Hospitalization costs of pediatric community-acquired pneumonia in Shanghai / 中华儿科杂志

Objective: To investigate the epidemiology and hospitalization costs of pediatric community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in Shanghai. Methods: A retrospective case summary was conducted on 63 614 hospitalized children with CAP in 59 public hospitals in Shanghai from January 2018 to December 2020. These children's medical records, including their basic information, diagnosis, procedures, and costs, were extracted. According to the medical institutions they were admitted, the patients were divided into the children's hospital group, the tertiary general hospital group and the secondary hospital group; according to the age, they were divided into <1 year old group, 1-<3 years old group, 3-<6 years old group, 6-<12 years old group and 12-18 years old group; according to the CAP severity, they were divided into severe pneumonia group and non-severe pneumonia group; according to whether an operation was conducted, the patients were divided into the operation group and the non-operation group. The epidemiological characteristics and hospitalization costs were compared among the groups. The χ2 test or Wilcoxon rank sum test was used for the comparisons between two groups as appropriate, and the Kruskal-Wallis H test was conducted for comparisons among multiple groups. Results: A total of 63 614 hospitalized children with CAP were enrolled, including 34 243 males and 29 371 females. Their visiting age was 4 (2, 6) years. The length of stay was 6 (5, 8) days. There were 17 974 cases(28.3%) in the secondary hospital group, 35 331 cases (55.5%) in the tertiary general hospital group and 10 309 cases (16.2%) in the children's hospital group. Compared with the hospitalizations cases in 2018 (27 943), the cases in 2019 (29 009) increased by 3.8% (1 066/27 943), while sharply declined by 76.2% (21 281/27 943) in 2020 (6 662). There were significant differences in the proportion of patients from other provinces and severe pneumonia cases, and the hospitalization costs among the children's hospital, secondary hospital and tertiary general hospital (7 146 cases(69.3%) vs. 2 202 cases (12.3%) vs. 9 598 cases (27.2%), 6 929 cases (67.2%) vs. 2 270 cases (12.6%) vs. 9 397 cases (26.6%), 8 304 (6 261, 11 219) vs. 1 882 (1 304, 2 796) vs. 3 195 (2 364, 4 352) CNY, χ2=10 462.50, 9 702.26, 28 037.23, all P<0.001). The annual total hospitalization costs of pediatric CAP from 2018 to 2020 were 110 million CNY, 130 million CNY and 40 million CNY, respectively. And the cost for each hospitalization increased year by year, which was 2 940 (1 939, 4 438), 3 215 (2 126, 5 011) and 3 673 (2 274, 6 975) CNY, respectively. There were also significant differences in the hospitalization expenses in the different age groups of <1 year old, 1-<3 years old, 3-<6 years old, 6-<12 years old and 12-18 years old (5 941 (2 787, 9 247) vs. 2 793 (1 803, 4 336) vs. 3 013 (2 070, 4 329) vs. 3 473 (2 400, 5 097) vs. 4 290 (2 837, 7 314) CNY, χ2=3 462.39, P<0.001). The hospitalization cost of severe pneumonia was significantly higher than that of non-severe cases (5 076 (3 250, 8 364) vs. 2 685 (1 780, 3 843) CNY, Z=109.77, P<0.001). The cost of patients who received operation was significantly higher than that of whom did not (10 040 (4 583, 14 308) vs. 3 083 (2 025, 4 747) CNY, Z=44.46, P<0.001). Conclusions: The number of children hospitalized with CAP in Shanghai decreased significantly in 2020 was significantly lower than that in 2018 and 2019.The proportion of patients from other provinces and with severe pneumonia are mainly admitted in children's hospitals. Hospitalization costs are higher in children's hospitals, and also for children younger than 1 year old, severe cases and patients undergoing operations.

Neumonía adquirida en la comunidad en pacientes que requirieron hospitalización / Community acquired pneumonia in patients requiring hospitalization

Resumen La neumonía adquirida en la comunidad (NAC) representa un importante problema sanitario y ~20% de los pacientes requiere hospitalización. El objetivo principal del trabajo fue determinar las características clínico-imagenológicas de los episodios de NAC que requirieron internación. Los objetivos secundarios fueron determinar el rédito diagnóstico de los estudios microbiológicos e identificar las complicaciones. Realizamos un estudio analítico retrospectivo en un hospital de tercer nivel durante el período 2017-2019, en adultos admitidos por NAC, excluyendo embarazadas. Identificamos 340 episodios en 321 pacientes, la mediana de edad fue 75 años (rango intercuartil 57-85). Los factores de riesgo más frecuentes fueron inmunocompromiso (30%), enfermedad neurológica (22%) y enfermedad renal crónica (17%). Según tres scores pronósticos de gravedad, CURB65, qSOFA y PSI/PORT, 216 (63.5%), 290 (85.3%) y 130 (38%) episodios fueron identificados como de bajo riesgo, respectivamente. Del total de los episodios, 49 (14.4%) requirieron internación en unidad de cuidados intensivos, 39 (11.5%) ventilación mecánica y se registraron 30 (8.8%) muertes durante la hospitalización. Los patrones de imagen más frecuentes fueron consolidativo en 134 (39.4%), intersticio-alveolar en 98 (28.8%) y mixto entre ambos patrones en 67 (19.7%) episodios. Identificamos el agente causal en 79 (23.2%) episodios. Los microorganismos aislados más frecuentemente fueron influenza en 37 (10.9%) y Streptococcus pneumoniae en 11 (3.2%). La mayoría de los episodios afectaron pacientes ancianos y el principal patrón radiológico fue el consolidativo. El agente causal se pudo identificar en uno de cada cuatro episodios y el método con mayor rédito diagnóstico fue el test para influenza.

Abstract Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) represents a major health issue and ~20% of the patients require in-hospital attention. The main objective of the study was to determine clinical-imaging features of CAP episodes requiring hospitalization. The secondary objectives were to determine the diagnostic yield of microbiological analyses and the medical complications. A retrospective analytical study was conducted on adults admitted due to CAP in a third-level hospital in the period 2017-2019. Pregnant women were excluded. A total of 340 CAP episodes were identified in 321 patients; the median age was 75 years old (interquartile range 57-85). The most frequent risk factors were immunocompromise 102 (30%), neurological disease 75 (22%), and chronic kidney disease 58 (17%). According to three prognostic scores, CURB65, qSOFA and PSI/PORT, 216 (63.5%), 290 (83.5%) and 130 (38%) patients were identified as low risk, respectively. A total of 49 (14.4%) episodes required admission at the critical care unit and 39 (11.5%) required mechanical ventilation; 30 patients (8.8%) died during hospitalization. The radiologic patterns most frequently found were consolidation in 134 (39.4%), interstitial-alveolar pattern in 98 (28.8%), and the combination of both patterns in 67 (19.7%) episodes. Identification of the causal agent was achieved in 79 (23.2%) episodes. The most frequently isolated microorganisms were influenza virus in 37 (10.9%) episodes and Streptococcus pneumoniae in 11 (3.2%). Most of the hospitalized CAP patients were elderly with consolidative radiological patterns. The causal agent could be identified in less than a quarter of the patients, with the influenza test being the method with the highest diagnostic yield.

Neumonía adquirida en la comunidad / Community-acquired pneumonia

La neumonía adquirida en la comunidad ocurre en pacientes previamente sanos y su principal etiología es viral. Dentro de las etiologías bacterianas la principal en el recién nacido es el S. agalactiae y en los mayores es S. pneumoniae. Es la principal causa de muerte en niños menores de 5 años de edad en el mundo. Su diagnóstico se basa en la anamnesis y los hallazgos clínicos clásicos, pudiendo complementarse el estudio con radiografía de tórax e identificación viral con métodos rápidos. Su manejo depende de la etiología, y se indica antibioticoterapia (de elección amoxicilina v.o. o ampicilina e.v.) solo frente a la sospecha fundada de etiología bacteriana. Además se debe dar soporte según los requerimientos del paciente, incluyendo la hospitalización si cumple los criterios para ésta. La necesidad de cirugía está restringida principalmente para el manejo de empiemas.

Community acquired pneumonia occurs in previously healthy children and its ethnology is viral. Bacterial ethnology are S. agalactiaein neonates and S. pneumoniaein the olders. Is the main cause of death in children under 5 years of age. Diagnosis is made base on clinical features and chest X ray. Treatment depends on the etiology and antibiotics, preference oral amoxicilin or iv ampiciline, are indicated when a bacterial ethnology is suspected.

Ventilação mecânica na síndrome de Coffin-Lowry: relato de caso / Mechanical ventilation in Coffin-Lowry syndrome: a case report

RESUMO Descrevemos paciente de 27 anos com síndrome de Coffin-Lowry, com quadro de pneumonia comunitária grave, choque séptico e insuficiência respiratória. Sumarizamos a assistência ventilatória mecânica, bem como o período de internação em unidade de terapia intensiva.

ABSTRACT We describe a 27-year-old patient with Coffin-Lowry syndrome with severe community pneumonia, septic shock and respiratory failure. We summarize both the mechanical ventilatory assistance and the hospitalization period in the intensive care unit.

Hospitalización diurna como modelo de atención de salud en pacientes adultos inmunocompetentes con neumonía adquirida en la comunidad / Respiratory day hospital care for immunocompetent adult patients with community-acquired pneumonia

Background: Day hospitals can reduce health care costs without increasing the risks of patients with lower respiratory tract infection. Aim: To report the experience of a respiratory day hospital care delivered to adult patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in a public hospital. Material and Methods: During the fall and winter of 2011 and 2012, adult patients with CAP of intermediate risk categories were assessed in the emergency room, their severity was stratified according to confusion, respiratory rate, blood pressure, 65 years of age or older (CRB-65) score and the Chilean CAP Clinical Guidelines, and were admitted to the respiratory day hospital. Results: One hundred seventeen patients aged 67 ± 16 years, (62% females) with CAP were attended in the respiratory day hospital. Ninety percent had comorbidities, especially chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in 58%, heart disease in 32%, diabetes in 16% and asthma in 13%. Their most important risk factors were age over 65 years in 60%, comorbidities in 88%, failure of antibiotic treatment in 17%, loss of autonomy in 21%, vital sign abnormalities in 60%, mental confusion in 5%, multilobar CAP in 23%, pleural effusion in 15%, hypoxemia in 41% and a serum urea nitrogen over 30 mg/dL in 16%. Patients stayed an average of seven days in the day hospital with oxygen, hydration, chest physiotherapy and third-generation cephalosporins (89%) associated with quinolones (52%) or macrolides (4%). Thirteen patients required noninvasive ventilation, eight patients were hospitalized because of clinical deterioration and three died in hospital. Conclusions: Day hospital care reduced hospital admission rates of patients with lower respiratory tract infections.

Tratamento da pneumonia grave adquirida na comunidade no Brasil: análise secundária de um inquérito internacional / Management of severe community-acquired pneumonia in Brazil: a secondary analysis of an international survey

Objetivo: Avaliar a percepção dos médicos brasileiros quanto ao diagnóstico, à avaliação de gravidade, ao tratamento e à estratificação de risco em pacientes com pneumonia grave adquirida na comunidade, e compará-la com as diretrizes atuais. Métodos: Estudo transversal realizado por meio da aplicação de um questionário anônimo a uma amostra de médicos brasileiros especialistas em cuidados intensivos, medicina de emergência, medicina interna e pneumologia. Entre outubro e dezembro de 2008, foram avaliadas as atitudes dos médicos no diagnóstico, a avaliação de risco e as intervenções terapêuticas para pacientes com pneumonia grave adquirida na comunidade. Resultados: Responderam ao questionário 253 médicos, sendo 66% da Região Sudeste do Brasil. A maioria (60%) dos médicos que responderam tinha mais de 10 anos de experiência. Verificou-se que a avaliação de risco de pneumonia grave adquirida na comunidade foi muito heterogênea, sendo a avaliação clínica a forma de avaliação de risco mais frequente. As hemoculturas foram habitualmente realizadas por 75% dos médicos, entretanto, foi reconhecido seu fraco desempenho diagnóstico. Por outro lado, a pesquisa de antígenos urinários de Pneumococo e Legionella foi solicitada por menos de um terço dos médicos. A maioria (95%) prescreveu antibióticos de acordo com as diretrizes. A combinação de uma cefalosporina de terceira ou quarta geração com um macrolídeo foi a escolha mais comum. Conclusão: Este inquérito brasileiro demonstrou diferenças entre as diretrizes publicadas e a prática clínica. Isso leva à necessidade de se desenvolverem programas educacionais e de adoção de protocolos para implementar estratégias baseadas em evidências no manejo da pneumonia grave adquirida na comunidade. .

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate Brazilian physicians’ perceptions regarding the diagnosis, severity assessment, treatment and risk stratification of severe community-acquired pneumonia patients and to compare those perceptions to current guidelines. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional international anonymous survey among a convenience sample of critical care, pulmonary, emergency and internal medicine physicians from Brazil between October and December 2008. The electronic survey evaluated physicians’ attitudes towards the diagnosis, risk assessment and therapeutic interventions for patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia. Results: A total of 253 physicians responded to the survey, with 66% from Southeast Brazil. The majority (60%) of the responding physicians had > 10 years of medical experience. The risk assessment of severe community-acquired pneumonia was very heterogeneous, with clinical evaluation as the most frequent approach. Although blood cultures were recognized as exhibiting a poor diagnostic performance, these cultures were performed by 75% of respondents. In contrast, the presence of urinary pneumococcal and Legionella antigens was evaluated by less than 1/3 of physicians. The vast majority of physicians (95%) prescribe antibiotics according to a guideline, with the combination of a 3rd/4th generation cephalosporin plus a macrolide as the most frequent choice. Conclusion: This Brazilian survey identified an important gap between guidelines and clinical practice and recommends the institution of educational programs that implement evidence-based strategies for the management of severe community-acquired pneumonia. .

Tratamiento de las infecciones invasivas por Staphylococcus aureus meticilino resistente adquirido en la comunidad / Treatment of invasive infections due to community acquired methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Las infecciones por Staphylococcus aureus meticilino re-sistente adquirido en la comunidad (SAMR-AC) constituyen un pro-blema emergente debido a su elevada virulencia y gran capacidad de diseminación. Para las infecciones invasivas, las recomendaciones publicadas sugieren vancomicina como droga de elección. Sin em-bargo, no está claro si otras alternativas pudieran ser mejores en de-terminadas situaciones, o si el uso de combinaciones de antibióticos sería beneficioso. No se han realizado trabajos que sugieran que al-guna alternativa terapéutica sea preferible a otra para el tratamiento de pacientes con infecciones invasivas por SAMR-AC, por lo que las decisiones a tomar se basan en la extrapolación de datos de estudios realizados en otros contextos o en la opinión de expertos. Por tal mo-tivo, se presenta esta revisión, con el objeto de poner en manos de los infectólogos y otros especialistas la evidencia disponible, a fin de intentar encontrar las mejores alternativas de tratamiento para estas infecciones

Infections caused to community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus ( CA-MRSA ) is an emerging problem due to its high virulence and large capacity of spread. For invasive infections, published recommendations suggest vancomycin as the drug of choice. However, it is unclear whether other alternatives might be better in certain situations, or if the use of combinations of antibiotics would be beneficial. No studies has been done to suggest that any therapeutic alternative is better than another for the treatment of patients with invasive CA-MRSA infections, so the decisions you make are based on extrapolation of data from studies in other contexts or expert opinion. Therefore, this review is presented, in order to put in the hands of infectologist and others specialists the available evidence, in order to find the best treatment options for these infections

Costos económicos de neumonía adquirida en comunidad, meningitis y bacteriemia por Streptococcus pneumoniae en una población adulta que requirió hospitalización en Bogotá, Colombia / Economic cost of Streptococcus pneumoniae community-acquired pneumonia, meningitis and bacteremia in an adult population that required hospitalization in Bogotá, Colombia

Introducción. Las infecciones por Streptococcus pneumoniae en adultos se relacionan con neumonía, meningitis y bacteriemia. El costo de la atención en personas adultas no está bien documentado en Colombia, pero puede ser significativo. Objetivo. Analizar los costos asociados con la neumonía adquirida en comunidad, meningitis y bacteriemia por S. pneumoniae en adultos hospitalizados en Colombia y estimar el costo de la atención ambulatoria de esta neumonía. Servir de base para futuras evaluaciones económicas. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un estudio de costos directos asociados a neumonía adquirida en comunidad, meningitis y bacteriemia por S. pneumoniae confirmado por cultivos. Se tomó una muestra de conveniencia de adultos hospitalizados entre enero de 2010 y junio de 2011 en tres hospitales de tercer nivel de Bogotá. Se analizaron 107 registros y se obtuvieron 60 facturas cobradas al pagador. La información se clasificó por costos de atención y tratamiento. Para los casos ambulatorios de neumonía, el estimativo de costos se hizo utilizando metodología Delphi con expertos clínicos. Resultados. El promedio de los costos directos totales asociados con neumonía fue de Col$ 12´178.949, Col$ 7´533.187 para meningitis y Col$ 9´242.806 para bacteriemia. La neumonía se presentó en 70 % de los hombres y 30 % de las mujeres; la meningitis se distribuyó igual en ambos sexos (50 %) y la bacteriemia se presentó en 67 % de los hombres y 33 % de las mujeres. El costo por adulto de la atención ambulatoria de la neumonía adquirida en la comunidad se estimó en Col$ 106.174. Para casos especiales se incrementó a Col$ 164.695. Conclusión. La enfermedad neumocócica en adultos, especialmente mayores de 45 años, representa un alto costo por el empleo de medicamentos y la estancia hospitalaria, que causan un impacto en los recursos del sistema. La prevención y el tratamiento temprano de las neumonías pueden disminuir costos y reducir la carga de enfermedad.

Introduction: Streptococcus pneumoniae infection in adults is related to pneumonia, meningitis and bacteremia. Its care costs in adults are not well documented in Colombia and it has a greater impact in people over 45 years old. Objectives: The aims of this study were to analyze the associated costs of pneumonia, bacteremia and meningitis in invasive S. pneumoniae infection in Colombia among hospitalized adults and to estimate outpatient costs for community-acquired pneumonia. Additionally, we wanted to serve as a starting point for future economic evaluations. Materials and methods: We performed a direct cost study associated with S. pneumoniae outpatient community-acquired pneumonia, bacteremia and meningitis costs confirmed by cultures. A cohort of hospitalized adults treated between January 2010 and June 2011 in three third level hospitals in Bogotá was analyzed. We evaluated 107 records and 60 bills charged to the payer. The data were classified according to care and treatment costs. We performed an estimate of direct costs for community-acquired pneumonia for outpatient cases through Delphi methodology using expert clinicians. Results: The average direct costs associated with pneumococcal disease were US$ 6,283, US$ 3,886, and US$ 4,768 for pneumonia, meningitis and bacteremia, respectively (exchange rate 1 US$ = Col$ 1,938.34; average variation between 2010 and 2011). Pneumonia cases were 70% men and 30% women; the distribution for meningitis was the same for both genders (50%); and for bacteremia we had 67% men and 33% women. O utpatient cost of community-acquired pneumonia was estimated at US$ 82.2 ( Col $ 159,280 ) in adults. For special cases, direct cost increased to US$ 142 ( Col $ 274,427). Conclusions: The management of S. pneumoniae infection in people over 45 years old represents a high cost due to the use of drugs and hospitalization, which has a direct impact on health resources. Prevention and early treatment for pneumonia can reduce the cost and the burden of the disease.

Metodología de adaptación de una guía clínica para el manejo de pacientes adultos con neumonía adquirida en la comunidad en una red de salud privada / The adaptation methodology of a guideline for the management of adults with community-acquired pneumonia

Background: Clinical practice guidelines (CPG) are widely used as tools for improving quality of health care. Guidelines developed elsewhere, can be adapted using a valid and systematic process. Aim: To describe the methodology used in the process of adaptation of a guideline for the management of adults with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in a private health care organization. Material and Methods: We used the ADAPTE framework involving three main phases. At the set-up phase a guideline adaptation group integrated by medical specialists from different disciplines, a methodologist and a nurse coordinator was formed. At the adaptation phase, the specific clinical questions to be addressed by the guidelines were identified. Results: Twenty five guidelines were initially retrieved. After their assessment, the number was reduced to only three. Recommendations from these guidelines were 'mapped' and focused searches were carried out where 'evidence gaps' were identified. An initial draft was written and revised by the adaptation group. At the finalization phase, the external review of the guideline was carried out and a process for the regular review and update of the adapted guideline was defined. Conclusions: We developed a guideline for the management of adults with CAP, adapted to the local context of our health care system, using guidelines developed elsewhere. This guideline creation method can be an efficient means of saving professional resources.

Antibiotic treatment schemes for very severe community-acquired pneumonia in children: a randomized clinical study / Esquemas de tratamiento antibiótico para la neumonía extrahospitalaria muy grave en niños: estudio clínico aleatorizado

OBJECTIVE: To compare clinical response to initial empiric treatment with oxacillin plus ceftriaxone and amoxicillin plus clavulanic acid in hospitalized children diagnosed with very severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). METHODS: A prospective randomized clinical study was conducted among children 2 months to 5 years old with a diagnosis of very severe CAP in the pediatric ward of São Paulo State University Hospital in Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil, from April 2007 to May 2008. Patients were randomly divided into two groups by type of treatment: an oxacillin/ceftriaxone group (OCG, n = 48) and an amoxicillin/clavulanic acid group (ACG, n = 56). Analyzed outcomes were: time to clinical improvement (fever and tachypnea), time on oxygen therapy, length of stay in hospital, need to widen antimicrobial spectrum, and complications (including pleural effusion). RESULTS: The two groups did not differ statistically for age, sex, symptom duration before admission, or previous antibiotic treatment. Time to improve tachypnea was less among ACG patients than OCG patients (4.8 ± 2.2 versus 5.8 ± 2.4 days respectively; P = 0.028), as was length of hospital stay (11.0 ± 6.2 versus 14.4 ± 4.5 days respectively; P = 0.002). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups for fever improvement time, time on oxygen therapy, need to widen antimicrobial spectrum, or frequency of pleural effusion. CONCLUSIONS: Both treatment plans are effective in treating very severe CAP in 2-month-to 5-year-old hospitalized children. The only analyzed outcome that favored amoxicillin/clavulanic acid treatment was time required to improve tachypnea.

OBJETIVO: Comparar la respuesta clínica al tratamiento empírico inicial con oxacilina más ceftriaxona frente a amoxicilina más ácido clavulánico en niños hospitalizados con diagnóstico de neumonía extrahospitalaria muy grave. MÉTODOS: Se llevó a cabo un estudio clínico prospectivo aleatorizado en niños de 2 meses a 5 años de edad con diagnóstico de neumonía extrahospitalaria muy grave en la sala de pediatría del Hospital Universitario del Estado de São Paulo en Botucatu, São Paulo, Brasil, entre abril del 2007 y mayo del 2008. Los pacientes se dividieron aleatoriamente en dos grupos según el tratamiento administrado: un grupo recibió oxacilina/ceftriaxona (n = 48) y otro amoxicilina/ácido clavulánico (n = 56). Los criterios de valoración analizados fueron el tiempo hasta la mejoría clínica (de la fiebre y la taquipnea), el tiempo de administración de oxigenoterapia, la duración de la internación, la necesidad de ampliar el espectro antibiótico y las complicaciones (como el derrame pleural). RESULTADOS: Los dos grupos no presentaban diferencias estadísticas con respecto a la edad, el sexo, la duración de los síntomas antes de la internación o el tratamiento previo con antibióticos. El tiempo hasta la mejoría de la taquipnea fue menor en los pacientes tratados con amoxicilina/ácido clavulánico que en los que recibieron oxacilina/ceftriaxona (4,8 ± 2,2 días frente a 5,8 ±2,4 días, respectivamente; P = 0,028), y también fue menor la duración de la internación (11,0 ± 6,2 días frente a 14,4 ± 4,5 días, respectivamente; P = 0,002). No hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los dos grupos en relación con el tiempo hasta la mejoría de la fiebre, el tiempo de administración de oxigenoterapia, la necesidad de ampliar el espectro antibiótico ni la frecuencia de derrame pleural. CONCLUSIONES: Ambos esquemas de tratamiento son eficaces para tratar la neumonía extrahospitalaria muy grave en niños de 2 meses a 5 años de edad hospitalizados. El único criterio de valoración analizado que favoreció el tratamiento con amoxicilina/ ácido clavulánico fue el tiempo hasta la mejoría de la taquipnea.

The association between plasma D-dimer levels and community-acquired pneumonia

BACKGROUND: Plasma D-dimer levels are directly related to the intra- and extra-vascular coagulation that occurs in acute and chronic lung damage in patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). OBJECTIVES: This study examines the relationship between the severity of community-acquired pneumonia and D-dimer levels. In addition, the study examines the correlations among community-acquired pneumonia, the radiological extent of the disease and mortality. METHODS: The Pneumonia Severity Index was used to classify patients into five groups. Patients were treated at home or in the hospital according to the guidelines for community-acquired pneumonia. Blood samples were taken from the antecubital vein with an injector and placed into citrated tubes. After they were centrifuged, the samples were evaluated with the quantitative latex method. RESULTS: The study included 60 patients who had been diagnosed with community-acquired pneumonia (mean age 62.5 ± 11.7) and 24 healthy controls (mean age 59.63 ± 6.63). The average plasma D-dimer levels were 337.3 ± 195.1ng/mL in the outpatient treatment group, 691.0 ± 180.5 in the inpatient treatment group, 1363.2 ± 331.5 ng/mLin the intensive care treatment group and 161.3 ± 38.1ng/mL in the control group (p<0.001). The mean D-dimer plasma level was 776.1 ± 473.5ng/mL in patients with an accompanying disease and 494.2 ± 280.1 ng/mL in patients without an accompanying disease (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Plasma D-dimer levels were increased even in community-acquired pneumonia patients who did not have an accompanying disease that would normally cause such an increase.

Costos médicos directos de enfermedades neumocócicas invasoras y neumonías con diagnóstico radiológico en niños chilenos / Direct medical costs of invasive pneumococcal disease and radiologically-diagnosed pneumonia among Chilean children

OBJETIVOS: Determinar los costos médicos directos relacionados con la atención sanitaria de los casos de enfermedades neumocócicas invasoras (ENI) y neumonías adquiridas en la comunidad confirmadas mediante radiología (NAC-Rx) en niños chilenos. MÉTODO: Estudio de seguimiento prospectivo de las prestaciones de salud entregadas a 594 niños de 0 a 35 meses con ENI y 1489 niños de 1 a 35 meses con NAC-Rx, diagnosticados y tratados en establecimientos de la red pública de salud de la Región Metropolitana de Chile. Las prestaciones se valoraron según las tarifas del Fondo Nacional de Salud (FONASA) y los precios de dos clínicas privadas. Se estimó la incidencia nacional anual de ENI y NAC-Rx para calcular la carga económica total nacional de la población afiliada al seguro de salud estatal. RESULTADOS: Los costos promedio de los casos que requirieron hospitalización fueron US$ 1056,20 para las ENI y US$ 594,80 para las NAC-Rx, mientras que para los casos tratados en forma ambulatoria fueron US$ 77,70 y US$ 65,20, respectivamente. Los precios por los mismos servicios de internación fueron US$ 4484,10 y US$ 2962,70 en una de las clínicas privadas y US$ 9967,50 y US$ 6578,40 en la otra. El costo anual nacional estimado de la atención de los niños menores de 5 años según las tarifas de FONASA fue de US$ 789045 para las ENI y US$ 13823289 para las NAC-Rx. CONCLUSIONES: La alta demanda asistencial y económica por NAC-Rx en niños de 0 a 3 años es una razón de salud pública tremendamente poderosa que apoya el uso sistemático de la vacunación antineumocócica en niños chilenos.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the direct medical costs of health care services for cases of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) and pneumonia acquired in the community and confirmed by radiology (NAC-Rx) among Chilean children. METHODS: A prospective follow-up study of the health services delivered to 594 children 0-35 months of age with IPD and 1 489 children 1-35 months with NAC-Rx, diagnosed and treated by organizations within public health network of the Región Metropolitana de Chile. The value of the health services was established according to rates supplied by the Fondo Nacional de Salud (FONASA, the National Health Fund) and prices charged by two private clinics. The national IPD and NAC-Rx rates were estimated to calculate the total national economic burden for the population covered by state health insurance. RESULTS: The mean cost of cases requiring hospitalization was US$ 1056.20 for IPD and US$ 594.80 for NAC-Rx, while that of cases treated by out-patient services was US$ 77.70 and US$ 65.20, respectively. The cost of the same services for in-patient care at the private clinics was US$ 4484.10 and US$ 2962.70 at one clinic and US$ 9967.50 and US$ 6578.40 at the other. The estimated national annual cost of services for children under 5 years of age, according to FONASA rates, was US$ 789045 for IPD and US$ 13823289 for NAC-Rx. CONCLUSION: The high demand for services and financial resources for NAC-Rx in children 0-3 years of age is a tremendously powerful public health reason to support the routine use of pneumococcal vaccination in Chilean children.

Study of current management of community acquired pneumonia and strategies for improvement

To see that the patients admitted with community acquired pneumonia [CAP] are managed in accordance with British Thoracic society recommendations and guidelines. All patients admitted with Community-Acquired Pneumonia in medical wards admitted in large district general hospital setting in UK, were audited. The study period was between September and October 2002. Permission for the study was taken from the local hospital trust audit department. Seventy one sets of notes were reviewed leaving 38 patients appropriate for inclusion into the study. The findings observed in the record revealed that, Respiratory rate was not recorded in 36.8% [n=14] patients, level of confusion not recorded in 47.4% [n=18], Blood cultures not sent in 42.1% [n=16] patients, sputum not sent for culture in 47.4% [n=18] cases. Inappropriate antibiotics used 18.4% [n=7], treatment time of senior review not documented in 36.8% [n=14], radiographic findings not documented in 13% [n=5] cases. No follow up arrangements were made in 13.2% [n=5]. Average time of senor review was 6 hours and average time of antibiotic given after admission was 2 hours. This audit shows that even in a developed country with well-established guidelines for management of different diseases, guidelines for management of community-acquired pneumonia are not strictly adhered to. More efforts need to be made for dissemination and implementation of these guidelines

Cumplimiento con las guías nacionales en pacientes hospitalizados con neumonía adquirida en la comunidad: Resultados del estudio capo en Argentina / Adherence with National Guidelines in hospitalized patients with community-acquired pneumonia: Results of CAPO study in Argentina

Un comité de seis sociedades científicas en Argentina desarrolló guías para la atención de pacientes con neumonía adquirida en la comunidad (NAC). El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el nivel de cumplimiento con el cuidado recomendado en las guías nacionales en pacientes hospitalizados con NAC en Argentina. Usando indicadores de calidad, la atención de 436 pacientes hospitalizados en 12 centros de Argentina fue evaluada en las áreas de hospitalización, oxigenoterapia, terapia antibiótica empírica, terapia switch, alta hospitalaria y prevención. El nivel de cumplimiento fue clasificado como óptimo (>90%), intermedio (60% a 90%), y bajo (<60%). La selección de antibióticos empíricos y la administración dentro de las primeras ocho horas de admisión tuvieron una adherencia superior al 80%. Se identificó un nivel de cumplimiento bajo en las áreas del pasaje de antibióticos de la vía endovenosa a la vía oral (53%), la prevención con vacunación antineumocóccica (51%) y el ofrecimiento para dejar de fumar (29%). Usando indicadores de calidad se pueden identificar áreas específicas de atención en pacientes con NAC con un bajo nivel de cumplimiento con las guías nacionales. En Argentina se deben desarrollar inicialmente intervenciones enfocadas a mejorar el manejo del pasaje de antibióticos de la vía endovenosa a la vía oral y prevención de la NAC.

A committee of six scientific organizations from Argentina developed guidelines for the management of patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).The objective of this study was to evaluate the level of adherence with the recommended care suggested by the guidelines in patients hospitalized with CAP in Argentina. Using quality indicators the management of 436 patients who were hospitalized in 12 Argentinean institutions was evaluated. The care given among the following areas was reviewed: need for hospitalization, need for oxygen therapy, empiric antibiotic therapy, switch therapy, hospital discharge, and prevention. The level of adherence was classified as optimal (>90%), intermediate (60% to 90%), and low (<60%).The selection of the empiric antibiotic therapy and the administration of antibiotics between the first 8 hours after arrival had an adherence greater to 80%. A low level of adherence was found in the areas of switch therapy (53%), prevention of CAP with pneumococcal vaccine (51%) and smoking cessation offered (29%). Using quality indicators it is possible to identify specific areas of management in patients with CAP to a low level of adherence with national guidelines. In Argentina interventions to improve switch therapy and prevention of CAP should be developed.

Management of community acquired pneumonia in a teaching hospital: the role of established guidelines

In spite of established guidelines developed by the American Thoracic Society [ATS], Infectious Disease Society of America [IDSA] and Centers for Disease Control [CDC], there is no consensus among physicians regarding hospitalization and choice of antibiotics for management of community-acquired pneumonia [CAP]. This study was conducted to determine the percentage of patients appropriately assessed for admittance and the antibiotic treatment selections that were in accordance with the established guideline criteria. This retrospective chart review study was conducted at the National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease [NRITLD], Masih Daneshvari Hospital during 2005-2006. Patients with a definite diagnosis of CAP were selected and entered the study. The previous IDSA, ATS and CDC guidelines and the more recent IDSA/ATS CAP guidelines were all used to evaluate the management of patients admitted with CAP. Patients were excluded if information was not sufficient. A total of 31 patients were reviewed. Of the 31 patients included in the study, 24 [77%] could have been treated with outpatient regimens. Six of 31 cases [19%] had been treated with regimens consistent with all three [IDSA, ATS, and CDC] guidelines. Twelve of 31 cases [39%] had corresponded to the previous treatment recommendations from ATS. The management of the remaining 13 patients [42%] had not corresponded to any of the mentioned guidelines. When compared to the recently published joint guidelines of ATS/IDSA, 12 of 31 cases [39%] had appropriately corresponded to the treatment recommendations. According to this study only one fifth of the cases reviewed could have been treated on an inpatient basis. Considering the standard guidelines 42% of the patients did not follow the recommendations from evidence-based guidelines. The enforcement of guideline usage through education and surveillance in university hospital settings may be required. We suggest the use of evidence-based medicine in the treatment of CAP

Evaluación y manejo de la neumonía del adulto adquirida en la comunidad / Evaluation and management of the pneumonia in adults acquired within the community

La neumonía adquirida en la comunidad (NAC) constituye una causa frecuente de consulta ambulatoria, hospitalización y muerte en la población adulta de los países desarrollados y en vías de desarrollo. El espectro de gravedad de la enfermedad es muy variable, fluctuando desde pacientes jóvenes sin comorbilidad ni factores de riesgo de manejo ambulatorio hasta pacientes críticamente enfermos que requieren hospitalización en unidades de cuidado crítico. La evaluación clínica sistemática (anamnesis y examen físico) y los exámenes de laboratorio básicos (hemograma, proteína C reactiva, pruebas de función renal, radiografía de tórax) disponibles en la unidad de emergencia permiten que el médico establezca el diagnóstico clínico-radiográfico y evalúe la gravedad del enfermo, lo que le permitirá decidir el lugar de manejo, la extensión del estudio microbiológico y el tratamiento específico. Además, la identificación y el tratamiento de las complicaciones de la neumonía y la sepsis acompañante deberían ser considerados por el médico de la unidad de emergencia al evaluar pacientes críticamente enfermos.

Pneumonia is one of the most common conditions for which patients seek emergency care. It is a challenging infection in that the spectrum of illness ranges from the nontoxic patient appropriate for outpatient antibiotics treatment to the critically ill patient requiring intensive care hospitalization. Current data and diagnostic technology provide the emergency physician with the tools for an appropriately rapid evaluation and consideration of the differential diagnosis. The rational application of severity assessment tools and local clinical guidelines recently published allow for optimal empirical antibiotic treatment and risk stratification for the best disposition. Although antibiotic-resistant organisms increasingly are being identified, patients continue to benefit from early institution of standard emergency department treatment. Finally, identification and early treatment of the complications of pneumonia and accompanying sepsis must be considered by the emergency physicians when evaluating critically ill patients.

Manejo de la neumonía comunitaria del adulto mayor en el ámbito ambulatorio / Ambulatory management of community acquired pneumonia in the elderly

Community Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) is the first cause of death by respiratory disease in Chile and the first specific cause of death in people over 80 years of age. The geriatric population has a greater risk of suffering pneumonia, its complications and consequently dying. This is not only related to chronological age but also to certain factors related to ageing such as the presence of comorbidity, malnutrition, and cognitive impairment. An atypical presentation that delays the diagnosis and treatment also increases the risk of complications. CAP in the elderly is caused by the same pathogens that cause it in younger patients. S pneumoniae is the main pathogen followed by viral infections particularly in winter. An important strategy to reduce CAP related health costs, is the identification of patients who are at low risk of complications and who therefore could be managed at home. Optimum management of CAP in the elderly includes early diagnosis and the definition of clinical severity, early antibiotic treatment at the right dose and for an adequate length of time and a correct decision whether the patient should be managed in hospital or at home.