Maternal mortality linked to COVID-19 in Latin America: Results from a multi-country collaborative database of 447 deaths.

Background: This study aimed to describe the clinical characteristics of maternal deaths associated with COVID-19 registered in a collaborative Latin-American multi-country database. Methods: This was an observational study implemented from March 1st 2020 to November 29th 2021 in eight Latin American countries. Information was based on the Perinatal Information System from the Latin American Center for Perinatology, Women and Reproductive Health. We summarized categorical variables as frequencies and percentages and continuous variables into median with interquartile ranges. Findings: We identified a total of 447 deaths. The median maternal age was 31 years. 86·4% of women were infected antepartum, with most of the cases (60·3%) detected in the third trimester of pregnancy. The most frequent symptoms at first consultation and admission were dyspnea (73·0%), fever (69·0%), and cough (59·0%). Organ dysfunction was reported in 90·4% of women during admission. A total of 64·8% women were admitted to critical care for a median length of eight days. In most cases, the death occurred during the puerperium, with a median of seven days between delivery and death. Preterm delivery was the most common perinatal complication (76·9%) and 59·9% were low birth weight. Interpretation: This study describes the characteristics of maternal deaths in a comprehensive multi-country database in Latin America during the COVID-19 pandemic. Barriers faced by Latin American pregnant women to access intensive care services when required were also revealed. Decision-makers should strengthen severity awareness, and referral strategies to avoid potential delays. Funding: Latin American Center for Perinatology, Women and Reproductive Health.

Antecedentes: Este estudio tuvo el objetivo de describir las características clínicas de las muertes maternas asociadas a COVID-19 registradas en una base de datos latinoamericana multipaís. Métodos: Se implementó un estudio observacional descriptivo en el que participaron ochos países Latinoamericanos desde el 1ero de marzo 2020 al 29 de noviembre 2021. La información se obtuvo del Sistema Informático Perinatal del Centro Latino Americano de Perinatología, Salud de la Mujer y Reproductiva. Presentamos las variables categóricas como frecuencias y porcentajes y las variables continuas en medianas con rangos inter cuartiles. Resultados: Identificamos un total de 447 muertes. La mediana de edad materna fue de 31 años. 86·4% de las mujeres se infectaron ante del parto, siendo la mayoría de los casos detectados en el tercer trimestre del embarazo (60·3%). Los síntomas más frecuentes en la primera consulta y la admisión fueron disnea (73·0%), fiebre (69·0%), y tos (59·0%). Se reportaron disfunciones orgánicas en 90·4% de las mujeres durante la admisión. Un total de 64·8% de las mujeres fueron ingresadas a cuidados críticos por una mediana de ocho días de estadía. En la mayoría de los casos la muerte ocurrió durante el puerperio, con una media de siete días entre el parto y su ocurrencia. El parto prematuro fue la complicación perinatal más frecuente (76·9%) y 59·9% tuvo bajo peso al nacer. Interpretación: Este estudio describe las características de las muertes maternas durante la pandemia por COVID-19 a partir de una base colaborativa multipaís. Se observaron barreras para el acceso a cuidados intensivos. Los tomadores de decisión deberían trabajar en el fortalecimiento de la conciencia de gravedad, y en estrategias de referencia para evitar potenciales demoras. Financiamiento: Centro Latino Americano de Perinatología, Salud de la Mujer y Reproductiva.

Encefalitis aguda en pacientes COVID-19: primer reporte de casos en Perú / Acute encephalitis associated with SARS-CoV-2: first case report in Peru

Resumen En el contexto de la pandemia de COVID-19, se han descrito formas clínicas atípicas, en las que predominan síntomas extrar-respiratorios; entre ellos han sido reportados casos de manifestaciones neurológicas concurrentes. En base a la identificación de coronavirus en el sistema nervioso central en el brote SARS-CoV del 2002, se ha planteado un potencial neurotropismo del SARS-CoV-2. En la literatura mundial se han descrito escasos pacientes con encefalitis aguda asociada a SARS-CoV-2. En este reporte les presentamos dos casos de pacientes peruanos con encefalitis aguda concurrente a COVID-19, revisamos la literatura y discutimos los posibles mecanismos de neurotropismo y neuro-invasión.

Summary In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, atypical clinical forms have been described, in which extra-respiratory symptoms predominate; among them, cases of concurrent neurological manifestations have been reported. Based on the coronavirus identification in the central nervous system in the 2002 SARS-CoV outbreak, a potential neurotropism of SARS-CoV-2 has been raised. Few patients with acute encephalitis associated with SARS-CoV-2 have been described in the world literature. In this report we present two cases of Peruvian patients with acute encephalitis concurrent to COVID-19, we reviewed the literature and discussed the possible mechanisms of neurotropism and neuroinvasion.

Comunicación Intercultural como práctica para el rescate de conocimientos y sabidurías agropecuarias del Pueblo Mestizo / Intercultural Communication as a practice for the rescue of agricultural knowledge and wisdom of the mestizo people

Este artículo discute aspectos esenciales de la comunicación intercultural dialógica intergeneracional como práctica para el rescate de conocimientos y sabidurías ancestrales en la producción agropecuaria del pueblo mestizo de Siuna Región Autónoma de la Costa Caribe Norte de Nicaragua (RACCN). Las técnicas utilizadas en el estudio son el conversatorio, los grupos focales y la observación. Las personas involucradas fueron líderes comunitarios mestizos, abuelas, abuelos, jóvenes, hombres y mujeres de Siuna, que viven en las comunidades ubicadas en la vía hacia Waslala, Rosita y Mulukukú. El procesamiento de los datos cualitativos fue posible a la codificación de categorías y comparaciones entre los grupos auxiliados en el uso de matrices y triangulación de la información. El planteamiento de fondo de este estudio evidencia que la población mestiza posee expresiones y formas de comunicación que son propias y practicadas desde su cosmovisión asegurando trasmitir saberes y conocimientos en la producción agropecuaria.

This article discusses essential aspects of intergenerational intercultural dialogic communication as a practice for the rescue of ancestral knowledge and wisdom in the agricultural production of the mestizo people from Siuna, Autonomous Region of the North Caribbean Coast of Nicaragua (RACCN). The techniques used in the study were conversation, focus groups and observation. The people involved were mestizo community leaders, grandparents, youth, men and women from Siuna, who live in the communities located on the road to Waslala, Rosita and Mulukukú. The qualitative data processing was possible to codify categories and comparisons between the groups assisted in the use of matrices and triangulation of information. The underlying approach of this study shows that the mestizo population has expressions and forms of communication that are their own and practiced from their worldview ensuring that they transmit knowledge and knowledge in agricultural production.

[Spontaneous liver rupture in a patient with choledocholithiasis resolved by ERCP]. / Ruptura hepática espontánea en paciente con antecedente de coledocolitiasis resuelta por colangiopancreatografia retrograda endoscópica.

We present the case of a 34 years old female patient who presents with abdominal pain and elevated total and direct bilirrubins, so she underwent ERCP Reporting: a) successful sphincterotomy without complications, b) choledocholithias is endoscopically resolved, c) secondary cholangitis. She developed significant abdominal pain at 72 h, with hypovolemic shock and peritoneal irritation. She was taken to the surgery, finding a grade III liver laceration. This one was resolved with liver raffia and packing, during the same operative time cholecystectomy was performed. A second look was performed at 24 h, achieving adequate control of bleeding after placing hemostatic (Nexstat®). The patient developed a subdiaphragmatic abscess which needed drainage by another laparotomy. After which the patient had a satisfactory evolution, so she was discharged.

Advantages of Minimally Invasive Surgery for the Treatment of Colovesical Fistula.

BACKGROUND: Colovesical fistulas in two-thirds of the cases are due to diverticular disease. In recent years, a minimally invasive approach has shown advantages over the traditional open approach. The goal of this study was to evaluate the surgical results and safety of the laparoscopic procedure in patients with colovesical fistula. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 24 patients who underwent surgery for colovesical fistula in a referral center from 2005 to 2011. Patients were divided into two groups: (i) laparoscopic approach, and (ii) open approach. RESULTS: The laparoscopic and open groups had similar characteristics with respect to age and gender distribution. There were a higher number of bladder repairs in the open approach group (83.3 vs. 16.6%; p = 0.01). The operative time (212 ± 74 min vs. 243 ± 69 min; p = 0.313) and intraoperative bleeding (268 ± 222 ml vs. 327 ± 169 ml; p = 0.465) were similar in both groups. The conversion rate of the laparoscopic approach to open surgery was 25%. There was no difference in morbidity (41.1 vs. 25%; p = 0.414), although the laparoscopic group had a shorter hospital stay (9 ± 4 days vs. 15 ± 11 days; p = 0.083) without statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: The treatment of colovesical fistula by a laparoscopic approach is safe and is associated with less bladder repairs and a shorter hospital stay.

One-Pot Synthesis of Carbon Nanofibers from CO2.

Carbon nanofibers, CNFs, due to their superior strength, conductivity, flexibility, and durability have great potential as a material resource but still have limited use due to the cost intensive complexities of their synthesis. Herein, we report the high-yield and scalable electrolytic conversion of atmospheric CO2 dissolved in molten carbonates into CNFs. It is demonstrated that the conversion of CO2 → CCNF + O2 can be driven by efficient solar, as well as conventional, energy at inexpensive steel or nickel electrodes. The structure is tuned by controlling the electrolysis conditions, such as the addition of trace transition metals to act as CNF nucleation sites, the addition of zinc as an initiator and the control of current density. A less expensive source of CNFs will facilitate its adoption as a societal resource, and using carbon dioxide as a reactant to generate a value added product such as CNFs provides impetus to consume this greenhouse gas to mitigate climate change.

Ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract: what is the evidence in a review?

Broadly, complex fistulas are those that are not low transsphincteric or intersphincteric. The objectives of surgical management are to achieve fistula healing, prevent recurrences and maintain continence. The risk of incontinence associated with treatment ranges from 10% to 57%. The objective of this manuscript is to review the current literature to date on the ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract procedure (LIFT procedure) as a treatment option in these types of fistula. A search was conducted in Medline, PUBMED, EMBASE and ISI Web of Knowledge, and studies published from January 2009 to May 2013 were included. The primary outcomes were fistula healing rates, mean healing time and patient satisfaction with this surgical technique. Eighteen studies were included in this review. The total number of patients included was 592 (65% male). The median age reported was 42.8 years. The most common type of fistula included was transsphincteric (73.3% of cases). The mean healing rate reported was 74.6%. The risk factors for failure discovered were obesity, smoking, multiple previous surgeries and the length of the fistula tract. The mean healing time was 5.5 wk, and the mean follow-up period was 42.3 wk. The patient satisfaction rates ranged from 72% to 100%. No de novo incontinence developed secondary to the LIFT procedure. There is not enough evidence that variants in the surgical technique achieve better outcomes (Bio-LIFT, LIFT-Plug, LIFT-Plus). This review indicates that the LIFT procedure is primarily effective for transsphincteric fistulas with an overall fistula closure of 74.6% and has a low impact on fecal continence. This procedure produces better outcomes at the first surgical attempt.

Quality in practice: preventing and managing neonatal sepsis in Nicaragua.

QUALITY PROBLEM OR ISSUE: Incorrect and excessive diagnosis of newborn infections in Nicaragua caused overcrowding in the neonatal intensive care units and unnecessary hospitalization. INITIAL ASSESSMENT: A baseline study in nine hospitals found that none correctly utilized disinfectants, sterilization or hand hygiene and that diagnosis of neonatal sepsis was based primarily on clinical manifestations. CHOICE OF SOLUTION: In 2007, the Ministry of Health (MINSA), with Unites States Agency for the International Development technical assistance, began developing guidelines and implementing quality improvement in infection prevention and control to reduce neonatal infections. In a second intervention phase, the MINSA introduced an algorithm for correct identification of maternal risk factors and standardized laboratory tests for neonatal sepsis. IMPLEMENTATION: Interventions included developing national guidelines on correct use of disinfectants and hand hygiene; training medical staff on the guidelines; revising the basic medical supply list to support appropriate antisepsis; defining a package of diagnostic tests for neonatal sepsis and systematically measuring compliance with the new procedures. EVALUATION: The 18 hospitals achieved appropriate use of disinfectants in a 12-month period. In seven hospitals that introduced improvements in diagnosis and management of neonatal sepsis, application of the standardized laboratory package in suspected sepsis cases increased from 0% in April 2009 to 93% in July 2011, and the median incidence of neonatal sepsis was reduced by 67%. LESSONS LEARNED: The organizational changes implemented for the diagnosis and verification of neonatal sepsis led to a reduction in the newborn sepsis admissions and expenditures for antibiotics, allowing resources to be redirected to treating other critically ill newborns.

Are skilled birth attendants really skilled? A measurement method, some disturbing results and a potential way forward.

OBJECTIVE: Delivery by a skilled birth attendant (SBA) serves as an indicator of progress towards reducing maternal mortality worldwide -- the fifth Millennium Development Goal. Though WHO tracks the proportion of women delivered by SBAs, we know little about their competence to manage common life-threatening obstetric complications. We assessed SBA competence in five high maternal mortality settings as a basis for initiating quality improvement. METHODS: The WHO Integrated Management of Pregnancy and Childbirth (IMPAC) guidelines served as our competency standard. Evaluation included a written knowledge test, partograph (used to record all observations of a woman in labour) case studies and assessment of procedures demonstrated on anatomical models at five skills stations. We tested a purposive sample of 166 SBAs in Benin, Ecuador, Jamaica and Rwanda (Phase I). These initial results were used to refine the instruments, which were then used to evaluate 1358 SBAs throughout Nicaragua (Phase II). FINDINGS: On average, Phase I participants were correct for 56% of the knowledge questions and 48% of the skills steps. Phase II participants were correct for 62% of the knowledge questions. Their average skills scores by area were: active management of the third stage of labour -- 46%; manual removal of placenta -- 52%; bimanual uterine compression -- 46%; immediate newborn care -- 71%; and neonatal resuscitation -- 55%. CONCLUSION: There is a wide gap between current evidence-based standards and provider competence to manage selected obstetric and neonatal complications. We discuss the significance of that gap, suggest approaches to close it and describe briefly current efforts to do so in Ecuador, Nicaragua and Niger.

Predictive value of brain natriuretic peptide in the diagnosis of heart transplant rejection.

AIM: To evaluate the pattern of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) concentration in heart transplant (HT) recipients and its relation to the degree of graft rejection determined by endomyocardial biopsy specimen. METHODS: We studied 71 consecutive HT recipients (62 men, 53 +/- 11 years). The patients underwent 383 biopsies. Creatinine and BNP concentrations and hemodynamic parameters were determined along with the degree of graft rejection using endomyocardial biopsy specimens. We considered treatable rejection as International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation Grade >or=2 in the first 90 days and >or=3A thereafter. We included a control group of 36 healthy individuals. RESULTS: Brain natriuretic peptide concentration was significantly greater among HT recipients (264 +/- 318 pg/ml) than in controls (17 +/- 16 pg/ml). In the first 90 days, BNP concentration was significantly greater among the patients with graft rejection (510 +/- 470, n = 84, vs 278 +/- 255, n = 87; p < 0.0001), although the corresponding discriminatory capacity was small. After the first 90 days, BNP values were similar in patients with and without graft rejection (170 +/- 297, n = 17, vs 142 +/- 203, n = 195; p = not significant). Creatinine concentration increased with time after transplantation and did not correlate with BNP concentration. We observed significant positive correlation between BNP concentration and hemodynamic parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Brain natriuretic peptide concentration remains increased after HT, with stabilization after the 4th month. Brain natriuretic peptide concentrations are slightly greater among patients with treatable rejection, particularly in the first 90 days, although BNP concentration lacks discriminatory capacity to serve as a guide to performing biopsy.