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The aim of the present study was to assess the frequency of uses and preferences of information and communication technologies (ICTs) among Latin American chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. We conducted an anonymous cross-sectional survey study on Latin American COPD patients. The adapted version of the Michigan questionnaire was employed in eligible outpatients in different cities of Latin America. We categorized age and educational levels into three groups. The time passed since COPD diagnosis was categorized as ≤5 years and >5 years. χ2 and crude and adjusted logistic regressions were performed. A total of 256 patients were enrolled with a mean age of 68.7 years old. The most recurrently used ICTs were short message service (SMS; 47.1%) and WhatsApp (30.7%) for receiving COPD information. Moreover, SMS (85.8%) and Facebook (36.1%) were rated as useful for asking physicians information about COPD. Regression analysis showed that the best predictor for patients using ICTs, for any purpose, was higher education (undergraduate or graduate school). Understanding the preferences of ICTs among COPD patients could help improve patient’s outcomes through developing applications in response to specific requirements of each patient.

Antecedentes: Las guías clínicas existentes no ofrecen una alternativa eficiente para la recolección de rasgos clínicos relevantes durante la anamnesis y el examen físico del paciente con urticaria crónica.Objetivo: Proporcionar una lista de verificación de información clínica y una guía que permitan obtener información completa y realizar un examen físico que identifique las características principales de la enfermedad y los factores desencadenantes.Métodos: Se realizó una búsqueda de literatura relevante sobre urticaria crónica en Medline, la Biblioteca Cochrane y PubMed.Resultados: Desarrollamos una lista de verificación de información clínica fácil de usar, con su respectiva guía clínica, integrada por 42 elementos basados en 2 componentes: pistas esenciales para la anamnesis y el diagnóstico de la urticaria crónica (síntomas típicos según sus subtipos, etiología y resultados de laboratorio). Algunos componentes son el tiempo de aparición de la enfermedad, duración, forma, tamaño, color y distribución de las erupciones; angioedema asociado, atopia, factores desencadenantes y otros.Conclusiones: La lista de verificación de información clínica y su guía constituyen una herramienta para enfocar, orientar y ahorrar tiempo en la consulta médica, con el fin principal de que los médicos realicen un mejor diagnóstico y manejo de la enfermedad.

Background Use of petroleum-based over the counter remedies such as Vicks VapoRub to alleviate symptoms of rhinitis is common and can be effective, but carries under-appreciated risks of adverse side effects. In this case report we highlight Exogenous Lipoid Pneumonia (ELP), an uncommon condition that results from accumulation of exogenous lipids in the alveoli, as an adverse side effect of long-term Vicks VapoRub use. Case presentation We present the case of an 85-year-old female patient with ELP apparently due to continuous application of Vicks VapoRub® to her nostrils to alleviate chronic rhinitis. She was diagnosed incidentally via chest radiograph and computed tomography (CT) scan done as follow up to finding elevated C-reactive Protein during a routine exam. The CT scan revealed a pulmonary consolidation in the lower lobe of the right lung with fat density combined with low density areas associated with focal ground-glass opacities. The patient was advised to discontinue use of petroleum-based products, and was prescribed intranasal corticosteroids for her rhinitis. Follow up 2 years later showed that the lipid consolidation had diminished in size by approximately 10 %. Conclusion Physicians must be aware that ELP can develop as a result of long-term application of petroleum-based oils and ointments to the nose and discourage such use of these products. Patients who have used petroleum-based products in this way should be screened for ELP. CT scan is the best imaging modality for establishing the diagnosis. The treatment of this condition is not well defined, but, as shown in this case, the size of the lipid mass can decrease after use of petroleum based substances is discontinued. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12901-016-0032-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Background: The instantaneous spread of information, low costs, and broad availability of information and communication technologies (ICTs) make them an attractive platform for managing care, patient communication, and medical interventions in cancer treatment. There is little information available in Latin America about the level of usage of ICTs for and by cancer patients. Our study attempts to fill this gap. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the level of ICT use and patterns of preferences among cancer patients. Methods: We conducted an anonymous cross-sectional survey study in 500 Ecuadorian cancer patients. This questionnaire consisted of 22 items about demographic and clinical data, together with the preferences of people who use ICTs. Chi-square, crude, and adjusted logistic regressions were performed. Results: Of the total, 43.2% (216/500) of participants reported that they had access to the Internet, and 25.4% (127/500) reported that they neither owned a cell phone nor did they have access to the Internet. The Internet constituted the highest usage rate as a source of information about malignant diseases (74.3%, 162/218) regardless of age (P

Rapid diffusion, low cost and broad availability of information and communication technologies (ICTs) make them an attractive platform for managing care, communication and interventions in asthma. There is little information in Latin America about usage frequency of ICTs in asthmatic patients. The analysis undertaken consisted of an observational, cross-sectional study that aimed to identify the frequency and type of ICTs most often used by asthmatics. The Spanish version of the Michigan questionnaire was employed in five Latin American countries. Age and educational level was categorised. Logistic regression was performed among these groups concerning the frequency of ICT usage and the level of interest shown in seeking and receiving information about asthma. In total, 673 asthma patients were surveyed. The mean age was 43.44 years. Over two-thirds of the participants were female (68.4%). The most used ICT was the short message service (SMS) (69.9%). SMS and E-mail are useful tools for communicating (i.e. receiving and seeking information) with all asthma patients, irrespective of their age. WhatsApp (61.5%) and Facebook (32.0%) were rated as being the most interesting channels of communication for receiving information. Regression analysis showed that younger asthmatics and asthmatics with higher educational levels were most likely to use almost all forms of ICTs. ICTs are generally an attractive platform for managing care, communication and interventions to improve asthma care. SMS and E-mail were found to be the preferred ICT forms among users. However, social media forms such as WhatsApp and Facebook may also be appropriate for certain types of patient., ICT and social media use among asthmatics from Latin America http://ow.ly/TxVj30cKylJ

Introduction: Mobile broadband in Latin-America is first choice for Internet access, and mobile app users will overtake stationary web users. Optimization of communication and support of patients are a key component in COPD care. Health care consumers are using social media (SoMe) and apps to obtain health information on the Internet and to self-manage their disease. Aim: To determine the preference of SoMe use among COPD patients in Latinamerica. Methods: Observational, cross sectional, multi-centric study. We used a back-translated Michigan survey in COPD population. All patients had COPD diagnosis assessed by pulmonologist. Results: 88 patients were enrolled, with mean age of 71.13 years old (SD, 11.5) and 6.1 years (SD, 5.8) with COPD diagnosis. 67.8% were hispanics, and most of patients reported administration of LABA and SABA. 55.2% reported using of SMS, 49.4% using email, and 42.5% using Facebook at least once a week. 28.3% preferred using internet for getting information about COPD, followed by email (10.5%). 56.3% reported interest in receiving information about their disease by SMS, 43.7% by Facebook, and 51.7% by email. 54% reported interest in asking to doctors by SMS, 47.1% by email, and 40.2% by Facebook. About WhatsApp, 74.0% reported being interested in receiving information and asking to doctors thorough it. Conclusions: In our study, Email, SMS and Facebook had been reported to be the most used SoMe. SMS was reported as a interesting sources of information among COPD patients, as well as email. As a result Social Media, may be considered as a tool for educational purposes in patients with COPD. Facebook would be a useful instrument in a subset of patients.

Introduction: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) consists of chronic, progressive decline in lung function. Clinical manifestations and course are unpredictable. An European survey about management of IPF suggested that community respiratory physicians may need further education. Aim: To evaluate the current practice patterns and attitudes of general physicians (GPs) and specialists in the diagnosis and management of patients with IPF in Latin-America. Methods: Observational, descriptive, cross sectional study. We used the original AIR 2013 survey consisted of 28 questions about clinical management of patients with IPF, which was translated to Spanish using a rigorous methodology. Questions related to attitudes towards management of IPF were included. Descriptive statistics were used accordingly. X 2 was used for comparisons. Results: 70 physicians were enrolled. 91.3% considered the guidelines relevant, the use of corticosteroids was reported by 46.2% of pneumologist and 28% of GPs. Otherwise, corticosteroids+immunotherapy was used by 7.7% of pneumologist and 8% of GPs and similar use of N-acetylcysteine (7.7% and 4%, p Conclusion: Despite consciousness of international IPF guidelines, management of IPF in Latin-America needs to be improved.

Background Existing guidelines do not offer a quick, efficient alternative to the patient’s recollection of relevant clinical features during anamnesis and physical examination for chronic urticaria (CU). This study aimed to identify specific items reflecting the main characteristics of CU that should be included in a comprehensive medical history for patients with CU. We also aimed to clarify possible eliciting factors for CU to support accurate diagnosis of the disease. Methods A panel of postgraduate dermatologists conducted a literature search for relevant studies on CU using Medline, the Cochrane database, and PubMed. Results We identified82 articles from which we drew a collection of items to inform development of an easy-to-use checklist and collection of items that should be included in a correct medical history. The final version of the checklist included42 items across two areas: essential clues for anamnesis and diagnosis of CU; and typical symptoms/parameters or characteristics according to subtype, etiology, and laboratory findings. Items included time of disease onset; duration, shape, size, color, and distribution of wheals; associated angioedema; atopy; and triggering factors. Conclusions Our guide provides an easy-to-use tool to support clinicians to focus, orient themselves, and save time in medical consultations for CU, allowing better diagnosis and management of this disease. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40413-017-0165-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.