Revista médica de Chile
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Loxoscelism is an important public health problem in Chile and South America, due to the higher rate of cutaneous-visceral involvement. The diagnosis of loxoscelism is mostly clinical without established diagnostic criteria. There is little evidence to support any treatment used in this condition. ⋯ Many questions remain to be answered regarding the diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Studies are required to validate diagnostic criteria for loxoscelism, predictors for visceral involvement and response to treatment.
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Revista médica de Chile · May 2021
[Degree of association between healthcare indicators and poverty measures in Chile over the period 1992-2017].
More than half of the worlds's population is deprived of essential healthcare services. In consideration of this, the World Health Organization introduced the concept of Social Determinants of Health to improve the awareness of this problem. ⋯ Poverty calculated on the basis of income alone is an inadequate predictor of health deprivations; multidimensional poverty performs better. However, poverty and health indicators have become progressively less associated. Therefore, it becomes necessary either to adapt the health indicators included in Multidimensional Poverty Index to the current health challenges or to implement a Multidimensional Health Deprivation Index, with a view to improving the integration of health within the current social policy framework.
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Revista médica de Chile · May 2021
[Seasonal variation of acute myocardial infarction deaths in Chile].
Hospitalization and deaths due to cardiovascular diseases (CVD), have a peak in frequency during winter. ⋯ In Chile, deaths due to AMI have a marked seasonal pattern, characterized by a higher number of deaths in winter and a lower number in summer.
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Climate changes evidenced by an increase in our planet's mean temperature, changes in rainfall, increased sea level and extreme weather conditions, favor air and soil contamination, ocean acidification, droughts, floods, heat waves and forest fires, which affect the health and wellbeing of exposed populations. These changes will exert negative effects on respiratory and cardiovascular systems, nutritional status, burden of infectious diseases, especially vector-borne infections, and human mental health. ⋯ It is imperative to achieve the immediate commitment of worldwide national governments to control green-house gas emissions. The appropriate technology does exist, but political will is urgently needed to accomplish this goal.