Maternal-Fetal Results of COVID-19-Infected Pregnant Women Treated with Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Descriptive Report.

OBJECTIVE: COVID-19 infection may produce severe pneumonia, mainly in the adult population. Pregnant women with severe pneumonia are at high risk of developing complications, and conventional therapy sometimes fails to reverse hypoxemia. Therefore, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an option in cases with refractory hypoxemic respiratory failure. This study aims to evaluate the maternal-fetal risk factors, clinical characteristics, complications, and outcomes of 11 pregnant or peripartum patients with COVID-19 treated with ECMO. STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective descriptive study of 11 pregnant women undergoing ECMO therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS: In our cohort, four patients underwent ECMO during pregnancy (36.3%) and 7 during the postpartum period. Initially, they started on venovenous ECMO, and three patients were required to change modality due to clinical conditions. In total, 4/11 pregnant women (36.3%) died. We established two periods that differed in the implementation of a standardized care model for reducing associated morbidities and mortality. Neurological complications were responsible for most deaths. Regarding fetal outcomes at early-stage pregnancies on ECMO (4), we report three stillbirths (75%), and one newborn (twin pregnancy) survived and had a favorable evolution. CONCLUSION: At later-stage pregnancies, all newborns survived, and we did not identify any vertical infection. ECMO therapy is an alternative for pregnant women with severe hypoxemic respiratory failure due to COVID-19, and may improve maternal and neonatal results. Regarding fetal outcomes, the gestational age played a definitive role. However, the main complications reported in our series and others are neurological. It is essential to develop novel, future interventions to prevent these complications.

Everolimus for severe arrhythmias in tuberous sclerosis complex related cardiac rhabdomyomas.

Intracardiac rhabdomyoma is the most common primary cardiac tumor in children. Most cases are associated with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). Most of them are asymptomatic in the neonate and do not require treatment. However, some develop cardiovascular symptoms such as arrhythmias, heart failure, and ventricular inflow/outflow tract obstruction in the neonatal period with early death. Many of these tumors are not candidates for surgical resection and medical management is limited. Treatment with mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor is currently approved for the management of central nervous tumors and angiomyolipoma in TSC. Two patients with malignant arrhythmias related to nonsurgical multiple rhabdomyomas associated with TSC who were successfully treated with an mTOR inhibitor were described. Everolimus therapy showed significant regression of rhabdomyomas with rapid improvement of arrhythmias and heart failure prior to tumor shrinkage.

Community-Acquired Neonatal SARS-CoV-2 Infection Associated with Neurological Symptoms in Colombia.

INTRODUCTION: The SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 may produce neurological manifestations, including its occurrence in children, and newborns, which has been little reported so far in newborns with COVID-19. CASE: We present a case in Colombia, of community-acquired neonatal infection of SARS-CoV-2, with suggestive symptoms, such as fever, and showing neurological findings, such as drowsiness, poor suction and mild hypotonia for a short time. DISCUSSION: The clinical manifestations of SARS-COV-2 in neonates are beginning to be described in detail. We report a case of SARS-COV-2-associated neurological compromise in a newborn, with features of drowsiness, poor suction and hypotonia.

Zika Virus Infection during Pregnancy and Sensorineural Hearing Loss among Children at 3 and 24 Months Post-Partum.

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to describe the findings of the auditory screening in children of mothers with ZIKV during pregnancy or suspicious of congenital ZIKV, and to determine whether hearing loss was in the first 2 years in life, regardless of whether microcephaly was also present. METHODS: This is a cases report. The information was collected and recorded in a database between January 2016 and April 2018. We perform two auditory tests to 3 and 24 months of life. The study was developed in Aguachica (Cesar, Colombia). It is considered a high-risk area for ZIKV infection. Participants included children of mothers with confirmed ZIKV during pregnancy or suspicious of congenital ZIKV exposure of ZIKV infection during an epidemic period in a tropical area. We defined a positive case according to the epidemiological definition and clinical criteria based on maternal symptoms. However, other children of mothers without clinical signs of Zika were evaluated at the same time. The main outcome was the presence of sensorineural hearing loss. RESULTS: The median age in the study group (n = 43) was 3.5 months (rank: 0-6) and the comparison group (n: 23, children of mothers without clinical signs of ZIKV) was 3 months (rank: 0-12). Screening hearing test was done using distortion product otoacustic emissions. At 3 months follow-up, children were evaluated using distortion product otoacustic emissions and automatized auditory brainstem response. None of the patients evaluated in this study were found to have sensorineural hearing loss. CONCLUSIONS: We did not find hearing loss during the first 2 years in the children whose mother showed Zika during pregnancy. We recommend these children must be assessed to closed because there is a high risk the hearing loss as it usually may occur with CMV.

[Periorbital pallor post application of mydriatic in infants with hydrocephalus associated to systemic effects]. / Palidez peri orbitaria post aplicación de midriaticos en neonatos con hidrocefalia asociado a efectos sistémicos.

Adequate pupil dilation is needed to evaluate some neonates at risk of developing illness during this stage. However, this procedure is not free of adverse effects, either local or systemic. One of these complications is the local vasoconstriction of the preterm baby’s skin following the application of mydriatic eye drops. OBJECTIVE: To describe secondary local and systemic complications of pharmacological pupil dilation in 2 newborns. Clinical case 1: Full term baby with diagnosis of low-birth weight and hydrocephalia. An ophtalmological evaluation was performed at 5 days of age due to the presence of corneal opacities. Peri ocular pallor was observed during the procedure, as well as tachycardia and hypertension 2 hours later, spontaneosly recovered. Case 2: Preterm newborn, 27 weeks of gestational age. Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome, patent ductus arteriosus, intraventricular hemorrhage and hydrocephalia were diagnosed at birth. At 28 days of life an ophtalmological evaluation was performed. After 10 minutes of mydriatic drops administration to evaluate preterm retinopathy, peri ocular pallor was observed, with spontaneous resolution; however, 24 hours later, the patient showed abdominal distention and feeding intolerance. Necrotizing enterocolitis was discarded, and symptoms were spontaneosly recovered. CONCLUSION: The establishment of protocols in relation to the number of drops to apply for dilation is needed to reduce deleterious effects on high risk infants, such as premature babies and those with hydrocephalus. Therefore this monitoring practice should be performed during the evaluation.

[Spontaneous perforation of the bile duct in a neonate: An unexpected finding. Case report]. / Perforación espontánea de la vía biliar en un neonato: un hallazgo inesperado. Caso clínico.

Spontaneous extrahepatic bile duct perforation is rare in newborns. It is a surgical cause of jaundice in this period and the acute presentation is unusual. OBJECTIVE: To report a case of spontaneous bile duct perforation in a newborn due to its serious complications if an early and timely diagnosis is not performed. CLINICAL CASE: A 10-day-old newborn who developed food rejection, fever and abdominal distension without jaundice, acolia, or coluria two days prior of admission. The laboratory tests showed leukopenia, thrombocytosis, increased C-reactive protein, and normal hepatic function. The abdominal x-ray showed pneumoperitoneum, and the diagnosis of necrotizing enterocolitis was made. Laparotomy was performed; extrahepatic bile duct perforation and biliary peritonitis were noted. Intraoperative cholangiography demonstrated rescatable proximal bile duct and dilated cystic duct. Hepatic-jejunostomy was performed with Roux-en-Y and cholecystectomy. In the postoperative study portal thrombosis was found, so he received anticoagulant treatment. At 8 months of age, the patient had enteral feeding tolerance and adequate weight gain. CONCLUSIONS: Biliary perforation is a rare entity and more in the neonatal period, a condition that makes it a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. The prognosis will depend on early intervention and intraoperative findings.

Intra-hospital mortality among neonates transported by ambulance in Colombia.

BACKGROUND: The aims of this study were to identify the main variables associated with intra-hospital mortality among patients transferred to a specialized neonatal care center, and to evaluate agreement and accuracy of referring and admission diagnoses. METHODS: A 6 month observational study was conducted to obtain clinical variables for intra-hospital mortality among patients requiring interfacility transport. Association among variables was estimated using Poisson regression with robust variance. Agreement was evaluated between diagnosis before and after transfer using Cohen's kappa, sensitivity, specificity and Youden's I. RESULTS: The study included 191 neonates, 12.57% of whom died. Increased mortality was associated with the Transport Risk Index of Physiologic Stability (TRIPS). The associated variables were as follows: TRIPS (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR], 1.05; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02-1.08), weight 1500-2499 g (aPR, 0.08; 95%CI: 0.01-0.40), weight >2500 g (aPR, 0.56; 95%CI: 0.02-0.19), cardiopathy (aPR, 0.20 95%CI: 0.05-0.75), congenital defects (aPR, 4.59; 95%CI: 0.97-21.82) and renal failure (aPR, 3.69; 95%CI: 1.26-10.78). Diagnosis remained unchanged for 71.15% of the neonates. The greatest differences were hyaline membrane disease (49.4%) followed by transient tachypnea (59.9%). Youden's I for referral diagnosis was 0.22 for transient tachypnea, 0.66-0.69 for cardiopathy, esophageal atresia and pneumonia, 0.72-0.74 for hyaline membrane disease and pulmonary hypertension, and >0.90 for the remaining diagnoses. CONCLUSIONS: Weight <1500 g, renal failure, congenital defects (except congenital cardiopathies) and high TRIPS were associated with a higher risk of intra-hospital mortality. The findings suggest that improving transfer time and quality of care in ambulances would decrease mortality.

Presurgical Use of Hypoxic Mixture for Systemic Perfusion Improvement in Neonates With Complex Congenital Heart Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Oxygen therapy is essential for the survival of preterm babies and critically ill newborns; however, it has the potential to cause harm through hypoxemia or hyperoxemia. Newborns with complex congenital heart diseases (CHD) suffer from oxygen fluctuations due to the disease and its treatments, altering pre and postnatal development. The objective of this study is to evaluate the evidence for using a hypoxic mixture to decrease pulmonary over-circulation and improve systemic perfusion before surgical interventions in newborns with complex CHD that course with pulmonary over-circulation and systemic hypoperfusion. A search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, LILACS, Scielo, Taylor and Francis, SAGE, and Science Direct databases from 2000 to 2022 by two independent authors, including articles with hypoxic mixture treatment in observational studies or trials, with pre-treatment and post-treatment measurements in the same patient, or two groups or more comparisons. Six articles were selected, with a total of 75 patients. The primary outcome was improved systemic circulation and decreased pulmonary over-circulation measured directly with Qp/Qs and indirectly with oxygen saturation and cerebral near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). In addition, we performed a meta-analysis for oxygen saturation and cerebral NIRS. Oxygen saturation was the value uniformly reported; three studies reported a significantly lower oxygen saturation after the hypoxic mixture. The cerebral NIRS was measured in 4 studies, with inconsistent results. After using the hypoxic mixture, the Qp/Qs calculation was lower in the two studies but was not statistically significant. The meta-analysis for oxygen saturation showed a fixed effect post-hypoxic therapy of -0.7 (-1.06; -0.35), p < 0.001. The meta-analysis of two studies that measured cerebral NIRS did not show a statistically significant difference at 12 and 24 hours. In conclusion, this is the first systematic review and meta-analysis regarding the pre-operative use of hypoxic gas mixtures for newborns with complex congenital heart disease. Treatment results in lower oxygen saturations, but there is a lack of evidence of improvement in systemic perfusion. The utilization of this therapy is controversial, and better evidence is necessary.

[Preterm neonate with spontaneous intestinal perforation of very early presentation]. / Prematuro con perforación intestinal espontánea de presentación muy precoz.

Introducción: La perforación intestinal espontánea es una condición que afecta principalmente a neonatos pretérmino. Caso clínico: Se presenta el caso de un neonato pretérmino de 26 semanas de gestación con neumoperitoneo en las primeras 24 horas de vida. Por lo precoz del cuadro y los hallazgos radiológicos, la primera hipótesis diagnóstica fue una perforación gástrica. Sin embargo, en la laparotomía se encontró una perforación ileal única, sin hallazgos de enterocolitis. Conclusiones: La perforación intestinal espontánea se ha asociado con intervenciones médicas, como el uso concomitante de esteroides e indometacina. Otras intervenciones, como el uso de magnesio prenatal y la colocación de surfactante pulmonar de forma mínimamente invasiva, se han propuesto como factores de riesgo para su desarrollo. En la actualidad, deben evaluarse la perforación intestinal espontánea y sus asociaciones. Las presentes y futuras investigaciones podrían contribuir a aclarar el papel de las intervenciones mencionadas en la revisión preliminar de la literatura.

[Congenital toxoplasmosis: the importance of adherence to guidelines and clinical implications in Colombia.] / Toxoplasmosis congénita: la importancia de la adherencia a las guías y las implicaciones clínicas en Colombia.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La toxoplasmosis congénita continúa siendo un problema de salud pública. Aun cuando existen guías plenamente divulgadas y conocidas, se observa poca implementación de ellas en algunas instituciones de salud y una inadecuada interpretación de las pruebas serológicas en las gestantes. Esto puede generar falta de captación y tratamiento en embarazadas con primoinfección por Toxoplasma gondii. CASOS CLÍNICOS: Se reportan dos casos de toxoplasmosis congénita, uno de ellos con desenlace fatal. En ambos no se siguieron las guías de práctica clínica, lo cual conllevó un diagnóstico tardío y, en consecuencia, un manejo en condiciones inapropiadas con daños graves. CONCLUSIONES: La toxoplasmosis es una infección congénita aún prevalente en algunos países, con secuelas graves, discapacidad neurológica y riesgo de daño ocular, incluso tardío. Además, existen algunas variedades de cepas de T. gondii con un comportamiento más agresivo en Latinoamérica, lo cual empeora la presentación de los casos e incluye mayor riesgo de muerte. BACKGROUND: Congenital toxoplasmosis continues to be a public health problem. Although clinical guidelines have been divulgated and are well known, they are not implemented in some health institutions, in addition of an inappropriate interpretation of the serological tests in pregnant women. This situation can lead to lack of screening and treatment in pregnant women with primary Toxoplasma gondii infection. CASE REPORTS: We report two cases of congenital toxoplasmosis, one with a fatal outcome. In both cases, the clinical guidelines were not initially followed, leading to a delayed diagnosis and, consequently, an inappropriate management in conditions with severe damage. CONCLUSIONS: Toxoplasmosis is a congenital infection still prevalent in some countries, with severe sequelae, neurological disability, and even late risk of ocular damage. ­Additionally, some varieties of the T. gondii strains have a more aggressive pattern in Latin America, worsening the clinical presentation of cases and including a high risk of death.

A Cluster of Neonatal Infections Caused by Candida auris at a Large Referral Center in Colombia.

BACKGROUND: Globally, Candida auris is an emerging pathogen that poses an essential threat in healthcare settings presenting as outbreaks requiring significant allocation of infection control interventions to curb transmission. This fungal pathogen was initially identified in 2009 in Japan, but it has spread to all continents. Candida auris poses significant diagnostic and treatment challenges. Conventional microbiology laboratories often misidentify this pathogen as Candida haemulonii or as other Candida spp., Rhodoturola glutinis, and even with some bacterial pathogens, including Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A. Furthermore, C. auris displays distinct mechanisms of antifungal resistance to azoles and amphotericin B formulations. Most of the case series and outbreak reports have included invasive infections in adult populations. METHODS: Herein, we present a cluster of neonatal infections caused by Candida auris at a large referral center in Colombia. RESULTS: We report a case series of 8 neonates and infant patients who were seen at a large referral center in Colombia and who develop invasive infections caused by C. haemulonii and C. auris. DISCUSSION: Our report highlights the diagnostic challenges in identifying this fungal pathogen correctly, its clinical spectrum of disease, recommendations for empiric antifungal therapy, and it is not always associated with a high case fatality rate.

Perception of COVID-19 Vaccination Amongst Physicians in Colombia.

Introduction: The SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 pandemic has triggered the need to develop rapidly effective and safe vaccines to prevent infection, particularly in those at-risk populations such as medical personnel. This study's objective was to assess the perception of COVID-19 vaccination amongst Colombian physicians featuring two different scenarios of COVID-19 vaccination. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was carried out through an online survey directed at medical staff in several cities in Colombia. The percentage of physicians who have a positive perception to be vaccinated and the associated factors that determine that decision were determined. A binomial regression analysis adjusted for age and sex was carried out, taking as a dependent variable the acceptance of free vaccination with an effectiveness of 60 and 80%. The most significant factors were determined in the non-acceptance of vaccination. Results: Between 77.0% and 90.7% of physicians in Colombia accept COVID-19 vaccination, according to the scenario evaluated where the vaccine's effectiveness was 60 or 80%, respectively. Medical specialty, having never paid for a vaccine, recommending the administration of the vaccine to their parents or people over 70 years, and dispensing the vaccine to their children, were the factors to consider to be vaccinated for free with an effectiveness of 60% and 80%. Conclusions: There is a high perception of the intention to vaccinate physicians in Colombia against COVID-19, and this is very similar to that of the general population.

Congenital microcephaly: A diagnostic challenge during Zika epidemics.

The multiple, wide and diverse etiologies of congenital microcephaly are complex and multifactorial. Recent advances in genetic testing have improved understanding of novel genetic causes of congenital microcephaly. The recent Zika virus (ZIKV) epidemic in Latin America has highlighted the need for a better understanding of the underlying pathological mechanisms of microcephaly including both infectious and non-infectious causes. The diagnostic approach to microcephaly needs to include potential infectious and genetic etiologies, as well as environmental in-utero exposures such as alcohol, toxins, and medications. Emerging genetic alterations linked to microcephaly include abnormal mitotic microtubule spindle structure and abnormal function of centrosomes. We discuss the diagnostic challenge of congenital microcephaly in the context of understanding the links with ZIKV emergence as a new etiological factor involved in this birth defect.

Evaluation of the quality of prenatal care in Colombia during the 2016 Zika outbreak in endemic and non-endemic areas / Evaluación de la calidad del cuidado prenatal en Colombia durante la epidemia de Zika en el 2016 en regiones endémicas y no endémicas

Objetive: To evaluate the quality of prenatal care during the outbreak of Zika virus infection in endemic and non-endemic vector-borne regions in Colombia. Materials and methods: A descriptive study of prenatal care supplemented by interviews to explore personal experiences during the epidemic. A total of 40 pregnant women in endemic areas and 44 in nonendemic areas participated. Information collected included previous pregnancies, reasons for starting prenatal care, information about Zika, prenatal care (activities of doctors, nurses, laboratories, and images), and perceptions of quality. Then, 8 interviews were conducted with pregnant women diagnosed with Zika. Questioned about knowledge of Zika and the quality of medical care services. Results: Problems with laboratories and diagnostic images were found in both regions and dehumanizing treatment in the endemic region. Women from the endemic region received news and communications about the effects of Zika during pregnancy, causing anxiety and fear among some women. The quality of health care was not what the women expected and they thought they would receive more care from doctors and nurses. Discussion: Our findings show deficiencies in education provided in health institutions. The experience during prenatal control in the endemic regions was imprecise and the information came from other sources, different from the health sector. Adittionally, support and follow-up was deficient as well. It's possible that health professionals have few knowledge about information management, which generated confusion, fear and uncertainty among the pregnant women about the adverse effects on the newborns. Conclusions: Findings suggest deficiencies in the technical quality of the prenatal care provided, particularly in the region that was endemic for vector-borne diseases. Reproductive health services and the technical quality of prenatal care need to be strengthened, especially during a sanitary crisis.

Objetivo: Evaluar la calidad de la atención prenatal durante la epidemia de Zika en regiones endémicas y no endémicas de infecciones trasmitidas por vectores en Colombia. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio descriptivo de la atención prenatal complementado con entrevistas, con el fin de explorar experiencias personales durante la epidemia. Participaron 40 gestantes en zona endémica y 44 en no endémicas. La información recolectada incluyó embarazos previos, razones para iniciar control prenatal, información sobre Zika, control prenatal (actividades de médicos, enfermeras, laboratorios e imágenes) y percepción de calidad. Luego se realizaron 8 entrevistas a gestantes con diagnóstico de Zika. Se interrogó sobre conocimiento del Zika y calidad de los servicios de atención médica. Resultados: Se encontraron problemas con laboratorios e imágenes diagnósticas en ambas regiones y trato deshumanizado en la región endémica. Las gestantes en la región endémica recibieron noticias y comunicados sobre los efectos de Zika durante el embarazo, lo que causó ansiedad y miedo en algunas mujeres. La calidad de la atención medica no era la deseada y pensaron que recibirían mejor atención de médicos y enfermeras. Discusión: Nuestros hallazgos demuestran educación deficiente en las instituciones de salud. La experiencia durante el control prenatal en las regiones endémicas fue imprecisa y venía de fuentes diferentes al sector salud. Además, el soporte y seguimiento fue deficiente. Es probable que el personal de salud tenga poco conocimiento sobre cómo manejar la información, lo cual generó confusión, miedo e incertidumbre entre las gestantes sobre los efectos adversos en los bebes. Conclusiones: Los hallazgos sugieren deficiencia en la calidad técnica de la atención prenatal, particularmente en la región endémica. Es necesario fortalecer los servicios de salud reproductiva y la calidad técnica de la atención prenatal, especialmente durante crisis sanitaria.

Inhaled Nitric Oxide in Preterm Neonates with Refractory Hypoxemia Associated to Oligohydramnios.

BACKGROUND: Therapy with inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) is effective in the management of pulmonary hypertension and severe hypoxemia. However, these benefits have not been demonstrated in preterm infants (<34 weeks). The objective of this report is to present the experience of eight cases of preterm neonates with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and refractory hypoxemia, with oligohydramnios history. METHODS: We evaluated the clinical feature of 8 preterm neonates with severe hypoxemia who had maternal antecedents of oligoamnios, mainly due to premature rupture of membranes. They were treated with conventional management, with poor clinical response. Therefore, these neonates were treated with iNO, as a rescue strategy. iNO has been used with a dosage of 5 - 10 ppm. An echocardiogram was performed to determine the presence of structural malformations or persistent ductus arteriosus. RESULTS: All the infants showed improvement in oxygenation. The neonates had signs of low flow pulmonary, confirmed by echocardiogram. Five preterm infants survived without complications associated with the therapy. Two died from pulmonary bleeding secondary to ductus arteriosus and another for pneumothorax. CONCLUSION: iNO therapy can be useful in a subgroup of preterm infants with a high risk of death secondary to hypoxemia. Although this report is based on a small number of cases, it follows the directions of other studies that suggest that iNO therapy can benefit preterm neonates, particularly those exposed to oligohydramnios.

[Not everything is Zika: congenital toxoplasmosis, still prevalent in Colombia?] / No todo es Zika: toxoplasmosis congénita, ¿aún prevalente en Colombia?

Congenital toxoplasmosis continues to be a public health threat. Even existing guidelines, publicly known, its implementation and lack of appropriate interpretation of serological tests in pregnancy is often observed. This leds to failure in opportunities for positive and known interventions to decrease the fetal risk due to Toxoplasma gondii infection. We reported herein a case series, with variable neurological and systemic compromise (respiratory distress, hepatosplenomegaly, enterocolitis, brain calcifications, thrombocytopenia, ascites, shock), even fatal, calling for awareness about the fact that despite the Zika epidemics in 2015-2016 in Brazil, Colombia and other countries, precisely toxoplasmosis, is a differential diagnosis still prevalent in these territories, that can leds to severe consequences, with neurological disability and risk of ocular damage, even lately. Additionally, with varieties of T. gondii with more aggressive patterns in Latin America, which make worse those cases, including also a higher risk of death.

La toxoplasmosis congénita continúa siendo un problema de salud pública. Aun existiendo guías plenamente divulgadas y conocidas, se observa poca implementación de las mismas y falta de adecuada interpretación de pruebas serológicas en gestantes Esto puede generar falta de captación y tratamiento en embarazadas con primoinfección por Toxoplasma gondii. Reportamos una serie de casos, con compromiso neurológico y sistémico (dificultad respiratoria, hepatoesplenomegalia, enterocolitis, calcificaciones cerebrales, trombocitopenia, corioretinis, ascitis, choque). Si bien el virus de Zika causó epidemia en 2015-2016 en Brasil, Colombia y otros países, toxoplasmosis es un diagnóstico diferencial aún prevalente en estos países, con secuelas graves, discapacidad neurológica y riesgo de daño ocular, incluso tardío. Adicionalmente, existen algunas variedades de cepas de T. gondii con comportamiento más agresivo en Latinoamérica, lo cual empeora la presentación de los casos, incluyendo además mayor riesgo de muerte.

Estudio ecológico de la sífilis gestacional y congénita en Colombia, 2012-2018 / Ecological study of gestational and congenital syphilis in Colombia, 2012-2018

Objetivos: Describir el comportamiento de la sífilis gestacional y congénita en Colombia, entre el 2012 y 2018, a partir de registro de notificación Nacional. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio ecológico, exploratorio a partir de Notificaciones al sistema de vigilancia de salud Pública. Se estimaron la tasa de incidencia y la razón de prevalencia para cada departamento. Se establecieron cada una las estimaciones según rangos, para los 33 departamentos evaluados y se expresaron en mapas a escala de grises según tasas y razones evaluadas. Además, se presentan curvas epidemiológicas por semanas notificación para sífilis gestacional y congénita. Resultados. Arauca, Santander, Cesar y Caldas, presentaron el mayor incremento entre 2012 y 2018 para sífilis gestacional. Para el mismo periodo, Santander, Casanare y Amazonas presentaron un aumento para sífilis Congénita, mientras que en los demás departamentos se evidenció una disminución en los eventos. Se encontraron diferencias significativas en el reporte de casos entre un año y otro, para el país, en ambos eventos (p< 0,001). Conclusiones. En Colombia se encontró un aumento de sífilis gestacional, mientras, para sífilis congénita existió variabilidad con tendencia a aumentar en los últimos años.

Objective: To describe the behavior of pregnancy and congenital syphilis in Colombia between 2012 and 2019 according to national notifications records. Materials and Methods: An ecological exploratory study was conducted based on notifications to the public health surveillance system. The incidence rate and prevalence ratio were estimated for each department. Each estimate was established per ranges for 33 departments evaluated and expressed in grayscale maps based on rates and ratios evaluated. Epidemic curves by week of notification for pregnancy and congenital syphilis are also shown. Results: Arauca, Santander, Cesar and Caldas had the highest increase in pregnancy syphilis between 2012 and 2019 while Santander, Casanare and Amazonas had an increase in congenital syphilis during the same period. Other departments had a decrease in these events. Significant differences were found in case reporting from year to year in both events in the country (p<0.001). Conclusions: In Colombia, an increase in pregnancy syphilis was found while a variability with an increasing trend was found for congenital syphilis in recent years.

Objetivos: Descrever o comportamento da sífilis gestacional e congênita na Colômbia entre 2012 e 2019, com base nos registros nacionais de notificação.Materiais e Métodos: Estudo ecológico, exploratório, baseado em notificações ao sistema de vigilância sanitária pública. A taxa de incidência e a taxa de prevalência foram estimadas para cada departamento. As estimativas foram estabelecidas de acordo com intervalos para os 33 departamentos avaliados e expressas em mapas em escala de cinza, de acordo com as taxas e rácios avaliados. Além disso, curvas epidemiológicas por semanas de notificação são apresentadas para sífilis gestacional e congênita. Resultados: Arauca, Santander, Cesar e Caldas apresentaram o maior aumento entre 2012 e 2019 para a sífilis gestacional. No mesmo período, Santander, Casanare e Amazonas mostraram um aumento para a sífilis congênita, enquanto os outros departamentos mostraram uma diminuição nos eventos. Foram encontradas diferenças significativas no relato de casos de um ano para o outro, para o país, em ambos os eventos (p<0,001). Conclusões. Na Colômbia, houve um aumento da sífilis gestacional, enquanto para a sífilis congênita houve variabilidade com tendência a aumentar nos últimos anos.

[Acute hemorrhagic edema of infancy: alarming lesions of a benign condition. Case report]. / Edema agudo hemorrágico de la infancia. Lesiones alarmantes de un cuadro benigno. Reporte de caso.

We report a case of acute hemorrhagic edema of infancy in an 18-month-old boy after an episode of otitis media. The clinical presentation begins with skin erythematous macules on the thighs, followed by purpuric lesions in arms, legs, and ankle edema. It was initially interpreted as urticaria, whereby steroids were indicated. However, the clinical feature was acute hemorrhagic edema of infancy, a benign leukocytoclastic vasculitis that occurs in children between 4 and 24 months of age and is characterized by fever, large purpuric palpable target-like skin lesions affecting the face, lobes of the ears, limbs and frequently associated with edema. Differential diagnosis includes erythema multiforme, hemorrhagic urticaria, drug- induced vasculitis, Kawasaki disease, infected eczema, sepsis (either meningococcal or non-meningococcal) and child abuse. Some of them have risk of mortality. Management is conservative, however, steroids may be a therapeutic option.

Se reporta un caso de edema agudo hemorrágico de la infancia, en un lactante de 18 meses, después de un episodio de otitis media. El cuadro comenzó con máculas eritematosas en los muslos, seguidas de lesiones purpúricas en los brazos, las piernas y edema en los tobillos. Se interpretó, inicialmente, como urticaria, por lo que recibió esteroides. Sin embargo, las características clínicas fueron de edema agudo hemorrágico de la infancia, una vasculitis leucocitoclástica benigna que se presenta en niños de entre 4 y 24 meses y que se caracteriza por fiebre, máculas y lesiones purpúricas. Estas se ubican, principalmente, en la cara, los lóbulos de las orejas y las extremidades, y se asocian, muchas veces, a edema. Los diagnósticos diferenciales son eritema multiforme, urticaria, vasculitis inducida por droga, enfermedad de Kawasaki, eccema infectado, meningococcemia y maltrato infantil, algunas de ellas, con riesgo de mortalidad. El manejo es conservador, sin embargo, los esteroides podrían ser una opción terapéutica.

Spatial distribution of Zika virus infection in Northeastern Colombia.

In this study, we investigated the weekly reported spatio-temporal distribution and topographic risk factors for Zika virus (ZIKV) infection in northeastern Colombia. Weekly reported surveillance data, including clinical, suspected and confirmed cases from the ongoing ZIKV epidemic in the Santander and Norte de Santander departments (Santanderes) in Colombia were used to estimate cumulative incidence rates. Spatial analysis was performed to develop hot spot maps and to identify spatial topographic risk factors for infection. From January 1, 2016 to March 19, 2016, 11,515 cases of ZIKV were reported in Santanderes, with cumulative rates of 316.07 cases/100,000 population for the region (representing 18.5% of the cases of the country). Five municipalities (four in Norte de Santander) reported high incidence of ZIKV infection (>1,000 cases/100,000 pop); these municipalities are close to the border with Venezuela. Most of the cases reported occurred mainly in low altitude areas, and persistent hot spots were observed. Higher infection rates were reported in the Northeastern part of the study area. Use of risk maps can help guide decisions for the prevention and control of ZIKV. Hotspots on the Colombia-Venezuela border can have implications for international spread.