Antibiotic susceptibility patterns of bacterial isolates of patients with upper respiratory tract infections

Abstract To evaluate the antibiotic susceptibility patterns in URTIs reporting to tertiary hospitals of Lahore. A cross-sectional study employing 259 culture sensitivity reports obtained from tertiary care hospitals of Lahore. Using SPSS, descriptive statistics were used to estimate frequencies and percentages. In URTIs, S. aureus (5%) was the frequent gram-positive isolate followed by MRSA (1.5%) and MSSA (1.5%), while P. aeruginosa (15.8%) was the prevalent gram-negative isolate followed by Klebsiella (13.1%) and E. coli (6.9%). Against P. aeruginosa, ceftazidime (7.7%), cefuroxime/ceftriaxone (4.6%), amoxicillin (4.3%) and ciprofloxacin (4.2%), were tested resistant, while imipenem (11.2%), ciprofloxacin (9.2%), amikacin (9.2%), meropenem/ levofloxacin/gentamicin (8.1%) and piptaz (6.9%) were found sensitive. Against Klebsiella, carbepenems (7.3%), amikacin (6.5%), ciprofloxacin (5.4%) and gentamicin (5%) were tested sensitive, whereas, ceftazidime (8.5%), ceftriaxone (5.8%), cefaclor (5.5%), ampicillin (4.6%), co-amoxiclave (4.2%) and ciftazidime/ciprofloxacin (3.8%) were found resistant. Overall, imipenem (35%), meropenem (30.8%) and amikacin (31.9%) were the three most sensitive antibiotics, while ceftazidime (25.4%), ceftriaxone (19.2%) and ampicillin (18.5%) were the three most resistant antibiotics. Data suggested that P.aeruginosa and Klebsiella, were the most frequent bacterial isolates in URTIs of Lahore. These isolates were resistant to ampicillin, cefuroxime and ceftazidime, but were sensitive to carbapenem and aminoglycosides

Estudio clínico-epidemiológico y molecular de metapneumovirus humano en pacientes con infecciones respiratorias agudas (IRA) en Venezuela / Clinical and epidemiological and molecular study of human metapneumovirus in patients with acute respiratory infections (ARI) in Venezuela

El Metapneumovirus Humano (MPVh) ha sido asociado con Infecciones Respiratorias Agudas (IRA) en pacientes de todas las edades. Estudios epidemiológicos indican la prevalencia del MPVh alrededor del mundo, sin embargo, en Venezuela poco se conoce sobre su comportamiento en la población. Este estudio pretende describir el comportamiento epidemiológico de la infección por MPVh en pacientes venezolanos. Se evaluaron por RT-PCR multiplex 1812 hisopados nasales (HN) provenientes de pacientes con diagnóstico de IRA e IRA grave (IRAG) con resultados negativos a virus Influenza, referidos al INHRR entre los años 2010 y 2013. De los Virus Respiratorios no Influenza (VRnI), el MPVh resultó ser el cuarto virus mas detectado con una frecuencia de 9,1%. El 42,02 % de los casos positivos a MPVh fueron niños ≤ 5 años con 29 casos (29/69). Los pacientes positivos a MPVh cursaron IRA alta con fiebre, tos, congestión nasal, disnea/tiraje/rinorrea, malestar general y estridor; e IRAG con hospitalización (58%), neumonía (36,2%), bronquitis aguda (10,1%), bronconeumonía (2,8%), rinofaringitis y laringotraqueobronquitis en el 1,4%. El análisis filogenético de los MPVh demostró la aparente relación de los genotipos A2 y B2 con IRAG. Este estudio permite demostrar la importancia de la detección de otros agentes virales respiratorios y su posible relación con el desarrollo de IRA/IRAG, así como fortalece la vigilancia epidemiológica de las enfermedades respiratoria en Venezuela.

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) has been associated with acute respiratory infections (ARI) in patients of all ages. Epidemiological studies indicate hMPV prevalence around the world, but in Venezuela little is known about its behavior in the population. This study aims to describe the epidemiological behavior of hMPV infection in Venezuelan patients. Were evaluated by RT-PCR multiplex 1812 nasal swabs (HN) from patients diagnosed with ARF and severe ARI (SARI) Influenza virus with negative results, referring to INHRR between 2010 and 2013. Of the non Respiratory Influenza Virus ( VRNI), the fourth hMPV virus proved more detected at a frequency of 9.1%. The 42.02% of hMPV positive cases were children ≤ 5 years with 29 cases (29/69). HMPV positive patients were enrolled IRA with high fever, cough, nasal congestion, dyspnea/ printing / rhinorrhea, malaise and stridor; and SARI inpatient (58%), pneumonia (36.2%), acute bronchitis (10.1%), bronchopneumonia (2.8%), nasopharyngitis and croup at 1.4%. Phylogenetic analysis of the hMPV showed the apparent relationship of the A2 and B2 genotypes with SARI. This study can prove the importance of the detection of other respiratory viral agents and their possible relationship with the development of IRA / SARI and strengthens epidemiological surveillance of respiratory diseases in Venezuela.

Viral etiology of respiratory infections in children in southwestern Saudi Arabia using multiplex reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction

To investigate 15 respiratory viruses in children with acute respiratory tract infections [ARTIs] using multiplex reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction [RT-PCR], and to analyze the clinical and epidemiological features of these viruses. In a cross-sectional study, 135 children,

Tuberculosis y micosis sistémicas en indígenas del Municipio Cedeño Estado Bolívar Venezuela / Tuberculosis and systemic mycoses in indigenous Cedeño Municipality Bolivar State Venezuela

Determinar la prevalencia de tuberculosis y micosis sistémicas endémicas, Paracoccidioidomicosis e Histoplasmosis, en poblaciones indígenas. Se realizó un estudio transversal en pacientes sintomáticos respiratorios de 3 comunidades indígenas del municipio Cedeño del estado Bolívar, Venezuela. Se obtuvieron muestras de esputo y secreción ganglionar para la búsqueda de bacilos ácido-resistentes, el complejo Paracoccidioides sppe Histoplasma capsulatum; se realizó cultivo en medio Lowëstein Jensen y medios selectivos para hongos, además estudio molecular para micobacterias. Se estudiaron muestras de suero para la demostración de anticuerpos específicos contra el Complejo Paracoccidioides sppe H. capsulatum. Se evaluaron 60 pacientes sintomáticos respiratorios. Se demostraron bacilos ácido-resistentes por baciloscopia en 26 casos (43,3%) y 29 cultivos positivos para Mycobacterium tuberculosis (48,3%) resultando un total de 33 pacientes con diagnóstico de tuberculosis; hubo correlación significativa entre los hallazgos en el Ziehl-Nielsen y el crecimiento de M. tuberculosis en cultivo (p=0,013). Se demostró la presencia del Complejo Paracoccidioides spp en 2 casos (3,3%), con coexistencia de bacilos ácido-resistentes. No se evidenció la presencia de H. capsulatum. La tuberculosis constituye la principal causa de infección respiratoria crónica en estas comunidades indígenas y obliga a que se revisen de forma urgente los programas regionales para la atención de estas poblaciones vulnerables, así como a realizar estudios en otras poblaciones.

To determine prevalence of tuberculosis and endemic systemic mycoses, Paracoccidiodomycosis (PCM) and Hystoplasmosis in native populations. A transversal study in individuals with respiratory symptoms from 3 native populations from Cedeño County from Bolivar state, Venezuela, was realized. Sputum and spontaneous lymphatic node secretion samples were obtained to look for acid-resistant bacilli, Paracoccidioides spp complex and Histoplasma capsulatum. Culture in Lowëstein-Jensen and selective media to fungi, andmolecular study formycobacteria were realized. Serum samples were studied to demonstrate specific antibodies against Paracoccidioides spp complex and H. capsulatum. Sixty individuals had respiratory symptoms. Acid-resistant bacilli were demonstrated in 26 cases by bacilloscopy (43.3%) and 29 positive cultures for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (48.3%), resulting 33 patients with diagnosis of tuberculosis; there was significative correlation between features in bacilloscopy and growing of M. Tuberculosis in Lowëstein-Jensen media (p=0.013). Presence of the characteristic yeastlike forms of Paracoccidioides spp complex was found in 2 cases (3.3%) with coexistence of acidresistant bacilli in both. There was no evidence of H. capsulatum. Tuberculosis constitutes the principal origin of chronic respiratory infection in these native populations and it should conduce to revise urgently the regional programs attending to these vulnerable populations.

Reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura: manejo endoscópico de fístula traqueoesofágica recurrente con electrocauterio y pegante tisular / Endoscopic management of recurrent tracheoesophageal fistula with fibringlue and electrocautery

Las fístulas traqueoesofágicas recurrentes (FTER) continúan siendo un reto terapéutico debido a las altas tasas de morbilidad y mortalidad asociadas con su manejo quirúrgico abierto y su recurrencia frecuente. Las técnicas endoscópicas aportan un abordaje alternativo con el potencial de mejorar los resultados y desenlaces quirúrgicos. Se presenta un caso de cierre o reparo endoscópico de FTER mediante el uso de broncoscopia y esofagoscopia, así como una combinación entre técnica con electrocauterio y pegante tisular. Se considera que esta técnica puede representar una alternativa válida para el manejo de esta patología. Igualmente, se señala la importancia de considerar la fístula traqueoesofágica un diagnóstico diferencial en pacientes pediátricos con infecciones respiratorias recurrentes...

Recurrent Tracheoesophageal Fistulas (RTEF) remainsa therapeutic challenge, cause of the highrates of morbidity and mortality associated withopen surgical closure and their frequent recurrence.Endoscopic techniques provide an alternativeapproach with the potential for improved surgicaloutcomes. We present a case of successful repairof recurrent tracheoesophageal fistula using bronchoscopyand esophagoscopy, as well as a combinedtechnique with electrocautery and fibrin glue.We believe this might represent a valid alternativefor the management of RTEF. We also want topoint out the importance of considering primaryor recurrent tracheoesophageal fistula in pediatricpatients with recurrent respiratory tract infections...

Clinico-hematological profile of Chediak-Higashi syndrome: Experience from a tertiary care center in south India.

Introduction: Chediak-Higashi syndrome (CHS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by partial ocular and cutaneous albinism, increased susceptibility to pyogenic infections, the presence of large lysosomal-like organelles in most granule-containing cells and a bleeding tendency. The abnormal granules are most readily seen in blood and marrow leukocytes, especially granulocytes; and in melanocytes. Other clinical features include silvery hair, photophobia, horizontal and rotatory nystagmus and hepatosplenomegaly. Materials and Methods: The clinico-hematological profile of a series of 5 cases of CHS encountered at JIPMER Hospital with diagnostic work-up done in the Department of Pathology over the last 6 years is presented. The diagnostic work-up included complete hemogram with peripheral smear, bone marrow examination, skin and liver biopsies. Results: The age of the patients ranged from 5 months to 3 years. All patients had silvery hair and partial albinism and presented with fever and recurrent chest infection. Two patients were stable. Three patients were in accelerated phase; of them, 1 patient with associated hemophagocytic syndrome had a rapidly fulminant course. Peripheral blood smear showed anomalously large granules in the leukocytes. Skin biopsy showed sparse, coarse melanin pigment in the epidermis, and liver biopsy done in 2 patients with accelerated phase showed portal lymphohistiocytic aggregates. Conclusions: The diagnostic hallmark of CHS is the occurrence of giant inclusion bodies (granules) in the peripheral leukocyte and their bone marrow precursors. The case series is being presented because of the rarity of CHS and varied spectrum of clinical and hematological presentation.

Ventilación no invasiva en infección respiratoria aguda fuera del área de cuidado intensivo / Non-invasive ventilation in patients with acute respiratory infection outside of intensive care units

Introduction: Acute Respiratory Infections (ARIs) in children constitute a Public Health issue. They represent the main cause of admission to hospitals and ICU use throughout the winter months. The benefit of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) in its treatment is not clearly defined. Objective: Describe the results of use of NIV in hospital, outside of ICU in children with severe ARIs. Patients and Methods: Population included all children < 2 y.o. with probable or confirmed viral AlRI with Tal score > 8 o > 6 without previous treatment response; all these seen between 8 June and 20 October, 2009. A management protocol was established, including monitoring and connection to NIV. A Vipap III (ResMed®) was used. Clinical characteristics and evolution of patients is described. Results: 113 patients were included, which amounted to 5.2 of all admissions for AlRI in that period. 80.5 percent (n = 91) showed a favorable evolution, with an average LOS of 76.1 hrs. The rest required conventional mechanical ventilation. No patient died. Conclusions: The use of NIV among these children is a valid and secure option. It can also be utilized outside of the ICU so long as it is limited to a restricted area, a management protocol, and trained staff.

Introducción: La infección respiratoria aguda (IRA) en niños constituye un problema de salud pública. Durante los meses de invierno representa la primera causa de ingreso hospitalario y de demanda de cuidado intensivo. El beneficio de la ventilación no invasiva (VNI) en su tratamiento no ha sido claramente definido. Objetivo: Describir los resultados de la aplicación de ventilación no invasiva fuera de la unidad de cuidado intensivo a niños con infección respiratoria aguda grave. Pacientes y Método: Se incluyeron niños < 2 años con IRA de etiología viral probable o confirmada y score de Tal > 8 o > 6 sin respuesta al tratamiento previo entre 8 de junio y 20 de octubre de 2009. Se estableció un protocolo de actuación, monitorización y conexión a VNI. Se utilizo un Vipap III (ResMed®). Se describen las características clínicas y evolutivas de los pacientes. Resultados: Se incluyeron 113 pacientes, el 5,2 por ciento de los ingresos hospitalarios por IRA en ese período. El 80,5 por ciento (n = 91) evolucionó favorablemente, con una estadía promedio de 76,1 horas. El resto requirió asistencia ventilatoria mecánica convencional. Ningún paciente falleció. Conclusiones: La aplicación de VNI en éste grupo de niños, constituyó una alternativa válida y segura. Su utilización puede ser extendida fuera del área de cuidado intensivo, siempre que se disponga de un área específica, protocolo de actuación y un equipo previamente capacitado.

Doenças respiratórias em pediatria: [revisão] / Pediatric respiratory diseases: [review]

As doenças respiratórias na infância representam importante problema de saúde pública, gerando grande demanda aos serviços médicos. O objetivo desta revisão é analisar as principais condições clínicas na infância que cursam com tosse, condição que frequentemente está presente nas afecções respiratórias. São discutidas as indicações terapêuticas para a tosse produtiva e seca. Como resultado, salienta-se a multiplicidade de quadros etiológicos responsáveis, bem como fatores de risco para o incremento da incidência dessas afecções e se discute a melhor conduta diante do sintoma tosse. Concluindo, o autor salienta a necessidade de esclarecer o quadro clínico, a fim de melhor abordar terapeuticamente a referida condição.

Prevalence of upper respiratory tract infections at a tertiary care hospital in the city of São Paulo / Prevalência das infecções de vias aéreas superiores em um hospital terciário na cidade de São Paulo

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of pathogens in the upper respiratory tract according to age at a tertiary care hospital in the city of São Paulo. Methods: A total of 6,144 biological material tests from upper respiratory airways were analyzed: 740 bacterial cultures, 726 virus screenings and 4,678 rapid tests for S. pyogenes. Results: The most frequently found etiological agent was respiratory syncytial virus (29.6%; 215/726). The main agents detected per age groups were: respiratory syncytial virus (25.34%; 184/726) in patients aged 28 days-3 years; S. pyogenes (9.5%; 70/740) in 3-12 year-old children; influenza virus (8.8%; 64/726) in adults (18-59 years). Conclusions: The etiologic agents of upper respiratory infections vary according to age and imply diverse clinical and therapeutic management.

Objetivo: Avaliar a prevalência de patógenos das vias aéreas superiores em relação à faixa etária de pacientes atendidos em um hospital terciário da cidade de São Paulo. Métodos: Foram analisados 6.144 exames de materiais biológicos provenientes das vias aéreas superiores, sendo 740 de cultura bacteriana, 726 de triagem de vírus e 4.678 provas rápidas para S. pyogenes. Resultados: O agente etiológico com maior frequência nas infecções de vias aérea superiores foi o vírus sincicial respiratório, com 29,6% (215/726). Os principais agentes detectados por faixa etária foram: vírus sincicial respiratório em 25,34% (184/726) dos exames de pacientes com faixa etária entre 28 dias a 3 anos; S. pyogenes, com 9,5% (70/740) na fase da infância (3 a 12 anos); vírus influenza, com 8,8% (64/726) detectados na fase adulta (18 a 59 anos). Conclusões: Os agentes etiológicos das infecções de vias aéreas superiores variam de acordo com a faixa etária do paciente, o que resulta em uma conduta clínica e laboratorial diferenciada.

Trombosis venosa profunda del miembro superior en un paciente con cetoacidosis diabética / Deep venous thrombosis of the upper limb in a patient with diabetic acidosis

La Trombosis Venosa de Miembros Superiores (TVP – Ms Ss) profunda es una enfermedad poco frecuente y de difícil diagnóstico. Sin historia de esfuerzo físico de miembros superiores, las trombofilias suelen ser la condición más frecuentemente relacionada. La cetoacidosis diabética puede tener relación con la TVP por varias razones. Se presenta un caso de un hombre de 26 años con cetoacidosis diabética e infección respiratoria baja; tenía instalado un catéter venoso central y presentó una TVP en miembro superior derecho

Deep Vein Thrombosis of upper limbs is not common and sometimes, of difficult diagnosis. Risk factors, in absence of physical strain include thrombophylia, as is found in diabetic ketoacidosis . We present a 26 year-old man who was admitted with diabetic acidosis and a lower respiratory infection. A central vein catheter was installed and TVP of right upper limb was diagnosed and treated

Vírus respiratório sincicial humano e metapneumovírus humano / Human respiratory syncitial vírus and human metapneumovirus

O Vírus respiratório sincicial humano (hRSV - human respiratory syncytial virus) e o Metapneumovírus humano (hMPV - human metapneumovirus) são os principais agentes etiológicos identificados nas infecções respiratórias agudas (IRAs). As IRAs representam importante causa de morbidade e mortalidade em crianças no mundo todo. hRSV e hMPV são membros da família Paramyxoviridae. São vírus envelopados, não-segmentados dotados de genoma de RNA de fita simples com sentido negativo. O hRSV é o agente viral melhor caracterizado neste grupo, associado à doença do trato respiratório inferior. Recentemente foi identificado um novo patógeno humano pertencente à subfamília Pneumovirinae, o hMPV, o qual possui similaridades com o hRSV, na sua organização genômica, estrutura viral, antigenicidade e sintomas clínicos. A subfamília Pneumovirinae contém dois gêneros: gênero Pneumovirus que contêm o hRSV, o RSV bovino (bRSV - bovine RSV), bem como os RSV ovino, caprino e o vírus da pneumonia murina, o segundo gênero Metapneumovirus que consiste do MPV aviário (aMPV - avian MPV) e hMPV. Neste trabalho, apresentamos uma breve revisão narrativa da literatura sobre aspectos importantes da biologia, epidemiologia e manifestações clínicas das infecções por estes dois vírus respiratórios.

The human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) and the human metapneumovirus (hMPV) are the main etiological agents of acute respiratory infections (ARIs). ARIs are an important cause of childhood morbidity and mortality worldwide. The hRSV and hMPV are members of the Paramyxoviridae family. They are enveloped, non-segmented viruses, with negative-sense single stranded genomes. The respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) is the best characterized viral agent of this group, associated with respiratory diseases in the lower respiratory tract. Recently, a new human pathogen belonging to the subfamily Pneumovirinae was identified, the human metapneumovirus (hMPV), which is structurally similar to the hRSV in terms of genomic organization, viral structure, antigenicity, and clinical symptoms. The subfamily Pneumovirinae contains two genera: genus Pneumovirus contains the hRSV, the bovine RSV (bRSV), as well as the ovine and caprine RSV and pneumonia virus of mice, the second genus Metapneumovirus, consists of the avian MPV (aMPV) and hMPV. In this study, we present a brief review of the literature on important aspects of the biology, epidemiology, and clinical manifestations of infections by two respiratory viruses.

Infecciones respiratorias altas recurrentes: algunas consideraciones / Recurrent upper respiratory infections: some considerations

Las infecciones respiratorias agudas constituyen la primera causa de consultas médicas y de morbilidad, tanto en los países desarrollados como en los países en vías de desarrollo. Los niños menores de 5 años tienen algunas características fisiológicas e inmunológicas que los hacen más susceptibles para presentar estos procesos respiratorios. A pesar que las infecciones respiratorias agudas bajas concentran habitualmente la atención por su mayor complejidad, costo del tratamiento y complicaciones, son las altas las que se presentan en mayor número en la consulta ambulatoria. Por la frecuente presentación en la consulta de alergología y por la carga de ansiedad que se genera en los familiares de estos niños con infecciones respiratorias recurrentes, nos decidimos a realizar una revisión sobre algunos aspectos de interés relacionados con ellas. Nuestro objetivo es mejorar el conocimiento de estas entidades, para identificar aquellos niños con mayor riesgo de presentar recurrencia de estas infecciones respiratorias. Estas entidades, que en su mayoría son de etiología viral y curso limitado, son causa importante de uso y abuso de medicamentos, entre ellos, los antibióticos, con efectos perjudiciales en la salud de los niños.

Acute respiratory infections are the first cause of visits to the physician's offices and of morbidity in the developing and developed countries. Children under 5 have some physiological and immunological characteristics that make them more susceptible to present these respiratory processes. In spite of the fact that the lower respiratory infection usually attracts the attention due to their greater complexity, cost of treatment and complications, the upper are more frequent at the outpatient department. Due to their common presentation at the allergology department and to the load of anxiety generated in the relatives of these children with recurrent respiratory infections, it was decided to make a review of some aspects of interest related to them. It was our objective to improve the knowledge of these entities to identify those children with higher risk for presenting recurrence of these respiratory infections. These entities, which are most of viral aetiology and limited course are an important cause of the use and abuse of drugs, such as antibiotics, with harmful effects for the children's health.

Tissue reaction patterns in respiratory infections: a practical approach to a cytological diagnosis.

Infection of the respiratory tract, particularly indolent and chronic disease can be a diagnostic dilemma. Infections associated with immunosuppressive states often require an accurate early diagnosis because it impacts outcome. A wide variety of specimens, such as, sputum, bronchoalveolar lavarge (BAL), transthoracic or transbronchial fine needle aspiration (FNA) can be employed. Cytopathology is diagnostic when the causative organism can be identified failing which, direction can be given to further investigation by examination of the tissue reaction patterns. Three types of reactions seen in lung infections act as clues to the diagnosis: (a) necrosis, (b) inflammatory reactions, and (c) epithelial changes with little inflammation. Identification of tissue reaction types limits the diagnostic possibilities and facilitates the diagnostic process.

Disquinesia ciliar: diagnóstico ultraestructural, evolución clínica y alternativas de tratamiento / Clinical and ultrastructural features of ciliary dyskinesia

Background: Ciliary dyskinesia (CD) is a low incidence genetic illness, that presents with a wide clinical spectrum. Also, there are transitory conditions that present with ciliary anomalies, secondary to infectious diseases of the airways. Aim: To descube clinical and ultrastructural findings and clinical and therapeutic evolution of these patients. Patients and Methods: Retrospective review of medical records and electron microscopy findings of 33 patients (aged 1 to 21 years, 14 females) with ultrastructural diagnosis of CD. To obtain follow up information, a telephone survey was done. Results: In 30 patients (90 percent) the inner dynein arm (IDA) was absent in 50 or more percent of the cilia. Twenty two (66 percent) had absence of the outer dynein arm. Before diagnosis of CD, 19 patients (57 percent) presented recurrent otitis media, 25 patients (77 percent), three or more episodes of rhinosinusitis and 18 patients (56 percent) had recurrent pneumonia. Middle ear ventilation tubes were placed in 19 patients (57 percent), and during its use, 12 (68 percent) remained without othorrea. Sixteen patients (48 percent) with recurrent episodes of rhinosinusitis required adenoidectomy Seven (21 percent) required a functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), and 6 (86 percent) improved after FESS. Conclusions: Our patients with CD presented recurrent infections in different airway locations. In those with a diagnosis of CD and recurrent otol¢gica! and rhinosinusal infections, IDA was absent in a high percentage of cilia. FESS and the use of ventilation tubes may have a beneficial role in a subgroup of patients with CD.

Contaminación del aire en La Plata y alrededores: Factores de riesgo y patologías respiratorias en niños / La Plata's air pollution: Risk factors and respiratory pathologies in children

Mediante un proyecto de investigación desarrollado por profesionales del Centro de Investigaciones del Medio Ambiente, la Facultad de Trabajo Social, ambos de la UNLP, y el Hospital de Niños de La Plata se estudian los efectos de la contaminación ambiental sobre la salud infantil. A tal efecto, se aplican metodologías epidemiológicas(encuestas según criterios ISAAC, analizadas por Epi-info), la determinación de volúmenes respiratorios en niños de 6-10años y la cuantificación de compuestos volátiles orgánicos (COVs) en el aire intramuros y extramuros, sobre la base de una caracterización previa química, mutagénica y citotóxica del aire ambiente realizada en la zona, por profesionales participantes. El estudio se realiza en niños residentes en el Polo Petroquímico de Ensenada, en la ciudad de La Plata (alto tránsito) y en zonas con bajos niveles de COVs extramuros: una residencial y otra semi-rural. En esta etapa fueron completadas, cargadasy analizadas 1102 encuestas. Se realizaron 130 espirometrías y se determinaron niveles de COVs, intramuros y extramuros, mediante monitoreadores pasivos. El análisis estadístico preliminar evidencia correlaciones (Odds Ratio >1) entre exposición a contaminantes y diversaspatologías: cercanía a industria petroquímica con patologías de tipo respiratorio; vivir sobre una calle de tránsito intenso con cefalea, alergia y fotosensibilidad; ambientes interiores contaminados con tos persistente y rinitis. El análisis espirométricoseñala que los niños de Ensenada presentaron mayor respuesta broncodilatadora que los de las zonas restantes. Los niveles de COVs obtenidos coinciden con los hallados en estudios anteriores en cuanto a sus valores y las tendencias observadas.Así, la concentración de COVs totales en aire extramuros, es superior en Mosconi, siguiendo La Plata; las zonas residencial y semi-rural presentan valores menores y similares entre sí.

Evaluación diagnóstica de las neumonias presumiblemente bacteriana en el Hospital Manuel de

Presenta un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal a los niños mayores de un mes y menores de 5 años ingresados con diagnóstico de neumonia en la sala de Medicina del Hospital Manuel de Jesús Rivera, en el período comprendido de agosto a octubre del año 2004. EL universo de estudio lo constituyeron un total de 233 pacientes. El grupo etareo de 1 a 5 años es el más afectado con el 82 por ciento el grupo de edad de 1 mes a 1 año con el 18 por ciento, el sexo con predominio de afectación fue el masculino con el 60 por ciento. También refleja la relación del estado nutricional eutróficos al 81 por ciento, desnutridos en el 19 por ciento, con desnutrición grado I el 9.4 por ciento. La sintomatologia mas frecuente para las neumonias complicadas se reporta la presencia de fiebre en 18 pacientes, estridor en pacientes, deprimido en 6 pacientes...

Validation of the verbal autopsy method to ascertain acute respiratory infection as cause of death.

The validity of the Verbal Autopsy (VA) in death due to acute respiratory infection (ARI), was tested in 36 children who died by any acute infectious disease as stated by the necropsy diagnosis, at two public hospitals in Mexico City; the illness started at home. Clinical data obtained through VA were compared with diagnoses of necropsies, which were considered as "gold standard". The presence of dyspnoea for more than one day showed sensitivity of 0.69 and specificity of 0.74, while history of coughing showed a sensitivity of 0.61 and a specificity of 0.73. Combination of both clinical data improved specificity (0.83), but decreased sensitivity (0.54). Additional sources of diagnosis (a panel of assessors, the clinical record and the death certificate), also showed good sensitivity (0.69-0.77) and specificity (0.74-7.8). Focus on history of dyspnea and/or cough in children with an infectious syndrome should be emphasized, as a useful epidemiologic tool to determine children's mortality due to ARI in areas where diagnosis resources are constrained.