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OBJECTIVES: To document the case-fatality rate (CFR) of congenital syphilis diagnosed by molecular tools and rabbit infectivity testing (RIT) of clinical specimens in addition to standard evaluation and to compare that with the CFR using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) surveillance case definition. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, single site, cohort study of all cases of syphilis among mothers and their infants from 1984 to 2002. The diagnosis of congenital syphilis was determined using IgM immunoblotting, polymerase chain reaction, and RIT of fetal or infant specimens in addition to clinical, laboratory, and radiographic criteria. Data were retrospectively reviewed to ascertain fetal and neonatal mortality. RESULTS: During the 18-year study, there were 191 cases of congenital syphilis confirmed by abnormalities on clinical, laboratory, or radiographic evaluation and/or positive serum IgM immunoblot, blood polymerase chain reaction, or blood/cerebrospinal fluid RIT. Of the 191 cases, 59 died for a CFR of 31%. Of the 59 deaths, 53 (90%) were stillborn and 6 (10%) died in the neonatal period. The majority (74%, 39/53) of stillbirths occurred in the third trimester. The CDC surveillance case definition correctly identified all infants with congenital syphilis, but the CDC CFR was 10% which underestimated the CFR by more than 300%. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings corroborate the high sensitivity of the CDC surveillance definition for congenital syphilis but highlight its poor estimation of its associated mortality. The CFR among infected progeny of pregnant women with syphilis was 31%, due mostly to demise in the third trimester and as such highlights the need for detection and appropriate treatment of syphilis during pregnancy.
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Complicaciones Infecciosas del Embarazo , Sífilis Congénita , Sífilis , Lactante , Animales , Humanos , Embarazo , Femenino , Conejos , Sífilis Congénita/diagnóstico , Estudios de Cohortes , Estudios Prospectivos , Estudios Retrospectivos , Complicaciones Infecciosas del Embarazo/diagnóstico , Complicaciones Infecciosas del Embarazo/tratamiento farmacológico , Inmunoglobulina MRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: Septic cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a recognized complication of pediatric sinogenic and otogenic intracranial infections. The optimal treatment paradigm remains controversial. Proponents of anticoagulation highlight its role in preventing thrombus propagation and promoting recanalization, while others cite the risk of hemorrhagic complications, especially after a neurosurgical procedure for an epidural abscess or subdural empyema. Here, the authors investigated the diagnosis, management, and outcomes of pediatric patients with sinogenic or otogenic intracranial infections and a septic CVST. METHODS: All patients 21 years of age or younger, who presented with an intracranial infection in the setting of sinusitis or otitis media and who underwent neurosurgical treatment at Connecticut Children's, Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego, or Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago from March 2015 to March 2023, were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic, clinical, and radiological data were systematically collated. RESULTS: Ninety-six patients were treated for sinusitis-related and/or otitis media-related intracranial infections during the study period, 15 (15.6%) of whom were diagnosed with a CVST. Of the 60 patients who presented prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, 6 (10.0%) were diagnosed with a septic CVST, whereas of the 36 who presented during the COVID-19 pandemic, 9 (25.0%) had a septic CVST (p = 0.050). The superior sagittal sinus was involved in 12 (80.0%) patients and the transverse and/or sigmoid sinuses in 4 (26.7%). Only 1 (6.7%) patient had a fully occlusive thrombus. Of the 15 patients with a septic CVST, 11 (73.3%) were initiated on anticoagulation at a median interval of 4 (IQR 3-5) days from the most recent neurosurgical procedure. Five (45.5%) patients who underwent anticoagulation demonstrated complete recanalization on follow-up imaging, and 4 (36.4%) had partial recanalization. Three (75.0%) patients who did not undergo anticoagulation demonstrated complete recanalization, and 1 (25.0%) had partial recanalization. None of the patients treated with anticoagulation experienced hemorrhagic complications. CONCLUSIONS: Septic CVST is frequently identified among pediatric patients undergoing neurosurgical intervention for sinogenic and/or otogenic intracranial infections and may have become more prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic. Anticoagulation can be used safely in the acute postoperative period if administered cautiously, in a monitored setting, and with interval cross-sectional imaging. However, some patients exhibit excellent outcomes without anticoagulation, and further studies are needed to identify those who may benefit the most from anticoagulation.
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COVID-19 , Otitis Media , Trombosis de los Senos Intracraneales , Humanos , Niño , Estudios Retrospectivos , Pandemias , COVID-19/complicaciones , Otitis Media/complicaciones , Otitis Media/tratamiento farmacológico , Otitis Media/cirugía , Anticoagulantes/uso terapéutico , Trombosis de los Senos Intracraneales/diagnóstico por imagen , Trombosis de los Senos Intracraneales/tratamiento farmacológico , Trombosis de los Senos Intracraneales/cirugíaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: We hypothesized that oxidative stress in Ugandan children with severe malaria is associated with mortality. METHODS: We evaluated biomarkers of oxidative stress in children with cerebral malaria (CM, n = 77) or severe malarial anemia (SMA, n = 79), who were enrolled in a randomized clinical trial of immediate vs delayed iron therapy, compared with community children (CC, n = 83). Associations between admission biomarkers and risk of death during hospitalization or risk of readmission within 6 months were analyzed. RESULTS: Nine children with CM and none with SMA died during hospitalization. Children with CM or SMA had higher levels of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) (P < .001) and lower superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity than CC (P < .02). Children with CM had a higher risk of death with increasing HO-1 concentration (odds ratio [OR], 6.07 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.17-31.31]; P = .03) but a lower risk of death with increasing SOD activity (OR, 0.02 [95% CI, .001-.70]; P = .03). There were no associations between oxidative stress biomarkers on admission and risk of readmission within 6 months of enrollment. CONCLUSIONS: Children with CM or SMA develop oxidative stress in response to severe malaria. Oxidative stress is associated with higher mortality in children with CM but not with SMA. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: NCT01093989.
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Anemia , Malaria Cerebral , Malaria Falciparum , Estrés Oxidativo , Readmisión del Paciente , Anemia/fisiopatología , Biomarcadores/sangre , Niño , Hemo-Oxigenasa 1/sangre , Humanos , Lactante , Malaria Cerebral/complicaciones , Malaria Cerebral/mortalidad , Malaria Falciparum/complicaciones , Malaria Falciparum/mortalidad , Estudios Prospectivos , Ensayos Clínicos Controlados Aleatorios como Asunto , Superóxido Dismutasa/sangre , Uganda/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
Rapid diagnostic tools for children with Ebola virus disease (EVD) are needed to expedite isolation and treatment. To evaluate a predictive diagnostic tool, we examined retrospective data (2014-2015) from the International Medical Corps Ebola Treatment Centers in West Africa. We incorporated statistically derived candidate predictors into a 7-point Pediatric Ebola Risk Score. Evidence of bleeding or having known or no known Ebola contacts was positively associated with an EVD diagnosis, whereas abdominal pain was negatively associated. Model discrimination using area under the curve (AUC) was 0.87, which outperforms the World Health Organization criteria (AUC 0.56). External validation, performed by using data from International Medical Corps Ebola Treatment Centers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo during 2018-2019, showed an AUC of 0.70. External validation showed that discrimination achieved by using World Health Organization criteria was similar; however, the Pediatric Ebola Risk Score is simpler to use.
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Ebolavirus , Fiebre Hemorrágica Ebola , Área Bajo la Curva , Niño , República Democrática del Congo/epidemiología , Brotes de Enfermedades , Fiebre Hemorrágica Ebola/diagnóstico , Fiebre Hemorrágica Ebola/epidemiología , Humanos , Estudios Retrospectivos , Factores de RiesgoRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: There are sparse patient-level data available for children with novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Therefore, there is an urgent need for an updated systematic literature review that analyzes individual children rather than aggregated data in broad age groups. METHODS: Six databases (MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, Google Scholar, medRxiv) were searched for studies indexed from January 1 to May 15, 2020, with MeSH terms: children, pediatrics, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2. 1241 records were identified, of which only unique papers in English with individual patient information and documented COVID-19 testing were included. This review of 22 eligible studies followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses of individual participant data guidelines. RESULTS: A total of 123 patients from five countries were identified. 46% were females. The median age was 5 years (IQR = 8). At presentation, 62% had a fever, 32% had a cough, 58% had a single symptom, and 21% were asymptomatic. Abnormal chest imaging was seen in 62% (65/105) of imaged and 76.9% (20/26) of asymptomatic children. A minority of children had elevated platelets, CRP, lactate dehydrogenase, and D-dimer. CONCLUSION: Data from this independent participant data systematic review revealed that the majority of children with COVID-19 presented with either no symptoms or a single, non-respiratory symptom. IMPACT: This systematic review revealed that the majority of children with COVID-19 presented with either no symptoms or a single, non-respiratory symptom. By using an independent participant data approach, this analysis underscores the challenge of diagnosing COVID-19 in pediatric patients due to the wide variety of symptoms and seemingly poor correlation of imaging findings with symptomatic disease. The data presented from individual patients from case series or cohort studies add more granularity to the current description of pediatric COVID-19.
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COVID-19/diagnóstico , SARS-CoV-2 , Adolescente , COVID-19/complicaciones , COVID-19/epidemiología , Prueba de COVID-19/métodos , Prueba de COVID-19/estadística & datos numéricos , Niño , Preescolar , Bases de Datos Factuales/estadística & datos numéricos , Femenino , Humanos , Lactante , Masculino , Pandemias/estadística & datos numéricos , Síndrome de Respuesta Inflamatoria Sistémica/diagnóstico , Síndrome de Respuesta Inflamatoria Sistémica/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a rapidly evolving global emergency that continues to strain healthcare systems. Emerging research describes a plethora of patient factors-including demographic, clinical, immunologic, hematological, biochemical, and radiographic findings-that may be of utility to clinicians to predict COVID-19 severity and mortality. We present a synthesis of the current literature pertaining to factors predictive of COVID-19 clinical course and outcomes. Findings associated with increased disease severity and/or mortality include age > 55 years, multiple pre-existing comorbidities, hypoxia, specific computed tomography findings indicative of extensive lung involvement, diverse laboratory test abnormalities, and biomarkers of end-organ dysfunction. Hypothesis-driven research is critical to identify the key evidence-based prognostic factors that will inform the design of intervention studies to improve the outcomes of patients with COVID-19 and to appropriately allocate scarce resources.
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COVID-19 , Índice de Severidad de la Enfermedad , Adulto , Envejecimiento , Biomarcadores , COVID-19/mortalidad , COVID-19/patología , COVID-19/transmisión , Niño , Comorbilidad , Humanos , Hipoxia/patología , Pronóstico , SARS-CoV-2/patogenicidadRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: We hypothesized that nationwide social distancing and other preventive measures for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) were associated with reduced detection of other respiratory viruses in South Korea. METHODS: We analyzed national surveillance data to compare incidence of respiratory viruses during 2016-2019 vs 2020. Results of multiplex reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction assays for 8 respiratory viruses were included: adenovirus (ADV), parainfluenza virus (PIV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza virus (IFV), human coronavirus (HCoV; non-SARS-CoV-2), human rhinovirus (HRV), human bocavirus (HBoV), and human metapneumovirus (HMPV). RESULTS: During 2016-2019, rates of detection of respiratory viruses were relatively stable: ADV, 3.7%-9.2%; PIV, 1.4%-17.0%; RSV, 0.3%-15.3%; IFV, 0.4%-35.6%; HCoV, 1.5%-8.4%; HRV, 7.0%-25.1%; HBoV, 0.6%-6.3%; and HMPV, 0.7%-14.5%. Following implementation of social distancing in February 2020, rates of detection of enveloped viruses (HCoV, HMPV, IFV, PIV, and RSV) were significantly reduced by up to 100%. However, nonenveloped viruses (ADV, HRV, and HBoV) persisted throughout 2020, and HRV rates in hospitalized patients significantly increased. CONCLUSIONS: After implementation of social distancing for SARS-CoV-2 in South Korea, rates of detection of enveloped respiratory viruses decreased significantly, whereas nonenveloped viruses persisted, suggesting that enhanced infection prevention strategies are required to mitigate spread of these viruses.
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COVID-19 , Distanciamiento Físico , Infecciones del Sistema Respiratorio , Adenoviridae , COVID-19/prevención & control , Bocavirus Humano , Humanos , Metapneumovirus , Orthomyxoviridae , República de Corea/epidemiología , Virus Sincitial Respiratorio Humano , Infecciones del Sistema Respiratorio/epidemiología , SARS-CoV-2RESUMEN
Zero to 19 year-old children in sub-Saharan Africa bear a disproportionate proportion of the global burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases. Significant public health gains have been made in the fight against these diseases, however, factors such as underequipped health systems, disease outbreaks, conflict, and political instability continue to challenge prevention and control. The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) introduces new challenges to public health programs in sub-Saharan Africa. Of particular concern are programs targeting major conditions among children, such as undernutrition, vaccine-preventable pneumonia and diarrhea, malaria, tuberculosis, HIV, and sickle cell disease. This article focuses on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on child health in sub-Saharan Africa. We review the epidemiology of major pediatric diseases and, referencing modeling projections, discuss the short- and long-term impact of the pandemic on major disease control. We deliberate on potential complications of SARS-CoV-2 co-infections/co-morbidities and identify critical social and ethical issues. Furthermore, we highlight the paucity of COVID-19 data and clinical trials in this region and the lack of child participants in ongoing studies. Lastly, approaches and interventions to mitigate the pandemic's impact on child health outcomes are discussed. IMPACT: Children in sub-Saharan Africa bear a disproportionate burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases globally; this remains true even as the COVID-19 pandemic persists. Amidst the fast-expanding COVID-19 literature, there is little comprehensive coverage of the pandemic's indirect impact on child health in sub-Saharan Africa. This article comprehensively outlines the threat that the pandemic poses to major disease prevention and control for children in sub-Saharan Africa. It discusses the potential impact of SARS-CoV-2 co-infections/co-morbidities, highlights research gaps, and advocates for data and action to mitigate the ripple effects of the pandemic on this population.
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COVID-19/epidemiología , Servicios de Salud del Niño/tendencias , Salud Infantil , Atención a la Salud , Pandemias , Servicios Preventivos de Salud/tendencias , SARS-CoV-2 , Adolescente , África del Sur del Sahara/epidemiología , Anemia de Células Falciformes/epidemiología , Niño , Maltrato a los Niños/prevención & control , Servicios de Salud del Niño/organización & administración , Preescolar , Ensayos Clínicos como Asunto , Comorbilidad , Costo de Enfermedad , Femenino , Infecciones por VIH/epidemiología , Humanos , Lactante , Recién Nacido , Malaria/epidemiología , Malaria/prevención & control , Masculino , Desnutrición/epidemiología , Selección de Paciente , Servicios Preventivos de Salud/organización & administración , Tuberculosis/epidemiología , Enfermedades Prevenibles por Vacunación/epidemiología , Heridas y Lesiones/epidemiología , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Our objective was to quantify the risk of acquiring malaria among progeny of women with malaria during pregnancy. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library for eligible prospective studies. The primary predictor was malaria during pregnancy defined as placental malaria, parasitemia, clinical malaria, or pregnancy-associated malaria. Primary outcomes were parasitemia or clinically defined malaria of young children. We performed meta-analyses to pool adjusted risk estimates using a random-effects model. RESULTS: Nineteen of 2053 eligible studies met inclusion criteria for the systemic review. Eleven of these studies were quantitative and were included in the meta-analyses. The pooled adjusted odds ratio (aOR) or adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of malaria during pregnancy for detection of parasitemia in young children were 1.94 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.93-4.07; P = .08) and 1.46 (95% CI, 1.07-2.00; P < .001), respectively. The pooled aOR or aHR for clinically defined malaria in young children were 2.82 (95% CI, 1.82-4.38; P < .001) and 1.31 (95% CI, 0.96-1.79; P = .09), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirmed that malaria during pregnancy significantly increased the overall risk of malaria in young children via indeterminate mechanisms and emphasize the urgent need to implement safe and highly effective strategies to prevent malaria during pregnancy.
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Número de Embarazos , Transmisión Vertical de Enfermedad Infecciosa , Malaria/transmisión , Femenino , Humanos , Lactante , Parasitemia , Placenta/parasitología , Embarazo , Factores de RiesgoRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Clinicians cannot reliably predict complications of acute hematogenous osteomyelitis (AHO). METHODS: Consecutive cases of AHO from 2 pediatric centers in the United States were analyzed retrospectively to develop clinical tools from data obtained within 96 hours of hospitalization to predict acute and chronic complications of AHO. Two novel composite prediction scores derived from multivariable logistic regression modeling were compared with a previously published severity of illness (SOI) score, C-reactive protein (CRP), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve analyses. RESULTS: The causative organisms were identified in 73% of 261 cases. Bacteremia (45%), abscesses (38%), and associated suppurative arthritis (23%) were relatively common. Acute or chronic complications occurred in 24% and 11% of patients, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression identified bone abscess (odds ratio [OR], 2.3 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.0-5.2]), fever > 48 hours (OR, 2.7 [95% CI, 1.2-6.0]), suppurative arthritis (OR, 3.2 [95% CI, 1.3-7.5]), disseminated disease (OR, 4.6 [95% CI, 1.5-14.3]), and delayed source control (OR, 5.1 [95% CI, 1.4-19.0]) as strong predictors of acute complications. In a separate model, CRP ≥ 100 mg/L at 2-4 days after antibiotics (OR, 2.7 [95% CI, 1.0-7.3]), disseminated disease (OR, 3.3 [95% CI, 1.1-10.0]), and requirement for bone debridement (OR, 6.7 [95% CI, 2.1-21.0]) strongly predicted chronic morbidity. These variables were combined to create weighted composite prediction scores for acute (A-SCORE) and chronic (C-SCORE) osteomyelitis, which were superior to SOI, CRP, and ESR and had negative predictive values > 90%. CONCLUSIONS: Two novel composite clinical scores were superior to existing tools to predict complications of pediatric AHO.
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Artritis Infecciosa , Osteomielitis , Absceso , Enfermedad Aguda , Niño , Humanos , Osteomielitis/epidemiología , Estudios RetrospectivosRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: In holoendemic areas, children suffer the most from Plasmodium falciparum malaria, yet newborns and young infants express a relative resistance to both infection and severe malarial disease (SM). This relative resistance has been ascribed to maternally-derived anti-parasite immunoglobulin G; however, the targets of these protective antibodies remain elusive. METHODS: We enrolled 647 newborns at birth from a malaria-holoendemic region of Tanzania. We collected cord blood, measured antibodies to Plasmodium falciparum Schizont Egress Antigen-1 (PfSEA-1), and related these antibodies to the risk of severe malaria in the first year of life. In addition, we vaccinated female mice with PbSEA-1, mated them, and challenged their pups with P. berghei ANKA parasites to assess the impact of maternal PbSEA-1 vaccination on newborns' resistance to malaria. RESULTS: Children with high cord-blood anti-PfSEA-1 antibody levels had 51.4% fewer cases of SM compared to individuals with lower anti-PfSEA-1 levels over 12 months of follow-up (P = .03). In 3 trials, pups born to PbSEA-1-vaccinated dams had significantly lower parasitemia and longer survival following a P. berghei challenge compared to pups born to control dams. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate that maternally-derived, cord-blood anti-PfSEA-1 antibodies predict decreased risk of SM in infants and vaccination of mice with PbSEA-1 prior to pregnancy protects their offspring from lethal P. berghei challenge. These results identify, for the first time, a parasite-specific target of maternal antibodies that protect infants from SM and suggest that vaccination of pregnant women with PfSEA-1 may afford a survival advantage to their offspring.
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Anticuerpos Antiprotozoarios/sangre , Antígenos de Protozoos/inmunología , Sangre Fetal/inmunología , Inmunidad Materno-Adquirida , Malaria Falciparum/prevención & control , Proteínas Protozoarias/inmunología , Índice de Severidad de la Enfermedad , Animales , Antígenos de Protozoos/administración & dosificación , Estudios de Cohortes , Resistencia a la Enfermedad , Femenino , Humanos , Inmunoglobulina G/sangre , Lactante , Recién Nacido , Malaria Falciparum/inmunología , Ratones , Ratones Endogámicos BALB C , Parasitemia/inmunología , Parasitemia/prevención & control , Plasmodium berghei/inmunología , Plasmodium falciparum , Proteínas Protozoarias/administración & dosificación , Tanzanía , VacunaciónRESUMEN
Background: Antigametocyte-specific immune responses may regulate Plasmodium falciparum gametocyte density, providing the rationale for pursuing transmission-blocking vaccines (TBVs) that target gametocytes in the human host. Methods: To identify novel antigametocyte TBV antigens, we interrogated the gametocyte proteome with our whole proteome differential screening method using plasma from a treatment-reinfection study conducted in western Kenya. At the start of the high-transmission season, 144 males (12-35 years) were enrolled and treated with quinine and doxycycline, peripheral venous blood samples were obtained, volunteers were observed, and weekly blood films were obtained for 18 weeks to quantify gametocytemia. Using plasma pooled from individuals with low versus high gametocyte carriage, we differentially screened a P falciparum gametocyte stage complementary deoxyribonucleic acid expression library. Results: We identified 8 parasite genes uniquely recognized by gametocyte-resistant but not by gametocyte-susceptible individuals. Antibodies to one of these antigens, PfsEGXP, predicted lower gametocytemia measured over the 18-week transmission season (P = .021). When analyzed dichotomously, anti-PfsEGXP responders had 31% lower gametocyte density over 18 weeks of follow-up, compared with nonresponders (P = .04). Conclusions: PfsEGXP is one of the first reported gametocyte-specific target of antibodies that predict decreased gametocyte density in humans and supports our novel TBV antigen discovery platform.
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Anticuerpos Antiprotozoarios/inmunología , Susceptibilidad a Enfermedades/inmunología , Malaria Falciparum , Plasmodium falciparum/inmunología , Proteínas Protozoarias/inmunología , Adolescente , Adulto , Animales , Anticuerpos Antiprotozoarios/sangre , Anticuerpos Antiprotozoarios/metabolismo , Niño , Humanos , Estadios del Ciclo de Vida/inmunología , Malaria Falciparum/epidemiología , Malaria Falciparum/inmunología , Malaria Falciparum/parasitología , Masculino , Ratones , Ratones Endogámicos BALB C , Carga de Parásitos , Fosfoproteínas/genética , Fosfoproteínas/inmunología , Plasmodium falciparum/genética , Plasmodium falciparum/patogenicidad , Proteínas Protozoarias/genética , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: The clinical and virologic characteristics of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in children have not been thoroughly documented. METHODS: Consecutive children aged <18 years with real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-confirmed EVD were enrolled retrospectively in 5 Ebola treatment units in Liberia and Sierra Leone in 2014/2015. Data collection and medical management were based on standardized International Medical Corps protocols. We performed descriptive statistics, multivariate logistic regression, and Kaplan-Meier survival analyses. RESULTS: Of 122 children enrolled, the median age was 7 years and one-third were aged <5 years. The female-to-male ratio was 1.3. The most common clinical features at triage and during hospitalization were fever, weakness, anorexia, and diarrhea, although 21% of patients were initially afebrile and 6 patients remained afebrile. Bleeding was rare at presentation (5%) and manifested subsequently in fewer than 50%. The overall case fatality rate was 57%. Factors associated with death in bivariate analyses were age <5 years, bleeding at any time during hospitalization, and high viral load. After adjustment with logistic regression modeling, the odds of death were 14.8-fold higher if patients were aged <5 years, 5-fold higher if the patient had any evidence of bleeding, and 5.2-fold higher if EVD RT-PCR cycle threshold value was ≤20. Plasmodium parasitemia had no impact on EVD outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Age <5 years, bleeding, and high viral loads were poor prognostic indicators of children with EVD. Research to understand mechanisms of these risk factors and the impact of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance will improve health outcomes.
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Fiebre Hemorrágica Ebola/mortalidad , Fiebre Hemorrágica Ebola/terapia , Adolescente , Factores de Edad , Niño , Preescolar , Estudios de Cohortes , Deshidratación , Diarrea , Femenino , Hemorragia , Fiebre Hemorrágica Ebola/fisiopatología , Fiebre Hemorrágica Ebola/virología , Humanos , Estimación de Kaplan-Meier , Tiempo de Internación , Liberia/epidemiología , Malaria/epidemiología , Masculino , Desnutrición , Parasitemia/epidemiología , Plasmodium , Pronóstico , Estudios Retrospectivos , Factores de Riesgo , Sierra Leona/epidemiología , Resultado del Tratamiento , Carga ViralRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of respiratory viral infections among infants who were evaluated for late-onset sepsis in the neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) of Parkland Memorial Hospital, Dallas, Texas; and Women & Infants Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study conducted from January 15, 2012 to January 31, 2013. Infants in the NICU were enrolled if they were inborn, had never been discharged home, and were evaluated for sepsis (at >72 hours of age) and antibiotic therapy was initiated. Infants had a nasopharyngeal specimen collected for detection of respiratory viruses by multiplex polymerase chain reaction within 72 hours of the initiation of antibiotic therapy. Their medical records were reviewed for demographic, clinical, radiographic, and laboratory data until NICU discharge. RESULTS: During the 13-month study, 8 of 100 infants, or 8 (6%) of the 135 sepsis evaluations, had a respiratory virus detected by polymerase chain reaction (2, enterovirus/rhinovirus; 2, rhinovirus; 2, coronaviruses; and 2, parainfluenza-3 virus). By bivariate analysis, the infants with viral detection were older (41 vs 11 days; P = .007), exposed to individuals with respiratory tract viral symptoms (37% vs 2%; P = .003), tested for respiratory viruses by provider (75% vs 11%; P < .001), and had lower total neutrophil counts (P = .02). In multivariate regression analysis, the best predictor of viral infection was the caregivers' clinical suspicion of viral infection (P = .006). CONCLUSIONS: A total of 8% of infants, or 6% of all NICU sepsis evaluations, had a respiratory virus detected when evaluated for bacterial sepsis. These findings argue for more respiratory viral testing of infants with suspected sepsis using optimal molecular assays to establish accurate diagnoses, prevent transmission, and inform antibiotic stewardship efforts.
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Infecciones del Sistema Respiratorio/epidemiología , Infecciones del Sistema Respiratorio/virología , Sepsis/epidemiología , Sepsis/virología , Antibacterianos/uso terapéutico , ADN Viral , Femenino , Perfilación de la Expresión Génica , Humanos , Recién Nacido , Unidades de Cuidado Intensivo Neonatal , Cuidado Intensivo Neonatal/métodos , Masculino , Análisis Multivariante , Análisis de Secuencia por Matrices de Oligonucleótidos , Oxígeno/uso terapéutico , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa , Estudios Prospectivos , Rhode Island , TexasRESUMEN
Background: Refugees to the United States frequently have parasitic infections. If untreated, parasites can cause severe complications. The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence, management, and outcomes of eosinophilia as a biomarker for parasites. Methods: We conducted a retrospective longitudinal chart review of consecutive refugees attending 3 refugee clinics in Rhode Island that manage the health care of all pediatric and adult refugees. Results: Among 812 refugees who met inclusion criteria, 147 (18.1%) had eosinophilia upon arrival and almost half had ≥1 symptom. The rates and severity of eosinophilia in those with predeparture presumptive treatment records who did (112/115, 97.4%) or did not (488/498, 98.0%) receive predeparture antiparasitic treatment were similar. All refugees with eosinophilia had ≥1 parasitic test in the United States. The most common attributable parasites were Schistosoma and Strongyloides stercoralis. Overall, parasites were detected in 63 (42.9%) of 147 refugees with eosinophilia by either stool testing, serology, or blood smear, but testing was inconsistent and likely underestimated true incidence. Only some of the identified parasites typically cause eosinophilia. Forty-five (30.6%) refugees with eosinophilia received antiparasitics in the United States. Of 81 (55.1%) individuals who had repeat blood tests, eosinophilia had resolved in 52 (64.2%). Five individuals (3.4%) had alternative diagnoses, including eczema, myelofibrosis, and drug allergy. Conclusions: Our findings support Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations to screen for eosinophilia in newly arrived refugees. Follow-up after 3-6 months is critical to confirm resolution of residual eosinophilia, which frequently occurs after effective predeparture treatment or if eosinophilia persists, to diagnose active parasitic infections.
RESUMEN
Coxiella burnetii is a Gram-negative bacterium that causes the zoonotic disease Q fever. Wild boars serve as reservoirs for C. burnetii. This study aimed to identify the risk factors associated with C. burnetii infection in wild boars. We analyzed the data from 975 wild boar samples collected from June to November 2021 in South Korea. We utilized the indirect ELISA to detect antibodies against C. burnetii. A sample optical density to positive-control optical density value exceeding 50% was classified as positive. We gathered data on the forestation, terrain, weather, agriculture, and animal density of the region where the samples were collected. Continuous variables were categorized into tertiles. We performed a univariate logistic regression analysis and included variables with a p-value < 0.2 in the final multivariable logistic regression model. In our multivariable logistic regression analysis to identify risk factors for C. burnetii infection in wild boars, we used a forward selection method to enter variables based on the order of their significance. We performed the final multivariable logistic regression analyses using either continuous variables or variables categorized into tertiles. The prevalence of C. burnetii was 14.6% (n=142). Locations with the highest maximum wind speeds (3.92-8.24â¯m/s) showed a 59% increase in infection odds compared to locations with the lowest speeds (1.45-3.25â¯m/s)(p=0.044). For each 1â¯m/s increase in maximum wind speed, infection odds increased by 24.1% (p=0.037). Regions with the highest percentage of paddy fields per area (8.3-45%) showed a 76% increase in infection odds compared to regions with the lowest percentage (0-1.5%)(p=0.011). For each 1% increase in the proportion of paddy fields per area, infection odds increased by 3.3% (p=0.003). High maximum wind speed and a high percentage of paddy field were identified as significant risk factors for C. burnetii infection in wild boars.
Asunto(s)
Coxiella burnetii , Fiebre Q , Animales , Estudios Seroepidemiológicos , Fiebre Q/epidemiología , Fiebre Q/veterinaria , Fiebre Q/microbiología , Factores de Riesgo , República de Corea/epidemiología , PrevalenciaRESUMEN
Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) is a potentially life-threatening complication of COVID-19. The pathophysiological mechanisms leading to severe disease are poorly understood. This study leveraged clinical samples from a well-characterized cohort of children hospitalized with COVID-19 or MIS-C to compare immune-mediated biomarkers. Our objective was to identify selected immune molecules that could explain, in part, why certain SARS-CoV-2-infected children developed MIS-C. We hypothesized that type-2 helper T cell-mediated inflammation can elicit autoantibodies, which may account for some of the differences observed between the moderate-severe COVID-19 (COVID+) and MIS-C cohort. We enumerated blood leukocytes and measured levels of selected serum cytokines, chemokines, antibodies to COVID-19 antigens, and autoantibodies in children presenting to an academic medical center in Connecticut, United States. The neutrophil/lymphocyte and eosinophil/lymphocyte ratios were significantly higher in those in the MIS-C versus COVID+ cohort. IgM and IgA, but not IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain were significantly higher in the MIS-C cohort than the COVID+ cohort. The serum levels of certain type-2 cytokines (interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-13, and IL-33) were significantly higher in children with MIS-C compared to the COVID+ and SARS-CoV-2-negative cohorts. IgG autoantibodies to brain antigens and pentraxin were higher in children with MIS-C compared to SARS-CoV-19-negative controls, and children with MIS-C had higher levels of IgG anti-contactin-associated protein-like 2 (caspr2) compared to the COVID+ and SARS-CoV-19-negative controls. We speculate that autoimmune responses in certain COVID-19 patients may induce pathophysiological changes that lead to MIS-C. The triggers of autoimmunity and factors accounting for type-2 inflammation require further investigation.