RSS 1.0Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud
Recent Submissions
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Correction to: Principles of Surgical Treatment of Soft Tissue Sarcomas (Cancers, (2025), 17, 3, (401), 10.3390/cancers17030401)(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2025-07-01)In the original publication [1], there was a mistake: Table 3 and its citations in the main text were missing. The correct Table 3 and its caption appear below. The citations for Table 3 have been added in 3.1. Margin Assessment. The authors state that the scientific conclusions are unaffected. This correction was approved by the Academic Editor. The original publication has also been updated.Acceso abierto
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Prevalence and exploration of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis awareness in men who have sex with men aged 18–29 years in Lima, Peru, during 2021: A mixed methods study(Elsevier B.V., 2025-07-01)Introduction: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a therapeutic scheme that has shown effectiveness in reducing the risk of HIV infection through sexual contact. PrEP has been used in various countries globally and in Latin America as a public health measure. In Peru, the greatest increase in HIV incidence in recent years has occurred in the age group of 20–29 years and 15–19 years, this being an important range to be able to implement prevention measures. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of awareness of HIV PrEP and to explore the knowledge and attitudes regarding its use among men who have sex with men (MSM) aged 18–29 years in Lima, Peru. Methods: Explanatory sequential mixed method study whose central component is quantitative. A survey (non-probabilistic descriptive cross-sectional) and a virtual interview (phenomenological approach) were used for data collection. Results: Of 100 seronegative MSM surveyed, 49 % were aware of PrEP. In the qualitative component, it was found that most participants obtained information casually through their social networks. It was also found that they had significant concern about the adverse effects of PrEP, which was mentioned as a barrier to its use. Conclusion: Almost half of MSM are aware of the existence of PrEP, a medication that helps prevent HIV. However, it is important to find more reliable sources of information about PrEP because the fear of adverse effects and ignorance about it are limitations to its consumption.Acceso abierto
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Sleep Quality and Cardiovascular Adaptation in Health Sciences University Students(Universidad del Rosario, 2025-05-01)Introduction: It is important to have a good cardiovascular adaptation; sleep quality influences the autonomic system, affecting heart rate and blood pressure. The evidence about the relationship between both variables is still insufficient; its measurement is diverse, as are the results. The objective was to evaluate the association between sleep quality and cardiovascular adaptation in health sciences university students. Methods: Cross-sectional and analytical observational study, carried out on 106 students from the Faculty of a private university in Lima (Peru). The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (psqi) was applied to evaluate the sleep quality, the Ruffier-Dickson Test to assess the cardiovascular adaptation, the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (audit) to identify the risk of alcoholism, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (ipaq) to determine the physical activity. Results: 75.5 % of participants had poor sleep quality, and 26.4 % had inefficient or poor cardiovascular adaptation. The prevalence of inefficient or poor cardiovascular adaptation in those with poor sleep quality was 1.66 times higher than the prevalence of inefficient or poor cardiovascular adaptation in those with good sleep quality, but this difference was not statistically significant (pr = 1.66; p = 0.321). Conclusions: No association was found between sleep quality and cardiovascular adaptation in health sciences university students.
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Empathetic communication in higher education: Implications for teacher success(Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications, 2025-07-01)This study examines the relationship between teachers' empathetic communication and their academic performance, focusing on two dimensions: empathetic concern and perspective taking. The main objective was to determine if there is a positive and significant relationship between empathetic communication and teaching performance in the university context. A descriptive correlational design was employed to analyze data collected from 364 students from private universities in Lima. Twenty-four items of empathetic communication and 23 of teaching performance were evaluated using a Likert scale survey. As a result, Spearman correlation analyses revealed a positive and significant correlation between empathetic communication and teaching performance (r = 0.211, P < 0.01). Furthermore, positive, and significant correlations were found between empathetic concern (r = 0.279, P < 0.01) and perspective taking (r = 0.166, P < 0.01) with teaching performance. It is concluded that empathetic communication is positively associated with teaching performance, highlighting the importance of developing empathetic communication skills in teachers to enhance their effectiveness in the classroom. However, caution is advised to balance empathy to avoid potential biases or deviations in teaching. It is recommended to focus teacher training programs on strengthening these social skills to optimize the teaching learning process.Acceso abierto
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Underdiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea detected by respiratory polygraphy in hospitalized patients with heart failure at a tertiary hospital in Lima-Peru(Colegio Medico del Peru, 2025-04-01)Background: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is often undiagnosed in heart failure (HF) patients. Early identification using affordable sleep studies could improve patient outcomes in resource-limited clinical settings like Peru. The objective was to determine the frequency of OSA in hospitalized HF patients using respiratory polygraphy (RP) (Sleep Study Type III). Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. We included patients >18 years, hospitalized with exacerbated HF, and a STOP-BANG score ≥ 3. Enrolled patients underwent overnight RP using ApneaLink Air™. Data collected included clinical parameters, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and echocardiography results. Statistical analysis was carried out using R Studio. Results: Of 46 enrolled patients, 39 underwent successful RP; 84.61% were diagnosed with OSA. Patients exhibited a mean Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) of 14.41 ± 10.08/h with mild (51.28%), moderate (25.64%), and severe (7.69%) cases. Symptoms associated with OSA included a lack of restorative sleep and concentration problems. RP data showed a mean minimum SpO2% of 76.85 ± 9.99% and an Oxygen Desaturation Index (ODI) of 20.01 ± 10.66. Correlation analysis indicated a strong positive correlation between AHI and ODI (r = 0.73, p < 0.001) and a moderate negative correlation between AHI and LVEF (r =-0.64, p = 0.056). Conclusion: This study reveals a high frequency of previously undiagnosed OSA among hospitalized heart failure patients in our institution, indicating the importance of active screening in this high-risk population.Acceso abierto
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Impact of anemia on the association between red cell distribution width and 1-year mortality in acute heart failure patients(SAGE Publications Ltd, 2025-01-01)Background: Different accessible and low-cost biomarkers have been investigated to stratify patients with acute heart failure (AHF). One of them is the red cell distribution width (RDW), which proved to be a greater prognostic marker of mortality than other conventional markers. Objective: Therefore, the objective of our study is to determine whether the anemic status modifies the magnitude of association between high RDW and 1-year mortality in patients with AHF. Design: Observational, analytical, retrospective cohort study. Methods: We included participants ⩾18 years old hospitalized with a diagnosis of AHF. As an association measure, a crude and adjusted generalized linear model of the Poisson family calculated the risk ratio (RR) with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Results: In all, 709 participants with an average age of 73.48 years were included. At 1 year, the risk of dying was three times higher with high RDW (RR = 3.05, 95% CI: 1.39–6.66; p < 0.01). In anemic participants, the risk of dying at 1 year is two times greater with high RDW (RR = 2.18, 95% CI: 0.91–5.22; p = 0.07), while in non-anemic participants, the risk of dying increased almost seven times (RR = 6.95, 95% CI: 1.65–29.23; p < 0.01). Conclusion: High RDW is a risk factor for mortality at 1 year in patients with AHF. A greater magnitude of association was found in non-anemic patients. © The Author(s), 2025.Acceso abierto
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Clinicopathological Features, Surgical Outcomes and Microbial Patterns in Chronic Granulomatous Mastitis: A Retrospective Study from a Public Hospital in Lima, Peru(S. Karger AG, 2025-01-01)Objective: To evaluate the clinicopathological characteristics of patients, surgery-related factors, and microbial patterns in patients diagnosed with chronic granulomatous mastitis (GM) treated at a public hospital in Lima, Peru. Methods: Retrospective study that included 161 women diagnosed with chronic GM at the Hospital de Emergencias Grau, Seguro Social de Salud, Lima, Peru, between 2019 and 2021. The diagnosis of GM was established based on anatomical and microbiological criteria. We evaluated clinicopathological features, and factors associated with the need for oncoplastic surgery and postsurgical complications. Additionally, we analyzed 26 out of 161 breast tissue samples to detect the presence of pathogens using next-generation sequencing (NGS). Results: The average age was 37.7 ± 8.4 years, 53.9% reported the use of hormonal contraceptives, and 14.8% displayed elevated prolactin. Eighty percent of patients received corticosteroids, and 50.9% underwent surgical intervention, with 22.5% experiencing postsurgical complications. Factors associated with the need for surgery included the presence of a tumor, inflammation, shorter disease duration, higher Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System classification, lesion size of 2–5 cm, and corticosteroid use. A recurrence rate of 3.8% was identified. Among the 26 analyzed samples, Corynebacterium was detected in 80.8%, with Corynebacterium kroppenstedtii identified in 13 of the 26 (50%) samples. Conclusion: Medical treatment was the initial choice for all patients, nearly half underwent oncoplastic surgery, with some postsurgical complications reported. Nonetheless, chronic GM recurrence was low. Corynebacterium was the most frequently identified genus through NGS.
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Determination of Serum Levels of Interleukin-6 and the Trace Element Zinc According to the Clinical Status of Patients With COVID-19(John Wiley and Sons Ltd, 2025-01-01)In the context of SARS-CoV-2 infection, the present study aimed to determine the clinical and laboratory characteristics and serum levels of IL-6 and zinc in patients with COVID-19 according to their clinical condition in a hospital in Lima, Peru. Patients were divided into 4 groups according to the clinical condition of the disease, the group of patients hospitalized in the intensive care unit, hospitalized patients who did not require intensive care unit, COVID-19 patients who did not require hospitalization, and a control group. It was determined that 64.8% of the patients evaluated were men. Patients hospitalized in the ICU were 11.25 times more likely to have a cough and 36.7 times more likely to have a fever compared to the control group. In the group of hospitalized patients who did not require ICU, the presence of cough was 9.44 times higher than in the control group. The lowest IL-6 values were obtained in the group of COVID-19 patients who did not require hospitalization (2 pg/mL) and the highest in the ICU group (168.5 pg/mL). On the other hand, the highest values of the micronutrient zinc were also obtained in the ICU group (3402.5 μg/dL). In this group, the highest values of lymphocytes, C-reactive protein, and lactate dehydrogenase were also found with statistical significance compared to the group of hospitalized patients who did not require ICU. In conclusion, patients with COVID-19 in the ICU had higher levels of IL-6 and zinc compared to the other groups. This group also had the highest levels of lymphocytes, C-reactive protein, and lactate dehydrogenase compared to the group of hospitalized patients who did not require ICU care.Acceso abierto
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Tea and Tablets: What I Learned About Healing in Chupuro, Peru(John Wiley and Sons Inc, 2025-10-01)No presenta resumen
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FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH CHILDHOOD CHRONIC MALNUTRITION DURING THE FIRST 12 MONTHS OF LIFE IN CHILDREN FROM A PERUVIAN COHORT(Instituto Nacional de Salud, 2025-01-01)Objective. To determine the factors associated with chronic child malnutrition (CCM) in two Peruvian re-gions: Huancavelica and Loreto. Materials and methods. We analyzed four repeated cross-sectional evaluations nested in a prospective cohort of children treated in primary healthcare facilities. Data was collected on the characteristics of the child, the mother and the household, including anthropometric information, breastfeeding, complementary feeding, and socioeconomic conditions. A generalized linear model was used to calculate the prevalence ratios (PR) for each of the four quarterly evaluations of the cohort (3rd, 6th, 9th and 12th months). Results. Factors such as male sex, bottle feeding and the use of polluting fuels were associated with a higher risk of CCM, on the other hand, having six or more prenatal check-ups and being a beneficiary of the JUNTOS program acted as protective factors. Mothers who did not speak Spanish as their native language, who worked or studied, or who had limited participation in family decisions, were also at higher risk of CCM. In addition, we identified unexpected associations, such as food insecurity acting as a protective factor, reflecting possible biases or confounding effects. Conclusions. Our findings highlight the importance of addressing inequalities in prenatal care, dietary practices, and mothers’ participation in household decision-making to prevent CCM in vulnerable contexts.Acceso abierto
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Reconstruction of the occlusal plane in the correction of open bite in von Willebrand disease. Clinical case(Asociacion Odontologica Argentina, 2025-01-01)Aim: The correction of open bite in patients with systemic conditions, such as von Willebrand disease, requires a care-ful approach due to the elevated risk of hemorrhage during surgical procedures. This article reports on a case of anterior open bite correction through the reconstruction of the occlu-sal plane. In these cases, non-invasive treatments, such as orthodontic camouflage, are prioritized to avoid complications associated with surgical interventions. Clinical case: The patient is an 18-year-old female with a hereditary background of controlled von Willebrand disease and atypical swallowing type IV. She visited the University Health Center at the Peruvian University of Applied Scien-ces with the goal of improving her smile. Before starting the orthodontic treatment, an interconsultation with a speech the-rapist was conducted to plan a myofunctional therapy, which was carried out in parallel with fixed orthodontic treatment to retrain tongue posture. The orthodontic treatment consisted of camouflage using the multiloop edgewise archwire and Gum-metal edgewise wire arch techniques. Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of con-sidering a multidisciplinary approach, involving orthodontics and speech therapy, to achieve appropriate aesthetic and functional results for long-term stability.
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Pupil and Eye Blink Response Abnormalities During Emotional Conflict Processing in Late-Life Depression(SAGE Publications Inc., 2025-09-01)Introduction: This study aims to investigate the locus coeruleus-norepinephrine system (LC-NE) function in late-life depression (LLD) patients by examining task-evoked pupil dilation in the emotional face-word Stroop task, given the recently established coupling between task-evoked pupil dilation and LC-NE activation. Materials and Methods: Using video-based eye-tracking and principal component analysis, we explored task-evoked pupil responses and eye blinks in LLD patients (N = 25) and older healthy controls (CTRL) (N = 29) to determine whether there were alterations in pupil responses and eye blinks in LLD compared to CTRL. Results: LLD patients exhibited significantly different pupil and eye-blink behavior compared to CTRL, with dampened task-evoked pupil dilation associated with emotional congruency and valence processing mediated by the sympathetic system compared to CTRL. Eye-blink rates associated with emotional valence were also altered in LLD compared to CTRL Moreover, Geriatric Depression Scale-15 scores in LLD correlated with emotional congruency effects revealed by task-evoked pupil dilation. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that LLD patients display altered pupil behavior compared to CTRL. These altered responses correlated with the severity of depressive symptoms, indicating their potential as objective biomarkers for use in large at-risk populations for LLD.
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Seroprevalence and Factors Associated with Infection with Toxoplasma gondii in Iquitos and Lima, Peru(American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 2025-09-01)Toxoplasma gondii infection can pose a significant health risk, particularly among immunocompromised individuals, such as people living with HIV (PLHIV). This study aimed to evaluate the seroprevalence of T. gondii and associated factors among PLHIV and individuals who are HIV negative in two distinct regions of Peru: Iquitos and Lima. We conducted a cross-sectional study, enrolling 281 participants (100 PLHIV and 181 HIV-negative participants). An in-house ELISA was used to detect IgG antibodies against T. gondii after ensuring that its performance was comparable with the commercially available Vircell ELISA kit. Our in-house ELISA demonstrated high reliability, with a positive agreement of 98.3% and a negative agreement of 100% with the Vircell ELISA kit. The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii was 62.3%, with significantly higher rates observed in Iquitos (88.0%) than in Lima (29.3%). People living with HIV showed a notably higher prevalence ratio (PR) for T. gondii seropositivity in both cities, with PRs of 1.18 (95% CI, 1.07–1.29) in Iquitos and 2.29 (95% CI, 1.30–4.05) in Lima. This study highlights the significant regional disparities in T. gondii seroprevalence between Iquitos and Lima, which may be driven by environmental and socioeconomic factors. Our findings underscore the need for region-specific public health interventions to mitigate the impact of T. gondii infections in PLHIV in Peru. Enhanced public health strategies, including improved access to clean water and sanitation in high-risk areas like Iquitos, may be important to reduce the burden of T. gondii and prevent severe complications in vulnerable populations.
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Transitioning from pediatric to adult multiple sclerosis care: Challenges, strategies and therapy(2025-05-01)Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune condition causing damage to the protective covering of nerves in the central nervous system. Pediatric multiple sclerosis is a rare form of the disease that affects 3-5% of individuals with multiple sclerosis. Pediatric Onset Multiple Sclerosis (POMS) has a rather different clinical profile from the more prevalent adult multiple sclerosis. Alongside the classic symptoms of multiple sclerosis, children tend to present with various atypical symptoms that can impact motor milestones, speech development, and cognitive functions. This review aims to explore the pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis and progression of Pediatric Onset Multiple Sclerosis into adulthood, address the challenges accompanying this transition and identify strategies and therapies to overcome them. Pediatric multiple sclerosis patients transitioning into adulthood face many challenges, such as difficulty in school and social life, and dealing with uncertainties especially due to changes in healthcare providers from pediatric to adult settings. These challenges can be overcome by an emphasis on a well-structured transition plan, early planning, personalized care, proper counselling of the patient as well as the family and caretakers, a multidisciplinary approach with good communication and coordination between all healthcare personnel a robust support network with a gradual transition rather than an abrupt one. Proper care during the transition period is crucial to enhance patient adherence and deepen the understanding of the disease for both patients and their families. This will empower them to seek timely assistance when needed, reduce loss to follow-up, and ultimately improve overall quality of life.Acceso abierto
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The Relationship Between Prematurity and Mode of Delivery with Disorders of Gut–Brain Interaction in Children(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2025-06-01)Background: Disorders of gut–brain interaction (DGBI) are multifactorial. Early-life events are proposed as factors involved in their etiopathogenesis. The relationship between mode of delivery, prematurity, and DGBI development remains unclear. This study examines whether cesarean delivery and prematurity contribute to early childhood DGBI. Methods: Caregivers of children aged 1 month to 4 years from four Colombian cities participated in a cross-sectional study. Pediatricians completed the Spanish-validated Questionnaire of Pediatric Gastrointestinal Symptoms Rome IV (QPGS-IV). Data of children born by cesarean delivery and prematurity were compared with controls. Categorical data were analyzed using Fisher’s exact test, and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: DGBIs were identified in 26.6% of children, with functional constipation (FC) being the most prevalent (22.3%). Among children born via cesarean section (54.3%), 30.4% of them had a DGBI (OR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.20–1.96, p = 0.00), and 26.3% had FC (OR = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.29–2.18, p = 0.00). Prematurity was observed in 12.6% of children and was associated with a higher prevalence of DGBI (35.7%, (OR = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.16–2.29, p = 0.00), with FC affecting 30.8% (OR = 1.66, 95% CI = 1.16–2.35, p = 0.00). Conclusions: Cesarean delivery and prematurity were found to be associated with DGBI in early childhood, particularly FC. These findings highlight the need for further research to explore potential mechanisms and confirm these associations.Acceso abierto
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Relationship between gastroesophageal reflux and chronic kidney disease: A meta-analysis of 4 million patients(Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications, 2025-07-01)Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been associated with higher risk of gastrointestinal disorders, particularly Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, the magnitude of this association and the underlying mechanisms remains unclear. Methods: A systematic search was conducted across major databases from inception to November 2024. We included cross-sectional and case-control studies evaluating the relationship between CKD and GERD. Data were extracted and analyzed using a random-effects model to calculate pooled odds ratios (ORs) and prevalence rates. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, and heterogeneity was evaluated using the Cochran's Q test and I² statistic. Results: Nine studies involving 4,650,709 participants were included. The pooled prevalence of GERD among CKD patients was 18% (95% CI: 0.10-0.26, I² =93.64%). The pooled crude OR for the association between CKD and GERD was 2.53 (95% CI: 1.30-4.92) and adjusted OR was 1.48 (95% CI: 1.05-2.08). Conclusion: This meta-analysis reveals a marginally significant association between CKD and GERD, highlighting higher prevalence of GERD among individuals with CKD. Furthers studies are needed to elucidate the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms and potential clinical implications.Acceso abierto
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Surgical preferences in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A cross-sectional study in a low-middle income country(Public Library of Science, 2025-07-01)Introduction Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is one of the most common surgical procedures in sports orthopedics; however, there is a lack of literature related to this topic in Peru. This study aimed to describe the current surgical preferences in ACLR among Peruvian orthopedic surgeons. Methods An analytical cross-sectional study based on an online survey sent to 500 Peruvian orthopedic surgeons, supplemented with physical surveys distributed during the “IX OrthoTrauma Update” congress held in October 2022 in Lima, Peru. The survey collected demographic characteristics (e.g., residence area, health care sector), employment characteristics (e.g., experience as orthopedic surgeon, experience in ACLR), and surgical preferences for ACLR (choice of femoral tunnel drilling technique, choice of graft, tourniquet use). A total of 162 surgeons responded (32.4%). Results A total of 134 responses were analyzed. 50% (n = 67; 95% CI: 41.5–58.5) of orthopedic surgeons had more than 10 years of experience, and 53.7% (n = 72; 95% CI: 45.2–62.1) had less than 5 years of experience in ACLR. Anteromedial portal was the most popular choice for femoral tunnel drilling (62.7%; n = 84; 95% CI: 54.1–70.5). Additionally, 85.1% preferred using autograft and 83.6% (n = 114; 95% CI: 77.9–90.2) of surgeons reported a preference to obtain the graft from hamstrings. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first report to describe the surgical preferences for ACLR among Peruvian orthopedic surgeons, revealing a predominant preference for autografts and hamstring tendon grafts, as well as a high frequency of the anteromedial (AM) portal technique and variability in tourniquet use.
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Impact of Phototherapy on Childhood Cancer: A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Meta-analysis(SAGE Publications Ltd, 2025-07-01)Neonatal phototherapy is a widely used and generally safe short-term treatment. This review aims to explore the association between phototherapy and the risk of childhood neoplasia. A systematic search of electronic databases was conducted, including cohort or case-control studies that investigated this association. Bias and certainty assessments were performed, utilizing the DerSimonian-Laird model for random-effects analyses. Publication bias was evaluated using a funnel plot, with adjustments made through the trim-and-fill method. A total of 15 studies from nine countries were included, encompassing 7,842,858 individuals, of whom 4.8% received neonatal phototherapy The findings, rated at a medium level of evidence, indicated that those who underwent phototherapy had a 19% increased risk of developing any cancer (HR = 1.19; 95% CI = 1.07-1.32; I² = 0.0%; T² = 0.00). The risk was 22% for hematopoietic malignancies (HR = 1.22; 95% CI = 1.00-1.50) and 31% for leukemia (HR = 1.31; 95% CI = 1.26-1.53), with no significant association found for solid tumors, brain tumors, or lymphomas. Moreover, those receiving phototherapy had 44% greater odds of developing any neoplasm (OR 1.44; 95% CI = 1.07-1.93). Despite limitations regarding dosage, duration, and shared risk factors in patients receiving phototherapy, the treatment should be administered according to guidelines to minimize unnecessary exposure.
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The State of Cardiovascular Care in Peru: Needs for System Strengthening(Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, 2025-07-08)Sin resumen
