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During the COVID-19 pandemic, endoscopic procedures are associated with a high risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, in cases of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB), priority should be given to an early endoscopy.The main objective was to compare the time since arrival at the hospital and the performance of the endoscopy between both groups.We performed a retrospective study. Data contains information of patients who attended to the hospital with UGIB and underwent an endoscopy between October 19th, 2019 and June 6th, 2020. Patients were divided into 2 phases: pre-pandemic and pandemic. The time between arrival at the hospital and the performance of the endoscopy in both phases were compared as well as other indicators such hospital stay and in-hospital mortality.With information from 219 patients, the median age was 69 years. 154 and 65 endoscopies were performed in pre-pandemic and pandemic phase, respectively. The time between arrival at the hospital and the performance of the endoscopy was significantly longer during the pandemic (10.00 vs. 13.08 hours, p-value = 0.019). Nevertheless, there were no significant differences in hospital stay or mortality.The management of patients with UGIB during the COVID-19 pandemic is complex and requires the application of clinical judgment to decide the best timing to perform an endoscopy without affecting patient care.

To determine the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori in symptomatic outpatients in Red Rebagliati (EsSalud) from 2010 to 2013.An observational, transversal and analytical study. Records of outpatients with diagnostic 13C-urea breath test of Helicobacter pylori in the period 2010-2013 were reviewed.Of the 1711 patients, the overall prevalence of Helicobacter pylori was 45.5% (95% CI: 43.17-47.89) being higher in women than in men (47.1% vs. 42.1%, p=0.056). There were significant differences in age between infected and uninfected (44 vs. 39, p0.05), with association between age and the presence of Helicobacter pylori (p0.001). The estimated prevalence in the pediatric population was 36.3% and was found positive in 201 (51.1%) women of childbearing age. Most (43.9%) came from the financial sector of the city.The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori in the study population was similar in both sexes and is related to age. The average socioeconomic status of Lima maintains the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori reported in the last years.

Hepatitis C infection is a global burden disease. Its relationship to chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma has been demonstrated, and at the current moment in USA and Europe is one of the major causes for liver transplantation. In Latin America, seroprevalence for HCV is between 1-2%. Risk groups are well-known: persons that have received blood products, drug addicts, health-workers, sexual workers, convicts, those with tattoo or piercing, as well as newborns from women positive for HCV. Genotype 1 is the more prevalent (80%) in Latinamerica, although genotypes 2, 3 and 4 have been found. In Peru, prevalence is low, around 1%, being found more frequently in the jungle region. Risk groups demonstrated in Perú are persons that received transfusion, patients in hemodyalisis, health-workers (in special those that work with blood products), and drugaddicts especially those with cocaine aspiration. Genotype 1 is the more prevalent, although few studies have been done. It is urgent to do more epidemiological studies related to this infection to know the real situation of this disease and its consequences in order to establish better health strategies.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (CHC) is one of the leading causes of worldwide cancer mortality. The aim of this study is to describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics, as well as treatment prescribed in patients with this diagnosis.Longitudinal and prospective study that included patients with diagnosis of CHC in the Department of Digestive System at the HNERM-EsSalud between august 2007 and august 2008.We included 36 patients, median age was 60,1 years and 61,1% were male. Cirrhosis was present in 69,1% and median age in this group was 68,9 years, the median age in those without cirrhosis was 40 years (p0,001). The most frequent associated cause was hepatitis B (38,9%) and 60% had AFP higher than 200 ng/ml. In cirrhotic patients, 80% were Child-Pugh score B or C. Symptomatic treatment was prescribed in 44,4% of the patients.Epidemiological features are different between patients with or without cirrhosis. In the first case their characteristics are similar to those described in areas of low risk for CHC; in the second group the characteristics are similar to those described in areas with high risk population. CHC has frequent association with hepatitis B virus. High percentage of patients is diagnosed with an advanced stage of HCC.