Factors for unfavorable evolution of snakebites in children

Pediatric patients have particularities in the clinical manifestations and complications of snakebite envenomation (SBEs), and few studies have examined this population. The objective of this paper was to study snakebites in a pediatric age group treated at a reference hospital and to evaluate factors associated with unfavorable evolution. A cross-sectional study with a clinical-epidemiological description and identification of the factors related to unfavorable evolution in patients aged <19 years old seen from January, 2018 to November, 2019 was performed. Complications related to the SBE, such as compartment syndrome, secondary infection, extensive necrosis, hemorrhage, and kidney damage, were considered unfavorable evolution. From the 325 patients in the sample, 58 were aged <19 years old; 40 (69%), 0-12 years old; and 18 (31%), 13-18 years old. All patients had local manifestations (mild, moderate, and severe), and 36 (62%) had an unfavorable evolution. Fourteen (24.1%) patients had compartment syndrome, with a significant risk association between 0 and 12 years old (p = 0.019). Two factors significantly contributed to unfavorable evolution: the timing from the bite to medical care being ≥6 hours and additional antivenom therapy needed. We conclude that the younger the patient, the smaller body segment affected, leading to disproportionality between the affected area and the amount of inoculated venom, contribute to more frequent local manifestations and complications in children rather than adults. Because of the relationship between body area and vascular volume in children differs from that in adults, the same volume of venom inoculated by snakes will be disproportionate in these two groups. Therefore, in the treatment of pediatric patients, increasing the volume of antivenom therapy is possibly necessary. Furthermore, as in adults, six hours between the bite to medical care increases the risk of complications and mortality.

Epidemiological profile of hospitalized human metapneumovirus in a capital of central-west of Brazil from 2017 to 2019: high lethality at extremes of age

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a paramyxovirus that causes airway infections. hMPV symptoms range from mild infections of the upper respiratory tract to infections as serious as bronchiolitis and pneumonia. From 2018 to 2019, there was a high incidence of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in the State of Goiás with a relative increase in hMPV incidence. This study aimed to assess the hMPV epidemiology of cases treated at tertiary hospitals of Goiás, as there are not significant published data from hMPV infection in Brazil. We performed a retrospective and descriptive analysis of a case series of patients infected with hMPV diagnosed by PCR (16 individuals), through medical records review from 2017 to 2019. The observed age distribution was bimodal, with the disease affecting individuals at extremes of age (median of 3.5 years old in the first stratum and median of 52 years in the second stratum). The time between the onset of flu-like symptoms and the first medical assessment had an average of 5 days. The most frequent severe symptoms were respiratory distress/dyspnea and oxygen saturation <95% (93.7% as media), even in patients without comorbidities. The most frequent complications were acute renal failure (18.7%) and healthcare-associated infections (43.7%). Death occurred in 37.5% of patients. hMPV may cause upper and lower respiratory tract infections in patients of all age groups, but the symptomatic disease occurs more frequently at extremes of age. In the pandemic caused by a new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), which is known to lead to influenza-like and SARS, the differential diagnosis of the etiologic agent becomes paramount.

Clinical practice in COVID-19: The most frequently asked questions to infectious diseases specialists.

Since the emergence of the disease caused by the severe respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) - COVID-19 - in late December 2019, a vast number of publications on the subject appeared in peer-reviewed journals and preprints. Despite the significant amount of available information, infectious disease physicians are requested to solve questions from colleagues, patients, and relatives on a daily basis. Here, we aim to describe the evidence supporting the answers for frequently asked questions, based on a literature review. We created a web-based questionnaire which was distributed to a group of 70 infectious disease specialists and medical residents, asking what questions and issues they most frequently faced. The 10 most frequent questions guided the topics for a narrative review. We provide evidence and consensus-based information on subjects such as infection and transmission, isolation, management of COVID-19 confirmed cases, reinfection, clinical-therapeutic management, vaccination, and antibodies post-infection/vaccination. Correctly clarifying doubts and providing clear information to physicians, patients, and family members helps to better manage COVID-19 in the community and the hospital settings.

Drug-induced liver injury in hospitalized HIV patients: high incidence and association with drugs for tuberculosis.

BACKGROUND: The evaluation of liver disease in HIV patients is cumbersome because may result from a number of different causes. The aim of this retrospective study was to estimate the incidence of severe drug induced liver injury (DILI) in a group of HIV inpatients and investigate potential risk factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of data from HIV-infected patients hospitalized between August 2010 and August 2011 in a tertiary hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. Severe hepatotoxicity was defined as grade 3 (5.1 to 10 x ULN) or 4 (> 10 x ULN) of ALT and AST levels. Factors analyzed included demographics, infection with hepatitis viruses, alcohol history and use of hepatotoxic drugs prior to or during hospital admission. RESULTS: A total of 149 patients with HIV were hospitalized during the study period. The majority were male over 42 years of age and 82 (55%) were taking HAART initiated prior to admission. Mean CD4 counts were 164 cells/mm3. Thirty three patients (22.1%) developed severe DILI during hospital stay, which had a mean duration of 26 days. Factors associated with severe DILI in the multivariate analysis were abnormal baseline ALT levels [OR 2.02 (95%CI 1.13-3.59); p = 0.017] and tuberculosis therapy [OR 2.31 (95% CI 1.27-4.19); p = 0.006]. In conclusion, in this group of HIV patients admitted to a tertiary hospital in Brazil, we found a high incidence (22.1%) of severe DILI. The use of anti-tuberculosis drugs and baseline liver injury were independent factors associated with severe DILI during hospital stay.