Arritmia maligna en prolapso de la válvula mitral: ¿es suficiente el tratamiento quirúrgico? / Malignant arrhythmia in mitral valve prolapse: is surgical management enough?

Resumen El prolapso de la válvula mitral es una enfermedad ampliamente conocida, la cual es benigna en la mayoría de casos; sin embargo, puede estar en asociación con alteraciones del ritmo cardiaco, específicamente arritmias ventriculares malignas y muerte cardiaca súbita. Pese a que esta asociación y su desenlace están descritos en la literatura médica, su baja incidencia conduce a la falta de evidencia en cuanto a su manejo y estratificación. Se presenta el caso de una mujer joven, cuya manifestación inicial fue síncope, con posterior desarrollo de insuficiencia mitral grave, con hallazgo de extrasístoles ventriculares frecuentes, en quien se realizó tratamiento quirúrgico con plastia mitral y crioablación del músculo papilar anterolateral. La evolución clínica fue satisfactoria, ya que se evidenció mejoría de la sintomatología y control de la carga arrítmica.

Abstract Mitral valve prolapse is a well-known condition that is generally benign, but it can be associated with cardiac arrhythmias, particularly malignant ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. This association and its outcome have been described in medical literature, but the low incidence leads to a lack of evidence regarding its management and stratification.The case of a young woman is presented, whose initial manifestation was syncope, with subsequent development of severe mitral insufficiency, followed by severe mitral regurgitation and the discovery of frequent ventricular extrasystoles. She underwent surgical repair with mitral valve plasty and cryoablation of the anterior papillary muscle. The clinical outcome was favorable, as evidenced by an improvement in symptoms and control of arrhythmia burden.

Alcohol-Based Chlorhexidine and Potassium Sorbate Rub Strengthens the Effectiveness of Traditional Hand Scrubbing and Improves Long-Lasting Effectiveness-Evaluation of Hand Preparation Protocols According to EN 12791.

Despite the advantages of surgical handrub in terms of the ease of application and effectiveness, chlorhexidine (CHG)-based hand scrubbing remains the preferred method for surgical hand preparation. However, it does not systematically meet the non-inferiority requirement of the European norm (EN) 12791 with respect to n-propanol (the reference product) and does not provide the sustained efficacy expected for these long-lasting agents. Commercially available alcohol-based products have also failed to demonstrate sustained efficacy according to EN 12791. Multi-step protocols enhance the efficacy of hand scrubbing, yet their extended disinfection duration might diminish their allure for healthcare professionals. In this study, we show that hand scrubbing with CHG 4% followed by a 1 min rubbing with the novel formulation of ethanol (Et) 70%/CHG 3% plus 0.3% potassium sorbate food additive (PS) meets the non-inferiority requirement and demonstrates sustained efficacy when tested according to EN 12791. The immediate and 3 h effect of this protocol was significantly higher than that of n-propanol and the homologous disinfection protocol without PS (CHG 4% hand scrub plus Et 70%/CHG 3% rub), demonstrating that the inclusion of PS confers a notable residual effect. We speculate that this non-volatile ingredient acts synergistically with CHG. This promising combination represents an alternative method for the development of new disinfection strategies.

Ultraviolet light and riboflavin accelerates red blood cell dysfunction in vitro and in a guinea pig transfusion model.

BACKGROUND: Quality assessment of modified or processed red blood cell (RBC) components, such as pathogen-reduced RBCs, using only in vitro testing may not always be predictive of in vivo performance. Mouse or rat in vivo models are limited by a lack of applicability to certain aspects of human RBC biology. Here, we used a guinea pig model to study the effects of riboflavin combined with UV light on the integrity of RBCs in vitro and following transfusion in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Guinea pig RBCs were collected from whole blood (WB) treated with varying UV doses (10, 20, 40 or 80 J/mL) in the presence of riboflavin (UVR-RBCs). In vitro tests for UVR-RBCs included hemolysis, osmotic fragility, and cellular morphology by scanning electron microscopy. Guinea pigs transfused with one-day post-treatment UVR-RBCs were evaluated for plasma hemoglobin (Hb), non-transferrin bound iron (NTBI), total iron and Perls-detectable hemosiderin deposition in the spleen and kidney, and renal uptake of Hb. RESULTS: Acute RBC injury was dose dependently accelerated after treatment with UV light in the presence of riboflavin. Aberrant RBC morphology was evident at 20, 40, and 80 J/mL, and membrane lysis with Hb release was prominent at 80 J/mL. Guinea pigs transfused with 40 and 80 J/mL UVR-RBCs showed increased plasma Hb levels, and plasma NTBI was elevated in all UVR-RBC groups (10-80 J/mL). Total iron levels and Perls-hemosiderin staining in spleen and kidney as well as Hb uptake in renal proximal tubules were increased 8 hours post-transfusion with 40 and 80 J/mL UVR-RBCs. DISCUSSION: UVR-RBCs administered to guinea pigs increased markers of intravascular and extravascular hemolysis in a UV dose-dependent manner. This model may allow for the discrimination of RBC injury during testing of extensively processed RBCs intended for transfusion.

Patterns of red blood cell utilization: Harnessing electronic health records data from the Information Standard for Blood and Transplant (ISBT) 128 system within the Biologics Effectiveness and Safety (BEST) initiative.

BACKGROUND: Current hemovigilance methods generally rely on survey data or administrative claims data utilizing billing and revenue codes, each of which has limitations. We used electronic health records (EHR) linked to blood bank data to comprehensively characterize red blood cell (RBC) utilization patterns and trends in three healthcare systems participating in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research Biologics Effectiveness and Safety (BEST) initiative. METHODS: We used Information Standard for Blood and Transplant (ISBT) 128 codes linked to EHR from three healthcare systems data sources to identify and quantify RBC-transfused individuals, RBC transfusion episodes, transfused RBC units, and processing methods per year during 2012-2018. RESULTS: There were 577,822 RBC units transfused among 112,705 patients comprising 345,373 transfusion episodes between 2012 and 2018. Utilization in terms of RBC units and patients increased slightly in one and decreased slightly in the other two healthcare facilities. About 90% of RBC-transfused patients had 1 (~46%) or 2-5 (~42%)transfusion episodes in 2018. Among the small proportion of patients with ≥12 transfusion episodes per year, approximately 60% of episodes included only one RBC unit. All facilities used leukocyte-reduced RBCs during the study period whereas irradiated RBC utilization patterns differed across facilities. DISCUSSION: ISBT 128 codes and EHRs were used to observe patterns of RBC transfusion and modification methods at the unit level and patient level in three healthcare systems participating in the BEST initiative. This study shows that the ISBT 128 coding system in an EHR environment provides a feasible source for hemovigilance activities.

Compromiso aórtico en síndrome de Marfan ¿es suficiente el tratamiento de la raíz aórtica? / Aortic challenges in Marfan syndrome, is the management of the aortic root enough?

Resumen Introducción: La sobrevida de pacientes con síndrome de Marfan y compromiso de la raíz aórtica ha aumentado debido a la introducción de técnicas de reemplazo de raíz aórtica con preservación valvular. Objetivo: Identificar y caracterizar desenlaces a corto y largo plazo de pacientes con síndrome de Marfan intervenidos con la técnica de reemplazo de la raíz aórtica con reimplante de la válvula aórtica (procedimiento de Tirone David). Materiales y método: Serie de casos de pacientes con síndrome de Marfan sometidos al procedimiento quirúrgico de Tirone David entre 2002 y 2020. Se generaron curvas de Kaplan-Meier para evaluar el tiempo libre de reintervención aórtica y la sobrevida. Resultados: Se incluyeron 18 pacientes, con edad promedio de 29 años. Se identificó progresión de la enfermedad en el 35.3%, determinada por reintervención en 5 pacientes, disección aórtica tipo B en 3 pacientes, insuficiencia aórtica grave en 2 pacientes y aneurismas crónicos torácicos o abdominales en 5 pacientes. Se identificaron 3 muertes no relacionadas directamente con la progresión de la enfermedad. Conclusiones: En pacientes con síndrome de Marfan y patología de raíz aórtica, el procedimiento de reemplazo de la raíz aórtica con reimplante de la válvula aórtica es la técnica ideal por sus resultados en libertad de reintervención, sobrevida y calidad de vida. Sin embargo, la cirugía no resuelve el compromiso aórtico distal, el cual es el principal factor en la progresión de la enfermedad.

Abstract Introduction: The survival of patients with Marfan syndrome and aortic root involvement has increased over the past decades due to the introduction of valve-sparing aortic root replacement techniques. Objective: To identify and characterize the short- and long-term outcomes of patients with Marfan syndrome managed with aortic root replacement with aortic valve reimplantation (Tirone David procedure). Materials and method: A case series of patients diagnosed with Marfan syndrome who underwent the surgical procedure between 2002 and 2020. Kaplan-Meier curves were created to evaluate aortic reintervention-free time and survival. Results: 18 patients were included, the average age was 29 years; disease progression was identified in 35.3%, determined by reintervention in five patients, three patients had type B aortic dissection, two had severe aortic insufficiency and five had chronic thoracic or abdominal aneurysms. There were three deaths, not directly related to disease progression. Conclusions: In patients with Marfan syndrome and aortic root disease, aortic root replacement with aortic valve reimplantation is the ideal technique due to its results in results in avoiding the need for reintervention and improving survival and quality of life. However, surgery does not resolve distal aortic involvement, which is the main factor in disease progression.

Posttransfusion Sepsis Attributable to Bacterial Contamination in Platelet Collection Set Manufacturing Facility, United States.

During May 2018‒December 2022, we reviewed transfusion-transmitted sepsis cases in the United States attributable to polymicrobial contaminated apheresis platelet components, including Acinetobacter calcoaceticus‒baumannii complex or Staphylococcus saprophyticus isolated from patients and components. Transfused platelet components underwent bacterial risk control strategies (primary culture, pathogen reduction or primary culture, and secondary rapid test) before transfusion. Environmental samples were collected from a platelet collection set manufacturing facility. Seven sepsis cases from 6 platelet donations from 6 different donors were identified in patients from 6 states; 3 patients died. Cultures identified Acinetobacter calcoaceticus‒baumannii complex in 6 patients and 6 transfused platelets, S. saprophyticus in 4 patients and 4 transfused platelets. Whole-genome sequencing showed environmental isolates from the manufacturer were closely related genetically to patient and platelet isolates, indicating the manufacturer was the most probable source of recurrent polymicrobial contamination. Clinicians should maintain awareness of possible transfusion-transmitted sepsis even when using bacterial risk control strategies.

Targeted Nanocarriers Co-Opting Pulmonary Intravascular Leukocytes for Drug Delivery to the Injured Brain.

Ex vivo-loaded white blood cells (WBC) can transfer cargo to pathological foci in the central nervous system (CNS). Here we tested affinity ligand driven in vivo loading of WBC in order to bypass the need for ex vivo WBC manipulation. We used a mouse model of acute brain inflammation caused by local injection of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). We intravenously injected nanoparticles targeted to intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (anti-ICAM/NP). We found that (A) at 2 h, >20% of anti-ICAM/NP were localized to the lungs; (B) of the anti-ICAM/NP in the lungs >90% were associated with leukocytes; (C) at 6 and 22 h, anti-ICAM/NP pulmonary uptake decreased; (D) anti-ICAM/NP uptake in brain increased up to 5-fold in this time interval, concomitantly with migration of WBCs into the injured brain. Intravital microscopy confirmed transport of anti-ICAM/NP beyond the blood-brain barrier and flow cytometry demonstrated complete association of NP with WBC in the brain (98%). Dexamethasone-loaded anti-ICAM/liposomes abrogated brain edema in this model and promoted anti-inflammatory M2 polarization of macrophages in the brain. In vivo targeted loading of WBC in the intravascular pool may provide advantages of coopting WBC predisposed to natural rapid mobilization from the lungs to the brain, connected directly via conduit vessels.

Achieving net zero CO2 emission in the biobased production of reduced platform chemicals using defined co-feeding of methanol.

Next-generation bioprocesses of a future bio-based economy will rely on a flexible mix of readily available feedstocks. Renewable energy can be used to generate sustainable CO2-derived substrates. Metabolic engineering already enables the functional implementation of different pathways for the assimilation of C1 substrates in various microorganisms. In addition to feedstocks, the benchmark for all future bioprocesses will be sustainability, including the avoidance of CO2 emissions. Here we review recent advances in the utilization of C1-compounds from different perspectives, considering both strain and bioprocess engineering technologies. In particular, we evaluate methanol as a co-feed for enabling the CO2 emission-free production of acetyl-CoA-derived compounds. The possible metabolic strategies are analyzed using stoichiometric modeling combined with thermodynamic analysis and prospects for industrial-scale implementation are discussed.

Effect on the reduction of bacterial load after surgical hand antisepsis with triclosan 0.5% compared to triclosan 0.5% followed by 70% alcoholic solution.

Triclosan 0.5% by scrubbing does not meet the UNE-EN12791 criteria to be used in the surgical hand preparation (SHP). Triclosan 0.5% by scrubbing followed by ethanol 70% hand rubbing is suitable without the additional characteristic of sustained effect. This limited effectiveness implies that triclosan should be avoided in SHP given the restrictions on its use in consumer antiseptic products. The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (ID: NCT04538365).

Multi-center matched cohort study of convalescent plasma for hospitalized patients with COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Although frequently used in the early pandemic, data on the effectiveness of COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP) remain mixed. We investigated the effectiveness and safety of CCP in hospitalized COVID-19 patients in real-world practices during the first two waves of the pandemic in a multi-hospital healthcare system in Texas. METHODS AND FINDINGS: Among 11,322 hospitalized patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection from July 1, 2020 to April 15, 2021, we included patients who received CCP and matched them with those who did not receive CCP within ±2 days of the transfusion date across sites within strata of sex, age groups, days and use of dexamethasone from hospital admission to the match date, and oxygen requirements 4-12 hours prior to the match date. Cox proportional hazards model estimated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for effectiveness outcomes in a propensity score 1:1 matched cohort. Pre-defined safety outcomes were described. We included 1,245 patients each in the CCP treated and untreated groups. Oxygen support was required by 93% of patients at the baseline. The pre-defined primary effectiveness outcome of 28-day in-hospital all-cause mortality (HR = 0.85; 95%CI: 0.66,1.10) were similar between treatment groups. Sensitivity and stratified analyses found similar null results. CCP-treated patients were less likely to be discharged alive (HR = 0.82; 95%CI: 0.74, 0.91), and more likely to receive mechanical ventilation (HR = 1.48; 95%CI: 1.12, 1.96). Safety outcomes were rare and similar between treatment groups. CONCLUSION: The findings in this large, matched cohort of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 and mostly requiring oxygen support at the time of treatment, do not support a clinical benefit in 28-day in-hospital all-cause mortality for CCP. Future studies should assess the potential benefits with specifically high-titer units in perhaps certain subgroups of patients (e.g. those with early disease or immunocompromised).

Targeted In Vivo Loading of Red Blood Cells Markedly Prolongs Nanocarrier Circulation.

Engineering drug delivery systems for prolonged pharmacokinetics (PK) has been an ongoing pursuit for nearly 50 years. The gold standard for PK enhancement is the coating of nanoparticles with polymers, namely polyethylene glycol (PEGylation), which has been applied in several clinically used products. In the present work, we utilize the longest circulating and most abundant component of blood─the erythrocyte─to improve the PK behavior of liposomes. Antibody-mediated coupling of liposomes to erythrocytes was tested in vitro to identify a loading dose that did not adversely impact the carrier cells. Injection of erythrocyte targeting liposomes into mice resulted in a ∼2-fold improvement in the area under the blood concentration versus time profile versus PEGylated liposomes and a redistribution from the plasma into the cellular fraction of blood. These results suggest that in vivo targeting of erythrocytes is a viable strategy to improve liposome PK relative to current, clinically viable strategies.

Clinical and histopathological characteristics of diabetic patients with nephrotic proteinuria. A case series / Características clínicas e histopatológicas de pacientes diabéticos con proteinuria nefrótica. Una serie de casos

Abstract Objective: to describe the clinical and histopathological characteristics of diabetic patients with nephrotic-range proteinuria. Materials and methods: the kidney biopsies of diabetic patients with nephrotic proteinuria were reviewed. Descriptive analyses were performed along with a comparison of three groups according to the histopathological findings. Results: the medical charts of 19 patients from 2018 through 2020 were collected, most of whom (94.7%) were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), with an average age of 58 years, and an average duration of DM of 9.9 years (SD: ±7.3). The findings from biopsies performed throughout the years prior to data collection showed that 26.3% had diabetic nephropathy as the only finding, 31.6% had a nephropathy other than diabetic nephropathy, and 42.1% had findings of both diabetic and nondiabetic nephropathy. A comparison of the groups showed a significant difference in the duration of DM, which was greater in patients with diabetic nephropathy (16.4 vs. 5 vs. 9.5 years, respectively, p: 0.024). Conclusions: we present a case series of diabetic patients with nephrotic-range proteinuria in Colombia, showing that kidney biopsy lesions other than diabetic nephropathy may be a cause of proteinuria. We found that patients with a report of DN alone had a much longer duration of diabetes. (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 47. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2022.2231).

Resumen Objetivo: describir las características clínicas e histopatológicas de pacientes diabéticos con proteinuria en rango nefrótico. Material y métodos: se revisaron biopsias renales de pacientes diabéticos con proteinuria ne frótica, se realizaron análisis descriptivos y comparación entre tres grupos de acuerdo con hallazgos histopatológicos. Resultados: se recolectaron historias de 19 pacientes, entre los años 2018 y 2020, la mayoría (94.7%) con diagnóstico de diabetes mellitus (DM) tipo 2, edad promedio de 58 años, con un tiempo de evolución de la DM en promedio de 9.9 años (DE: ±7.3). En los hallazgos de la biopsia, practica das a lo largo de años anteriores a la recolección, se encontró que 26.3% tenían nefropatía diabética como único hallazgo, el 31.6% otra nefropatía diferente a la diabética y 42.1% hallazgos tanto de nefropatía diabética como no diabética. Al comparar los grupos se encontró diferencia significativa en el tiempo de evolución de la DM, siendo mayor en pacientes con nefropatía diabética (16.4 vs 5 vs 9.5 años respectivamente, p: 0.024). Conclusiones: se presenta una serie de casos de pacientes diabéticos con proteinuria en rango nefrótico en Colombia, mostrando que existen lesiones diferentes a la nefropatía diabética en la biopsia renal como posible causa de la proteinuria. Se encontró que los pacientes en quienes se reportó ND únicamente, tenían un tiempo de evolución de la diabetes mucho mayor. (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 47. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2022.2231).

Repair with a pulmonary neovalve in tetralogy of Fallot: does this avoid ventricular dysfunction?

OBJECTIVES: Given the anatomical variations of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), different surgical techniques can be used to achieve correction. Transannular patches (TAPs) are the most commonly used technique; they are associated with right ventricular dysfunction, the incidence of which can be reduced through pulmonary valve preservation. METHODS: Between January 2010 and July 2019, we performed 274 surgical corrections of tetralogy of Fallot at Fundación Cardioinfantil; 63 patients (23%) underwent repair with a TAP in addition to a pulmonary neovalve (Group I), 66 patients (24.1%) received a TAP without a pulmonary valve (Group II) and 145 patients (52.9%) had a repair with valve preservation (Group III). We analysed patient's characteristics before, during and after surgery at a 30-day follow-up. RESULTS: We found that patients in Group III were older (P = 0.04). Group II had the lowest level of O2 saturation before surgery (82%, P = 0.001). Cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross-clamp times were longer in Group I (P < 0.001). Right ventricular dysfunction was less frequent in Group III (15.9%, P = 0.011). Severe residual pulmonary regurgitation was more common in Group II (21.9%, P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Preservation of the pulmonary valve is an important factor for immediate postoperative management of tetralogy of Fallot. Patients who were repaired with a TAP with or without a pulmonary neovalve had a higher incidence of right ventricular dysfunction than those with pulmonary valve preservation.

Intra and Inter-Observer Reliability and Repeatability of Metatarsus Adductus Angle in Recreational Football Players: A Concordance Study.

Metatarsus adductus (MA) is a congenital foot deformity often unrecognized at birth. There is adduction of the metatarsals, supination of the subtalar joint, and plantarflexion of the first ray. The aims of this study were to assess the intra and inter-reader reliability of the radiographic MA measurement angles used in the literature. Methods: All consecutive recreational football players who practice activity more than 5 h/week over 21 years of age with MA by roentgenographic evaluation on weight-bearing dorsoplantar images were included in a cross-sectional study. Controls were matched to cases according to age and gender. We assess all radiographic measurements to evaluate metatarsus adductus with the different measurements frequently used in the literature: Sgarlato, modified Sgarlato, Rearfoot, Root, Engel, modified Engel, Kite, Kilmartin, modified Kilmartin, Simons, and Laaveg & Ponseti. Results: The variables measured in 80 weight-bearing dorsoplantar foot radiographs show excellent reliability ranging p > 0.900 in Sgarlato and modified Sgarlato with low SEM, CV, and MCD. Rearfoot, Root, Engel, modified Engel, Kite, Kilmartin, Simons, Laaveg & Ponseti, and modified Kilmartin's angles showed intra or inter reliability with ICC lower than <0.900, systematic differences between intersession or inter observers, or high MCD value. Conclusion: It is more suitable to measure the MA angle with the Sgarlato and modified Sgarlato techniques to show higher reliability and repeatability for intra and inter-observer.

Dual Affinity to RBCs and Target Cells (DART) Enhances Both Organ- and Cell Type-Targeting of Intravascular Nanocarriers.

A long-standing goal of nanomedicine is to improve a drug's benefit by loading it into a nanocarrier that homes solely to a specific target cell and organ. Unfortunately, nanocarriers usually end up with only a small percentage of the injected dose (% ID) in the target organ, due largely to clearance by the liver and spleen. Further, cell-type-specific targeting is rarely achieved without reducing target organ accumulation. To solve these problems, we introduce DART (dual affinity to RBCs and target cells), in which nanocarriers are conjugated to two affinity ligands, one binding red blood cells and one binding a target cell (here, pulmonary endothelial cells). DART nanocarriers first bind red blood cells and then transfer to the target organ's endothelial cells as the bound red blood cells squeeze through capillaries. We show that within minutes after intravascular injection in mice nearly 70% ID of DART nanocarriers accumulate in the target organ (lungs), more than doubling the % ID ceiling achieved by a multitude of prior technologies, finally achieving a majority % ID in a target organ. Humanized DART nanocarriers in ex vivo perfused human lungs recapitulate this phenomenon. Furthermore, DART enhances the selectivity of delivery to target endothelial cells over local phagocytes within the target organ by 6-fold. DART's marked improvement in both organ- and cell-type targeting may thus be helpful in localizing drugs for a multitude of medical applications.

Early administration of COVID-19 convalescent plasma with high titer antibody content by live viral neutralization assay is associated with modest clinical efficacy.

The efficacy of COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP) as a treatment for hospitalized patients with COVID-19 remains somewhat controversial; however, many studies have not evaluated CCP documented to have high neutralizing antibody titer by a highly accurate assay. To evaluate the correlation of the administration of CCP with titer determined by a live viral neutralization assay with 7- and 28-day death rates during hospitalization, a total of 23 118 patients receiving a single unit of CCP were stratified into two groups: those receiving high titer CCP (>250 50% inhibitory dilution, ID50; n = 13 636) or low titer CCP (≤250 ID50; n = 9482). Multivariable Cox regression was performed to assess risk factors. Non-intubated patients who were transfused with high titer CCP showed 1.1% and 1.7% absolute reductions in overall 7- and 28-day death rates, respectively, compared to those non-intubated patients receiving low titer CCP. No benefit of CCP was observed in intubated patients. The relative benefit of high titer CCP was confirmed in multivariable Cox regression. Administration of CCP with high titer antibody content determined by live viral neutralization assay to non-intubated patients is associated with modest clinical efficacy. Although shown to be only of modest clinical benefit, CCP may play a role in the future should viral variants develop that are not neutralized by other available therapeutics.

Development and Validation of a Treatment Benefit Index to Identify Hospitalized Patients With COVID-19 Who May Benefit From Convalescent Plasma.

Importance: Identifying which patients with COVID-19 are likely to benefit from COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP) treatment may have a large public health impact. Objective: To develop an index for predicting the expected relative treatment benefit from CCP compared with treatment without CCP for patients hospitalized for COVID-19 using patients' baseline characteristics. Design, Setting, and Participants: This prognostic study used data from the COMPILE study, ie, a meta-analysis of pooled individual patient data from 8 randomized clinical trials (RCTs) evaluating CCP vs control in adults hospitalized for COVID-19 who were not receiving mechanical ventilation at randomization. A combination of baseline characteristics, termed the treatment benefit index (TBI), was developed based on 2287 patients in COMPILE using a proportional odds model, with baseline characteristics selected via cross-validation. The TBI was externally validated on 4 external data sets: the Expanded Access Program (1896 participants), a study conducted under Emergency Use Authorization (210 participants), and 2 RCTs (with 80 and 309 participants). Exposure: Receipt of CCP. Main Outcomes and Measures: World Health Organization (WHO) 11-point ordinal COVID-19 clinical status scale and 2 derivatives of it (ie, WHO score of 7-10, indicating mechanical ventilation to death, and WHO score of 10, indicating death) at day 14 and day 28 after randomization. Day 14 WHO 11-point ordinal scale was used as the primary outcome to develop the TBI. Results: A total of 2287 patients were included in the derivation cohort, with a mean (SD) age of 60.3 (15.2) years and 815 (35.6%) women. The TBI provided a continuous gradation of benefit, and, for clinical utility, it was operationalized into groups of expected large clinical benefit (B1; 629 participants in the derivation cohort [27.5%]), moderate benefit (B2; 953 [41.7%]), and potential harm or no benefit (B3; 705 [30.8%]). Patients with preexisting conditions (diabetes, cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases), with blood type A or AB, and at an early COVID-19 stage (low baseline WHO scores) were expected to benefit most, while those without preexisting conditions and at more advanced stages of COVID-19 could potentially be harmed. In the derivation cohort, odds ratios for worse outcome, where smaller odds ratios indicate larger benefit from CCP, were 0.69 (95% credible interval [CrI], 0.48-1.06) for B1, 0.82 (95% CrI, 0.61-1.11) for B2, and 1.58 (95% CrI, 1.14-2.17) for B3. Testing on 4 external datasets supported the validation of the derived TBIs. Conclusions and Relevance: The findings of this study suggest that the CCP TBI is a simple tool that can quantify the relative benefit from CCP treatment for an individual patient hospitalized with COVID-19 that can be used to guide treatment recommendations. The TBI precision medicine approach could be especially helpful in a pandemic.

Gestión de seguimiento a pacientes rurales con parasitosis intestinales: apoyo desde el laboratorio clínico / Follow-up management of rural patients with intestinal parasites: support from the clinical laboratory

Se realizó una investigación operativa, de alcance longitudinal, en el periodo comprendido entre abril y noviembre de 2019, con el objetivo determinar indicadores y propuestas de mejora para la gestión de seguimiento a pacientes rurales con parasitosis intestinales, diagnosticados en el laboratorio clínico del Centro de Salud Tipo C Quero (CSQ). El universo del estudio estuvo conformado por 15.842 usuarios potenciales del CSQ. El tipo de muestreo fue por conveniencia; la población consistió en 217 pacientes que acudieron al laboratorio institucional durante el periodo de estudio para realizarse el examen coproparasitario. La muestra estuvo conformada por 184 pacientes con diagnóstico de parasitosis intestinal. Para determinar la gestión de cuidados de los pacientes rurales diagnosticados con parasitosis intestinales, se tuvieron en cuenta 8 variables y 8 indicadores para el período de estudio, las cuales se obtuvieron mediante el seguimiento a los procesos del laboratorio clínico, una vez completado el periodo de la investigación. Un total de 217 pacientes del Centro de Salud Tipo C Quero acudieron al laboratorio institucional durante el periodo de estudio para realizarse el examen coproparasitario, de los cuales 169 (77,89%) mostraron un resultado positivo al examen directo, y 15 (6,91%) fueron diagnosticados mediante la técnica de sedimentación por centrifugación, para un total de 184 pacientes con parasitosis intestinales, es decir el 84,8% de la población de estudio, aiendo Endolimax nana, con 22,94% la especie más frecuente, seguida de Entamoeba coli con el 20,78%, Blastocystis spp. 16,06%. Del grupo de 184 pacientes con diagnóstico de parasitosis intestinal que conformaron la muestra del estudio, 31 y 8 (16,85 y 4,35%) mostraron resultado positivo para coparasitación con 2 y 3 especies diferentes, respectivamente. La implementación de indicadores de gestión de cuidados de los pacientes diagnosticados con parasitosis intestinales puede contribuir a la planeación de estrategias para la prevención e identificación factores de riesgo, en dicha población, así como dirigir campañas de educación sanitaria y promover la conciencia sobre la salud y la higiene como medidas que deben ser consideradas e implementadas para disminuir las prevalencias(AU)

An operative investigation, of longitudinal scope, was carried out in the period between April and November 2019, with the objective of determining indicators and improvement proposals for the follow-up management of rural patients with intestinal parasites, diagnosed in the clinical laboratory of the Center for Health Type C Quero (CSQ). The universe of the study was made up of 15,842 potential users of the CSQ. The type of sampling was for convenience; The population consisted of 217 patients who attended the institutional laboratory during the study period to undergo coproparasitic examination. The sample consisted of 184 patients diagnosed with intestinal parasitosis. To determine the care management of rural patients diagnosed with intestinal parasites, 8 variables and 8 indicators were taken into account for the study period, which were obtained by monitoring the clinical laboratory processes, once the period of study was completed. the investigation. A total of 217 patients from the Quero Type C Health Center attended the institutional laboratory during the study period to undergo coproparasitic examination, of which 169 (77.89%) showed a positive result on direct examination, and 15 (6. 91%) were diagnosed by the centrifugation sedimentation technique, for a total of 184 patients with intestinal parasites, that is, 84.8% of the study population. Being Endolimax nana, with 22.94% the most frequent species, followed by of Entamoeba coli with 20.78%, Blastocystis spp. 16.06%. Of the group of 184 patients diagnosed with intestinal parasitosis that made up the study sample, 31 and 8 (16.85 and 4.35%) showed positive results for co-parasitic infection with 2 and 3 different species, respectively. The implementation of care management indicators for patients diagnosed with intestinal parasites can contribute to the planning of strategies for the prevention and identification of risk factors in said population, as well as directing health education campaigns and promoting awareness about health and hygiene as measures that must be considered and implemented to reduce prevalence(AU)

Caracterización clínica y de gravedad de adultos con COVID-19 hospitalizados / Clinical and severity characterization of hospitalized adults with COVID-19

Se realizó una investigación de tipo cuantitativa, observacional, descriptiva y transversal en adultos ingresados en el Hospital General Alfredo Noboa Montenegro, de Guaranda, Ecuador, desde el 1ro. de julio al 30 de septiembre del 2020. Se realizó una caracterización clínica y de gravedad de adultos con COVID-19 hospitalizada. Se encontró que en el caso de presentar enfermedad cardiometabólica se aumenta la probabilidad de presentar los indicadores de gravedad (p<0,05). Presentar otras enfermedades asociadas (no cardiometabólicas) también incrementó la probabilidad de presentar indicadores de gravedad con un nivel de significación del 5%, al igual que padecer de asma bronquial (p<0,05 para ambas características); en el caso del tabaquismo solo fue estadísticamente significativo el aumento de la probabilidad de ingreso en el hospital, de presentar neumonía y de fallecer (p<0,05 para las tres variables). Los resultados de este estudio pueden usarse para identificar los factores de riesgo asociados con un mal pronóstico en pacientes con COVID-19 en Ecuador y ayudar a desarrollar medidas preventivas para disminuir la carga de la enfermedad y trazar estrategias para el manejo de los casos(AU)

A quantitative, observational, descriptive and cross-sectional investigation was carried out in adults admitted to the Alfredo Noboa Montenegro General Hospital, in Guaranda, Ecuador, from the 1st. from July to September 30, 2020. A clinical and severity characterization of hospitalized adults with COVID-19 was carried out. It was found that in the case of presenting cardiometabolic disease, the probability of presenting severity indicators is increased (p<0.05). Presenting other associated diseases (not cardiometabolic) also increased the probability of presenting severity indicators with a significance level of 5%, as well as suffering from bronchial asthma (p<0.05 for both characteristics); In the case of smoking, only the increase in the probability of hospital admission, pneumonia and death was statistically significant (p<0.05 for the three variables). The results of this study can be used to identify risk factors associated with a poor prognosis in patients with COVID-19 in Ecuador and help develop preventive measures to reduce the burden of the disease and devise strategies for case management(AU)