Gastrostomy placement in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: assessment of risk factors for post-procedural respiratory failure.

OBJECTIVE: Radiologically inserted gastrostomy placement may be performed in patients with dysphagia secondary to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This study assessed technical outcomes and complications related to gastrostomy placement in patients with ALS. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients with ALS who underwent gastrostomy placement between 2021 and 2023 was performed. Patient demographics, medical history, ALS disease manifestations, survival, and post-procedural complications were obtained from the electronic medical record. Technical outcomes related to gastrostomy placement were obtained from operative notes and review of procedural imaging. RESULTS: A total of 100 patients were included in the study. The mean duration of ALS diagnosis at time of gastrostomy placement was 1.3 +/-1.2 years. The mean slow vital capacity at time of gastrostomy placement was 54.0 +/-20.2% (range 10-155%). Technical success was 100%, with 91 placed using fluoroscopic guidance and 9 placed with computed tomography guidance. Eighty-three percent of gastrostomies were performed as outpatient procedures, while 17/100 patients were admitted following the procedure for monitoring. Post-procedural adverse events were noted in 21/100 patients (15 mild and 6 moderate or greater). Three patients developed respiratory failure after gastrostomy tube placement and died within 1-week post-procedure. Lower pre-procedural slow vital capacity was associated with higher risk of post-procedural respiratory failure (p = 0.0003*). CONCLUSIONS: Gastrostomy placement in patients with ALS has a high technical success rate and may be performed safely in the outpatient setting in appropriate patients. Patients with low slow vital capacity related to ALS should be admitted post-procedurally for airway monitoring and support.

Preliminary Study on the Restoration of the Phospholipid Profile in Serum from Patients with COVID-19 by Treatment with Vitamin E.

SARS-CoV-2 is an obligatory intracellular pathogen that requires a lipid bilayer membrane for its transport to build its nucleocapsid envelope and fuse with the host cell. The biological membranes are constituted by phospholipids (PLs), and vitamin E (Vit E) protects them from oxidative stress (OS). The aim of this study was to demonstrate if treatment with Vit E restores the modified profile of the FA in PLs in serum from patients with coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19). We evaluated Vit E, total fatty acids (TFAs), fatty acids of the phospholipids (FAPLs), total phospholipids (TPLs), 8-isoprostane, thromboxane B2 (TXB2), prostaglandins (PGE2 and 6-keto-PGF1α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and C-reactive protein (CRP) in serum from 22 COVID-19 patients before and after treatment with Vit E and compared the values with those from 23 healthy subjects (HSs). COVID-19 patients showed a decrease in Vit E, TPLs, FAPLs, and TFAs in serum in comparison to HSs (p ≤ 0.01), and Vit E treatment restored their levels (p ≤ 0.04). Likewise, there was an increase in IL-6 and CRP in COVID-19 patients in comparison with HSs (p ≤ 0.001), and treatment with Vit E decreased their levels (p ≤ 0.001). Treatment with Vit E as monotherapy can contribute to restoring the modified FA profile of the PLs in the SARS-CoV-2 infection, and this leads to a decrease in lipid peroxidation, OS, and the inflammatory process.

Prospective cohort study of patient demographics, viral agents, seasonality, and outcomes of influenza-like illness in Mexico in the late H1N1-pandemic and post-pandemic years (2010-2014).

Objectives: Influenza-like illness (ILI) caused by respiratory viruses results in various respiratory clinical manifestations. The ILI002 prospective observational cohort study aimed to describe viral agents, seasonality, and outcomes of patients with ILI during four seasons in the influenza H1N1-pandemic and post-pandemic years (2010-2014). Methods: Patients from six Mexican hospitals were enrolled from April 2010 to March 2014. Clinical data and nasopharyngeal swabs were obtained and tested for viral respiratory pathogens by real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results: Of the 5662 enrolled participants, 64.9% were adults and 35.1% were children. Among the 5629 participants with single-pathogen detection, rhinovirus (20.2%), influenza virus (11.2%), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) (7.2%), and coronavirus (6.8%) were the most frequent pathogens. Co-infection occurred in 14.5% of cases; 49.3% of participants required hospitalization, particularly in RSV cases (42.9% adults, 89.6% children). The mortality rate was 2.8% higher among older adult participants and those with comorbidities. Influenza H1N1 had the highest mortality rate, yet almost half of the deceased had no pathogen. Rhinovirus persisted year-round, while influenza, coronavirus, and RSV peaked during cooler months. Conclusions: Analyses showed that some viruses causing ILI may lead to severe disease and hospitalization irrespective of comorbidities. These findings may help in decision-making about public health policies on prevention measures, vaccination, treatment, and administration of health care.

Redox Homeostasis Alteration Is Restored through Melatonin Treatment in COVID-19 Patients: A Preliminary Study.

Type II pneumocytes are the target of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which alters their redox homeostasis to increase reactive oxygen species (ROS). Melatonin (MT) has antioxidant proprieties and protects mitochondrial function. In this study, we evaluated whether treatment with MT compensated for the redox homeostasis alteration in serum from COVID-19 patients. We determined oxidative stress (OS) markers such as carbonyls, glutathione (GSH), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), thiols, nitrites (NO2-), lipid peroxidation (LPO), and thiol groups in serum. We also studied the enzymatic activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), reductase (GR), thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), extracellular superoxide dismutase (ecSOD) and peroxidases. There were significant increases in LPO and carbonyl quantities (p ≤ 0.03) and decreases in TAC and the quantities of NO2-, thiols, and GSH (p < 0.001) in COVID-19 patients. The activities of the antioxidant enzymes such as ecSOD, TrxR, GPx, GST, GR, and peroxidases were decreased (p ≤ 0.04) after the MT treatment. The treatment with MT favored the activity of the antioxidant enzymes that contributed to an increase in TAC and restored the lost redox homeostasis. MT also modulated glucose homeostasis, functioning as a glycolytic agent, and inhibited the Warburg effect. Thus, MT restores the redox homeostasis that is altered in COVID-19 patients and can be used as adjuvant therapy in SARS-CoV-2 infection.

How to differentiate induced pluripotent stem cells into sensory neurons for disease modelling: a functional assessment.

BACKGROUND: Human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived peripheral sensory neurons present a valuable tool to model human diseases and are a source for applications in drug discovery and regenerative medicine. Clinically, peripheral sensory neuropathies can result in maladies ranging from a complete loss of pain to severe painful neuropathic disorders. Sensory neurons are located in the dorsal root ganglion and are comprised of functionally diverse neuronal types. Low efficiency, reproducibility concerns, variations arising due to genetic factors and time needed to generate functionally mature neuronal populations from iPSCs remain key challenges to study human nociception in vitro. Here, we report a detailed functional characterization of iPSC-derived sensory neurons with an accelerated differentiation protocol ("Anatomic" protocol) compared to the most commonly used small molecule approach ("Chambers" protocol). Anatomic's commercially available RealDRG™ were further characterized for both functional and expression phenotyping of key nociceptor markers. METHODS: Multiple iPSC clones derived from different reprogramming methods, genetics, age, and somatic cell sources were used to generate sensory neurons. Manual patch clamp was used to functionally characterize both control and patient-derived neurons. High throughput techniques were further used to demonstrate that RealDRGs™ derived from the Anatomic protocol are amenable to high throughput technologies for disease modelling. RESULTS: The Anatomic protocol rendered a purer culture without the use of mitomycin C to suppress non-neuronal outgrowth, while Chambers differentiations yielded a mix of cell types. Chambers protocol results in predominantly tonic firing when compared to Anatomic protocol. Patient-derived nociceptors displayed higher frequency firing compared to control subject with both, Chambers and Anatomic differentiation approaches, underlining their potential use for clinical phenotyping as a disease-in-a-dish model. RealDRG™ sensory neurons show heterogeneity of nociceptive markers indicating that the cells may be useful as a humanized model system for translational studies. CONCLUSIONS: We validated the efficiency of two differentiation protocols and their potential application for functional assessment and thus understanding the disease mechanisms from patients suffering from pain disorders. We propose that both differentiation methods can be further exploited for understanding mechanisms and development of novel treatments in pain disorders.

In Vitro Pharmacological Modulation of PIEZO1 Channels in Frontal Cortex Neuronal Networks.

PIEZO1 is a mechanosensitive ion channel expressed in various organs, including but not limited to the brain, heart, lungs, kidneys, bone, and skin. PIEZO1 has been implicated in astrocyte, microglia, capillary, and oligodendrocyte signaling in the mammalian cortex. Using murine embryonic frontal cortex tissue, we examined the protein expression and functionality of PIEZO1 channels in cultured networks leveraging substrate-integrated microelectrode arrays (MEAs) with additional quantitative results from calcium imaging and whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology. MEA data show that the PIEZO1 agonist Yoda1 transiently enhances the mean firing rate (MFR) of single units, while the PIEZO1 antagonist GsMTx4 inhibits both spontaneous activity and Yoda1-induced increase in MFR in cortical networks. Furthermore, calcium imaging experiments revealed that Yoda1 significantly increased the frequency of calcium transients in cortical cells. Additionally, in voltage clamp experiments, Yoda1 exposure shifted the cellular reversal potential towards depolarized potentials consistent with the behavior of PIEZO1 as a non-specific cation-permeable channel. Our work demonstrates that murine frontal cortical neurons express functional PIEZO1 channels and quantifies the electrophysiological effects of channel activation in vitro. By quantifying the electrophysiological effects of PIEZO1 activation in vitro, our study establishes a foundation for future investigations into the role of PIEZO1 in neurological processes and potential therapeutic applications targeting mechanosensitive channels in various physiological contexts.

High-Frequency Jet Ventilation Versus Spontaneous Respiration for Percutaneous Cryoablation of Lung Tumors: Comparison of Adverse Events and Procedural Efficiency.

BACKGROUND. High-frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) facilitates accurate probe placement in percutaneous ablation of lung tumors but may increase risk for adverse events, including systemic air embolism. OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to compare major adverse events and procedural efficiency of percutaneous lung ablation with HFJV under general anesthesia to spontaneous respiration (SR) under moderate sedation. METHODS. This retrospective study included consecutive adults who underwent CT-guided percutaneous cryoablation of one or more lung tumors with HFJV or SR between January 1, 2017, and May 31, 2023. We compared major adverse events (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events grade ≥ 3) within 30 days postprocedure and hospital length of stay (HLOS) of 2 days or more using logistic regression analysis. We compared procedure time, room time, CT guidance acquisition time, CT guidance radiation dose, total radiation dose, and pneumothorax using generalized estimating equations. RESULTS. Overall, 139 patients (85 women, 54 men; median age, 68 years) with 310 lung tumors (82% metastases) underwent 208 cryoablations (HFJV, n = 129; SR, n = 79). HFJV showed greater rates than SR for the treatment of multiple tumors per session (43% vs 19%, respectively; p = .02) and tumors in a nonperipheral location (48% vs 24%, p < .001). Major adverse event rate was 8% for HFJV and 5% for SR (p = .46). No systemic air embolism occurred. HLOS was 2 days or more in 17% of sessions and did not differ significantly between HFJV and SR (p = .64), including after adjusting for probe number per session, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and operator experience (p = .53). Ventilation modalities showed no significant difference in procedure time, CT guidance acquisition time, CT guidance radiation dose, or total radiation dose (all p > .05). Room time was longer for HFJV than SR (median, 154 vs 127 minutes, p < .001). For HFJV, the median anesthesia time was 136 minutes. Ventilation modalities did not differ in the frequencies of pneumothorax or pneumothorax requiring chest tube placement (both p > .05). CONCLUSION. HFJV appears to be as safe as SR but had longer room times. HFJV can be used in complex cases without significantly impacting HLOS of 2 days or more, procedure time, or radiation exposure. CLINICAL IMPACT. Selection of the ventilation modality during percutaneous lung ablation should be based on patient characteristics and anticipated procedural requirements as well as operator preference.

Giant hiatal hernia with intrathoracic spleen: A case report.

Hiatal hernia is a frequent pathology in the population; however, the most frequent hiatal hernia is type I, which accounts for up to 95% incidence, types II, III, and IV being less frequent and representing between 5% and 15%, and even less common are giant hernias. The definition of the giant hernia is still not exact in the literature; some authors define giant or massive hiatal hernia as one in which the hernia occupies more than 30% of the stomach and/or passes from other abdominal structures to the thorax. We describe the case of a patient with gastrointestinal symptomology without response to a proton pump inhibitor, with base exacerbation that required imaging studies, showing a large hernia defect passing to the thorax from abdominal organs (stomach, spleen, mesenteric fat), as well as alteration of the gastric and spleen axis with ascent in pancreatic body and tail, which corresponds to a giant hiatal hernia. Said pathology is very infrequent, with recurrences and postoperative complications. Our patient recovered from the surgical procedure with therapeutic success.

Clinical and molecular characterization of children and adults with respiratory bocavirus infection in Mexico: a cross-sectional nested study within the ILI002 prospective observational study.

Background: Human Bocaviruses (HBoV) can cause acute respiratory tract infections. High coinfection rates cloud its pathogenicity. This study sought to describe the clinical features of HBoV1 disease in children and adults with Influenza-like illness (ILI), exploring associations between viral load, clinical features, and seasonality. Methods: Patients who tested positive for HBoV1 by polymerase chain reaction, enrolled from April 2010 to March 2014 in the ILI002 prospective observational cohort study were included in this cross-sectional nested study. Participants were included in ILI002 if they presented with signs and/or symptoms suggestive of influenza-like illness. Samples were tested for viral load, and NP1 and VP1/VP2 phylogenetic analyses, except for the samples lacking suitable and viable clinical material for genotyping. Findings: We identified HBoV1 in 157 (2.8%) of participants. Prevalence was 4.5% in children and 1.8% in adults. Single HBoV1 detection occurred in 41.1% and 46.3% of children and adults, respectively. Children commonly experienced fever (83.3%), cough with sputum (74.4%), and shortness of breath (72.2%). In the multivariate analysis of children, significant positive associations were detected between viral loads and age (0.20 [95% CI: 0.07, 0.33]), and the presence of fever (2.64 [95% CI: 1.35, 3.94]), nasal congestion (1.03 [95% CI: 0.07, 1.99]), dry cough (1.32 [95% CI: 0.42, 2.22]), chest congestion (1.57 [95% CI: 0.33, 2.80]), red eyes (1.25 [95% CI: 0.35, 2.14]), cough with sputum (1.79 [95% CI: 0.80, 2.78]), and other signs and symptoms such as chills, dizziness, and diaphoresis (1.73 [95% CI: 0.19, 3.27]). In contrast, significant negative associations were found between viral loads and percent neutrophils on the blood count (-0.04 [95% CI: -0.06, -0.02]), fatigue (-1.60 [95% CI: -2.46, -0.74]) and the presence of other symptoms or signs, including adenopathy and rash (-1.26 [95% CI: -2.31, -0.21]). Adults commonly experienced sore throat (73.1%), fatigue (77.4%), and headache (73.1%). In the multivariate analysis of adults, significant positive associations were detected between viral load and body mass index (0.13 [95% CI: 0.04, 0.21]), and the presence of confusion (1.54 [95% CI: 0.55, 2.53]), and sore throat (1.03 [95% CI: 0.20, 1.85]), and significant negative associations were detected between viral load and chest congestion (-1.16 [95% CI: -2.07, -0.24]). HBoV1 was detected throughout the year irrespective of season, temperature, and humidity. Interpretation: This study demonstrated the importance of detecting HBoV1 in patients with influenza-like illness either as single infection or co-infection, in both adults and children, and improves the characterization of HBoV1 seasonality, clinical features, and viral load. Phylogenetic analyses show a high conservation. Funding: The Mexican Emerging Infectious Diseases Clinical Research Network (LaRed), CONACYT (Fondo Sectorial SSA/IMSS/ISSSTE, Projects No. 71260 and No. 127088), Fondos federales no. HIM/2015/006, NIAID, NIH through a contract with Westat, Inc. (HHSN2722009000031, HHSN27200002), NCI, NIH (75N91019D00024, 75N91019F00130). Additional information at the end of the manuscript.

Esquema para mejorar el aprendizaje sobre el Análisis de la Situación de Salud / Scheme to improve learning about Health Situation Analysis / Scheme to improve learning about Health Situation Analysis / Esquema para melhorar o aprendizado sobre Análise da Situação de Saúde

Introducción: El análisis de la situación de salud es una investigación primordial que se realiza en el sistema de salud cubano, en el que se estudia la salud, los elementos que la determinan y las formas de mejorarla. Objetivo: Evaluar la propuesta de diseño de un esquema que contribuya a la mejora del aprendizaje del análisis de la situación de salud de la comunidad para los residentes de la especialidad Medicina General Integral, pertenecientes a la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Guantánamo. Método: Se realizó una investigación pedagógica de tipo descriptiva en la antes mencionada institución durante el período marzo-julio de 2022. De un universo de 67 profesores que aceptaron participar, se seleccionaron 26 por muestreo intencional. Para obtener los datos primarios fueron aplicados tres cuestionarios tipo Likert para evaluar el esquema, en consideración con la estructura, la funcionalidad y el aporte en el aprendizaje. Dichos cuestionarios incluyeron las respuestas: Totalmente en desacuerdo, En desacuerdo, Ni de acuerdo ni en desacuerdo, De acuerdo y Totalmente de acuerdo. Los datos se resumieron en números absolutos y porcentajes. Se presentaron en tablas de distribución de frecuencias. Resultados: Los subtotales de respuestas Totalmente de acuerdo y De acuerdo sobre la evaluación estructural y funcional, así como la influencia que se espera de este para mejorar el aprendizaje del análisis de situación de salud, se consideraron adecuados al superar el estándar. Conclusiones: El esquema propuesto es evaluado como adecuado en estructura y funcionalidad. Se considera positiva la influencia que se espera de este para mejorar el aprendizaje del análisis de situación de salud de la comunidad.(AU)

Introduction: The analysis of the health situation is a fundamental investigation carried out in the Cuban health system, in which health is studied, the elements that determine it and the ways to improve it. Objective: To evaluate the design proposal of a scheme that contributes to the improvement of learning of the analysis of the health situation of the community for the residents of the Comprehensive General Medicine specialty, belonging to the Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Guantánamo. Method: A descriptive pedagogical research was carried out in the aforementioned institution during the period March-July 2022. From a universe of 67 teachers who agreed to participate, 26 were selected by intentional sampling. To obtain primary data, three Likert-type questionnaires were applied to evaluate the scheme, taking into consideration the structure, functionality and contribution to learning. These questionnaires included the responses: Totally disagree, Disagree, Neither agree nor disagree, Agree and Totally agree. Data were summarized in absolute numbers and percentages. They were presented in frequency distribution tables. Results: The subtotals of Completely Agree and Agree responses on the structural and functional evaluation, as well as the expected influence of this to improve the learning of health situation analysis, were considered adequate when exceeding the standard. Conclusions: The proposed scheme is evaluated as adequate in structure and functionality. The influence expected from this to improve learning about the analysis of the community's health situation is considered positive.(AU)

Introdução: A análise da situação sanitária é uma investigação fundamental realizada no sistema de saúde cubano, no qual se estuda a saúde, os elementos que a determinam e as formas de melhorá-la. Objetivo: Avaliar a proposta de desenho de um esquema que contribua para a melhoria da aprendizagem da análise da situação de saúde da comunidade para os residentes da especialidade Medicina Geral Integral, pertencente à Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Guantánamo. Método: Foi realizada uma pesquisa pedagógica descritiva na referida instituição durante o período de março a julho de 2022. De um universo de 67 professores que aceitaram participar, 26 foram selecionados por amostragem intencional. Para obtenção dos dados primários, foram aplicados três questionários do tipo Likert para avaliação do esquema, levando em consideração a estrutura, funcionalidade e contribuição para a aprendizagem. Esses questionários incluíram as respostas: Discordo totalmente, Discordo, Nem concordo nem discordo, Concordo e Concordo totalmente. Os dados foram resumidos em números absolutos e porcentagens. Eles foram apresentados em tabelas de distribuição de frequência. Resultados: Os subtotais das respostas Concordo Totalmente e Concordo na avaliação estrutural e funcional, bem como a influência esperada desta para melhorar a aprendizagem da análise da situação de saúde, foram considerados adequados quando excedem o padrão. Conclusões: O esquema proposto é avaliado como adequado em estrutura e funcionalidade.A influência que se espera disto para melhorar a aprendizagem sobre a análise da situação de saúde da comunidade é considerada positiva.(AU)

Papel de los estudios microbiológicos en la necrosis pancreática / Role of the microbiological studies in pancreatic necrosis / Papel dos estudos microbiológicos na necrose pancreática

RESUMEN Introducción: la infección de la necrosis pancreática es la complicación local más grave de la pancreatitis aguda. Ocurre aproximadamente en un 35% de los pacientes y presenta una mortalidad cercana al 80%. Objetivo: identificar el espectro microbiológico de la necrosis pancreática infectada Métodos: realizamos un estudio longitudinal, descriptivo, prospectivo en la Unidad de cuidados intensivos del Hospital Universitario Carlos Manuel de Céspedes de la ciudad de Bayamo, Cuba, en el periodo comprendido desde enero de 2012 hasta diciembre de 2018.Fueron incluidos 71 pacientes con el diagnostico o sospecha de pancreatitis aguda necrotizante infectada que requirieron necrosectomía con toma de cultivo intraoperatorio. Resultados: del total de pacientes de la serie la mayoría fueron masculinos representando el 56,3 % de la muestra. la etiología más frecuentemente encontrada fue la litiasica con 38 pacientes (53,5%). Mientras que 52 pacientes (73,2%) presentaban más del 50% de la glándula pancreática con necrosis. En 63 pacientes se confirmó la presencia de infección de la necrosis. Con predominio de la infección monomicrobiana en 48 casos (76,2%).El germen más frecuentemente encontrado fue E. coli (47,9%).La mortalidad post-operatoria fue de 15 pacientes (21, 1%).De ellos 14 pacientes (93,3%) con infección luego de la necrosectomía. Conclusiones: predominó la infección monomicrobiana por E. coli. Los pacientes con confirmación de crecimiento bacteriano post necrosectomía presentaron mayor mortalidad.

ABSTRACT Introduction: infection of pancreatic necrosis is the most serious local complication of acute pancreatitis. It occurs in approximately 35% of patients and has a mortality rate close to 80%. Objective: to identify the microbiological spectrum of infected pancreatic necrosis Methods: we carried out a longitudinal, descriptive, prospective study in the intensive care unit of the Carlos Manuel de Céspedes University Hospital in the city of Bayamo, Cuba, in the period from January 2012 to December 2018. 71 patients with the diagnosis or suspicion of infected acute necrotizing pancreatitis that required necrosectomy with intraoperative culture taking. Results: of the total number of patients in the series, the majority were male, representing 56.3% of the sample. the most frequently found etiology was lithiasis with 38 patients (53.5%). While 52 patients (73.2%) had more than 50% of the pancreatic gland with necrosis. In 63 patients, the presence of necrosis infection was confirmed. With a predominance of monomicrobial infection in 48 cases (76.2%). The most frequent germ found was E. coli (47.9%). Post-operative mortality was 15 patients (21.1%). Of them 14 patients (93.3%) with infection after necrosectomy. Conclusions: monomicrobial infection by E. coli predominated. Patients with confirmed bacterial growth post necrosectomy had higher mortality.

RESUMO Introdução: a infecção da necrose pancreática é a complicação local mais grave da pancreatite aguda. Ocorre em aproximadamente 35% dos pacientes e tem mortalidade próxima a 80%. Objetivo: identificar o espectro microbiológico da necrose pancreática infectada Métodos: foi realizado um estudo longitudinal, descritivo e prospectivo na unidade de terapia intensiva do Hospital Universitário Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, nacidade de Bayamo, Cuba, no período de janeiro de 2012 a dezembro de 2018. 71 pacientes portadores de diagnóstico ou suspeita de pancreatite necrosante aguda infectada que exigiu necrosectomia com coleta de cultura intraoperatória. Resultados: do total de pacientes da série, a maioria era do sexo masculino, representando 56,3% da amostra. a etiologia mais encontrada foi a litíase com 38 pacientes (53,5%). En quanto 52 pacientes (73,2%) apresentavam mais de 50% da glândula pancreática com necrose. Em 63 pacientes, foi confirmada a presença de infecção de necrose. Com predomínio de infecção monomicrobiana em 48 casos (76,2%). O germe mais encontrado foi E. coli (47,9%). A mortalidade pós-operatória foi de 15 pacientes (21,1%). Destes 14 pacientes (93,3%) com infecção após necrosectomia. Conclusões: a infecção monomicrobiana por E. coli predominou. Pacientes com crescimento bacteriano confirmado após necrosectomia apresentaram maior mortalidade.

Caracterización de la tuberculosis en pacientes de la provincia Guantánamo, Cuba / Characterization of tuberculosis in patients from the Guantánamo province, Cuba

RESUMEN Introducción: La lucha contra la tuberculosis es una responsabilidad social y profesional que requiere de su caracterización, la que no se ha realizado en Guantánamo en la última década. Objetivo: Caracterizar la tuberculosis en pacientes de la provincia Guantánamo durante el periodo comprendido entre 2012 y 2019. Método: El universo se constituyó por el total de pacientes diagnosticados (n=136). Se estudiaron las siguientes variables: edad, sexo, localización de la enfermedad, resultados de la baciloscopía, categoría al egreso y grupos de riesgo de tuberculosis. La información se obtuvo mediante los registros de enfermedades de declaración obligatoria cada año, y las encuestas epidemiológicas de los controles de focos realizados, y se resumió en números absolutos y porcentajes. Resultados: En el 80,1 % de los casos la tuberculosis se localizó en los pulmones, y fue más común el diagnóstico de pacientes con baciloscopía positiva (63,2 %). El 76,7 % de los pacientes con baciloscopía positiva fueron masculinos. Los grupos de riesgos para tuberculosis más usuales fueron: fumadores (26,4 %), inmunodeprimidos (21,6 %) y el alcoholismo (19,1 %). Conclusiones: En la provincia Guantánamo prevalece la tuberculosis de localización pulmonar y los pacientes con bacteriología positiva. Los afectados sobre todo son hombres, tienen edad entre 45 a 54 años y son de reciente diagnóstico. La enfermedad incide más en aquellos con antecedente de ser fumadores, inmunodeprimidos y los alcohólicos.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The fight against tuberculosis is a social and professional responsibility, which requires its characterization, which has not been carried out in Guantánamo in the last decade. Objective: To characterize tuberculosis in patients in the Guantánamo province during the period between 2012 and 2019. Method: The universe was made up of the total number of diagnosed patients (n = 136). The following variables were studied: age, sex, location of the disease, smear results, category at discharge, and tuberculosis risk groups. The information was obtained through the notifiable disease registries for each year and the epidemiological surveys of the outbreak controls carried out, and was summarized in absolute numbers and percentages. Results: In 80.1% of cases, tuberculosis is in the lungs, and the diagnosis of patients with positive smear microscopy (63.2%) is more common. 76.7% of smear-positive patients are male. The most common risk groups for tuberculosis are: smokers (26.4%), immunosuppressed (21.6%) and alcoholism (19.1%). Conclusions: In Guantánamo province, pulmonary localization tuberculosis and patients with positive bacteriology prevail. Those affected are mainly men, they are between 45 and 54 years old and have recently been diagnosed. The disease affects more in those with a history of being smokers, immunosuppressed and alcoholics.

Conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas relacionadas con las infecciones intrahospitalarias en Nicaragua / Conhecimento, atitudes e práticas relacionadas a infecções intrahospitalares na Nicarágua / Knowledge, attitudes and practices related to intrahospital infections in Nicaragua

Introducción: las infecciones asociadas a la asistencia sanitaria constituyen un grave problema de la salud pública a nivel mundial por su frecuencia y elevada mortalidad. Objetivo: identificar el nivel de conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas para controlar las infecciones intrahospitalarias del personal asistencial. Método: se realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal, en el Hospital Santiago de Jinotepe en Carazo, Nicaragua, periodo enero-junio 2017. El universo lo constituyeron 345 trabajadores del hospital incluyendo a los internos de la carrera de Medicina y la muestra intencional o por conveniencia, de 53 proveedores. Las variables utilizadas: clasificación ocupacional, nivel de conocimiento sobre la definición de infecciones asociadas a la atención en salud (IAAS) y sobre efecto del lavado de las manos con agua y el jabón para remover bacilos Gram negativos, así como la evaluación de prácticas y actitudes relacionados con la prevención de las IAAS. Resultados: se evidenció déficit cognitivo sobre las infecciones asociadas a la atención en salud y en las actitudes y prácticas correctas en el personal asistencial para su prevención. Conclusiones: existe falta de conocimiento sobre las infecciones asociadas a la atención en salud, así como en el ejercicio de actitudes y prácticas correctas destinadas a su prevención, para esto se deberá diseñar un programa de capacitación en este nivel de atención para tratar de disminuir las IAAS(AU)

Introduction: infections associated with health care constitute a serious public health problem worldwide due to their frequency and high mortality. Objective: to identify the level of knowledge, attitudes and practices to control in-hospital infections of healthcare personnel. Method: a descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at the Santiago de Jinotepe Hospital in Carazo, Nicaragua, January-June 2017. The universe consisted of 345 hospital workers, including inmates of the medical career and the intentional sample or for convenience, from 53 suppliers. The variables used: occupational classification, level of knowledge about the definition of infections associated with health care (HCAI) and the effect of washing hands with water and soap to remove Gram-negative bacilli, as well as the evaluation of practices and attitudes related to the prevention of the IAAS. Results: cognitive deficit was found in the infections associated with health care and in the correct attitudes and practices in the care personnel for its prevention. Conclusions: there is a lack of knowledge about the infections associated with health care, as well as the exercise of correct attitudes and practices aimed at their prevention, for this purpose, a training program should be designed at this level of care to try to reduce HCAIs(AU)

Introdução: as infecções associadas aos cuidados de saúde constituem um grave problema de saúde pública em todo o mundo devido à sua frequência e alta mortalidade. Objetivo: identificar o nível de conhecimento, atitudes e práticas para controlar as infecções intrahospitalares do pessoal de saúde. Método: estudo descritivo transversal, realizado no Hospital de Santiago de Jinotepe, em Carazo, Nicarágua, de janeiro a junho de 2017. O universo foi constituído por 345 trabalhadores de hospitais, incluindo os internos da carreira médica e a amostra intencional ou por conveniência, de 53 fornecedores. As variáveis utilizadas foram: classificação ocupacional, nível de conhecimento sobre a definição de infecções associadas à assistência à saúde (IAAS) e o efeito da lavagem das mãos com água e sabão para remoção de bacilos Gram-negativos, bem como a avaliação de práticas e atitudes relacionadas à prevenção do IAAS. Resultados: foi encontrado déficit cognitivo nas infecções associadas à assistência à saúde e nas atitudes e práticas corretas no pessoal de atendimento para sua prevenção. Conclusões: há falta de conhecimento sobre as infecções associadas aos cuidados de saúde, bem como o exercício de atitudes e práticas corretas visando a sua prevenção, para este fim, um programa de treinamento deve ser desenhado neste nível de atenção para tentar reduzir as IAAS(AU)

Diagnóstico y tratamiento de las infecciones en vías urinarias: un enfoque multidisciplinario para casos no complicados / Diagnosis and treatment of urinary tract infections: a multidisciplinary approach for uncomplicated cases

Las infecciones en vías urinarias afectan tanto a niños como a adultos. En niños son un problema de salud frecuente. En mujeres embarazadas merecen especial atención por los riesgos perinatales. La ausencia de nuevas moléculas antimicrobianas y el incremento en la resistencia bacteriana, favorecida por el uso indiscriminado de antibióticos, obliga a normar conductas para el abordaje y tratamiento inicial de las infecciones en vías urinarias. Este artículo fue desarrollado mediante un panel de médicos especialistas de instituciones de segundo y tercer nivel de atención, tanto públicas como privadas. Se realizó una revisión de la literatura. Ante la sospecha, el diagnóstico de infección en vías urinarias no complicada en niños debe confirmarse a través de medios bacteriológicos. El diagnóstico de infección en vías urinarias no complicada en adultos se realiza con base en el cuadro clínico. El tratamiento empírico inicial debe incluir la cobertura con antibióticos de amplio espectro y la adaptación del mismo de acuerdo con el resultado de los cultivos y de la sensibilidad reportada.

Urinary tract infection affects both children and adults. It is a common health problem in children. In pregnant women, treatment for urinary tract infection deserves special attention due to the perinatal risks. The absence of new antimicrobial molecules and the increase in bacterial resistance, the latter favored by the indiscriminate use of antibiotics, prompt us to standardize norms in the approach and initial treatment of urinary tract infection. The article was written by an independent panel from second- and third-level care public and private institutions. We conducted a review of the literature and the statements made within the framework of an interdisciplinary meeting. When urinary tract infection is suspected in children, diagnosis must be confirmed using bacteriological methods. Diagnosis of uncomplicated urinary tract infection in adults can be made based on the clinical examination. Empirical initial treatment must include wide-spectrum antibiotic options and should be modified according to culture results as well as reported sensitivity.

Relevancia de la muerte súbita cardíaca / Relevancy of sudden death of cardiac origin

Sudden death (SD) is of cardiac origin in approximately 80-90% of the cases and represents one of the most important challenges of the modern cardiology. Evaluation and understanding of its epidemiological, clinical and histopathological characteristics can lead to better results in its management. In Spain was carried a multicenter study MUSA with two arms: 1/ EULALIA: histopathological aspects of SD and 2/ MUSIC: SD in heart failure with focus on identification of population groups at risk, pathophysiological mechanisms of development and clinical prognostic markers. The preliminary conclusions of both studies are the following: 1/ EULALIA trial: From the total 121 sudden deaths, 109 (90%) were of cardiac origin and of these 45% presented characteristics of myocardial hypertrophy. The histopathological findings reveled that in only 48% of cases acute ischemic heart disease was present. In the other cases of ischemic heart disease the sudden death was probably by arrhythmic origin related with the presence of old myocardial infarction. This is the most striking difference compared with Anglo-Saxon studies. In the 29 cases of ACS, 18 had eroded and combination of eroded and ruptured plaques. In the cases of non-ACS plaques were stable in 20, and combination of stable and vulnerable plaques in 7 cases. Statistically significant results as independent predictors of sudden death gave the following markers: history of MI, cephalization of vessels in thorax X-ray, left atrium size > 45 mm, high levels of NT-proBNP and PIP, LBBB on ECG recording and body mass index.