ABSTRACT Introduction. The COVID-19 emergency caused a pandemic with a great impact on mortality in Peru. Objective. To analyze the magnitude of mortality due to COVID-19 and identify some sociodemographic characteristics. Methods. A descriptive ecological study was carried out, analyzing data on deaths due to COVID-19 during the period 2020-2023, as well as publicly accessible socioeconomic and demographic indicators. The variables included in the study were: year of death, number of deaths, sex, age group, province of origin, natural region, macroregion, human development index (HDI), unmet basic needs (UBN) and population density. Results. 220,628 deaths due to COVID-19 were reported, of which 219,374 (99.43%) occurred during the pandemic and 1,254 (0.57%) in the post-pandemic period; The cumulative mortality rate was 6.76 deaths/1000 inhabitants. The COVID-19 death curve shows that between 2020-2023, five waves occurred, with the second wave having the highest mortality, followed by the first wave. Mortality predominated in men, older adults (69.77%) and adults (28.11%). The macroregion of Metropolitan Lima and Callao had the highest mortality rates with 9.36 deaths/1000 inhabitants. The provinces with the highest cumulative mortality rates were those located on the coast, in quintiles with less NBI, in quintiles with a higher HDI and in those provinces with a higher population density. Conclusions. The COVID-19 pandemic caused high mortality in Peru, being higher in males, older adults, from coastal cities, with higher population density and better socioeconomic indicators.

RESUMEN Introducción. La emergencia de COVID-19 causó una pandemia con gran impacto en la mortalidad en Perú. Objetivo. Analizar la magnitud de la mortalidad por COVID-19 e identificar algunas características sociodemográficas. Métodos. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de tipo ecológico, se analizaron los datos de muertes por COVID-19 durante el periodo 2020-2023, así como indicadores socioeconómicos y demográficos de acceso público. Las variables incluidas en el estudio fueron año de defunción, número de muertes, sexo, grupo etario, provincia de procedencia, región natural, macrorregión, índice de desarrollo humano (IDH), necesidades básicas insatisfechas (NBI) y densidad poblacional. Resultados. Se reportaron 220628 muertes por la COVID-19, de las cuales, 219374 (99,43%) ocurrieron durante la pandemia y 1254 (0,57%) en periodo pospandemia. La tasa de mortalidad acumulada fue de 6,76 muertes/1000 habitantes. La curva de muertes por COVID-19 muestra que entre el 2020-2023 ocurrieron cinco olas siendo la de mayor mortalidad la segunda, seguida por la primera ola. La mortalidad predominó en hombres, adultos mayores (69,77%) y adultos (28,11%). La macrorregión de Lima Metropolitana y Callao tuvo las más altas tasas de mortalidad con 9,36 muertes/1000 habitantes. Las provincias con mayores tasas de mortalidad acumulada fueron las ubicadas en la costa, en quintiles con menos NBI, en quintiles de mayor IDH y en aquellas provincias con mayor densidad poblacional. Conclusiones. La pandemia COVID-19 causó elevada mortalidad en Perú, siendo mayor en varones, adultos mayores, de ciudades de costa, de mayor densidad poblacional y mejores indicadores socioeconómicos.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and validate the methodological proposal to estimate the incidence and mortality due to cancer attributable to modifiable risk factors for Peru and Latin America. Methods: Pilot study, ecological from secondary sources. Modifiable risk factors, exposure prevalence, relative risks of these factors (RR) or an approximation by means of possibilities ratio (OR) were searched and selected. The information was recorded in a data collection form which was validated by expert judgment. For the calculation of the Population Attributable Fraction (FAP), the formula proposed by Parkin was tested and a statistical simulation model was developed with R. Studio V. 3.6.1 software. Results: In Peru there are prevalence studies for the majority of modifiable risk factors; Likewise, studies with OR estimates for several of the factors are available in Latin America; however, studies from the United States had to be used for the remaining factors. No national studies of ionizing or ultraviolet radiation were found. The syntax of the statistical simulation model was tested, which proved to be valid and consistent with the results of international FAP studies within the ranges of published studies. Conclusion: It is feasible and viable to carry out PAF studies of modifiable risk factors for cancer in Latin American countries, particularly in Peru, where the information required for its estimation is available.

RESUMEN Objetivo : Evaluar la factibilidad y validar la propuesta metodológica para estimar la incidencia y mortalidad por cáncer atribuible a factores de riesgo modificables para el Perú y Latinoamérica. Métodos : Estudio piloto, ecológico a partir de fuentes secundarias. Se buscó y seleccionó los factores de riesgo modificables, prevalencia de exposicion, los riesgos relativos de dichos factores (RR) o una aproximación mediante la razón de posibilidades (OR). La información fue consignada en una ficha de recolección de datos la cual fue validada mediante juicio de expertos. Para el cálculo de la Fracción Atribuible Poblacional (FAP) se ensayó la fórmula planteada por Parkin y se desarrolló un modelo de simulación estadística con el software R. Studio V. 3.6.1. Resultados : En el Perú se cuenta con estudios de prevalencia para la mayoría de factores de riesgo modificables; asimismo, se dispone en Latinoamérica de estudios con estimaciones de OR para varios de los factores; sin embargo hubo que utilizar estudios de los Estados Unidos para los factores restantes. No hallamos estudios nacionales de radiaciones ionizantes ni ultravioleta. Se ensayó la sintaxis del modelo de simulación estadística la cual mostró ser válida y consistente con los resultados de investigaciones internacionales de FAP encontrándose dentro de los rangos de los estudios publicados. Conclusión : Es factible y viable realizar estudios de FAP de factores de riesgo modificables para cáncer en países de Latinoamérica, particularmente en el Perú, donde se cuenta con la información requerida para su estimación.

Objective: To determine the clinical and histopathological characteristics associated to patients with triple negative breast cancer of the Hipolito Unanue National Hospital between June 2012 to June 2018. Methods: Cross-sectional, analytical study. We reviewed the medical records of all patients treated at the Hipóito Unanue National Hospital during the period from June 2012 to June 2018. Results: 134 patients were included, out of which 36 (26.9%) were TN and 98 No TN. Of the histopathological characteristics, the most frequent CD was III and II for the two groups. The histological type that predominated was the infiltrating ductal type in both groups. The high histological grade was characteristic in NT (58%) unlike non TN. The NTs were larger 5.75 cm in contrast to the TNs with 3 cm, and the Ki 67 was higher in the TN 35% in contrast to the NON TN with 15%. In the bivariate analysis the size (RP: 1.4, CI: 1.17-1.68, p = 0.0001), Ki 67 (RP: 1.05, CI: 1.03-1.07, p = 0.001), BMI ≥25 kg / m2 ( RP: 1.14, CI: 1.23-6.22, p = 0.014), Histological Grade 3 (RP: 3.87, CI: 1.74-8.63, p = 0.001), size ≥5 cm (RP: 2.94, CI: 1.33-6.48, p = 0.008) were significant. In the multivariate analysis it was found that grade 3 (PR: 1.74, CI: 1.01-3, p = 0.0046) and Ki 67 (RP: 1.02, CI: 1.01-1.03, p = 0.0001) were histopathological characteristics associated with CMTN. Conclusion: There are histopathological characteristics associated with triple negative breast cancer particularly high histological grade and Ki67 value.

Objetivo: Determinar las características clínicas e histopatológicas asociadas a las pacientes con cáncer de mama triple negativo (CMTN) en un Hospital peruano de referencia. Métodos: Estudio transversal, analítico. Se revisaron las historias clínicas de todas las pacientes atendidas en el Hospital Nacional Hipóito Unanue durante el periodo de junio del 2012 a junio del 2018. Resultados: Se incluyeron 134 pacientes de los cuales 36 (26,9%) correspondieron a CMTN, el estadío clínico más frecuente fue el III y II para los dos grupos. El tipo histológico que más predomino fue el tipo ductal infiltrante en ambos grupos. El grado histológico elevado fue característico en los casos de CMTN (58%) a diferencia de los No TN. Los CMTN fueron de mayor tamaño (5,75 cm vs 3cm en no TN), y el Ki 67 fue más elevado en el TN (35% en comparación con el No TN con 15%). Se determinó en el análisis bivariado que el tamaño (RP: 1,4, IC: 1,17-1,68, p= 0,0001), Ki 67 (RP: 1,05, IC: 1,03-1,07, p= 0,001), IMC ≥25 kg/m2 (RP: 1,14, IC: 1,23-6,22, p= 0,014) y el Grado Histológico 3 (RP:3,87, IC: 1,74-8,63, p= 0,001) se asociaron significativamente a la presencia de CMTN. En el análisis multivariado se encontró que el grado 3 (RP: 1,74, IC: 1,01-3, p= 0,0046) y el Ki 67 (RP: 1,02, IC: 1,01-1,03, p= 0,0001) fueron las características histopatológicas asociados al CMTN. Conclusión: Las características más consistentemente asociadas al cáncer de mama triple negativo en fueron el elevado grado histológico y mayor valor de Ki67.

Objetive: To evaluate the prognostic value of the monocyte lymphocyte index (ILM) in the overall survival of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (LCGBD) of the Edgardo Rebagliati Martins Hospital. Methods: Retrospective longitudinal study. We included cases of LCGBD diagnosed in the National Hospital Edgardo Rebagliati Martins during the period 2010-2017. No sampling was done, we worked with the entire population that met the selection criteria because it is small and accessible. The patients' clinical histories were reviewed, obtaining information about the time in months of survival, ILM, as well as sociodemographic, clinical and laboratory variables. Results: 121 patients with LCGBD were included in the analysis; of them, 57% were female and 66.1% were older than 60 years. According to the Zubrod Status, 66.5% corresponded to the degree of better prognosis and 59.5% presented associated B symptoms. About 60% were diagnosed in stages I and II and 57% presented extranodal involvement. The bivariate analysis with the Cox proportional hazards model showed that the ILM <2 constituted a predictor of the overall survival of the LCGBD (p = 0.011), estimating HR = 2.2 (95% CI: 1.2-4.1); likewise, an ILM <1.7 was also a predictor (p = 0.009) with an estimated HR = 2.2 (95% CI: 1.2-4.1). ILM <2.7 was not a predictor of overall survival.. Conclusion: The ILM could be used as a prognostic index because it is a predictor of the overall survival of patients with LCGBD of the Edgardo Rebagliati Martins National Hospital.

Objetivo: Evaluar el valor pronostico del índice linfocito monocito (ILM) en la sobrevida global de los pacientes con Linfoma de células grandes B difuso (LCGBD) del Hospital Edgardo Rebagliati Martins. Métodos: Estudio longitudinal retrospectivo. Se incluyó a los casos de LCGBD diagnosticados en el Hospital Nacional Edgardo Rebagliati Martins durante el período 2010-2017. No se realizó muestreo, se trabajó con la totalidad de la población que cumplió con los criterios de selección por ser esta pequeña y accesible. Se revisó las historias clínicas de los pacientes obteniéndose información del tiempo en meses de supervivencia, del ILM así como de variables sociodemográficas, clínicas y de laboratorio. Resultados: Se incluyó en el análisis a 121 pacientes con LCGBD; de ellos, el 57% eran de sexo femenino y 66.1% eran mayores de 60 años. De acuerdo al Status Zubrod, el 66,5% correspondieron al grado de mejor pronóstico y el 59.5% presento sintomas B asociados. Cerca del 60% fueron diagnosticados en estadios I y II y el 57% presento compromiso extraganglionar. El análisis bivariado con el modelo de riesgos proporcionales de Cox mostró que el ILM<2 constituyó un predictor de la supervivencia global del LCGBD (p=0,011) estimándose un HR=2.2 (IC 95%: 1.2-4.1); asimismo, un ILM< 1,7 también constituyó predictor (p=0,009) estimándose un HR=2.2 (IC 95%: 1.2-4.1). El ILM<2,7 no constituyó predictor de la supervivencia global. Conclusión: El ILM podría utilizarse como un índice pronóstico debido a que constituye un predictor de la supervivencia global de los pacientes con LCGBD del Hospital Nacional Edgardo Rebagliati Martins.

Abstract: Background: Previous studies have shown oxidative stress in pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus, nevertheless, it remains unknown whether a similar response is characteristic of endemic pemphigus foliaceus in Peru. Objectives: To determine the oxidative stress response in endemic pemphigus foliaceus patients and subjects with positive for anti-desmoglein1 antibodies (anti-dsg1) from endemic areas of Peru. Subjects and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. The study population included 21 patients with Endemic Pemphigus foliaceus and 12 healthy subjects with anti-dsg1 antibodies from the Peruvian Amazon (Ucayali), as well as 30 healthy control subjects. Malondialdehyde, an indicator of lipid peroxidation by free radicals, was measured in serum. Results: We collected 21 cases of endemic pemphigus foliaceus, 15 of them with active chronic disease and 6 in clinical remission. Serum malondialdehyde values in patients with chronic active evolution and healthy subjects with anti-dsg1 antibodies were statistically higher than those of healthy controls (p<0.001). There was no significant difference between serum values of localized and generalized clinical forms. Study limitations: The main limitation of this present study is the small number of patients with endemic pemphigus and healthy subjects positive for desmoglein 1 antibodies. Conclusions: The increased serum levels of malondialdehyde in patients with chronic active endemic pemphigus foliaceus and healthy subjects from endemic areas with anti-dsg1 antibodies may suggest a contribution of systemic lipid peroxidation in the pathogenesis of endemic pemphigus foliaceus.

ABSTRACT This article reviews public health interventions for preparedness and response to natural disasters within the context of El Niño phenomenon using systematic reviews and a review of revisions with emphasis on vector-borne diseases, water-borne diseases, malnutrition, heat stress, drought, flood-associated diseases, mental health problems, vulnerability of the physical health-system infrastructure, as well as long-term policies aimed at protecting the populations of these cases. Environmental interventions were identified, including vector control, chemoprophylaxis, immunization, and intradomiciliary water treatment. While these finds are based primarily on systematic reviews, it is necessary to evaluate the benefit of these interventions within the population, according to the context of each region.

RESUMEN El presente artículo realiza una revisión de las intervenciones en salud pública para la preparación y respuesta ante desastres naturales en el contexto del fenómeno El Niño (FEN) a partir de revisiones sistemáticas y una revisión de revisiones con énfasis en las enfermedades transmitidas por vectores, transmitidas por el agua, malnutrición, estrés térmico, sequías, enfermedades asociadas a inundaciones, problemas de salud mental, vulnerabilidad de la infraestructura física de los servicios de salud, así como de las políticas a largo plazo orientadas a proteger a la población en estos casos. Se identificaron intervenciones ambientales, como el control de vectores, quimioprofilaxis, vacunación y tratamiento intradomiciliario de agua. Si bien estos hallazgos se basan principalmente en revisiones sistemáticas, es necesario evaluar el beneficio de estas intervenciones en la población, de acuerdo con la realidad de cada región.

This article reviews public health interventions for preparedness and response to natural disasters within the context of El Niño phenomenon using systematic reviews and a review of revisions with emphasis on vector-borne diseases, water-borne diseases, malnutrition, heat stress, drought, flood-associated diseases, mental health problems, vulnerability of the physical health-system infrastructure, as well as long-term policies aimed at protecting the populations of these cases. Environmental interventions were identified, including vector control, chemoprophylaxis, immunization, and intradomiciliary water treatment. While these finds are based primarily on systematic reviews, it is necessary to evaluate the benefit of these interventions within the population, according to the context of each region.

El presente artículo realiza una revisión de las intervenciones en salud pública para la preparación y respuesta ante desastres naturales en el contexto del fenómeno El Niño (FEN) a partir de revisiones sistemáticas y una revisión de revisiones con énfasis en las enfermedades transmitidas por vectores, transmitidas por el agua, malnutrición, estrés térmico, sequías, enfermedades asociadas a inundaciones, problemas de salud mental, vulnerabilidad de la infraestructura física de los servicios de salud, así como de las políticas a largo plazo orientadas a proteger a la población en estos casos. Se identificaron intervenciones ambientales, como el control de vectores, quimioprofilaxis, vacunación y tratamiento intradomiciliario de agua. Si bien estos hallazgos se basan principalmente en revisiones sistemáticas, es necesario evaluar el beneficio de estas intervenciones en la población, de acuerdo con la realidad de cada región.

Objectives: To describe the findings of a year of epidemiological surveillance in pilot hospitals in Peru belonging to the diabetes surveillance (DS) system. Materials and methods. Cross-sectional study involving diabetic patients in the DS system from 18 hospitals during 2012. The DS database was assessed and epidemiological and laboratory variables were obtained including age, sex, type of diabetes, complications, comorbidity, microalbuminuria, fasting blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) at two time points - at the time of enrollment and the last followup. Results. 2,959 cases were found. At the time of enrollment into the DS system, 91.2% had a fasting blood glucose test of which 65.4% had a level 130 mg/dL. 8.9% had a microalbuminuria test of which 20.5% had microalbuminuria and 6.5% proteinuria. In total, 1025 patients had a follow-up visit; 93.1% had a fasting blood glucose test and 22.3% had HbA1c test. 63.5% had a fasting glycemia level 130 mg/dL and 73.4% HbA1c level 7.0%. The most common complication was neuropathy (21.4 %) and the most frequent comorbidity was high blood pressure (10.5%). Tuberculosis and cancer cases were observed; the most frequent cancer was breast cancer, particularly in postmenopausal women. Conclusions. The DS shows that among diabetics of the pilot hospitals, which have laboratory results, there is a high frequency of inadequate glycemic control and poor adherence to treatment. The high frequency of complications found highlights the need to strengthen early diagnosis

Objetivos: Describir los hallazgos de un año de la vigilancia epidemiológica de diabetes mellitus en hospitales piloto pertenecientes al sistema de vigilancia de diabetes (VD). Materiales y métodos. Estudio transversal que incluyó a los pacientes diabéticos notificados durante el 2012 en 18 hospitales piloto del Perú. Se revisó la base de datos de la VD, obteniéndose variables epidemiológicas y de laboratorio como edad, sexo, tipo de diabetes, complicaciones, comorbilidad, microalbuminuria, glucosa en ayunas y hemoglobina glucosilada (HbA1c) al momento de captación por la VD y en el último control. Resultados. Se encontraron 2959 casos. Al momento de captación por la VD, 91,2% contaba con glicemia en ayunas de los cuales, 65,4% presentaba valor 130 mg/dL. El 8,9% contaba con estudio de microalbuminuria, el 20,5% de ellos presentaba microalbuminuria y el 6,5% proteinuria. En total, 1025 pacientes tuvieron consulta de control; 93,1% contaba con glicemia en ayunas y 22,3% con HbA1c. El 63,5% tenía glicemia en ayunas 130 mg/dL y 73,4% HbA1c 7,0%. La complicación más frecuente fue la neuropatía (21,4%) y la comorbilidad más frecuente la hipertensión arterial (10,5%). Se observó casos de tuberculosis y cáncer, de los cánceres, el más frecuente fue el de mama, principalmente en mujeres posmenopáusicas. Conclusiones. La VD muestra que en los diabéticos de los hospitales piloto en los que se cuenta con resultados de laboratorio existe una alta frecuencia control glicémico inadecuado y pobre adherencia al tratamiento. La alta frecuencia de complicaciones encontrada evidencia la necesidad de fortalecer el diagnóstico temprano

Objectives: To describe the findings of a year of epidemiological surveillance in pilot hospitals in Peru belonging to the diabetes surveillance (DS) system. Materials and methods. Cross-sectional study involving diabetic patients in the DS system from 18 hospitals during 2012. The DS database was assessed and epidemiological and laboratory variables were obtained including age, sex, type of diabetes, complications, comorbidity, microalbuminuria, fasting blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) at two time points - at the time of enrollment and the last followup. Results. 2,959 cases were found. At the time of enrollment into the DS system, 91.2% had a fasting blood glucose test of which 65.4% had a level ≥130 mg/dL. 8.9% had a microalbuminuria test of which 20.5% had microalbuminuria and 6.5% proteinuria. In total, 1025 patients had a follow-up visit; 93.1% had a fasting blood glucose test and 22.3% had HbA1c test. 63.5% had a fasting glycemia level ≥ 130 mg/dL and 73.4% HbA1c level ≥ 7.0%. The most common complication was neuropathy (21.4 %) and the most frequent comorbidity was high blood pressure (10.5%). Tuberculosis and cancer cases were observed; the most frequent cancer was breast cancer, particularly in postmenopausal women. Conclusions. The DS shows that among diabetics of the pilot hospitals, which have laboratory results, there is a high frequency of inadequate glycemic control and poor adherence to treatment. The high frequency of complications found highlights the need to strengthen early diagnosis

Objetivos: Describir los hallazgos de un año de la vigilancia epidemiológica de diabetes mellitus en hospitales piloto pertenecientes al sistema de vigilancia de diabetes (VD). Materiales y métodos. Estudio transversal que incluyó a los pacientes diabéticos notificados durante el 2012 en 18 hospitales piloto del Perú. Se revisó la base de datos de la VD, obteniéndose variables epidemiológicas y de laboratorio como edad, sexo, tipo de diabetes, complicaciones, comorbilidad, microalbuminuria, glucosa en ayunas y hemoglobina glucosilada (HbA1c) al momento de captación por la VD y en el último control. Resultados. Se encontraron 2959 casos. Al momento de captación por la VD, 91,2% contaba con glicemia en ayunas de los cuales, 65,4% presentaba valor ≥ 130 mg/dL. El 8,9% contaba con estudio de microalbuminuria, el 20,5% de ellos presentaba microalbuminuria y el 6,5% proteinuria. En total, 1025 pacientes tuvieron consulta de control; 93,1% contaba con glicemia en ayunas y 22,3% con HbA1c. El 63,5% tenía glicemia en ayunas ≥ 130 mg/dL y 73,4% HbA1c ≥ 7,0%. La complicación más frecuente fue la neuropatía (21,4%) y la comorbilidad más frecuente la hipertensión arterial (10,5%). Se observó casos de tuberculosis y cáncer, de los cánceres, el más frecuente fue el de mama, principalmente en mujeres posmenopáusicas. Conclusiones. La VD muestra que en los diabéticos de los hospitales piloto en los que se cuenta con resultados de laboratorio existe una alta frecuencia control glicémico inadecuado y pobre adherencia al tratamiento. La alta frecuencia de complicaciones encontrada evidencia la necesidad de fortalecer el diagnóstico temprano

La criptococosis es una infección micótica de distribución mundial, producida principalmente por el complejo Cryptococcus neoformans/Cryptococcus gattii (C. neoformans/C. gattii), ambos se encuentran ampliamente distribuidos en la naturaleza. C. neoformans afecta principalmente a personas inmunocomprometidas y C. gattii a pacientes inmunocompetentes expuestos a al nicho ecológico del hongo. Por lo general la puerta de entrada es por vía respiratoria y posteriormente se disemina a otras regiones del cuerpo, principalmente el sistema nervioso central. El diagnóstico se realiza por observación directa del hongo, estudios histopatológicos, aislamiento en cultivos y la presencia de antígeno capsular. Las manifestaciones cutáneas pueden ser por inoculación primaria a la piel, denominada criptococosis cutánea primaria o por diseminación hematógena como parte de una enfermedad sistémica, lo que se denomina criptococosis cutánea secundaria. Las principales diferencias son que en la primera existe un antecedente traumático previo, menor porcentaje de pacientes inmunodeprimidos y lesiones únicas o confinadas a las manos o áreas descubiertas. Aunque la incidencia de criptococosis ha disminuido con el tratamiento antirretroviral de gran actividad, aun es prevalente en regiones donde no se accede a este tratamiento, así mismo las manifestaciones cutáneas son difíciles de reconocer por lo que es importante que el médico considere este diagnóstico en pacientes con el virus de inmunodeficiencia humana o pacientes que antecedente traumático expuestos a la ecología del hongo como heces de palomas, tierra o madera en descomposición.

Cryptococcosis is an opportunistic fungal infection of worldwide distribution, mainly produced by the complex Cryptococcus neoformans / Cryptococcus gattii, both are widely distributed in nature, primarily affecting immunocompromised patients. Generally the gateway is through inhalation and later spread to other regions of the body, especially the central nervous system. The diagnosis is performed by direct observation of the fungus, histopathology, culture isolation and the presence of capsular antigen. Cutaneous manifestations may be for primary inoculation to the skin, called primary cutaneous cryptococcosis or for hematogenous spread as part of a systemic disease, which is called secondary cutaneous cryptococcosis. The main differences are a previous trauma, lower percentage of immunocompromised patients and single lesions confined to the hands or bare spots in the first case. Although the incidence of cryptococcosis has decreased with highly active antiretroviral therapy, is still prevalent in regions where there is not access to this treatment, also the skin manifestations are difficult to recognize what is important for the physician to consider this diagnosis in patients with the human immunodeficiency virus or patients with traumatic history exposed to ecology of the fungus as pigeon excreta, soil or decaying wood.

FUNDAMENTOS: O pênfigo é uma doença auto-imune bolhosa. Segundo um relatório, em áreas de pênfigo foliáceo endêmico no Peru há casos de pênfigo vulgar com características epidemiológicas, clínicas e histopatológicas semelhantes às do "pênfigo vulgar endêmico" no Brasil. OBJETIVOS: Determinar as características clínicas e epidemiológicas do pênfigo endêmico e os fatores de risco para o desenvolvimento de complicações durante o tratamento. MÉTODOS: Um estudo foi realizado de julho de 2003 a março de 2008. 60 doentes de pênfigo foliáceo endêmico e 7 de pênfigo vulgar endêmico foram avaliados em hospitais e clínicas na Amazônia peruana e em Lima. Uma análise multivariante foi feita usando regressão logística binária. RESULTADOS: A idade média dos doentes de pênfigo foliáceo endêmico foi 31,4 anos; 55% eram homens, 60% apresentavam a forma clínica generalizada. 57,1% nao cumpriram o tratamento. 35% apresentaram complicações (por exemplo, piodermites e pielonefrite). Os fatores de risco foram não cumprir o tratamento e ter a forma clínica generalizada. No grupo pênfigo vulgar endêmico, a idade média foi 21,7 anos; 71,4% eram homens. Todos os pacientes apresentavam a variante clínica mucocutânea e a apresentação inicial consistia de lesões da mucosa bucal; 71,4% apresentaram complicações durante o tratamento, piodermites sendo a mais freqüente. CONCLUSÕES: Não cumprir o tratamento e ter a forma clínica generalizada são fatores de risco para o desenvolvimento de complicações durante o tratamento de pênfigo foliáceo endêmico. Peru realmente tem casos de pênfigo vulgar endêmico com características epidemiológicas semelhantes às do pênfigo foliáceo endêmico. Viver numa área rural pode ser um fator de risco para o desenvolvimento de complicações.

BACKGROUND: Pemphigus is an autoimmune blistering disease. According to a report, in areas of endemic pemphigus foliaceus (EPF) in Peru there are cases of pemphigus vulgaris with epidemiologic, clinical and histopathologic characteristics similar to those of "endemic pemphigus vulgaris" (EPV) in Brazil. OBJECTIVES: To determine the clinical and epidemiologic characteristics of endemic pemphigus and the risk factors of patients for developing complications during treatment. METHODS: A study was carried out from July 2003 to March 2008. The study population was 60 patients with EPF and 7 patients with EPV evaluated in hospitals and clinics in the Peruvian Amazon and Lima. A multivariate analysis was carried out using binary logistic regression. RESULTS: The average age of EPF patients was 31.4 years; 55% were men; 60% presented the generalized clinical variant. Non-compliance with the treatment was seen in 57.1% of the patients. Thirty-five percent presented complications (e.g. pyodermitis and pyelonephritis) during treatment. The risk factors for developing complications during treatment were non-compliance with the treatment and having the generalized clinical form. In the EPV group, the average age was 21.7 years; 71.4% were men. All patients presented with the mucocutaneous clinical variant and the initial presentation consisted of oral mucosa lesions; 71.4% presented complications during treatment, pyodermitis being the most frequent. CONCLUSIONS: Non-compliance with the treatment and the generalized clinical form are risk factors for the development of complications during treatment of patients with EPF. Peru indeed has EPV cases with epidemiologic characteristics similar to EPF. Living in a rural area may represent a risk factor for the development of complications during treatment of patients with EPV.