Background: Stroke is the third largest single cause of death in Chile, responsible for 7.3% of all deaths in 2019. Large declines in stroke mortality rates in most Latin American countries in recent decades have been reported. Aim: To analyze the trend in stroke mortality in Chile between 1980 and 2015. Material and Methods: We extracted data for age-standardized death rate (ASDR) stroke mortality per 100,000 inhabitants in Chile for the period 1980-2015from the WHO Mortality Database. Joinpoint regression analysis was used to analyze the trend and compute the average annual percent change (AAPC) by gender in Chile. Results: The ASDR from stroke decreased from 92.8 per 100,000 in 1980 to 34.4 per 100,000 in 2015. The AAPC was −2.8% (-3.5, −2.1), with two jointpoints, 2008 and 2012. By gender, the AAPC was −2.4% and −2.9% in men and women, respectively. Conclusions: Stroke mortality rate decreased significantly between 1980 and 2015 in Chile, mainly in women.

Abstract Elevation of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) in biological fluids indicates a deficiency in the branched-chain ketoacid dehydrogenase complex, which causes maple syrup urine disease (MSUD). Detection of increased levels of alloisoleucine confirms the diagnosis, while routine monitoring of leucine concentration is crucial for preventing metabolic decompensation and neurological dysfunction. In the metabolic center at Universidad de Chile, we have confirmed and monitored more than fifty MSUD patients in the last 20 years. Most diagnoses were made by clinical and sibling diagnosis, as MSUD is not included in the Chilean national newborn screening program. Shortening diagnosis time has a fundamental impact on the outcome of patients, therefore we focused on implementing detection of BCAAs in dried blood spot by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MSMS) for disease confirmation as well as for biochemical monitoring. Retrospective analysis of samples from 9 diagnosed MSUD patients were performed; BCAAs values were determined via MSMS and LC-MSMS conducted in parallel. Leucine and alloisoleucine levels were positively correlated with patient’s diagnosis age. Alloisoleucine was significatively elevated as early as 24 hr after birth. A predictable variation in BCAAs levels after nutritional intervention among diagnosed MSUD patients was found.

Abstract Introduction: Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a syndrome characterized by increased intracranial pressure without a space occupying lesion or hydrocephalus. The symptoms are headache, pulsatile tinnitus, transient visual obscurations, and visual loss. Signs are diplopia caused by sixth cranial nerve paresis and papilledema with its associated loss of sensory visual function. The patient maintains an alert and oriented mental state, but has no localizing neurologic findings. The only major morbidity with IIH is visual loss. The association between IIH and nitrofurantoin was reported in 1974. Case: A 42 years old female, overweighed, who developed IIH 18 months after the start of prophylactic nitrofurantoin. She had frontal oppressive headache that increased with the Valsalva maneuver, fluctuant visual loss and transient visual obscurations. She had bilateral papilledema without localizing neurologic findings. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure was 25.5 cm H2O. Magnetic resonance imaging showed signs of increased CSF pressure without structural lesions or hydrocephalus. IIH recovered with the withdrawal of nitrofurantoin and the use of topiramate. There was not permanent visual loss. Conclusions: It is recommendable to suspect IIH in obese women in the childbearing years. There are several drugs associated with IIH including nitrofurantoin. The main objective of treatment is to prevent visual loss.

Resumen Introducción: La Hipertensión Intracraneal Idiopática (HICI) es un síndrome neurológico caracterizado por un aumento de la presión intracraneal en ausencia de lesión estructural o hidrocefalia. Los síntomas incluyen cefalea, tinnitus pulsátil, oscurecimientos visuales transitorios y pérdida visual. Dentro de los signos destacan diplopía por parálisis del VI par, edema de papila y disminución de la agudeza visual. Los pacientes no tienen compromiso de conciencia ni signos neurológicos focales. La principal complicación es la pérdida visual que puede ser irreversible. La asociación entre HICI y nitrofurantoína (NTF) se reportó en 1974. Caso clínico: Mujer de 42 años, con sobrepeso, que desarrolló una HICI aproximadamente 18 meses posterior al inicio de nitrofurantoína profiláctica. Consultó por cefalea frontal, opresiva que aumentaba con la maniobra de Valsalva, asociada a disminución fluctuante de la agudeza visual y episodios de oscurecimiento. Al examen destacó edema de papila bilateral, sin déficit neurológico focal. La presión del líquido cefalorraquídeo (LCR) fue de 25,5 cm de agua. La resonancia magnética mostró signos de aumento de la presión del LCR, sin lesiones estructurales ni hidrocefalia. El cuadro se recuperó concomitantemente a la suspensión de la NTF y el uso de topiramato. No se constató daño visual permanente. Conclusiones: Se debe sospechar la HICI en mujeres en edad fértil con sobrepeso. Dentro de los gatillantes del síndrome destacan varios fármacos, entre ellos la NTF. El principal objetivo del tratamiento de la HICI es preservar la función visual.

Abstract: Introduction: Congenital heart defects (CHD), the most frequent congenital malformations, have shown an in creased survival and exponential growth of the adolescent and adult population living with CHD. Interventions that optimize the transition of patients from pediatric to adult health care services are essential for ensuring positive long-term outcomes. Objective: To describe the knowledge and management of this disease, self-efficacy, and quality of life of young people with CHD during the transition period in two hospitals in Santiago, Chile. Patients and Method: Non-experimental, des criptive, cross-sectional study. Patients completed: a) a survey of socio-demographic data, knowledge and management of their condition, and use of health services; b) the Health-Related Quality of Life (Con-HRQoL) Scale in patients with CHD; and c) the Generalized Self-Efficacy (GSE) Scale. Re sults: We obtained a sample of 51 patients, 53% of them were men, and the mean age was 17 ± 2.49 years. The complexity of the CHD was mild in 22%, moderate in 29%, and high in 49%. Although patients reported high self-efficacy and good levels of quality of life, there was a lack of knowledge and self-management of their heart disease. Conclusions: The study showed that adolescents and young people with CHD are not prepared to achieve a successful transition to adult health care services, and there is a need for the implementation of transition programs focused on education, self-care, and self-management of the disease.

Resumen: Introducción: Las cardiopatías congénitas (CC), la malformación congénita más frecuente, han experimentado un aumento de sobrevida y crecimiento exponencial de la población de adolescentes y adultos portado res de CC. Para el éxito a largo plazo urgen intervenciones que optimicen la transición de cuidados de salud desde los servicios pediátricos a los de adulto. Objetivo: Describir el conocimiento y manejo de la enfermedad, autoeficacia y calidad de vida en adolescentes y jóvenes con CC en periodo de transfe rencia en dos hospitales en Santiago de Chile. Pacientes y Método: Estudio no experimental, descrip tivo, de corte transversal. Se aplicó: a) Encuesta de datos sociodemográficos, conocimiento y manejo de su enfermedad y uso de servicios de salud; b) Escala Con-Qol de Calidad de Vida Relacionada con Salud (CVRS) en pacientes con CC y c) Escala de Autoeficacia Generalizada (EAG). Resultados: Se obtuvo una muestra de 51 pacientes, 53% hombres, edad promedio de 17 ± 2,49 años. El 22% de las CC fue de complejidad simple, 29% moderada y 49% alta. Presentaron alta autoeficacia y buenos niveles de calidad de vida, sin embargo, mostraron escaso conocimiento y manejo de su enfermedad cardiaca. Conclusiones: Destaca la poca preparación para lograr una transición exitosa a servicios de adultos y jóvenes portadores de CC, siendo fundamental implementar programas de transición centrados en educación, autocuidado y automanejo de la enfermedad.

Background: Stroke is a time-dependent emergency. Most patients with acute ischemic stroke are excluded from reperfusion therapies due to late consultation. Aims: To estimate the arrival times of patients with stroke to the Emergency Room (ER) of a public hospital. To identify factors associated with early consultation. Material and Methods: A convenience sample, 583 patients aged 71 ± 13 years (55% males) consulting for stroke at an emergency room was analyzed in terms of delay between onset of symptoms and arrival to the ER, demographics and etiology of stroke. Results: The admission diagnoses were ischemic stroke in 76%, intracerebral hemorrhage in 12%, transient ischemic attack in 9% and subarachnoid hemorrhage in 3%. The median time of arrival was 8 hours and 11 minutes after the onset of symptoms. Nineteen percent of consultations for ischemic stroke occurred within 3 hours of symptom onset, and 38% within 6 hours. In the logistic regression analysis, having an address near the hospital and the severity of stroke were associated with early consultation with a combined odds ratio of 5.97 (95% confidence intervals 3.23-11.04). Conclusions: There were significant differences in the arrival times of patients with stroke. Only a low proportion of patients with ischemic stroke consulted within the window for reperfusion therapies. Severe strokes and living near the hospital were associated with early consultation.

Introduction: Stroke is a time-dependent emergency. The majority of patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke are excluded from reperfusion therapies due to late consultation. The factors associated with early arrival and evaluation of patients with acute stroke in our population are unknown. The aim of the study was to identify factors associated with early arrival and evaluation of patients with acute stroke. Methods: A convenience sample of the stroke consultations made during shift # 1 at the ER between January 2016 and December 2017, was analyzed. Results: There were 584 stroke consultations in the period. 55.1% were men. The median time of arrival was 8 hours and 11 minutes. The median time for evaluation by neurologist was 66 minutes. Having an address in Temuco-Padre Las Casas and the severity of stroke was associated with early consultation with a combined OR of 5.97 (CI 95% 3.23-11.04). For an evaluation within one hour, in the logistic regression model, the variables severity, arrival in ambulance and consultation in less than 3 hours were statistically significant with a combined OR of 10.86 (CI 95% 5.15-22.94). Conclusions: The factors associated with early consultation and evaluation include residing in communes near the hospital and presenting more severe symptoms of stroke. It is suggested to implement strategies to increase the degree of recognition of stroke symptoms and to reduce barriers to access hospitals that treat patients with stroke.

Resumen Antecedentes: El ataque cerebrovascular (ACV) es una urgencia tiempo-dependiente. La mayoría de los pacientes con infarto cerebral quedan excluidos de las terapias de reperfusión por consultar tardíamente. Se desconocen los factores asociados a llegada y evaluación precoz de pacientes con ACV agudo en nuestra población. Objetivos: Identificar los factores asociados, llegada y evaluación precoz de pacientes con ACV agudo. Pacientes y Métodos: Muestra por conveniencia de las consultas por ACV realizadas en el Turno N° 1, del SU del Hospital Dr. Hernán Henríquez de Temuco, entre enero de 2016 y diciembre de 2017. El análisis estadístico se realizó con el software STATA 14.0. Resultados: Se registraron 584 consultas por ACV. La mediana del tiempo de llegada fue de 8 h y 11 min. La mediana del tiempo para la evaluación por neurólogo(a) fue de 66 min. Tener domicilio en Temuco-Padre Las Casas y una mayor severidad del ACV se asociaron a consultar precozmente con un OR = 5,97 (3,23-11,04). Para evaluación dentro de una hora, las variables severidad, llegada en ambulancia y consulta en menos de 3 h, fueron estadísticamente significativas, con un OR combinado de 10,86 (IC 95%: 5,15-22,94). Conclusiones: Los factores más fuertemente asociados a llegada y evaluación precoz incluyen residir en comunas cercanas al hospital y presentar síntomas más severos de ACV. Se sugiere implementar estrategias para aumentar el grado de reconocimiento de síntomas de ACV y para disminuir las barreras de acceso a hospitales que traten a este tipo pacientes.

Background: Neurological emergencies constitute 10-15% of medical emergencies. Doctor Hernán Henríquez Aravena Hospital has in house neurologists present permanently at the Emergency Room since July 2013. Aim: To estimate the waiting times for neurological consultations; to compare the waiting times between neurovascular (UV) and non-vascular (UNV) emergencies; and to compare the waiting times of two prioritization (triage) models. Material and Methods: A convenience sample of the consultations made during shift # 1 at the emergency room between January and December 2016, was analyzed. Results: There were 859 consultations in the period, 570 for UNV and 289 for UV. Mean age of consultants was 57 years and 52% were women. The median time for having an evaluation by a neurologist was 106 min (132 and 81 min for UNV and UV respectively). Twenty seven percent of patients were evaluated in less than one hour (23 and 36% of UNV and UV, respectively). The change of the prioritization model decreased the waiting time by 81 and 32 min for UNV and UV, respectively. Conclusions: There were significant differences in waiting times between neurovascular and non-vascular emergencies. Most patients were not evaluated in less than 60 minutes. The change in the initial stratification model was associated with a significant reduction in the waiting times for neurological emergencies.

Marantic or nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis is characterized for the presence of vegetations formed by a meshwork of fibrin and other cellular material similar a blood clot, without the presence of microorganisms. It is often related with tumors and chronic inflammatory states. We report a 49 years old female with a history of weight loss and asthenia, presenting with multiple cerebrovascular attacks and fever. Blood cultures were negative and the fever did not subside with antibiotic treatment. Trans esophageal echocardiogram showed a mitral valve vegetation and thickening of the free edge of both leaflets. In search of the etiology of such a case, a primary pancreatic cancer with distant metastases was found. We cannot rule out the differential diagnosis with bacterial endocarditis with negative blood cultures, although the clinical context supports a non-infectious etiology.

Abstract This paper reports the case of a 24-year-old female patient with Henoch-Schönlein purpura, who presented to our department with cutaneous manifestations. She has torpid evolution, and gastrointestinal and renal complications. Henoch-Schönlein purpura is a small vessel vasculitis that affects mainly pediatric patients, characterized by the tetrad of palpable purpura, abdominal pain, arthralgia or arthritis and kidney injury. It is a systemic disease with IgA. It is usually self-limiting, but in some cases serious complications may appear, mainly chronic kidney disease. Steroid treatment is recommended only in severe cases. Early recognition of the disease and the multidisciplinary management prevent fatal complications.

Resumen Comunicamos el caso de una paciente de 24 años de edad con púrpura de Henoch-Schönlein, quien acudió a nuestro servicio con manifestaciones cutáneas extensas. Cursaba con evolución tórpida y complicaciones gastrointestinales y renales. La púrpura de Henoch-Schönlein es una vasculitis de pequeños vasos que afecta principalmente a pacientes en edad pediátrica, caracterizada por la tétrada de púrpura palpable, dolor abdominal, artralgias o artritis y daño renal. Es una enfermedad sistémica, con depósito de IgA. Por lo general es de alivio espontáneo, pero en algunos casos tiene graves complicaciones, principalmente enfermedad renal crónica. El tratamiento con esteroides se recomienda sólo en casos graves. El reconocimiento temprano de la enfermedad, así como el tratamiento multidisciplinario evitarán complicaciones fatales.

Background: Intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) with alteplase (tissue plasminogen activator) is the standard pharmacological treatment in acute ischemic stroke (AIS), reducing disability in patients. Aim: To report the results a thrombolysis protocol during four years in a regional public hospital. Material and Methods: Data from 106 consecutive patients aged 68 ± 13 years (57% men) who were treated with IVT, from May 2012 until April 2016, was analyzed. Results: The median door-to-needle time was 80 minutes (interquartile range = 57-113). The median National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores on admission and at discharge were was 11.5 and 5 points respectively. At discharge, 27% of hospitalized patients had a favorable outcome (n = 99), defined as having 0 to 1 points in the modified Rankin scale. Symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage and mortality rates were 5.7 and 13.1%, respectively. The thrombolysis rate rose from 0.7% in 2012 to 6% in 2016. Conclusions: The implementation of 24/7 neurology shifts in the Emergency Department allowed us to increase the amount and quality of IVT in our hospital, as measured by the rate of thrombolysis and by process indicators such as door-to-needle time.

Introduction: Neurological emergencies constitute 10-15% of medical emergencies. The main reasons for consultation are cerebrovascular disease, seizures and headaches. Dr. Hernan Henriquez Hospital (HHHA) began with neurologists in the Adult Emergency Service in April 2011. In July 2013 24/7 neurology shifts at emergency room were added. Objective: To describe the clinical profile of neurologic consultations at our emergency center. Method: A convenience sample of consultations on shift No. 1, at the Adult Emergency Service HHHA between October 2013 and September 2014. The statistical analysis was performed using STATA 12.0 software. Results: 1,080 consultations were recorded in theperiod. 51.2% were women. Mean age = 58 years (SD = 20.2). 36.7% of consultations are conducted in a non-business hour. The most frequent diagnoses were stroke (30.7%), epilepsy (15%) and headache (11.3%). 34.6% ofpatients were discharged; 25.8% were hospitalized in the Internal Medicine dept; 21% were referred to other hospitals; 12% were referred to other specialists and 5.7% were admitted to Critical Patient Unit. 0.83% of the patients died in the SUA. Conclusions: The main reasons for neurological consultation at our Emergency Service were cerebrovascular disease, epilepsy and headaches. Because more than a third of consultations occur on non-schedule hours, neurology system 24/7 shifts are justified in the Emergency Service.

Introducción: Las urgencias neurológicas constituyen el 10-15% de las urgencias médicas. Los principales motivos de consulta son la enfermedad cerebrovascular, crisis epilépticas y cefalea. El Hospital Dr. Hernán Henríquez A. (HHHA) comenzó con neurólogos en el Servicio de Urgencia Adultos (SUA) en horario hábil, en abril de 2011. En julio de 2013 se iniciaron turnos con neurólogo 24/7, presenciales en el SUA. Objetivo: Describir el perfil clínico de las consultas neurológicas en el SUA de nuestro centro. Método: Muestra noprobabilística, por conveniencia, de las consultas realizadas en el Turno N°1, del SUA-HHHA, entre octubre de 2013 y septiembre de 2014. El análisis estadístico se realizó con el software STATA 12.0. Resultados: Se registraron 1.080 consultas en el período. 51,2% fueron mujeres. Promedio de edad = 58 años (DE = 20,2). El 36,7% de las consultas se realizó en horario inhábil. Los diagnósticos más frecuentes fueron infarto cerebral (30,7%), epilepsia (15%) y cefalea (11,3%). El 34,6% de los pacientes fue dado de alta; 25,8% se hospitalizó en el Servicio de Medicina Interna; 21% fue derivado a otros hospitales; 12% fue derivado a otros especialistas y 5,7% ingresó a la Unidad de Paciente Crítico. 0,83% de los pacientes falleció en el SUA. Conclusiones: Los principales motivos de consulta neurológica en nuestro Servicio de Urgencia fueron enfermedades cerebrovasculares, epilepsia y cefalea. Debido a que más de un tercio de las consultas ocurre en horario inhábil, se justifica el sistema de neurología 24/7 presencial en el Servicio de Urgencia.

In arid zones the loss ofbiodiversity, plant cover and biomass are permanent environmental problems. Under arid natural conditions, seeds of wild species usually germinate in irregular periods and in long time, making it difficult to use these species in productive processes. Suitable conditions for optimizing and producing massively wild trees from seeds of species from the Copiapó Valley were evaluated, using treatments of reaming and hormonal induction ofgermination with GA3. The induction conditions for each tree species and the effective plant production capacity was determined. Plant production increased 83.8% on the production of plants in nurseries before the project, by increasing of the germination. Using the production protocol, 25,000 plants from different species by week were produced, with a annual projection which would be possible to control the artificial production of wild plant species. The massive propagation ofplants could be a tool to conservation of natural populations of wild species and give potential to use it in production process.

En zonas áridas la pérdida de biodiversidad, cobertura y biomasa vegetal son problemas ambientales permanentes. En condiciones naturales áridas, las semillas de especies silvestres suelen germinar irregularmente y en tiempo prolongados, lo que hace difícil usar estas especies en procesos productivos. Se evaluaron condiciones adecuadas para optimizar y masificar la producción desde semillas de especies silvestres arbóreas del valle de Copiapó; usando tratamientos de escariación e inducción hormonal de la germinación con GA3. Se determinó el tratamiento para cada especie y la capacidad de producción efectiva de plántulas. La producción de plantas aumentó 83,8% sobre la producción normal en vivero antes del proyecto, por incremento de la germinación. Usando el protocolo de producción de diferentes especies se llegó a obtener 25.000 plantas (diferentes especies) semanales, con una proyección anual que permitiría manejar la producción artificial de especies silvestres. La propagación masiva de plantas puede ser una herramienta para conservar poblaciones naturales de especies silvestres y potenciar su uso en procesos productivos.

Background: The Rhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation (ROE) is an instrument to assess the cosmetic and functional aspects of the nose from the patient's perspective. Its construct validity in Chilean subjects has been published previously. Aim: To compare the ROE scores in different groups of participants. Material and Methods: The questionnaire was applied to patients waiting for a rhinoplasty, patients hospitalized for other causes and medical students. Results: The overall reliability of the scale was 84.8%. Significant differences between groups in the total scores of four out of six items were observed. Conclusions: The Spanish version of the ROE is adequate to evaluate the satisfaction with nasal appearance and function among Chilean individuals.

Objetivo: El Rhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation (ROE) es un instrumento específico para la evaluación cosmética y funcional de la nariz desde la perspectiva del paciente, desarrollado originalmente en inglés. El objetivo del presente estudio es comparar las distribuciones en distintas poblaciones. Material y Método: El instrumento validado en español chileno ROE fue sometido a prueba para evaluar su validez de criterio comparando los resultados de la escala en pacientes programados que deseaban someterse a rinoplastía versus 2 grupos control: 1) Pacientes hospitalizados por otras causas y 2) Estudiantes de medicina. La validez de constructo ya ha sido publicada por los creadores de la escala. Para la comparación de variables se utilizaron las pruebas t de Student, ANOVA, Wilcoxon, Kruskall Wallis, prueba exacta de Fisher o χ² según correspondiera. Para todas las pruebas se utilizó un nivel alfa de 5%. Resultados: Se aplicó la encuesta a 45 pacientes. La edad promedio de la muestra fue de 35,4 años. La confiabilidad de la escala fue de 84,78%. Se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en el puntaje total (p = 0,0047) en 4 de los 6 ítems. Conclusión: Los resultados preliminares de nuestro estudio sugieren que la versión en Español del Rhinoplasty Outcomes Evaluation es útil para evaluar la satisfacción con la apariencia nasal en chilenos.

Background: The Breast QoL Reduction and Mastopexy Module assesses quality of life associated to breast appearance from the point of view of the patient. Its Spanish version was recently validated in Chile. Aim: To assess the criterion validity of the instrument applying it in different populations of women and in the pre and post-operative periods. Material and Methods: The questionnaire was applied to six women subjected to reduction mammoplasty in the pre and post-operative period. It was also applied to 20 women hospitalized for other causes and 20 female medical students. Results: There were significant differences between operated women and their non-operated counterparts in the domains body self-image, social performance and physical symptoms. No differences in sexuality were found. However this last question was answered only by four operated patients, since two declared not to have sex life. Conclusions: The questionnaire is useful to assess quality of life associated to the appearance of breasts.

Objetivo: El Breast Q Reduction and Mastopexy Module es un instrumento específico para la evaluación de calidad de vida asociado a mamas desde la perspectiva del paciente, recientemente validado para uso en español en Chile. Cuenta con evaluación pre y postoperatoria. El objetivo del presente estudio es conocer la validez de criterio al comparar las distribuciones en distintas poblaciones de individuos así como la diferencia del puntaje entre el pre y postoperatorio. Materiales y Métodos: El instrumento validado en español Breast Q Reduction-Mastopexy Module fue sometido a prueba para evaluar su validez de criterio comparando los resultados de la escala en pacientes que deseaban someterse a cirugía versus 2 grupos control, uno de pacientes hospitalizados por otra causa y otro de estudiantes de medicina. Resultados: Se aplicó la encuesta a 46 mujeres, 6 pacientes preoperatorios de mamoplastía de reducción, 20 alumnas de medicina y 20 pacientes hospitalizadas por otra causa. Hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre las pacientes y los grupos control en los dominios autoimagen corporal (p = 0,0001), desempeño social (p = 0,0035) y síntomas físicos (p = 0,0058), no se observaron diferencias en el dominio de sexualidad (p = 0,1432), sin embargo, sólo 4/6 pacientes contestaron la encuesta ya que las otras 2 declararon no tener vida sexual. Conclusiones: Estos resultados preliminares sugieren que la versión en español del Breast Q Reduction-Mastopexy Module es un instrumento útil para evaluar calidad de vida asociada a las mamas en mujeres chilenas.

OBJETIVOS: Describir las condiciones socioeconómicas, de salud, higiénico sanitarias y de trabajo en familias agricultoras del municipio de Marinilla-Antioquia. METODOLOGIA: Estudio descriptivo transversal de una muestra no probabilística de 83 familias. El objetivo se logró mediante la aplicación de un cuestionario y la observación de las condiciones higiénico-sanitarias de las viviendas en nueve veredas. RESULTADOS: La agricultura fue de tipo familiar, con auto-explotación del predio que no generó ingresos suficientes para subsistir (73,8%), por uso de herramientas manuales (99%) y porque el único equipo del que disponían (79,1%) fue el de fumigación. Aunque ha cubierto el ciclo vital y generacional de sus integrantes, solo 17,7% desea que sus hijos continúen la tradición agrícola. Para la mayoría el trabajo se realizó en jornadas de 8 o más horas, 6 o 7 días por semana, sin vacaciones, con accidentalidad del 26,2%, uso continuo de plaguicidas de moderada y alta peligrosidad por 25,9 años en promedio y con escasa (3,9%) protección social para incapacidad, invalidez, vejez y muerte. Sin embargo se identificó un aumento de propiedad sobre la tierra (65%), de la afiliación al sistema subsidiado de salud (96,3%), del nivel de alfabetismo aunque la formación superior técnica o profesional fue del 3,2% y de acceso al sistema de abastecimiento de agua comunal (96,4%). CONCLUSION: la agricultura continúa determinando la vida del campo en Marinilla y es poco esperanzadora para las futuras generaciones, los líderes regionales deberán actuar efectivamente si se quiere preservar el distrito Agrario del Oriente Antioqueño.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the socio-economic, health, hygienic sanitary and working conditions in farming families living in the municipality of Marinilla, Antioquia. METHODOLOGY: Crosssectional study of a nonrandom sample of 83 families. The aim was achieved by applying a questionnaire and observation of the sanitary conditions of the houses in nine villages. RESULTS: agriculture was family type and did not generate enough income to survive (73.8%), use of hand tools (99%) and the only equipment available to them (79.1 %) was the fumigation pump. Although agriculture has covered the life cycle and generational members, only 17.7% want their children to continue the agricultural tradition. Work was performed on 8 or more hours, 6 or 7 days a week, no holidays, with 26.2% accident, continuous use of pesticides of moderate and high hazard for 25.9 years on average and with low (3.9%) social protection for incapacity, disability, old age and death. However this study identified increased land ownership (65%), affiliation to the subsidized health system (96.3%), level of literacy although the technical or professional higher education was 3.2% and access to communal water supply (96.4%). CONCLUSION: agriculture continuous determining Marinilla country life, this work is very hopelessness for the future generations. Regional leaders must act effectively if they want to preserve the agrarian district of Eastern Antioquia.