Publicación Oficial de la Sociedad Ecuatoriana de Neurología, de la Liga Ecuatoriana Contra la Epilepsia y de la Sociedad Iberoamericana de Enfermedad Cerebrovascular

evento cerebrovascular

 

Mejorando la Atención del Evento Cerebrovascular en Ecuador a través de una Red Articulada de Atención Improving Cerebrovascular Event Care in Ecuador through an Articulated Care Network

In the era of “big data” in health and healthcare, the need for high-quality information on population health has never been more critical. In the context of cerebrovascular events (CVD) in Ecuador, the increasing burden of the disease, the inequity in the distribution of neurologists, and the recent enactment of the Universal Health Care Law underscore the urgency of establishing effective networks between primary care and hospitals prepared to treat CVD. This article reviews the existing literature and evidence highlighting the role of primary care providers (PCPs) and specialists in the different stages of CVD management, as well as care transitions and the use of telemedicine/teleneurology.

The experience in Ecuador with the “Act with Speed” campaign launched by the Vice Presidency of the Republic in coordination with the Global Angels initiative provides a valuable model. This campaign has certified hospitals as Stroke Ready Centers, trained thousands of professionals, and raised awareness among the population about the importance of a rapid response to a CVD. Implementing a CVD referral network between primary care and specialized hospitals could significantly improve patient outcomes, especially in underserved areas.

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Niveles altos de hemoglobina glicosilada se asocian a hemorragia intracerebral espontánea: Estudio de casos y controles. High levels of glycated hemoglobin are associated with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage: A case control study

Introduction: Evidence shows that glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C) is associated with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). However, reports in Latin-American patients are scarce.

Objective: To determine if HbA1C is a risk factor for ICH.

Methods: A case-control study was carried out. Cases were hospitalized patients with ICH, whereas the controls were diabetic patients within the same age range. Logistics regression was calculated to identify risk factors associated with ICH.

Results: A total of 45 cases and 45 controls were included. HbA1C values were higher in the ICH group (median 6.8%, IQR=5.8– 7.5) compared to the control group (median 5.8%, IQR=5.5–6.2%; P<0.001). High HbA1C values were identified as a risk factor for ICH (OR=2.75, 95% CI=1.41-5.41). Among the ICH patients, barely 29% had a confirmed previous diagnosis of diabetes. The hospital mortality rate in the ICH patients was 37.8%, while mortality was 15% in the patients with diabetes and 46% in those without a previous diabetes diagnosis. 

Conclusions: High HbA1C levels were associated with the development of ICH. It is paramount to improve public policies for early detection of diabetes due to the potential to reduce the impact of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage in the general population.

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Epidemiología del Ictus entre los años 2007-2009 en el Hospital Regional Dr. Teodoro Maldonado Carbo.

Objective: Determine the prevalence of the different epidemiological features and risk factors of stroke patients of the Regional Hospital Dr. Teodoro Maldonado Carbo.

Methods:Cross-sectional study of 521 patients with diagnosis of stroke, admitted to the Neurology Service of the Social Security Hospital between the years 2007-2009. Data was recollected from the discharge notes and medical records. The measured variables were duration of hospital stay, diagnosis, mortality, non-modifiable risk factors, and modifiable risk factors. In case of hemorrhagic stroke variables that could represent its cause were also recollected.

Results: Most patients were males (70.5%), the most prevalent risk factors were hypertension (81.1%), diabetes mellitus (27%) and dyslipidemia (16.88%). The mean age was 67±13 years. There was an increased tendency of hypertension in males and of diabetes mellitus in females (p=0.45, p=0.17 respectively). There was a significant difference in the presence of coagulopathy (p=0.01), valvulopathy (p=0.04) and anticoagulant use (p=0.004) in females. Ischemic stroke represented the 80.9% and hemorrhagic stroke the 19.1% of cases.

Conclusions: These results are similar to those found in Latin American and North American publications. The correction of the most prevalent risk factors in our population would markedly decrease the incidence of this disabling disease.

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