This new “Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of Chagas disease” that PAHO presents as a product of the efforts of notable experts in the field, is generated with knowledge based on evidence, through the GRADE methodology (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation), providing a synthesis of the currently known and published evidence on the subject, with the objective of supporting more and better the health personnel and to base the indications and recommendations of clinical management that are made through this health personnel.
The Regional Chagas Program, as well as in the Unit Responsible for Neglected, Tropical and Vector-borne Diseases, believe and hope that this material will serve to establish clearer and more standardized procedures to provide better care and assistance in health services to each person infected with Trypanosoma cruzi, this to contribute to improving the health of patients, their families and their communities in general. We also hope that the use of these guidelines will positively influence the evolution of patients with the disease, through a more timely detection and a more efficient adequate management to reduce the negative consequences of medium and long term, with improvement of their functional and vital prognosis.
