Caracterización de los pacientes con enfermedades vasculares periféricas fallecidos en un período de cuatro años / Characterization of patients with peripheral vascular diseases who died in a period of four years

Introducción: Las enfermedades vasculares periféricas constituyen un problema de salud en el ámbito mundial por resultar causa importante de discapacidad y de invalidez. Objetivo: Caracterizar a los pacientes con enfermedades vasculares periféricas fallecidos en un período de cuatro años. Método: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y analítico en los pacientes fallecidos entre enero de 2015 y diciembre de 2018. Se estudiaron variables sociodemográficas y clínicas. Se estimaron las frecuencias absolutas y relativas, así como la tasa de mortalidad. Se identificó la asociación entre las variables con la causa directa de muerte. Resultados: El 42,7 por ciento de los diabéticos fallecieron; de estos, el 57,5 por ciento estaban descompensados. La hipertensión arterial, el tabaquismo y la diabetes mellitus fueron los factores de riesgo más frecuentes. La tasa de mortalidad total resultó 0,171/1000 ingresos. Como enfermedades arteriales más frecuente aparecieron los AAA (28,1 por ciento ) y la angiopatía diabética (25 por ciento ); y, como parte de esta última, el pie (25,7 por ciento ). La aneurismectomía con injerto por sustitución representó la cirugía revascularizadora más realizada (58,8 por ciento ). El shock hipovolémico y el tromboembolismo pulmonar predominaron como complicaciones posquirúrgicas (15,7 por ciento ). El shock séptico (31,6 por ciento ) y la bronconeumonía bacteriana (25,7 por ciento) fueron las causas directas de muerte. Conclusiones: Se logró caracterizar a los pacientes con enfermedades vasculares periféricas fallecidos en los últimos cuatro años, por lo que estimaron la tasa de prevalencia y la tendencia anual de la mortalidad en el Instituto Nacional de Angiología y Cirugía Vascular en ese período; asimismo, las variables asociadas a las causas directas de muerte(AU)

Introduction: Peripheral vascular diseases are a global health problem because they are a major cause of disability. Objective: Characterize patients with peripheral vascular diseases who died over a period of four years. Method: A descriptive and analytical study was conducted in patients who died between January 2015 and December 2018. Socio-demographic and clinical variables were studied. Absolute and relative frequencies were estimated, as well as the mortality rate. The association between the variables with the direct cause of death was identified. Results: 42.7 percent of diabetic patients died; of these, 57.5 percent were decompensated. High blood pressure, smoking and diabetes mellitus were the most frequent risk factors. The total mortality rate was 0.171/1000 admissions. The most frequent arterial diseases were AAA (28.1 percent) and diabetic angiopathy (25 percent); and, as part of the latter, foot angiopathy (25.7 percent). Aneurysmectomy with graft substitution represented the most performed revascularizing surgery (58.8 percent). Hypovolemic shock and pulmonary thromboembolism predominated as post-surgical complications (15.7 percent). Septic shock (31.6 percent) and bacterial bronchopneumonia (25.7 percent) were the direct causes of death. Conclusions: It was possible to characterize patients with peripheral vascular diseases who died in the last four years, so they estimated the prevalence rate and the annual trend of mortality at the National Institute of Angiology and Vascular Surgery in that period; also, the variables associated with direct causes of death(AU)

Tasa de mortalidad de personas con pie diabético en La Habana durante el periodo 2010-2015 / Mortality for Diabetic Foot in People with Diabetes Mellitus in Havana during the 2010-2015 Period

Introducción: Se define como pie diabético toda infección, úlcera o destrucción tisular del pie asociada a neuropatía y/o enfermedad vascular periférica de miembros inferiores en personas con diabetes. Objetivo: Determinar la tasa de mortalidad en personas con pie diabético en La Habana durante el período 2010-2015, así como las causas y las variables sociodemográficas de los fallecidos. Método: Estudio observacional, descriptivo y retrospectivo. Se revisó el registro de fallecidos por diabetes mellitus en La Habana como causa básica de muerte de los años comprendidos del 2010 al 2015, Se analizaron las variables edad, sexo, causa básica de muerte, amputaciones y municipio de procedencia. Los resultados se expresaron en frecuencias absolutas, relativas y tasas por 100 000 habitantes. Resultados: La tasa de mortalidad en personas con pie diabético fue de 3,07/105 habitantes. El año de mayor mortalidad fue el 2010 (10,41 por ciento) y el de menor fue el 2011 (7,34 por ciento). Predominaron las mujeres (56 por ciento) y los mayores de 70 años (66,5 por ciento). En el 48,5 por ciento de los casos se reportaron amputaciones. Las causas directas de muerte más frecuente fueron: la sepsis (34,5 por ciento), el tromboembolismo pulmonar (32,2 por ciento) y la bronconeumonía (21,1 por ciento). Los municipios con menores tasas de fallecidos fueron La Habana Vieja y Arroyo Naranjo. Conclusiones: La tasa de mortalidad en personas con pie diabético en el período 2010-2015 tuvieron una tendencia a la disminución. Las cifras más elevadas se observaron en la edad y en el sexo femenino. Las infecciones, el tromboembolismo pulmonar y la bronconeumonía fueron las causas de muerte directa más importantes(AU)

Introduction: Mortality due to diabetes mellitus may rise due to an increase in its prevalence and the risk of chronic complications. Objective: To determine the mortality rate in people with diabetic foot in Havana during the 2010-2015 period, as well as the causes and sociodemographic variables of the deceased. Methods: Observational, descriptive and retrospective study. The registry of deaths from diabetes mellitus as the basic cause of death from 2010 to 2015 was reviewed. The variables age, sex, basic cause of death, amputations and municipality of origin were analyzed. The results were expressed in absolute and relative frequencies, as well as in rates per hundred thousand inhabitants. Results: The mortality rate in people with diabetic foot was 3.07/105 inhabitants. The year with the highest mortality was 2010 (10.41 percent) and the year with the lowest value was 2011 (7.34 percent). Women (56 percent) and those aged over seventy years (66.5 percent) predominated. In 48.5 percent of the cases accounted for amputations. The most frequent direct causes of death were sepsis (34.5 percent), pulmonary thromboembolism (32.2 percent) and bronchopneumonia (21.1 percent). The municipalities with the lowest death rates were La Habana Vieja and Arroyo Naranjo. Conclusions: Mortality rates in people with diabetic foot in the 2010-2015 period tended to decrease. The highest figures were observed in geriatric ages and among women. Infections, pulmonary embolism and bronchopneumonia were the most important direct causes of death(AU)

The 1918/19 Spanish Flu in Pisa (Tuscany, Italy): Clinical, Epidemiological and Autoptic Considerations

The Spanish flu pandemic spread in 1918-19 and infected about 500 million people, killing 50 to 100 million of them. People were suffering from severe poverty and malnutrition, especially in Europe, due to the First World War, and this contributed to the diffusion of the disease. In Italy, Spanish flu appeared in April 1918 with several cases of pulmonary congestion and bronchopneumonia; at the end of the epidemic, about 450.000 people died, causing one of the highest mortality rates in Europe. From the archive documents and the autoptic registers of the Hospital of Pisa, we can express some considerations on the impact of the pandemic on the population of the city and obtain some information about the deceased. In the original necroscopic registers, 43 autopsies were reported with the diagnosis of grippe (i.e. Spanish flu), of which the most occurred from September to December 1918. Most of the dead were young individuals, more than half were soldiers, and all of them showed confluent hemor agic lung bronchopneumonia, which was the typical feature of the pandemic flu. We believe that the study of the autopsy registers represents an incomparable instrument for the History of Medicine and a useful resource to understand the origin and the evolution of the diseases.

Novel insights into pasteurellosis in captive pinnipeds.

Pasteurella multocida is a heterogeneous bacterium, which has the capacity to cause disease in a wide range of host species and is also recognized as an important zoonotic pathogen. Two sequential deaths in captive fur seals occurred at Sea World, Australia during December 2017. A fibrinosuppurative bronchopneumonia in a Subantarctic fur seal (Arctocephalus tropicalis) resulted in death within 24 h of nonspecific signs of illness, whereas a septic peritonitis in a New Zealand fur seal (Arctocephalus forsteri) resulted in death within 12 h of clinical presentation. The cases happened within three days in two different pool locations, although both had previously been housed in the same area. A total of six Pasteurella multocida isolates were obtained from several internal organs at necropsy in both cases and were subjected to whole genome sequencing and phylogenomic analysis. In-silico typing of the isolates revealed that all belonged to Multi-Locus Sequence Type 7 and carried lipopolysaccharide outer core biosynthesis loci Type 3. Phylogenomic analysis of the isolates confirmed that the isolates were near identical at the core genome level, suggesting acquisition from a common source. The results also revealed the presence of within host and across animal diversity of P. multocida isolates for the first time even in a clearly connected outbreak.

Unintentional mortality associated with paracetamol and codeine preparations, with and without doxylamine, in Australia.

INTRODUCTION: Misuse of paracetamol, codeine and doxylamine combination analgesics may lead to addiction and mortality. This study aimed to (1) identify unintentional deaths in Australia associated with use of combination analgesic products containing paracetamol, codeine and doxylamine; (2) describe cases characteristics, including demographics and additional medication use; and (3) identify common factors associated with misuse and mortality of these medicines in Australia. DESIGN: This retrospective case series analysed National Coronial Information System data to identify cases of unintentional death attributable to paracetamol, codeine and doxylamine products between 2002 and 2012. SETTING: Three Eastern Australian states: New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, comprising a population of approximately 18.6 million people. RESULTS: 441 unintentional deaths attributed to paracetamol/codeine products were identified; doxylamine was detected in 102 cases (23%). Overall unintentional death rates rose from 0.9-per-million in 2002 to 3.6-per-million in 2009, declining to 1.9-per-million in 2012. Median age at time of death was 48, half of all cases occurred between 35-54 years of age, and 57% were female. Concomitant medication use was detected in 79% of cases, including benzodiazepines, other opioids, psychiatric medications, alcohol and illicit drugs. Behaviours consistent with drug misuse including doctor/pharmacy shopping, excessive dosages and extended use, were identified in 24% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified 441 deaths associated with codeine-combination analgesic products across three Australian states; with an average of 40 deaths per year. Death commonly involved multiple substance use and abuse behaviours indicative of misuse and dependence.

Retrospective study of fatal pneumonia in racehorses.

Respiratory diseases have a major impact on racehorses in training and are often cited as the second most common reason of horses failing to perform. Cases were submitted by the California Horse Racing Board to the California Animal Health and Food Safety laboratory for postmortem examination between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2014. We determined the demographics of racehorses with fatal pneumonia, characterized the pathologic findings in animals with a postmortem diagnosis of respiratory infection, and determined the most significant pathogens associated with lower respiratory tract disease. We analyzed autopsy reports from 83 horses with a diagnosis of pneumonia, bronchopneumonia, and/or pleuropneumonia. The most common presentation was pleuropneumonia (71% of cases), with extensive areas of lytic necrosis and abscesses of the pulmonary parenchyma. Streptococcus equi ssp. zooepidemicus, a normal mucosal commensal of the upper respiratory tract of healthy horses, was the most commonly isolated organism (72% of cases), either in pure culture or accompanied by other aerobic or anaerobic bacteria. Its presence in the pulmonary parenchyma is associated with severe and extensive damage to the lung. Furthermore, this agent has zoonotic potential, which stresses the importance of early detection and proper management of cases of pneumonia in racehorses.

Deaths in Unlicensed Alcohol Rehabilitation Facilities.

Non-English-speaking people do not always seek medical care through established institutions. This paper reports a series of deaths in unlicensed alcohol rehabilitation facilities serving Spanish-speaking men. These facilities are informal groups of alcohol abusing men who live together. New members receive various treatments, including administration of ethanol or isopropanol, restraint, and seclusion. We reviewed 42 deaths in unlicensed alcohol rehabilitation facilities in Los Angeles County during the years 2003-2014. Data gathered included age, length of time spent in the facility, blood alcohol and drugs at autopsy, and cause and manner of death. Causes of death included acute alcohol poisoning, alcohol withdrawal, and a variety of other causes. Three cases were considered homicides from restraint asphyxia. The Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner has worked with the police, district attorney, and State Department of Health Services to try to prevent additional deaths in unlicensed alcohol rehabilitation facilities. Nevertheless, prevention has been difficult.

Impacto de los diferentes factores acerca de la sobrevida en pacientes con fractura de cadera / Impact of different factors on survival in patients with hipf fracture

INTRODUCCIÓN: la fractura de cadera puede generar deterioro funcional e incapacidad crónica para realizar las actividades de la vida diaria, condiciones que pueden permanecer durante años después de haberse producido. OBJETIVO: determinar la sobrevida a los 30 días y al año de los pacientes intervenidos por un diagnóstico de fractura de cadera en nuestra institución. MÉTODOS: se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo, longitudinal, prospectivo, con los 353 pacientes ingresados con fractura de caderas, en el Hospital Universitario "Dr. Gustavo Aldereguia Lima" de Cienfuegos en el período enero-diciembre de 2014, en el cual se describió el comportamiento de las principales variables que caracterizaron al paciente desde el momento de la fractura hasta un año después de esta. RESULTADOS: la edad promedio fue 81,69 años con una desviación estándar de 8,991 años, predominó el sexo femenino (66,6 %), el 47,3 % de los pacientes padecía una o más enfermedades asociadas, predominaron las fracturas extracapsulares (55,8 %), se realizó tratamiento quirúrgico a 83,3 % de los pacientes en las primeras 24 horas de su lesión. Hubo un 8,3 % de complicaciones; se logró deambulación posoperatoria en 81,3 % de los casos, y falleció el 18,4 % de los pacientes; las bronconeumonías fueron la causa del mayor número de fallecimientos. El 5,1 % de los pacientes no asistió a consultas. CONCLUSIONES: la edad, las complicaciones, la demora quirúrgica y el seguimiento influyen en el resultado final y en la sobrevida del paciente.

INTRODUCTION: Hip fracture can lead to functional impairment and chronic inability to perform activities of daily living, conditions that can last for years after this event. OBJECTIVE: Determine the survival rate at 30 days and one year of patients undergoing surgery for a diagnosis of hip fracture at our institution. METHODS: An observational, descriptive, longitudinal, prospective study was conducted in 353 patients admitted with hip fractures at Dr. Gustavo Lima Aldereguía University Hospital in Cienfuegos, from January to December 2014. This study describes the behavior of the main variables characterizing the patient from the time of fracture until one year after the event. RESULTS: The mean age was 81.69 years with a standard deviation of 8.991 years, females predominated (66.6%), 47.3% of patients had one or more associated diseases, extracapsular fractures predominated (55, 8%), surgical treatment was performed at 83.3% of patients in the first 24 hours of their injury. There were 8.3% of complications; postoperative ambulation was achieved in 81.3% of cases, and died 18.4% of patients; bronchopneumonia was the cause of most deaths. 5.1% of patients did not attend consultations. CONCLUSIONS: Age, complications, surgical delay, and monitoring influence the final outcome and patient survival.

INTRODUCTION: La fracture de hanche peut causer une détérioration fonctionnelle et une incapacité chronique empêchant le patient, même pendant des années, à réaliser les activités de sa vie quotidienne. OBJECTIFS: Le but de ce travail est de déterminer au bout de 30 jours et d'un an la survie des patients traités chirurgicalement, dû à un diagnostic de fracture de hanche, dans notre institution. MÉTHODES: Une étude observationnelle, descriptive, longitudinale et prospective de 353 patients hospitalisés à cause d'une fracture de hanche a été réalisée dans la période de janvier à décembre 2014, à l'hôpital universitaire "Dr Gustavo Aldereguia Lima", à Cienfuegos, dans laquelle le comportement des principales variables caractérisant le patient au cours d'un an à partir du moment de la fracture est décrit. RÉSULTATS: Le moyen d'âge a été 81,69 ans (écart type = 8,991 ans). Le sexe féminin a prédominé (66,6 %). La moitié de patients (47,3 %) était atteinte d'une ou plusieurs maladies associées. Les fractures extra-capsulaires étaient en majorité (55,8 %). Dans 83,3 % des cas, on a effectué une chirurgie dans les premières 24 heures suivant la lésion. Le nombre de complications a été faible (8,3 %); la marche postopératoire est réussie dans 81,3 % des cas. Le pourcentage de décès a été 18,4, dont la plupart a été due aux bronchopneumonies. Un petit nombre de patients n'ont pas assisté aux consultations (5,1 %). CONCLUSIONS: L'âge, les complications, le retard chirurgical et l'étude de suivi influent sur le résultat final et sur la survie du patient.

Variables demográficas, clínicas y anatomopatológicas en fallecidos del servicio de Nefrología del Hospital "Dr. Luis Díaz Soto" entre 1974-2013 / Demographic, Clinical and Anatomical and Pathological Variables in Deaths of the Nephrology Department of Dr. Luis Díaz Soto Hospital (1974-2013)

Introducción: las enfermedades renales constituyen una causa frecuente de consulta médica, de ingreso hospitalario y de mortalidad. Objetivo: analizar algunas variables demográficas, clínicas y anatomopatológicas en fallecidos por estas enfermedades durante 40 años en un servicio de Nefrología. Métodos: estudio retrospectivo y observacional de variables demográficas, clínicas y anatomopatológicas en 272 fallecidos del servicio de nefrología del hospital Dr. Luis Díaz Soto, a los que se les practicó autopsia, ocurridas de 1974 al 2013. Resultados: predominaron los pacientes masculinos, de piel blanca y con edades de 35 a 64 años. La edad promedio se ha ido incrementando. Los principales diagnósticos clínicos de causa directa de muerte fueron bronconeumonía, infarto agudo de miocardio y shock. Como causa básica se plantearon la insuficiencia renal crónica, la hipertensión arterial y la diabetes mellitus. En los estudios anatomopatológicos fueron señaladas como más frecuentes causas directas de la muerte la bronconeumonía, el edema pulmonar, el shock y el infarto agudo de miocardio; mientras que en los principales diagnósticos de causa básica de muerte fueron registrados el riñón terminal, la cardiopatía hipertensiva, la diabetes mellitus y la aterosclerosis. Conclusiones: los indicadores de mortalidad, necropsia y correspondencia clínico patológica fueron adecuados. Se apreció un incremento, progresivo en el tiempo, de la edad de los pacientes fallecidos estudiados. La bronconeumonía y las cardiopatías fueron las principales causas de muerte. Los signos de aterosclerosis estuvieron presentes en la mayoría de los estudios realizados(AU)

Introduction: Renal diseases are a frequent cause of medical consultation, hospitalization and mortality. Objective: Analyze some demographic, clinical and anatomical and pathological variables in the deaths of renal diseases during 40 years in a Nephrology service. Methods: A retrospective and observational study was conducted of demographic, clinical and anatomical and pathological variables in 272 deaths of the nephrology service at Dr. Luis Díaz Soto hospital, who were autopsied, from 1974 to 2013. Results: There were predominantly male patients, white skin and aged 35 to 64 years. The average age has been increasing. The main clinical diagnoses of direct cause of death were bronchopneumonia, acute myocardial infarction and shock. As a basic cause, chronic renal failure, arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus were considered. In anatomical and pathological studies, bronchopneumonia, pulmonary edema, shock and acute myocardial infarction were identified as more frequent causes of death; while in the main diagnoses of the basic cause of death, the terminal kidney, hypertensive heart disease, diabetes mellitus, and atherosclerosis were documented. Conclusions: Mortality, necropsy, and clinical pathological correspondence indicators were adequate. There was a progressive increase in the age of the deceased patients studied. Bronchopneumonia and heart disease were the main causes of death. Signs of atherosclerosis were present in most of the studies(AU)

Morbi - mortalidad del paciente adulto mayor en una sala de cuidados intensivos / Morbidity and mortality of the older patient in an intensive care unit

INTRODUCCIÓN: en Cuba la población del adulto mayor ha aumentado, por lo cual una elevación del número de ingresos de estos en las unidades de cuidados intensivos es de esperar en los próximos años. OBJETIVOS: describir aspectos de la morbilidad y la mortalidad de una serie de adultos mayores que ingresaron en una sala de cuidados intensivos. MÉTODOS: se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo, longitudinal y retrospectivo, en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos del Hospital "Dr. Carlos J. Finlay" desde enero de 2011 hasta diciembre de 2014. De 1 179 pacientes ingresados en ese período la muestra quedó constituida por 485 pacientes. Los métodos estadísticos utilizados fueron las distribuciones de frecuencia absoluta y relativa, medidas de tendencia central, así como las pruebas del Chi-cuadrado y t. Se consideró como nivel de significación el 5 %. RESULTADOS: la muestra representó el 41,1 % de los ingresos. La edad media fue de 69,8 ± 6,5 años. Predominaron el sexo masculino (55,1 %) y el grupo de edades de 60-69 años (51 %). La proporción del sexo masculino/femenino fue de 1,2:1. Más de la mitad de los pacientes egresaron fallecidos (61,9 %). La edad media de este grupo fue ligeramente superior a la de los egresados vivos (70 vs 69,5 años). El ingreso clínico se adjudicó el mayor número de ingresos (69,1 %). La media del valor del APACHE II (Acute Physiology, Age, Chronic Health Evaluation) fue de 19,9; en los fallecidos fue superior que en los vivos (23,6 vs 13,9). El 71,5 % de los pacientes recibieron ventilación mecánica. La principal causa de muerte fue la bronconeumonía bacteriana (27,6 %). CONCLUSIONES: el adulto mayor representó una parte significativa de los ingresos en la unidad de cuidados intensivos, un porcentaje alto requirió ventilación mecánica y la mortalidad fue elevada.

INTRODUCTION: the elderly population has increased in Cuba, hence the number of admissions in the intensive care units is expected to rise in the next few years. OBJECTIVES: to describe some mortality and morbidity aspects in a series of older adults who were admitted to an intensive care unit. METHODS: retrospective, longitudinal, observational and descriptive study conducted in the intensive care unit of ¨Dr Carlos J. Finlay¨ military hospital from January 2011 to December 2014. The final sample was 485 patients selected from 1179 admitted to the hospital in the period. The statistical methods for the study included absolute and relative frequency distributions, central tendency measures, Chi-square and Student´s t tests. The level of significance was set at 5%. RESULTS: the sample accounted for 41.1% of the admissions. The average age was 69.8 ± 6.5 years. Males (55.1%) and the 60-69 y age group (51%) predominated. The ratio of men/women was 1.2:1. Over half of the patients died on discharge 61.9%). The average age of this group was slightly higher than that of the live patients on discharge (70 vs 69.5 years). The clinical admission showed the highest number of hospitalized people (69,1%). The mean of APACHE (Acute Physiology, Age, Chronic Health Evaluation) was 19.9, being higher in dead patients than in the ones alive. In the sample, 71.5% of patients were mechanically ventilated. The main cause of death was bacterial bronchial pneumonia (27.6%). CONCLUSIONS: the older adult represented a significant part of the admissions to the intensive care unit, a high percentage of them required mechanical ventilation and the mortality rate was high.

Epidemiology of viral-associated acute lower respiratory tract infection among children <5 years of age in a high HIV prevalence setting, South Africa, 2009-2012.

BACKGROUND: Data on the epidemiology of viral-associated acute lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) from high HIV prevalence settings are limited. We aimed to describe LRTI hospitalizations among South African children aged <5 years. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled hospitalized children with physician-diagnosed LRTI from 5 sites in 4 provinces from 2009 to 2012. Using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), nasopharyngeal aspirates were tested for 10 viruses and blood for pneumococcal DNA. Incidence was estimated at 1 site with available population denominators. RESULTS: We enrolled 8723 children aged <5 years with LRTI, including 64% <12 months. The case-fatality ratio was 2% (150/8512). HIV prevalence among tested children was 12% (705/5964). The overall prevalence of respiratory viruses identified was 78% (6517/8393), including 37% rhinovirus, 26% respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), 7% influenza and 5% human metapneumovirus. Four percent (253/6612) tested positive for pneumococcus. The annual incidence of LRTI hospitalization ranged from 2530 to 3173/100,000 population and was highest in infants (8446-10532/100,000). LRTI incidence was 1.1 to 3.0-fold greater in HIV-infected than HIV-uninfected children. In multivariable analysis, compared to HIV-uninfected children, HIV-infected children were more likely to require supplemental-oxygen [odds ratio (OR): 1.3, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.1-1.7)], be hospitalized >7 days (OR: 3.8, 95% CI: 2.8-5.0) and had a higher case-fatality ratio (OR: 4.2, 95% CI: 2.6-6.8). In multivariable analysis, HIV-infection (OR: 3.7, 95% CI: 2.2-6.1), pneumococcal coinfection (OR: 2.4, 95% CI: 1.1-5.6), mechanical ventilation (OR: 6.9, 95% CI: 2.7-17.6) and receipt of supplemental-oxygen (OR: 27.3, 95% CI: 13.2-55.9) were associated with death. CONCLUSIONS: HIV-infection was associated with an increased risk of LRTI hospitalization and death. A viral pathogen, commonly RSV, was identified in a high proportion of LRTI cases.

Acute die-off of chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) in the Eastern Austrian Alps due to bacterial bronchopneumonia with Pasteurellaceae.

Monitoring circulating pathogens in wildlife populations is important in evaluating causes and sources of disease as well as understanding transmission between wild and domestic animals. In spring 2010, a sudden die-off in a chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) population sharing habitat with livestock occurred in northeastern Austria. Nineteen animals were submitted for examination. Necropsy and pathohistologic and bacteriologic results yielded lesions associated with Pasteurellaceae species. Additional testing included enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus and random amplification of polymorphic DNA PCR analysis to evaluate the circulating strains. The isolated strains were most closely related to Mannheimia glucosida and Bibersteinia trehalosi. Reports of mass mortalities in chamois due to pneumonia have been reported previously in the northern Alpine area of Italy. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of acute mortality due to strains of Mannheimia and Bibersteinia in Austrian chamois.

More codeine fatalities after tonsillectomy in North American children.

In 2009 we reported the fatal case of a toddler who had received codeine after adenotonsillectomy for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. The child was an ultra-rapid metabolizer of cytochrome P4502D6 (CYP2D6). We now report 3 additional fatal or life-threatening cases from North America. In the 2 fatal cases, functional gene duplications encoding for CYP2D6 caused a significantly greater production of potent morphine from its parent drug, codeine. A severe case of respiratory depression in an extensive metabolizer is also noted. These cases demonstrate that analgesia with codeine or other opioids that use the CYP2D6 pathway after adenotonsillectomy may not be safe in young children with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

Klebsiella pneumoniae related community-acquired acute lower respiratory infections in Cambodia: clinical characteristics and treatment.

BACKGROUND: In many Asian countries, Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP) is the second pathogen responsible for community-acquired pneumonia. Yet, very little is known about KP etiology in ALRI in Cambodia, a country that has one of the weakest medical infrastructures in the region. We present here the first clinico-radiological description of KP community-acquired ALRI in hospitalized Cambodian patients. METHODS: Through ALRI surveillance in two provincial hospitals, KP was isolated from sputum and blood cultures, and identified by API20E gallery from patients ≥ 5 years-old with fever and respiratory symptoms onset ≤14 days. Antibiotics susceptibility testing was provided systematically to clinicians when bacteria were isolated. We collected patients' clinical, radiological and microbiological data and their outcome 3 months after discharge. We also compared KP-related with other bacteria-related ALRI to determine risk factors for KP infection. RESULTS: From April 2007 to December 2009, 2315 ALRI patients ≥ 5 years-old were enrolled including 587 whose bacterial etiology could be assigned. Of these, 47 (8.0%) had KP infection; their median age was 55 years and 68.1% were females. Reported prior medication was high (42.5%). Patients' chest radiographs showed pneumonia (61.3% including 39% that were necrotizing), preexisting parenchyma lesions (29.5%) and pleural effusions alone (4.5%) and normal parenchyma (4.5%). Five patients had severe conditions on admission and one patient died during hospitalization. Of the 39 patients that were hospital discharged, 14 died including 12 within 1 month after discharge. Only 13 patients (28%) received an appropriate antibiotherapy. Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) - producing strains were found in 8 (17.0%) patients. Female gender (Odds ratio (OR) 2.1; p = 0.04) and diabetes mellitus (OR 3.1; p = 0.03) were independent risk factors for KP-related ALRI. CONCLUSIONS: KP ALRI in Cambodia has high fatality rate, are more frequently found in women, and should be considered in diabetic patients. The extremely high frequency of ESBL-producing strains in the study is alarming in the context of uncontrolled antibiotic consumption and in absence of microbiology capacity in most public-sector hospitals.

Functional characterization of pfm in protein secretion and lung infection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Lung infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients cause progressive airway obstruction and tissue damage, which is the predominant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with CF. This paper describes the functional characterization of the pfm gene (open reading frame PA2950) of P. aeruginosa. Using DNA microarrays, we found that the transcriptional levels of type II secretory system genes were significantly reduced in the pfm mutant strain. The type-II-dependent exoprotein LasB could not be secreted normally. The pfm gene was identified as a gene involved in bacterial protein secretion that was critical for the extracellular release of elastase in P. aeruginosa. The abilities to induce lung injury by wild-type and pfm mutant P. aeruginosa were evaluated in a murine acute lung infection model. The results showed that the pathogenicity and virulence of the pfm mutant strain was significantly reduced compared with that of the wild-type strain. The pfm gene and its expression product, as potential new drug targets against P. aeruginosa infection, have important research significance.

Validation of scoring systems for predicting severe community-acquired pneumonia.

OBJECTIVE: Several scoring systems have been derived to identify patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Recently, España et al (Am J Respir Crit Care Med 174:1249-1256, 2006) developed a clinical prediction rule that predicts hospital mortality, the need for mechanical ventilation, and risk for septic shock. We assessed the performance of this rule and compared it with other published scoring systems. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted of patients with CAP who were hospitalized at our hospital from April 2007 till May 2009. Clinical and laboratory features at presentation were recorded and used in order to calculate España rule, the pneumonia severity index (PSI), CURB-65, A-DROP, the 2007 Infectious Diseases Society of America/American Thoracic Society (IDSA/ATS) prediction rule and SMART-COP. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were compared for adverse outcomes. We also assessed the association of the España rule criteria and adverse outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 505 patients were enrolled in the study. The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 6.5%, and 6.3% of patients were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Sixty-two (12.3%) patients were defined as having severe CAP (in-hospital death or need for mechanical ventilation or septic shock). España rule achieved highest sensitivity and NPV in predicting severe CAP. When ICU admission was the outcome measure, the IDSA/ATS rule and SMART-COP were regarded to be good predictors. CONCLUSION: España rule performed well in identifying patients with severe CAP. As a result, each of the severity scores has advantages and limitations for predicting adverse outcomes.

Pathological changes in horses dying with equine influenza in Australia, 2007.

Analysis of pathology results from the 2007 equine influenza (EI) outbreak in Australia indicate that young foals in naïve horse populations are prone to developing broncho-interstitial pneumonia, and that this can be a rare manifestation of EI virus infection in mature horses. All horses may develop secondary bacterial bronchopneumonia, with mature horses more likely to die. EI outbreaks among heavily pregnant mares can result in increased neonatal losses because of premature placental separation and dystocia causing fetal hypoxia.

Impact of aerobic exercise capacity and procedure-related factors in lung cancer surgery.

Over the past decades, major progress in patient selection, surgical techniques and anaesthetic management have largely contributed to improved outcome in lung cancer surgery. The purpose of this study was to identify predictors of post-operative cardiopulmonary morbidity in patients with a forced expiratory volume in 1 s <80% predicted, who underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET). In this observational study, 210 consecutive patients with lung cancer underwent CPET with completed data over a 9-yr period (2001-2009). Cardiopulmonary complications occurred in 46 (22%) patients, including four (1.9%) deaths. On logistic regression analysis, peak oxygen uptake (peak V'(O2) and anaesthesia duration were independent risk factors of both cardiovascular and pulmonary complications; age and the extent of lung resection were additional predictors of cardiovascular complications, whereas tidal volume during one-lung ventilation was a predictor of pulmonary complications. Compared with patients with peak V'(O2) >17 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹, those with a peak V'(O2) <10 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹ had a four-fold higher incidence of cardiac and pulmonary morbidity. Our data support the use of pre-operative CPET and the application of an intra-operative protective ventilation strategy. Further studies should evaluate whether pre-operative physical training can improve post-operative outcome.