Fiebre reumática aguda en adultos corriendo el año 2023, diagnóstico poco frecuente. A propósito de un caso clínico

La fiebre reumática aguda es una enfermedad con baja incidencia en nuestra región. Sus complicaciones conllevan una elevada morbi-mortalidad. El diagnóstico es un desafío en la actualidad, teniendo la clínica un rol preponderante; permitiéndonos mantener una alta sospecha a pesar de su baja incidencia. Se presenta el caso clínico de un paciente sexo masculino cuyo diagnóstico fue un reto para el equipo de salud.

Acute rheumatic fever is a disease with low incidence in our region. Its complications involve high morbidity and mortality. Its diagnosis is currently a challenge, with clinical presentation playing a predominant role, allowing us to maintain a high diagnostic suspicion despite its low incidence. The clinical case of a male patient is presented, whose diagnosis posed a challenge for the healthcare team.

A Febre reumática aguda é uma doença com baixa incidência em nossa região. Suas complicações envolvem alta morbidade e mortalidade. Seu diagnóstico é atualmente um desafio, com a apresentação clínica desempenhando um papel predominante, permitindo-nos manter uma alta suspeita diagnóstica apesar de sua baixa incidência. É apresentado o caso clínico de um paciente do sexo masculino, cujo diagnóstico representou um desafio para a equipe de saúde.

Eritrodermia posterior a infección por Chikungunya: un reto diagnóstico / Erythroderma after Chikungunya infection: a diagnostic challenge

RESUMEN La eritrodermia es un síndrome inflamatorio cutáneo grave que se caracteriza por eritema y descamación generalizada en más del 90 % del cuerpo. Este síndrome puede ser la etapa final de diversas enfermedades dermatológicas o el inicio de ciertas patologías como la psoriasis, que es la causa más común. Las enfermedades febriles son causa de exacerbaciones de psoriasis. Se cree que el virus actúa como un superantígeno y activa la inmunidad celular causando cambios inmunológicos con clínica variada en individuos predispuestos. Presentamos el caso de un paciente de sexo masculino que debuta con una forma grave de psoriasis posterior a infección por chikungunya.

ABSTRACT Exfoliative dermatitis is a severe cutaneous inflammatory syndrome characterized by generalized erythema and scaling over more than 90 % of the body. This syndrome can be the final stage of various dermatological diseases or the beginning of certain pathologies such as psoriasis, which is the most common cause. Febrile illnesses are cause of psoriasis exacerbations. It is believed that the virus acts as a superantigen and activates cellular immunity causing immunological changes with varied symptoms in predisposed individuals. We present the case of a male patient who presented with a severe form of psoriasis after chikungunya infection.

Síndrome de Takotsubo en paciente con dengue / Takotsubo syndrome in dengue patient

Resumen El síndrome de Takotsubo, fue descripto en Japón en 1990, se trata de una miocardiopatía por estrés, predo minante en mujeres, generalmente postmenopáusicas. Se produce una hipoquinesia cardiaca, con compromiso de múltiples territorios coronarios. En las unidades de terapia intensiva (UTI), se considera subdiagnosticada. En las manifestaciones del dengue grave, se encuen tra el compromiso cardiovascular, principalmente arrit mias y disfunción sistólica. Se presenta el caso de un hombre de 72 años, inter nado en UTI por dengue, con plaquetopenia (15 000 cé lulas/mm3) y deshidratación. Luego de la administración de fluidos refirió disconfort respiratorio, auscultándose estertores pulmonares. Se realizó ecografía pulmonar donde se apreció líneas B bilaterales con patrón B7 compatible con síndrome intersticial y edema pulmonar. En el ecocardiograma transtorácico se objetivó hiperqui nesia basal, hipoquinesia medial y apical con imagen compatible con balonamiento apical. En el electrocardio grama se evidenció bloqueo completo de rama derecha. La serología para Chagas fue negativa y la troponina I cuantitativa se detectó aumentada. Se diagnosticó síndrome de Takotsubo en el contexto de dengue grave. El paciente evolucionó favorablemente. Posterior al alta, se constató normalización de la moti lidad cardíaca, en las imágenes ecográficas. El caso es de importancia clínica por la baja asocia ción de las dos enfermedades y la necesidad de pesqui sar el compromiso cardíaco en el dengue grave.

Abstract Takotsubo syndrome, was described in Japan in 1990, it is a stress cardiomyopathy, predominantly in women, usually postmenopausal. Cardiac hypokinesia occurs, with involvement of multiple coronary territories. In in tensive care unit (ICU), it is considered underdiagnosed. Manifestations of severe dengue fever include cardio vascular involvement, mainly arrhythmias and systolic dysfunction. A case of a 72-year-old man is presented, who was hos pitalized in ICU for dengue fever, with plateletopenia (15 000 cells/mm3) and dehydration. After fluid management the patient reported respiratory discomfort, auscultating crackling rales. A pulmonary ultrasound was made where bilateral B lines were found with B7 pattern compatible with interstitial syndrome and pulmonary edema. Basal hyperkinesia, medial and apical hypokinesia with an im age consistent with apical ballooning were observed in the transthoracic echocardiogram. The electrocardiogram showed complete right bundle branch block. Chagas serol ogy was negative and quantitative troponin I was increased. In the context of severe dengue, a Takotsubo syn drome was diagnosed. The patient evolved favorably. After discharge, a normalization of the cardiac function was stated in ultrasound images. The case is of clinical importance due to the low as sociation of these two diseases and the need to screen for cardiac involvement in severe dengue.

Pattern of changes in hepatic aminotransferases level during dengue infection in children aged 1-12 years

Background: Dengue fever is a pandemic viral disease carried by mosquito-borne flavivirus. Dengue infection is the most common arthropod infection in humans. The study is done with the aim to establish a relation between hepatic dysfunction and outcome in patients with dengue fever. It was found that hepatic transaminases were significantly deranged in dengue with warning signs indicating poor prognosis and need for early initiation of supportive treatment which can reduce mortality and morbidity in these children. Liver function tests can be of profound benefit in indicating the prognosis of children with dengue fever in resource-limited settings.Methods: Cohort prospective observational study in Al-Ameen children hospital over 2 years. Patients aged 1-12 years fulfilling WHO case definition of fever and ?2 of following: nausea/vomiting, rashes, aches and pains, tourniquet test positive, thrombocytopenia or any warning sign and serologically confirmed NS1Ag positive were studied. Once serologically positive, a blood sample was taken while establishing an intravenous line.Results: Dengue with warning signs and dengue without warning signs were the classifications given to the patient. Both AST and ALT were found to be higher in groups having dengue with warning signs, with AST higher than ALT. Conclusions: In dengue infection, hepatic dysfunction was common. Enzymes were significantly deranged in dengue with warning signs indicating prolonged illness and poor prognosis and need for early initiation of supportive treatment for better outcomes.

Overlap of dengue fever and HELLP syndrome in pregnancy: a complex clinical encounter

Dengue fever is an arboviral infection caused by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, common in tropical areas, especially in India. It is characterized by fever, fatigue, malaise, joint pain, retrobulbar pain, abdominal pain, and thrombocytopenia. It is often complicated by bleeding manifestations like petechiae, bleeding gums, and blood in vomitus. Hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelet count (HELLP) syndrome is usually a complication of preeclampsia in pregnancy (elevated blood pressure after 20 weeks of gestation) and is characterized by hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count. This is the case of a primigravida that presented at 32 weeks + 2 days of gestation with dengue fever in the background of HELLP syndrome. Significant overlap in the features of dengue fever and HELLP syndrome can lead to a delay in the diagnosis of HELLP syndrome and its management. This case highlights the importance of early recognition of HELLP syndrome in a dengue positive pregnant patient.

Feto maternal outcome in pregnancy with fever

Background: Infection in pregnancy is a common clinical problem worldwide. The risk to the mother and the fetus is significantly increased in pregnancy complicated by fever. Effect of fever depends on the extent and duration of temperature elevation, socioeconomic status and nutritional status of mother, pre-existing co-morbidity, timing of exposure in pregnancy and several other factors. So, here we have carried out study on symptomatic antenatal patients to determine the fetomaternal outcome of various infections during pregnancy.Methods: This prospective observational study is done to determine fetomaternal outcome of 80 antenatal patients admitted during antepartum period with fever with infectious etiology at the department of obstetrics and gynecology, At SMT. SCL hospital, between 1st April 2023 to 30th September 2023, who were either delivered or aborted.Results: Out of 80 cases of fever in pregnancy, most common cause of fever was urinary tract infection (UTI) (31.3%) followed by upper respiratory infection (25%). fever was associated with antenatal complication such as abortion (13.8%), preterm delivery (23.7%), PROM, PPROM and etc. fetal outcome were preterm birth (23.7%), low birth weight (40%), neonatal mortality (2.5%).Conclusions: Infection during pregnancy is a commonly encountered feature that results in an extensive array of both maternal and fetal complications. The most common cause of fever was UTI. So, all women coming for first antenatal check-up should be investigated for the presence of asymptomatic genitourinary infection. early diagnosis and treatment of them adequately with the antimicrobials decreasing the associated neonatal and maternal morbidities.

Enteric fever masquerading as parotitis

Parotitis is commonly associated with viral infections, while some cases can be bacterial. Parotitis with enteric fever is very rare and has not been reported in pediatric population. An 8-years-old girl presented with parotitis, high grade fever, abdominal pain and vomiting. Salient examination findings were bilateral parotitis, cervical lymphadenopathy on right side, tonsillar hypertrophy with exudates over the right tonsil. Abdominal examination did not reveal any hepatosplenomegaly. Blood culture showed Salmonella paratyphi A., while other test for etiology of parotitis were non-conclusive. Parenteral ceftriaxone was given for a total duration of 14 days. The child responded well clinically and was kept under close follow-up. Presence of parotitis with enteric fever is a very rare finding. Blood culture is a gold standard test for diagnosing enteric fever. It should be incorporated in first line investigations in cases presenting with high grade fever and parotitis.

Shaken baby syndrome in neonate: a clinical masquerade

Abusive head trauma, which is a subset of Shaken baby syndrome, refers to a type of brain injury that occurs when the baby's head is subjected to undesirable forces. The characteristic lack of contributory history often leads to misdiagnosis, delayed treatment and suboptimal clinical outcome. We reported a neonatal presentation of abusive head trauma which posed significant diagnostic challenges. This manuscript depicts our journey to the correct diagnosis and also a review of current literature on abusive head trauma.

Validez de herramientas diagnósticas en pacientes pediátricos hospitalizados con diagnóstico presuntivo de dengue en un Hospital de Referencia de Paraguay / Validity of diagnostic tools in pediatric patients hospitalized with a presumptive diagnosis of dengue in a Reference Hospital in Paraguay

Introducción: El dengue es la enfermedad arboviral más común en los seres humanos. Un diagnóstico temprano y preciso del dengue puede respaldar el manejo clínico, la vigilancia y el control de la enfermedad y es fundamental, por ello en el diagnóstico del dengue es importante contar con pautas clínicas y epidemiológicas que permitan la identificación oportuna y una conducta terapéutica adecuada. Objetivos: Evaluar la validez de herramientas diagnósticas en pacientes pediátricos hospitalizados con diagnóstico presuntivo de dengue en un Hospital de Referencia de Paraguay durante los años de 2012 a 2020. Materiales y métodos: Estudio analítico de tipo observacional, retrospectivo correspondientes a pacientes pediátricos (0 a 18 años) internados en el Hospital de Referencia de Paraguay el periodo enero 2012 a julio 2020 con diagnostico presuntivo de dengue al ingreso. Se realizó́ un análisis bivariado relacionando las frecuencias de 20 grupos de criterios diagnósticos combinados y 3 criterios diagnósticos aislados (OMS 2009, nexo epidemiológico y antigenemia NS1 para dengue) con el gold standard de diagnóstico que fue la conversión serológica. Resultados: Participaron del estudio 342 sujetos. EL 44% tenía edad escolar y 70% tenía 5 años o más. El 52,76% (191) fueron masculinos. Se encontraron desnutrición y sobrepeso en el 13% y 2%, respectivamente. La combinación de proteína C reactiva con plaquetopenia se encontró́ en 0.45% de los pacientes sin dengue y en el 6% de los pacientes con diagnóstico final de dengue (p=0.004). Conclusión: Este resultado aporta la alternativa de uso de una combinación sencilla de exámenes de laboratorio que puede replicarse en salas de urgencias como en salas de internación en un primer contacto con pacientes febriles con sospecha de fiebre dengue.

Introduction: Dengue is the most common arboviral disease in humans. An early and accurate diagnosis of dengue can support the clinical management, surveillance and control of the disease and is essential, therefore in the diagnosis of dengue it is important to have clinical and epidemiological guidelines that allow timely identification and appropriate therapeutic conduct. Objectives: To evaluate the validity of diagnostic tools in pediatric patients hospitalized with a presumptive diagnosis of dengue in a Reference Hospital in Paraguay during the years 2012 to 2020. Materials and methods: Analytical study of case and control type, observational, longitudinal, retrospective corresponding to pediatric patients (0 to 18 years) admitted to the Reference Hospital of Paraguay from January 2012 to July 2020 with a presumptive diagnosis of dengue at income. A bivariate analysis was performed relating the frequencies of 20 groups of combined diagnostic criteria and 3 isolated diagnostic criteria (WHO 2009, epidemiological link and NS1 antigenemia for dengue) with the gold standard of diagnosis, which was serological conversion. Results: 342 subjects participated in the study. 44% were school age and 70% were 5 years old or older. 52.76% (191) were male. Malnutrition and overweight were found in 13% and 2%, respectively. The combination of C-reactive protein with thrombocytopenia was found in 0.45% of patients without dengue and in 6% of patients with a final diagnosis of dengue (p=0.004). Conclusion: This result provides the alternative of using a simple combination of laboratory tests that can be replicated in emergency rooms and inpatient wards in a first contact with febrile patients with suspected dengue fever.

Dengue en paciente de 32 días de vida. Reporte de un caso poco habitual / Dengue fever in a 32-day-old patient. A rare case report

El dengue es una enfermedad viral transmitida por la picadura del mosquito Aedes aegypti. El comportamiento del dengue en Argentina es epidémico; la mayoría de los casos se observan en los meses de mayor temperatura. Hasta la semana epidemiológica (SE) 20/2023, se registraron en Argentina 106 672 casos; se vieron afectadas 18 de las 24 provincias que conforman el país. Dentro de los principales grupos de riesgo, se incluyen los menores de 2 años. Reconocer los signos, síntomas e identificar los factores de riesgo es fundamental para el manejo de casos con mayor riesgo de gravedad. Presentamos el caso de una paciente de 32 días de vida que se internó por síndrome febril sin foco, con diagnósticos diferenciales de meningitis viral y sepsis, evolucionó con leucocitosis, plaquetopenia, hipoalbuminemia, asociado a exantema y edemas. Se llegó al diagnóstico de dengue por la clínica, epidemiologia e IgM positiva.

Dengue fever is a viral disease transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. In Argentina, dengue fever is an epidemic disease; most cases are reported during the hot months.Until epidemiological week (EW) 20/2023, 106 672 cases were reported across 18 of the 24 provinces of Argentina. Children younger than 2 years are among the main groups at risk. Recognizing signs and symptoms and identifying risk factors is fundamental for the management of cases at a higher risk of severity. Here we describe the case of a 32-day-old female patient who was hospitalized due to febrile syndrome without a source, who had a differential diagnosis of viral meningitis and sepsis and progressed to leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia, hypoalbuminemia in association with rash and edema. The diagnosis of dengue fever was established based on clinical, epidemiological, and positive IgM data.

Síntomas gastrointestinales, disfunción respiratoria, hepática y renal, principales factores asociados a letalidad por rickettsiosis trasmitida por garrapatas en Mexicali, Baja California, México / Gastrointestinal symptoms, respiratory, hepatic and renal dysfunction, main factors associated with lethality due to tickborne rickettsiosis in Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico

INTRODUCCIÓN: La rickettsiosis, enfermedad potencialmente mortal, es trasmitida por vectores como Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Dermacentor variabilis y D. andersonii, reservorios de Rickettsia rickettsii. En Baja California, México, es endémica, multifactorial, tiene alta letalidad, sus manifestaciones clínicas inespecíficas y ataque multisistémico dificultan el diagnóstico y tratamiento oportuno. OBJETIVO: Identificar los factores de riesgo asociados a la letalidad por rickettsiosis trasmitida por garrapatas en Mexicali, Baja California. PACIENTES Y MÉTODOS : Estudio observacional, analítico, transversal, retrospectivo, de 40 registros de pacientes con diagnóstico confirmado de rickettsiosis, periodo 2014 a 2018. Variables analizadas: sociodemográficas, clínicas, laboratorio clínico, evolución y desenlace. Se reportan frecuencias y medidas de asociación. RESULTADOS: 24 defunciones y 16 vivos. Más de 90% tuvo contacto conocido con garrapatas. Afectó en su mayoría a < 45 años en ambos grupos. La evolución antes del ingreso fue similar y la estancia hospitalaria fue mayor en los pacientes vivos (3,2 ± 4.7 vs 10,62 ± 7,6 p = 0,0002). Fiebre, cefalea, mialgias fueron predominantes. Datos asociados con letalidad: disfunción respiratoria (OR 38,33 IC95% 4,06-361,3 p < 0,0001), creatinina elevada (OR 15,4 IC95% 3,08-76,77 p < 0,0003), retardo del llenado capilar (OR 13,0 IC95% 2,73-61,78 p = 0,0005), dolor abdominal (OR 8,33, IC95% 1,90-36,44 p = 0,0029), AST (OR 7,5, IC95% 1,69-33,27 p = 0,005). CONCLUSIÓN: Esta enfermedad requiere de identificación temprana de factores que se asocian con letalidad para un tratamiento oportuno y adecuado.

BACKGROUND: Rickettsiosis, a potentially fatal disease, is transmitted by vectors such as Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Dermacentor variabilis and D. andersonii, reservoirs of Rickettsia rickettsii. In Baja California, Mexico, it is endemic, multifactorial, has high lethality, its nonspecific clinical manifestations and multisystem attack make diagnosis and timely treatment difficult. AIM: Identify the risk factors associated with lethality due to tick-transmitted rickettsiosis in Mexicali, Baja California. METHODS: Observational, analytical, cross-sectional, retrospective study of 40 records of patients with a confirmed diagnosis of rickettsiosis, period 2014 to 2018. Analyzed variables: sociodemographic, clinical, clinical laboratory, evolution and outcome. Frequencies and association measures are reported. RESULTS: 24 patients died and 16 survived. More than 90% had reported contact with ticks. It mostly affected ≤ 45 years in both groups. The evolution before admission was similar, and the hospital stay was longer in patients who lived (3.2 ± 4.7 vs 10.62 ± 7.6 p = 0.0002). Fever, headache, and myalgia are predominant. Data associated with lethality: respiratory dysfunction (OR 38.33 95% CI 4.06-361.3 p < 0.0001), elevated creatinine (OR 15.4 95% CI 3.08-76.77 p < 0.0003), delayed capillary refill (OR 13.0, 95% CI 2.73-61.78 p = 0.0005), abdominal pain (OR 8.33, 95% CI 1.90-36.44 p = 0.0029), AST (OR 7.5, 95% CI 1.69-33.27 p = 0.005). CONCLUSION: This disease requires early identification of factors that are associated with lethality for timely and adequate treatment.

An interesting case of dengue masquerading a splenic brucellosis

Mixed infections or co-infections are not uncommon in dengue fever which can occur as a result of transient suppression of host immunity by unknown mechanisms or as a part of its complication. Brucellosis co infection or post dengue complication can occur due to the indigenous practice of consumption of raw unpasteurized cattle milk. Here is a case report of a 14-year-old girl who presented with dengue fever but then continued to have persistence of fever spikes with abdominal pain requiring administration of antibiotics as well as upgradation, on evaluation was found to have splenic abscess with prior history of ingestion of raw goat抯 milk with serology suggestive of Brucellosis. This case report was done to elucidate the likelihood of co infection of zoonoses like dengue and brucellosis and the importance of consideration of brucellosis as a differential in cases of unresolving pyrexia post dengue fever especially in countries with wide prevalence of this practice of consumption of unpasteurized cattle milk.

Scrub typhus masquerading as puerperal sepsis

Scrub typhus is a zoonotically transmitted febrile illness caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi and transmitted by the larval stage of the leptotrombiculid mite. It is the most common rickettsial illness worldwide and has re-emerged as a major cause of Acute Undiffrentiated Febrile Illness (AUFI). It has a varied presentation ranging from a mild self-limiting illness to a life threatening condition with multi organ failure in 35 to 50% cases. Acute onset fever with pain abdomen, rashes, lymphadenopathy and eschars are the usual manifestations. The presentation, however, may be varied in pregnancy and the postpartum period due to altered immunological response of the body. A 33 year old lady presented on day 13 post-partum with high grade fever and hypotensive shock. An initial diagnosis of puerperal sepsis was made and empirical antibiotics started. Due to persistent high grade fever, with fluid refractory hypotension, a complete septic work up including Scrub typhus serology was sent which was found to be positive. Injection doxycycline was added to the treatment regimen following which the fever and rashes subsided and general condition improved.

Fiebre en pacientes inmunodeprimidos / Fever in immunocompromised patients

Introducción: La fiebre es un marcador de enfermedades infecciosas e inflamatorias que se da por una respuesta inmune innata y por diferentes mediaciones entre marcadores moleculares. En el paciente inmunodeprimido, uno o varios mecanismos inmunológicos pueden estar alterados, debido a que la respuesta inmune puede estar deprimida y la fiebre puede denotar un estado patológico grave subyacente. Se realizó una búsqueda exploratoria en las bases de datos PubMed/Medline, Scopus y Scielo entre septiembre y octubre de 2022. Se incluyeron los términos fiebre, pacientes inmunodeprimidos, tratamiento y sistema inmune. Se seleccionaron 41 artículos científicos con diferentes diseños epidemiológicos. Objetivo: Describir aspectos relacionados con la fisiopatología de la fiebre, el tratamiento de la presencia de fiebre en pacientes con virus de inmunodeficiencia humana y síndrome de inmunodeficiencia adquirida, así como también en pacientes receptores de trasplantes de órgano sólido y de trasplantes hematopoyéticos, pacientes neutropénicos y pacientes tratados con corticosteroides y terapia biológica. Desarrollo: El tratamiento del paciente inmunodeprimido con fiebre incluye aspectos fundamentales como una adecuada anamnesis y examen físico, además de pruebas diagnósticas orientadas para establecer la causa de la fiebre. En estos pacientes, las infecciones juegan un papel protagónico y su intervención temprana es fundamental para impactar en la morbimortalidad. Conclusiones: El paciente inmunodeprimido con presencia de fiebre presenta un panorama desafiante para su manejo médico integral. Entre otros aspectos es relevante considerar el tipo y tiempo de inmunosupresión, así como los factores de riesgo, con el fin de orientar los diagnósticos y tratamientos(AU)

Introduction: Fever is a marker of infectious and inflammatory diseases that is caused by an innate immune response and by different mediations between molecular markers. In the immunocompromised patient, one or more immunological mechanisms may be altered because the immune response may be compromised, and fever may denote a serious underlying disease state. An exploratory search was conducted in the PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Scielo databases between September and October 2022. The terms fever immunocompromised patients, treatment, and immune system. A total of 41 scientific articles with different epidemiological designs were selected. Objective: To describe aspects related to the pathophysiology of fever, management of the presence of fever in patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, as well as in patients who have received solid organ transplants and hematopoietic transplants, neutropenic patients and patients treated with corticosteroids and biological therapy. Developing: The approach to the immunocompromised patient with fever includes fundamental aspects such as an adequate history and physical examination, as well as diagnostic tests aimed at establishing the cause of the fever. In these patients, infections play a leading role and early intervention is essential to impact morbidity and mortality. Conclusions: The immunocompromised patient with the presence of fever presents a challenging panorama for his/her comprehensive medical approach. Among other aspects, it is relevant to consider the type and duration of immunosuppression, as well as the risk factors, to guide diagnoses and treatments(AU)

Fiebre de origen desconocido como forma de presentación de la enfermedad de Still del adulto / Fever of unknown origin as a form of presentation of an adult-onset Still's disease

Introducción: La enfermedad de Still del adulto es una enfermedad reumática, inflamatoria, sistémica y crónica cuya prevalencia en la población caucásica se estima en 1 caso por cada 100 000 adultos Objetivo: Presentar un paciente adulto joven, con una fiebre de origen desconocido como forma de presentación de la enfermedad de Still del adulto. Caso clínico: Paciente de 29 años de edad con antecedente de fiebre reumática, con un ingreso hospitalario anterior; que presentó un cuadro febril no infeccioso, de 50 días de duración, al cual no se le determinó la causa. Un año después reapareció la fiebre, de similares características, asociada a poliartralgia, hepatoesplenomegalia, anemia, hiperferritinemia, neutrofilia, factor reumatoideo negativo y se constató un cuadro de pericarditis durante el ingreso. Se realizó el diagnóstico de enfermedad de Still del adulto, por exclusión. Se inició tratamiento con esteroides, desapareció la fiebre en las primeras 24 horas y el paciente tuvo una evolución favorable. Conclusiones: La enfermedad de Still del adulto puede presentarse como una fiebre de origen desconocido y se diagnostica por exclusión, ya que no existen manifestaciones clínicas ni pruebas de laboratorio, patognomónicas. La hiperferritinemia es útil para la sospecha diagnóstica(AU)

Introduction: Adult Still's disease is a rheumatic, inflammatory, systemic and chronic disease whose prevalence in the Caucasian population is estimated at 1 case per 100,000 adults. Objective: To present a young adult patient with a fever of unknown origin as the presentation of adult Still's disease. Clinical case: 29-year-old patient with a history of rheumatic fever, with a previous hospital admission; who presented a non-infectious febrile illness lasting 50 days, for which the cause was not determined. A year later, the fever reappeared, with similar characteristics, associated with polyarthralgia, hepatosplenomegaly, anemia, hyperferritinemia, neutrophilia, negative rheumatoid factor, and pericarditis was noted during admission. The diagnosis of adult Still's disease was made by exclusion. Treatment with steroids was started, the fever disappeared in the first 24 hours and the patient had a favorable evolution. Conclusions: Adult Still's disease can present as a fever of unknown origin and is diagnosed by exclusion, since there are no pathognomonic clinical manifestations or laboratory tests. Hyperferritinemia is useful for diagnostic suspicion(AU)

Derangement of liver function tests in dengue patients

Background: Changes in the liver function test may serve as an early marker for timely diagnosis and identification of patients who may develop severe dengue. The purpose of this study was to examine the link between dengue fever severity and liver function test. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of General Medicine, Madhesh Institute of health sciences, provincial hospital, Janakpurdham in which we included dengue positive patients (aged 18 years or more) based on NS1 antigen or high titer on IgM/IgG testing from July 2023 till August 2023. We excluded patients with diseases like malaria, cirrhosis of liver, enteric fever, viral hepatitis or any other disease or taking any medication which can derange LFT. Results: We included 96 patients fulfilling the study criteria. Of these, 71% had DF, 22% had DHF and 7% had DSS. Among liver enzymes, mean AST of the patients was significantly higher in DSS group of patients (775.19�.65 U/l), as compared to those in the DF and DHF group of patients, p value <0.01. Similarly, mean ALT of the patients was significantly higher in DSS group of patients (387.8�.6 U/l), as compared to those in the DF and DHF group of patients, p value<0.01. On the contrary, mean alkaline phosphatase levels were similar between the three patient groups. Conclusions: Based on the results our study, we conclude that raised AST and ALT levels were significantly associated with severity of DSS and DHF. Patients with dengue infection should have a baseline liver function test and subsequent LFT monitoring to detect early hepatic impairment.

Seasonal characteristics of scarlet fever in Songjiang District, Shanghai in 2012-2021 / 公共卫生与预防医学

Objective To analyze the seasonal characteristics of scarlet fever in Songjiang District from 2012 to 2021, and to provide references for the prevention and control of scarlet fevers. Methods The incidence data of scarlet fever in Songjiang District from 2012 to 2021 were collected through the China Disease Prevention and Control Information System. The seasonal characteristics and peak of scarlet fever incidence were analyzed using concentration and circular distribution methods. Results The average annual reported incidence rate of scarlet fever in Songjiang District from 2012 to 2021 was 20.15/100 000. The M value of the concentration analysis was 0.18. The results of the circular distribution method showed that the peak day of scarlet fever from March to August was May 12, and the epidemic peak period was from April 3 to June 20. From September to February of the next year, the peak day of scarlet fever was December 21, and the epidemic peak period was from December 2 to January 9 of the next year. The differences were all statistically significant (P values were all less than 0.05). Conclusion The peaks of scarlet fever in Songjiang District mainly occur in May and December. It is suggested that the monitoring methods and prevention strategies should be adjusted in time according to Seasonal characteristics of scarlet fever.

Expression of Gn protein of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus and its immunogenicity / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#Objective To express the Gn protein of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus(SFTSV) through adeno-associated virus 9(AAV9) expression system and evaluate its immunogenicity.Methods SFTSV Gn gene was inserted into viral vector pAAV-CMV-FH and the recombinant plasmid was transfected into HEK293T cells to obtain recombinant virus AAV9-Gn.The expression of Gn protein was determined by immunofluorescence and Western blot.Eighteen fernale BALB/c mice were randomly divided into three groups:Mock group(serum-free DMEM),AAV9-GFP group(1 × 10~(11) vg) and AAV9-Gn group(1 × 10~(11) vg),all of which were injected intramuscularly into the right hind limb at a dose of 100 μL per mouse.The body mass,diet,behavior and mental state of mice in each group were monitored continuously for 21 d,and the change rate of body mass was calculated;At 2,4,8 and 16 weeks after immunization,the levels of SFTSV neutralizing antibody in serum of mice in each group were detected by fluorescent reduction neutralization test(FRNT),and the levels of specific IgGl and IgG2a in serum of mice in AAV9-Gn group were detected by ELISA.Results After incubation with specific antibody,Vero cells transfected with AAV9-Gn showed specific green fluorescence under fluorescence microscope,and had specific binding to mouse anti-SFTSV Gn monoclonal antibody,and the specific binding bands were found at a relative molecular mass of about 61 000.The body mass of the three groups showed an increasing trend,there was no significant difference between the three groups(F=0.158—2.621,P> 0.05),and the diet,behavior and mental state were normal.At 2,4,8 and 16 weeks after immunization,the titer of SFTSV neutralizing antibody in serum of mice in AAV9-Gn group was significantly higher than that of Mock group and AAV9-GFP group(H=13.332—14.538,each P <0.001),and the titer peak appeared at 8 weeks;The level of specific IgG1 in serum of mice was significantly higher than that of IgG2a(F=4.373—12.975,each P <0.05) at different time points.Conclusion SFTSV Gn protein can be expressed correctly through AAV9 expression system,and has low toxicity to mice with good immunogenicity,which is expected to be a candidate component of SFTSV vaccine.

Analysis of co-infection of other viruses in some confirmed measles cases in Jilin Province from 2013 to 2022 / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#Objective To analyze rash and fever illness(RFI) and other respiratory virus co-infection in some confirmed measles cases in Jilin Province from 2013 to 2022,and to provide scientific basis for measles co-infection and multi-pathogen diagnosis.Methods The throat swab specimens of 106 measles confirmed cases in Jilin Province from 2013 to 2022 were collected,of which nine kinds of RFI associated virus and respiratory virus with similar clinical symptoms were detected by fluorescence quantitative PCR,including varicella-zoster virus(VZV),Dengue virus(DENY),human parvovirus B19(HPV-B19),Epstein-Barr virus(EBV),human herpesvirus6(HHV6),human rhinovirus(HRV),respiratory syncytial virus(RSV),human adenovirus(HAdV) and human cytomegalovirus(HCMV),and statistical analysis was conducted by using SPSS 23.0 software.Results VZV and DENV were not detected in the 106 collected specimens,and the other 7viruses were detected.30.18% of the measles cases were co-infected with other viruses,of which only HCMV co-infection cases showed significant difference in the age groups(≤24 months old,24 months old to 15 years old,> 15 years old)(χ~2=9.941,P <0.05);there was no significant difference between the genders in cases co-infected with other viruses(χ~2=0.200—2.778,each P> 0.05).Conclusion Some confirmed cases of measles might be co-infected with one or more other viruses in Jilin Province from 2013 to 2022,and it is recommended to strengthen targeted surveillance and differential diagnosis,especially for infants and young children,women of childbearing age and pregnant women.

Study on Zhou Meisheng's moxibustion treatment for epidemic hemorrhagic fever based on data mining and knowledge map / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective:To explore the therapeutic law of moxibustion in Professor Zhou Meisheng's medical manuscripts for epidemic hemorrhagic fever (EHF) based on data mining and knowledge map technology.Methods:The manuscript data of Professor Zhou Meisheng's moxibustion treatment of EHFwere collected from Infectious Diseases Department of Dangshan County People's Hospital from December 16, 1985 to December 25, 1987. Graphpad Grism 8.0 software was used for descriptive analysis. PHP 5.4 program code was used for association rule analysis. SPSS Statistics 26.0 was used for clustering analysis. Neo4j Community 3.5.25 database was used to analyze the syndrome-weight graph.Results:205 prescriptions were included. There were 21 symptoms with frequency>40, in which the frequency of aversion to cold, fever, rash and irritability was 100%. The main types of moxibustion methods used in the treatment included moxibustion frame fumigation moxibustion, Wanying acupoint moxibustion pen moxibustion, and fire needle instead of moxibustion. There were 29 acupoints with a frequency of >25, including Zhongwan (CV12), Shenshu (BL23) and Mingmen (DU4), etc. Association rules showed that Sanyinjiao (SP6)-Zhongwan (CV12)-Feishu (BL13)-Shenshu (BL23)-Zhiyang (DU9) had the highest correlation. Six effective clustering combinations of moxibustion for EHF were summarized by clustering analysis. The weight graph can obtained the first 30 relationships with high correlation of target syndromes.Conclusions:Professor Zhou applied the idea of "moxibustion for heat syndrome" to the treatment of EHF, and took the method of "acupoint selection according to symptoms" as the main acupoint selection idea for moxibustion treatment of EHF. In clinical practice, moxibustion combined with auxiliary operation of TCM is often used to treat EHF, which can achieve good results.