Iatreia

Intensity of IgG Antibody Response to Different Types of COVID-19 Vaccines in Blood Donors

Sigifredo Ospina-Ospina — 2025-05-02

Introduction: There is no standardized method to measure the antibody response to COVID-19 vaccination. It has been proposed that quantitative evaluation of antibodies against the virus could be a good correlate of protection.
Objective: To evaluate the intensity of the immune response to COVID-19 vaccination in blood donor samples using a quantitative IgG antibody test against the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the virus.
Materials and methods: A retrospective and prospective descriptive study was conducted in blood donors from a university hospital, who underwent measurement by chemiluminescence of IgG antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein RBD.
Results: A total of 401 donors were included, with a mean age of 37.7 years (SD: 11.1). The median IgG antibody level was 1431 BAU/mL (IQR: 680–3008), with the best response observed for the Moderna vaccine, followed by Pfizer. Donors with a history of COVID-19 had higher responses. Antibody levels remained above 1000 BAU/mL between 9 and 14 months after vaccination.
Conclusions: Quantitative evaluation of IgG antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein RBD is a good correlate of protection against infection and COVID-19 vaccination.

Intestinal Parasitosis in the Valle de Tenza Region of the Department of Boyacá, Colombia

Marisol Verdugo-Sánchez — 2025-04-03

Introduction: Intestinal parasitosis represent a public health problem in Colombian communities.
Objective: To identify the prevalence and factors associated with intestinal parasitosis in the population of the Valle de Tenza region, department of Boyacá, Colombia, between 2019 and 2020.
Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted, analyzing 1786 reports of coprological and coproscopic examinations, along with the sociodemographic characteristics of patients. Descriptive and bivariate statistical analyses were performed, as well as multinomial logistic regression to assess the relationship between sample characteristics, sociodemographic factors, and the presence of parasites. Crude and adjusted odds ratios were calculated.
Results: The prevalence of intestinal parasitosis was 56.9% (1017/1786; 95% CI: 54.6–59.2). Among protozoa, Blastocystis sp. (71.9%) was the most prevalent, followed by Endolimax nana (17.7%). Regarding helminths, the presence of Ascaris lumbricoides and hookworms was reported. A higher prevalence of intestinal parasitosis was observed in individuals aged 40 years or older (aOR 1.2; 95% CI: 1.05–1.54) and in stool samples with the presence of leukocytes (aOR 3.15; 95% CI: 1.94–5.12).
Conclusion: A high prevalence of intestinal parasites persists in the municipalities of the Valle de Tenza region, highlighting the urgent need for implementing educational campaigns to prevent intestinal parasitosis in all age groups.

Basal Insulin and Lipids in Normoglycemic Adults: An Analytical Study, 2022

Alberto Guevara Tirado — 2025-03-28

Introduction: Lipogenesis worsens the clinical evolution of insulin-resistant patients. Variations in lipemia could predict insulin resistance in normoglycemic individuals.
Objectives: To analyze the relationship between basal insulin and serum lipids in normoglycemic individuals.
Methodology: Analytical and cross-sectional study of secondary data from 3902 Mexican adults from the National Health and Nutrition Survey-2022. The variables were: basal insulin, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoproteins (HDL), low-density lipoproteins (LDL), and the triglycerides/glucose ratio (TG/glucose). For data analysis, Spearman correlation and multiple linear regression were used.
Results: In men, basal insulin was moderately correlated with TC (Rho = 0.482; p < 0.001), TG (Rho = 0.401; p < 0.001), TG/glucose index (Rho = 0.418; p < 0.001), HDL (Rho = -0.443; p < 0.001), and had a low correlation with LDL (Rho = 0.302; p < 0.001). In women, the correlation was low with TC (Rho = 0.175; p < 0.001), TG (Rho = 0.156; p < 0.001), and LDL (Rho = 0.160; p < 0.001), and moderate with HDL (Rho = -0.402; p < 0.001) and TG/glucose index (Rho = 0.410; p < 0.001). In men, basal insulin increases 0.282 points per mg/dL of additional TC; 0.012 per mg/dL of TG; 0.146 points for LDL, while it decreases 0.427 per mg/dL of HDL. In women, it increases 0.264 points per mg/dL of additional TC, 0.590 per mg/dL of TG, 0.246 for LDL, and decreases 0.572 points per mg/dL of additional HDL.
Conclusions: In normoglycemic individuals, basal insulin levels are higher when lipid concentrations are increased, and these lipids may predict the increase in this hormone.

Relationship between Functional Ankle Instability and Anthropometric and Training Characteristics in Classical Ballet Dancers in Medellín: A Cross- Sectional Study

Santiago Montoya-González — 2025-04-28

Introduction: Classical ballet as a discipline pushes the joints of the lower limbs to the extremes of their capacity. Considering that the joints and ligaments of the foot and ankle are not designed for such excessive loads, "dance injuries" become very frequent.
Objective: To describe the association between functional ankle instability and the characteristics of ballet dancers in Medellín during 2023.
Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted involving classical ballet dancers from two ballet academies in Medellín. Sociodemographic, anthropometric, training, and clinical-functional characteristics were collected through surveys, the Identification of Functional Ankle Instability (IdFAI) instrument, the Y Balance Test, and physical examinations. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were performed using hypothesis testing to establish the association between these characteristics and functional ankle instability. The p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: The prevalence of ankle instability was 76.9%, and the factors explaining it included a history of injuries, weekly training time, height, and ankle pain.
Conclusion: Classical ballet dancers exhibit a high prevalence of functional ankle instability, and the associated factors can be addressed through prevention strategies and specific training interventions.

COVID-19 Mortality in Vaccinated Patients and Its Associated Factors in Pasto, Colombia, 2021 – 2022

Angela María Guerrero-Salas — 2025-04-28

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant global impact. Although vaccination has been key in the fight against the disease, uncertainties remain regarding the risk factors for mortality in patients vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2.
Objectives: To determine factors associated with mortality from COVID-19 in patients vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2.
Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted, including adult patients with a positive COVID-19 test who had been previously vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2, and sought care at a tertiary care institution in the municipality of Pasto, Colombia, during the years 2021 and 2022. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected. A generalized linear model with a Poisson distribution and robust variance was used to determine the factors associated with mortality.
Results: The records of 488 patients were analyzed, revealing a mortality rate of 5.7%. Age over 60 years and hospitalization status were associated with death from COVID-19 in individuals vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2. The adjusted risk of death was 5.16 related to age and 11.76 concerning hospitalization.
Conclusions: The findings highlight the importance of age and hospitalization as factors associated with mortality from COVID-19 in individuals vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2. This suggests the need for specific strategies to protect higher-risk groups, such as older adults, and to ensure adequate care for those requiring hospitalization.

Clinical Simulation in Health Sciences Educators: An Experience in Respiratory Therapy. A Qualitative Study

Sergio Armando Murcia-Castro — 2025-08-13

Introduction: Clinical simulation is an effective educational strategy that facilitates the acquisition of skills and competencies in healthcare by providing a safe and realistic learning environment. Respiratory therapists possess competencies that position them as leaders in this field; however, there are no specific guidelines for simulation in this discipline in Colombia. This study aims to promote its development by encouraging educators to design methodologies that optimize resources and contribute to the comprehensive training of future professionals.
Methods: A phenomenological study was conducted with the participation of Respiratory Therapy educators who had implemented clinical simulation in their teaching practices. Semi-structured interviews were carried out to explore their experiences, as well as the barriers and facilitators encountered. Data analysis followed Van Manen's methodological framework.
Results: A total of 10 educators (one male and nine females) participated in the study. Five categories emerged from the analysis: teaching experience, opportunities for professional development, advancements in simulation, facilitators, and barriers.
Conclusions: Participants highlighted clinical simulation as an effective pedagogical strategy for the training of respiratory therapists. They identified facilitators such as infrastructure and the availability of simulators, while also recognizing barriers, including limited time allocated for simulated practice, inadequate spaces for large groups, and insufficient educator training in this area.

Epigenetic Mechanisms Implicated in the Pathogenesis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease: A Topic Review

Angela Giraldo-Serna — 2025-04-23

Introduction: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a prevalent autoimmune disease characterized by a dysregulated immune response against multiple autoantigens. The etiology of SLE is complex and multifactorial, and epigenetics has emerged as a relevant factor associated with the onset of clinical manifestations.
Objective: To analyze and describe the epigenetic mechanisms associated with the pathophysiology of SLE.
Methods: A literature review was conducted to identify associations between epigenetic mechanisms and the pathophysiology of SLE, with emphasis on the recognition of key markers.
Results: Downregulation of DNA methylation allows the expression of genes that increase susceptibility to autoantigen presentation and autoantibody generation. Likewise, modifications of histones H3K4me1 and H3Kme2 facilitate chromatin decondensation, enhancing the transcription of genes that promote cell growth and proliferation, such as CDKN2A, PTPN22, and LRP1B, while condensing the chromatin of regulatory genes such as RUNX3. Finally, miR-146a, miR-21, and miR-148a are associated with abnormal inflammatory cascades, alterations in the interferon pathway, and DNA methylation.
Conclusions: Epigenetic mechanisms are key determinants in the onset of autoimmune diseases and reflect the environmental susceptibility observed in these conditions.

Oral Health Knowledge and Attitudes among Undergraduate Dental Students: A Systematic Review

José Eduardo Orellana-Centeno — 2025-03-25

Introduction: Oral health is closely related to attitudes, practices, and knowledge, the latter being essential for maintaining good oral health.
Objective: To identify the knowledge and attitudes regarding oral health among dental students, based on the evidence reported in the literature.
Materials and methods: A bibliographic review of the scientific literature was conducted in the PubMed, BVS, and BBO Odontología databases. The inclusion criteria were: (a) studies published between 2000 and December 2021, with dental students as participants, designed as either bibliographic reviews or quantitative studies, and written in Spanish or English; (b) studies addressing knowledge and attitudes toward oral health; and (c) studies with a prospective design.
Results: The search was carried out using Boolean operators and the keywords “knowledge,” “attitudes,” “oral health,” and their Spanish equivalents. The same strategy was applied across all databases. Study selection and evaluation were based on compliance with the inclusion criteria and the PICO and SPIDER methodologies.
Conclusions: The studies reviewed highlight the impact of prevention and awareness among dental students on the promotion and care of oral health.

Renal Complications and Snakebite Accidents Caused by Vipers of the Bothrops Genus: A Systematic Review

Ingrid Tatiana Castano-Hernandez — 2025-06-12

Introduction: Renal complications following snakebites remain poorly understood due to insufficient evidence. Observational studies have limitations in determining precise frequency. In Brazil, acute kidney injury (AKI) occurs in 8-43% of envenomed patients, with 15% requiring renal replacement therapy and mortality rates ranging from 8-39%. In Colombia, the incidence remains undetermined; however, a study conducted in Medellín reported a 38.5% incidence of AKI with significant clinical impact.
Objectives: To compile existing literature regarding acute renal complications in the context of Bothrops snakebite envenomation.
Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines, implementing 12 search strategies across five databases. Thoroughness, reproducibility, and methodological quality were ensured.
Results: The frequency of acute kidney injury in patients with Bothrops snakebite envenomation ranged from 0.6% to 12.8%.
Conclusions: Envenomation severity and infection are not directly associated with an increased risk of renal complications in Bothrops snakebite accidents. Advanced age, hemorrhagic manifestations, and elevated lactate dehydrogenase levels were identified as potentially associated factors.

Intraoperative Classification of Acute Appendicitis: A Review

Carlos Alberto Sánchez-Cano — 2024-09-17

Introduction: Acute appendicitis has traditionally been classified into four stages based on surgical findings. However, these classifications do not clearly determine the severity or systemic impact of the condition.
Objective: To describe the intraoperative classifications for acute appendicitis proposed in the literature, and their application in clinical decision-making.
Methods: A literature search was conducted in PubMed using the terms ‘appendicitis’, ‘classification’ and ‘treatment’ combined with Boolean operators. No restrictions were placed on publication date or language. Studies focusing on pediatric populations were excluded.
Results: A total of 35 articles were initially identified. After screening titles and abstracts, 5 were excluded as they did not meet the search criteria. Finally, 8 articles were selected for the review, with notable classifications proposed by Gomes (2012 and 2015), the AAST (2014), and Hernández (2020).
Conclusions: Various intraoperative classifications for acute appendicitis exist, which can guide medical management based on surgical findings. However, none of these classifications have been globally standardized. We suggest the development of a homogeneous characterization of surgical findings during appendectomy to propose postoperative management guidelines. Such guidelines could potentially impact postoperative outcomes in terms of hospital stay, complications, and costs associated with this disease.

Initial Approach of Patients with Dengue in the Emergency Department

Santiago Duque-Barrera — 2025-01-28

Introduction: Dengue is defined as an acute febrile illness of viral origin transmitted by vectors and is considered of high public health interest due to its rapid expansion and impact on health systems. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cases have increased in recent years. In Colombia, for the year 2023, the National Surveillance System (SIVIGILA) reported 131,784 cases.
Objectives: To unify recent published information on dengue care in emergency rooms, to provide clinicians with an easily accessible guide for decision-making in the emergency setting, aimed at reducing the risk of complications and mortality in patients.
Methods: Topic review with information obtained from databases such as scientific journals, websites, among others.
Conclusions: Accurate patient classification based on clinical severity of dengue should be performed to determine the appropriate level of surveillance and administration of intravenous fluids, along with adequate monitoring of vital signs and paraclinical parameters. The use of anti-inflammatory drugs is contraindicated, and the transfusion of blood products increases the risk of complications.

The Scientific Publication of University Theses in Health Sciences Programs, a Review from Bibliometric Analysis 2014-2023

Yuri Alejandro Castro-Rodríguez — 2025-03-04

Objective: To describe the original sources related to health sciences that have addressed the publication of theses through bibliometric indicators of databases.
Methods: A systematized review study was designed, in which articles from the databases Scopus, Web of Science, MEDLINE, SciELO, and Google Scholar were selected; the search was filtered for the years 2014-2023. Articles describing the country of publication, study program, type of thesis evaluated, methods used, and bibliometric indicators were included.
Results: Twenty-seven sources met the selection criteria, 13 of which were conducted in Peru and 10 in Turkey. Regarding scientific production at the undergraduate level, low frequencies between 1.7% and 10.8% were found, although in some sources the production was higher. At the specialization level, thesis production frequencies ranged from 20.5% to 38.5%.
Conclusions: The scientific production of theses has been mainly approached through bibliometric indicators of articles in indexed journals. The frequency of publication is lower at the undergraduate level, being more studied in Human Medicine programs. At the specialty level, the frequency of production increases, with similar percentages for master’s and doctoral programs.

Iron Deficiency and its Influence on Memory and Learning: Insights form Preclinical and Clinical Studies

Elías Aguirre-Siancas — 2025-03-11

Introduction: Iron deficiency is a public health problem that affects 25% of the world's population, with pregnant women and children being the most vulnerable groups. Recently, the fundamental role that iron plays in the functions of glial cells and neurons, which are involved in memory and learning, has been understood.
Objective: To explore the most up-to-date evidence linking iron deficiency with memory and hippocampus-dependent learning, both in preclinical and clinical studies.
Methods: Narrative review based on a search of articles in PubMed, Scopus, Scielo and Google, following the SANRA guidelines for narrative reviews.
Results: In the preclinical and clinical studies analyzed, it has been reported that iron deficiency is associated with alterations within the nervous system, being the fetal/neonatal stage and childhood the most compromised, mainly affecting learning, memory, gross and fine motor skills, temperament and the mother-child relationship.
Conclusions: Iron deficiency negatively affects memory and learning, altering myelination, energy metabolism and neuronal signaling in the hippocampus.

Index of Authors Volume 38 No. 1, 2, 3, 4

Revista Iatreia Facultad de Medicina — 2025-10-04

Index of Reviewers Volume 38 No. 1, 2, 3, 4

Revista Iatreia Facultad de Medicina — 2025-10-04

Index of Subjects Volume 38 No. 1, 2, 3, 4

Revista Iatreia Facultad de Medicina — 2025-10-04

Familial Adenomatous Polyposis in Four Patients: A Case Series Report

Giselle Alejandra Gómez-Castro — 2024-11-05

Introduction: Familial adenomatous polyposis constitutes the predominant cause of hereditary polyposis colorectal cancer, resulting from functional loss of the APC tumor suppressor gene. This genetic alteration leads to the formation of numerous adenomatous polyps (ranging from dozens to thousands), primarily in the colorectum, carrying a 100% lifetime risk of colorectal cancer development.
Objective: To present a case series of four patients from a single family diagnosed with familial adenomatous polyposis, describing their initial clinical manifestations and diagnostic approaches, and emphasizing the critical importance of early detection in colorectal cancer prevention.
Methods: The index case was a 27-year-old female presenting with chronic abdominal pain and constipation; she had a family history indicative of familial adenomatous polyposis; therefore, comprehensive diagnostic tests were performed. Pedigree analysis identified three additional affected family members, two of whom exhibited extracolonic manifestations consistent with Gardner syndrome.
Results: Detailed family history and clinical progression were documented for all patients. Early identification enabled prompt initiation of treatment protocols, thereby reducing colorectal cancer risk. The genealogical analysis proved instrumental in identifying at-risk family members and implementing appropriate surveillance strategies.
Conclusion: Early diagnosis of familial adenomatous polyposis is crucial for optimizing prognosis through timely intervention and colorectal cancer prevention via appropriate management protocols.

Case Report: Hepatic Abscess in Beaver Tail Variant, an Unusual Cause of Left Upper Quadrant Pain

Nicolás Alvarez-Gärtner — 2025-03-17

Introduction: Abdominal pain in the left hypochondrium is commonly associated with renal conditions such as pyelonephritis or urolithiasis, and gastric problems, such as perforated ulcers. It can also be due to extra-abdominal causes, associated with pleural or pericardial effusions. On the other hand, pain originating in the liver often manifests in the right hypochondrium, as observed in a hepatic abscess.
Objectives: To recognize liver anatomical variants prone to misdiagnoses, which can trigger serious, even fatal, complications, such as the hepatic "fox tail".
Results: Patient in the third decade of life with no relevant medical antecedents, presenting left hypochondriac pain radiating to the ipsilateral renal fossa, fever, and increased acute phase reactants. Initially, a urinary cause was suspected, but an inconclusive urinalysis led to the search for other causes. The abdominal CT scan showed an anatomical variant in the left lobe of the liver, which presented an abscess, which turned out to be the cause of the patient's symptoms and thus allowed for proper treatment.
Conclusions: Early recognition of possible anatomical variants in internal organs may prevent fatal consequences for patients, especially in pathologies that are commonly diagnosed and treatable, such as liver abscess.

Clinical Characterization of Patients with MODY Type Diabetes: A Case Series

Lizeth Carolina Montaño-Candelo — 2025-03-28

Introduction: Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) is a monogenic form of diabetes with a prevalence of 1 in every 23,000 children. It is characterized by alterations in insulin secretion and the absence of autoimmunity. MODY is distinguished by persistent hyperglycemia, atypical diabetes symptoms, family history of the disease, residual pancreatic function, and absence of pancreatic beta-cell autoimmunity.
Methods and Results: This report describes the clinical characteristics of five patients with genetic diagnosis of MODY, negative insulin and islet antibody tests, and low C-peptide levels. Treatment involved nutritional management and, in some cases, low-dose glibenclamide. It is noteworthy that lack of clinical suspicion may lead to omission of MODY testing, delaying detection and affecting appropriate disease management.
Conclusions: Raising awareness among healthcare professionals for early identification of this condition is crucial, as an accurate diagnosis prevents unnecessary treatments and significantly improves patients' quality of life.

Gallstone Ileus, a Rare Cause of Intestinal Obstruction: A Case Report

Isabel Cristina Brito-Rojas — 2025-04-08

Introduction: Gallstone ileus represents an uncommon cause of intestinal obstruction. Management options range from enterotomy with stone extraction to concurrent enterotomy and cholecystectomy. The surgeon must select from available treatment options based on individual patient conditions and intraoperative findings.
Case Presentation: A 74-year-old female patient presenting with intestinal obstruction refractory to medical management. Gallstone ileus was diagnosed intraoperatively and treated through enterotomy with stone extraction.
Discussion: Gallstone ileus is a low-prevalence disorder triggered by an impacted gallstone in the gastrointestinal tract lumen. Its incidence in the general population is less than 3%. The management spectrum is broad, and the physician must individualize treatment according to each patient's specific conditions.
Conclusion: Gallstone ileus is a rare condition predominantly affecting elderly patients. Timely diagnosis is crucial for patient outcomes.

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Revista Iatreia Facultad de Medicina — 2025-10-04

Iatreia

Intensity of IgG Antibody Response to Different Types of COVID-19 Vaccines in Blood Donors

Intestinal Parasitosis in the Valle de Tenza Region of the Department of Boyacá, Colombia

Basal Insulin and Lipids in Normoglycemic Adults: An Analytical Study, 2022

Relationship between Functional Ankle Instability and Anthropometric and Training Characteristics in Classical Ballet Dancers in Medellín: A Cross- Sectional Study

COVID-19 Mortality in Vaccinated Patients and Its Associated Factors in Pasto, Colombia, 2021 – 2022

Clinical Simulation in Health Sciences Educators: An Experience in Respiratory Therapy. A Qualitative Study

Epigenetic Mechanisms Implicated in the Pathogenesis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease: A Topic Review

Oral Health Knowledge and Attitudes among Undergraduate Dental Students: A Systematic Review

Renal Complications and Snakebite Accidents Caused by Vipers of the Bothrops Genus: A Systematic Review

Intraoperative Classification of Acute Appendicitis: A Review

Initial Approach of Patients with Dengue in the Emergency Department

The Scientific Publication of University Theses in Health Sciences Programs, a Review from Bibliometric Analysis 2014-2023

Iron Deficiency and its Influence on Memory and Learning: Insights form Preclinical and Clinical Studies

Index of Authors Volume 38 No. 1, 2, 3, 4

Index of Reviewers Volume 38 No. 1, 2, 3, 4

Index of Subjects Volume 38 No. 1, 2, 3, 4

Familial Adenomatous Polyposis in Four Patients: A Case Series Report

Case Report: Hepatic Abscess in Beaver Tail Variant, an Unusual Cause of Left Upper Quadrant Pain

Clinical Characterization of Patients with MODY Type Diabetes: A Case Series

Gallstone Ileus, a Rare Cause of Intestinal Obstruction: A Case Report

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Table of Contents