Hyponatremia, Inflammation at Admission, and Mortality in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Background: Systemic inflammation has been associated with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disease and mortality. Hyponatremia can result from inflammation due to non-osmotic stimuli for vasopressin production. Methods: We prospectively studied 799 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 between March 7 and November 7, 2020, at Hospital Posadas in Buenos Aires, Argentina in order to evaluate the association between hyponatremia, inflammation, and its impact on clinical outcomes. Admission biochemistries, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), ferritin, patient demographics, and outcome data were recorded. Outcomes (within 30 days after symptoms) evaluated included ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, dialysis-requiring acute kidney injury (AKI), and in-hospital mortality. Length of hospital stay (in days) were evaluated using comprehensive data from the EHR. Results: Hyponatremia (median Na = 133 mmol/L) was present on admission in 366 (45.8%). Hyponatremic patients had higher hsCRP (median 10.3 [IR 4.8-18.4] mg/dl vs. 6.6 [IR 1.6-14.0] mg/dl, p < 0.01) and ferritin levels (median 649 [IQR 492-1,168] ng/dl vs. 393 [IQR 156-1,440] ng/dl, p = 0.02) than normonatremic patients. Hyponatremia was associated with higher odds of an abnormal hsCRP (unadjusted OR 5.03, 95%CI: 2.52-10.03), and remained significant after adjustment for potential confounders (adjusted OR 4.70 [95%CI: 2.33-9.49], p < 0.01). Hyponatremic patients had increased mortality on unadjusted (HR 3.05, 95%CI: 2.14-4.34) and adjusted (HR 2.76, 95%CI:1.88-4.06) in Cox proportional hazard models. Crude 30-day survival was lower for patients with hyponatremia at admission (mean [SD] survival 22.1 [0.70] days) compared with patients who were normonatremic (mean [SD] survival 27.2 [0.40] days, p < 0.01). Conclusion: Mild hyponatremia on admission is common, is associated with systemic inflammation and is an independent risk factor for hospital mortality. Clinical Trial Registration: www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT04493268.

[Maternal mortality. Hospital Profesor Alejandro Posadas, Buenos Aires. Evolution 2003-2015]. / Mortalidad materna. Hospital Profesor Alejandro Posadas, Buenos Aires. Evolución 2003-2015.

We reviewed the medical records of women with maternal death reported from August 2003 to December 2015 in the Posadas Hospital (Buenos Aires Province, Argentina), and calculated indexes, trends and years of potential life lost. A total of 52 cases fulfilled the criteria of maternal death. The information provided by death certificates was meager. Two deaths were incidental: one occurred post-caesarean section and was caused by fat embolism following liquid silicone breast injection, and the other was the consequence of femicide which involved also the 24-week fetus. Of the remaining 50 cases, 11 were late deaths (> 42 days postpartum). In 39 women, death occurred during pregnancy, childbirth, or puerperium up to 42 days: 20 were due to direct obstetric causes, and 18 to indirect, non-obstetric causes, the cause of the remaining death was not determined. The most frequent cause was septic abortion. Direct maternal deaths had had more than twice pregnancies, thrice caesarean sections, and orphaned twice as children as indirect deaths. Death caused by placenta accreta was directly related to the number of previous caesarean sections. Throughout the period, maternal mortality index varied between 25 y 150 (mean: 72) per 100 000 live births with ascending trend and 1576 years of potential life were lost. The study exposes the need to improve the death registration system and, most importantly, strengthen prevention and assistance measures to reduce maternal mortality in the area of influence of our hospital.

Revisamos las historias clínicas de las mujeres cuyo fallecimiento fue notificado como muerte materna entre agosto de 2003 y diciembre de 2015 en nuestro hospital y calculamos índices, tendencias y años de vida potencialmente perdidos. La información aportada por los certificados de defunción fue exigua. Un total de 52 casos cumplía con los criterios de muerte materna. Dos fueron muertes "incidentales" y dejaron siete huérfanos: una fue causada por embolia grasa por inyección de siliconas en mamas post-cesárea y la otra fue consecuencia de un femicidio que incluyó al feto de 24 semanas. De las 50 muertes maternas restantes, 11 fueron tardías (> 42 días post-parto). Las otras 39 ocurrieron durante el embarazo, parto y puerperio (= 42 días): 20 tuvieron causas obstétricas directas, 18 causas indirectas, y la causa de la restante fue indeterminada. La causa más frecuente de muerte fue el aborto séptico. Las muertes maternas directas presentaron como antecedentes más del triple de cesáreas y el doble de gestas que las indirectas, y dejaron el doble de huérfanos. La muerte por placenta accreta tuvo relación directa significativa con el número de cesáreas. El índice de mortalidad materna total varió entre 25 y 150 (media: 72) por 100 000 recién nacidos vivos en el período, con tendencia ascendente. Los años de vida potencialmente perdidos fueron 1576. Se destaca la necesidad de mejorar el sistema de registro de defunción y reforzar las medidas de prevención y asistencia a fin de disminuir la mortalidad materna en el área de influencia del hospital.

Mortalidad materna: Hospital Profesor Alejandro Posadas, Buenos Aires. Evolución 2003-2015 / Maternal mortality. Hospital Profesor Alejandro Posadas, Buenos Aires. Evolution 2003-2015

Revisamos las historias clínicas de las mujeres cuyo fallecimiento fue notificado como muerte materna entre agosto de 2003 y diciembre de 2015 en nuestro hospital y calculamos índices, tendencias y años de vida potencialmente perdidos. La información aportada por los certificados de defunción fue exigua. Un total de 52 casos cumplía con los criterios de muerte materna. Dos fueron muertes "incidentales" y dejaron siete huérfanos: una fue causada por embolia grasa por inyección de siliconas en mamas post-cesárea y la otra fue consecuencia de un femicidio que incluyó al feto de 24 semanas. De las 50 muertes maternas restantes, 11 fueron tardías (> 42 días post-parto). Las otras 39 ocurrieron durante el embarazo, parto y puerperio (≤ 42 días): 20 tuvieron causas obstétricas directas, 18 causas indirectas, y la causa de la restante fue indeterminada. La causa más frecuente de muerte fue el aborto séptico. Las muertes maternas directas presentaron como antecedentes más del triple de cesáreas y el doble de gestas que las indirectas, y dejaron el doble de huérfanos. La muerte por placenta accreta tuvo relación directa significativa con el número de cesáreas. El índice de mortalidad materna total varió entre 25 y 150 (media: 72) por 100 000 recién nacidos vivos en el período, con tendencia ascendente. Los años de vida potencialmente perdidos fueron 1576. Se destaca la necesidad de mejorar el sistema de registro de defunción y reforzar las medidas de prevención y asistencia a fin de disminuir la mortalidad materna en el área de influencia del hospital.

We reviewed the medical records of women with maternal death reported from August 2003 to December 2015 in the Posadas Hospital (Buenos Aires Province, Argentina), and calculated indexes, trends and years of potential life lost. A total of 52 cases fulfilled the criteria of maternal death. The information provided by death certificates was meager. Two deaths were incidental: one occurred post-caesarean section and was caused by fat embolism following liquid silicone breast injection, and the other was the consequence of femicide which involved also the 24-week fetus. Of the remaining 50 cases, 11 were late deaths (> 42 days postpartum). In 39 women, death occurred during pregnancy, childbirth, or puerperium up to 42 days: 20 were due to direct obstetric causes, and 18 to indirect, non-obstetric causes, the cause of the remaining death was not determined. The most frequent cause was septic abortion. Direct maternal deaths had had more than twice pregnancies, thrice caesarean sections, and orphaned twice as children as indirect deaths. Death caused by placenta accreta was directly related to the number of previous caesarean sections. Throughout the period, maternal mortality index varied between 25 y 150 (mean: 72) per 100 000 live births with ascending trend and 1576 years of potential life were lost. The study exposes the need to improve the death registration system and, most importantly, strengthen prevention and assistance measures to reduce maternal mortality in the area of influence of our hospital.

Detección prenatal de cardiopatías congénitas y factores relacionados. Experiencia en un hospital nacional / Prenatal detection of congenital cardiopathies and related factors. Experience in a national hospital

The authors present a estudy related to the prenatal detection of congenital heart diseases. The congenital anomalies (CA) are morphological or functional disorders of prenatal origin, present since the birth, even they can be detected later on, during their lifes. They constitute the second cause of infantile death in our country, following, prenatal diseases (prematurity, perinatal infections, etc.) The most severe CA have relevance for the health and require usually clinical a surgical treatment. Congenital cardiopaties (CC) are the most frequent and represent a great impact in the mobimortality both neonatal and pediatric. Foetal echocardiography is a sensitive and specific method of investigation for prenatal detection of cardiac malformations. Experience has shown that echocardiographic screening can demonstrate, the presence of probably various cardiac disease in the foetus as early as 18-20 th weeks of pregnancy. It is recommended that screening should be carried out as part of other forms of obstetric ultrasonic screening. Our aims were to analyze the characteristies of the pregnants at risk factors to CC. To determine the associated factors to the fetal pathology of the fetal electrocardiogram, and to correlate the postnatal diagnosis by cardiac echodoppler, which impoves neonate survival and reduces morbidity. The results obtained are detailed in the article (AU)

Influenza: evolución a cuatro años de la pandemia: Hospital Nacional Profesor Alejandro Posadas, Argentina / Influenza: A four-year evolution of the pandemic: Prof. Alejandro Posadas National Hospital, Argentina

En el Hospital Nacional Profesor Alejandro Posadas se estudiaron la incidencia de influenza, las características de casos y tipos y subtipos de virus circulantes de enero a agosto de 2013 inclusive, semanas epidemiológicas (SE) 1-35, y se compararon con los años 2009-2012. De fin de mayo a agosto inclusive de 2013 (SE 18 a 35) se observó un aumento del porcentaje de consulta por enfermedades respiratorias, enfermedad tipo influenza e internación por neumonía y se diagnosticaron 207 casos: 153 influenza A (FLU-A)(H1N1pdm09), 46 A(H3), ocho A(sin subtipificar). La mayor frecuencia fue en menores de 5 años, seguida por el grupo de 60 a 64.La chance de tener la enfermedad fue tres veces mayor en el grupo de 40-64 años versus 15-39 o > 64 años. La letalidad, que aumentó con la edad, fue de 7.2% y la chance de morir fue seis veces mayor en los > 64 años. El porcentaje de vacunación entre los casos fue11.6%. Ninguno de los fallecidos estaba vacunado. Luego de la pandemia de 2009 el porcentaje de consultas anuales disminuyó hasta 2012, con un aumento en el período invernal de 2013 de 52.0% con respecto a 2012. La circulación viral en 2013 fue más temprana que en los años anteriores. En 2009 y 2013 la mayor circulación fue FLU-A (H1N1pdm), en 2011 FLU-A(H3) y en 2010 y 2012 FLU-A(H3) y FLU-B.

As from January to August 2013, epidemiological weeks 1-35 (EW), Influenza incidence, case characteristics, types and subtypes of circulating influenza virus in the Nacional Profesor Alejandro Posadas Hospital were studied, and were compared to incidences during 2009-2012. From late May to the end of August 2013 (EW18-35), an increase was observed in the proportion of patients' visits for respiratory disease, influenza-like illness and hospitalizations due to pneumonia; of 207 cases diagnosed with influenza A virus, 153 were infected by H1N1pdm09, 46 by H3, and eight without subtype. The highest proportion of cases was found in children under five years of age, followed by the group 60-64.The chances of having the illness were three times greater among the group 40-64 years old compared to 15-39 or those older than 64. Mortality, which increased with age, was 7.2%, and the odds of death were six times higher among those older than 64. Vaccination rate among the cases was 11.6%. None of the fatal cases had received the vaccine. After the 2009 pandemic, the proportions of annual patients´ visits decreased until 2012; in 2013, an increase of 52.0% during the winter period compared to 2012. The viral circulation started earlier in 2013 compared to previous years. FLU-A(H1N1pdm) was the predominant circulating virus in 2009 and 2013, FLU-A(H3) in 2011, FLU-A(H3) and FLU-B in both 2010 and 2012.

Tuberculosis en una población pediátrica atendida en un hospital público. Adherencia al tratamiento: Estudio descriptivo / Tuberculosis in a Pediatric Population Treated at a Public Hospital. Adherence to Treatment. Descriptive Study

A partir de la estrategia de la OMS "Alto a la Tuberculosis", se evaluó la situación en un hospital público. Objetivo primario: Contribuir con la estrategia de reducción de la tuberculosis. Objetivo secundario: a) evaluar la adherencia al tratamiento b) describir las características clínico-epidemiológicas de una población pediátrica atendida en un hospital público. Material y método: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo, transversal. Se definió: no adherencia al tratamiento, cuando un paciente no recibe los medicamentos durante un mes o más, en cualquier fase del tratamiento. Resultados: Durante los años 2008-2009, se diagnosticó tuberculosis en 30 niños. Mediana de: 56 meses (rango 1m-14 años). Índice de masculinidad: 0.87. Al ingreso 80% eran sintomáticos, 86% eran eutróficos. El foco de contagio se detectó en el 72%. La prueba tuberculínica fue positiva en el 63%. Predominó la forma pulmonar. La forma pulmonar grave se registró en 12/23 y la común o moderada 11/23. La pleural fue más frecuente entre las extrapulmonares. La radiografía de tórax mostró predominio de infiltrado unilateral sin cavidad 11/23. El rendimiento bacteriológico fue del 36,7%. En 2008 la tasa de abandono fue del 50% y en 2009 44,44%. No hubo fallecidos. Conclusiones: Existe una baja detección de casos por antecedente de contacto. No hubo diferencias entre las formas graves y las pulmonares comunes. La tuberculosis pleural predominó como forma extrapulmonar. El abandono de tratamiento fue muy alto por lo cual propusimos realizar intervenciones.

Based on the World Health Organization "Stop TB Strategy", the current situation of the Hospital Prof. Dr. A. Posadas was evaluated. Primary Objective: to contribute to the strategy for tuberculosis reduction. Secondary Objectives: a) to evaluate the adherence to treatment b) to describe clinical and epidemiological features of tuberculosis in a pediatric population at a public hospital. Materials& Method: Observational, longitudinal and retrospective study. Treatment default was defined as the period of one or more months during which a patient does not receive medications, in any phase of treatment. Results: During the years 2008 and 2009, 30 children with tuberculosis were registered. Median age was 56 months (range 1m-14 years). Masculinity Index: 0.87. At the time of the first visit, 80% did not present any symptoms and 86% presented a normal nutritional status. Contacts study was positive in 72% of the cases. Tuberculin test (PPD 2 TU) was positive = 10mm in 63% of the patients. Pulmonary TB was the predominant form of presentation. Severe pulmonary TB was recorded in 12/23 patients and mild or moderate TB, in 11/23 patients. Among the extrapulmonary forms, pleural tuberculosis was predominant. Chest X-ray: unilateral pulmonary TB with no cavity was predominant, 11/23 patients. Bacteriological diagnosis was positive in 36.7% of the patients. Outcome: in 2008, default rate was 50% and in 2009, 44.44%. There were no deceased patients. Conclusions: There is a low case detection by contact history. There were no differences in treatment outcome between severe and non severe pulmonary TB. Pleural tuberculosis was predominant as an extrapulmonary presentation. Treatment default was very high in this population; for this reason individual, particular and general interventions are suggested.

Evaluación de adherencia al tratamiento en un nuevo modelo de atención de niños con tuberculosis en un hospital público / Treatment Assessment in a Pediatric Population Treated for Tuberculosis in a Public Hospital

A partir de la alta tasa de abandono del tratamiento de la tuberculosis observada durante los años 2008-2009, se implementaron intervenciones con el fin de disminuirla. Objetivo primario: Evaluar la adherencia al tratamiento en el nuevo modelo de atención en la población pediátrica con tuberculosis atendida en un hospital público. Objetivo secundario: Describir las características clínico-epidemiológicas de la población pediátrica atendida con tuberculosis. Material y método: Diseño observacional, descriptivo, transversal. Criterios de Inclusión: Niños con diagnóstico de tuberculosis. Se utilizaron las mismas variables, definiciones, indicadores y base de datos del 1er. trabajo. Se implementaron intervenciones en lo individual, particular y general. Estas intervenciones se comenzaron a hacer en el Servicio fuera del marco del trabajo. Resultados: Hubieron 25 niños con tuberculosis. La mediana correspondió a 83 meses (rango 2 m a 15 años). 84% fueron eutróficos. Se detectó foco en el 64%. La prueba tuberculínica fue positiva en el 76%. Predominó la forma pulmonar; la común o moderada se observó en 14/25 y la grave en 7/25. La ganglionar resultó la forma extrapulmonar más frecuente. El patrón radiológico predominante fue unilateral sin cavidad 11/25. El rendimiento bacteriológico fue del 64%. En el año 2010 la tasa de abandono fue del 12%. No hubo fallecidos. Conclusiones: La mayoría de los pacientes presentó formas comunes o moderadas. La TB ganglionar predominó como forma extrapulmonar. La tasa de abandono descendió luego de la implementación del nuevo modelo de atención.

Owing to the high rates of default from tuberculosis treatment observed during 2008 - 2009, interventions were implemented with the purpose of diminishing them. Primary Objective: To make a contribution to tuberculosis treatment adherence. Secondary Objective: a) To evaluate adherence to treatment after implementing individual, particular and general interventions b) To describe clinical and epidemiological features of a pediatric population treated in a public hospital. Materials& Method: Observational, descriptive and transverse design. Inclusion criteria: Patients with tuberculosis diagnosis. The variables, definitions, indicators and database were those used in the previous reported study. Individual, particular and general interventions were implemented. These interventions were carried out outside the service frame of work. Results: 25 children presented with tuberculosis. The median age was 83 months (range 2m to 15 years). 84% presented with a normal nutritional status. Contact investigations were positive for tuberculosis infection sources in 64% of the cases. Tuberculin test was positive in 76% of the cases. Pulmonary TB was the predominant presentation form; mild or moderate pulmonary TB was observed in 14/25, and severe pulmonary TB in 7/25. The most frequent extrapulmonary sites of infection were the lymph nodes. Chest X-ray: unilateral TB with no cavity was predominant, 11/25. Bacteriological diagnosis was positive in 64% of the cases. Outcome: in 2010, 12% of the patients defaulted treatment. There were no deceased patients. Conclusions: Most of the patients presented with mild or moderate TB. Lymph node TB was the predominant extrapulmonary presentation. Default rate decreased with the implementation of the intervention.