Multimorbilidad: bases conceptuales, modelos epidemiológicos y retos de su medición

The growing number of patients with complex clinical profiles related to chronic diseases has contributed to the increasingly widespread use of the term ‘multimorbidity’. A suitable measurement of this condition is essential to epidemiological studies considering that it represents a challenge for the clinical management of patients as well as for health systems and epidemiological investigations. In this context, the present essay reviews the conceptual proposals behind the measurement of multimorbidity including the epidemiological and methodological challenges it involves. We discuss classical definitions of comorbidity, how they differ from the concept of multimorbidity, and their roles in epidemiological studies. The various conceptual models that contribute to the operational definitions and strategies to measure this variable are also presented. The discussion enabled us to identify a significant gap between the modern conceptual development of multimorbidity and the operational definitions. This gap exists despite the theoretical developments that have occurred in the classical concept of comorbidity to arrive to the modern and multidimensional conception of multimorbidty. Measurement strategies, however, have not kept pace with this advance. Therefore, new methodological proposals need to be developed in order to obtain information regarding the actual impact on individuals’ health and its implications for public health.El incremento continuo de pacientes con perfiles clínicos complejos debidos a enfermedades crónicas ha favorecido el uso cada vez más extendido del término multimorbilidad. Es indispensable disponer de una medición apropiada de esta condición, dado que representa un reto para el manejo clínico de los pacientes, los sistemas de salud y la investigación epidemiológica.En este ensayo se revisan las propuestas conceptuales subyacentes a la medición de la multimorbilidad y se discuten los retos metodológicos involucrados, tomando como referencia las definiciones clásicas de comorbilidad, sus diferencias con el concepto de multimorbilidad y su papel en los estudios epidemiológicos, así como los distintos modelos conceptuales de los que se derivan las definiciones operativas y las estrategias de medición de dicha variable.Se pudo determinar que hay una brecha importante entre el desarrollo del concepto de multimorbilidad y las definiciones operativas, a pesar del significativo avance teórico que ha permitido trascender la concepción clásica de comorbilidad para llegar al concepto actual de multimorbilidad. Sin embargo, las estrategias de medición no se han desarrollado al mismo ritmo del concepto, por lo que se requieren nuevas propuestas metodológicas que permitan obtener información sobre su verdadero impacto en la salud de las personas y sus implicaciones para la salud pública

Efectos del vendaje neuromuscular como método independiente o complementario de tratamiento fisioterapéutico en el manejo del dolor cervical

   Introduction: Neck pain is one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal pathologies. There is, however, no evidence of the effectiveness of neuromuscular taping versus physiotherapy, or of their combined therapy. Objectives: To analyze: the effects of taping compared with those of a physiotherapy program; and the additional benefits that could be obtained if these two therapies were combined in the management of neck pain. Methodology: A total of 60 patients diagnosed with cervical pain were selected and a quasi-experimental pre-post parallel, four-arm simple blind design was utilized: physiotherapy alone; taping alone; physiotherapy plus taping; and taping plus physiotherapy. The effects were estimated, using fixed effects models, for pain at rest, on palpation and in movement. Results: The greatest intra-individual change was found with physiotherapy (β=−1.81; CI95%: −2.69 to −0.93), followed by the physiotherapy plus taping (β=−1.57; CI95%: −2.32 to −0.83), then taping plus physiotherapy (β=−1.29; CI95%: −1.98 to −0.60). Taping alone, however, achieved only a marginally significant reduction (β=−0.50; CI95%: −1.11 to 0.10). Regarding palpation pain, a statistically significant reduction was only observed for physiotherapy (β=−0.84; CI95%: −1.56 to −0.11) and physiotherapy plus taping (β=−0.52; CI95%: −1.09 to 0.04). Finally, for movement pain, a statistically significant reduction for physiotherapy was observed (β=−1.28; CI95%: −2.02 to −0.55) and very similar reductions were observed for physiotherapy plus taping and taping plus physiotherapy. Conclusion: According to the results of the present study, physiotherapy would be the most effective treatment for cervical pain.Introducción: El dolor de cuello es una de las patologías musculoesqueléticas más prevalentes. Sin embargo, no hay evidencia de la efectividad del vendaje neuromuscular frente a la fisioterapia o de su terapia combinada. Objetivos: Analizar: los efectos del vendaje comparados con los de un programa de fisioterapia; y los beneficios adicionales que podrían obtenerse si estas dos terapias se combinaran en el tratamiento del dolor de cuello. Metodología: Se seleccionaron un total de 60 pacientes diagnosticados con dolor cervical y se utilizó un diseño ciego simple cuasi- experimental, pre-post-paralelo, de cuatro brazos: fisioterapia exclusiva; vendaje exclusivo; Fisioterapia más vendaje, fisioterapia más vendaje. Los efectos se estimaron, utilizando modelos de efectos fijos, para el dolor en reposo, a la palpación y en movimiento. Resultados: El mayor cambio intra-individual se encontró con fisioterapia (β = -1.81; IC95%: -2.69 a -0.93), seguido de fisioterapia más vendaje (β = -1.57; IC95%: -2.32 a -0.83) y luego vendaje más fisioterapia (β = -1.29; IC95%: -1.98 a -0.60). Sin embargo, el vendaje exclusivo logró una reducción marginalmente significativa (β = -0.50; IC95%: -1.11 a 0.10). Con respecto al dolor de palpación, solo se observó una reducción estadísticamente significativa para fisioterapia (β = -0.84; IC95%: -1.56 a -0.11) y fisioterapia más vendaje (β = -0.52; IC95%: -1.09 a 0.04). Finalmente, en relación al dolor de movimiento, se observó una reducción estadísticamente significativa para fisioterapia (β = -1.28; IC95%: -2.02 a -0.55) y se observaron reducciones muy similares para fisioterapia más vendaje y vendaje más fisioterapia. Conclusión: Según los resultados del presente estudio, la fisioterapia sería el tratamiento más efectivo para el dolor cervical.&nbsp

Migrantes mexicanos deportados: exploração do estado de saúde e acesso a serviços de saúde

OBJECTIVE To describe the health status and access to care of forced-return Mexican migrants deported through the Mexico-United States border and to compare it with the situation of voluntary-return migrants. METHODS Secondary data analysis from the Survey on Migration in Mexico’s Northern Border from 2012. This is a continuous survey, designed to describe migration flows between Mexico and the United States, with a mobile-population sampling design. We analyzed indicators of health and access to care among deported migrants, and compare them with voluntary-return migrants. Our analysis sample included 2,680 voluntary-return migrants, and 6,862 deportees. We employ an ordinal multiple logistic regression model, to compare the adjusted odds of having worst self-reported health between the studied groups. RESULTS As compared to voluntary-return migrants, deportees were less likely to have medical insurance in the United States (OR = 0.05; 95%CI 0.04;0.06). In the regression model a poorer self-perceived health was found to be associated with having been deported (OR = 1.71, 95%CI 1.52;1.92), as well as age (OR = 1.03, 95%CI 1.02;1.03) and years of education (OR = 0.94 95%CI 0.93;0.95). CONCLUSIONS According to our results, deportees had less access to care while in the United States, as compared with voluntary-return migrants. Our results also showed an independent and statistically significant association between deportation and having poorer self-perceived health. To promote the health and access to care of deported Mexican migrants coming back from the United States, new health and social policies are required.OBJETIVO Analisar o estado de saúde e o acesso aos serviços de saúde de imigrantes mexicanos deportados na fronteira entre México e Estados Unidos. MÉTODOS Foram analisados dados secundários do Inquérito sobre Migração na Fronteira do Norte do México de 2012. O inquérito é contínuo e desenhado para descrever fluxos migratórios na fronteira entre México e Estados Unidos com amostra de população móvel. Foram analisados indicadores de saúde e de acesso aos serviços de saúde dos imigrantes deportados em comparação aos imigrantes que retornaram voluntariamente. Nossa amostra análise incluiu 2.680 migrantes de retorno voluntário, e 6.862 deportados. Foi utilizado modelo de regressão logística ordinal para comparar as probabilidades da pior autopercepção de saúde entre os grupos estudados. RESULTADOS Em comparação com os migrantes de retorno voluntário, deportados foram menos propensos a ter seguro médico em os Estados Unidos (OR = 0,05, IC95% 0,04;0,06). No modelo de regressão uma pior saúde auto-percebida foi associado com ser deportado (OR = 1,71, IC95% 1,52;1,92), bem como a idade (OR = 1,03, IC95% 1,02;1,03) e os anos de escolaridade (OR = 0,94, IC95% 0,93;0,95). CONCLUSÕES De acordo com nossos resultados, deportados tinha menos acesso aos cuidados, enquanto em os Estados Unidos, em comparação com os migrantes de retorno voluntário. Nossos resultados também mostraram uma associação independente e estatisticamente significativa entre a deportação e ter pior saúde auto-percebida. Novas políticas de saúde pública são necessárias para promover a saúde e o acesso aos serviços de saúde nos imigrantes mexicanos deportados dos Estados Unidos

Induction of labor versus expectant management in patients with preterm premature rupture of membranes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Introducción: La ruptura prematura de membranas pretérmino (PPROM) es una patología obstétrica que genera un alto riesgo de morbilidad fetal . Pese a esto, actualmente prevalece la incertidumbre ante el manejo adecuado para ésta entidad. Objetivo: Comparar los desenlaces materno-fetales de la inducción del parto (IL)  y manejo expectante (EM)  Metodología: Revisión sistemática y metanálisis Fuentes de datos: Se buscó en las bases de datos MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCIELO y Google Académico. Criterios de elección, pacientes e intervenciones: Se incluyeron ensayos clínicos aleatorizados controlados y estudios de cohortes que compararan el EM e IL en pacientes con PPROM entre la semana 24 a 36 6/7, y que adicionalmente tuvieran en cuenta como desenlaces analizados: sepsis neonatal (NS), síndrome de distrés respiratorio (SDR), muerte neonatal y corioamionitis. Recolección de datos y análisis: La extracción y registro de datos se ejecutó por dos revisores de forma independiente. La evaluación de calidad se realizó con  CONSORT y STROBE, según corresponda. Metanálisis: Para cada desenlance, se realizó la estimación del Riesgo Relativo (RR) consolidado, usando modelos de efectos aleatorios. Resultados: Un total de 3378 mujeres con PPROM fueron incluidas en  los 9 estudios (8 ensayos clínicos). En el meta-análisis no se encontraron diferencias significativas en  la ocurrencia de SDR (RR= 1,08; IC 95%: 0,89-1,31), ni de sepsis neonatal (RR= 0,92; IC 95%: 0,61-1,39), en los tratados con IL comparados con el EM. Tampoco se encontraron diferencias significativas en la ocurrencia de muertes neonatales  (RR= 1,34; IC 95%: 0,93-1,93) ni corioamnionitis (RR= 0,88; IC 95%: 0,581,35). Conclusiones:  Los resultados sugieren que no existe evidencia de diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la ocurrencia de los principales desenlaces cuando se compara EM con  IL. Más estudios y con mayores tamaños de muestras son necesarios.Introduction: Preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM), is an obstetric pathology that causes a high-risk of morbidities and higher rate of hospital readmission in the first month of life. However, the management of this patology is still uncertain. Objetive: To compare maternal-fetal outcomes of induction of labor (IL) and expectant management (EM) in order to determine the actions to follow. Methodology: Systematic review and meta-analysis Data collection: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCIELO and Google Scholar. Selection Criteria, patients and interventions: Controlled randomized clinical trial and cohort studies were included. These studies compared the EM and IL in patients with PPROM within 24 to 36 6/7 weeks and take into account outcomes such as neonatal sepsis (NS), respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), neonatal death or chorioamnionitis. Analysis and data collection: Two authors independently executed the extraction and recording of data. Quality assessment was performed with the CONSORT or STROBE score, accordingly. Meta-analysis: For each outcome, a pooled Relative Risk was estimated using random effects models. Results 3378 women with PPROM were included in 9 studies (8 clinical trials). In the meta-analysis, we did not find a statistically significant differences in the occurrence of RDS (RR = 1.08; 95% CI: 0.89-1.31 or NS (RR= 0.92; IC 95%: 0.61-1.39), in the IL group in comparison with EM. We did not find either differences in the occurrence of neonatal deaths (RR= 1.34; IC 95%: 0.93-1.93) or chorioamnionitis ( RR= 0.88; IC 95%: 0.58-1.35). Conclusions: The results suggest that there is no evidence of statistically significant differences in the occurrence of major outcomes when comparing MS with IL. Further studies and larger sample sizes will be necesary&nbsp

Induction of labor versus expectant management in patients with preterm premature rupture of membranes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Introducción: La ruptura prematura de membranas pretérmino (PPROM) es una patología obstétrica que genera un alto riesgo de morbilidad fetal . Pese a esto, actualmente prevalece la incertidumbre ante el manejo adecuado para ésta entidad. Objetivo: Comparar los desenlaces materno-fetales de la inducción del parto (IL)  y manejo expectante (EM)  Metodología: Revisión sistemática y metanálisis Fuentes de datos: Se buscó en las bases de datos MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCIELO y Google Académico. Criterios de elección, pacientes e intervenciones: Se incluyeron ensayos clínicos aleatorizados controlados y estudios de cohortes que compararan el EM e IL en pacientes con PPROM entre la semana 24 a 36 6/7, y que adicionalmente tuvieran en cuenta como desenlaces analizados: sepsis neonatal (NS), síndrome de distrés respiratorio (SDR), muerte neonatal y corioamionitis. Recolección de datos y análisis: La extracción y registro de datos se ejecutó por dos revisores de forma independiente. La evaluación de calidad se realizó con  CONSORT y STROBE, según corresponda. Metanálisis: Para cada desenlance, se realizó la estimación del Riesgo Relativo (RR) consolidado, usando modelos de efectos aleatorios. Resultados: Un total de 3378 mujeres con PPROM fueron incluidas en  los 9 estudios (8 ensayos clínicos). En el meta-análisis no se encontraron diferencias significativas en  la ocurrencia de SDR (RR= 1,08; IC 95%: 0,89-1,31), ni de sepsis neonatal (RR= 0,92; IC 95%: 0,61-1,39), en los tratados con IL comparados con el EM. Tampoco se encontraron diferencias significativas en la ocurrencia de muertes neonatales  (RR= 1,34; IC 95%: 0,93-1,93) ni corioamnionitis (RR= 0,88; IC 95%: 0,581,35). Conclusiones:  Los resultados sugieren que no existe evidencia de diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la ocurrencia de los principales desenlaces cuando se compara EM con  IL. Más estudios y con mayores tamaños de muestras son necesarios.Introduction: Preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM), is an obstetric pathology that causes a high-risk of morbidities and higher rate of hospital readmission in the first month of life. However, the management of this patology is still uncertain. Objetive: To compare maternal-fetal outcomes of induction of labor (IL) and expectant management (EM) in order to determine the actions to follow. Methodology: Systematic review and meta-analysis Data collection: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCIELO and Google Scholar. Selection Criteria, patients and interventions: Controlled randomized clinical trial and cohort studies were included. These studies compared the EM and IL in patients with PPROM within 24 to 36 6/7 weeks and take into account outcomes such as neonatal sepsis (NS), respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), neonatal death or chorioamnionitis. Analysis and data collection: Two authors independently executed the extraction and recording of data. Quality assessment was performed with the CONSORT or STROBE score, accordingly. Meta-analysis: For each outcome, a pooled Relative Risk was estimated using random effects models. Results 3378 women with PPROM were included in 9 studies (8 clinical trials). In the meta-analysis, we did not find a statistically significant differences in the occurrence of RDS (RR = 1.08; 95% CI: 0.89-1.31 or NS (RR= 0.92; IC 95%: 0.61-1.39), in the IL group in comparison with EM. We did not find either differences in the occurrence of neonatal deaths (RR= 1.34; IC 95%: 0.93-1.93) or chorioamnionitis ( RR= 0.88; IC 95%: 0.58-1.35). Conclusions: The results suggest that there is no evidence of statistically significant differences in the occurrence of major outcomes when comparing MS with IL. Further studies and larger sample sizes will be necesary&nbsp