendations on several strategies, summarised by the acronym 'PRACTICE', to optimise antimicrobial prescribing practices. These include implementing standardised policies for empirical antimicrobial use, routine review of antimicrobial therapy, age-specific antimicrobial stewardship programmes and continued collaborative efforts and research. Individualised treatment plans, improved infection prevention and control measures, ongoing surveillance and exploring electronic technology for antimicrobial stewardship are also crucial in combating the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance and improving patient outcomes in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) such as SA.

Urology provides critical medical treatment that has the potential to save lives and greatly improve quality of life. Although there is a growing need for urological care, South Africa (SA) now faces an unmet need for these services, and junior doctors have limited exposure to urology. SA has a total of 347 urologists who are actively practising and registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa. This means that there is a ratio of only 0.56 urologists per 100 000 people in the population. The ratio is even more dire if we only include urologists in the public sector. This article offers pragmatic strategies for addressing common urological conditions. These guidelines adhere to international standards and can be adopted at all levels of healthcare, with the exception of a few advanced imaging needs.

RESUMEN El cáncer es una de las causas de muerte más habitual por enfermedad en menores. Debido a los grandes avances en la investigación médica y los tratamientos, una gran tasa de niños la supera, de ahí que la promoción, prevención y tratamiento constituye un reto necesario a asumir a partir del análisis de sus dimensiones. El objetivo del trabajo es diseñar un sistema de actividades psicoterapéuticas para el perfeccionamiento de la atención a los pacientes oncológicos en el Hospital Provincial Pediátrico de Camagüey. La metodología empleada fue la cuanticualitativa (análisis de documentos, entrevista, encuestas, observación, entre otros). Se fundamentan teóricamente los elementos conceptuales, se exponen los asuntos psicosociales y didácticos de su diseño, así como la valoración por especialistas. Los resultados introducidos en la práctica desde la Sala de Oncología fueron apreciados favorablemente por los pacientes y familiares en 10 sesiones que incluyeron temas como la autoestima y asertividad.

ABSTRACT Cancer is one of the most common causes of death due to illness in children. Due to the great advances in medical research and treatments, a large percentage of children overcome it, hence promotion, prevention and treatment constitute a necessary challenge to assume based on the analysis of its dimensions. The objective of the work is to design a system of psychconapeutic activities to improve care for oncological patients at the Provincial Pediatric Hospital of Camagüey. The methodology used was quantitative (document analysis, interview, surveys, observation, among cons). The conceptual elements are theoretically based, the psychosocial and didactic issues of its design are exposed, as well as the assessment by specialists. The results introduced into practice from the Oncology Ward were favorably appreciated by patients and family members in 10 sessions that included topics such as self-esteem and assertiveness.

INTRODUCTION: General dentists are often reluctant to perform interceptive orthodontic treatment (IOT) in their practices. As IOT can be of great benefit to some patients, the study aimed to explore the factors that influence the implementation of such treatment. METHODOLOGY: A sample of 24 general dental practitioners was selected. One-on-one interviews, guided by two questionnaires, were conducted with each of the participants at either their place of work or in a public location. They answered structured questions regarding the treatment plans for five paper patient scenarios to test their knowledge on interceptive orthodontics (IO). The knowledge scores were assessed according to whether the participants were in private or public practice and on a socioeconomic scale according to where they practiced. A second questionnaire focused on the patient confidence levels with respect to performing IOT as well as other practical issues that have a bearing on IOT. RESULTS: All the participants in the study achieved a knowledge score over 70% with no statistically significant differences found between the private and public sectors. However, when compared according to the different socioeconomic areas, the practitioners from the middle-income socioeconomic area displayed a lower knowledge score that was statistically significant (p=0.029). This group also performed significantly (p=0.001) poorer than the other groups when "treating" Case 1. Seventy-five percent of the participants were very confident regarding their IO diagnosis and treatment planning. However, this confidence was tempered by their confidence (42%) in their undergraduate orthodontic programme. All the participants acknowledged the importance of timeous IOT, yet only 79% stated that they would have treated the "patients" in their own practices. Factors affecting the non-delivery of IOT in practice showed that 50% of the dentists expressed no interest in orthodontics, 54% mentioned medical aid remuneration as a negative factor and 58% did not have the practice infrastructure to be able to perform IOT. CONCLUSION: The lack of interest compounded by the practical challenges of finances, practice infrastructure and lack of patient motivation and compliance are the real issues, with patients often being considered for treatment when it is too late for IOT. Factors influencing dental practitioners' decision to perform interceptive orthodontic treatment in public and private practice settings in the Tshwane metropole, South Africa.

Resumo A síndrome VEXAS (vacúolos, enzima E1, cromossoma X, autoinflamação, mutação somática) foi identificada em 2020 por Beck et al, ao analisar o genoma de 2560 doentes com diferentes tipos de manifestações autoinflamatórias. Fizemos uma revisão da literatura com o objetivo de divulgar a evidência científica existente e aumentar o grau de suspeição clínica da comunidade médica. Atualmente, estão identificadas várias mutações associadas a esta síndrome, originando defeitos na ubiquitinação e ativação do sistema imune inato. Da análise fenotípica dos portadores da mutação, foram encontradas características comuns: sexo masculino, idade superior a 50 anos, citopenias, febre e sintomas constitucionais, podendo estar envolvidos todos os órgãos e sistemas com manifestações e proporções variáveis. A natureza inflamatória e multissistémica desta doença representa uma dificuldade acrescida no seu diagnóstico e tratamento, cursando com elevada morbimortalidade. Atualmente, os tratamentos com maior eficácia demonstrada são corticoterapia, azacitidina, inibidores da JAK-1/2 e inibidores da interleucina-6, parecendo também existir benefício com o transplante autólogo de células estaminais. Tendo em conta a sua identificação recente e baixo número de doentes diagnosticados, a maioria dos estudos disponíveis apresentam limitações relacionadas com a metodologia e curta duração de seguimento, imperando a necessidade de ensaios clínicos prospetivos de modo a definir as melhores estratégias terapêuticas e melhorar o prognóstico destes doentes.

Abstract VEXAS (vacuoles, E1 enzyme, X-linked, autoinflammatory, somatic) syndrome was identified in 2020 by Beck et al, when analyzing the genome of 2560 patients with different types of autoinflammatory manifestations. A literature review was carried out with the aim of disseminating existing scientific evidence and increasing the degree of clinical suspicion of the medical community. Currently, many mutations associated with this syndro-me have been identified, causing defects in the ubiquitylation and activation of the innate immune system. From the phenotypic analyses of the mutation carriers, some common features were found: male, over 50 years old, cytopenias, fever and constitutional symptoms, and all organs and systems with variable manifestations and proportions may be involved. The inflammatory and multi-systemic nature of this disease leads to a diagnostic and treatment challenge, adding to the already existing high morbimortality. Presently, the treatments with greater efficiency are corticosteroid therapy, azacytidine, JAK-1/2 inhibitors and interleukin-6 inhibitors. There are also benefits in autologous stem cell transplants. Given its recent identification and low number of diagnosed patients, most available studies have limitations related to the methodology and short duration of follow-up, prevailing the need for prospective clinical trials in order to define the best therapeutic strategies and to improve these patients’ prognosis.