Coronavirus Disease 2019 Convalescent Plasma Outpatient Therapy to Prevent Outpatient Hospitalization: A Meta-Analysis of Individual Participant Data From 5 Randomized Trials.

BACKGROUND: Outpatient monoclonal antibodies are no longer effective and antiviral treatments for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disease remain largely unavailable in many countries worldwide. Although treatment with COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP) is promising, clinical trials among outpatients have shown mixed results. METHODS: We conducted an individual participant data meta-analysis from outpatient trials to assess the overall risk reduction for all-cause hospitalizations by day 28 in transfused participants. Relevant trials were identified by searching Medline, Embase, medRxiv, World Health Organization COVID-19 Research Database, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science from January 2020 to September 2022. RESULTS: Five included studies from 4 countries enrolled and transfused 2620 adult patients. Comorbidities were present in 1795 (69%). The virus neutralizing antibody dilutional titer levels ranged from 8 to 14 580 in diverse assays. One hundred sixty of 1315 (12.2%) control patients were hospitalized, versus 111 of 1305 (8.5%) CCP-treated patients, yielding a 3.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3%-6.0%; P = .001) absolute risk reduction and 30.1% relative risk reduction for all-cause hospitalization. The hospitalization reduction was greatest in those with both early transfusion and high titer with a 7.6% absolute risk reduction (95% CI, 4.0%-11.1%; P = .0001) accompanied by at 51.4% relative risk reduction. No significant reduction in hospitalization was seen with treatment >5 days after symptom onset or in those receiving CCP with antibody titers below the median titer. CONCLUSIONS: Among outpatients with COVID-19, treatment with CCP reduced the rate of all-cause hospitalization and may be most effective when given within 5 days of symptom onset and when antibody titer is higher.

Epidemiology of Human Parainfluenza Virus Type 3 and Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections in the Time of Coronavirus Disease 2019: Findings From a Household Cohort in Maryland.

BACKGROUND: During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, human parainfluenza type 3 (HPIV-3) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) circulation increased as nonpharmaceutical interventions were relaxed. Using data from 175 households (n = 690 members) followed between November 2020 and October 2021, we characterized HPIV-3 and RSV epidemiology in children aged 0-4 years and their households. METHODS: Households with ≥1 child aged 0-4 years were enrolled; members collected weekly nasal swabs (NS) and additional NS with respiratory illnesses (RI). We tested NS from RI episodes in children aged 0-4 years for HPIV-3, RSV, and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) using reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Among children with HPIV-3 or RSV infection, we tested contemporaneous NS from household members. We compared incidence rates (IRs) of RI with each virus during epidemic periods and identified household primary cases (the earliest detected household infection), and associated community exposures. RESULTS: 41 of 175 (23.4%) households had individuals with HPIV-3 (n = 45) or RSV (n = 46) infections. Among children aged 0-4 years, RI IRs /1000 person-weeks were 8.7 [6.0, 12.2] for HPIV-3, 7.6 [4.8, 11.4] for RSV, and 1.9 [1.0, 3.5] for SARS-CoV-2. Children aged 0-4 years accounted for 35 of 36 primary HPIV-3 or RSV cases. Children attending childcare or preschool had higher odds of primary infection (odds ratio, 10.81; 95% confidence interval, 3.14-37.23). CONCLUSIONS: Among children aged 0-4 years, RI IRs for HPIV-3 and RSV infection were 4-fold higher than for SARS-CoV-2 during epidemic periods. HPIV-3 and RSV were almost exclusively introduced into households by young children.

COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma Outpatient Therapy to Prevent Outpatient Hospitalization: A Meta-analysis of Individual Participant Data From Five Randomized Trials.

Background: Monoclonal antibody and antiviral treatments for COVID-19 disease remain largely unavailable worldwide, and existing monoclonal antibodies may be less active against circulating omicron variants. Although treatment with COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP) is promising, randomized clinical trials (RCTs) among outpatients have shown mixed results. Methods: We conducted an individual participant data meta-analysis from all outpatient CCP RCTs to assess the overall risk reduction for all-cause hospitalizations by day 28 in all participants who had transfusion initiated. Relevant trials were identified by searching MEDLINE, Embase, MedRxiv, WHO, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science from January 2020 to September 2022. Results: Five included studies from four countries enrolled and transfused 2,620 adult patients. Comorbidities were present in 1,795 (69%). The anti-Spike or virus neutralizing antibody titer range across all trials was broad. 160 (12.2%) of 1315 control patients were hospitalized, versus 111 (8.5%) of 1305 CCP-treated patients, yielding a 3.7% (95%CI: 1.3%-6.0%; p=.001) ARR and 30.1% RRR for all-cause hospitalization. The effect size was greatest in those with both early transfusion and high titer with a 7.6% ARR (95%CI: 4.0%-11.1%; p=.0001) accompanied by at 51.4% RRR. No significant reduction in hospitalization was seen with treatment > 5 days after symptom onset or in those receiving CCP with antibody titers below the median titer. Conclusions: Among outpatients with COVID-19, treatment with CCP reduced the rate of all-cause hospitalization. CCP may be most effective when given within 5 days of symptom onset and when antibody titer is higher. Key Points: While the outpatient COVID-19 randomized controlled trial meta-analysis indicated heterogeneity in participant risk factors and convalescent plasma, the combined CCP efficacy for reducing hospitalization was significant, improving with transfusion within 5 days of symptom onset and high antibody neutralization levels.

Palivizumab for preventing severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in children.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory viruses are the leading cause of lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) and hospitalisation in infants and young children. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the main infectious agent in this population. Palivizumab is administered intramuscularly every month during five months in the first RSV season to prevent serious RSV LRTI in children. Given its high cost, it is essential to know if palivizumab continues to be effective in preventing severe RSV disease in children. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of palivizumab for preventing severe RSV infection in children. SEARCH METHODS: We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, three other databases and two trials registers to 14 October 2021, together with reference checking, citation searching and contact with study authors to identify additional studies. We searched Embase to October 2020, as we did not have access to this database for 2021. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs), including cluster-RCTs, comparing palivizumab given at a dose of 15 mg/kg once a month (maximum five doses) with placebo, no intervention or standard care in children 0 to 24 months of age from both genders, regardless of RSV infection history.  DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used Cochrane's Screen4Me workflow to help assess the search results. Two review authors screened studies for selection, assessed risk of bias and extracted data. We used standard Cochrane methods. We used GRADE to assess the certainty of the evidence. The primary outcomes were hospitalisation due to RSV infection, all-cause mortality and adverse events. Secondary outcomes were hospitalisation due to respiratory-related illness, length of hospital stay, RSV infection, number of wheezing days, days of supplemental oxygen, intensive care unit length of stay and mechanical ventilation days. MAIN RESULTS: We included five studies with  a total of 3343 participants. All studies were parallel RCTs, assessing the effects of 15 mg/kg of palivizumab every month up to five months compared to placebo or no intervention in an outpatient setting, although one study also included hospitalised infants. Most of the included studies were conducted in children with a high risk of RSV infection due to comorbidities like bronchopulmonary dysplasia and congenital heart disease. The risk of bias of outcomes across all studies was similar and predominately low.  Palivizumab reduces hospitalisation due to RSV infection at two years' follow-up (risk ratio (RR) 0.44, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.30 to 0.64; 5 studies, 3343 participants; high certainty evidence). Based on 98 hospitalisations per 1000 participants in the placebo group, this corresponds to 43 (29 to 62) per 1000 participants in the palivizumab group. Palivizumab probably results in little to no difference in mortality at two years' follow-up (RR 0.69, 95% CI 0.42 to 1.15; 5 studies, 3343 participants; moderate certainty evidence). Based on 23 deaths per 1000 participants in the placebo group, this corresponds to 16 (10 to 27) per 1000 participants in the palivizumab group. Palivizumab probably results in little to no difference in adverse events at 150 days' follow-up (RR 1.09, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.39; 3 studies, 2831 participants; moderate certainty evidence). Based on 84 cases per 1000 participants in the placebo group, this corresponds to 91 (71 to 117) per 1000 participants in the palivizumab group. Palivizumab probably results in a slight reduction in hospitalisation due to respiratory-related illness at two years' follow-up (RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.62 to 0.97; 5 studies, 3343 participants; moderate certainty evidence). Palivizumab may result in a large reduction in RSV infection at two years' follow-up (RR 0.33, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.55; 3 studies, 554 participants; low certainty evidence). Based on 195 cases of RSV infection per 1000 participants in the placebo group, this corresponds to 64 (39 to 107) per 1000 participants in the palivizumab group. Palivizumab also reduces the number of wheezing days at one year's follow-up (RR 0.39, 95% CI 0.35 to 0.44; 1 study, 429 participants; high certainty evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The available evidence suggests that prophylaxis with palivizumab reduces hospitalisation due to RSV infection and results in little to no difference in mortality or adverse events. Moreover, palivizumab results in a slight reduction in hospitalisation due to respiratory-related illness and may result in a large reduction in RSV infections. Palivizumab also reduces the number of wheezing days. These results may be applicable to children with a high risk of RSV infection due to comorbidities. Further research is needed to establish the effect of palivizumab on children with other comorbidities known as risk factors for severe RSV disease (e.g. immune deficiencies) and other social determinants of the disease, including children living in low- and middle-income countries, tropical regions, children lacking breastfeeding, living in poverty, or members of families in overcrowded situations.

Early High-Titer Plasma Therapy to Prevent Severe Covid-19 in Older Adults.

BACKGROUND: Therapies to interrupt the progression of early coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) remain elusive. Among them, convalescent plasma administered to hospitalized patients has been unsuccessful, perhaps because antibodies should be administered earlier in the course of illness. METHODS: We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of convalescent plasma with high IgG titers against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in older adult patients within 72 hours after the onset of mild Covid-19 symptoms. The primary end point was severe respiratory disease, defined as a respiratory rate of 30 breaths per minute or more, an oxygen saturation of less than 93% while the patient was breathing ambient air, or both. The trial was stopped early at 76% of its projected sample size because cases of Covid-19 in the trial region decreased considerably and steady enrollment of trial patients became virtually impossible. RESULTS: A total of 160 patients underwent randomization. In the intention-to-treat population, severe respiratory disease developed in 13 of 80 patients (16%) who received convalescent plasma and 25 of 80 patients (31%) who received placebo (relative risk, 0.52; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.29 to 0.94; P = 0.03), with a relative risk reduction of 48%. A modified intention-to-treat analysis that excluded 6 patients who had a primary end-point event before infusion of convalescent plasma or placebo showed a larger effect size (relative risk, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.20 to 0.81). No solicited adverse events were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Early administration of high-titer convalescent plasma against SARS-CoV-2 to mildly ill infected older adults reduced the progression of Covid-19. (Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Fundación INFANT Pandemic Fund; Dirección de Sangre y Medicina Transfusional del Ministerio de Salud number, PAEPCC19, Plataforma de Registro Informatizado de Investigaciones en Salud number, 1421, and ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT04479163.).

Role for Maternal Asthma in Severe Human Metapneumovirus Lung Disease Susceptibility in Children.

BACKGROUND: Severity of human metapneumovirus (hMPV) lower respiratory illness (LRTI) is considered similar to that observed for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). However, differences in severity between these pathogens have been noted, suggesting the degree of illness may vary in different populations. Moreover, a potential association between hMPV and asthma also suggests that hMPV may preferentially affect asthmatic subjects. METHODS: In a population-based surveillance study in children aged <2 years admitted for severe LRTI in Argentina, nasopharyngeal aspirates were tested by RT-PCR for hMPV, RSV, influenza A, and human rhinovirus. RESULTS: Of 3947 children, 383 (10%) were infected with hMPV. The hospitalization rate for hMPV LRTI was 2.26 per 1000 children (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.04-2.49). Thirty-nine (10.2%) patients infected with hMPV experienced life-threatening disease (LTD; 0.23 per 1000 children; 95% CI, .16-.31/1000), and 2 died (mortality rate 0.024 per 1000; 95% CI, .003-.086). In hMPV-infected children birth to an asthmatic mother was an increased risk for LTD (odds ratio, 4.72; 95% CI, 1.39-16.01). We observed a specific interaction between maternal asthma and hMPV infection affecting risk for LTD. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal asthma increases the risk for LTD in children <2 years old hospitalized for severe hMPV LRTI.

Asymptomatic COVID-19 in the elderly: dementia and viral clearance as risk factors for disease progression.

BACKGROUND: SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals ≥60 years old have the highest hospitalization rates and represent >80% fatalities. Within this population, those in long-term facilities represent >50% of the total COVID-19 related deaths per country. Among those without symptoms, the rate of pre-symptomatic illness is unclear, and potential predictors of progression for symptom development are unknown. Our objective was to delineate the natural evolution of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection in elders and identify determinants of progression. METHODS: We established a medical surveillance team monitoring 63 geriatric institutions. When an index COVID-19 case emerged, we tested all other eligible asymptomatic elders ≥75 or >60 years old with at least 1 comorbidity. SARS-CoV-2 infected elders were followed for 28 days. Disease was diagnosed when any COVID-19 manifestation occurred. SARS-CoV-2 load at enrollment, shedding on day 15, and antibody responses were also studied. RESULTS: After 28 days of follow-up, 74/113(65%) SARS-CoV-2-infected elders remained asymptomatic. 21/39(54%) pre-symptomatic patients developed hypoxemia and ten pre-symptomatic patients died(median day 13.5,IQR 12). Dementia was the only clinical risk factor associated with disease(OR 2.41(95%CI=1.08, 5.39). In a multivariable logistic regression model, dementia remained as a risk factor for COVID-19 severe disease. Furthermore, dementia status showed a statistically significant different trend when assessing the cumulative probability of developing COVID-19 symptoms(log-rank p=0.027). On day 15, SARS-CoV-2 was detectable in 30% of the asymptomatic group while in 61% of the pre-symptomatic(p=0.012). No differences were observed among groups in RT-PCR mean cycle threshold at enrollment(p=0.391) and in the rates of antibody seropositivity(IgM and IgG against SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein). CONCLUSIONS: In summary, 2/3 of our cohort of SARS-CoV-2 infected elders from vulnerable communities in Argentina remained asymptomatic after 28 days of follow-up with high mortality among those developing symptoms. Dementia and persistent SARS-CoV-2 shedding were associated with progression from asymptomatic to symptomatic infection.

Financial Performance Analysis in European Football Clubs.

The financial performance of football clubs has become an essential element to ensure the solvency and viability of the club over time. For this, both the theory and the practical and regulatory evidence show the need to study financial factors, as well as sports and corporate factors to analyze the possible flow of income and for good management of the club's accounts, respectively. Through these factors, the present study analyzes the financial performance of European football clubs using neural networks as a methodology, where the popular multilayer perceptron and the novel quantum neural network are applied. The results show the financial performance of the club is determined by liquidity, leverage, and sporting performance. Additionally, the quantum network as the most accurate variant. These conclusions can be useful for football clubs and interest groups, as well as for regulatory bodies that try to make the best recommendations and conditions for the football industry.

A Durable Relationship: Respiratory Syncytial Virus Bronchiolitis and Asthma past Their Golden Anniversary.

Numerous preventive strategies against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are undergoing late stage evaluation in humans and, in addition to their intended benefit for acute illness, may impact long term consequences of infection in infants. Severe RSV infection has been repeatedly associated in the literature with long term complications, including impaired lung function, recurrent wheezing, and asthma. However, whether RSV lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) causally affects the odds for developing wheezing and/or asthma during childhood requires further study, and the biological mechanisms underlying this hypothetical progression from viral illness to chronic lung disease are poorly characterized. In this review, we summarize the literature exploring the association between RSV LRTI in infancy and subsequent recurrent wheezing and pediatric asthma.

Neumonía bullosa secundaria a Elizabethkingia meningoseptica, su evolución clínica y radiológica / Bullous pneumonia secondary to Elizabethkingia meningoseptica, its clinical and radiological evolution

Elizabethkingia meningoseptica es un patógeno oportunista, con una elevada mortalidad y una incidencia en aumento en las terapias intensivas. Se presenta a una paciente de 4 años con antecedente de atresia de vías biliares y trasplante hepático a los 11 meses de vida, que se internó por infección respiratoria aguda baja con hipoxemia. Durante la internación, sufrió un empeoramiento clínico con requerimiento de asistencia respiratoria mecánica. Por fiebre e hipoxemia persistente, se realizó un minilavado broncoalveolar, con cultivo positivo para Elizabethkingia meningoseptica. Recibió vancomicina, trimetoprima/sulfametoxazol y ciprofloxacina durante 14 días, con buena respuesta. Una tomografía de tórax evidenció la presencia de hipoperfusión en mosaico, imágenes quísticas y bronquiectasias bilaterales. Durante los siguientes 2 años, presentó una buena evolución clínica, con escasas intercurrencias respiratorias, síntomas intercrisis aislados y buena tolerancia al ejercicio. En las imágenes de control, se evidenció la resolución de la mayoría de las lesiones iniciales a los 20 meses de su seguimiento.

Elizabethkingia meningoseptica is an opportunistic pathogen with a high mortality and an increasing incidence in the intensive care units. We present a 4-year-old patient with a history of atresia of the biliary tract and a liver transplant at 11 months of age, who was admitted for acute respiratory infection with hypoxemia. During the hospitalization, she required mechanical ventilation. Due to persistent fever and hypoxemia, mini bronchoalveolar lavage was performed with a positive culture for Elizabethkingia meningoseptica. She received vancomycin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and ciprofloxacin for 14 days with a good response. A chest tomography showed the presence of mosaic hypoperfusion, cystic images, and bilateral bronchiectasis. During the following 2 years, she presented good clinical progress, with scarce respiratory infections, isolated symptoms and good tolerance to exercise. The resolution of the majority of the initial lesions was evidenced at 20 months of follow-up.

[Bullous pneumonia secondary to Elizabethkingia meningoseptica, its clinical and radiological evolution]. / Neumonía bullosa secundaria aElizabethkingia meningoseptica, su evolución clínica y radiológica.

Elizabethkingia meningoseptica is an opportunistic pathogen with a high mortality and an increasing incidence in the intensive care units. We present a 4-year-old patient with a history of atresia of the biliary tract and a liver transplant at 11 months of age, who was admitted for acute respiratory infection with hypoxemia. During the hospitalization, she required mechanical ventilation. Due to persistent fever and hypoxemia, mini bronchoalveolar lavage was performed with a positive culture for Elizabethkingia meningoseptica. She received vancomycin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and ciprofloxacin for 14 days with a good response. A chest tomography showed the presence of mosaic hypoperfusion, cystic images, and bilateral bronchiectasis. During the following 2 years, she presented good clinical progress, with scarce respiratory infections, isolated symptoms and good tolerance to exercise. The resolution of the majority of the initial lesions was evidenced at 20 months of follow-up.

Elizabethkingia meningoseptica es un patógeno oportunista, con una elevada mortalidad y una incidencia en aumento en las terapias intensivas. Se presenta a una paciente de 4 años con antecedente de atresia de vías biliares y trasplante hepático a los 11 meses de vida, que se internó por infección respiratoria aguda baja con hipoxemia. Durante la internación, sufrió un empeoramiento clínico con requerimiento de asistencia respiratoria mecánica. Por fiebre e hipoxemia persistente, se realizó un minilavado broncoalveolar, con cultivo positivo para Elizabethkingia meningoseptica. Recibió vancomicina, trimetoprima/sulfametoxazol y ciprofloxacina durante 14 días, con buena respuesta. Una tomografía de tórax evidenció la presencia de hipoperfusión en mosaico, imágenes quísticas y bronquiectasias bilaterales. Durante los siguientes 2 años, presentó una buena evolución clínica, con escasas intercurrencias respiratorias, síntomas intercrisis aislados y buena tolerancia al ejercicio. En las imágenes de control, se evidenció la resolución de la mayoría de las lesiones iniciales a los 20 meses de su seguimiento.

Histoplasmosis en el sistema nervioso central en una paciente pediátrica inmunocompetente / Central nervous system histoplasmosis in an immunocompetent pediatric patient

La histoplasmosis en el sistema nervioso central es una enfermedad poco frecuente, con mayor prevalencia en pacientes inmunosuprimidos, secundaria a enfermedad diseminada (5%-10%), con una alta tasa de mortalidad en caso de demorarse el diagnóstico y su tratamiento. Presentamos a una niña de 12 años previamente sana, que desarrolló meningoencefalitis por Histoplasma capsulatum sin evidencia de enfermedad generalizada. La paciente era oriunda de una región infestada por murciélagos de Tucumán, República Argentina, y desarrolló, durante 18 meses previos a su internación, cefalea y síndrome febril. Las imágenes del sistema nervioso central mostraron meningoencefalitis, que sugirió tuberculosis. Recibió tratamiento antibiótico y tuberculostático, sin mejoría. Luego recibió anfotericina B liposomal durante 6 semanas. Neurológicamente, mejoró de manera considerable. Por último, el cultivo de líquido cefalorraquídeo permitió aislar Histoplasma capsulatum. Se discuten las dificultades diagnósticas y el tratamiento de neurohistoplasmosis en pacientes inmunocompetentes, como también se intenta alertar acerca de la presencia de una cepa de Histoplasma capsulatum con afinidad por el sistema nervioso central.

Neurohistoplasmosis is a rare disease, most prevalent in immunosuppressed patients, secondary to disseminated disease with a high mortality rate when diagnosis and treatment are delayed. We report a previously healthy 12 year old girl, from a bat infested region of Tucuman Province, Argentine Republic, who developed meningoencephalitis due to Histoplasma capsulatum. Eighteen months prior to admission the patient started with headaches and intermittent fever. The images of the central nervous system showed meningoencephalitis suggestive of tuberculosis. She received antibiotics and tuberculostatic medications without improvement. Liposomal amphotericin B was administered for six weeks. The patient's clinical status improved remarkably. Finally the culture of cerebral spinal fluid was positive for micelial form of Histoplasma capsulatum. The difficulties surrounding the diagnosis and treatment of neurohistoplasmosis in immunocompetent patients are discussed in this manuscript, as it also intends to alert to the presence of a strain of Histoplasma capsulatum with affinity for the central nervous system.

Central nervous system histoplasmosis in an immunocompetent pediatric patient. / Histoplasmosis en el sistema nervioso central en una paciente pediátrica inmunocompetente.

Neurohistoplasmosis is a rare disease, most prevalent in immunosuppressed patients, secondary to disseminated disease with a high mortality rate when diagnosis and treatment are delayed. We report a previously healthy 12 year old girl, from a bat infested region of Tucuman Province, Argentine Republic, who developed meningoencephalitis due to Histoplasma capsulatum. Eighteen months prior to admission the patient started with headaches and intermittent fever. The images of the central nervous system showed meningoencephalitis suggestive of tuberculosis. She received antibiotics and tuberculostatic medications without improvement. Liposomal amphotericin B was administered for six weeks. The patient's clinical status improved remarkably. Finally the culture of cerebral spinal fluid was positive for micelial form of Histoplasma capsulatum. The difficulties surrounding the diagnosis and treatment of neurohistoplasmosis in immunocompetent patients are discussed in this manuscript, as it also intends to alert to the presence of a strain of Histoplasma capsulatum with affinity for the central nervous system.

La histoplasmosis en el sistema nervioso central es una enfermedad poco frecuente, con mayor prevalencia en pacientes inmunosuprimidos, secundaria a enfermedad diseminada (5%-10%), con una alta tasa de mortalidad en caso de demorarse el diagnóstico y su tratamiento. Presentamos a una niña de 12 años previamente sana, que desarrolló meningoencefalitis por Histoplasma capsulatum sin evidencia de enfermedad generalizada. La paciente era oriunda de una región infestada por murciélagos de Tucumán, República Argentina, y desarrolló, durante 18 meses previos a su internación, cefalea y síndrome febril. Las imágenes del sistema nervioso central mostraron meningoencefalitis, que sugirió tuberculosis. Recibió tratamiento antibiótico y tuberculostático, sin mejoría. Luego recibió anfotericina B liposomal durante 6 semanas. Neurológicamente, mejoró de manera considerable. Por último, el cultivo de líquido cefalorraquídeo permitió aislar Histoplasma capsulatum. Se discuten las dificultades diagnósticas y el tratamiento de neurohistoplasmosis en pacientes inmunocompetentes, como también se intenta alertar acerca de la presencia de una cepa de Histoplasma capsulatum con afinidad por el sistema nervioso central.

¿Es reversible el Linfedema? / ¿Is lymphedema reversible?

La elefantiasis es el estadio clínico más avanzado y dismórfico del Linfedema. El objetivo del presente estudio es relatar la reversibilidad de la elefantiasis del miembro inferior y la mantención del resultado. El caso se trata de una paciente de 24 años de edad que comenzó a presentar edema en la pierna izquierda desde los 16 años y que evolucionó a la forma más grave de esta dolencia, conocida como elefantiasis. Al examen físico se realizó perimetría que mostró 98 cm. en la zona de mayor medida, contra 32 cm. en la misma región, en su pierna contralateral. Fue propuesto un tratamiento intensivo cercano a 6-8 horas por día, que consistió en terapia linfática manual, terapia linfática mecánica y media de gorgurão, después del tratamiento intensivo. En la primera semana se logró una reducción de 4 cm/día, totalizando 20 cm. Después de la primera semana, ella continuó el tratamiento, haciendo uso de la media de gorgurão y continuó con visitas mensuales de control. Se logró una reducción total del edema con el tratamiento propuesto, en seis meses. Cerca de 10 años de seguimiento a la paciente demuestran que ha mantenido el miembro dentro de patrones de normalidad. Se concluye que es posible reducir el miembro en estadío de elefantiasis hacia patrones de normalidad y mantenerlo dentro de estos patrones.

Elephantiasis is the most advanced and disfiguring clinical stage of lymphedema. The aim of this study was to report the reversal of leg elephantiasis and maintenance of the result. We report the clinical case of a 24-year-old man who had had edema of his left leg since the age of 16 years which evolved to the most severe form of the disease, elephantiasis. Perimetry performed during the physical examination showed that the largest diameter was 98 cm compared to 32 cm in the same region of the contralateral leg. Intensive treatment (between 6and 8 hours daily) was proposed which consisted of manual lymph therapy and mechanical lymph therapy with the use of a grosgrain low-stretch stocking after the sessions. There was a reduction of about 4 cm/day totaling 20 cm during the first week. After the first week the treatment continued with the grosgrain compression stocking after the week of intensive treatment and the patient returned to the clinic for monthly check-ups. After six months of treatment the edema was reduced completely. The volume of the limb was maintained within the normal size range over a 10-year follow-up. In conclusion, it is possible to reduce edema completely and maintain the results even in patients with elephantiasis.

Evaluación de un programa de reducción de las listas de espera quirúrgicas basado en la derivación de pacientes / Evaluation of a program to reduce surgical waiting-lists according to change in the surgical center

Objetivos: Identificar las variables relacionadas con la aceptación a ser derivado a otro hospital dentro de un programa de reducción de la lista de espera quirúrgica en el Hospital General (HG).Métodos: El estudio se llevó a cabo durante el primer semestre del año 1997 en la provincia de Albacete, que cuenta con dos hospitales públicos, el Complejo Hospitalario de Albacete (CHA) y el Hospital Comarcal (HC) de Hellín situado a 60 Km de Albacete capital. En el programa se planteaba la derivación voluntaria al HC de Hellín de todos los pacientes con más de tres meses de espera para ser intervenidos de herniorrafia, colecistectomía, tiroidectomía y cataratas, ofertándoles ser intervenidos en los diez días siguientes. En este estudio descriptivo se analiza: la frecuencia de aceptación según sexo, distancia en Kms. desde lugar de residencia, residencia en Albacete, tiempo de permanencia en la lista de espera, y el procedimiento quirúrgico, del total de los pacientes incluidos en el programa. Se utiliza el test de la 2 y el de la T-Student en el análisis univariante y el análisis de regresión logística múltiple (ARL) en el multivariante, considerando la aceptación o no como variable dependiente, y transformando la variable procedimiento quirúrgico en una dummy variable. Con los coeficientes ajustados de las variables seleccionadas calculamos el Riesgo Relativo y su intervalo de confianza al 95 por ciento. Resultados: Trescientos treinta y siete usuarios son contactados, 152 (45 por ciento) aceptan ser intervenidos en el HC. Se aprecian diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la frecuencia de aceptación al cambio según la distancia en Kms., la residencia en Albacete y el procedimiento quirúrgico. Cuando ajustamos estas variables con el ARL, sólo el ser residente en Albacete y el ser intervenido de cataratas presentan desviaciones estándar estadísticamente significativas. Conclusiones: El programa consigue reducir la lista de espera en un 45 por ciento. Los residentes en Albacete son los más reticentes a ser derivados al otro hospital variando el grado de aceptación en función del procedimiento quirúrgico de que se trate. Otras estrategias, como que el médico del paciente sea el que plantee la derivación, habrían de ser valoradas si se quiere aumentar la adhesión al programa (AU)