Outcome of Early Versus Late Surfactant Therapy in Preterm Neonates with Respiratory Distress Syndrome at a Tertiary Care Centre

Background: Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) or hyaline membrane disease (HMD), has been recognized as the most common co-morbidity of prematurity. Prematurity and RDS largely contribute to early neonatal morbidity and mortality. With adequate antenatal steroid and early continuous positive airway pressure, early surfactant therapy improve survival outcome.Material & Methods:Prospective interventional study included newborns with prematurity 28-36 weeks(GA) with clinical Respiratory distress syndrome and birth weight(BW)>650 gm. All subjects were preferably provided early surfactant therapy (within 2hours after birth). Surfactant (survanta) was delivered by INSURE technique (Intubate- Surfactant administration- Extubate) and only those who required further respiratory support were ventilated. Records on birth weight, gestational age, timing of therapy (early/late), sepsis, complications, and survival/death outcome were collected and data was analyzed using SSPS version 20 software.Results:Out of 76 neonates (42 male, 34 female), 46 received early surfactant therapy and 30 obtained it late; Although mortality was observed with both early(36.66%) and late therapy(63.33%), there was significantly higher survival with early therapy. higher mortality occurred in lower Birth weight(LBW) /Gestational age (GA) subgroups. Culture positive sepsis was found in 52.6% with higher association with late therapy . Hypotension was most common complication with late intervention , whereas there was no difference for pulmonary haemorrhage or apnea.Conclusion:Early surfactant administration improved survival with minimal complications in RDS except for extremely premature/LBW babies.

A potential syndemic effect associated with symptoms of depression among men who have sex with men

Introduction: Globally, depression rates are high among men who have sex with men (MSM). Multiple factors may interact synergistically to increase this risk. This analysis assessed the prevalence of symptoms of depression among MSM in Brazil and synergistic effects of several factors. Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted in 12 cities using respondent-driven sampling. Sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics were collected. The PHQ-9 was used to screen for depression. Having moderate-severe depressive symptoms was compared to none-mild using logistic regression. The syndemic factor was a composite of hazardous alcohol use, sexual violence, and discrimination due to sexual orientation. Those with one to three of these factors were compared to those with none. Results: The weighted prevalence of moderate-severe depressive symptoms was 24.9% (95%CI = 21.8-28.8) and 16.2%, 22.9%, 46.0% and 51.0% when none, one, two, or three syndemic factors were present, respectively, indicating a dose-response effect. Perception of HIV risk, high level of HIV knowledge, known HIV infection, and health self-rated as poor or very poor were also associated with depressive symptoms. Conclusion: The prevalence of moderate-severe depressive symptoms among MSM in Brazil is high, and selected factors act synergistically in increasing their prevalence. Public health policies should consider holistic depression prevention and treatment interventions for this population.

Concentración de lactato deshidrogenasa en grupos de edad pediátrica diferentes / Lactate dehydrogenase concentration in different pediatric age groups

La normalización del nivel de LDH en sangre se asocia con una mejor supervivencia en muchos estudios realizados en adultos, en niños y recién nacidos. El estudio tuvo como objetivo estimar la LDH para diferentes grupos de edad de pediatría. Se realizó un estudio observacional en Pediatrics Ward, Hospital General de Abu Ghraib, de enero de 2018 a diciembre de 2019. La muestra de estudio incluyó a 250 niños, su edad osciló entre 1 día y 16 años. Se calcularon los niños de ambos género con estos grupos de edad admitidos en Ward, y se calcularon LDH en sangre. La historia materna, la fiebre, la infección umbilical, la sollozo, la hipoxia, la sepsis y el síndrome de dificultad respiratoria (RDS) se documentaron en consecuencia. LDH medido como siguió: Recién nacido: 160 a 450 unidades por litro (unidades/L) y niño: 60 a 170 unidades/l. Dividimos la muestra a dos grupos, bebés recién nacidos (1 día a 1 año) y CHID (> 1 año a 16 años), y se documentaron las variables de estudio. La correlación de concentración y variables de LDH calculada. Se confirma el valor pronóstico del monitoreo de LDH en suero en serie para predecir la morbilidad y la mortalidad en los niños enfermos. Hay una correlación, aunque muy clara, entre los niveles de LDH en plasma con infección, asfixia y RDS

Normalisation of blood LDH level is associated with improved survival in many studies conducted in adults, in children and neonate. The study aimed to estimate the LDH for different pediatrics age groups. An observational study was conducted at Pediatrics ward, Abu Ghraib General Hospital, from January 2018 to December 2019. Study sample included 250 children; their age ranged from 1 day to 16 years. Children of both gender with these age groups admitted to ward, and blood LDH were calculated. The maternal history, fever, umbilical infection, SOB, hypoxia, sepsis, and respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) were documented accordingly. LDH measured as followed: New born: 160 to 450 units per litre (units/L) and child: 60 to 170 units/L. We divided sample to two-groups, newborn babies (1 day to 1 year) and chid (>1 year to 16 years), and the study variables were documented. The LDH concentration and variables correlation calculated. The prognostic value of serial serum LDH monitoring for predicting morbidity and mortality in sick children is confirmed. There is a correlation, although very clear, between the plasma LDH levels with infection, asphyxia, and RDS

Outcome of pre-term babies born in tertiary care institute

Background: Preterm babies' survival has improved with advances in neonatology care in this era. Even with advances in treatments, there is still morbidity and mortality among preterm. The objective of this study was to know the incidence of prematurity and complications seen in them.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted on all preterm babies born in Sapthagiri Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangalore, over period of one year from 1st August 2017 to July 2018.Results: Out of 500 babies born, 110 babies had RDS, among 110 babies 85 cases were preterm RDS babies included in study. Majority were males 55 (64.5%) and females 30 (35.2%). The gestational age group was maximum in the 28-32weeks,the most common morbidity noted was sepsis (77.7%) and RDS (22%). Death was 9(10.5%) only 4(4.7%) needed intervention in the form of CPAP.Conclusions: The study concluded that males were commonly affected by respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis was a common cause for morbidity and mortality. Inspite of advances in neonatology sepsis continues to be a leading cause of death. Proper hand cleansing has to be emphasized and reinforced to prevent sepsis in NICU. The best possible attempts to delay preterm delivery have to be followed. One should have a high index of suspicion and low threshold to treat sepsis in preterm.

A study of survival of very low birth weight neonates in a tertiary care hospital

Background: Preterm birth is one of the major clinical problems in Obstetrics and Neonatology as it is associated with perinatal mortality, serious neonatal morbidity and in some cases childhood disability. Very low birth weight (VLBW) neonates comprise between 4-8% of live-births but about one-third of deaths during the neonatal period occur in this group of newborns. Data on the probability of survival of infant in high risk pregnancies can be of great value in guiding management. The objective is to study the survival at discharge of VLBW neonates admitted in a tertiary care hospital.Methods: Retrospective observational study of all VLBW infants admitted in Aditya Hospital NICU over 3 years between 1-7-2011 to 30-6-2014. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis has been carried out in the present study.Results: In the present study maternal PROM was seen in 32.9% of cases, Preeclampsia in 31.7% of cases which constituted the most important antenatal risk factor for VLBW followed by multiple gestations in 25.2%. Common morbidities in VLBW neonates are Neonatal jaundice, Probable sepsis, Apnea of prematurity and RDS. Survival improved with increasing gestational age and weight.Conclusions: Birth weight and gestational age specifically predicts survival of preterm VLBW babies, facilitating decision making for obstetricians, neonatologists and parents. In the present study total survival rate was 86.6% with a mortality of 13.4%.

Correlation between amniotic fluid lamellar body concentrations at different gestational ages and respiratory distress syndrome

Background: Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) also known as hyaline membrane disease is the most common cause of respiratory failure in neonates. The risk of RDS rises in prematurity due to decreased production of surfactant. Lamellar bodies (LB) are storage form of surfactant and are actively secreted into the alveolar space and hence into the amniotic fluid. The objective of the present study was to find out correlation between amniotic fluid lamellar body concentrations (LBC) at different gestational ages and respiratory distress syndromeMethods: The study was a prospective observational study conducted over a period of 1 year at department of OBG, SDM college of medical sciences, Dharwad. All women undergoing caesarean section were included in the study. 5 ml of amniotic fluid was collected at the time of Caesarean section and sent to laboratory, Lamellar body concentrations (LBC) was counted in auto analyzer by platelet impedance counting. Incidence of RDS at different gestational age with an LBC cut off 40,500 was calculated.Results: Among 300 patients studied, Respiratory distress was seen in 116 (41.3%) of patients. LBC cut off of 40,500 was chosen. Out of 140 preterm babies, 121 (86.8%) had lamellar body count less than 40,500 and 19 (13.5%) had more than 40,500. There is significant correlation between decreasing lamellar body count in preterms and increasing incidence of RDS.Conclusions: LBC count increases with increasing gestational ages and is inversely proportional to the incidence of RDS in preterm newborns.

Effect of single dose and double dose antenatal corticosteroids on respiratory distress syndrome among preterm babies

Background: Respiratory distress syndrome occurs primarily in premature infants. The increased risk of RDS is associated with lower gestational age. The length of gestation is the primary factor that influences the risk of RDS the risk for development of RDS increases with maternal diabetes, multiple births, cesarean delivery, precipitous delivery, asphyxia, cold stress, and a maternal history of previously affected infants. Antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) significantly reduced neonatal morbidity and mortality when administered to women with imminent preterm delivery Antenatal steroids accelerate development of type 1 and type 2 pneumocytes, leading to structural and biochemical changes that improve both lung mechanics (maximal lung volume, compliance) and gas exchange. Induction of type 2 pneumocytes increases surfactant production by inducing production of surfactant proteins and enzymes necessary for phospholipid synthesis. Alveolisation occurs rapidly as a result of the antenatal corticosteroids Antenatal corticosteroid is usually administered for fetal lung maturity and can be expected to induce negative maternal and fetal side-effects hence this study was conducted to know the beneficial effect of single dose antenatal corticosteroids verses double doses antenatal corticosteroids. The Objective of the present study was to observe the effect of single dose and double dose antenatal corticosteroids on respiratory distress syndrome in preterm babies born to less than 37 weeks of gestation admitted under department of pediatrics at Raja Rajeswari medical college Hospital, Kambipura, Bangalore.Methods: There were 55 babies born to mothers who received single dose of antenatal corticosteroids and delivered at 12hrs before receiving 2nd dose antenatal corticosteroids and 55 babies born to mothers who received double dose of antenatal corticosteroids. Once baby is born, they compared for the requirement of surfactant.Results: Multiple course of steroids significantly reduced Respiratory distress syndrome.Conclusions: It was concluded that there was significant reduction in RDS in babies whose mother received complete course of antenatal corticosteroids.

HIV testing coverage among female sex workers, Brazil, 2016 / Cobertura de teste anti-HIV entre mulheres trabalhadoras do sexo, Brasil, 2016

ABSTRACT Introduction: Knowing the factors associated with periodic HIV testing among female sex workers (FSW) is essential to expand testing coverage and to broaden programs of treatment as prevention. Methods: We used data from 4,328 FSWs recruited by the respondent-driven sampling (RDS) method in 12 Brazilian cities in 2016. Data analysis considered the complex sampling design. The prevalence of HIV testing in the last year and periodic HIV test were estimated. Factors associated with regular HIV testing were identified through logistic regression models. Results: The testing coverage in the last year was 39.3%. Only 13.5% of FSW reported having performed a periodic HIV test in the last year. Among the factors associated with the higher probability of HIV testing in the last year were a better level of education, living with a partner, working indoors, consistent use of condoms, and regular use of public and private health services stood out. Discussion: Periodic HIV testing allows early diagnosis and immediate treatment of cases, reducing the chances of spreading the infection to the population. However, factors such as stigma and discrimination hinder the use of regular health services. Conclusion: It is necessary to expand awareness campaigns, especially among FSWs with low educational level and greater vulnerability, in order to broaden the perception of risk and the importance of periodic testing, in addition to encouraging regular health care.

RESUMO Introdução: Conhecer os fatores associados ao teste periódico de HIV no grupo de mulheres trabalhadoras do sexo (MTS) é fundamental para expandir a cobertura de testagem e ampliar os programas de tratamento como prevenção. Métodos: Foram utilizados dados de 4.328 MTS recrutadas pela metodologia respondent-driven sampling (RDS) em 12 cidades brasileiras em 2016. A análise de dados considerou o desenho complexo de amostragem. Foram estimadas as prevalências de realização do teste de HIV no último ano e do teste periódico. Através de modelos de regressão logística foram identificados fatores associados à testagem regular de HIV. Resultados: A cobertura de teste no último ano foi de 39,3%. Apenas 13,5% das MTS relataram ter realizado teste periódico de HIV no último ano. Entre os fatores associados à maior probabilidade de realização de teste de HIV no último ano, destacaram-se o melhor nível de instrução, o fato de morar com companheiro, trabalhar em lugares fechados, o uso consistente de preservativo, e o uso regular de serviço de saúde público e privado. Discussão: A realização periódica de teste de HIV possibilita o diagnóstico precoce e o tratamento imediato dos casos, reduzindo as chances de disseminação da infecção na população. Entretanto, fatores como estigma e discriminação dificultam o uso regular de serviços de saúde. Conclusão: É necessário expandir campanhas de conscientização, sobretudo entre as MTS de baixo nível de instrução e maior vulnerabilidade, a fim de ampliar a percepção de risco e da importância da testagem periódica, além de incentivar os cuidados regulares de saúde.

HIV/AIDS knowledge among MSM in Brazil: a challenge for public policies / Conhecimento sobre HIV/aids entre HSH no Brasil: um desafio para as políticas públicas

ABSTRACT Introduction: High level of HIV/AIDS knowledge is required for an effective adoption of preventive strategies. Objective: To assess HIV/AIDS knowledge among men who have sex with men (MSM) in 12 Brazilian cities. Methods: Respondent-Driven Sampling method was used for recruitment. HIV/AIDS knowledge was assessed by Item Response Theory. Difficulty and discrimination parameters were estimated, and the knowledge score was categorized in three levels: high, medium, and low. Logistic regression was used for analysis. Results: Among 4,176 MSM, the proportion of high level of knowledge was 23.7%. The following variables were positively associated with high knowledge (p < 0.05): age 25+ years old, 12+ years of schooling, white skin color, having health insurance, having suffered discrimination due to sexual orientation, having had a syphilis test, and having received educational material in the previous 12 months. Exchanging sex for money was negatively associated. Conclusions: The proportion of only 23.7% of high HIV/AIDS knowledge was low. We should note that the only potential source of knowledge acquisition associated with high level of knowledge was receiving educational materials. Our study indicates the need for expansion of public prevention policies focused on MSM and with more effective communication strategies, including the development of knowledge that involves motivation and abilities for a safer behavior.

RESUMO Introdução: Alto nível de conhecimento sobre HIV/aids é necessário para uma efetiva adoção de estratégias preventivas. Objetivo: Avaliar o nível de conhecimento sobre HIV/aids entre homens que fazem sexo com homens (HSH) de 12 cidades brasileiras. Metodologia: O método Respondent-Driven Sampling foi utilizado para recrutamento. O conhecimento sobre HIV/aids foi avaliado por meio de 12 perguntas e analisados pela Teoria de Resposta ao Item. Foram estimados os parâmetros de dificuldade e discriminação e o escore de conhecimento categorizado em três níveis: alto, médio e baixo. Regressão logística foi utilizada para a análise. Resultados: Do total de 4.176 HSH, a proporção de alto nível de conhecimento foi de 23,7%. Estiveram associados positivamente (p < 0,05) com o alto conhecimento: idade 25+ anos, escolaridade 12+ anos, cor da pele branca, ter plano de saúde, ter sofrido discriminação devido à orientação sexual, ter realizado teste para sífilis e recebido material educativo nos últimos 12 meses. Ter recebido dinheiro por sexo esteve negativamente associado. Conclusões: A proporção de apenas 23,7% de alto nível de conhecimento sobre HIV/aids foi baixa. Destaca-se que a única potencial fonte formal de aquisição de conhecimento associada com alto nível de conhecimento foi receber material educativo. Este estudo aponta a necessidade de expandir as políticas públicas de prevenção focadas no segmento HSH e com estratégias de comunicação mais eficazes, incluindo o desenvolvimento de conhecimento que envolva motivação e habilidade para um comportamento mais seguro.

Reseña del estudio "LINKS": Factores asociados a la infección por VIH en hombres que tienen sexo con hombres de Buenos Aires, Argentina / Review of the "LINKS" study: Factors associated with HIV infection in men who have sex with men in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Este artículo resume resultados publicados del proyecto LINKS. Un to-tal de 500 hombres que tienen sexo con hombres se incluyeron en un estudio de factores asociados a la infección por VIH, utilizando la meto-dología de Muestreo Dirigido por los Participantes (Respondent Driven Sampling, RDS, en inglés). El 24,5 % se identificó como homosexual, 36,2 % como bisexual, 21,9 % como heterosexual y 17,4 % como "otro". El 33 % de los participantes reportó haber tenido relaciones sexuales con hombres, mujeres y mujeres trans durante los 2 meses previos. La prevalencia de VIH, hepatitis B y sífilis fue de 17,3 %, 22,9 % y 20,5 %, respectivamente. Los participantes que sólo reportaron parejas sexua-les masculinas tuvieron prevalencias significativamente mayores. Más de dos tercios reportaron coito anal o vaginal sin protección durante los últimos dos meses. El 52 % nunca se había realizado el diagnóstico de VIH. El 25 % informó consumo ex-cesivo de alcohol y 34 % poli-consumo de drogas du-rante los dos meses previos. El 18 % de participantes reportó una experiencia sexual antes de los 13 años con una pareja al menos cuatro años mayor de edad. La aceptabilidad de los microbicidas y de la prueba casera del VIH fue alta

Autophagy and cardiocyte apoptosis after heterotopic transplantation of the mouse heart preserved in high-pressured mixed gas / 医学研究生学报

Objective Heart transplantation is an effective treatment of end-stage heart diseases and extending the time of donor heart preservation helps to make up for the shortage of donor hearts. This study was to investigate whether high-pressured mixed gas ( HPMG) of carbon monoxide and oxygen could prolong the time of donor heart preservation and its mechanisms. Methods Forty-eight C57BL/6 male mice aged 4-6 weeks were randomly divided in-to four groups of equal number:control ( the donor heart isolated but not transplanted) , immediate transplantation ( the donor heart transplanted right after isolated) , HTK-preservation ( the donor heart preserved in histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate solution for 24 hours after isolated, and HPMG preservation ( the donor heart preserved in an HPMG chamber with the oxygen partial pressure of 3200 hPa and carbon monoxide partial pressure of 800 hPa for 24 hours after isolated) .Another 36 recipient mice aged 6-8 weeks were randomly assigned to receive the donor heart immediately after harvested (n=12), preserved in HTK solution (n=12), or preserved in HPMG (n=12).At 2 hours after transplantation, the status of heart re-beating and cardiac function were compared among different groups of recipient mice.At 24 hours, tissues were taken from the transplanted hearts for examination of pathologic changes by HE stai-ning, detection of the apoptosis of cardiac cells by TUNEL, and determination of the expressions of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 -Ⅱ(LC3-Ⅱ) and B cell lymphoma/leukemia-2 (Bcl-2) by Western blot. Resul ts The re-beating rates of the imme-diately transplanted and HPMG-preserved hearts were significantly higher than that of the HTK-preserved ones (P<0.05).At 2 hours after transplantation, the cardiac function scores were 2.5 (2.0-2.9), 0.8 (0.5-1.0), and 4.5 (4.0-4.5) in the immediate implantation, HPMG-preservation and HTK-preservation groups respectively, with statistically significant differences between any two groups (P<0.05).The expressions of LC3-Ⅱand Bcl-2 were 2.06 ±0.29 and 0.87 ±0.18 in the HPMG-preserved heart recipients and 1.24 ±0.20 and 2.07 ±0.32 in the immediately transplanted heart recipients, both higher than 0.13 ±0.03 and 0.19 ±0.02 in the controls and 0.16 ±0.06 and 0.26 ±0.08 in the HTK-preserved heart recipients (P<0.05), the Bcl-2 higher in the HTK-pre-served heart recipients than in the controls (P<0.05), and the LC3-Ⅱ expression higher in the HPMG-preserved heart recipients than in the immediately transplanted heart recipients (P<0.05).HE staining showed that cell edema and inflammatory cell infiltration were more obvious in the HPMG-preserved heart recipients than in the controls and immediately transplanted heart recipients but less obvious than in the HTK-preserved heart recipients.The rate of cell apoptosis was dramatically increased in the HPMG-and HTK-pre-served heart recipients ([5.04 ±1.77]%and [26.72 ±5.23]%) in comparison with the controls ([1.08 ±0.56]%) (P<0.01) and immediately transplanted heart recipients ([2.13 ±1.71]%) (P<0.01) but decreased in the HPMG as compared with the HTK-preserved heart recipients (P<0.01). Conclusion High-pressured mixed gas preservation can reduce cold ischemia-reperfu-sion injury of the donor heart, which may be associated with its promotion of autophagy, provision of energy to cells, and apoptosis of cardiocytes in the donor heart.

Gene Cloning, Expression and Immunogenicity of the Protective Antigen Subolesin in Dermacentor silvarum

Subolesin (4D8), the ortholog of insect akirins, is a highly conserved protective antigen and thus has the potential for development of a broad-spectrum vaccine against ticks and mosquitoes. To date, no protective antigens have been characterized nor tested as candidate vaccines against Dermacentor silvarum bites and transmission of associated pathogens. In this study, we cloned the open reading frame (ORF) of D. silvarum 4D8 cDNA (Ds4D8), which consisted of 498 bp encoding 165 amino acid residues. The results of sequence alignments and phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that D. silvarum 4D8 (Ds4D8) is highly conserved showing more than 81% identity of amino acid sequences with those of other hard ticks. Additionally, Ds4D8 containing restriction sites was ligated into the pET-32(a+) expression vector and the recombinant plasmid was transformed into Escherichia coli rosetta. The recombinant Ds4D8 (rDs4D8) was induced by isopropyl beta-D-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG) and purified using Ni affinity chromatography. The SDS-PAGE results showed that the molecular weight of rDs4D8 was 40 kDa, which was consistent with the expected molecular mass considering 22 kDa histidine-tagged thioredoxin (TRX) protein from the expression vector. Western blot results showed that rabbit anti-D. silvarum serum recognized the expressed rDs4D8, suggesting an immune response against rDs4D8. These results provided the basis for developing a candidate vaccine against D. silvarum ticks and transmission of associated pathogens.

Eficacia y eficiencia de los surfactantes pulmonares en recién nacidos con síndrome de dificultad respiratoria en la unidad de cuidado intensivo neonatal de la Fundación Cardiovascular de Colombia, enero de 2009 - abril de 2011 / Effectiveness and Efficiency of Pulmonary Surfactants in Infants with Respiratory Distress Syndrome at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the Colombian Cardiovascular Foundation, January 2009 - April 2011 / Eficácia e eficiência do surfactante pulmonar em recém-nascidos com síndrome de desconforto respiratório na UTI neonatal da Fundação Cardiovascular da Colômbia, janeiro de 2009 – abril de 2011

Para estimar la eficacia y eficiencia de los surfactantes pulmonares utilizados en los recién nacidos con síndrome de dificultad respiratoria en la Fundación Cardiovascular de Colombia sediseñó un estudio observacional, descriptivo. Se analizaron las historias clínicas de los recién nacidos hospitalizados allí entre enero de 2009 y abril de 2011 y se calcularon los indicadores de eficacia y eficiencia para cada surfactante. El medicamento más eficaz y eficiente para estos pacientes, cuando se analizaron datos globales, fue el survanta; su tratamiento requiere menos dosis, es más económico, genera menos días de estancia en unidad de cuidados intensivos y menos días de ventilación mecánica. Para algunos casos resultó ser más eficaz el infasurf que el survanta; causo menos extubaciones fallidas en recién nacidos con bajo peso y menos complicacionesdurante el tratamiento...

To estimate the effectiveness and efficiency of pulmonary surfactants used in infants with respiratory distress syndrome at the Colombian Cardiovascular Foundation, we designed an observational, descriptive study. We analyzed the medical records of newborns hospitalized in this institution between January 2009 and April 2011 and calculated the effectiveness and efficiency indicators for each surfactant. After analyzing aggregate data, we found that the most efficient and effective medication for these patients was Survanta. It requires fewer doses per treatment, is more economical, and generates fewer days in the intensive care unit and fewer days of mechanical ventilation. In some cases, however, Infasurf was more effective than Survanta, caused less extubation failure in infants with low birth weight and fewer complications during treatment...

Para estimar a eficácia e a eficiência dos surfactantes pulmonares utilizados nos recém- nascidos com síndrome de desconforto respiratório na Fundação Cardiovascular da Colômbia desenhouseum estudo observacional descritivo. Analisaram-se os protuários dos recém-nascidos internados entre janeiro de 2009 e abril de 2011 e foram calculados os indicadores de eficáciae eficiência de cada surfactante. O medicamento mais eficaz e eficiente para esses pacientes, quando analisados dados agregados, foi o survanta; seu tratamento requer doses menores, émais econômico, gera menos dias de estância na unidade de tratamento intensivo e menos dias de ventilação mecânica. Para alguns casos resultou mais eficaz o infasurf do que o survanta;causou menos extubações falhadas em recém-nascidos com baixo peso e menos complicações durante o tratamento...

Participação seletiva em um inquérito RDS entre HSH no Ceará, Brasil: avaliação quali-quantitativa / Selective participation in a RDS survey among MSM in Ceará, Brazil: a qualitative and quantitative assessment

Introduction: Respondent Driven Sampling (RDS) was used to conduct a biological and behavioral surveillance survey (BBSS) in Fortaleza, Brazil in 2005 among men who have sex with men (MSM). The study recruited many more MSM of lower social classes than Time Location Sampling and Snowball Sampling studies conducted in Fortaleza previously by the study team. Although poorer MSM are arguably more important for public health purposes,a surveillance method should provide information about all of the MSM population at risk. Objective: to explore reasons for low participation of higher social class MSM in the BBSS. Methods: RDS was used to recruit 406 MSM in Fortaleza, 2005. Data were analysed using the RDSAT to adjust for network size and recruitment patterns. A small-scale qualitative debriefing with eight higher social economic status (SES) MSM and staff from two Brazilian NGOs was also conducted to understand why they did not participate in the cross-sectional study. Results: of the 406 participants, more than half (56.1%) of MSM were less than 25 years old. Only 7.0% were of high SES. This paper found that the differential recruitment of higher social classes is due to: sitingof the offices in a poor downtown area, insufficient incentives, NGOs associated with lower SES MSM, lack of solidarity among MSM, traditional classand wealth divides, fear of discrimination, and concerns about testing in general and the confidentiality of test results in particular. Because network links between high and low SES MSM appear to be minimal, the failure should not be attributed solely to RDS's networking sampling methodology. Conclusion:operational, cultural, and socio-economic factors are barriers to the participation of high SES MSM. Strategies to enhance representative ness include additional formative research to explore the inclusiveness of networks, strategies to respond to the needs of higher SES MSM and encourage participation.

Introdução: o método Respondent Driven Sampling (RDS) foi utilizado para realizar a vigilância comportamental de segunda geração (BSS), em Fortaleza,Brasil, em 2005, entre homens que fazem sexo com homens (HSH). O estudo recrutou mais HSH de classes sociais mais pobres do que os estudos usandoTime Location Sampling e Snowball no mesmo município previamente. Embora HSH de classe social mais baixa sejam tidos como de maior importância em saúde pública, os métodos de vigilância devem prover informações a respeito de toda esta população sob risco. Objetivo: explorar as razões para a baixa participação dos HSH de classe social mais elevada no BBS. Métodos: RDS foi utilizado para recrutar 406 HSH em Fortaleza, em 2005. Os dados foram analisados utilizando o software RDSAT para ajustar para o tamanho da rede social e padrões de recrutamento. Um estudo qualitativo de debriefingem pequena escala com oito HSH de maior status socioeconômico (SSE) e ativistas de duas ONGs também foi conduzido para entender por que estesHSH não participaram do estudo transversal. Resultados: dos 406 participantes, mais da metade (56,1%) tinha menos de 25 anos. Apenas 7,0% dos HSH recrutados eram de SSE alto. Este trabalho constatou que a diferença na representação de classe social mais elevada foi devida à: localização dos locais de estudo em uma área pobre, incentivos insuficientes, ONGs foram associadas com HSH de SSE menor, falta de solidariedade entre os HSH, diferenças de classe social e riqueza, medo de discriminação, preocupações sobre testes, em geral, e à confidencialidade dos resultados dos testes, em particular. Porque as conexões entre as redes dos HSH de SSE alto e baixo parecem ser mínimas, a falha do recrutamento não pode ser atribuída somente à metodologia RDS de amostragem em redes. Conclusão: fatores operacionais, culturais e socioeconômicos foram barreiras para a participação de HSH de SSE alto. Estratégias para aumentar a representatividade dos mesmos incluem pesquisa formativa adicional para explorar o quanto as redes são inclusivas e as estratégias para responder às necessidades dos HSH de SSE alto e encorajar sua participação.

El muestreo dirigido por los entrevistados (MDE) para acceder a poblaciones en condiciones de vulnerabilidad frente al VIH: su aplicación en grupos de hombres que tienen sexo con hombres: [revisión] / Respondent-driven sampling (rds) as a new method to access vulnerable populations to hiv: its application in men who have sex with men: [review]

La infección por el VIH afecta a cerca de 30 millones de personas, de las cuales las más vulnerables son los trabajadores del sexo, usuarios de drogas inyectables, personas transgénero y los hombres que tienen sexo con otros hombres (HSH). Los estudios de ITS y VIH realizados con muestreos intencionales como la bola de nieve no logran alcanzar representatividad ni posibilidad de inferencia al resto de la población. A esta limitación se suma el desconocimiento de los tamaños poblacionales de estos grupos, dados el estigma y la discriminación que enfrentan. Hace una década se diseñó un nuevo método de muestreo para acceder a estas poblaciones, basado en lasteorías de Markov y del reclutamiento en cadena. El método se conoce en español como muestreo dirigido por los entrevistados (mde) y se ha implementado en diversos estudios de vih. Este artículo de revisión presenta los antecedentes, los fundamentos teóricos y el método propiamente dicho, y analiza algunos estudios llevados a cabo con esta nueva metodología.

Approximately 30 million people are living with HIV all aroundthe world in 2010. The most vulnerable HIV/aids groups are sex workers, intravenous drug users, transgender people and populationof men who have sex with men (MSM). Up to now, the surveillance and behavioral studies on sexual transmitted diseases (STI) and HIV have been conducted using intentional sampling methods like the snowball methodology, but this kind of sampling does not achieve representation and does not represent a conclusive method for the study of hidden populations in order to extend and apply its results to the general population. Furthermore, it is necessary to add to this limitation the lack of knowledge about the size of these groups that must face situations of stigma and discrimination. A decade ago a new method was designed to sample hidden and hard to reach populations based on Markov theories and on chain recruitment. This new method is known as respondent-driven sampling (RDS) and it has been used in several behavioral and HIV prevalence studies. This review article presents the background, the theoretical support and a description of the method. It also analyzes some studies carried out using this new methodology.

Association between Maternal and Cord Blood Interleukin-10 (-819T/C and -592A/C) Gene Polymorphisms and Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Preterm Korean Infants

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the genotype frequencies of interleukin 10 (IL-10) gene polymorphisms and to investigate their association with the risk of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in preterm Korean infants. METHODS: Two hundred fourteen preterm infants born at Ewha Womans University Mok Dong Hospital between November 2003 and July 2008 were studied. The cord blood of preterm neonates and the corresponding maternal blood were analyzed by PCR for IL-10 gene (IL-10 -1082A/G, -819T/C, and -592A/C) polymorphisms. The clinical data of patients were collected retrospectively by chart review. RESULTS: The genotype frequencies of IL-10 genes in Korean mothers with preterm infants differ from other reports. The prevalence of two promoter SNPs of the IL-10 cytokine gene was similar but none had the IL-10-1082GG homozygote. Multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated the risk of RDS to be significantly lower in the infants of the mothers with an IL-10-592AC/CC genotype than in those with an AA genotype (P= 0.033). The risk of RDS was significantly lower in the mother with an IL-10-819TC/CC genotype than in those with a TT genotype (P=0.030). However, IL-10 polymorphisms in the cord blood were not significantly different in preterm infants with RDS compared with the preterm infants without RDS. When we compared the incidence of RDS and each IL-10 A-1082G/T-819C/A-592C haplotype, the ACC haplotype had a protective effect on RDS (P=0.007). CONCLUSION: We conclude that the maternal IL-10-592A/C and IL-10-819T/C polymorphisms may have a role in the development of the RDS in preterm infants.

Plasma L-Arginine Concentration, Oxygenation Index and Pulmonary Artery Pressure in Premature Infants with Respiratory Distress Syndrome

PURPOSE: This study was performed to observe the relationship of plasma L-arginine level and the severity of disease and pulmonary artery pressure in respiratory distress syndrome of premature infants. METHODS: Peripheral blood samples were obtained at 1st, 3rd and 7th day from 21 premature in fants with respiratory distress syndrome to analyze the L-arginine concentration. Oxygenation index (OI), an indicator of the severity of the disease, was calculated at the same time of the blood sampling. And pulmonary artery pressure was measured by Doppler echocardiography at each period. Plasma L-arginine level, OI and right ventricular systolic time interval(RVSTI) were analyzed. RESULTS: Plasma L-arginine concentration of the 1st day was lower than 3rd and 7th day. OI and RVSTI were significantly correlated with each other(r=0.772, P<0.01). Plasma L- arginine level was correlated with oxygenation index(r=-0.346, P<0.01) and RVSTI(r=-0.416, P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Plasma L-arginine level was lowest in the 1st day during the study period. Plasma L- arginine concentration correlated significantly with the severity of respiratory distress syndrome and pulmonary artery pressure in premature infants.

Differential Response of Surfactant Protein-A Genetic Variants to Dexamethasone Treatment

PURPOSE: Surfactant protein A(SP-A) is involved in surfactant physiology and structure, and plays a major role in innate host defense and inflammatory processes in the lung. Steroid therapy is widely used for mothers who threaten to deliver prematurely and also used commonly in the management of preterm infants with chronic lung disease. Two SP-A genes(SP-A1, SP-A2) and several alleles have been characterized for each SP-A gene in human. Preliminary evidence indicates that differences may exist among alleles in response to Dexamethasone(Dexa) and that the SP-A 3'UTR plays a role in this process. We studied whether 3'UTR-mediated differences exist among the most frequently found SP-A alleles in response to Dexa. METHODS: Constructs containing the 3'UTR from eight different SP-A alleles were made using luciferase as a the reporter gene. These constructs were driven by the SV40 promotor and were transfected along with a transfection control vector in H441 cells that express SP-A. The activity of the reporter gene in the presence or absence of Dexa(100 nM) treatment was measured. All the experiments for the eight SP-A alleles studied, were performed in triplicate and repeated five times. The results were normalized to the transfection control. RESULTS: Expression of alleles of 6A3, 6A, 1A were significantly decreased in response to Dexa. CONCLUSION: Three UTR mediated differences exist among human SP-A variants both in the basal expression and in response to Dexa. These genotype-dependent differences may point to a need for a careful consideration of individual use of steroid treatment in the prematurely born infant.

Allele Distribution and Frequency of Human Surfactant Protein-A2 in Korean Neonates

PURPOSE: We evaluated allele frequencies and distribution of surfactant protein A2(SP-A2) in Korean neonates in order to estimate the prevalence of RDS, to find out new SP-A alleles, and to establish new steroid therapy. METHODS: Genomic DNA was extracted from 71 neonates and served as a template in PCR for genotype analysis. SP-A gene-specific amplications and gene-specific allele determinations were performed using PCR-cRFLP methods. RESULTS: The distribution for the alleles of the SP-A2 gene in the study population was 1A, 1A0, 1A1, 1A2, 1A3, 1A5, 1A6, 1A7, 1A8, 1A9, 1A11, 1A12. The specific frequencies for the alleles of the SP- A2 gene in the study population were : 1A=11.3%, 1A0=38%, 1A1=12.7%, 1A2=9.2%, 1A5=15.5%, 1A7= 2.9%, 1A8=4.9%, 1A9=2.2%, others=3.3%. CONCLUSION: The frequency of 1A0 was higher than the other SP-A2 alleles in Korean neonates. This finding suggests that the prevalence of RDS in Korea may be low compared with other countries. However, this finding also suggests that Korean neonates have a high risk of infection.