Valuing water quality in the United States using a national dataset on property values.

High-quality water resources provide a wide range of benefits, but the value of water quality is often not fully represented in environmental policy decisions, due in large part to an absence of water quality valuation estimates at large, policy relevant scales. Using data on property values with nationwide coverage across the contiguous United States, we estimate the benefits of lake water quality as measured through capitalization in housing markets. We find compelling evidence that homeowners place a premium on improved water quality. This premium is largest for lakefront property and decays with distance from the waterbody. In aggregate, we estimate that 10% improvement of water quality for the contiguous United States has a value of $6 to 9 billion to property owners. This study provides credible evidence for policymakers to incorporate lake water quality value estimates in environmental decision-making.

Spatial Heterogeneity in Hedonic Price Effects for Lake Water Quality.

This study uses Zillow's ZTRAX property transaction database to investigate variation in hedonic price effects of water clarity on single-family houses throughout the United States. We consider five spatial scales and estimate models using different sample selection criteria and model specifications. Our results indicate considerable spatial heterogeneity both within and across the four U.S. Census regions. However, we also find heterogeneity resulting from different types of investigator decisions, including sample selection and modelling choices. Thus, it is necessary to use practical knowledge to consider the limits of market areas and to investigate the robustness of estimation results to investigator choices. (JEL Q51).

The economic value of reducing avoidable mortality.

Living longer and healthier boosts individual and family welfare. As part of the World Bank's Healthy Longevity Initiative, we quantified the economic value of achieving the highest possible life span. We estimated the economic value of reducing avoidable mortality, defined as the difference between observed (or projected) mortality and lowest achieved (or projected) mortality, by world regions, sex, and age, between 2000 and 2021, with projection to 2050. In 2019, 69% of mortality, or 40 million deaths, was avoidable. The economic value of avoidable mortality globally was 23% of annual income, meaning that, globally, populations would be willing to give up about one-fifth of their current income in exchange for a year living at the lowest achieved mortality rate. This value ranges from 19% in China to 34% in sub-Saharan Africa. Under the rapid-progress scenario, in which countries experience fast but plausible mortality reductions from 2019 to 2050, we would expect globally the gap between projected and frontier life expectancy to be halved by 2050, and the economic value after achieving this scenario is equivalent to 14% of annual income. Our work provides supportive evidence on the high economic value placed on improving health.

The economic value of reducing mortality due to noncommunicable diseases and injuries.

With population aging, national health systems face difficult trade-offs in allocating resources. The World Bank launched the Healthy Longevity Initiative to generate evidence for investing in policies that can improve healthy longevity and human capital. As part of this initiative, we quantified the economic value of reducing avoidable mortality from major noncommunicable diseases and injuries. We estimated avoidable mortality-the difference between lowest-achieved mortality frontiers and projected mortality trajectories-for each cause of death, for 2000, 2019 and 2050, and for geographic regions, with high-income countries, India and China considered separately; we applied economic values to these estimates. The economic value of reducing cardiovascular disease avoidable mortality would be large for both sexes in all regions, reaching 2-8% of annual income in 2019. For cancers, it would be 5-6% of annual income in high-income countries and China, and for injuries, it would be around 5% in sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean. Despite the large uncertainty surrounding our estimates, we offer economic values for reducing avoidable mortality by cause and metrics comparable to annual incomes, which enable multisectoral priority setting and are relevant for high-level policy discussions around budget and resource allocations.

Soil potentially toxic element contents in an area under different land uses in the Brazilian Amazon.

Soil pollution with potentially toxic elements (PTE) from incipient basic sanitation, dumps and industrial activities developed in the Amazon has been of international interest due to health and environmental issues. This study aimed to evaluate the concentration of PTE in five adjacent land occupations (a dump, a alumina refinery area and three residential centers) in the municipality of Barcarena, Amazon Region, Brazil. In a total area of 912 ha, 274 soil samples were collected at a depth of 0-0.2 m. Afterwards, the concentrations of As, Ba, Pb, Co, Cu, Cr, Hg, Ni and Zn were determined. The results were explored using descriptive and multivariate statistics, as well as geostatistical. Considering the data by location, maximum concentrations exceeding the prevention values of Brazilian soils were found for Cu, Ni and Zn in Dump (148; 42.8 and 356 mg kg-1), for Cu and Hg in Bom Futuro (333 and 1.99 mg kg-1) and for Cu in Itupanema (91.2 mg kg-1). Cu, Hg, Pb and Zn were grouped in the same principal component and showed the highest similarity measure in the cluster analysis. The interpolation point maps of the two principal components and of the individual concentrations of the PTEs showed the area of influence of the dump as the main reason for the increase in soil contamination. These results show the need for public policies aimed at the proper disposal of solid waste, in order to promote the reduction of pollutants in the soil, health and well-being for the local population, and also the environmental quality of the study area.

A study about management of drugs for leprosy patients under medical monitoring: A solution based on AHP-Electre decision-making methods.

Leprosy, also known as Hansen's, is one of the listed neglected tropical diseases as a major health problem global. Treatment is one of the main alternatives, however, the scarcity of medication and its poor distribution are important factors that have driven the spread of the disease, leading to irreversible and multi-resistant complications. This paper uses a distribution methodology to optimize medication administration, taking into account the most relevant attributes for the epidemiological profile of patients and the deficit in treatment via Polychemotherapy. Multi-criteria Decision Methods were applied based on AHP-Electre model in a database with information from patients in the state of Para between 2015 and 2020. The results pointed out that 84% of individuals did not receive any treatment and, among these, the method obtained a gain in the distribution of 68% in patients with positive diagnosis for leprosy.

Violência doméstica: a pandemia de covid-19 provocou subnotificação de casos e/ou aumento de sua ocorrência? / Violencia doméstica: ¿la pandemia covid-19 ha causado un subreporte de casos y/o un aumento en su ocurrencia? / Domestic violence: has the covid-19 pandemic caused under-reporting of cases and/or an increase in their occurrence?

Introdução: O cenário pandêmico trouxe à tona e de forma potencializada alguns indicadores preocupantes acerca da violência domésticacontra a mulher.Dessa maneira, questiona-se: a pandemia de COVID-19 provocou diferença no número de ocorrências de casos de Violência Doméstica?Objetivo:Comparar a ocorrência de casos de violência doméstica contra mulheres em um estado brasileiro nos períodos de 2015 a 2018 e 2019a 2021 segundo dados da Polícia Civil do estado.Metodologia:Trata-se de um estudo documental e descritivo, realizado com dados secundários. As informações foram colhidas através da ouvidoria da Polícia Civil em 11 de março de 2021,a partir dos registros de boletins de ocorrências policiais sobre violência doméstica contra a mulher dos anos de 2015 a 2021.Resultados:Durante os anos de 2015 a 2021 foram registrados um total de 26.671 boletins de ocorrência por violência contra a mulher. De 2015 a 2018,a média mensal foi de 360,1ocorrênciase durante a pandemia, de 2019 a 2021, a média mensal foi de 360,9ocorrências. Notou-se um discreto aumento na quantidade de boletins de ocorrência feito durante a pandemia deCOVID-19, com destaque para 2020, que apresentou média mensal de 387,4ocorrências, período mais recrudescido da pandemia. A principal violência perpetrada foi a lesão corporal dolosa principalmente contra mulheres de 18 a 24 anos, que trabalhavam em casa ou estavam desempregadas.Conclusão:Apesar da falta de diferenças expressivas entre os anos pré e pós-pandemia, a análise reforça a urgência de discutir os fatores subjacentes à violência contra a mulher, especialmente a violência doméstica. Destaca-se a importância de medidas preventivas e de apoio às vítimas para enfrentar esse problema social. É essencial promover políticas visando uma sociedade mais segura e igualitária para todas as mulheres (AU).

Introduction:The pandemic scenario has brought to light, and in a intesified manner, some concerning indicators regarding domestic violence against women. Thus, the question arises: did the COVID-19 pandemic make a difference in the number of domestic violence cases? Objective: To compare the occurrence of domestic violence cases against Brazilian women in the periods from 2015 to 2018 and 2019 to 2021 according to data from the state's Civil Police. Methodology: This is a documentary and descriptive study, conducted with secondary data. The information was collected through the Civil Police ombudsman on March 11, 2021, based on police reports of domestic violence against women from 2015 to 2021. Results: During the year of 2015 to 2021, a total of 26,671 police reports of violence against women were registered. From 2015 to 2018, the monthly average was 360.1 occurrences, and during the pandemic, from 2019 to 2021, the monthly average was 360.9 occurrences. There was a slight increase in the number of police reports during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a peak in 2020, which had a monthly average of 387.4 occurrences, the most intense period of the pandemic. The main violence perpetrated was intentional bodily harm, mainly against women aged 18 to 24, who were either working from home or unemployed. Conclusion: Despite the lack of significant differences between pre and post-pandemic years, the analysis reinforces the urgency of discussing the underlying factors of violence against women, especially domestic violence. The importance of preventive measures and support for victims to address this social problem is emphasized. It is essential to promote policies aimed at a more equal and safer society for all women (AU).

Introducción: El escenario pandémico ha sacado a la luz algunos indicadores preocupantes sobre la violencia doméstica contra las mujeres. Entonces, surge la pregunta: ¿la pandemia de COVID-19 ha provocado una diferencia en el número de ocurrencias de casos de Violencia Doméstica?Objetivo:Comparar la ocurrencia de casos de violencia doméstica contra las mujeres en un estado brasileño en los períodos de 2015 a2018 y de 2019 a 2021 según datos de la Policía Civil del estado. Metodología:Se trata de un estudio documental y descriptivo, realizado con datos secundarios. La información fue recabada a través de la Defensoría del Pueblo de la Policía Civil el 11 de marzo de 2021,a partir de los registros de las denuncias policiales sobre violencia intrafamiliar contra las mujeres de 2015 a 2021.Resultados:De 2015 a 2021 se presentaron un total de 26.671 denuncias policiales por violencia contra las mujeres. De 2015 a 2018, el promedio mensual fue de 360,1 ocurrencias y durante la pandemia, de 2019 a 2021, el promedio mensual fue de 360,9 ocurrencias. Hubo un ligero aumento en el número de denuncias policiales realizadas durante la pandemia de COVID-19, especialmente en 2020, que tuvo un promedio mensual de 387,4 ocurrencias, el período más severo de la pandemia. La principal violencia perpetrada fueron lesiones corporales intencionales, principalmente contra mujeres de 18 a 24 años, que trabajaban en el hogar o estaban desempleadas.Conclusión:A pesar de la falta de diferencias significativas entre los años pre y post pandemia, el análisis refuerza la urgencia de discutir los factores que subyacen a la violencia contra las mujeres, especialmente la violencia doméstica. Se destaca la importancia de las medidas preventivas y de apoyo a las víctimas para hacer frente a esta problemática social. Es esencial promover políticas encaminadas a lograr una sociedad más segura e igualitaria para todas las mujeres (AU).

Deployment of small cells and a transport infrastructure concurrently for next-generation mobile access networks.

The exponential growth of mobile traffic means that operators must upgrade their mobile networks to provide higher capacity to final users. A promising alternative is to deploy heterogeneous networks (HetNets) that combine macro Base Stations (BSs) and SmallCells (SCs), although this increases the complexity and cost of the transport (SCs to Fiber Access Point-FAP). Most of the planning strategies outlined in the literature are aimed at reducing the number of SCs and ignore the impact that the transport segment might have on the total cost of network deployment. In this paper, heuristics are used for the joint planning of radio (i.e., SCs) and transport resources (i.e., point-to-point fiber links). These were compared and examined to determine the advantages and disadvantages of each approach, and in some cases, this led to a 50% reduction in total costs, while still creating a non-scalable network.

Frailty in older adults with amnestic mild cognitive impairment as a result of Alzheimer's disease: A comparison of two models of frailty characterization.

AIM: To verify the prevalence and presence of frailty markers, and their relationship to cognitive function among older adults with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). METHODS: This was an observational study with transversal analyses. Older adults with aMCI as a result of Alzheimer's disease (n = 40) were compared with healthy controls (n = 26) at the Psychogeriatric Outpatient Unit, Institute and Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine of the University of São Paulo. All participants were submitted to a broad clinical and neuropsychological evaluation. Frailty was evaluated according to the Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS) phenotype and the Edmonton Frail Scale (EFS). MCI was diagnosed by a multidisciplinary consensus according to the Petersen criteria and cerebrospinal fluid analysis for Alzheimer's disease biomarkers. RESULTS: The prevalence of frailty was significantly higher in the aMCI compared with the control group when it was assessed with the EFS (P = 0.047), but not with the CHS (P = 0.255). The prevalence of frailty varied on the criteria used (EFS 7.5%; CHS 30%). The fatigue variable in the CHS (P = 0.036), and the mood (P = 0.019) and functional independence (P = 0.042) variables from the EFS were significantly different between the groups. Visuospatial function (OR 2.405, P = 0.042) was associated with the CHS criteria. CONCLUSION: The identification of frailty features in aMCI appears to depend on the protocol used for evaluation. Visuospatial function showed a higher risk for frailty with the CHS. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 2096-2102.

Evolução histórica mundial da covid-19 e suas implicações para a saúde mental da enfermagem brasileira / World historical evolution of covid-19 and its implications for the mental health of Brazilian nursing / Evolución histórica mundial del covid-19 y sus implicaciones para la salud mental de la enfermería brasileña

Objetivo: refletir sobre a evolução histórica da covid-19 e suas implicações para a saúde mental da enfermagem brasileira. Método: Estudo descritivo, tipo análise teórico reflexiva, elaborado a partir de reflexões relacionadas à evolução histórica da doença do coronavírus e suas implicações para a saúde mental da enfermagem brasileira. Foi subsidiada, através de um levantamento bibliográfico no período de fevereiro a junho de 2022, considerando publicações nos últimos 5 anos, disponíveis nas bases de dados do Portal Regional da BVS, SciELO ­ Brasil e Portal Periódicos Capes. Resultados: não houve mudanças e nem a criação de micropolíticas após o período pandêmico, inerentes as atuais políticas de saúde públicas tanto voltadas à saúde do trabalhador quanto à saúde mental. Percebe-se que houve um movimento das entidades de classe para tentar mitigar tais situações, mas os profissionais continuam adoecidos e tendo que lidar com este contexto diuturnamente. Conclusão: mesmo diante do fim do momento pandêmico no Brasil, o cenário que se observa entre a equipe de enfermagem, ainda é de insatisfação, medo e esgotamento emocional. Logo, necessita-se de políticas públicas nacionais que abrandem os prejuízos ocasionados, não só a equipe de enfermagem, mas a todos os trabalhadores de saúde.

Objective: reflect on the historical evolution of the world-19, and its implications for the mental health of Brazilian nursing. Method: Descriptive study, type reflective theoretical analysis, prepared from reflections related to the historical evolution of covid-19 and its implications for the mental health of Brazilian nursing. It was subsidized, through a bibliographic survey in the period from February to June 2022, considering publications in the last 5 years, available in the databases of the Regional Portal of the VHL, SciELO - Brazil and Portal Periódicos Capes. Results: there were no changes nor the creation of micropolicies after the pandemic period, inherent to the current public health policies both aimed at worker health and mental health, it is clear that there was a movement of class entities to try to mitigate such situations, but professionals are still sick and having to deal with these situations daily. Conclusion: even with the end of the pandemic moment in Brazil, the scenario observed among the nursing team is still one of dissatisfaction, fear and emotional exhaustion. Therefore, national public policies are needed to mitigate the damage caused, not only to the nursing team, but to all health workers.

Objetivo: reflexionar sobre la evolución histórica del covid-19 y sus implicaciones para la salud mental de la enfermería brasileña. Método: Estudio descriptivo, tipo análisis teórico reflexivo, elaborado a partir de reflexiones relacionadas con la evolución histórica de la enfermedad del coronavirus y sus implicaciones para la salud mental de la enfermería brasileña. Fue subsidiado, a través de levantamiento bibliográfico en el período de febrero a junio de 2022, considerando publicaciones de los últimos 5 años, disponibles en las bases de datos del Portal Regional de la BVS, SciELO - Brasil y Portal Periódicos Capes. Resultados: no hubo cambios ni la creación de micropolíticas después del período de pandemia, inherentes a las actuales políticas de salud pública tanto direccionadas a la salud del trabajador como a la salud mental. Es notable que hubo un movimiento de entidades de clase para tratar de mitigar tales situaciones, pero los profesionales siguen enfermos y teniendo que lidiar con este contexto a diario. Conclusión: aunque se acerque el fin de la pandemia en Brasil, el escenario observado entre el equipo de enfermería sigue siendo de insatisfacción, miedo y agotamiento emocional. Por lo tanto, se necesitan políticas públicas nacionales para mitigar los daños causados, no solo al equipo de enfermería, sino a todos los trabajadores de la salud.

Bilateral pyelonephritis due to Escherichia coli infection in a captive jaguar (Panthera onca) / Pielonefrite bilateral por Escherichia coli em uma onça-pintada (Panthera onca)

Extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) is a highly diverse pathotype of E. coli which colonizes the intestine, and it is considered an important etiological agent associated with bacteremia and other systemic infections, among them urinary tract infection. Retrospective studies evaluating morbidity and mortality of nondomestic felids have demonstrated that urinary tract diseases are among the main causes of death for geriatric animals. Also, mesenchymal neoplasms of the uterus are common in wild felids, and they possess variable morphologic characteristics related to invasiveness and malignancy. This report describes a case of bilateral pyelonephritis due to extraintestinal uropathogenic E. coli infection in a captive jaguar (Panthera onca). The diagnosis was confirmed through pathological, bacterial and immunohistochemical findings. According to molecular analysis, this E. coli strain was classified in the phylogroup F, possessing the following virulence-associated genes: usp, cnf-1, hlyA, papC and sfa. Additionally, this E. coli was highly resistant to beta-lactams and first-generation cephalosporin. This jaguar also presented a uterine leiomyoma with distinct distribution, and severe degenerative articular disease, both of them described as frequently seen lesions in geriatric animals from the Panthera genus.(AU)

Escherichia coli extraintestinal patogênica (ExPEC) é um patotipo altamente diverso de E. coli que coloniza o intestino e é considerada um agente etiológico importante, associado com bacteremia e outras infecções sistêmicas, dentre elas infecções do trato urinário. Estudos retrospectivos avaliando morbidade e mortalidade de felídeos não domésticos demostram que doenças do trato urinário estão entre as principais causas de morte de animais geriátricos. Ainda, neoplasias mesenquimais uterinas são comuns em felídeos de cativeiro e possuem características morfológicas variáveis relacionadas a invasividade e malignidade. Neste relato é descrito um caso de pielonefrite bilateral por E. coli extraintestinal uropatogênica em uma onça-pintada de cativeiro (Panthera onca). O diagnóstico foi confirmado através dos achados patológicos, bacteriológicos e imuno-histoquímicos. A partir da análise molecular, esta cepa de E. coli foi classificada no filogrupo F, possuindo os seguintes genes associados a virulência: usp, cnf-1, hlyA, papC and sfa. Adicionalmente, a bactéria isolada foi altamente resistente a ß-lactâmicos e cefalosporinas de primeira geração. Foi observado ainda um leiomioma uterino com distribuição distinta e doença articular degenerativa severa, ambas descritas na literatura como comumente observadas em animais geriátricos do gênero Panthera.(AU)

Análise dos níveis de satisfação de trabalhadores de saúde mental de um Hospital público de referência psiquiátrica em Belém (PA) / Analysis of levels of satisfaction of mental health workers of a reference Psychiatric public hospital in Belém (PA) / Análisis de los niveles de satisfacción de trabajadores de la salud mental de un hospital público de referencia psiquiátrica en Belém (PA)

A satisfação profissional entre trabalhadores de saúde é cada vez mais reconhecida como uma medida que deve ser incluída na melhoria da qualidade de programas. O objetivo deste artigo é analisar a associação das variáveis sociodemográficas-ocupacionais com o grau de satisfação dos trabalhadores de um serviço de saúde mental.O método empregado foi o estudo observacional, individual, transversal e analítico com 59 profissionais de saúde mental do Serviço de Psiquiatria da Fundação Hospital de Clínicas Gaspar Vianna em Belém (PA). Os instrumentos utilizados na coleta de dados foram: as escalas de avaliação da Satisfação da Equipe em Serviços de Saúde Mental (SATIS-BR), escalas de avaliação do sobrecarga do trabalho (IMPACTO-BR) e questionário sociodemográfico-ocupacional. Para a análise das associações entre variáveis foram empregados os testes de Kruskal-Wallis e Mann-Whitney. Os resultados apontam que os participantes apresentaram média de idade de 38,7 mais ou menos 9,16 anos e tempo médio de serviço de 7,60 mais ou menos 7,68 anos, sendo a maioria do gênero feminino (66,1por cento); o escore médio de satisfação foi 3,29mais ou menos 0,78; não foram observadas associações significativas entre gênero, idade, horas de trabalho semanais e escolaridade com as médias de satisfação; dos profissionais estudados, os psicólogos (6,8por cento ) apresentaram maiores níveis de satisfação 3,81 mais ou menos 0,42 (p igual 0,0062). Conclui-se que a maior parte dos participantes do estudo apresentou nível intermediário de satisfação, havendo influência da renda mensal pessoal, cargo, turnos de trabalho e impacto do trabalho sobre esses níveis.

Job satisfaction among health care workers is increasingly recognized as ameasure that should be included in quality improvement programs. The objective of this paper is to analyze the association of socio-demographic and occupational variables and the level of satisfaction of the workers in a mental health facility. The method used was an observational study, detached, analytical cross-sectional, with 59 mental health professionals of the Department of Psychiatry of the Clinics Hospital Foundation Gaspar Vianna in Belém (PA). The instruments used in data collection were: Mental Health Services? Staff Satisfaction Scale (SATIS-BR), Staff Burden Scale (IMPACT-BR) and Socio-demographic and Occupational questionnaire. For the analysis of associations between variables were used Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney. The results indicate that participants had the average age of 38.7 more or less 9.16 years old and the average service time was 7.60 more or less 7.68 years, most females (66.1percent ), the average score satisfaction was 3.29 more or less 0.78, there were no significant associations between gender, age, weekly hours of work and education as the means of satisfaction; from the total of professionals analyzed, psychologists (6.8percent) had higher levels of satisfaction 3.81 more or less 0.42 (p equal 0.0062). It is concluded that the majority of the participants of this study had moderate level of satisfaction, with the influence of personal monthly income, job, shift work and impact of work on these levels.

La satisfacción laboral entre los trabajadores de la salud es cada vez másreconocida como una medida que debe incluirse en la mejora de los programas de calidad. El objetivo de este artículo es analizar la asociación de las variables sociodemográficos y ocupacionales con el grado de satisfacción de los trabajadores de un servicio de salud mental. El método utilizado fue el estudio de observación, individual, transversal y analítico, con 59 profesionales de la salud mental del Departamento de Psiquiatría de la Fundación del Hospital de las Clínicas Gaspar Vianna en Belén (PA). Los instrumentos utilizados en la recolección de los datos fueron: las escalas de evaluación de la Satisfacción del equipo em los Servicios de Salud Mental (SATIS-BR), escalas de evaluación de sobrecarga de trabajo (IMPACTO-BR) y un cuestionario sociodemográfico y ocupacional. Para el análisis de lãs asociaciones entre variables se utilizaron los test de Kruskal-Wallis y Mann-Whitney. Los resultados indican que los participantes presentaron una edad media de 38,7 más o menos 9,16 años y el tiempo de servicio promedio de 7,60 más o menos 7,68 años, siendo la mayoría del género femenino (66,1por ciento), la puntuación media de satisfacción fue de 3,29 más o menos 0,78, no fueron observadas asociaciones significativas entre género, edad, horas semanales de trabajo y escolaridad, conlas medias de satisfacción; de los profesionales estudiados, los psicólogos (6,8por ciento) presentaron niveles más altos de satisfacción 3,81 más o menos 0,42 (p igual 0,0062). Se concluye que la mayoría delos participantes del estudio presentaron un nivel intermediario de satisfacción, habiendo influencia de los ingresos personales mensuales, función, turnos de trabajo y el impacto del trabajo bajo eses niveles.

Celulitis orbitaria y periorbitaria en niños

Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo en el Hospital de La Misericordia durante cinco años, recolectando 201 casos de pacientes con diagnóstico de celulitis periorbitaria con el fin de investigar su frecuencia en nuestro medio y conocer sus principales manifestaciones clínicas, focos de origen, comportamiento y complicaciones según los diferentes grupos etarios. El objetivo fundamental estuvo dirigido a realizar un diagnóstico más precoz de la celulitis preseptal (periorbitaria) o postseptal (celulitis orbitaria, absceso subperióstico, absceso orbitario, trombosis del seno cavernoso) con el fin de iniciar un manejo más oportuno, adecuado y racional de acuerdo a las diferentes variables que inciden en dicha patología. Los movimientos oculares fueron un predictor muy fidedigno para sospechar celulitis postseptal. Los principales focos de origen fueron: dentario, traumatismos, sinusitis y patología ocular y éstos a su vez estuvieron muy correlacionados con el motivo de consulta en los diferentes grupos de edad. Las radiografías de senos paranasales y la valoración odontológica fueron los principales medios para encontrar el foco de origen. Se observaron complicaciones en un 6.5 por ciento (13 pacientes) tales como: celulitis orbitaria, absceso subperióstico y recaídas, jugando un papel muy importante la TAC de órbita en el diagnóstico de estas entidades.

Chlamydia trachomatis como agente de neumonía en el Hospital de La Misericordia

Se realizó un estudio prospectivo en el Hospital Universitario de La Misericordia de Santafé de Bogotá entre septiembre de 1992, en el cual fueron incluidos 43 pacientes de 4 a 24 semanas de edad que habían sido hospitalizados por presentar características clínicas sugestivas de infección por Chlamydia trachomatis. Los datos sobre los antecedentes y signos clínicos al momento del ingreso al hospital fueron consignados en un formulario previamente diseñado. Igualmente a todos los pacientes se les realizó cuadro hemático, radiografía de tórax, y se les tomaron muestras nasofaríngeas y de conjuntiva para el diagnóstico de la infección por Chlamydia trachomatis empleando cultivo, un ensayo inmunoenzimático (Elisa) e inmunofluorescencia directa (IFD). También se obtuvo una muestra de sangre en 42 de ellos, para determinar anticuerpos IgG anti-Chlamydia trachomatis. Con la prueba de Elisa se confirmaron 6 casos (14 por ciento) de neumonía por C. trachomatis, todos menores de 12 semanas, quienes presentaron tos predominantemente coqueluchoide, signos de dificultad respiratoria moderada y predominio del componente obstructivo bronquial, ausencia de fiebre o compromiso sistémico importante. En ningún caso se encontró eosinofilia absoluta y en los estudios radiológicos se evidenció hiperaireación en el 50 por ciento de los casos. Los anticuerpos específicos contra C. trachomatis fueron detectados en 4 (67 por ciento) de los pacientes en los que se confirmó el diagnóstico y en 7 (19 por ciento) del grupo negativo. La evolución intrahospitalaria fue satisfactoria a pesar de no haberse administrado un tratamiento antibiótico específico para C. trachomatis.

Neumonía por mycoplasma pneumoniae en el Hospital de La Misericordia

Se realizó un estudio prospectivo, durante un año, en el Hospital Pediátrico Universitario de La Misericordia, con el propósito de diagnosticar pacientes con neumonía por Mycoplasma pneumoniae y determinar las características clínicas y paraclínicas más destacadas. Se incluyeron 48 pacientes de 2 a 15 años de edad, con infección respiratoria baja demostrada por radiografía de tórax, y con compromiso de lóbulos inferiores. De todos los pacientes se obtuvo una muestra nasofaríngea para cultivo, en medios bifásico y sólido específicos para Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Los paraclínicos realizados fueron cuadro hemático, VSG, reticulocitos, Coombs y crioaglutininas. De los 48 pacientes estudiados, en seis se aisló Mycoplasma pneumoniae, la edad promedio fue 5,8 años y al relacionar los datos clínicos se encontró que todos presentaron fiebre, tos y ala auscultación pulmonar se encontraron signos de broncoobstrucción; el 83 por ciento presentó malestar general, 67 por ciento síntomas gastrointestinales, 33 por ciento cefalea. En la radiografía de tórax el 67 por ciento presentó infiltrados mixtos; el cuadro hemático no presentó datos relevantes, sólo un paciente tenía anemia y dos trombocitosis. Las crioaglutininas fueron positivas en el 80 por ciento. En los casos negativos, el malestar general se presentó en el 64 por ciento, síntomas gastrointestinales en 43 por ciento, signos de broncoobstrucción en 19 por ciento y signos de condensación en 62 por ciento. En la radiografía de tórax predominó la condensación neumónica, las crioaglutininas en este grupo fueron positivas en el 39 por ciento de los pacientes. Concluimos que todo paciente de dos a 15 años de edad con neumonía o bronconeumonía que comprometa lóbulos inferiores, signos de broncoobstrucción y crioaglutininas con título único mayor o igual a 1:128, debe ser considerado el Mycoplasma pneumoniae como posible agente etiológico.