Evolución de los parámetros hematológicos y óbito en internados con COVID-19 en un hospital de Paraguay, 2021

Introducción: Los parámetros hematológicos proporcionan al equipo médico marcadores pronósticos útiles en la evolución clínica de la enfermedad de COVID-19. El objetivo fue analizar la relación entre la evolución desfavorable de los valores hematológicos y el óbito de los pacientes internados con COVID-19. Metodologia: El estudio es observacional, correlacional y longitudinal. Se realizó la revisión de fichas clínicas de los pacientes mayores a 18 años internados entre enero y marzo del 2021. Se registró en una planilla Excel el resultado de los parámetros hematológicos al ingreso, a las 48 horas, a los 8 días y al egreso. Los datos fueron analizados con Epi Info 7.1 (CDC, Atlanta) según estadística descriptiva. Resultados: De 144 pacientes, se observaron 68 (47,2%) muertes, con predominio del sexo masculino (63,2%) y, mayores a 60 años (47,1%). Los factores asociados a mortalidad fueron la hipertensión (52,9% vs 31,6%; p=0,009), la diabetes (50% vs 26,3%; p=0,003) y, la obesidad (41,2% vs 25%; p=0,039). Los parámetros hematológicos desfavorables asociados a la mortalidad se presentaron a partir de los 8 días de internación con leucocitosis (64,1% vs 33,3%; p=0,003), linfopenia (96,8% vs 79%; p=0,008), neutrofilia (98,5% vs 87,7%; p=0,029) y, un elevado índice neutrófilo/linfocito (INL) (96,9% vs 75,4%; p=0,001). Discusión: Los parámetros hematológicos que se asociaron con la mortalidad fueron leucocitosis con neutrofilia, linfopenia e INL elevado. Estos parámetros podrían tener valor pronóstico en el seguimiento para contribuir en el manejo de estos pacientes.

Introduction: Hematological parameters provide the medical team with useful prognostic markers in the clinical evolution of COVID-19 disease. The objective was to analyze the relationship between the unfavorable evolution of hematological values and the death of patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Methodology: The study is observational, correlational, and longitudinal. A review of the clinical records of patients over 18 years of age hospitalized between January and March 2021 was carried out. The results of the hematological parameters at admission, at 48 hours, at 8 days and at discharge were recorded in an Excel spreadsheet. The data were analyzed with Epi Info 7.1 (CDC, Atlanta) according to descriptive statistics. Results: Of 144 patients, 68 (47.2%) deaths were observed, with a predominance of males (63.2%) and those over 60 years of age (47.1%). The factors associated with mortality were hypertension (52.9% vs 31.6%; p=0.009), diabetes (50% vs 26.3%; p=0.003) and obesity (41.2% vs 25 %; p=0.039). The unfavorable hematological parameters associated with mortality occurred after 8 days of hospitalization with leukocytosis (64.1% vs 33.3%; p=0.003), lymphopenia (96.8% vs 79%; p=0.008), neutrophilia (98.5% vs 87.7%; p=0.029) and a high neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (96.9% vs 75.4%; p=0.001). Discussion: The hematological parameters that were associated with mortality were leukocytosis with neutrophilia, lymphopenia, and elevated NLR. These parameters could have prognostic value in follow-up to contribute to the management of these patients.

Is skin grafting in the patient with cutaneous sporotrichosis the definitive therapy?

Sporotrichosis is a subacute to chronic infection caused by the dimorphic fungal genus Sporothrix. The infection usually affects the skin and subcutaneous tissues, but occasionally it can occur at other sites, mainly in immunocompromised patients. The symptoms of extracutaneous sporotrichosis can be subtle and diagnosis is often delayed. A 54-year-old male was received, originally from Huajuapan de León, Oaxaca; who was with an established diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus; later admitted by the general surgery service with a diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis of the left and right thoracic limb. When culture was collected with Sporothrix schenckii report, management was established with itraconazole, potassium iodide and with subsequent addition of amphotericin B, with antibiotic therapy directed for superinfection by opportunistic agents. After multiple surgical cleanings with degradation of necrotic tissue, implementation of negative pressure system and amputation of nonviable fingers, it was decided to proceed with the application of skin autografts, despite the persistence of the agent in subsequent culture reports, which are fully integrated, without evidence of new ulcerodular lesions so far. Although there are currently no parameters defined in the literature that guide the time or the appropriate conditions to perform skin grafts in the areas affected by cutaneous sporotrichosis, there are, on the contrary, reports of successful cases where surgical management has been effective even in the presence of positive cultures for Sporothrix schenckii. We consider that these results open the panorama of options for the current management of cutaneous sporotrichosis, making it necessary to consider surgical management in the therapeutic range of the same, allowing the deliberation on other more conservative options before the failure of classical therapy and the imminence of amputation.

Gallbladder agenesis in a patient with choledochoduodenal fistula, report of an exceptional case

Vesicular agenesis refers to the congenital absence of the gallbladder, however, vesicular agenesia is a very scarce condition worldwide, so there is little information available on its clinical presentation and surgical data. This is a 79-year-old male patient, with a history of diabetes mellitus of long evolution, without a surgical history, who comes for colic pain of 15 days of evolution in right hypochondrium, as well as unquantified fever and jaundice, during its initial evaluation in the emergency room para clinics were requested observing leukocytosis, hyperbilirubinemia and elevation of liver enzymes, ultrasound of liver and bile ducts reported common anatomical situation gallbladder, occupied entirely by multiple hyperechogenic images, configuring sign of W.E.S. and common bile duct of 7.2 mm, concluding gallbladder scleroatrophic and vesicular agenesia during trans-surgery. Vesicular agenesis is an extremely rare condition that is mostly diagnosed during surgery, which can lead to erroneous diagnosis and unnecessary surgery in patients with symptoms including biliary colic, choledocholithiasis with or without cholangitis, and an ultrasound showing a scleroatrophic gallbladder. Surgeons In situations where there is clinical evidence consistent with biliary colic in a context of gallbladder agenesis, and the symptoms persist without finding any other cause, a surgical approach to release adhesions could be considered; since, as observed, this may result in improved symptoms, although the explanation is not yet completely clear.

Normal platelet count and leukocytosis findings in chronic liver disease patient with portal hypertension: a rare case

Haematologic abnormalities are commonly encountered in chronic liver disease (CLD) due to hypersplenism occurred. Hypersplenism in CLD is a major cause of peripheral pancytopenia in patients with hepatic cirrhosis and portal hypertensive gastropathy and is characterized by splenomegaly. Peripheral pancytopenia is defined as a reduction in all three major constituents of the blood to below lower normal range, manifesting as anemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia all occurring at the same time. We report an unusual case, a 44-year-old female patient, no splenomegaly, presented with severe anemia, leukocytosis and normal platelet which are rarely found in CLD.

Normal platelet count and leukocytosis findings in chronic liver disease patient with portal hypertension: a rare case

Haematologic abnormalities are commonly encountered in chronic liver disease (CLD) due to hypersplenism occurred. Hypersplenism in CLD is a major cause of peripheral pancytopenia in patients with hepatic cirrhosis and portal hypertensive gastropathy and is characterized by splenomegaly. Peripheral pancytopenia is defined as a reduction in all three major constituents of the blood to below lower normal range, manifesting as anemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia all occurring at the same time. We report an unusual case, a 44-year-old female patient, no splenomegaly, presented with severe anemia, leukocytosis and normal platelet which are rarely found in CLD.

Principales modificaciones asociadas a la esplenectomía / Main modifications associated with splenectomy

Introducción. El bazo es un órgano linfoide implicado en el reconocimiento antigénico, la depuración de patógenos y la remoción de eritrocitos envejecidos o con inclusiones citoplasmáticas. La esplenectomía es una técnica utilizada tanto para el diagnóstico (linfomas), el tratamiento (trombocitopenia inmune, anemia hemolítica adquirida) y la curación (microesferocitosis hereditaria) de diversas enfermedades. Métodos. Describir los principales cambios hematológicos y complicaciones asociadas al procedimiento de esplenectomía. Discusión. Los cambios posteriores a la esplenectomía pueden ser inmediatos, como la aparición de cuerpos de Howell-Jolly, la trombocitosis y la presencia de leucocitosis durante las primeras dos semanas. Otras complicaciones tempranas incluyen la presencia de trombosis, en especial en pacientes con factores de riesgo secundarios (edad, sedentarismo, manejo hospitalario, obesidad) o un estado hipercoagulable (diabetes, cáncer, trombofilia primaria), siendo tanto el flujo de la vena porta como el volumen esplénico los principales factores de riesgo para su aparición. Las complicaciones tardías incluyen la alteración en la respuesta inmune, aumentando el riesgo de infecciones por bacterias encapsuladas, en conjunto con una reducción en los niveles de IgM secundario a la ausencia de linfocitos B a nivel de bazo. Debido al riesgo de infecciones, principalmente por Streptococcus pneumoniae, la esplenectomía parcial se ha considerado una opción. Conclusión. Una adecuada valoración de la indicación de esplenectomía y la identificación precoz de complicaciones posoperatorias son fundamentales para reducir la mortalidad asociada a la esplenectomía

Introduction. The spleen is a lymphoid organ involved in antigen recognition, pathogen clearance, and removal of aged erythrocytes or those with cytoplasmic inclusions. Splenectomy is a technique used for diagnosis (lymphomas), treatment (immune thrombocytopenia, acquired hemolytic anemia), and cure (hereditary microspherocytosis) of various diseases. Methods. To describe the main hematological changes and complications associated with the splenectomy procedure. Discussion. Changes after splenectomy can be considered immediate: the appearance of Howell-Jolly bodies, thrombocytosis, and leukocytosis during the first two weeks. Other complications include the presence of thrombosis, especially in patients with risk factors (age, sedentary lifestyle, long hospital stay, obesity) or a hypercoagulable state (diabetes, cancer, primary thrombophilia), with both portal vein flow and splenic volume being the main risk factors for its appearance. Late complications include altered immune response, increased risk of infections by encapsulated bacteria, and a reduction in IgM levels secondary to the absence of B lymphocytes in the spleen; due to the risk of diseases mainly by Streptococcus pneumoniae, partial splenectomy has been considered an option. Conclusion. An adequate assessment of the indication for splenectomy and the early identification of complications are essential to reduce the mortality associated with splenectomy

Clinico-Epidemiological Profile and Predictors of Poor Outcome Among Children During a Diphtheria Outbreak in Haryana

Objective: To study the clinico-epidemiological profile and predictors of poor outcome in an outbreak of diphtheria. Methods: Records of 390 children admitted with the diagnosis of clinical diphtheria in a tertiary care teaching hospital in Nuh, Haryana, from January, 2018 to December, 2020 were analysed with respect to demographic details, immunization status, clinical features, complications and mortality. Patients were divided into survivors and nonsurvivors, and various variables were compared between the two groups to identify the factors associated with poor outcome. Results: Out of 390 cases, data of 318 (81.5%) was included. Young children (median age 5 year) were predominantly affected, and only 8 (2.5%) children were fully immunized. Pseudomembrane was present in 245 (77%) cases. Albert staining and culture were positive in 84.6% (269) and 12.9% (41) cases, respectively. Complications developed in 48.4% (n=154) cases and included: airway compromise 22.6% (n=72), diphtheritic cardiomyopathy 12.9% (n=41), acute kidney injury 3.7% (n=12), thrombocytopenia 8.5% (n=27) and hepatitis 0.6% (n=2) cases. Anti-diphtheritic serum (ADS) was administered to all admitted patients. Tracheostomy was done in (n=57) (17.9%) children. Case fatality rate was 17.9%. Conclusion: Diphtheria mostly affected young unvaccinated or partially vaccinated children. Mortality was high in unimmunized or partially immunized young children and those with bull neck, pseudomembrane, delayed (?5 days) administration of ADS, acute kidney injury, thrombocytopenia and leukocytosis. Myocarditis was strongly associated with high mortality.

Granulocyte to monocyte ratio: leucokinetics in hematic biometry for appendicitis screening

Background: Acute appendicitis diagnosis is still challenging and is established with clinical history, physical exam, laboratory tests, and imaging studies. It´s crucial to analyze the blood biometry with physiopathological asses and not with a statistical approach for establishing diagnostic items. The interaction between neutrophils with monocytes is noticeable in the blood biometry, so its relationship could be explained as directly proportional to the neutrophils count because of cellular recruitment and inversely proportional to the monocyte count because of cellular migration. Methods: A retrospective, transversal and analytic study was conducted, admission blood biometry of all patients (n=160) that went through appendectomy in Pemex´s North Central Hospital between 2014 and 2019 were dissected. Statistical correlation between sensibility and likelihood ratio of granulocyte/monocyte ratio (GMR), leucocyte elevation, and left shift of neutrophil count were contrasted. IBM® SPSS© statistical software performed the statistical analysis. Results: GMR (1.00) sensitivity showed to be superior to leukocytosis (0.785) and percentage neutrophils (0.846). the same for the negative likelihood ratios (LR-) calculated for GMR (0.00), leukocytosis (0.59) and percentage of neutrophils (0.579). Conclusions: GMR showed higher sensibility for detecting immune response in a patient with suspected acute appendicitis compared to leucocyte elevation and left shift of neutrophil count or both.

Perceived Awareness of Clozapine associated with Socio- Demographic status, clinical, and side effect profile among patients from Mental Health Hospital, Taif, Saudi Arabia

Background: The main objective was to investigate the Socio-demographic, clinical, and side effect profile of patients on clozapine from Mental Health Hospital, Taif, Saudi Arabia. This article reports on an observational study. Clozapine is a second-generation atypical antipsychotic used as the drug of choice for the treatment resistant psychosis. It is supposed to be a baseline study from which we will get and understand rate of clinical, and side effect profile of the clozapine taking patients. Physicians, particularly psychiatrists are not only ignoring but also not aware, alert, so they always need to be watchful to the fatality of the drug, and take appropriate therapeutic measures. The aim was to study the socio-demographic status, clinical profile, comorbidity, side effects and outcome of patients treated with clozapine. Methodology: We reviewed all the indoor psychiatric patients of Mental Health Hospital, Taif, Saudi Arabia, from the period of one year between January 2021 to January 2022 (N=29). Our study design focused on prospective and observational studies. Descriptive statistical analysis was explored, and presented as frequencies, and percentages. We also determined crude rates for all adverse outcomes of clozapine. Results: We did a nearly mean follow-up of one year. The majority of patients were male (n=26; 89.65%), with a maximum being unmarried (n=16; 55.17%). Most patients belong to nuclear families due to cultural restrictions in this country (n=23; 79.31%). Among the literacy rate illiterate were (n=2; 6.89%, and unemployed (n=23; 79.31%). Among the study populations, the majority of respondents were found to have treatment-resistant schizophrenia (n=18; 62.06%), and around 79.31% of patients took more than two antipsychotics in adequate doses. Among side effect profiles most of the patients suffered hyper-salivation (n=19; 65.51%), sedation (n=12; 41.37%), and rarely suffered from agranulocytosis. Conclusion: Socio-demographic, clinical, and side effect profiles were the significant indicators of clozapine. Clozapine has been used for treatment-resistant psychosis, but due to fatal side effect profile we used it cautiously. In our study, we found that myocarditis, hematemesis, and leukocytosis, and neutropenia are fatal side effects of clozapine. We also found hyponatremia-induced seizure. The prevalence of blood dyscrasias in our study is rarely seen. Hyper-salivation is the most common side effect reported. Majority of the patients in our study were male, and treatment resistant Schizophrenia was the most common diagnosis. Myocarditis is life-threatening side effect seen in our study

Kawasaki Disease: Highlighting Importance of Laboratory Criteria and Minor Atypical Features of This Enigmatic Entity- A Case Series

@#Introduction: Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute febrile illness of unknown etiology that primarily affects children younger than 5 years of age. The diagnosis is predominantly clinical and at times difficult, due to the absence of any confirmatory and specific diagnostic test. Early diagnosis of this disease is of paramount importance due to long term cardiovascular complications related to coronary artery aneurysm. Literature search has revealed many atypical presentations of Kawasaki disease not fulfilling the clinical diagnostic criteria. The reason for this could be the diversity in clinical manifestations involving gastrointestinal, endocrinal, musculoskeletal and nervous system. Case Series: Here we describe three cases with non-classic presentation of Kawasaki disease. These three cases presented with persistent fever unresponsive to antibiotics. Two cases (case one and three) later developed perianal rash and peeling that helped in early diagnosis. In the remaining case (case two) sequential appearance of features helped in the establishment of diagnosis. It was interesting to note that all the three cases were having identical laboratory parameters, highlighting the importance of laboratory investigations in case of atypical presentation. Conclusion: This case series culminates the importance of keeping the possibility of atypical Kawasaki disease (KD) as one of the differentials in patients with prolonged fever not responding to antibiotics, in the absence of classical diagnostic criteria.

Hiperglucemia y leucocitosis como predictores de complicaciones intrahospitalarias en pacientes con Infarto del miocardio agudo / Hyperglycemia and leukocytosis as predictive factors of in-hospital complications in patients with Acute myocardial infarction

Introducción: A pesar de las nuevas técnicas para la reperfusión del vaso en el infarto agudo de miocardio, las complicaciones y la mortalidad en estos pacientes es elevada. La hiperglucemia y la leucocitosis se han descrito como factores de riesgo y de peor pronóstico. Objetivo: Evaluar la capacidad predictiva de la hiperglucemia y la leucocitosis de complicaciones intrahospitalarias en pacientes con infarto de miocardio agudo con elevación del segmento ST. Material y Métodos: Estudio prospectivo de cohorte desde 2013 hasta 2020 que incluyó a 507 pacientes consecutivos que ingresaron en la Unidad de Cuidados Coronarios del Hospital Militar Central Dr. Carlos J. Finlay y el Hospital General Docente Enrique Cabrera con el diagnóstico de infarto del miocardio agudo con elevación del segmento ST. Se dividieron los pacientes de acuerdo con la ocurrencia de complicaciones intrahospitalarias. Resultados: Los valores de glucemia y leucograma presentaron diferencias significativas entre los grupos de pacientes (p = 0,002 y p = 0,005; respectivamente). La capacidad discriminativa de ambos exámenes se clasificó como mala. El análisis univariado de regresión logística reveló que la glucemia y el leucograma eran factores de riesgo para la aparición de complicaciones, pero solo el leucograma se consideró un predictor independiente del evento final del estudio. Al asociar los valores de leucograma al modelo multivariado, se elevó su capacidad predictiva (área bajo la curva: 0,735; p < 0,001). Conclusiones: La leucocitosis es un predictor independiente de complicaciones intrahospitalarias en pacientes con Infarto del miocardio agudo con elevación del segmento ST(AU)

ABSTRACT Introduction: Despite the use of novel techniques for reperfusion of the vessel in acute myocardial infarction, complications and mortality in these patients are high. Hyperglycemia and leukocytosis have been described as risk factors and worse prognosis. Objective: To evaluate the predictive capacity of hyperglycemia and leukocytosis for in-hospital complications of myocardial infarction with ST-segment elevation patients. Material and Methods: Prospective cohort study conducted from 2013 to 2020 that included 507 consecutive patients admitted to the Intensive Coronary Care Unit of the Dr. Carlos J. Finlay Central Military Hospital and the Enrique Cabrera General Teaching Hospital with the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction with ST- segment elevation. The patients were divided into groups according to the occurrence of in-hospital complications. Results: The values of glycemia and leukocyteswere significantly different among the groups of patients (p = 0.002 and p = 0.005; respectively). The discriminative capability of both tests was classified as bad. The univariate analysis of logistic regression revealed that glycemia and leukocytes were risk factors for the appearance of complications, but only the leukocyte test was considered as an independent predictor of the final event of the study. When the values of the leukocyte test were associated with the multivariate model, its predictive capacity increased (area under curve: 0.735; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Leukocytosis is an independent predictor of in-hospital complications of acute myocardial infarction with ST-segment elevation(AU)

Hematúria macroscópica em equinos associada à infecção por Leptospira interrogans / Macroscopic haematuria in horses associated with Leptospira interrogans infection

Hematúria é uma grave manifestação clínica de doença do sistema urinário, ocorrendo sob as formas micro ou macroscópica. Neste artigo relatam-se dois casos de hematúria macroscópica associada à infecção por Leptospira interrogans sorogrupo Canicola. O exame clínico inicial revelou hematúria macroscópica, taquicardia, taquipneia, febre, elevação do tempo de perfusão capilar, hipomotilidade intestinal, além de icterícia da mucosa oral. Leucocitose, proteinúria, glicosúria, piúria e azotemia foram achados comuns aos dois casos. Teste de Soroaglutinação Microscópica foi realizado para titulação de anticorpos contra Leptospira interrogans. Tratamento incluiu medidas terapêuticas de suporte (fluidoterapia), controle da hematúria e antibioticoterapia. Sete dias após manifestação dos sinais clínicos iniciais, ambos animais receberam alta hospitalar após remissão dos sinais clínicos.

Haematuria is a serious clinical manifestation of urinary system disease, occurring in micro or macroscopic forms. In this article two cases of macroscopic haematuria associated with Leptospira interrogans serogroup Canicolainfection are related. The initial clinical examination revealed macroscopic haematuria, tachycardia, tachypnea, fever, increased capillary perfusion time, intestinal hypomotility, in addition to jaundice of the oral mucosa. Leukocytosis, proteinuria, glycosuria, pyuria and azotemia were common findings in both cases. Microscopic serum agglutination test was performed for titration of antibodies against Leptospira interrogans. Treatment included supportive therapeutic measures (fluid therapy), hematuria control and antibiotic therapy. Seven days after the manifestation of the initial clinical signs, both animals were discharged from the hospital without complications.

Hematúria macroscópica em equinos associada à infecção por Leptospira interrogans / Macroscopic haematuria in horses associated with Leptospira interrogans infection

Hematúria é uma grave manifestação clínica de doença do sistema urinário, ocorrendo sob as formas micro ou macroscópica. Neste artigo relatam-se dois casos de hematúria macroscópica associada à infecção por Leptospira interrogans sorogrupo Canicola. O exame clínico inicial revelou hematúria macroscópica, taquicardia, taquipneia, febre, elevação do tempo de perfusão capilar, hipomotilidade intestinal, além de icterícia da mucosa oral. Leucocitose, proteinúria, glicosúria, piúria e azotemia foram achados comuns aos dois casos. Teste de Soroaglutinação Microscópica foi realizado para titulação de anticorpos contra Leptospira interrogans. Tratamento incluiu medidas terapêuticas de suporte (fluidoterapia), controle da hematúria e antibioticoterapia. Sete dias após manifestação dos sinais clínicos iniciais, ambos animais receberam alta hospitalar após remissão dos sinais clínicos.

Haematuria is a serious clinical manifestation of urinary system disease, occurring in micro or macroscopic forms. In this article two cases of macroscopic haematuria associated with Leptospira interrogans serogroup Canicolainfection are related. The initial clinical examination revealed macroscopic haematuria, tachycardia, tachypnea, fever, increased capillary perfusion time, intestinal hypomotility, in addition to jaundice of the oral mucosa. Leukocytosis, proteinuria, glycosuria, pyuria and azotemia were common findings in both cases. Microscopic serum agglutination test was performed for titration of antibodies against Leptospira interrogans. Treatment included supportive therapeutic measures (fluid therapy), hematuria control and antibiotic therapy. Seven days after the manifestation of the initial clinical signs, both animals were discharged from the hospital without complications.

Encefalopatía subaguda en una paciente con policondritis recidivante: caso clínico / Subacute encephalopathy associated with relapsing polychondritis: report of one case

Relapsing polychondritis (RP) is a rare multisystemic autoimmune disorder characterized by the inflammation and destruction of cartilages, with preference for auricular, nasal and laryngotracheal cartilages. RP may also affect proteoglycan-rich structures, such as, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and heart. The central nervous system (CNS) is involved in less than 3% of patients. We report a 32-year-old female with RP associated with a progressive subacute encephalopathy characterized by behavioral disturbances, auditory and visual hallucinations. The EEG showed generalized slow activity and a mononuclear pleocytosis with increased protein was found in the cerebrospinal fluid. The brain magnetic resonance imaging showed multiple supra and infratentorial nodular inflammatory lesions. After initiating treatment with corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide, a significant improvement in chondritis and neurological status was observed.

Os preditores da mortalidade em esplenectomias não traumáticas / The predictors of mortality in non-traumatic splenectomies

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: There are quite a few studies examining prognostic factors in non-traumatic splenectomies compared to traumatic ones. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the predictors of mortality in patients who underwent splenectomy for non-traumatic spleen diseases. METHODS: Medical records of the patients, who had undergone total splenectomy for non-traumatic spleen diseases at a tertiary center between January 2009 and December 2019, were retrospectively reviewed. Exclusion criteria included patients younger than 18 years of age, partial splenectomies, splenectomies applied to facilitate surgery for malignancy on contiguous organs, and splenectomies performed during liver transplantation. Iatrogenic splenic injuries were regarded as trauma and these cases were also excluded. RESULTS: The current study included 98 patients. Nine (9.2%) patients died. In univariate analysis, age, the presence of hematological neoplasia, hematocrit, hemoglobin, white blood cell counts, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, indications for splenectomy, application of emergency surgery, surgical technique, and transfusion of blood components were all significantly associated with mortality. In multivariate analysis, the presence of hematological malignancy [P=0.072; OR=7.17; (CI: 0.386-61.56)], the application of emergency surgery [P=0.035; OR=8.33; (CI: 1.165-59.595)] and leukocytosis [P=0.057; OR=1.136; (CI: 0.996-1.296)] were found to be positively associated with mortality. CONCLUSION: Hematologic neoplasia, emergency surgery, and leukocytosis were the independent predictors of mortality in patients, who were operated on for non-traumatic spleen diseases. A thorough preoperative evaluation, early therapeutic intervention, and advanced surgical techniques are important and can serve to minimize complications and mortality in case of inevitable splenectomy. Immunological research can provide new therapeutic opportunities that may impact positively on patients by minimizing morbidity and mortality.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: Há alguns estudos que examinam fatores prognósticos em esplenectomias não traumáticas em comparação com os traumáticos. OBJETIVO: Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os preditores de mortalidade em pacientes submetidos à esplenectomia para doenças do baço não traumático. MÉTODOS: Os prontuários dos pacientes, submetidos à esplenectomia total não traumática para doenças do baço em um centro terciário entre janeiro de 2009 e dezembro de 2019, foram revisados retrospectivamente. Os critérios de exclusão incluíram pacientes menores de 18 anos, esplenectomias parciais, esplenectomias aplicadas para facilitar a cirurgia para a malignidade em órgãos contíguos e esplenectomias realizadas durante o transplante hepático. As lesões esplênicas iatrogênicas foram consideradas trauma e esses casos também foram excluídos. RESULTADOS: O presente estudo incluiu 98 pacientes. Nove (9,2%) pacientes morreram. Na análise univariada, idade, presença de neoplasia hematológica, hematócrito, hemoglobina, contagem de glóbulos brancos, razão entre neutrófilos-linfócitos, indicações de esplenectomia, aplicação de cirurgia de emergência, técnica cirúrgica e transfusão de componentes sanguíneos foram significativamente associadas à mortalidade. Na análise multivariada, a presença de malignidade hematológica [P=0,072; OR=7,17; (IC: 0,386-61,56)], aplicação de cirurgia de emergência [P=0,035; OR=8,33; (IC: 1,165-59,595)] e leucocitose [P=0,057; OR=1,136; (IC: 0,996-1,296)] verificou-se que estão positivamente associados à mortalidade. CONCLUSÃO: Neoplasia hematológica, cirurgia de emergência e leucocitose foram os preditores independentes da mortalidade em pacientes, operados por doenças não traumáticas do baço. Uma avaliação pré-operatória minuciosa, intervenção terapêutica precoce e técnicas cirúrgicas avançadas são importantes e podem servir para minimizar complicações e mortalidade em caso de inevitável esplenectomia. Pesquisas imunológicas podem fornecer novas oportunidades terapêuticas que podem impactar positivamente nos pacientes, minimizando a morbidade e a mortalidade.

Reliability of Leukocytosis in Diagnosing Acute Appendicitis.

Acute appendicitis is a frequently encountered surgical disease. Detection is difficult even with imaging and blood investigations. Total leukocyte count is a promising investigation. Its role in the confirmation of acute appendicitis is investigated and analysed in the present study. MethodsPatients having acute appendicitis treated by surgical intervention (appendicectomy) were included in the study. The leukocyte count measured before surgery was compared with histopathology findings of the appendix. Parameters of diagnostic accuracy of leukocytosis were measured by standard formulae. ResultsThe sensitivity and specificity of leucocytosis were found to be 76 percent and 12.5 percent respectively. The positive predictive value and negative predictive value of leucocytosis was 65 percent and 20 percent respectively. Overall diagnostic accuracy was 56 percent. The results were compared with histopathology of acute appendicitis. ConclusionsLeukocytosis is a helpful investigation to support the diagnosis of acute appendicitis.

Study of the association of serum procalcitonin with leukocytosis in predicting complicated acute appendicitis

Background: Delay in the diagnosis of complicated appendicitis and its treatment results in an increased rate of postoperative morbidity, mortality and hospital stay. The diagnosis of appendicitis rests on a combination of signs of inflammation such as fever, pain and tenderness; leukocytosis, and elevated C-reactive protein levels, interleukin-6 (IL6) and procalcitonin. Raised level of serum procalcitonin in bacterial infection has been used to further improve the diagnosis of complicated AA.Methods: One-hundred ten patients of appendicitis confirmed by intra-operative findings and final pathologist report, who underwent appendectomy consisting 25 women (22.73%) and 85 men (77.27%) with a mean age of 25 years (age range 15-55 years) were included in this study. Serum procalcitonin value was measured by chemi E411 Cobas method (chemilumiscent immunoassay system) using the B.R.A.H.M.S PCT kit. Serum PCT level >0.5 ng/ml was consider as risk for progression to severe systemic disease.Results: At a 0.5 ng/dl cut-off value of PCT, the sensitivity and specificity of PCT level measurement for acute complicated appendicitis prediction was 90% and 97.14% respectively. Association between WBC count and PCT value shows the sensitivity and specificity in 40 case of acute complicated appendicitis prediction was 86% and 75% respectively.Conclusions: Both the higher PCT values and leukocytosis correlates well with  infectious post-operative complications for acute appendicitis and it can help to carry out timely surgical intervention which is highly recommended in complicated appendicitis(correlates PCT >0.5 ng/dl).

Clinical profile of Dengue fever in children of Nellore city, Andhra Pradesh, India

Background: India especially Andhra Pradesh is endemic for dengue, in dengue fever mortality and morbidity is more in children when compare to adults. Authors objective was to assess the clinical profile of the Dengue fever in children.Methods: Children below 14 years with serologically positive for dengue included in this study from June 2017 to June 2018, data was collected and analyzed with MS office 2016.Results: In 100 children 84 were suffering with Non Sever dengue , 16 were suffering with severe dengue. In the study population 68 were male children and 32 were female children, more children 68 were in the above 11 age group, 52 children stay in hospital for 3-6 days.Conclusions: Health education and anti-larval measures and anti-adult measures for mosquito control is effective measures.

Correlação de alterações hematológicas em doenças parasitárias / Correlation of hematological changes in parasitic diseases

Os enteroparasitos causam aos seus portadores, entre outros agravos, desnutrição seguida por perda de peso, diarreias, vômitos, desidratação, anemia e enterites. Todos esses sintomas podem desencadear distúrbios dos índices hematológicos como contagem de hemácias, hematócrito, hemoglobina, leucócitos totais e eosinófilos. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar e analisar as alterações hematológicas em indivíduos com diagnóstico parasitológico positivo para enteroparasitos. Foi realizado um estudo com base nos dados laboratoriais, em que se analisou o hemograma de 412 indivíduos positivos para enteroparasitoses. Os dados demonstraram que existem relações entre as alterações hematológicas, principalmente a anemia, leucocitose e a eosinofilia, com as infecções parasitárias intestinais. Verificou-se também a frequência de poliparasitismo e suas alterações mais frequentes. O estudo apresentou uma possível contribuição para futuros trabalhos que relatem a importância da prevenção e tratamento das doenças parasitárias em humanos.

The enteroparasites cause to their carriers, among other damages, malnutrition followed by weight loss, diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, anemia and enteritis. All these symptoms can trigger hematological indices disorders such as red blood cell count, hematocrit, hemoglobin, total leukocytes and eosinophils. This study aimed to evaluate and analyze the hematological alterations in individuals with positive parasitological diagnosis for enteroparasites. A study was carried out based on the laboratory data, in which the hemogram of 412 positive individuals for enteroparasitoses was analyzed. The data demonstrated that there are relationships between hematological changes, mainly anemia, leukocytosis and eosinophilia, with intestinal parasitic infections. The frequency of polyparasitism and its most frequent alterations were also verified. The study presented a possible contribution to future studies that report the importance of the prevention and treatment of parasitic diseases in humans

Severe pertussis in childhood: update and controversy - systematic review / Coqueluche grave na infância: atualização e controvérsias - revisão sistemática

ABSTRACT Objective: Through a systematic review, this essay aimed at revising the concepts of severe pertussis, updating the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, antibiotic therapy and auxiliary therapeutic options for symptomatology and complications. Data sources: This review considered publications from the last 30years in the databases US National Library of Medicine (PubMed), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Literatura Latino-americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), Cochrane, Google Scholar, as well as protocols of the Ministry of Health and recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, related to childhood pertussis (whooping cough), with emphasis on its severe form. This research was based on keywords derived from the terms "pertussis", "azithromycin", "antitussives", "leukocyte reduction" in Portuguese and English. Duplicate studies and those with unavailable full-text were excluded. Data synthesis: Among 556 records found, 54 were selected for analysis. Pertussis, as a reemerging disease, has affected all age groups, evidencing the transient immunity conferred by infection and vaccination. Severe cases occur in neonates and infants, with secondary viral and bacterial complications and malignant pertussis, a longside hyperleukocytosis, respiratory failure and shock. Macrolides continue to be the chosen antibiotics, while antitussives for coughing remain without efficacy. The prompt treatment in Intensive Care Units improved the prognostic in severe cases, and transfusion was promising among procedures for leukoreduction. Conclusions: Approaching severe pertussis in childhood remains a challenge for diagnostic and therapy, as the available therapeutic options are still unsatisfactory. Strategies of prevention are expected to reduce the occurrence of severe cases, while new studies should confirm the role of auxiliary therapies.

RESUMO Objetivo: Rever os conceitos de coqueluche grave, atualizar epidemiologia, fisiopatologia e apresentação clínica, verificar as recomendações de antibioticoterapia e conhecer opções terapêuticas auxiliares na sintomatologia e complicações, por meio de revisão sistemática. Fontes de dados: Foram pesquisados trabalhos publicados nos últimos 30 anos nas bases US National Library of Medicine (PubMed), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Literatura Latino-americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), Cochrane e Google Scholar, bem como protocolos do Ministério da Saúde e recomendações do Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, relacionados à coqueluche na infância, com ênfase na forma grave. Apesquisa baseou-se em palavras-chave derivadas dos termos "coqueluche", "azitromicina", "antitussígenos" e "redução de leucócitos", nos idiomas português e inglês. Foramexcluídos estudos em duplicata ou texto integral indisponíveis. Síntese dos dados: Dos 556 registros encontrados, foram selecionados 54 para análise. A coqueluche, como doença reemergente, tem acometido todas as faixas etárias, evidenciando a imunidade transitória conferida pela infecção e pela vacinação. Quadros graves ocorrem em neonatos e lactentes, com complicações virais e bacterianas secundárias e pertussis maligna, com hiperleucocitose, insuficiência respiratória e choque refratário. Os macrolídeos continuam como antibióticos de escolha. Os sintomáticos da tosse não demonstraram eficácia. O suporte precoce em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva melhorou o prognóstico dos casos graves e a exsanguineotransfusão se mostrou a mais promissora entre os procedimentos para leucorredução. Conclusões: A abordagem da coqueluche grave na infância segue como desafio diagnóstico e terapêutico. As opções terapêuticas disponíveis ainda são insatisfatórias. Espera-se que as estratégias de prevenção reduzam a ocorrência de casos graves e que novos estudos confirmem o papel das terapias adjuvantes.