Presurgical Use of Hypoxic Mixture for Systemic Perfusion Improvement in Neonates With Complex Congenital Heart Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Oxygen therapy is essential for the survival of preterm babies and critically ill newborns; however, it has the potential to cause harm through hypoxemia or hyperoxemia. Newborns with complex congenital heart diseases (CHD) suffer from oxygen fluctuations due to the disease and its treatments, altering pre and postnatal development. The objective of this study is to evaluate the evidence for using a hypoxic mixture to decrease pulmonary over-circulation and improve systemic perfusion before surgical interventions in newborns with complex CHD that course with pulmonary over-circulation and systemic hypoperfusion. A search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, LILACS, Scielo, Taylor and Francis, SAGE, and Science Direct databases from 2000 to 2022 by two independent authors, including articles with hypoxic mixture treatment in observational studies or trials, with pre-treatment and post-treatment measurements in the same patient, or two groups or more comparisons. Six articles were selected, with a total of 75 patients. The primary outcome was improved systemic circulation and decreased pulmonary over-circulation measured directly with Qp/Qs and indirectly with oxygen saturation and cerebral near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). In addition, we performed a meta-analysis for oxygen saturation and cerebral NIRS. Oxygen saturation was the value uniformly reported; three studies reported a significantly lower oxygen saturation after the hypoxic mixture. The cerebral NIRS was measured in 4 studies, with inconsistent results. After using the hypoxic mixture, the Qp/Qs calculation was lower in the two studies but was not statistically significant. The meta-analysis for oxygen saturation showed a fixed effect post-hypoxic therapy of -0.7 (-1.06; -0.35), p < 0.001. The meta-analysis of two studies that measured cerebral NIRS did not show a statistically significant difference at 12 and 24 hours. In conclusion, this is the first systematic review and meta-analysis regarding the pre-operative use of hypoxic gas mixtures for newborns with complex congenital heart disease. Treatment results in lower oxygen saturations, but there is a lack of evidence of improvement in systemic perfusion. The utilization of this therapy is controversial, and better evidence is necessary.

[Congenital toxoplasmosis: the importance of adherence to guidelines and clinical implications in Colombia.] / Toxoplasmosis congénita: la importancia de la adherencia a las guías y las implicaciones clínicas en Colombia.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La toxoplasmosis congénita continúa siendo un problema de salud pública. Aun cuando existen guías plenamente divulgadas y conocidas, se observa poca implementación de ellas en algunas instituciones de salud y una inadecuada interpretación de las pruebas serológicas en las gestantes. Esto puede generar falta de captación y tratamiento en embarazadas con primoinfección por Toxoplasma gondii. CASOS CLÍNICOS: Se reportan dos casos de toxoplasmosis congénita, uno de ellos con desenlace fatal. En ambos no se siguieron las guías de práctica clínica, lo cual conllevó un diagnóstico tardío y, en consecuencia, un manejo en condiciones inapropiadas con daños graves. CONCLUSIONES: La toxoplasmosis es una infección congénita aún prevalente en algunos países, con secuelas graves, discapacidad neurológica y riesgo de daño ocular, incluso tardío. Además, existen algunas variedades de cepas de T. gondii con un comportamiento más agresivo en Latinoamérica, lo cual empeora la presentación de los casos e incluye mayor riesgo de muerte. BACKGROUND: Congenital toxoplasmosis continues to be a public health problem. Although clinical guidelines have been divulgated and are well known, they are not implemented in some health institutions, in addition of an inappropriate interpretation of the serological tests in pregnant women. This situation can lead to lack of screening and treatment in pregnant women with primary Toxoplasma gondii infection. CASE REPORTS: We report two cases of congenital toxoplasmosis, one with a fatal outcome. In both cases, the clinical guidelines were not initially followed, leading to a delayed diagnosis and, consequently, an inappropriate management in conditions with severe damage. CONCLUSIONS: Toxoplasmosis is a congenital infection still prevalent in some countries, with severe sequelae, neurological disability, and even late risk of ocular damage. ­Additionally, some varieties of the T. gondii strains have a more aggressive pattern in Latin America, worsening the clinical presentation of cases and including a high risk of death.

Toxoplasmosis congénita: la importancia de la adherencia a las guías y las implicaciones clínicas en Colombia / Congenital toxoplasmosis: the importance of adherence to guidelines and clinical implications in Colombia

Resumen Introducción: La toxoplasmosis congénita continúa siendo un problema de salud pública. Aun cuando existen guías plenamente divulgadas y conocidas, se observa poca implementación de ellas en algunas instituciones de salud y una inadecuada interpretación de las pruebas serológicas en las gestantes. Esto puede generar falta de captación y tratamiento en embarazadas con primoinfección por Toxoplasma gondii. Casos clínicos: Se reportan dos casos de toxoplasmosis congénita, uno de ellos con desenlace fatal. En ambos no se siguieron las guías de práctica clínica, lo cual conllevó un diagnóstico tardío y, en consecuencia, un manejo en condiciones inapropiadas con daños graves. Conclusiones: La toxoplasmosis es una infección congénita aún prevalente en algunos países, con secuelas graves, discapacidad neurológica y riesgo de daño ocular, incluso tardío. Además, existen algunas variedades de cepas de T. gondii con un comportamiento más agresivo en Latinoamérica, lo cual empeora la presentación de los casos e incluye mayor riesgo de muerte.

Abstract Background: Congenital toxoplasmosis continues to be a public health problem. Although clinical guidelines have been divulgated and are well known, they are not implemented in some health institutions, in addition of an inappropriate interpretation of the serological tests in pregnant women. This situation can lead to lack of screening and treatment in pregnant women with primary Toxoplasma gondii infection. Case reports: We report two cases of congenital toxoplasmosis, one with a fatal outcome. In both cases, the clinical guidelines were not initially followed, leading to a delayed diagnosis and, consequently, an inappropriate management in conditions with severe damage. Conclusions: Toxoplasmosis is a congenital infection still prevalent in some countries, with severe sequelae, neurological disability, and even late risk of ocular damage. Additionally, some varieties of the T. gondii strains have a more aggressive pattern in Latin America, worsening the clinical presentation of cases and including a high risk of death.

Perception of COVID-19 Vaccination Amongst Physicians in Colombia.

Introduction: The SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 pandemic has triggered the need to develop rapidly effective and safe vaccines to prevent infection, particularly in those at-risk populations such as medical personnel. This study's objective was to assess the perception of COVID-19 vaccination amongst Colombian physicians featuring two different scenarios of COVID-19 vaccination. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was carried out through an online survey directed at medical staff in several cities in Colombia. The percentage of physicians who have a positive perception to be vaccinated and the associated factors that determine that decision were determined. A binomial regression analysis adjusted for age and sex was carried out, taking as a dependent variable the acceptance of free vaccination with an effectiveness of 60 and 80%. The most significant factors were determined in the non-acceptance of vaccination. Results: Between 77.0% and 90.7% of physicians in Colombia accept COVID-19 vaccination, according to the scenario evaluated where the vaccine's effectiveness was 60 or 80%, respectively. Medical specialty, having never paid for a vaccine, recommending the administration of the vaccine to their parents or people over 70 years, and dispensing the vaccine to their children, were the factors to consider to be vaccinated for free with an effectiveness of 60% and 80%. Conclusions: There is a high perception of the intention to vaccinate physicians in Colombia against COVID-19, and this is very similar to that of the general population.

Community-Acquired Neonatal SARS-CoV-2 Infection Associated with Neurological Symptoms in Colombia.

INTRODUCTION: The SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 may produce neurological manifestations, including its occurrence in children, and newborns, which has been little reported so far in newborns with COVID-19. CASE: We present a case in Colombia, of community-acquired neonatal infection of SARS-CoV-2, with suggestive symptoms, such as fever, and showing neurological findings, such as drowsiness, poor suction and mild hypotonia for a short time. DISCUSSION: The clinical manifestations of SARS-COV-2 in neonates are beginning to be described in detail. We report a case of SARS-COV-2-associated neurological compromise in a newborn, with features of drowsiness, poor suction and hypotonia.

Prematuro con perforación intestinal espontánea de presentación muy precoz / Preterm neonate with spontaneous intestinal perforation of very early presentation

Resumen Introducción: La perforación intestinal espontánea es una condición que afecta principalmente a neonatos pretérmino. Caso clínico: Se presenta el caso de un neonato pretérmino de 26 semanas de gestación con neumoperitoneo en las primeras 24 horas de vida. Por lo precoz del cuadro y los hallazgos radiológicos, la primera hipótesis diagnóstica fue una perforación gástrica. Sin embargo, en la laparotomía se encontró una perforación ileal única, sin hallazgos de enterocolitis. Conclusiones: La perforación intestinal espontánea se ha asociado con intervenciones médicas, como el uso concomitante de esteroides e indometacina. Otras intervenciones, como el uso de magnesio prenatal y la colocación de surfactante pulmonar de forma mínimamente invasiva, se han propuesto como factores de riesgo para su desarrollo. En la actualidad, deben evaluarse la perforación intestinal espontánea y sus asociaciones. Las presentes y futuras investigaciones podrían contribuir a aclarar el papel de las intervenciones mencionadas en la revisión preliminar de la literatura.

Abstract Background: Spontaneous intestinal perforation is a condition that mainly affects preterm infants. Case report: The case of a preterm infant of 26 weeks of gestation with pneumoperitoneum in the first 24 hours of life is described. Due to the early symptoms and radiological findings, the first diagnostic hypothesis was gastric perforation. However, at laparotomy, a unique ileal perforation was found, without findings of enterocolitis. Conclusions: Spontaneous intestinal perforation is a complication associated with medical interventions such as the concomitant use of steroids and indomethacin. Recently, other interventions, such as the use of prenatal magnesium and treatment with exogenous pulmonary surfactants in a minimally invasive way have been proposed as risk factors for its development. At present, clinicians should evaluate spontaneous intestinal perforation and its associations, and ongoing and future research may clarify the role of the interventions mentioned in the review of preliminary literature.

[Preterm neonate with spontaneous intestinal perforation of very early presentation]. / Prematuro con perforación intestinal espontánea de presentación muy precoz.

Introducción: La perforación intestinal espontánea es una condición que afecta principalmente a neonatos pretérmino. Caso clínico: Se presenta el caso de un neonato pretérmino de 26 semanas de gestación con neumoperitoneo en las primeras 24 horas de vida. Por lo precoz del cuadro y los hallazgos radiológicos, la primera hipótesis diagnóstica fue una perforación gástrica. Sin embargo, en la laparotomía se encontró una perforación ileal única, sin hallazgos de enterocolitis. Conclusiones: La perforación intestinal espontánea se ha asociado con intervenciones médicas, como el uso concomitante de esteroides e indometacina. Otras intervenciones, como el uso de magnesio prenatal y la colocación de surfactante pulmonar de forma mínimamente invasiva, se han propuesto como factores de riesgo para su desarrollo. En la actualidad, deben evaluarse la perforación intestinal espontánea y sus asociaciones. Las presentes y futuras investigaciones podrían contribuir a aclarar el papel de las intervenciones mencionadas en la revisión preliminar de la literatura.

A Cluster of Neonatal Infections Caused by Candida auris at a Large Referral Center in Colombia.

BACKGROUND: Globally, Candida auris is an emerging pathogen that poses an essential threat in healthcare settings presenting as outbreaks requiring significant allocation of infection control interventions to curb transmission. This fungal pathogen was initially identified in 2009 in Japan, but it has spread to all continents. Candida auris poses significant diagnostic and treatment challenges. Conventional microbiology laboratories often misidentify this pathogen as Candida haemulonii or as other Candida spp., Rhodoturola glutinis, and even with some bacterial pathogens, including Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A. Furthermore, C. auris displays distinct mechanisms of antifungal resistance to azoles and amphotericin B formulations. Most of the case series and outbreak reports have included invasive infections in adult populations. METHODS: Herein, we present a cluster of neonatal infections caused by Candida auris at a large referral center in Colombia. RESULTS: We report a case series of 8 neonates and infant patients who were seen at a large referral center in Colombia and who develop invasive infections caused by C. haemulonii and C. auris. DISCUSSION: Our report highlights the diagnostic challenges in identifying this fungal pathogen correctly, its clinical spectrum of disease, recommendations for empiric antifungal therapy, and it is not always associated with a high case fatality rate.

Everolimus for severe arrhythmias in tuberous sclerosis complex related cardiac rhabdomyomas.

Intracardiac rhabdomyoma is the most common primary cardiac tumor in children. Most cases are associated with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). Most of them are asymptomatic in the neonate and do not require treatment. However, some develop cardiovascular symptoms such as arrhythmias, heart failure, and ventricular inflow/outflow tract obstruction in the neonatal period with early death. Many of these tumors are not candidates for surgical resection and medical management is limited. Treatment with mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor is currently approved for the management of central nervous tumors and angiomyolipoma in TSC. Two patients with malignant arrhythmias related to nonsurgical multiple rhabdomyomas associated with TSC who were successfully treated with an mTOR inhibitor were described. Everolimus therapy showed significant regression of rhabdomyomas with rapid improvement of arrhythmias and heart failure prior to tumor shrinkage.

Zika Virus Infection during Pregnancy and Sensorineural Hearing Loss among Children at 3 and 24 Months Post-Partum.

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to describe the findings of the auditory screening in children of mothers with ZIKV during pregnancy or suspicious of congenital ZIKV, and to determine whether hearing loss was in the first 2 years in life, regardless of whether microcephaly was also present. METHODS: This is a cases report. The information was collected and recorded in a database between January 2016 and April 2018. We perform two auditory tests to 3 and 24 months of life. The study was developed in Aguachica (Cesar, Colombia). It is considered a high-risk area for ZIKV infection. Participants included children of mothers with confirmed ZIKV during pregnancy or suspicious of congenital ZIKV exposure of ZIKV infection during an epidemic period in a tropical area. We defined a positive case according to the epidemiological definition and clinical criteria based on maternal symptoms. However, other children of mothers without clinical signs of Zika were evaluated at the same time. The main outcome was the presence of sensorineural hearing loss. RESULTS: The median age in the study group (n = 43) was 3.5 months (rank: 0-6) and the comparison group (n: 23, children of mothers without clinical signs of ZIKV) was 3 months (rank: 0-12). Screening hearing test was done using distortion product otoacustic emissions. At 3 months follow-up, children were evaluated using distortion product otoacustic emissions and automatized auditory brainstem response. None of the patients evaluated in this study were found to have sensorineural hearing loss. CONCLUSIONS: We did not find hearing loss during the first 2 years in the children whose mother showed Zika during pregnancy. We recommend these children must be assessed to closed because there is a high risk the hearing loss as it usually may occur with CMV.

Congenital microcephaly: A diagnostic challenge during Zika epidemics.

The multiple, wide and diverse etiologies of congenital microcephaly are complex and multifactorial. Recent advances in genetic testing have improved understanding of novel genetic causes of congenital microcephaly. The recent Zika virus (ZIKV) epidemic in Latin America has highlighted the need for a better understanding of the underlying pathological mechanisms of microcephaly including both infectious and non-infectious causes. The diagnostic approach to microcephaly needs to include potential infectious and genetic etiologies, as well as environmental in-utero exposures such as alcohol, toxins, and medications. Emerging genetic alterations linked to microcephaly include abnormal mitotic microtubule spindle structure and abnormal function of centrosomes. We discuss the diagnostic challenge of congenital microcephaly in the context of understanding the links with ZIKV emergence as a new etiological factor involved in this birth defect.

[Not everything is Zika: congenital toxoplasmosis, still prevalent in Colombia?] / No todo es Zika: toxoplasmosis congénita, ¿aún prevalente en Colombia?

Congenital toxoplasmosis continues to be a public health threat. Even existing guidelines, publicly known, its implementation and lack of appropriate interpretation of serological tests in pregnancy is often observed. This leds to failure in opportunities for positive and known interventions to decrease the fetal risk due to Toxoplasma gondii infection. We reported herein a case series, with variable neurological and systemic compromise (respiratory distress, hepatosplenomegaly, enterocolitis, brain calcifications, thrombocytopenia, ascites, shock), even fatal, calling for awareness about the fact that despite the Zika epidemics in 2015-2016 in Brazil, Colombia and other countries, precisely toxoplasmosis, is a differential diagnosis still prevalent in these territories, that can leds to severe consequences, with neurological disability and risk of ocular damage, even lately. Additionally, with varieties of T. gondii with more aggressive patterns in Latin America, which make worse those cases, including also a higher risk of death.

La toxoplasmosis congénita continúa siendo un problema de salud pública. Aun existiendo guías plenamente divulgadas y conocidas, se observa poca implementación de las mismas y falta de adecuada interpretación de pruebas serológicas en gestantes Esto puede generar falta de captación y tratamiento en embarazadas con primoinfección por Toxoplasma gondii. Reportamos una serie de casos, con compromiso neurológico y sistémico (dificultad respiratoria, hepatoesplenomegalia, enterocolitis, calcificaciones cerebrales, trombocitopenia, corioretinis, ascitis, choque). Si bien el virus de Zika causó epidemia en 2015-2016 en Brasil, Colombia y otros países, toxoplasmosis es un diagnóstico diferencial aún prevalente en estos países, con secuelas graves, discapacidad neurológica y riesgo de daño ocular, incluso tardío. Adicionalmente, existen algunas variedades de cepas de T. gondii con comportamiento más agresivo en Latinoamérica, lo cual empeora la presentación de los casos, incluyendo además mayor riesgo de muerte.

Spatial distribution of Zika virus infection in Northeastern Colombia.

In this study, we investigated the weekly reported spatio-temporal distribution and topographic risk factors for Zika virus (ZIKV) infection in northeastern Colombia. Weekly reported surveillance data, including clinical, suspected and confirmed cases from the ongoing ZIKV epidemic in the Santander and Norte de Santander departments (Santanderes) in Colombia were used to estimate cumulative incidence rates. Spatial analysis was performed to develop hot spot maps and to identify spatial topographic risk factors for infection. From January 1, 2016 to March 19, 2016, 11,515 cases of ZIKV were reported in Santanderes, with cumulative rates of 316.07 cases/100,000 population for the region (representing 18.5% of the cases of the country). Five municipalities (four in Norte de Santander) reported high incidence of ZIKV infection (>1,000 cases/100,000 pop); these municipalities are close to the border with Venezuela. Most of the cases reported occurred mainly in low altitude areas, and persistent hot spots were observed. Higher infection rates were reported in the Northeastern part of the study area. Use of risk maps can help guide decisions for the prevention and control of ZIKV. Hotspots on the Colombia-Venezuela border can have implications for international spread.

No todo es Zika: toxoplasmosis congénita, ¿aún prevalente en Colombia? / Not everything is Zika: congenital toxoplasmosis, still prevalent in Colombia?

RESUMEN La toxoplasmosis congénita continúa siendo un problema de salud pública. Aun existiendo guías plenamente divulgadas y conocidas, se observa poca implementación de las mismas y falta de adecuada interpretación de pruebas serológicas en gestantes Esto puede generar falta de captación y tratamiento en embarazadas con primoinfección por Toxoplasma gondii. Reportamos una serie de casos, con compromiso neurológico y sistémico (dificultad respiratoria, hepatoesplenomegalia, enterocolitis, calcificaciones cerebrales, trombocitopenia, corioretinis, ascitis, choque). Si bien el virus de Zika causó epidemia en 2015-2016 en Brasil, Colombia y otros países, toxoplasmosis es un diagnóstico diferencial aún prevalente en estos países, con secuelas graves, discapacidad neurológica y riesgo de daño ocular, incluso tardío. Adicionalmente, existen algunas variedades de cepas de T. gondii con comportamiento más agresivo en Latinoamérica, lo cual empeora la presentación de los casos, incluyendo además mayor riesgo de muerte.

ABSTRACT Congenital toxoplasmosis continues to be a public health threat. Even existing guidelines, publicly known, its implementation and lack of appropriate interpretation of serological tests in pregnancy is often observed. This leds to failure in opportunities for positive and known interventions to decrease the fetal risk due to Toxoplasma gondii infection. We reported herein a case series, with variable neurological and systemic compromise (respiratory distress, hepatosplenomegaly, enterocolitis, brain calcifications, thrombocytopenia, ascites, shock), even fatal, calling for awareness about the fact that despite the Zika epidemics in 2015-2016 in Brazil, Colombia and other countries, precisely toxoplasmosis, is a differential diagnosis still prevalent in these territories, that can leds to severe consequences, with neurological disability and risk of ocular damage, even lately. Additionally, with varieties of T. gondii with more aggressive patterns in Latin America, which make worse those cases, including also a higher risk of death.

Síntomas depresivos en familiares cuidadores de recién nacidos en una Unidad de Cuidado Intensivo Neonatal y factores asociados / Depressive symptoms and associated factors in caregivers of newborn infants hospitalized in a neonatal intensive care unit

Introducción. Se hanreportado altas prevalencias de síntomas depresivos en familiares de recién nacidos hospitalizados en unidades de cuidado intensivo neonatal. Esto ocasiona un alto impacto negativo para el vínculo familiares-recién nacido. Objetivo. Determinar la prevalencia de síntomas depresivos y sus factores asociados en cuidadores de recién nacidos hospitalizados en una Unidad de Cuidado Intensivo Neonatal en Colombia. Materiales y métodos. Estudio de corte transversal analítico en una institución de salud de alto nivel de complejidad especializada en patologías cardiovasculares. Se aplicó el Inventario de Depresión de Beck-II al ingreso y ocho días después. Se consideró presencia de síntomas depresivos cuando los cuidadores presentaban depresión intermitente, moderada, grave o extrema. Se realizaron análisis bivariados y multivariados usando modelos de regresión binomial. Resultados. Se analizó un total de 107 niños con sus cuidadores. La prevalencia de síntomas depresivos fue 20,56% (IC 95%: 12,77-28,34) en la medición basal y 12,86% (IC 95%: 4,120,89) al octavo día. Los cuidadores de sexo masculino y de 30 años de edad o más tuvieron menor riesgo de presentar síntomas depresivos, mientras que ser cabeza de familia, tener nivel de primaria o ningún grado de escolaridad y que sus hijos hubieran tenido Apgar al nacer de 1-6 representaron factores de riesgo para síntomas depresivos. Conclusiones. La prevalencia de síntomas depresivos fue alta. Ser cabeza de familia, tener baja escolaridad y Apgar al nacer entre 1 y 6 fueron factores asociados a síntomas depresivos en los cuidadores.

Introduction. A high prevalence of depressive symptoms has been reported in family members of newborn infants hospitalized in neonatal intensive care units. This causes a high negative impact on the newborn infant-family bond.Objective. To establish the prevalence of depressive symptoms and their associated factors in caregivers of newborn infants hospitalized in a neonatal intensive care unit in Colombia. Materials and Methods. Cross-sectional, analytical study conducted at a tertiary care health facility specialized in cardiovascular disease.The Beck Depression Inventory-II was administered upon admission to the NICU and on Day 8. Depressive symptoms were considered present if caregivers had intermittent, moderate, severe, or extreme depression. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were done using binomial regression models.Results. A total of 107 children and their caregivers were studied. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 20.56% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 12.77-28.34) at baseline and 12.86% (95% CI: 4.1-20.89) on Day 8. Male caregivers and caregivers older than 30 years old had a lower risk of having depressive symptoms whereas being the head of the household, having completed primary education or no education at all, and having a baby with an Apgar score at birth of 1-6 were risk factors for developing depressive symptoms. Conclusions. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was high. Being the head of the household, having a low level of education, and an Apgar score at birth of 1-6 were associated with depressive symptoms among caregivers.