Bronquitis plástica. Caso clínico interesante / Plastic Bronchitis. Interesting Case Report

La bronquitis plástica es una enfermedad infrecuente y poco estudiada. Se caracteriza por la obstrucción parcial o total de la vía aérea inferior por moldes o yesos gomosos y firmes, compuestos por múltiples sustancias como fibrina, mucina y otros, que se acumulan en la luz bronquial. En la actualidad, no hay un consenso de la fisiopatología real. Puede presentarse con síntomas leves como tos, sibilancias y disnea, hasta eventos fatales de insuficiencia respiratoria. Se clasifican en tipo I (inflamatorios) y tipo II (acelulares). La presencia de la bronquitis plástica es una complicación de varias enfermedades y está relacionada con procedimientos correctivos de cardiopatías congénitas (procedimiento de Fontan). El diagnóstico se hace a través de la identificación de los yesos bronquiales, ya sea cuando el paciente los expectora o por broncoscopía. Se han utilizado múltiples terapias que solo tienen evidencias anecdóticas. En los últimos años se han observado buenos resultados con el uso de heparinas, así como el alteplasa nebulizado e instilado por broncoscopia.

Plastic bronchitis is a rare and little-studied disease. It is characterized by partial or total obstruction of the lower airway by rubbery and firm molds or plasters, made up of multiple substances that accumulate in the bronchial lumen. Currently, there is no consensus on real pathophysiology. It can present itself with mild symptoms such as cough, wheezing and dyspnea, to fatal events of respiratory failure. They are classified into type I (inflammatory) and type II (acellular). The presence of plastic bronchitis is a complication of several diseases and in corrective procedures for congenital heart disease (Fontan procedure). Diagnosis is made by identifying bronchial casts, either by the patient expectorating them or by bronchoscopy. Multiple therapies have been used that only have anecdotal evidence. In recent years, good results have been observed with the use of heparins and tPA nebulized and instilled by bronchoscop.

Patrón de neumonía organizativa en TC de tórax: prevalencia y asociación con resultados clínicos en una cohorte de pacientes con COVID-19 grave/crítico / Organizing Pneumonia Pattern on Chest CT: Prevalence and Association with Clinical Outcomes in a Cohort of Patients with Severe/Critical COVID-19

Introducción: La neumonía por COVID-19 puede presentarse con dos patrones radio-lógicos: daño alveolar difuso o neumonía organizativa. Estos patrones tienen diferente evolución y pronóstico en pacientes sin infección por COVID-19. Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar la prevalencia del patrón radiológico de neumonía organizativa y su asociación con los desenlaces clínicos.Métodos: Se realizó un estudio de cohorte retrospectivo que incluyó a pacientes adultos hospitalizados por COVID-19 grave/crítica a los que se les realizó una tomografía computarizada de tórax en los 21 días posteriores al diagnóstico. Los patrones radiológicos fueron revisados y clasificados por dos radiólogos expertos. Resultados: De los 80 pacientes incluidos, el 89% (n=71) presentaron un patrón compatible con neumonía organizativa. Los principales hallazgos radiológicos fueron la distribución multilobar (98,7%) y bilateral (97,6%) con opacidades en vidrio esmerilado (97,6%). El 44% (n=33) de los sujetos requirió ingreso en cuidados intensivos, de los cuales el 24% (n=19) recibió ventilación mecánica. La presencia de neumonía organizativa se asoció de forma independiente con una disminución de las probabilidades de ventilación mecánica o muerte (Odds ratio 0,14; intervalo de confianza del 95%: 0,02 - 0,96; valor de p 0,045) en un modelo multivariado que incluía la edad, el sexo, el IMC y la afectación pulmonar en la TC.Conclusiones: Un patrón radiológico de neumonía organizativa es altamente prevalen-te en pacientes con COVID-19 grave/crítico y se asocia con mejores resultados clínico

Introduction: COVID-19 pneumonia can present with two distinct radiologic patterns: diffuse alveolar damage or organizing pneumonia. These patterns have been linked to different outcomes in non-COVID-19 settings. We sought to assess the prevalence of organizing pneumonia radiologic pattern and its association with clinical outcomes. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study including adult patients hospita- lized for severe/critical COVID-19 who underwent chest computed tomography within 21 days of diagnosis. Radiologic patterns were reviewed and classified by two expert radiologists. Results: Among 80 patients included, 89% (n=71) presented a pattern consistent with organizing pneumonia. The main radiologic findings were multilobar (98.7%) and bilateral (97.6%) distribution with ground glass opacities (97.6%). Intensive care admission was required for 44% (n=33) of subjects, of which 24% (n=19) received mechanical ventilation. The presence of organizing pneumonia was independently associated with a decreased odds of mechanical ventilation or death (Odds ratio 0.14; 95% confidence interval 0.02 - 0.96; p value 0.045) in a multivariate model including age, gender, BMI and lung involvement on CT. Conclusion: A radiologic pattern of organizing pneumonia is highly prevalent in patients with severe/critical COVID-19 and is associated with improved clinical outcomes.

Factores pronósticos de mortalidad a 30 días en neumonía por SARS-CoV-2 / Prognostic Factors for 30-day Mortality in SARS-CoV-2 Pneumonia

Introducción: SARS-CoV-2 ha causado millones de muertes a nivel global desde su primer caso reportado en China. En Guatemala existen pocos estudios que describan los factores pronósticos. Nuestro objetivo fue determinar los factores asociados de mortalidad a 30 días en pacientes con neumonía (Nm) por SARS-CoV-2 y construir un modelo predictor. Material y Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo en 144 sujetos en el Hospital Roosevelt de marzo a diciembre 2020 con criterios de Nm por SARS-CoV-2. Se revisó el expediente médico para datos clínicos y de laboratorio desde ingreso hasta alta hospitalaria o muerte. Resultados: Se evaluaron 105 hombres y 39 mujeres con media de edad 53 años. El 47% tenía comorbilidades como diabetes mellitus 2 e hipertensión arterial sistémica. Promedio de días de hospitalización: 13. Cuadros leves a moderados de Síndrome de Distrés Respiratorio Agudo (SDRA): 92%. Se indicó ventilación mecánica invasiva (VMI) a 46 pacientes. La mortalidad general fue 35%. Factores asociados a mortalidad a 30 días: edad ≥50 años, inicio de síntomas ≥7 días, SDRA severo, radio NL >4,4, recibir VMI, alteración en LDH y procalcitonina. Nuestro modelo mostró que los mejores predictores de mortalidad eran alteración en procalcitonina (OR: 4,45), recibir VMI (OR: 112) y días de estancia hospitalaria (OR: 1,12) con precisión de 91,5% y área bajo la curva de 94,4%. Conclusiones: Los factores pronósticos de mortalidad en pacientes guatemaltecos con Nm por SARS-CoV-2 son múltiples e incluyen rasgos demográficos, clínicos y serológicos; identificarlos y contar con un modelo pronóstico ayudará a brindar atención médica de precisión.

Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 has caused millions of deaths globally since its first case was reported in China. In Guatemala, few studies describe prognostic factors. Our objective was to determine the factors associated with 30 day mortality in patients with Pneumonia (Nm) due to SARS-CoV-2 and to build a predictor model. Material and Methods: Retrospective study in 144 subjects at Roosevelt Hospital from March to December 2020 with Nm criteria for SARS-CoV-2. The medical record was rviewed, obtaining clinical and laboratory data from admission to hospital discharge or death. Results: 105 men and 39 women with an average age of 53 years were evaluated. 47% had comorbidities, with type 2 diabetes mellitus and systemic arterial hypertension being common. The average number of days of hospitalization was 13. 92% had mild to moderate acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Invasive mechanical ventila-tion (IMV) was indicated for 46 patients. Overall mortality was 35%. The factors asso-ciated with 30-day mortality were age ≥50 years, the onset of symptoms ≥7 days, severe ARDS, N/L ratio >4.4, receiving IMV, alterations in LDH, and procalcitonin. Our model showed that the best predictors of mortality were altered procalcitonin (OR: 4.45), receiving IMV (OR: 112), and days of hospital stay (OR: 1.12) with precision of 91.5% and area under the curve of 94.4%. Conclusions: The prognostic factors of mortality in Guatemalan patients with Nm due to SARS-CoV-2 are multiple and include demographic, clinical and serological features; identifying them and having a prognostic model will help provide precision medical care.

Impacto de la edad, las comorbilidades y las complicaciones en pacientes con COVID-19 con síndrome de dificultad respiratoria aguda en la ventilación mecánica invasiva. Estudio multicéntrico observacional / Impact of Age, Comorbidities and Complications in COVID-19 Patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome on Invasive Mechanical Ventilation. An Observational Multicenter Study

Objetivos: Millones de pacientes con COVID-19 fueron internados en terapia intensiva en el mundo, la mitad desarrollaron síndrome de dificultad respiratoria aguda (SDRA) y recibieron ventilación mecánica invasiva (VMI), con una mortalidad del 50%. Analiza-mos cómo edad, comorbilidades y complicaciones, en pacientes con COVID-19 y SDRA que recibieron VMI, se asociaron con el riesgo de morir durante su hospitalización.Métodos: Estudio de cohorte observacional, retrospectivo y multicéntrico realizado en 5 hospitales (tres privados y dos públicos universitarios) de Argentina y Chile, durante el segundo semestre de 2020.Se incluyeron pacientes >18 años con infección por SARS-CoV-2 confirmada RT-PCR, que desarrollaron SDRA y fueron asistidos con VMI durante >48 horas, durante el se-gundo semestre de 2020. Se analizaron los antecedentes, las comorbilidades más fre-cuentes (obesidad, diabetes e hipertensión), y las complicaciones shock, insuficiencia renal aguda (IRA) y neumonía asociada a la ventilación mecánica (NAV), por un lado, y las alteraciones de parámetros clínicos y de laboratorio registrados.Resultados: El 69% era varón. La incidencia de comorbilidades difirió para los diferentes grupos de edad. La mortalidad aumentó significativamente con la edad (p<0,00001). Las comorbilidades, hipertensión y diabetes, y las complicaciones de IRA y shock se asociaron significativamente con la mortalidad. En el análisis multivariado, sólo la edad mayor de 60 años, la IRA y el shock permanecieron asociados con la mortalidad. Conclusiones: El SDRA en COVID-19 es más común entre los mayores. Solo la edad >60 años, el shock y la IRA se asociaron a la mortalidad en el análisis multivariado.

Objectives: Millions of patients with COVID-19 were admitted to intensive care world-wide, half developed acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and received invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), with a mortality of 50%. We analyzed how age, comor-bidities and complications in patients with COVID-19 and ARDS who received IMV were associated with the risk of dying during their hospitalization.Methods: Observational, retrospective and multicenter cohort study carried out in 5 hospitals (three private and two public university hospitals) in Argentina and Chile, during the second half of 2020.Patients >18 years of age with SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed by RT-PCR, who devel-oped ARDS and were assisted with IMV for >48 hours, during the second half of 2020, were included. History, the most frequent comorbidities (obesity, diabetes and hyper-tension) and the complications of shock, acute renal failure (AKI) and pneumonia as-sociated with mechanical ventilation (VAP), on the one hand, and the alterations of re-corded clinical and laboratory parameters, were analyzed.Results: 69% were men. The incidence of comorbidities differed for different age groups. Mortality increased significantly with age (p<0.00001). Comorbidities, hyper-tension and diabetes, and complications of ARF and shock were significantly associat-ed with mortality. In the multivariate analysis, only age over 60 years, ARF and shock remained associated with mortality.Conclusions: ARDS in COVID-19 is more common among the elderly. Only age >60 years, shock and ARF were associated with mortality in the multivariate analysis

Effectiveness of Tocilizumab in COVID-19 patients with pneumonia: A systematic review

Background and Objective@#COVID-19 contributes significantly to global morbidity and mortality. Age-related comorbidities elevate the risk of severe cases. Studies have recently demonstrated that widely available medications, including tocilizumab (TCZ), can manage severe symptoms. However, its effectiveness is unclear, particularly among the older population. Therefore, this review aimed to evaluate TCZ’s efficacy in managing severe pneumonia in individuals aged 50 and older.@*Methods@#We systematically search several databases and gray literature including Web of Science, CINAHL, Academic Search Complete, PsycINFO, PsycArticles, SocINDEX, CENTRAL/Cochrane Library, PubMed/MEDLINE for original research articles in English across several study designs published in the year 2020-2022. A narrative synthesis was conducted to summarize the evidence. We employed the NIH quality assessment tool for observational cohort studies to evaluate risk of bias. Additionally, we utilized GRADE to appraise the certainty of evidence.@*Results@#Among 539 screened articles, only five studies met the selection criteria. Tocilizumab's impact on severe COVID-19 pneumonia revealed a diverse effect on mortality rate, with 29% in the TCZ group, and 40% in the controls died within 30 days of intubation (OR 0.61; 95% CI, 0.27-1.36). It is also reported that TCZ was not associated with mortality, despite faster decline in pulmonary function and prolonged fever. Hospital mortality in the TCZ group was significantly lower than in the controls, and age over 60 was the only significant risk factor. Moreover, administering TCZ reduced mechanical ventilation needs, with 82% extubated compared to 53% in controls. However, 45% in TCZ group was associated with a higher ventilator-associated pneumonia rate than in the untreated group which was 20% (P < 0.001). Despite this, TCZ-treated patients had shorter hospital stays.@*Conclusions@#The effects of tocilizumab on reducing mortality risk and improving the survival rate of COVID-19 patients with pneumonia remained inconclusive. Yet, the majority of results suggested that giving tocilizumab leads to shorter hospital stays, lowers the requirement for mechanical ventilation, and decreases the likelihood of ICU transfer. Tocilizumab is linked to the incidence of secondary infections; hence, this medication should be closely monitored for side effects.

Antibiotic prescription patterns among pediatric patients with pneumonia in primary care – A retrospective cohort study

Background and Objectives@#The etiology of pneumonia in the pediatric population varies by age group. Among patients one month to 59 months old, viral pathogens are the most common cause of lower respiratory infections. The study aims to determine the frequency distribution of antibiotic prescription among patients one month to 59 months old and to determine the adherence of primary care facilities to local guidelines with recommended antibiotics. @*Methods@#A descriptive retrospective study using electronic medical records was conducted at two primary care sites. Patients aged 1 month to 59 months old seeking consult via telemedicine or face-to-face diagnosed with community acquired pneumonia from April 2019-March 2020 in the rural facility and May 2019-April 2020 in the remote facility were included in the study. The primary outcome was to determine the patterns of antibiotic use in pneumonia in remote and rural areas and adherence to the recommended antibiotics by the 2016 Philippine Academy of Pediatric Pulmonologists pediatric community-acquired pneumonia clinical practice guidelines (CPG). @*Results@#There were 30 pediatric patients diagnosed with pneumonia in the rural facility and 213 in the remote facility. Of these patients with pneumonia, 96.7% and 94.8% were prescribed antibiotics in the rural and remote sites, respectively. The most commonly prescribed antibiotic in the rural facility was co-amoxiclav (26.7%), while amoxicillin (51.6%) was the most common in the remote facility. Adherence to the CPG in the rural site was lower at 23.3% (n=8/30) compared to the remote site which was 55.9% (n=119/213). @*Conclusion@#Primary care physicians prescribed antibiotics in over 90% of the time upon the diagnosis of pneumonia in children aged one month to 59 months old, despite viral pneumonia being the more common in primary care setting. Adherence to recommended antibiotics was higher in the remote setting than in the rural setting. Use of EMR to monitor quality of care can improve patient outcomes and safety, pointing out the importance of improving the quality of documentation in the study sites.

Fisioterapia respiratória em crianças com pneumonia: revisão sistemática da literatura / Chest physiotherapy in children with pneumonia: a systematic literature review / Fisioterapia respiratoria en niños con neumonía: revisión sistemática de la literatura

Objetivo: Avaliar a atuação da fisioterapia respiratória no tratamento da pneumonia em crianças. Métodos: Trata-se de uma revisão sistemática baseada no método Preferred Reporting Items for Sistematic Reviews and Meta-Análises (PRISMA). Neste estudo foram incluídos artigos originais relacionados com objetivo que aplicaram a fisioterapia respiratória no tratamento de crianças com pneumonia, escritos na língua portuguesa e inglesa, publicados no site da Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS), nas bases de dados Literatura Latino-Americana e do caribe em ciências da saúde (LILACS), Scientific-Electronic-Library-Online (SciELO), no Physioterapia Evidence Database (PEDro) e PubMed, utilizando os descritores (pneumonia, respiratory physiotherapy, chest therapy, pediatric e child*). Resultados: Inicialmente foram identificados 273 artigos publicados e, de acordo com os critérios de inclusão, exclusão e elegibilidade, ao final cinco foram selecionados para análise qualitativa. Dos artigos selecionados para o estudo, três mostraram que fisioterapia respiratória proporcionou melhorias significativas entre os pacientes de grupo de controle e intervenção, usando técnicas e equipamentos que auxiliavam na desobstrução das vias aéreas e diminuição das internações decorrentes da pneumonia. Contudo, não houve estudos que qualificassem as intervenções fisioterapêuticas como principal recurso para o tratamento dessa doença. Conclusão: Dessa forma, conclui-se que a utilização da fisioterapia respiratória pode ser um adjuvante importante para a melhora dos quadros e funções respiratórias de crianças com pneumonia.

Objective: To evaluate the performance of respiratory physical therapy in the treatment of pneumonia in children. Methods: This is a systematic review was based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) method. This study included original articles related to the objective that applied respiratory physiotherapy in the treatment of children with pneumonia, written in Portuguese and English, published on the Virtual Health Library (VHL) site, in the Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS), Scientific-Electronic-Library-Online (SciELO), Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) and PubMed databases, using the descriptors (pneumonia, respiratory physiotherapy, chest therapy, pediatric and child*). Results: Initially 273 published articles were identified and according to the inclusion, exclusion and eligibility criteria, at the end five were selected for qualitative analysis. Of the articles selected for the study, three showed that respiratory physiotherapy provided significant improvements among control and intervention group patients using techniques and equipment that aided in airway clearance and decreased hospitalizations due to pneumonia. However, there were no studies qualifying physical therapy interventions as the main resource for the treatment of this disease. Conclusion: Therefore, we concluded that chest physiotherapy can be an important adjuvant for the improvement of respiratory function in children with pneumonia.

Objetivo: Evaluar el papel de la fisioterapia respiratoria en el tratamiento de la neumonía en niños. Métodos: Esta es una revisión sistemática basada en el método Preferred Reporting Items for Sistematic Reviews and Meta-Análises (PRISMA). Este estudio incluyó artículos originales relacionados con el objetivo de aplicar la fisioterapia respiratoria en el tratamiento de niños con neumonía, escritos en portugués e inglés, publicados en el sitio web de la Biblioteca Virtual en Salud (BVS), en las bases de datos de Literatura Latinoamericana y del Caribe en ciencias de la salud. (LILACS), Scientific-Electronic-Library-Online (SciELO), no Physioterapia Evidence Database (PEDro) e PubMed, utilizando los descriptores (pneumonia, respiratory physiotherapy, chest therapy, pediatric e child*). Resultados: Inicialmente se identificaron 273 artículos publicados y, según los criterios de inclusión, exclusión y elegibilidad, finalmente se seleccionaron cinco para el análisis cualitativo. De los artículos seleccionados para el estudio, tres mostraron que la fisioterapia respiratoria proporcionó mejoras significativas entre los pacientes de los grupos de control e intervención, utilizando técnicas y equipos que ayudaron a despejar las vías respiratorias y reducir las hospitalizaciones por neumonía. Sin embargo, no hubo estudios que calificaran las intervenciones fisioterapéuticas como principal recurso para el tratamiento de esta enfermedad. Conclusíon: Por lo tanto, se concluye que el uso de fisioterapia respiratoria puede ser un coadyuvante importante para mejorar las condiciones y funciones respiratorias de los niños con neumonía.

Prevalence and outcomes of COVID-19 pneumonia and bacterial pneumonia co-infection among COVID-19 patients admitted in Cebu Velez General Hospital: A cross-sectional study

Background@#Studies on previous viral pandemics showed poorer outcomes of patients with concomitant bacterial infection. During the early period of COVID-19 pandemic, empiric antibiotic therapy is commonly given among COVID-19 patients despite lack of strong recommendations for its use.@*Objectives@#We determined the prevalence of bacterial co-infection and of empiric use of antibiotics among COVID-19 admissions. We also determined association between COVID-19 severity, ICU admissions, length of hospital stay, and mortality outcomes of those with and without bacterial co-infection.@*Methods@#A total of 159 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 from April 2020 to April 2021 were analyzed in this crosssectional chart review study. Data on empiric antibiotic administration and cultures taken within 3 days of admission were collected. Chi-square, Fischer-Exact, and T-tests were used to analyze the data.@*Results@#Empiric antibiotics were given in 94.97% of COVID-19 admissions with azithromycin as the most common agent. The prevalence of bacterial co-infection among COVID-19 admitted patients was 10%. There were higher ICU admissions and longer hospital stay among those with bacterial co-infection although it did not reach statistical significance. No mortality was seen among patients with bacterial co-infection.@*Conclusion@#There was a high use of empiric antibiotic treatment in hospitalized COVID-19 patients despite the low prevalence of bacterial co-infection among these cases. This warrants development of strategies for antimicrobial stewardship programs especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Outcomes of tube thoracostomies in COVID-19 patients: A retrospective cohort study in the University of the Philippines - Philippine General Hospital COVID-19 Referral Center

Objective@#To describe the treatment outcomes of patients who underwent tube thoracostomy for pleural complications in patients with COVID-19 and determine the association between patient profile and treatment outcomes.@*Methods@#A single-institution retrospective review of patients who underwent tube thoracostomy for complications of COVID-19 infection in the University of the Philippines - Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) from March 30, 2020, to March 31, 2021, was performed. These patients' demographic and clinical profiles were evaluated using median, frequencies, and percentages. The association between patient profile, and mortality and reintervention rates was assessed using univariable Cox proportional hazards regression analysis.@*Results@#Thirty-four (34) of 3,397 patients (1.00%) admitted for COVID-19 pneumonia underwent tube thoracostomy. Of these, 34, 47.06% were male, 52.94% were female, the median age was 51.5 years old, 85.29% had comorbid conditions, and 29.41% had a previous or ongoing tuberculous infection. The most common indication for tube thoracostomy was pleural effusion (61.76%), followed by pneumothorax (29.41%), and pneumo-hydrothorax (8.82%). The mortality rate was 38.24%, and the reintervention rate was 14.71%. Intubated patients had 14.84 times higher mortality hazards than those on room air. For every unit increase in procalcitonin levels, the mortality hazards were increased by 1.06 times.@*Conclusion@#An increasing level of oxygen support on admission and a level of procalcitonin were directly related to mortality risk in COVID-19 patients who underwent tube thoracostomy for pleural complications. There is insufficient evidence to conclude that patient-related, COVID-19 pneumonia-related, and procedure-related factors included in this study were significantly associated with reintervention risk.

Neumonía en el paciente crítico: diagnóstico sindrómico rápido de PCR múltiple en un hospital general de agudos / Pneumonia in the critically ill patient: rapid syndromic diagnosis by multiplex PCR in a general hospital for acute care

Está demostrado en diversos estudios que los avances en el diagnóstico microbiológico reducen el tiempo de entrega de resultados y poseen un impacto clínico eviden-te. Hoy en día, las técnicas basadas en amplificación de ácidos nucleicos nos permiten hacer diagnóstico direc-tamente de la muestra y sumar la posibilidad de detectar más de un agente. Esto impacta tanto en el control de la multiresistencia (MR) como en el inicio de una terapéuti-ca apropiada. La implementación de un sistema de PCR múltiple rápido para neumonía puede ser útil en áreas crí-ticas, donde son frecuentes las infecciones respiratorias agudas (IRA) y el tiempo es un condicionante del éxito terapéutico. El objetivo de nuestro proyecto fue evaluar la implementación del diagnóstico sindrómico rápido por PCR múltiple para neumonía en el manejo del tratamiento de IRA en una unidad de cuidados intensivos. La con-ducta terapéutica fue la variable relevante. Este nuevo diagnóstico nos proporcionó una herramienta ágil, con un tiempo de respuesta de tres a cuatro horas. La ausencia o presencia de genes de resistencia y el microorganismo identificado fueron lo que condujo a la conducta terapéuti-ca acertada en el 75% de los casos. Constituyó una herra-mienta importante para el control de la multirresistencia bacteriana y aumentó la oportunidad de éxito terapéutico

It has been shown in various studies that advances in microbiological diagnosis reduce the delivery time of results and have an evident clinical impact. Today, techniques based on nucleic acid amplification allow us to diagnose directly from the sample and add the possibility of detecting more than one agent. This impacts both the control of MR and the initiation of appropriate therapy. The implementation of a rapid multiplex PCR system for pneumonia can be useful in critical areas where acute respiratory infections (ARI) are frequent and time is a determining factor for therapeutic success. The objective of our project was to evaluate the implementation of rapid syndromic diagnosis by multiple PCR for pneumonia in the management of ARI treatment in an Intensive Care Unit. The therapeutic behavior was the relevant variable. This new diagnosis provided us with an agile tool, with a response time of 3 to 4 hours. The absence or presence of resistance genes and the identified microorganism was what led to the correct therapeutic approach in 75% of the cases. It constituted an important tool for the control of bacterial multiresistance and increased the opportunity for therapeutic success.

Íleo biliar complicado con infección con SARS-CoV-2. Reporte de caso / Gallstone ileus: a challenge in the management of bile duct pathology. Case Report

Introducción: El Íleo biliar (IB) es una obstrucción intestinal mecánica muy poco frecuente, del 1 al 4 % de todas las obstrucciones intestinales, y es más común en pacientes de edad avanzada. Se produce a través de una fístula bilioentérica en el intestino delgado, sobre todo en el íleon distal. Luego de tener un enfoque diagnóstico mediante imagenología, en su gran mayoría, se opta por el tratamiento quirúrgico para eliminar el o los cálculos impactados. El éxito de esta intervención depende en gran medida del tamaño del cálculo biliar, de la ubicación de la obstrucción intestinal y comorbilidades preexistentes. Caso clínico: Mujer de 78 años con cuadro clínico de obstrucción intestinal, emesis de contenido fecaloide y sintomática respiratoria; se evidenció una masa concéntrica a nivel de íleon distal y proceso neumónico concomitante por tomografía toracoabdominal. Se realizó laparotomía exploratoria con enterolitotomía, extracción de cálculo y anastomosis íleo-ileal y fue trasladada a la UCI en donde presentó falla ventilatoria y requerimiento de ventilación mecánica; se confirmó infección viral por SARS-CoV-2 mediante RT - PCR. Discusión: El IB es una obstrucción intestinal que ocurre con mayor frecuencia en pacientes de edad avanzada. Se habla de la fisiopatología y mecanismo de producción de la fístula entérica y se presentan opciones diagnósticas, terapéuticas y quirúrgicas para dirigir el manejo clínico más apropiado. Conclusión: El IB es difícil de diagnosticar. Debido a su baja incidencia, no existe un consenso que paute el manejo a seguir en los pacientes con diagnóstico de IB. Aunque el tratamiento estándar es la intervención quirúrgica, hay diversas opiniones en cuanto al tipo de cirugía a realizar.

Introduction: Biliary ileus (BI) is a very rare mechanical intestinal obstruction, responsible for 1-4% of all intestinal obstructions and more frequent in elderly patients. It occurs through a bilioenteric fistula in the small bowel, mainly in the distal ileum. After a diagnostic imaging approach, the vast majority opt for surgical treatment to remove the impacted stone or stones. The success of this intervention depends largely on the size of the stone, the location of the bowel obstruction and pre-existing comorbidities. Case report: 78-year-old woman with clinical symptoms of intestinal obstruction, fecaloid emesis, respiratory symptoms, concentric mass at the level of the distal ileum and concomitant pneumonic process in the thoraco-abdominal CT scan. Exploratory laparotomy was performed, with total lithotomy, extraction of the calculus and ileo-ileal anastomosis, and she was transferred to the ICU, where she presented ventilatory failure and required mechanical ventilation. SARS-CoV-2 infection was confirmed with RT-PCR. Discussion: IB is an intestinal obstruction that occurs more frequently in elderly patients. The pathophysiology and the mechanism of production of enteric fistula are discussed and diagnostic, therapeutic and surgical options are presented to guide the most appropriate clinical management. Conclusion: Enteric fistula is difficult to diagnose. Due to its low incidence, there is no consensus on the management of patients diagnosed with IB. Although the standard treatment is surgical intervention, there are divergent opinions as to the type of surgery to be performed.

Evaluation of chest computed tomography alterations of patients hospitalized by Covid-19 / Avaliação de alterações em tomografia computadorizada de tórax de pacientes internados por Covid-19

Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 has rapid dissemination and high infectivity and can evolve into Severe Respiratory Distress Syndrome (SARS), which led to a high number of deaths and hospitalizations in the recent pandemic. Computed tomography (CT) of the chest has demonstrated an essential role in the initial evaluation and evolution of these patients. Methodology: This was a retrospective observational study at a single center, University Hospital in Northeastern Brazil, evaluating 97 patients hospitalized for COVID-19 with laboratory confirmation to evaluate and quantify the chest CT findings, comparing the findings with the severity of the case and relating them to the morbidities presented. The CT scans were performed by radiologists from the hospital and the data were evaluated by the university's statistics laboratory. Results: Among the main alterations, ground-glass opacities were present in more than 90% of the patients. The study observed that the magnitude of the pulmonary involvement of this finding had a relationship with the outcome of higher hospitalization. Conclusion: In this sense, the relevance of chest CT to suggest the diagnosis of Covid-19 and establish the prognosis of the disease is observed. However, further studies are still needed to confirm these finding (AU).

Introdução: O SARS-CoV-2 possui rápida disseminação e alta infectividade, podendo evoluir com Síndrome da Angústia Respiratória Grave (SARS), o que levou a um número elevado de mortes e internações na recente pandemia. A Tomografia Computadorizada (TC) de tórax demonstrou um papel essencial na avaliação inicial e evolução desses pacientes. Metodologia: Este foi um estudo observacional retrospectivo em centro único - Hospital Universitário no Nordeste do Brasil - avaliando 97 pacientes internados por COVID-19 com confirmação laboratorial, a fim de avaliar e quantificar os achados de TC de tórax, comparando os achados com a gravidade do caso e relacionando-os com as morbidades apresentadas. As TCs foram laudadas por radiologistas do próprio hospital. Após isso, os dados foram avaliados pelo laboratório de estatística da universidade para serem analisados e discutidos. Resultados: Dentre as principais alterações, o vidro fosco estava presente em mais de 90% dos pacientes. Foi observado que a magnitude do comprometimento pulmonar deste achado apresentou relação desfavorável com o desfecho da internação. Conclusão: Neste sentido, observa-se a relevância da TC de tórax para sugerir o diagnóstico de Covid-19 e estabelecer o prognóstico da doença. No entanto, ainda são necessários mais estudos para destrinchar estes achado (AU).

Lesiones por presión: la incidencia en el paciente crítico con neumonía por SARS-CoV-2, en respuesta a la estrategia del decúbito prono durante la pandemia COVID-19 / Pressure lesions: incidence in critical patient with pneumonia due to SARS-CoV-2, in response to decubitus prone position during COVID-19 pandemic

Introducción: Se suele aplicar en pacientes con SARS-CoV-2 el decúbito prono (DP) prolongadamente, pues ha demostrado beneficios para solventar la falta de equipos de ventilación mecánica; sin embargo, también tiende a producir lesiones por presión (LPP) en regiones anatómicas no experimentadas en otras prácticas. Objetivo: Calcular la incidencia de LPP en el paciente crítico de COVID-19 en DP, describir características de los pacientes y las lesiones. Metodología: Estudio observacional, descriptivo, de carácter transversal con enfoque retrospectivo. La recolección de datos se realizó en un hospital de tercer nivel de la Ciudad de México, incluyó 230 pacientes que desarrollaron LPP posterior a su ingreso. Se analizó el expediente electrónico y los registros de la clínica de heridas, la recolección de datos se generó en Excel y el análisis estadístico en el programa SPSS. Resultados: La incidencia fue de 18.05%, las LPP con esfacelo corresponden al 33.9% y las de necrosis al 40%. La localización anatómica en pabellón auricular, pómulos y tórax fue de 36.1% y 46.5% fueron lesiones de categoría III con afectación de las estructuras musculares. La correlación con el IMC demostró que pacientes con sobrepeso presentaron mayor incidencia de LPP con fibrina y esfacelo en un 60.3%. Limitación del estudio: No se consideraron variables como la carga de trabajo de enfermería. Originalidad: Esta investigación no ha sido postulada previamente en ningún órgano editorial. Conclusiones: La incidencia coincide con estudios en otros países, por lo que es necesario estandarizar las acciones para la prevención de LPP y reducir su incidencia.

Introduction: Prolonged prone decubitus (PD) is usually applied in patients with SARS­CoV­2, as it has shown benefits to solve the lack of mechanical ventilation equipment; however, it also tends to produce pressure injuries (PI) in anatomical regions not experienced in other practices. Objective: To calculate the incidence of PI in the critical patient of COVID-19 in PD, describe patient characteristics and injuries. Methodology: Observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study with retrospective approach. Data collection was performed in a tertiary level hospital in Mexico City, including 230 patients who developed PI after admission. The electronic file and wound clinic records were analyzed, data collection was generated in Excel and statistical analysis in the SPSSs program. Results: The incidence was 18.05%, PI with slough corresponded to 33.9% and those with necrosis to 40%. The anatomical location in the pinna, cheekbones and thorax was 36.1% and 46.5% were category III lesions with involvement of muscular structures. Correlation with BMI showed that overweight patients had a higher incidence of PI with fibrin and sphacel in 60.3%. Limitation of the study: variables such as nursing workload were not considered. Originality: This research has not been previously postulated in any editorial body. Conclusions: The incidence coincides with studies in other countries, so it is necessary to standardize actions for the prevention of PI and reduce its incidence.

Morbimortalidade por pneumonia no estado da Bahia no período pré e durante a pandemia de COVID-19 ­ base de dados do DATASUS / Pneumonia morbidity and mortality in the state of Bahia in the period before and during the COVID-19 pandemic ­ DATASUS database

Introdução: a pneumonia é uma infecção nos pulmões, provocada pela penetração de microrganismos. Outras infeções respiratórias, incluindo a SARS-COV-2, podem agravar a clínica do paciente. Por sua vez, esta é uma doença sistêmica, com foco pulmonar que pode gerar complicações respiratórias, dentre elas a pneumonia. Neste seguimento, estudos evidenciam que 15% dos pacientes com COVID-19 podem apresentar pneumonia leve e 5% evoluir para pneumonia grave. Objetivo: comparar a ocorrência de morbimortalidade por pneumonia no Estado da Bahia, no período pré e durante a pandemia de COVID-19. Metodologia: trata-se de um estudo ecológico, quantitativo, com dados públicos, disponíveis no Sistema Informações em Saúde da plataforma DataSUS/ TABNet, referentes ao Estado da Bahia, no período de jan./2018 a dez./2021. Foram selecionados os dados: internamentos, média de internamento, óbitos e taxa de mortalidade. Os dados foram analisados através da estatística descritiva, frequência relativa, e estatística analítica com o teste de frequências relativas U de Mann-Whitney. Resultados: o Estado da Bahia, registrou um total de 48 mil internações por pneumonia, com média de taxa de permanência de internamento de 6,4 dias e um total de 8 mil óbitos, com média de taxa de mortalidade de 16,91% ao ano. Observa-se que ocorreu redução nas internações e óbitos, e aumento na taxa de mortalidade por pneumonia, no período estudado (P<0,001). Conclusão: contudo, verificou-se que no Estado da Bahia durante o período da pandemia de COVID-19, ocorreram redução no número de internados e óbitos, e aumento na taxa de mortalidade por pneumonia, comparando-se ao mesmo período pré pandemia.

Introduction: pneumonia is an infection in the lungs, caused by exposure to microorganisms. Other respiratory infections, including SARS-COV-2, may aggravate the patient's health condition. In turn, this is a systemic disease, with a pulmonary focus that can lead to respiratory complications, including pneumonia. In this area, studies show that 15% of patients with COVID-19 may have mild pneumonia and 5% progress to severe pneumonia. Objective: to compare the occurrence of morbidity and mortality from pneumonia in the State of Bahia, in the period before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methodology: this is an ecological, quantitative study, with public data, available in the Health Information System of the DataSUS/TABNet platform, referring to the State of Bahia, from Jan./2018 to Dec./2021. Selected data: hospitalizations, average hospitalization, deaths and mortality rate. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, relative frequency, and analytical statistics with the Mann-Whitney U relative frequency test. Results: the State of Bahia recorded a total of 48,000 hospitalizations for pneumonia, with an average hospitalization stay rate of 6.4 days and a total of 8,000 deaths, with an average mortality rate of 16.91% per year. It is observed that there was a reduction in hospitalizations and deaths, and an increase in the mortality rate due to pneumonia, in the studied period (P<0.001). Conclusion: however, it was found that in the State of Bahia during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a reduction in the number of hospitalizations and deaths, and an increase in the mortality rate due to pneumonia, compared to the same pre-pandemic period.

Neumonía redonda unilateral en pediatría: informe de caso y revisión de la literatura / Unilateral round pneumonia in pediatrics: case report and review of the literature

Antecedentes: La neumonía redonda es una enfermedad que se presenta comúnmente en niños menores de 8 años, Streptococcus pneumoniae es el agente más frecuente que causa este tipo característico de neumonía. Tiene una incidencia que representa menos del 1% de las lesiones de monedas. Este es el primer caso documentado de neumonía redonda en Honduras. Descripción del caso clínico: Se reporta el caso de una paciente preescolar con historia de 7 días de presentar tos húmeda sin predominio de horario, acompañada de fiebre de 5 días de evolución, por lo que solicita atención médica en la Sala de Emergencia del Hospital de Occidente. Al examen físico: paciente en buen estado general, con frecuencia respiratoria 32 respiraciones por minuto, saturación de oxígeno 95%, sin dificultad respiratoria y pulmones bien ventilados. Fue ingresada a Sala de Pediatría, ya que presentaba un hemograma con leucocitosis y neutrofilia. En radiografía de tórax se observó radiopacidad homogénea en lóbulo inferior en pulmón izquierdo, motivo por el cual se decidió realizar tomografía computarizada de tórax en la cual se concluyó diagnóstico de neumonía redonda. Posteriormente después de terapia antibiótica con ampicilina se realizó radiografía control donde se observó resolución del consolidado neumónico. Conclusiones: El conocimiento de esta patología permitirá al médico reconocer que se trata de una enfermedad que tiene un curso benigno. Se recomienda siempre sospecharla en el contexto de un cuadro indicativo de infección respiratoria más un consolidado neumónico esférico de bordes definidos para evitar pruebas diagnósticas innecesarias...(AU)

Diferenças clínicas, radiológicas e espirométricas entre os pacientes póscovid- 19 estratificados de acordo com a gravidade inicial da doença / Clinical, radiological and spirometric differences between post-covid-19 patients stratified according to initial disease severity

Introdução: em março de 2020, a pandemia do SARS-CoV-2 foi declarada pela OMS, contabilizando mais de seis milhões de mortes e 600 milhões de casos confirmados. São necessários estudos para compreender a persistência dos sintomas após a infecção aguda, que podem se correlacionar com a gravidade inicial da doença. Objetivo: avaliar e comparar as características clínicas, espirométricas e radiológicas dos pacientes acometidos pela síndrome pós-COVID, estratificados conforme gravidade da infecção aguda pelo SARS-CoV-2. Metodologia: trata-se de estudo de corte transversal, realizado a partir de consultas ambulatoriais em amostra de conveniência. O estudo incluiu 232 pacientes, atendidos de novembro de 2020 a outubro de 2021. Os pacientes foram divididos em 2 grupos: com COVID-19, sem internamento em unidade de terapia intensiva; e com internamento em unidade de terapia intensiva. Resultados: foram avaliados 232 pacientes acometidos pela COVID-19, sendo 69,4% do sexo feminino; idade média de 50 ± 12,8 anos. As comorbidades mais frequentes foram hipertensão arterial sistêmica (44,0%) e diabetes mellitus (21,1%). Dos pacientes estudados, 45,7% foram internados durante a fase aguda da doença, sendo que cinquenta (21,6%) foram alocados em unidade de terapia intensiva (UTI). Em relação à espirometria, o padrão de distúrbio restritivo foi verificado apenas nos pacientes internados em UTI. Na tomografia de tórax, o padrão de pneumonia em organização foi associado a pacientes que precisaram de internamento em unidade de terapia intensiva. Conclusão: este estudo evidencia que o distúrbio ventilatório restritivo e a presença de pneumonia em organização tiveram associação com quadros iniciais mais graves.

Introduction: in March 2020, the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic was declared by the WHO, accounting for more than six million deaths and 600 million confirmed cases. Studies are required to understand the persistence of symptoms after acute infection, which may correlate with the initial severity of the disease. Objective: to evaluate and compare the clinical, spirometric and radiological characteristics of patients affected by the post-COVID syndrome, stratified according to the severity of the acute infection by SARS-CoV-2. Methodology: this is a cross-sectional study, carried out from outpatient consultations in a convenience sample. The study included 232 patients, seen from November 2020 to October 2021. Patients were divided into 2 groups: with COVID-19, without admission to an intensive care unit; and with admission to the intensive care unit. Results: 232 patients affected by COVID-19 were evaluated, 69.4% of whom were female; average age of 50 ± 12.8 years. The most common comorbidities were systemic arterial hypertension (44.0%) and diabetes mellitus (21.1%). Of the patients studied, 45.7% were hospitalized during the acute phase of the disease, and fifty (21.6%) were allocated to an intensive care unit (ICU). Regarding spirometry, the pattern of restrictive disorder was verified only in patients admitted to the ICU. On chest tomography, the pattern of organizing pneumonia was associated with patients who required admission to the intensive care unit. Conclusion: this study shows that restrictive ventilatory disorder and the presence of organizing pneumonia were associated with more severe initial conditions.

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

Absceso en miocardio secundario a neumonía adquirida en la comunidad por Pseudomona aeruginosa en lactante inmunocompetente: reporte de caso / Myocardial abscess secondary to community acquired Pseudomona aeruginosa pneumonia in an immunocompetent infant: case report

La Pseudomona aeruginosa es una causa importante de infecciones asociadas a la atención de la salud y en las neumonías adquiridas en la comunidad, rara vez se identifica como el agente patógeno, siendo estas de progresión rápida y de mal pronóstico. Se trata de un menor de un año de edad inmunocompetente el cual fallece en casa una semana después de una lesión en la planta del pie derecho que según familiares le sacaron "pus", tratado con antinflamatorios y analgésicos. Se le realizó necropsia que evidenció cicatriz en planta de pie derecho sin lesiones traumáticas. Pulmones de consistencia indurada, con adherencias y áreas que impresionan necróticas, asociada a efusión pleural. El estudio histológico reportó un proceso infeccioso pulmonar agudo abscedado que se diseminó por continuidad a tejido cardiaco y en estudios microbiológicos de pulmón y bazo se reportó Pseudomona aeruginosa.

Pseudomona aeruginosa is an important cause of health care-associated infections and in community-acquired pneumonias, it is rarely identified as the pathogenic agent, being of rapid progression and poor prognosis. This is a one-year-old immunocompetent minor who died at home one week after a lesion in the sole of the right foot which, according to family members, caused "pus", treated with anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs. A necropsy was performed, which showed a scar on the sole of the right foot with no traumatic lesions. Lungs of indurated consistency, with adhesions and areas that appear necrotic, associated with pleural effusion. The histological study reported an abscessed acute pulmonary infectious process that spread by continuity to cardiac tissue and microbiological studies of lung and spleen reported Pseudomona aeruginosa.