Evolución clínico funcional de pacientes con fibrosis quística tratados con lumacaftor/ivacaftor en un centro pediátrico. Serie de casos / Clinical and functional course of patients with cystic fibrosis treated with lumacaftor/ivacaftor at a children's hospital. A case series

Los moduladores de la proteína reguladora transmembrana de fibrosis quística (CFTR) tratan el defecto de esta proteína. El objetivo es describir la evolución de niños con fibrosis quística tratados con lumacaftor/ivacaftor. Se trata de una serie de 13 pacientes de 6 a 18 años con ≥ 6 meses de tratamiento. Se analizaron el volumen espiratorio forzado en el primer segundo (VEF1), puntaje Z del índice de masa corporal (IMC), antibioticoterapia/año, antes del tratamiento y durante 24 meses posteriores. A los 12 meses (9/13) y 24 meses (5/13), la mediana de cambio del porcentaje del predicho VEF1 (ppVEF1) fue de 0,5 pp [-2-12] y 15 pp [8,7-15,2], y del puntaje Z de IMC de 0,32 puntos [-0,2-0,5] y 1,23 puntos [0,3-1,6]. El primer año (11/13) la mediana de días de uso de antibiótico disminuyó de 57 a 28 (oral) y de 27 a 0 (intravenoso). Dos niños evidenciaron eventos adversos asociados.

Cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) modulators treat defective CFTR protein. Our objective is to describe the course of children with cystic fibrosis treated with lumacaftor/ivacaftor. This is a case series of 13 patients aged 6 to 18 years with ≥ 6 months of treatment. Forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), body mass index (BMI) Z-score, antibiotic therapy/year, before treatment and for 24 months after treatment were analyzed. At 12 months (9/13) and 24 months (5/13), the median change in the percent predicted FEV1 (ppFEV1) was 0.5 pp (-2­12) and 15 pp (8.7­15.2) and the BMI Z-score was 0.32 points (-0.2­0.5) and 1.23 points (0.3­1.6). In the first year, in 11/13 patients, the median number of days of antibiotic use decreased from 57 to 28 (oral) and from 27 to 0 (intravenous). Two children had associated adverse events.

Síndrome de Sweet posinfeccioso

El síndrome de Sweet es un tipo de dermatosis neutrofílica infrecuente, caracterizado por un cuadro febril agudo con aparición de lesiones en piel tipo pápulas y placas eritematosas y dolorosas, con neutrofilia periférica acompañante, que mejora con el uso de corticoides. Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 22 años, con vitíligo como enfermedad de base, que acude por un cuadro de 1 semana de evolución de sensación febril no graduada y aparición insidiosa de lesiones en piel foto expuesta. Se realizó estudios laboratoriales e histopatológicos llegando al diagnóstico de síndrome de Sweet. Con los resultados de los estudios paraclínicos se inició tratamiento con corticoides sistémicos y tópicos con excelente respuesta.

Sweet syndrome is a rare type of neutrophilic dermatosis, characterized by an acute febrile picture with the appearance of painful erythematous papules and plaques on the skin, with accompanying peripheral neutrophilia, which improves with the use of corticosteroids. The case of a 22-year-old patient, with vitiligo as the underlying disease, is presented. She attended for a 1-week history of ungraded feverish sensation and insidious appearance of lesions on photo-exposed skin. Laboratory and histopathological studies were carried out, leading to the diagnosis of Sweet syndrome. With the results of the paraclinical studies, treatment with systemic and topical corticosteroids was started with an excellent response.

Rinovirus y metapneumovirus en pacientes con infección respiratoria aguda grave / Rhinovirus and metapneumovirus in patients with severe acute respiratory infection

Introducción. Los virus son los principales agentes etiológicos en las infecciones respiratorias agudas graves; un alto porcentaje queda sin diagnóstico viral. Objetivo. Describir la frecuencia de rinovirus y metapneumovirus en pacientes pediátricos de una unidad centinela de Mar del Plata con infección respiratoria aguda grave y resultado negativo para virus clásicos por inmunofluorescencia y biología molecular. Población y métodos. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal. Se evaluó la presencia de rinovirus y metapneumovirus por biología molecular en 163 casos negativos para panel respiratorio por técnicas de vigilancia referencial, durante todo el año 2015. Resultados. Se detectó rinovirus en el 51,5 % de los casos, metapneumovirus en el 9,8 % y coinfección rinovirus-metapneumovirus en el 6,1 %. Fueron negativos para ambos virus el 32,5 %. Conclusiones. La selección de muestras sin diagnóstico virológico permitió identificar rinovirus y metapneumovirus como agentes causales de infecciones respiratorias agudas graves pediátricas y su impacto en la morbimortalidad infantil y en nuestro sistema sanitario.

Introduction. Viruses are the main etiologic agents involved in severe acute respiratory tract infections; a viral diagnosis is not established in a high percentage of cases. Objective. To describe the frequency of rhinovirus and metapneumovirus in pediatric patients with severe acute respiratory infection and negative results for typical viruses by immunofluorescence and molecular biology at a sentinel unit of Mar del Plata. Population and methods. This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study. The presence of rhinovirus and metapneumovirus was assessed by molecular biology in 163 cases negative for respiratory panel by referral surveillance techniques throughout 2015. Results. Rhinovirus was detected in 51.5% of cases, metapneumovirus in 9.8%, and coinfection with rhinovirus and metapneumovirus in 6.1%. Results were negative for both viruses in 32.5%. Conclusions. The selection of samples without a viral diagnosis allowed us to identify rhinovirus and metapneumovirus as causative agents of severe acute respiratory infections in children and assess their impact on child morbidity and mortality and on our health care system

Bacterial Isolates Of The Respiratory Tract Infection And Their Current Sensitivity Pattern Among Patients Admitted In Tertiary Care Hospital.

Background & Objectives: This study was aimed to observe the susceptibility pattern of bacterial isolates from respiratory tract infection (RTI). Respiratory tract infection is considered as one of the major public health problems and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in many developing countries. Respiratory tract is the part of the human system that plays a vital role in breathing processes. In human, the respiratory system can be subdivided into an Upper respiratory tract and a Lower respiratory tract based on anatomical features. The respiratory tract is constantly exposed to microbes due to the extensive surface area. The present study was conducted retrospectively for a periodMethods: of one year November 2021 to October 2022. All respiratory specimens included Sputum, BAL, throat swab; endotracheal aspirate specimens were collected aseptically from patients and cultured on the appropriate bacteriological media (Blood agar, MacConkey agar & Chocolate Agar). Bacterial isolates were identified by biochemical tests and antimicrobial susceptibility performed by standard methods as per CLSI 2022. 152Results: (72.3%) of total 210 samples were positive for bacterial culture. 126 (82.8%) were gram negative bacilli (GNB) and 26 (17.1%) were gram positive cocci (GPC). The predominant pathogen isolated was K. pneumoniae 46 (30.2%) followed by Escherichia coli 28 (18.4%).The overall susceptibility of GNB was highest towards Imipenem, Meropenem followed by Piperacillin tazobactam and Amikacin. Gram positive organisms exhibited highest susceptibility towards Vancomycin and Linezolid. Imipenem is the most sensitive antibiotic followed by Piperacillin tazobactamConclusion: and Amikacin which can be used for empirical therapy for respiratory tract infections (RTI). The antibiotic therapy should be modified as per the culture and sensitivity report. Regular determinations of the type of bacterial pathogens and updation of antibiogram must be followed in every institution to aid in better patient management by helping the clinician in the judicious use of antibiotics.

Influencia de la obesidad en la severidad de la infección por SARS-CoV-2

La obesidad es una enfermedad metabólica crónica asociada a un incremento de la morbimortalidad cuya prevalencia se ha incrementado a niveles pandémicos lo que la constituye como un factor de riesgo clínico típico de peor pronóstico en pacientes con COVID-19. El propósito de esta revisión fue categorizar los principales factores fisiopatológicos que influyen en la gravedad de COVID-19 en pacientes con obesidad, mediante la búsqueda sistemática de artículos publicados hasta el 11 de marzo de 2022 usando diferentes bases de datos (Scopus, Cochrane, PubMed, Web of Science y Medline). Los resultados indican que la presencia de angiotensina II permite el ingreso del virus SARS-CoV-2 en las células del tejido adiposo convirtiéndolo en un depósito importante del virus lo que causa una diseminación más rápida a órganos vecinos. Estos valores incrementados de angiotensina II en el pulmón pueden inducir a vasoconstricción que a su vez conduce a un desajuste de ventilación/perfusión e hipoxemia, así como a inflamación y daño oxidativo. El incremento de la angiotensina II en pacientes con obesidad puede exacerbar el aumento del nivel de angiotensina II inducido por COVID-19, lo que lleva a una lesión pulmonar más grave, además de la formación de microcoágulos que colapsan la irrigación a nivel capilar, sobre todo la del alveolo, causando fallo a este nivel con extravasación de líquidos y neumonía fulminante. Además, la obesidad produce una alteración del sistema inmune comprometiendo así su capacidad de respuesta ante la infección respiratoria y propiciando un empeoramiento de la enfermedad.

Obesity is a chronic metabolic disease associated with increased morbidity and mortality whose prevalence has increased to pandemic levels, making it a typical clinical risk factor for worse prognosis in patients with COVID-19. The purpose of this review was to categorize the main pathophysiological factors that influence the severity of COVID-19 in patients with obesity, through a systematic search for articles published up to March 11, 2022 using different databases (Scopus, Cochrane, PubMed, Web of Science and Medline). The results indicate that the presence of angiotensin II allows the SARS-CoV-2 virus to enter the adipose tissue cells, making it an important reservoir for the virus, which causes faster dissemination to neighboring organs. These increased values of angiotensin II in the lung can induce vasoconstriction which in turn leads to ventilation/perfusion mismatch and hypoxemia, as well as inflammation and oxidative damage. The increase in angiotensin II in the obese can exacerbate the increase in the level of angiotensin II induced by COVID-19, leading to more severe lung injury, in addition to the formation of microclots that collapse the irrigation at the capillary level, especially in the alveolus, causing failure at this level with fluid extravasation and fulminant pneumonia. In addition, obesity produces an alteration of the immune system, thus compromising its ability to respond to respiratory infection and leading to a worsening of the disease.

Fatores associados à sepse e condições preditoras de óbito para pessoas idosas com doenças respiratórias / Factors associated with sepsis and conditions that predict death for elderly people with respiratory diseases* / Factores asociados a la sepsis y condiciones que predicen la muerte de ancianos con enfermedades respiratorias

Objetivo: analisar os fatores associados à sepse, bem como as condições preditoras do óbito em pessoas idosas, internadas em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva, com diagnóstico inicial de doenças respiratórias agudas não relacionadas à assistência à saúde. Método: estudo epidemiológico de coorte mista, realizado entre setembro de 2019 e setembro de 2020. Os dados foram coletados nos prontuários eletrônicos e verificada associação em análise bivariada e regressão logística. Resultados: das 228 pessoas idosas estudadas, 125 (54,5%) faleceram e observaram-se 204 (89,5%) com sepse. Dispositivos invasivos urinários (RR=1,754; IC 95% 1,360-2,263), presença de sepse segundo o consenso Sepsis-3 (RR=3,55; IC 95% 1,23-10,27) e Covid-19 (RR=1,39; IC 95% 1,08-1,78) foram preditores para o óbito. Conclusão: os fatores associados à sepse entre pacientes de Covid-19 e de outras infecções respiratórias são diferentes. As condições preditoras do óbito para pessoas idosas com infecções respiratórias agudas não relacionadas à assistência à saúde foram: sepse, Covid-19 e dispositivo invasivo urinário.

Objective: to analyze the factors associated with sepsis, as well as the conditions that predict death in elderly people admitted to Intensive Care Units, with an initial diagnosis of acute respiratory diseases not related to health care. Methodology: mixed cohort epidemiological study, carried out between September 2019 and September 2020. Data were collected from electronic medical charts and associations were checked in bivariate analysis and logistic regression. Results: of the studied 228 elderly people, 125 (54.5%) passed away and 204 (89.5%) had sepsis. Urinary invasive devices (RR=1.754; 95% CI 1.360-2.263), presence of sepsis based on the Sepsis-3 consensus (RR=3.55; 95% CI 1.23-10.27) and Covid-19 (RR=1. 39; 95% CI 1.08-1.78) were predictors for death. Conclusion: the factors associated with sepsis among patients with Covid-19 and other respiratory infections are different. The conditions that predict death for elderly people with acute respiratory infections not related to health care were: sepsis, Covid-19 and urinary invasive device.

Objetivo: analizar los factores asociados a la sepsis, así como las condiciones que predicen la muerte de ancianos ingresados​​en una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos, con diagnóstico inicial de enfermedades respiratorias agudas no relacionadas con la asistencia sanitaria. Metodología: estudio epidemiológico de cohorte mixta, realizado entre septiembre de 2019 y septiembre de 2020. Los datos se recolectaron de historias clínicas electrónicas y se verificaron asociaciones en análisis bivariado y regresión logística. Resultados: de los 228 ancianos estudiados, 125 (54,5%) fallecieron y 204 (89,5%) presentaron sepsis. Dispositivos urinarios invasivos (RR=1,754; IC 95% 1,360-2,263), presencia de sepsis según el consenso Sepsis-3 (RR=3,55; IC 95% 1,23-10,27) y Covid-19 (RR=1,39; 95 %IC 1,08-1,78) fueron predictores de muerte. Conclusión: los factores asociados a la sepsis entre pacientes con Covid-19 y otras infecciones respiratorias son diferentes. Las condiciones que predicen la muerte de ancianos con infecciones respiratorias agudas no relacionadas con la asistencia sanitaria fueron: sepsis, Covid-19 y dispositivo urinario invasivo.

Cost of lost productivity from acute respiratory infections in South America / Costo de la pérdida de productividad por infecciones respiratorias agudas en América del Sur / Custo da perda de produtividade devido a infecções respiratórias agudas na América do Sul

ABSTRACT Objectives. To estimate the burden of permanent productivity losses caused by acute respiratory infections in South American countries in 2019. Methods. Mortality data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 were analyzed to estimate the burden of disease attributable to acute respiratory infections. An approach based on the human capital method was used to estimate the cost of permanent productivity losses associated with respiratory diseases. To calculate this cost, the sum of the years of productive life lost for each death was multiplied by the proportion in the workforce and the employment rate, and then by the annual minimum wage or purchasing power parity in United States dollars (US$) for each country in the economically active age groups. Separate calculations were done for men and women. Results. The total number of deaths from acute respiratory infections in 2019 was 30 684 and the years of productive life lost were 465 211 years. The total cost of permanent productivity loss was about US$ 835 million based on annual minimum wage and US$ 2 billion in purchasing power parity, representing 0.024% of the region's gross domestic product. The cost per death was US$ 33 226. The cost of productivity losses differed substantially between countries and by sex. Conclusion. Acute respiratory infections impose a significant economic burden on South America in terms of health and productivity. Characterization of the economic costs of these infections can support governments in the allocation of resources to develop policies and interventions to reduce the burden of acute respiratory infections.

RESUMEN Objetivos. Estimar la carga de la pérdida permanente de productividad causada por infecciones respiratorias agudas en países sudamericanos en el 2019. Métodos. Se analizaron los datos de mortalidad del estudio sobre carga mundial de enfermedad del 2019 para estimar la carga de enfermedad atribuible a las infecciones respiratorias agudas. Se empleó un enfoque basado en el método del capital humano para estimar el costo de las pérdidas permanentes de productividad relacionadas con las enfermedades respiratorias. Para ello, la suma de los años perdidos de vida productiva por cada muerte se multiplicó por la proporción de la fuerza de trabajo y la tasa de empleo y, a continuación, por el salario mínimo anual o la paridad del poder adquisitivo en dólares estadounidenses en los grupos etarios económicamente activos de cada país. Se realizaron cálculos separados para hombres y mujeres. Resultados. El número total de muertes por infecciones respiratorias agudas en el 2019 fue de 30 684 y se perdieron 465 211 años de vida productiva. El costo total de la pérdida permanente de productividad fue de aproximadamente US$ 835 millones según el salario mínimo anual y de US$ 2000 millones en cuanto a la paridad de poder adquisitivo, lo que representa el 0,024% del producto interno bruto de la región. El costo por muerte fue de US$ 33 226. El costo de la pérdida de productividad difirió sustancialmente entre los países y según el sexo. Conclusión. Las infecciones respiratorias agudas suponen una carga económica significativa para América del Sur en términos de salud y productividad. La caracterización de los costos económicos de estas infecciones puede ayudar a los gobiernos en la asignación de recursos para elaborar políticas e intervenciones que permitan reducir la carga de las infecciones respiratorias agudas.

RESUMO Objetivos. Estimar a carga de perdas permanentes de produtividade causadas por infecções respiratórias agudas em países da América do Sul em 2019. Métodos. Dados de mortalidade do estudo Carga Global de Doença 2019 foram analisados para estimar a carga de doença atribuível a infecções respiratórias agudas. Utilizou-se uma abordagem baseada no método do capital humano para estimar o custo das perdas permanentes de produtividade associadas às doenças respiratórias. Para calcular esse custo, a soma dos anos de vida produtiva perdidos devido a cada morte foi multiplicada pela proporção da força de trabalho e da taxa de emprego. Em seguida, esse valor foi multiplicado pelo salário mínimo anual ou pela paridade do poder de compra, em dólares dos Estados Unidos (US$), de cada país nas faixas etárias economicamente ativas. Foram feitos cálculos separados para homens e mulheres. Resultados. O número total de mortes por infecções respiratórias agudas em 2019 foi de 30 684, com 465 211 anos de vida produtiva perdidos. O custo total da perda permanente de produtividade foi de cerca de US$ 835 milhões com base no salário mínimo anual e US$ 2 bilhões em paridade de poder de compra, o que representa 0,024% do produto interno bruto da região. O custo por morte foi US$ 33 226. O custo da perda de produtividade diferiu substancialmente entre os países e por sexo. Conclusão. As infecções respiratórias agudas impõem uma carga econômica significativa à América do Sul em termos de saúde e produtividade. A caracterização dos custos econômicos dessas infecções pode fundamentar as decisões de alocação de recursos tomadas pelos governos para desenvolver políticas e intervenções com o intuito de reduzir a carga das infecções respiratórias agudas.

Influenza A(H3N2) infection followed by separate COVID-19 infection / Infección por el virus de la gripe A (H3N2) seguida de infección separada por el virus causante de la COVID-19 / Infecção por influenza A (H3N2) seguida de infecção independente por COVID-19

ABSTRACT This study describes the case of a health professional infected first by influenza virus A(H3N2) and then by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) 11 days later. Respiratory samples and clinical data were collected from the patient and from close contacts. RNA was extracted from samples and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to investigate the viruses. The patient presented with two different illness events: the first was characterized by fever, chest and body pain, prostration and tiredness, which ceased on the ninth day; RT-qPCR was positive only for influenza virus A(H3N2). Eleven days after onset of the first symptoms, the patient presented with sore throat, nasal congestion, coryza, nasal itching, sneezing and coughing, and a second RT-qPCR test was positive only for SARS-CoV-2; in the second event, symptoms lasted for 11 days. SARS-CoV-2 sequencing identified the Omicron BA.1 lineage. Of the patient's contacts, one was coinfected with influenza A(H3N2) and SARS-CoV-2 lineage BA.1.15 and the other two were infected only with SARS-CoV-2, one also with Omicron BA.1.15 and the other with BA.1.1. Our findings reinforce the importance of testing for different viruses in cases of suspected respiratory viral infection during routine epidemiological surveillance because common clinical manifestations of COVID-19 mimic those of other viruses, such as influenza.

RESUMEN Este estudio describe el caso de un profesional de la salud que contrajo la infección primero por el virus de la gripe A (H3N2) y a continuación por el coronavirus 2 del síndrome respiratorio agudo grave (SARS-CoV-2) 11 días después. Se recogieron muestras respiratorias y datos clínicos del paciente y sus contactos cercanos. Se extrajo ARN de muestras y se utilizó la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa cuantitativa con transcripción inversa (RT-qPCR, por su sigla en inglés) para investigar los virus. El paciente presentó dos procesos infecciosos distintos: el primero se caracterizó por fiebre, dolor corporal y torácico, postración y cansancio, que cesó en el noveno día. La prueba mediante RT-qPCR solo fue positiva en el virus de la gripe A (H3N2). Once días después del inicio de los primeros síntomas, el paciente manifestó dolor de garganta, congestión nasal, catarro, picazón nasal, estornudos y tos. Una segunda prueba mediante RT-qPCR solo fue positiva para el SARS-CoV-2 y durante este segundo proceso los síntomas duraron 11 días. La secuenciación del SARS-CoV-2 identificó el linaje ómicron BA.1. De los contactos del paciente, uno presentaba una coinfección por el virus de la gripe A (H3N2) y el linaje BA.1.15 del SARS-COV-2, y los otros dos presentaban infecciones únicamente por SARS-CoV-2, uno también del linaje ómicron BA.1.15 y el otro de BA.1.1. Estos hallazgos refuerzan la importancia de realizar pruebas para detectar diferentes virus en casos de sospecha de infección viral respiratoria durante la vigilancia epidemiológica de rutina porque las manifestaciones clínicas comunes de COVID-19 son similares a las de otros virus, como en el caso de la gripe.

RESUMO Este estudo descreve o caso de uma profissional de saúde infectada primeiro pelo vírus influenza A (H3N2) e, 11 dias depois, pelo coronavírus da síndrome respiratória aguda grave 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Amostras respiratórias e dados clínicos foram coletados da paciente e de contatos próximos. RNA foi extraído das amostras, e o método de reação em cadeia da polimerase via transcriptase reversa quantitativa (RT-qPCR) foi utilizado para investigar os vírus. A paciente apresentou dois quadros clínicos distintos. O primeiro foi caracterizado por febre, dor no peito e no corpo, prostração e fadiga, que cessou no nono dia. A RT-qPCR foi positiva apenas para o vírus da influenza A (H3N2). Onze dias após o início dos primeiros sintomas, a paciente apresentou dor de garganta, congestão nasal, coriza, prurido nasal, espirros e tosse. Um segundo teste de RT-qPCR foi positivo apenas para SARS-CoV-2. No segundo evento, os sintomas duraram 11 dias. O sequenciamento do SARS-CoV-2 identificou a cepa Ômicron BA.1. Dentre os contatos da paciente, um teve coinfeção por influenza A (H3N2) e SARS-COV-2 (cepa BA.1.15), e os outros dois foram infectados apenas por SARS-CoV-2 (um também pela cepa Ômicron BA.1.15 e o outro pela BA.1.1). Nossos achados reforçam a importância de testes para a detecção de diferentes vírus em casos de suspeita de infecção viral respiratória durante a vigilância epidemiológica de rotina, visto que as manifestações clínicas comuns da COVID-19 imitam as de outros vírus, como o vírus influenza.

The role of fever clinic and traditional Chinese medicine in coping with new respiratory infectious diseases / 中国医师杂志

As a front-line department for the prevention and control of respiratory infectious diseases, the construction and management of fever clinics have also been adjusted with the changes of the epidemic situation in different periods. In this context, the scope of diagnosis and treatment of fever clinics should be expanded again, not limited to the detection and screening of infectious diseases, but should focus on early treatment and prevention of severe diseases. Management measures should also be further optimized with the expansion of patient types. Face of this situation, we need to actively explore the integration of epidemic prevention and control into the normalized diagnosis and treatment environment, and at the same time maintain the ability to respond to the outbreak of the epidemic. As a hospital of traditional Chinese medicine, it is also important to play and develop the characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine in the construction of fever clinic.

The diagnostic value of plasma microbial cell-free DNA sequencing in pulmonary infections / 中华检验医学杂志

Based on metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS), sequencing of plasma microbial cell-free DNA (mcfDNA) has recently been shown to provide a non-invasive pathogenic diagnostic technique for infectious diseases. In sepsis and bloodstream infections, mcfDNA sequencing has advantages in sensitivity, timeliness, and pathogen coverage compared with traditional pathogenic diagnostic techniques such as blood culture, according to available research results. However, the sensitivity of mcfDNA is much lower than that of mNGS with high-quality lower respiratory tract (LRT) specimens such as bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in pulmonary infections, and high-quality clinical research is still unavailable. Therefore, mcfDNA sequencing should not be used as a first-line etiological method for pulmonary infection and should only be used in patients with severe infection in whom pathogens cannot be identified by classical etiological methods and high-quality LRT specimens are not available for microbial mNGS. In order to improve the sensitivity of mcfDNA and to identify the most suitable patients as well as the best time of its application in pulmonary infections, the optimization of these testing techniques is urgently needed.

Multicenter epidemiological characteristics of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in children in Hainan Province, 2012-2020 / 中国热带医学

@#Abstract: Objective　To analyze the epidemiological characteristics (season, age, gender, mixed infection and clinical manifestations, etc.) of Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) infection in children in Hainan Province, so as to provide epidemiological evidence-based medical basis for the prevention and control of MP infection in children in Hainan Province. Methods　The serum IgM antibodies of MP, Legionella pneumophila, Chlamydia pneumoniae, adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), Q fever Rickettsia, parainfluenza virus, influenza A virus and influenza B virus in children with respiratory tract infections (RTIs) who were hospitalized in pediatrics of many hospitals in Hainan Province from March 2012 to February 2020 were detected by indirect immunofluorescence method. The positive serum MP-IgM antibody was defined as MP infection. The epidemiological and clinical data of MP infected cases were analyzed retrospectively. Results　From March, 2012 to February, 2020, a total of 35 731 qualified pediatric inpatients with RTIs in many hospitals in Hainan Province were tested for serum MP-IgM with the total positive rate of 39.12% (13 978/35 731). The yearly positive rates of MP-IgM from 2012 to 2020 were 48.39%, 56.23%, 56.62%, 47.04%, 29.71%, 24.14%, 47.55%, 36.84% and 24.46% respectively. The positive rates of MP-IgM in 2013 and 2014 were significantly higher than those in other years (P<0.05). The positive rate of MP-IgM in summer in Hainan Province was the highest (41.34%) and the lowest in winter (35.77%) (P<0.05). MP infection occurred in all age groups, the positive rate of MP-IgM in children of preschool (51.80%) was significantly higher than that in other age groups (P<0.01), and the positive rate of MP IgM in children of infancy (15.36%) was lower than that in other age groups (P<0.01). The positive rate of MP-IgM in female was 44.77%, which was significantly higher than that in male (35.83%) (P<0.05). MP infection combined with positive IgM of another pathogen accounted for 32.63% (4 561 cases), positive IgM of another two pathogens accounted for 1.26% (176 cases). MP infection was mostly found in pneumonia (68.73%), and the main clinical symptoms were cough (84.72%), fever (51.01%) and wheezing (3.16%). Conclusions　MP is an important pathogen of respiratory tract infection in children in Hainan Province, and infection is more common in children in early school age and early childhood. Mp-specific tests should be performed to identify the pathogen in children suspected of MP infection. In the high incidence season, health education should be strengthened in kindergartens, schools and other places to prevent respiratory tract infection.

Progress of Chlamydia trachomatis in children with respiratory tract infections / 国际儿科学杂志

Chlamydia trachomatis is one of the atypical pathogens, also a strict intracellular parasite with unique developmental cycle of prokaryotic microorganisms, resulting in infantile respiratory infections and conjunctivitis.Chlamydia trachomatis is associated with respiratory diseases such as chronic cough and bronchial asthma in children.Children infected with Chlamydia trachomatis generally have a good prognosis after treatment.At present, important progress has been made in the development of Chlamydia trachomatis vaccine.This article reviews the progress in etiology, epidemiology, clinical features, laboratory inspection, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of Chlamydia trachomatis, providing a new direction for clinical recognition and effective treatment of Chlamydia trachomatis infection.

Progress in non-viral localized delivery of siRNA therapeutics for pulmonary diseases

Emerging therapies based on localized delivery of siRNA to lungs have opened up exciting possibilities for treatment of different lung diseases. Localized delivery of siRNA to lungs has shown to result in severalfold higher lung accumulation than systemic route, while minimizing non-specific distribution in other organs. However, to date, only 2 clinical trials have explored localized delivery of siRNA for pulmonary diseases. Here we systematically reviewed recent advances in the field of pulmonary delivery of siRNA using non-viral approaches. We firstly introduce the routes of local administration and analyze the anatomical and physiological barriers towards effective local delivery of siRNA in lungs. We then discuss current progress in pulmonary delivery of siRNA for respiratory tract infections, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, acute lung injury, and lung cancer, list outstanding questions, and highlight directions for future research. We expect this review to provide a comprehensive understanding of current advances in pulmonary delivery of siRNA.

Incidence of acute respiratory symptoms and COVID-19 infection in children in public schools in Bogotá, Colombia, from July to November, 2020 / Incidencia de síntomas respiratorios agudos y COVID-19 en niños de escuelas públicas de Bogotá, Colombia, entre julio y noviembre de 2020

Introduction: More than 90% of children infected with COVID-19 worldwide developed mild to moderate disease. In Colombia, during 2020, COVID-19 infections in children stayed below 9.2% of the total cases, with no trends for age group or sex. Objective: To estimate the incidence of acute respiratory symptoms and COVID-19 in children from public schools in Bogotá, Colombia during the second semester of 2020. Material and methods: A telephone survey was conducted in over 5,000 scholar children. Antecedents and use of health services were informed. Descriptive statistics were used. Results: A total of 151.470 persons per day accounting for an IR of 157,8 per 100,000 people; almost three times the rate reported by the official surveillance system in the city. Conclusion: A lack of diagnosis and consultation in children was found compared to the general population. Further research is needed to elucidate the true burden of the disease in children.

Introducción. Más del 90% de los niños infectados con COVID-19 en el mundo, desarrollaron enfermedad leve a moderada. En Colombia, durante el 2020, la infección del COVID-19 en niños se mantuvo por debajo de 9,2 % del total de los casos sin tendencias por grupo de edad o sexo. Objetivo. Estimar la incidencia de síntomas respiratorios agudos y COVID19 en niños de escuelas públicas en Bogotá (Colombia) durante el segundo semestre de 2020. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo una encuesta telefónica en más de 5.000 escolares. Se recolectó información de antecedentes médicos y uso de servicios de salud. La información obtenida se describió mediante estadística descriptiva. Resultados. Se contabilizó un total de 151.470 personas al día para una tasa de incidencia de 157,8 en 100.000 personas, casi tres veces la tasa reportada por el sistema de vigilancia oficial de la ciudad. Conclusión. Se encontraron deficiencias en el diagnóstico y consulta de los niños, al compararlos con la población general. Se necesita más investigación para dilucidar la verdadera carga de la enfermedad en la población infantil.

Sanitary measures to contain COVID-19 spread decreased pediatric hospitalizations due to other respiratory infections in São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract Objective After the Covid-19 pandemics hit Brazil and sanitary measures were adopted to contain its dissemination, pediatric hospital admissions were apparently fewer than usual. The authors aimed to describe the time trends of public hospital admissions of children and adolescents due to respiratory infections (RIs) in São Paulo State, Brazil, before and after the adoption of sanitary measures to contain the dissemination of Covid-19. Methods Ecological, time-series study on the monthly average number of admissions per day of children and adolescents (< 16 years) admitted to public hospitals of São Paulo due to acute RIs between January 2008 and March 2021. Data from 2008 to 2019 were used to adjust the statistical model, while data from 2020 and 2021 were compared to the values predicted by the model. Results In 2020 and 2021, the number of hospital admissions was significantly lower than predicted by the time series. However, lethality was three times higher in these years, compared to the previous, and six times higher in patients with Covid-19, compared to those without the disease. Hospitalization costs in 2020 and 2021 were lower than in previous years. Conclusions These findings suggest that the sanitary measures adopted to contain the dissemination of Covid-19 also effectively reduce the transmission of other respiratory viruses. Policymakers and administrators can use this knowledge as a guide to planning preventative interventions that could decrease the number and severity of RIs and related hospital admissions in children and adolescents, decreasing the burden on the public health system.

Fatores que influenciam no cuidado às crianças com agravos respiratórios na atenção primária à saúde / Factors that influence the care of children with respiratory diseases in primary health care / Factores que influyen en la atención de niños con enfermedades respiratorias en atención primaria de salud

Objetivo: Identificar fatores que influenciam no cuidado às crianças com agravos respiratórios na Atenção Primária à Saúde. Métodos: Revisão integrativa realizada mediante pesquisa à Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, nas bases de dados LILACS, MEDLINE e IBECS, utilizando-se os descritores Infecções Respiratórias, Pneumonia, Asma, Atenção Primária à Saúde e Enfermagem, no período de 2014 a 2018. Foram identificadas 165 publicações, sendo selecionados 34 artigos na língua portuguesa. Os dados foram analisados por meio da análise de conteúdo temática. Resultados: Os resultados foram agrupados nas categorias: determinantes de saúde, resolutividade da atenção primária à saúde e prática de enfermagem. Constatou-se que as condições de nascimento, socioeconômicas e ambientais são os principais aspectos que determinam a manifestação ou complicação dos agravos respiratórios em crianças. Desse modo, também influenciam nas taxas de Internações por Condições Sensíveis à Atenção Primária. Para a redução dessas taxas evidencia-se a necessidade de ampliar a resolutividade da atenção primária à saúde por meio de ações de enfermagem. Conclusão: As ações de enfermagem para o manejo do cuidado dessas crianças na Atenção Primária à Saúde permitem reduzir o número de crianças com necessidade de atendimento de urgência/emergência ou hospitalização, promovendo o controle dos quadros respiratórios agudos e crônicos na atenção básica. (AU)

Objective: Identify factors that influence the care of children with respiratory diseases in Primary Health Care. Methods: Integrative review carried out through research to the Virtual Health Library, in the LILACS, MEDLINE and IBECS databases, using the descriptors Respiratory Infections, Pneumonia, Asthma, Primary Health Care and Nursing, from 2014 to 2018. 165 publications were identified, with 34 articles selected in Portuguese. The data were analyzed using thematic content analysis. Results: The results were grouped into the categories: health determinants, resolvability of Primary Health Care and nursing practice. It was found that birth, socioeconomic and environmental conditions are the main aspects that determine the manifestation or complication of respiratory disorders in children. Thus, they also influence the rates of Hospitalizations for Conditions Sensitive to Primary Care. To reduce these rates, the need to expand the resolution of Primary Health Care through nursing actions is evident. Conclusion: It is concluded that the nursing actions for managing the care of these children in Primary Health Care allow reducing the number of children in need of urgent / emergency care or hospitalization, promoting the control of acute and chronic respiratory conditions in care basic. (AU)

Objetivo: Identificar los factores que influyen en la atención de los niños con enfermedades respiratorias en la Atención Primaria de Salud. Metodos: Revisión integradora realizada por la investigación en la Biblioteca Virtual en Salud, en las bases de datos LILACS, MEDLINE e IBECS, utilizando descriptores Infecciones Respiratorias, Neumonía, Asma, Atención Primaria de Salud y Enfermería, de 2014 a 2018. Se identificaron 165 publicaciones, con 34 artículos seleccionados en portugués. Los datos se analizaron mediante análisis de contenido temático. Resultados: Los resultados se agruparon en las categorías: determinantes de salud, resolubilidad de la Atención Primaria de Salud y práctica de enfermería. Las condiciones de nacimiento, socioeconómicas y ambientales que determinan la manifestación o complicación de los trastornos respiratorios en los niños. Por lo tanto, también influyen en las tasas de Hospitalizaciones por Afecciones Sensibles a la Atención Primaria. Para reducir estas tasas, es evidente la necesidad de ampliar la resolución de la Atención Primaria de Salud por acciones de enfermería. Conclusión: Se concluye que las acciones de enfermería para el manejo de la atención de estos niños en Atención Primaria de Salud permiten reducir el número de niños que necesitan atención de urgência/emergencia o hospitalización, promoviendo el control de las afecciones respiratorias agudas y crónicas en la atención básica. (AU)

Prescripción de antibióticos en las infecciones respiratorias agudas no neumonías en atención ambulatoria en la práctica privada / Prescription of antibiotics in acute respiratory infections non-pneumonia in a private outpatient practice

BACKGROUND: The over prescription of antibiotics for acute respiratory infections is a major public health problem worldwide. Aim: To evaluate the frequency of prescription of antibiotics for non-pneumonia acute respiratory infections in private outpatient clinics in individuals without chronic diseases or immunosuppression. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All medical records of adult consultants in a national network of private ambulatory medical centers during May 2018 whose primary diagnosis corresponded to acute respiratory infections not pneumonia (ICD10) were identified and retrospectively analyzed, excluding those with chronic respiratory conditions or states of immunosuppression. RESULTS: Of the 38,072 consultants (aged 36 years, 63% women) who met this criterion, 54% (n = 20,499) received a prescription for at least one antibiotic. The diagnoses that most frequently received this prescription were acute bronchitis (28.7%), acute sinusitis (16.5%) and acute tonsillitis (16.2%). The most frequently prescribed antibiotic globally was azithromycin (37.4%), followed by amoxicillin (20.1%) and amoxicillin plus clavulanic acid (17.7%). Levofloxacin prescription reached 12.5% of total prescriptions. CONCLUSIONS: An antibiotic was prescribed in more than half of the non-pneumonia outpatient acute respiratory infections. Azithromycin was the most prescribed antibiotic, while levofloxacin exceeded 10% of prescriptions. These results reinforce the need to implement an antibiotic prescription surveillance system at the outpatient level.

A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Balloon Therapy on Lung Capacity of Patients with Lower Respiratory Tract Infections in Selected Hospital of Chitrakoot U.P.

As per 2019 report of the National Health Portal of India, 41,996,260 cases and 3,740 deaths from respiratory infections were recorded across India in 2018. The main aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of balloon therapy on increased level of oxygenation of patients with lower respiratory tract disorders. Quasi experimental design was used for this study. Balloon therapy improves pulmonary functions. Daily practice of blowing up balloon, once a day, 10 times per day for 10 days will steadily increase lung capacity. The data pertaining to lung capacity was collected using self-administered questionnaire. Respiratory assessment viz Vital, Tidal and Lung capacity were measured using balloon therapy. The pre-test mean and SD were 6.83 & 1.30 respectively where as posttest mean & SD were 7.16 & 1.26, with t-test value of 6.12. These reading indicate the effectiveness of Balloon therapy on lung capacity in patients with lower respiratory tract infections. The result of this study guides that regular practice of balloon therapy can improve the lung capacity to a greater extent among patients with lower respiratory tract infection. Off course, large sample size is recommended for generalization.

Analysis of pattern of antimicrobial usage in children of age 1 to 12 years with respiratory tract infections admitted in pediatric intensive care unit in a tertiary care hospital

Background: Children are more prone to suffer from recurrent infections of respiratory tract due to their immature developed airway, lungs, and immunity, which makes lower respiratory tract infections as one of the most commonly encountered diseases in PICU and one of the leading causes of death among children below 5 years of age. Antimicrobials are one of the commonly prescribed drugs for respiratory tract infections which act as double edged sword as it has saved many lives from dreadful infections and also its injudicious use can give rise to antimicrobial resistance that can endanger many patients’ lives. Aim and Objectives: The aim of the study was to analyze the pattern of antimicrobial drugs used in in-patients admitted to pediatric intensive care unit with respiratory tract infections and to identify the factors to decide the selection of antibiotics. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted in Pediatrics along with Pharmacology Department of VIMS, Bellary. After obtaining approval from the institutional ethics committee, the study was conducted. Patients were enrolled in the study after obtaining written informed consent from the patient’s informants. Children of age group 1?12 years, suffering from infections of respiratory tract admitted in PICU who were treated with antibiotics were analyzed in our study. Based on the clinical presentation, the diagnosis of RTI was done by treating pediatrician. Results: In our institute, children of under 5 age group, that is, 2?5 years, about 40% of patients were hospitalized in PICU. Male patient’s preponderance was present about 57.5%. Common most respiratory infection seen was bronchopneumonia (46.5%), followed by lower respiratory tract infection (20.5%) and lobar pneumonia (14.5%). All of these patients were involved with other associated conditions, namely, febrile convulsions, severe anemia, and respiratory distress. Conclusion: Prescribing pattern in pediatric intensive care unit showed the preference of using two antibiotics to treat respiratory tract infections. Ceftriaxone and combination of amoxicillin + clavulanic acid were preferred as first-line antibiotics. Amikacin and vancomycin were used as secondline drugs. Piperacillin, tazobactam, and vancomycin were the next line antimicrobial agents. These drugs were given to patients by parenteral routes such as IV and IM.

Guía de práctica clínica para el manejo de la neumonía adquirida en la comunidad / Clinical Practice Guideline for the management of community-acquired pneumonia

Resumen La neumonía sigue siendo una de las principales causas de consulta y de hospitalización a la que, además de su un alto impacto en términos de morbilidad y mortalidad, se suma la actual problemática de resistencia a los antimicrobianos, por lo que establecer directrices que permitan su adecuado diagnóstico y tratamiento es de gran importancia para obtener mejores desenlaces clínicos y promover un uso racional de antibióticos en estos pacientes. La presente guía de práctica clínica (GPC) contiene recomendaciones basadas en la evidencia para el diagnóstico y tratamiento de la neumonía adquirida en la comunidad en adultos, las cuales fueron realizadas mediante el proceso de adaptación de GPC basadas en la evidencia para el contexto colombiano.

Abstract Pneumonia continues to be one of the main causes of consultation and hospitalization to which, besides its high impact on morbidity and mortality, the current problem of antimicrobial resistance is added; thus, establishing guidelines that allow its adequate diagnosis and treatment is of great importance to obtain better clinical outcomes and promote a rational use of antibiotics in these patients. This clinical practice guideline (CPG) contains evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of community-acquired pneumonia in adult population; these recommendations were made by means of the process of adaptation of evidence-based CPGs for the Colombian context.