Clinical-laboratory characteristics predictive of COVID-19 severity: a prospective hospital cohort, in Pernambuco, Northeast Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical-laboratory profile and analyze the factors associated with the severity of COVID-19. METHODS: A prospective cohort study involving patients with COVID-19 admitted to a tertiary hospital in Recife, Brazil. All cases were confirmed by RT-PCR and classified according to severity criteria. A descriptive statistical analysis of the population's characteristics was conducted. Risk factors associated with the outcome of the case according to severity were analyzed by calculating the odds ratio (OR) using the general equation estimation (GEE) model. RESULTS: Among the 75 cases included, 64% were female, and 62.7% were aged 65 years or older. The median length of stay was 9 days (6 - 14). Hypertension (65.3%) and Diabetes Mellitus (36%) were the most frequent comorbidities. Severe forms of COVID-19 constituted 41.3% of the sample. The factors associated with severity were a history of asthma (OR=4.58, 95%CI:1.13 - 18.7), report of anorexia (OR=1, 12, 95%CI:1.01-1.24), and laboratory changes that included elevated platelets (OR=1.00, 95% CI:1.00-1.01), elevated D'Dimer (OR=1, 26, 95% CI:1.04-1.52), elevated aspartate aminotransferase (OR=1.00, 95% CI:1.00-1.01), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (OR=1.22, IC95 %:0.98-1.51), hypernatremia (OR=1.31, 95%CI:1.12-1.52), and hyperkalemia (OR=1.21, 95% CI:1.04-1.41). CONCLUSION: Multisystemic involvement with a tendency for thrombophilia, electrolyte disturbances, and hepatic aggression, reflected by laboratory changes, were factors associated with the severity of COVID-19.

Survival and mortality profile among people living with HIV in a cohort in the Northeastern region of Brazil.

Conditions related to the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) are still a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among people living with HIV (PLHIV). Longer survival in this population were reported to increase the risk of developing noncommunicable chronic diseases (NCDs). This study aimed to estimate the survival and causes of death according to age group and sex among PLHIV monitored at two referral centers in the Northeastern Brazil. This is a prospective, retrospective cohort with death records from 2007 to 2018, based on a database that registers causes of death using the International Classification of Disease (ICD-10), which were subsequently coded following the Coding Causes of Death in HIV (CoDe). A total of 2,359 PLHIV participated in the study, with 63.2% being men, with a follow-up period of 13.9 years. Annual mortality rate was 1.46 deaths per 100 PLHIV (95% CI: 1.33 - 1.60) with a frequency of 20.9%. Risk of death for men increased by 49% when compared to women, and the risk of death in PLHIV increased by 51% among those aged 50 years and over at the time of diagnosis. It was observed that 73.5% accounted for AIDS-related deaths, 6.9% for non-AIDS defining cancer, 6.3% for external causes, and 3.2% for cardiovascular diseases. Among the youngest, 97.2% presented an AIDS-related cause of death. Highest frequency of deaths from neoplasms was among women and from external causes among men. There is a need for health services to implement strategies ensuring greater adherence to treatment, especially among men and young people. Moreover, screening for chronic diseases and cancer is essential, including the establishment of easily accessible multidisciplinary care centers that can identify and address habits such as illicit drug use and alcoholism, which are associated with violent deaths.

Survival and mortality profile among people living with HIV in a cohort in the Northeastern region of Brazil

ABSTRACT Conditions related to the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) are still a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among people living with HIV (PLHIV). Longer survival in this population were reported to increase the risk of developing noncommunicable chronic diseases (NCDs). This study aimed to estimate the survival and causes of death according to age group and sex among PLHIV monitored at two referral centers in the Northeastern Brazil. This is a prospective, retrospective cohort with death records from 2007 to 2018, based on a database that registers causes of death using the International Classification of Disease (ICD-10), which were subsequently coded following the Coding Causes of Death in HIV (CoDe). A total of 2,359 PLHIV participated in the study, with 63.2% being men, with a follow-up period of 13.9 years. Annual mortality rate was 1.46 deaths per 100 PLHIV (95% CI: 1.33 - 1.60) with a frequency of 20.9%. Risk of death for men increased by 49% when compared to women, and the risk of death in PLHIV increased by 51% among those aged 50 years and over at the time of diagnosis. It was observed that 73.5% accounted for AIDS-related deaths, 6.9% for non-AIDS defining cancer, 6.3% for external causes, and 3.2% for cardiovascular diseases. Among the youngest, 97.2% presented an AIDS-related cause of death. Highest frequency of deaths from neoplasms was among women and from external causes among men. There is a need for health services to implement strategies ensuring greater adherence to treatment, especially among men and young people. Moreover, screening for chronic diseases and cancer is essential, including the establishment of easily accessible multidisciplinary care centers that can identify and address habits such as illicit drug use and alcoholism, which are associated with violent deaths.

A spatial analysis of co-circulating dengue and chikungunya virus infections during an epidemic in a region of Northeastern Brazil.

The aim of this study was to describe, through spatial analysis, the cases of arboviruses (dengue and chikungunya), including deaths, during the first epidemic after the circulation of the chikungunya virus (CHIKV) in the state of Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil. This was an ecological study in both Pernambuco and the state capital, Recife, from 2015 to 2018. The odds ratios (OR) were estimated, and the statistical significance was considered p≤0.05. For the spatial analysis, Kulldorff's space-time scan statistics method was adopted to identify spatial clusters and to provide the relative risk (RR). In order to assess the significance at a level of p < 0.01 of the model, the number of Monte Carlo replications was 999 times. To perform the scan statistics we used the Poisson probability model, with a circular scanning window; annual temporal precision and retrospective analysis. A total of 227 deaths and 158,728 survivors from arboviruses was reported during the study period, with 100 deaths from dengue and 127 from CHIKV. The proportion of deaths from dengue was 0.08% and from chikungunya was 0.35%. The proportion of all those infected (deaths plus survivors) with dengue was 77.42% and with chikungunya was 22.58%. Children aged 0 to 9 years were around 3 times more likely to die than the reference group (OR 2.84; CI95% 1.16-5.00). From the age of 40, the chances of death increased significantly: 40-49 (OR 2.52; CI95% 1.19-5.29), 50-59 (OR 5.55; CI95% 2.76-11.17) and 60 or more (OR 14.90; CI95% 7.79-28.49). Males were approximately twice as likely to die as females (OR 1.77; CI95% 1.36-2.30). White-skinned people were less likely to die compared to non-white (OR 0.60; CI95% 0.41-0.87). The space-time analysis of prevalence in the state of Pernambuco revealed the presence of four clusters in the years 2015 and 2016, highlighting the Metropolitan Macro-region with a relative risk=4 and the Agreste and Hinterland macro-regions with a relative risk=3.3. The spatial distribution of the death rate in the municipality of Recife smoothed by the local empirical Bayesian estimator enabled a special pattern to be identified in the southwest and northeast of the municipality. The spatiotemporal analysis of the death rate revealed the presence of two clusters in the year 2015. In the primary cluster, it may be noted that the aforementioned aggregate presented a RR=7.2, and the secondary cluster presented a RR=6.0. The spatiotemporal analysis with Kulldorff's space-time scan statistics method, proved viable in identifying the risk areas for the occurrence of arboviruses, and could be included in surveillance routines so as to optimize prevention strategies during future epidemics.

Factors associated with death from dengue and chikungunya virus infection during an epidemic period in Northeast Brazil: A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the time to death and factors associated with deaths from dengue and chikungunya during the first epidemic after the introduction of the chikungunya virus in Northeastern Brazil. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study was conducted in Pernambuco between 2015 and 2018. Logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors. The probability of survival among individuals with different arbovirus infections was estimated and the survival curves were compared using log-rank tests. RESULTS: The lethality coefficients for dengue and chikungunya viruses were 0.08% and 0.35%, respectively. The chance of death due to chikungunya infection increased progressively from the age of 40 years. At 40-49 years, the odds ratio was 13.83 (95%CI, 1.80-106.41). At 50-59 years and 60 years or older, the odds ratio was 27.63 (95%CI, 3.70-206.48); and 78.72 (95%CI, 10.93-566.90), respectively. The probability of death associated with dengue virus infection increased from the age of 50 years. Among patients aged 50-59 years and 60 years or older, the odds ratio was 4.30 (95%CI, 1.80-10.30) and 8.97 (95%CI, 4.00-20.0), respectively. Independent factors associated death were headache and age of 50 years or older for dengue; and headache, nausea, back pain, intense arthralgia, age 0-9 years or 40 years and older, and male sex for chikungunya. The ratio between mortality rates revealed that the time to death from dengue was 2.1 times faster than that from chikungunya (95%CI, 1.57-2.72). CONCLUSIONS: The time to death was shorter in patients with dengue than in those with chikungunya disease. This study reinforces the need for faster and more effective decision-making in public health services to enhance patient outcomes and minimize mortality.

Factors associated with early biological aging in older people with HIV.

Advances and availability of antiretroviral treatment has enabled a longer life expectancy for HIV population. However, with its chronicity, premature aging challenges the management of people living with HIV. This study, conducted between 2018-2020, aimed to identify an association between risk factors and premature aging, using the biological age estimated by artificial intelligence (AI) based on deep learning (Aging 3.0). This was a cross-sectional, analytical study, involving older people living with HIV (OPLHIV), 66.1% of whom were men. Premature aging was identified in 67.8%. The presence of cannabis and diabetes were significant (p = 0.045 and p = 0.042, respectively). For current and nadir CD4 + cell counts, participants were divided into groups comparing biological age (BA) and chronological age (CA). Just one group presented no premature aging, whereas the group with premature aging was subdivided into BA > CA up to 4 years and BA > CA in 5 or more years. In conclusion, premature aging was present in most of the OPLHIV. The use of cannabis was self-reported in those with higher BAs and those with a lower BA presented a higher prevalence of diabetes. Factors directly linked to HIV infection, lower current and nadir CD4 + counts were associated with premature aging.

Factors associated with death from dengue and chikungunya virus infection during an epidemic period in Northeast Brazil: A retrospective cohort study

ABSTRACT Background: We investigated the time to death and factors associated with deaths from dengue and chikungunya during the first epidemic after the introduction of the chikungunya virus in Northeastern Brazil. Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted in Pernambuco between 2015 and 2018. Logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors. The probability of survival among individuals with different arbovirus infections was estimated and the survival curves were compared using log-rank tests. Results: The lethality coefficients for dengue and chikungunya viruses were 0.08% and 0.35%, respectively. The chance of death due to chikungunya infection increased progressively from the age of 40 years. At 40-49 years, the odds ratio was 13.83 (95%CI, 1.80-106.41). At 50-59 years and 60 years or older, the odds ratio was 27.63 (95%CI, 3.70-206.48); and 78.72 (95%CI, 10.93-566.90), respectively. The probability of death associated with dengue virus infection increased from the age of 50 years. Among patients aged 50-59 years and 60 years or older, the odds ratio was 4.30 (95%CI, 1.80-10.30) and 8.97 (95%CI, 4.00-20.0), respectively. Independent factors associated death were headache and age of 50 years or older for dengue; and headache, nausea, back pain, intense arthralgia, age 0-9 years or 40 years and older, and male sex for chikungunya. The ratio between mortality rates revealed that the time to death from dengue was 2.1 times faster than that from chikungunya (95%CI, 1.57-2.72). Conclusions: The time to death was shorter in patients with dengue than in those with chikungunya disease. This study reinforces the need for faster and more effective decision-making in public health services to enhance patient outcomes and minimize mortality.

Success factors of a collaborative project to reduce healthcare-associated infections in intensive care units in Northeastern Brazil. / Fatores de sucesso em colaborativa para redução de infecções relacionadas à assistência à saúde em unidades de terapia intensiva no Nordeste do Brasil.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the implementation and results of the collaborative PROADI-SUS project by the Brazilian Ministry of Health to reduce healthcare-associated infections: ventilator-associated pneumonia, primary central line-associated bloodstream infection and catheter-associated urinary tract infections. METHODS: This was a prospective observational study that investigated the implementation stages and outcomes during 18 months in five intensive care units in the city of Recife. Reductions in healthcare-associated infections in each unit were calculated using previous medians compared to those of the study period. RESULTS: The goal of reducing the three healthcare-associated infections, i.e., 30% in 18 months, was achieved in at least one of the healthcare-associated infections and was also achieved for two healthcare-associated infections in two hospitals and three healthcare-associated infections in just one hospital; the latter reached the target of 36 months. Implementing the bundles and monitoring the results by the professionals were considered essential actions by the local management teams. In addition, the acquisition of supplies and their availability alongside the beds, signage, checklists, staff awareness, adaptation, team building, training and celebration of achievements were assessed as being relevant for reducing healthcare-associated infections. CONCLUSION: The collaborative approach reduced healthcare-associated infections, despite partial adherence to the bundles. The hypothesis is that success is related to the project methodology and motivated multidisciplinary teams, especially nursing teams.

OBJETIVO: Descrever a implementação e os resultados da colaborativa PROADI-SUS, do Ministério da Saúde Brasileiro, para redução das infecções relacionadas à assistência à saúde: pneumonia associada à ventilação mecânica, infecção primária da corrente sanguínea associada ao cateter venoso central e infecção do trato urinário associada ao cateter vesical de demora. MÉTODOS: Estudo observacional prospectivo que pesquisou as etapas da implementação e dos resultados por 18 meses, em cinco unidades de terapia intensiva de Recife. As reduções de infecções relacionadas à assistência à saúde em cada unidade foram calculadas pelas medianas anteriores comparadas ao período do estudo. RESULTADOS: A meta de redução das três infecções relacionadas à assistência à saúde, ou seja, 30% em 18 meses, foi obtida em no mínimo uma das infecções relacionadas à assistência à saúde nas cinco unidades de terapia intensiva, sendo ainda atingida para duas infecções relacionadas à assistência à saúde em dois hospitais e nas três infecções relacionadas à assistência à saúde em apenas um hospital; este último atingiu a meta prevista para 36 meses. Foram ações consideradas essenciais pelas equipes gestoras locais a implantação dos bundles e o acompanhamento dos resultados pelos profissionais. Também, aquisição de insumos e disponibilização junto aos leitos, sinalização, checklists, conscientização da equipe, adaptação, criação de times, treinamento e comemoração de conquistas foram avaliados como relevantes para redução das infecções relacionadas à assistência à saúde. CONCLUSÃO: A colaborativa reduziu infecções relacionadas à assistência à saúde, apesar da adesão parcial aos bundles. A hipótese é a de que o êxito se relacione com a metodologia do projeto e equipes multiprofissionais motivadas, especialmente a enfermagem.

Fatores de sucesso em colaborativa para redução de infecções relacionadas à assistência à saúde em unidades de terapia intensiva no Nordeste do Brasil / Success factors of a collaborative project to reduce healthcare-associated infections in intensive care units in Northeastern Brazil

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever a implementação e os resultados da colaborativa PROADI-SUS, do Ministério da Saúde Brasileiro, para redução das infecções relacionadas à assistência à saúde: pneumonia associada à ventilação mecânica, infecção primária da corrente sanguínea associada ao cateter venoso central e infecção do trato urinário associada ao cateter vesical de demora. Métodos: Estudo observacional prospectivo que pesquisou as etapas da implementação e dos resultados por 18 meses, em cinco unidades de terapia intensiva de Recife. As reduções de infecções relacionadas à assistência à saúde em cada unidade foram calculadas pelas medianas anteriores comparadas ao período do estudo. Resultados: A meta de redução das três infecções relacionadas à assistência à saúde, ou seja, 30% em 18 meses, foi obtida em no mínimo uma das infecções relacionadas à assistência à saúde nas cinco unidades de terapia intensiva, sendo ainda atingida para duas infecções relacionadas à assistência à saúde em dois hospitais e nas três infecções relacionadas à assistência à saúde em apenas um hospital; este último atingiu a meta prevista para 36 meses. Foram ações consideradas essenciais pelas equipes gestoras locais a implantação dos bundles e o acompanhamento dos resultados pelos profissionais. Também, aquisição de insumos e disponibilização junto aos leitos, sinalização, checklists, conscientização da equipe, adaptação, criação de times, treinamento e comemoração de conquistas foram avaliados como relevantes para redução das infecções relacionadas à assistência à saúde. Conclusão: A colaborativa reduziu infecções relacionadas à assistência à saúde, apesar da adesão parcial aos bundles. A hipótese é a de que o êxito se relacione com a metodologia do projeto e equipes multiprofissionais motivadas, especialmente a enfermagem.

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the implementation and results of the collaborative PROADI-SUS project by the Brazilian Ministry of Health to reduce healthcare-associated infections: ventilator-associated pneumonia, primary central line-associated bloodstream infection and catheter-associated urinary tract infections. Methods: This was a prospective observational study that investigated the implementation stages and outcomes during 18 months in five intensive care units in the city of Recife. Reductions in healthcare-associated infections in each unit were calculated using previous medians compared to those of the study period. Results: The goal of reducing the three healthcare-associated infections, i.e., 30% in 18 months, was achieved in at least one of the healthcare-associated infections and was also achieved for two healthcare-associated infections in two hospitals and three healthcare-associated infections in just one hospital; the latter reached the target of 36 months. Implementing the bundles and monitoring the results by the professionals were considered essential actions by the local management teams. In addition, the acquisition of supplies and their availability alongside the beds, signage, checklists, staff awareness, adaptation, team building, training and celebration of achievements were assessed as being relevant for reducing healthcare-associated infections. Conclusion: The collaborative approach reduced healthcare-associated infections, despite partial adherence to the bundles. The hypothesis is that success is related to the project methodology and motivated multidisciplinary teams, especially nursing teams.

O efeito da atorvastatina + aspirina na função endotelial difere com a idade em pacientes com HIV: Um estudo de caso-controle / The effect of atorvastatin + aspirin on the endothelial function differs with age in patients with HIV: A case-control study

Resumo Fundamento Pacientes com HIV têm maior probabilidade de apresentar doenças cardiovasculares quando comparados à população em geral. Objetivo Este foi um estudo de caso-controle que teve como objetivo avaliar quais fatores estavam associados a uma redução na espessura médio-intimal da carótida (IMT) da carótida e ao aumento na dilatação mediada por fluxo (DMF) da artéria braquial em pacientes com HIV que receberam atorvastatina + aspirina por um período de 6 meses. Métodos Foi realizada uma análise secundária de um ensaio clínico, que incluiu pessoas vivendo com HIV e baixo risco cardiovascular. Um total de 38 pacientes alocados para o braço de intervenção e tratados por 6 meses com uma combinação de atorvastatina + aspirina foram incluídos. Todos os participantes foram submetidos a ultrassonografia da carótida e da artéria braquial, tanto no início quanto no final do estudo. Os casos que responderam com aumento >10% da dilatação braquial (DMF) e redução da espessura médio-intimal da carótida (IMT) foram considerados casos, e aqueles que não responderam foram considerados controles. Avaliamos os fatores associados às respostas positivas obtidas através da IMT e DMF. Resultados A redução do IMT não se associou significativamente a nenhum dos fatores de risco avaliados: idade (p = 0,211), sexo (p = 0,260), tabagismo (p = 0,131) ou tempo de diagnóstico do HIV (p = 0,836). Um aumento na DMF foi significativamente associado com a idade entre aqueles na faixa etária de 40-59 anos, p = 0,015 (OR = 4,37; IC 95%: 1,07-17,79). Conclusões Os indivíduos mais velhos foram mais propensos a apresentar um aumento na DMF após 6 meses de tratamento com atorvastatina + aspirina.

Abstract Background Patients with HIV are more likely to present with cardiovascular disease when compared to the general population. Objective This was a case-control study that aimed to assess which factors were associated with a reduction in the carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and an increase in the brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) in HIV patients who received atorvastatin + aspirin during a period of 6 months. Methods A secondary analysis of a clinical trial was conducted, which included people living with HIV infection and low cardiovascular risk. A total of 38 patients allocated to the intervention arm and treated for 6 months with a combination of atorvastatin + aspirin were included. All participants underwent a carotid and brachial artery ultrasound, both at the beginning and the end of the study. Cases that responded with an increase of >10% of the brachial dilatation (FMD) and reduction of the carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) were considered cases, and those who did not respond were considered controls. We assessed the factors associated with the positive responses obtained through IMT and FMD. Results A reduction in the IMT was not significantly associated with any of the evaluated risk factors: age (p=0.211), gender (p=0.260), smoking (p=0.131) or time since HIV diagnosis (p=0.836). An increase in the FMD was significantly associated with age amongst those in the 40-59 age group, p = 0.015 (OR = 4.37; 95% CI: 1.07-17.79). Conclusions Older individuals were more likely to present with an increased FMD after 6 months of treatment with atorvastatin + aspirin.

The Effect of Atorvastatin + Aspirin on the Endothelial Function Differs with Age in Patients with HIV: A Case-Control Study. / O Efeito da Atorvastatina + Aspirina na Função Endotelial Difere com a Idade em Pacientes com HIV: Um Estudo de Caso-Controle.

BACKGROUND: Patients with HIV are more likely to present with cardiovascular disease when compared to the general population. OBJECTIVE: This was a case-control study that aimed to assess which factors were associated with a reduction in the carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and an increase in the brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) in HIV patients who received atorvastatin + aspirin during a period of 6 months. METHODS: A secondary analysis of a clinical trial was conducted, which included people living with HIV infection and low cardiovascular risk. A total of 38 patients allocated to the intervention arm and treated for 6 months with a combination of atorvastatin + aspirin were included. All participants underwent a carotid and brachial artery ultrasound, both at the beginning and the end of the study. Cases that responded with an increase of >10% of the brachial dilatation (FMD) and reduction of the carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) were considered cases, and those who did not respond were considered controls. We assessed the factors associated with the positive responses obtained through IMT and FMD. RESULTS: A reduction in the IMT was not significantly associated with any of the evaluated risk factors: age (p=0.211), gender (p=0.260), smoking (p=0.131) or time since HIV diagnosis (p=0.836). An increase in the FMD was significantly associated with age amongst those in the 40-59 age group, p = 0.015 (OR = 4.37; 95% CI: 1.07-17.79). CONCLUSIONS: Older individuals were more likely to present with an increased FMD after 6 months of treatment with atorvastatin + aspirin.

FUNDAMENTO: Pacientes com HIV têm maior probabilidade de apresentar doenças cardiovasculares quando comparados à população em geral. OBJETIVO: Este foi um estudo de caso-controle que teve como objetivo avaliar quais fatores estavam associados a uma redução na espessura médio-intimal da carótida (IMT) da carótida e ao aumento na dilatação mediada por fluxo (DMF) da artéria braquial em pacientes com HIV que receberam atorvastatina + aspirina por um período de 6 meses. MÉTODOS: Foi realizada uma análise secundária de um ensaio clínico, que incluiu pessoas vivendo com HIV e baixo risco cardiovascular. Um total de 38 pacientes alocados para o braço de intervenção e tratados por 6 meses com uma combinação de atorvastatina + aspirina foram incluídos. Todos os participantes foram submetidos a ultrassonografia da carótida e da artéria braquial, tanto no início quanto no final do estudo. Os casos que responderam com aumento >10% da dilatação braquial (DMF) e redução da espessura médio-intimal da carótida (IMT) foram considerados casos, e aqueles que não responderam foram considerados controles. Avaliamos os fatores associados às respostas positivas obtidas através da IMT e DMF. RESULTADOS: A redução do IMT não se associou significativamente a nenhum dos fatores de risco avaliados: idade (p = 0,211), sexo (p = 0,260), tabagismo (p = 0,131) ou tempo de diagnóstico do HIV (p = 0,836). Um aumento na DMF foi significativamente associado com a idade entre aqueles na faixa etária de 40-59 anos, p = 0,015 (OR = 4,37; IC 95%: 1,07-17,79). CONCLUSÕES: Os indivíduos mais velhos foram mais propensos a apresentar um aumento na DMF após 6 meses de tratamento com atorvastatina + aspirina.

Partnership among hospitals to reduce healthcare associated infections: a quasi-experimental study in Brazilian ICUs.

BACKGROUND: Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are relevant in developing countries where frequencies can be at least 3 times higher than in developed countries. The purpose of this research was to describe the intervention implemented in intensive care units (ICUs) to reduce HAIs through collaborative project and analyze the variation over 18 months in the incidence density (ID) of the three main HAIs: ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP), central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) and catheter-related urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) and also the length of stay and mortality in these ICUs. METHODS: A quasi-experimental study in five public adult clinical-surgical ICUs, to reduce HAIs, through interventions using the BTS-IHI "Improvement Model", during 18 months. In the project, promoted by the Ministry of Health, Brazilian philanthropic hospitals certified for excellence (HE), those mostly private, certified as excellence and exempt from security contributions, regularly trained and monitored public hospitals in diagnostics, data collection and in developing cycles to improve quality and to prevent HAIs (bundles). In the analysis regarding the length of stay, mortality, the IDs of VAP, CLABSIs and CAUTIs over time, a Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) model was applied for continuous variables, using the constant correlation (exchangeable) between assessments over time. The model estimated the average difference (ß coefficient of the model) of the measures analyzed during two periods: a period in the year 2017 (prior to implementing the project) and in the years 2018 and 2019 (during the project). RESULT: A mean monthly reduction of 0.427 in VAP ID (p = 0.002) with 33.8% decrease at the end of the period and 0.351 in CAUTI ID (p = 0.009) with 45% final decrease. The mean monthly reduction of 0.252 for CLABSIs was not significant (p = 0.068). Length of stay and mortality rates had no significant variation. CONCLUSIONS: Given the success in reducing VAP and CAUTIs in a few months of interventions, the achievement of the collaborative project is evident. This partnership among public hospitals/HE may be applied to other ICUs including countries with fewer resources.

A real-life study on the impact of direct-acting antivirals in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C in liver transplant recipients at two university centers in Northeastern Brazil.

The efficacy of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) in liver transplant recipients is poorly understood, and several factors, including immunosuppression, drug interactions, elevated viraemia, and intolerance to ribavirin (RBV), can reduce cure rates. We conducted a real-life study on liver transplant recipients with CHC treated with a combination of sofosbuvir (SOF) and daclatasvir (DCV) or simeprevir (SIM), with or without RBV, followed-up for 12 to 24 weeks. The treatment effectiveness was assessed by determining the sustained virological response (SVR) rates at 12 or 24 weeks after the treatment cessation. Eighty-four patients were evaluated, with a mean age of 63.4 ± 7.4 years, HCV genotype 1 being the most prevalent (63.1%). Nineteen patients (22.7%) had mild fibrosis (METAVIR < F2) and 41 (48.8%) significant fibrosis (METAVIR ≥ F2). The average time between liver transplantation and the start of treatment was 4 years (2.1-6.6 years). The SOF + DCV regimen was used in 58 patients (69%). RBV in combination with DAAs was used in seven patients (8.3%). SVR was achieved in 82 patients (97.6%), and few relevant adverse events could be attributed to DAA therapy, including a patient who stopped treatment due to a headache. There was a significant reduction in ALT, AST, GGT and FA levels, or the APRI index after 4 weeks of treatment, which remained until 12/24 weeks post-treatment. DAA treatment of CHC in liver-transplanted patients achieved a high SVR rate and resulted in the normalization of serum levels of liver enzymes.

Survival analysis in non-congenital neurological disorders related to dengue, chikungunya and Zika virus infections in Northeast Brazil.

The Northeast of Brazil has experienced a triple epidemic, with the simultaneous circulation of dengue virus (DENV), chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and Zika virus (ZIKV), which may have contributed to the observed increase across this region of atypical forms of disease and deaths. In view of this fact, non-congenital neurological disorders related to arboviruses were compared with other etiologies, mortality and survival rates of patients admitted to referral neurology hospitals in Pernambuco State, Northeast Brazil, from 2015 to 2018. Blood and cerebrospinal fluid samples were collected and tested using molecular and serological assays. The arbovirus-exposed groups were compared with respect to epidemiological, clinical and neurologic characteristics by using the Pearson's chi-square test. For the survival analysis, the Kaplan-Meier and Hazard Ratio (HR) tests were used, with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Encephalitis and encephalomyelitis were more frequent in arboviruses, while myelitis predominated in the neurological disorders of other etiologies. Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) was similarly distributed amongst the groups. Exposure to one of the arboviruses caused a six-fold increase in the risk of death (HR: 6.37; CI: 2.91 - 13.9). Amongst the arbovirus-exposed groups, infection (DENV/CHIKV) increased nine times the risk of death (HR: 9.07; CI: 3.67 - 22.4). The survival curve indicates that have been exposed to some arbovirus decreased the likelihood of survival compared to those with other etiologies (Log-Rank: p<0.001). Within this scenario, neurologic manifestations of DENV, CHIKV and ZIKV have the potential to increase mortality and decrease survival, and concomitant infection (DENV/CHIKV) is an aggravating factor in reducing the likelihood of survival when compared to monoinfections.

Chikungunya encephalitis: report of a fatal case in Northeastern Brazil.

Chikungunya, a viral infection that presents with fever, rash and polyarthritis, is usually an acute febrile illness. Uncommon neurological manifestations include meningoencephalitis, encephalitis, myelitis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, myelopathy and neuropathy. During an outbreak of the disease in La Reunion Island, abnormalities were observed in the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of patients with encephalitis and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, showing bilateral, frontoparietal, white matter lesions with restricted diffusion, similar to our case. We report a 57-year-old male patient with comorbidities, admitted with high fever, arthralgia, asthenia, vomiting, psychomotor agitation, behavioral changes and seizures. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) values revealed pleocytosis (98 cells/mm3 with 68% lymphocytes and 12% monocytes) and high levels of protein (161 mg%). Brain MRI showed hyperintense lesions in the temporal and frontal lobes and bilaterally in the posterior thalamus. CSF serology was positive for IgM antibodies to Chikungunya virus. Encephalitis due to an acute viral infection by Chikungunya was diagnosed. The patient's clinical condition worsened and he died on the twenty-fourth day of admission to our hospital.

Inflammatory Biomarkers and Carotid Thickness in HIV Infected Patients under Antiretroviral Therapy, Undetectable HIV-1 Viral Load, and Low Cardiovascular Risk / Biomarcadores Inflamatórios e Espessura Carotídea em Pacientes Infectados pelo HIV em Terapia Antirretroviral, com Carga Viral de HIV-1 Indetectável e Baixo Risco Cardiovascular

Abstract Background: People living with HIV are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease and carotid thickness, due to the inflammation caused by the virus, the antiretroviral therapy, and other risk factors. However, few studies have observed the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases and carotid thickness in HIV-positive population at low cardiovascular risk and with undetectable viral load. Objectives: To evaluate the association between levels of inflammatory markers and carotid thickness in people living with HIV, under antiretroviral therapy and at low cardiovascular risk. Methods: To determine low cardiovascular risk in both groups (HIV infected and non-infected individuals), the Framingham Risk Score was used. Inflammatory markers (IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, sVCAM-1, and sICAM-1) were assessed using flow cytometry. Carotid thickness (mm) was measured using Doppler ultrasound. Level of significance was p < 0.05. Results: In People living with HIV, age and smoking status were associated with carotid thickness alterations. In the non-HIV group, age, higher total cholesterol, and LDL levels were associated with increased carotid thickness. Using the multivariate analysis, a significant association between TNF-α and IL- 1( levels, and a higher chance of atherosclerosis development in HIV group were observed. Conclusions: Both groups have a similar risk for developing cardiovascular disease, therefore our study demonstrates that HIV-positive individuals with undetectable viral load in antiretroviral therapy without protease inhibitors and with low cardiovascular risk do not present differences in carotid thickness in relation to uninfected individuals.

Resumo Fundamento: As pessoas que vivem com HIV têm um risco aumentado de doença cardiovascular e espessamento da carótida, devido à inflamação causada pelo vírus, à terapia antirretroviral e a outros fatores de risco. No entanto, poucos estudos observaram a ocorrência de doenças cardiovasculares e espessamento carotídeo na população soropositiva com baixo risco cardiovascular e carga viral indetectável. Objetivos: Avaliar a associação entre níveis de marcadores inflamatórios e espessura da carótida em pessoas vivendo com HIV, sob terapia antirretroviral e com baixo risco cardiovascular. Métodos: Para determinar o baixo risco cardiovascular em ambos os grupos (indivíduos infectados e não-infectados pelo HIV), foi utilizado o Escore de Risco de Framingham. Os marcadores inflamatórios (IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, sVCAM-1 e sICAM-1) foram avaliados por citometria de fluxo. A espessura da carótida (mm) foi mensurada por meio de ultrassom com Doppler. O nível de significância foi de p < 0,05. Resultados: Em pessoas vivendo com HIV, a idade e o tabagismo foram associados a alterações da espessura da carótida. No grupo não-HIV, idade e níveis mais altos de colesterol total e LDL foram associados ao aumento da espessura da carótida. Utilizando a análise multivariada, observou-se associação significativa entre os níveis de TNF-α e IL-1β e maior chance de desenvolvimento de aterosclerose no grupo com HIV. Conclusão: Ambos os grupos têm risco semelhante de desenvolver doença cardiovascular, portanto, nosso estudo demonstra que indivíduos HIV-positivos com carga viral indetectável em terapia antirretroviral sem inibidores de protease e com baixo risco cardiovascular não apresentam diferenças na espessura da carótida em relação aos indivíduos não-infectados.

Inflammatory Biomarkers and Carotid Thickness in HIV Infected Patients under Antiretroviral Therapy, Undetectable HIV-1 Viral Load, and Low Cardiovascular Risk.

BACKGROUND: People living with HIV are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease and carotid thickness, due to the inflammation caused by the virus, the antiretroviral therapy, and other risk factors. However, few studies have observed the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases and carotid thickness in HIV-positive population at low cardiovascular risk and with undetectable viral load. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the association between levels of inflammatory markers and carotid thickness in people living with HIV, under antiretroviral therapy and at low cardiovascular risk. METHODS: To determine low cardiovascular risk in both groups (HIV infected and non-infected individuals), the Framingham Risk Score was used. Inflammatory markers (IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, sVCAM-1, and sICAM-1) were assessed using flow cytometry. Carotid thickness (mm) was measured using Doppler ultrasound. Level of significance was p < 0.05. RESULTS: In People living with HIV, age and smoking status were associated with carotid thickness alterations. In the non-HIV group, age, higher total cholesterol, and LDL levels were associated with increased carotid thickness. Using the multivariate analysis, a significant association between TNF-α and IL- 1( levels, and a higher chance of atherosclerosis development in HIV group were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Both groups have a similar risk for developing cardiovascular disease, therefore our study demonstrates that HIV-positive individuals with undetectable viral load in antiretroviral therapy without protease inhibitors and with low cardiovascular risk do not present differences in carotid thickness in relation to uninfected individuals.

Increase in human immunodeficiency virus 1 diversity and detection of various subtypes and recombinants in north-eastern Brazil.

PURPOSE: Diverse human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) subtypes and circulating recombinant forms are found in Brazil. The majority of HIV-1 molecular epidemiological studies in Brazil have been conducted in the southern and south-eastern regions of the country, although several recent studies in the north-eastern region have addressed this issue. The objective of this study was to molecularly characterize HIV-1 circulating in Pernambuco, north-eastern Brazil. METHODOLOGY: A total of 64 samples were collected from 2002 to 2003, and another 103 were collected from 2007 to 2009. The protease and partial reverse transcriptase regions of the HIV-1 polymerase-encoding (pol) gene were sequenced, and subtyping, recombination and phylogenetic analyses were performed.Results/Key findings. Subtype B (60.9 %) was found to be predominant, followed by HIV-1 F (31.4 %). Several BF recombinants (4.2 %), and BC and AG recombinants were also identified. The intra-subtype genetic diversity was estimated to be 0.065 (sd±0.004) for HIV-1 B and 0.055 (sd±0.004) for HIV-1 F, reflecting a greater accumulation of mutations in subtype B (P<0.01). More codons were found to be under positive selective pressure in samples collected from 2007 to 2009, from individuals with a T-cell count≥200 cells mm-3 and from women. Coalescence data indicated that the subtype F population has been continuously expanding. CONCLUSIONS: HIV-1 shows high genetic diversity in the state of Pernambuco. Thus, additional molecular evaluations of circulating strains will provide a better understanding of the epidemic and may lead to more effective preventive strategies.