Microbiological characteristics of bloodstream infections in a reference hospital in northeastern Brazil / Características microbiológicas de infecções da corrente sanguínea em hospital de referência no nordeste do Brasil

Abstract Routine blood culture is used for the detection of bloodstream infections by aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and by common pathogenic yeasts. A retrospective study was conducted in a public hospital in Maceió-AL, by collecting data of all medical records with positive blood cultures. Out of the 2,107 blood cultures performed, 17% were positive with Staphylococcus coagulase negative (51.14%), followed by Staphylococcus aureus (11.21%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (6.32%). Gram-positive bacteria predominated among positive blood cultures, highlighting the group of Staphylococcus coagulase-negative. While Gram-negative bacteria had a higher number of species among positive blood cultures.

Resumo A cultura sanguínea de rotina é usada para a detecção de infecções na corrente sanguínea por bactérias aeróbias e anaeróbias e por leveduras patogênicas comuns. Estudo retrospectivo realizado em hospital público de Maceió-AL, por meio da coleta de dados de todos os prontuários com culturas sanguíneas positivas. Das 2.107 culturas sanguíneas realizadas, 17% foram positivas com Staphylococcus coagulase negativo (51,14%), seguido por Staphylococcus aureus (11,21%) e Klebsiella pneumoniae (6,32%). As bactérias Gram-positiva predominaram entre as culturas de sangue positivas, destacando-se o grupo das Staphylococcus coagulase-negativo. Enquanto as bactérias Gram-negativas apresentaram um número maior de espécies entre as culturas de sangue positivas.

Egressos de um programa de residência multiprofissional em cardiopneumologia e inserção no mercado de trabalho / Egresses from a multiprofessional residency program in cardiopneumology and insertion in the labor market / Egresos de un programa de residencia multiprofesional en cardiopneumología e inserción en el mercado de trabajo

A Residência Multiprofissional é uma importante estratégia de Educação Permanente (EPS) no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), sendo a primeira oportunidade para muitos recém-graduados de exercer sua profissão e adquirir experiência. O objetivo do presente estudo foi conhecer o perfil de profissionais egressos de um programa de Residência Multiprofissional em Cardiopneumologia no Ceará e sua inserção no mercado de trabalho. No estudo, transversal e quantitativo, coletaram-se dados socioeconômicos, sociodemográficos e sobre histórico no mercado de trabalho, entre junho e outubro de 2022, via formulário eletrônico enviado aos egressos. A grande maioria estava empregada, atuando no SUS como terceirizados, vinculados como celetistas ou cooperados, em áreas de atuação diversas, destacando o potencial de contribuição na saúde, na educação e na gestão pública. Estudos com profissionais egressos de outros programas hospitalares são necessários para melhor elucidar as potencialidades, contribuições e lacunas do processo formativo à inserção dos profissionais no mercado de trabalho.

Multiprofessional Residency is an important strategy for Continuing Education (PDE) in the Unified Health System (SUS), being the first opportunity for many recent graduates to exercise their profession and acquire experience. The aim of this study was to know the profile of professionals graduating from a Multiprofessional Residency in Cardiopneumology program in Ceará and their insertion in the labor market. In this cross-sectional and quantitative study, socioeconomic, sociodemographic and labor market history data were collected between June and October 2022, via an electronic form sent to the graduates. The vast majority were employed, working in the SUS as outsourced, contracted, or cooperative workers, in diverse areas, highlighting the potential to contribute to health, education, and public management. Studies with professionals graduating from other hospital programs are necessary to better elucidate the potentialities, contributions, and gaps of the formative process to the insertion of the professionals in the labor market.

La Residencia Multiprofesional es una importante estrategia de Educación Continuada (PDE) en el Sistema Único de Salud (SUS), siendo la primera oportunidad para muchos recién graduados de ejercer su profesión y adquirir experiencia. El objetivo de este estudio fue conocer el perfil de los profesionales egresados de un programa de Residencia Multiprofesional en Cardoneumología en Ceará y su inserción en el mercado de trabajo. En este estudio transversal y cuantitativo, se recogieron datos socioeconómicos, sociodemográficos y de historia laboral entre junio y octubre de 2022, a través de un formulario electrónico enviado a los graduados. La gran mayoría estaba empleada, trabajando en el SUS como tercerizados, contratados o cooperativistas, en diversas áreas, destacando el potencial de contribución a la salud, educación y gestión pública. Estudios con profesionales egresados de otros programas hospitalarios son necesarios para dilucidar mejor las potencialidades, contribuciones y lagunas del proceso formativo para la inserción de los profesionales en el mercado de trabajo.

Contaminação pelo Covid-19 em profissionais de hospital de referência no Pará / Contamination by Covid-19 in professionals of a reference hospital in Para's state / Contaminación por Covid-19 en profesionales de un hospital de referencia del estado de Pará

A pandemia do novo coronavírus colocou em alerta os sistemas de saúde, estabelecendo sentimentos de instabilidade e de medo. O trabalho é e importante pilar para o traçado de políticas públicas. Objetivo: analisar a contaminação pelo COVID-19 em profissionais de hospital de referência no Pará. Metodologia: Trata-se de estudo retrospectivo, quantitativo, observacional, com aplicação de série temporal no período de março de 2020 a março de 2022. Foram incluídos todos os servidores atuantes durante a pandemia, que apresentaram atestados médicos com diagnóstico de COVID, e/ou testagem positiva, ou atestados por suspeita de contaminação. O perfil de servidores foi analisado, explorando as variáveis sexo, idade, convivência ou não com parceiros, grau de escolaridade, cargo e setor; juntamente com a incidência de casos confirmados e incidência total (suspeitos e confirmados). Resultados: O total de afastamentos do trabalho devido ao diagnóstico de COVID-19 foi de 1.420 casos, mais 839 casos suspeitos; sendo que 173 trabalhadores apresentaram reincidência. A incidência foi maior nos meses de maio de 2020, março de 2021 e janeiro de 2022. Houve predominância do sexo feminino e da categoria de enfermagem. Setores administrativos e financeiros apresentaram maior porcentagem de contaminados durante a pandemia (73,40%), proporcionalmente ao quantitativo de servidores atuantes na lotação. Entretanto, foram servidores da assistência direta ao paciente que apresentaram maior porcentagem de reinfecção. Conclusão: Foi possível visualizar três ondas na distribuição temporal dos casos de COVID-19, com destaque para elevação nos primeiros meses de 2022. O declínio no diagnóstico de casos novos no hospital estudado após dois anos de pandemia pode representar esforços individuais e coletivos em resistir às dificuldades da conjuntura. É importante observar o comportamento da pandemia em distintas regiões do Brasil para atualização de estratégias de enfrentamento como um todo.

The new coronavirus pandemic has put health systems on alert, establishing feelings of instability and fear. Working is an important pillar for the design of public policies. Objective: to analyze the contamination by COVID-19 in professionals of a reference hospital in Para's State. Methodology: This is a retrospective, quantitative, observational study, with the application of a time series from March 2020 to March 2022. All civil servants working during the pandemic, who presented medical certificates with a diagnosis of COVID, and/or or positive test, or attestations for suspected contamination. The servants' profile was analyzed, exploring the variables sex, age, living or not with partners, education level, position and sector; along with the incidence of confirmed cases and total incidence (suspected and confirmed). Results: The total number of absences from work due to the diagnosis of COVID-19 was 1,420 cases, plus 839 suspected cases; 173 workers presented recurrence. The incidence was higher in the months of May 2020, March 2021 and January 2022. There was a predominance of females and the nursing category. Administrative and financial sectors had a higher percentage of people infected during the pandemic (73.40%), proportionally to the number of servers working in the capacity. However, it was direct patient care workers who had the highest percentage of reinfection. Conclusion: It was possible to visualize three waves in the temporal distribution of COVID-19 cases, with emphasis on an increase in the first months of 2022. The decline in the diagnosis of new cases in the hospital studied after two years of the pandemic may represent individual and collective efforts to resist to the difficulties of the situation. It is important to observe the behavior of the pandemic in different regions of Brazil to update coping strategies in a general scenery.

La nueva pandemia de coronavirus ha puesto en alerta a los sistemas de salud, estableciendo sentimientos de inestabilidad y miedo. El trabajo es un pilar importante para el diseño de políticas públicas. Objetivo: analizar la contaminación por COVID-19 en profesionales de un hospital de referencia en el Estado de Pará. Metodología: Se trata de un estudio retrospectivo, cuantitativo, observacional, con la aplicación de una serie de tiempo de marzo de 2020 a marzo de 2022. Todos los funcionarios que trabajaron durante la pandemia, que presentaron certificados médicos con diagnóstico de COVID, y/o o test positivo, o atestados por sospecha de contaminación. Se analizó el perfil de los funcionarios, explorando las variables sexo, edad, convivencia o no con la pareja, nivel de escolaridad, cargo y sector; junto con la incidencia de casos confirmados y la incidencia total (sospechosos y confirmados). Resultados: El número total de bajas laborales por diagnóstico de COVID-19 fue de 1.420 casos, más 839 casos sospechosos; 173 trabajadores presentaron recurrencia. La incidencia fue mayor en los meses de mayo de 2020, marzo de 2021 y enero de 2022. Hubo predominio del sexo femenino y de la categoría de enfermería. Los sectores administrativo y financiero presentaron mayor porcentaje de infectados durante la pandemia (73,40%), proporcionalmente al número de servidores que trabajaban en esa función. Sin embargo, fueron los trabajadores de atención directa al paciente los que presentaron el mayor porcentaje de reinfección. Conclusiones: Fue posible visualizar tres olas en la distribución temporal de los casos de COVID-19, destacándose un aumento en los primeros meses de 2022. La disminución en el diagnóstico de nuevos casos en el hospital estudiado después de dos años de pandemia puede representar esfuerzos individuales y colectivos para resistir a las dificultades de la situación. Es importante observar el comportamiento de la pandemia en diferentes regiones de Brasil para actualizar las estrategias de afrontamiento en un escenario general.

Influência do tempo de internação hospitalar sobre a variabilidade da frequência cardíaca pediátrica por meio de método linear / Influence of hospital stay on the variability of pediatric heart rate by linear method / Influencia de la estancia hospitalaria en la variabilidad de la frecuencia cardiaca pediátrica por método lineal

INTRODUÇÃO: A imobilização prolongada acarreta prejuízos sistêmicos que repercute diretamente em maiores agravos aos pacientes, dentre eles se encontra a redução da VFC, indicativo de maior morbimortalidade clínica. OBJETIVO: Analisar se o tempo de internação hospitalar influencia a modulação autonômica da frequência cardíaca em pacientes pediátricos. METODOLOGIA: Estudo longitudinal, quantitativo e prospectivo, realizado em uma enfermaria pediátrica. A amostra foi de pacientes entre 4 a 11 anos, ambos gêneros, internados dentro das primeiras 48 horas. A coleta iniciou após a assinatura do TCLE pelo responsável, seguida do colhimento dos dados pessoais e clínicos dos pacientes seguida da coleta da VFC, repetida no último dia de internação. A captação da VFC foi realizada pelo monitor Polar RS800CX. Os dados foram transferidos e passados por uma análise matemática no programa Kubios HRV2.2. Por fim, os dados foram tabulados e analisados pelo Microsoft Excel 2013 e software BioEstat® 5.3 respectivamente. RESULTADOS: Os valores lineares no domínio do tempo obtiveram média pré (IRR=644,7 com P=0,42; RMSSD= 46,1 com P=0,017 e SDNN=43,5 com P=0,017) e pós (IRR=656,3; RMSSD=34,8; SDNN=35,38) e no domínio da frequência média pré (LF=41,9 com P=0,013; HF=58,0 com P=0,013; LF/HF=1,03 com P=0,04) e pós (LF=52,2; HF=47,7; LF/HF=3,56). A correlação de Pearson na análise tanto de RMSSD pós x tempo de internação, quanto SDNN pós x tempo de internação demonstraram R=0,55 e R=0,59 respectivamente. CONCLUSÃO: Foi observado que o tempo de internação exerce influência negativa sobre a modulação autonômica da frequência cardíaca em pacientes pediátricos.

INTRODUCTION: Prolonged immobilization causes systemic damage that has a direct impact on greater harm to patients, among which is the reduction in HRV, indicative of greater clinical morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVE: To analyze whether the length of hospital stay influences the autonomic modulation of heart rate in pediatric patients. METHODOLOGY: Longitudinal, quantitative and prospective study, carried out in a pediatric ward. The sample consisted of patients between 4 and 11 years old, both genders, hospitalized within the first 48 hours. The collection began after the signature of the TCLE by the guardian, followed by the collection of the patients' personal and clinical data, followed by the HRV collection, repeated on the last day of hospitalization. HRV capture was performed by the Polar RS800CX monitor. The data were transferred and passed through a mathematical analysis in the Kubios HRV2.2 program. Finally, data were tabulated and analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2013 and BioEstat® 5.3 software, respectively. RESULTS: Linear values in the time domain obtained mean pre (IRR=644.7 with P=0.42; RMSSD=46.1 with P=0.017 and SDNN=43.5 with P=0.017) and post (IRR=656.3; RMSSD=34.8; SDNN=35.38) and in the pre mean frequency domain (LF=41.9 with P=0.013; HF=58.0 with P=0.013; LF/HF=1,03 with P=0.04) and powders (LF=52.2; HF=47.7; LF/HF=3.56). Pearson's correlation in the analysis of both the RMSSD post x length of stay and the SDNN post x length of stay showed R=0.55 and R=0.59 respectively. CONCLUSION: It was observed that the length of stay has a negative influence on the autonomic modulation of heart rate in pediatric patients.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La inmovilización prolongada provoca daños sistémicos que repercuten directamente en un mayor perjuicio para los pacientes, entre los que se encuentra la disminución de la VFC, indicativa de una mayor morbimortalidad clínica. OBJETIVO: Analizar si la duración de la estancia hospitalaria influye en la modulación autonómica de la frecuencia cardiaca en pacientes pediátricos. METODOLOGÍA: Estudio longitudinal, cuantitativo y prospectivo, realizado en una planta de pediatría. La muestra consistió en pacientes entre 4 y 11 años, de ambos sexos, hospitalizados dentro de las primeras 48 horas. La recogida se inició tras la firma del TCLE por el tutor, seguida de la recogida de los datos personales y clínicos de los pacientes, seguida de la recogida de la VFC, repetida el último día de hospitalización. La captura de la VFC se realizó con el monitor Polar RS800CX. Los datos se transfirieron y pasaron por un análisis matemático en el programa Kubios HRV2.2. Finalmente, los datos fueron tabulados y analizados utilizando Microsoft Excel 2013 y el software BioEstat® 5.3, respectivamente. RESULTADOS: Se obtuvieron valores lineales en el dominio temporal medios pre (TIR=644,7 con P=0,42; RMSSD=46,1 con P=0,017 y SDNN=43,5 con P=0,017) y post (TIR=656,3; RMSSD=34. 8; SDNN=35,38) y en el dominio de la frecuencia media pre (LF=41,9 con P=0,013; HF=58,0 con P=0,013; LF/HF=1,03 con P=0,04) y polvos (LF=52,2; HF=47,7; LF/HF=3,56). La correlación de Pearson en el análisis tanto de la RMSSD post x duración de la estancia como de la SDNN post x duración de la estancia mostró R=0,55 y R=0,59 respectivamente. CONCLUSIÓN: Se observó que la duración de la estancia influye negativamente en la modulación autonómica de la frecuencia cardíaca en pacientes pediátricos.

Explorando la validez de constructo del índice de Barthel en una muestra de pacientes hospitalizados españoles / Exploring the construct validity of the Barthel index in a sample of Spanish hospitalised patients

Objetivo: Examinar la validez de constructo del índice de Barthel en unidades de hospitalización de adultos. Métodos: Se realizó un análisis secundario en una muestra de 1.342 pacientes adultos ingresados en unidades de hospitalización. El análisis factorial confirmatorio del índice de Barthel no confirma su estructura unidimensional (CFA-1). Se exploraron dos métodos para encontrar una solución con un mejor ajuste. Se realizó la secuencia de los métodos clásicos de análisis factorial exploratorio y confirmatorio (CFA-2). Se realizó un modelo gráfico gaussiano y un análisis factorial confirmatorio (CFA-3). Se compararon tres modelos sobre una base de varios indicadores de bondad de ajuste. Resultados: Los resultados del CFA-1 (χ2 = 161.616; p < 0,001; RMSEA = 0,183) indicaron un mal ajuste entre el modelo y los datos obtenidos. El análisis factorial exploratorio proporcionó un modelo con dos dimensiones que explicaba 86% de la varianza y mejoró el indicador de bondad de ajuste en CFA-2 (χ2 = 846; p < 0,001; RMSEA = 0,133). El modelo gráfico gaussiano ofreció una solución con tres dimensiones que mejoró la bondad de ajuste con respecto a los modelos anteriores al eliminar el ítem continencia vesical (χ2 = 493; p < 0,001; RMSEA = 0,09). Conclusiones: El índice de Barthel no es una medida unidimensional de la capacidad funcional cuando se aplica en unidades de hospitalización de adultos. El modelo que mejor se ajusta tiene una estructura tridimensional (higiene, alimentación y eliminación, movilidad) que se relaciona con los dominios de los cuidados básicos.(AU)

Objective: Examine the construct validity of the Barthel Index in adult inpatient units. Methods: A secondary analysis was performed on a sample of 1342 adult patients admitted to inpatient units. A confirmatory factor analysis of the Barthel Index did not confirm its unidimensional structure (CFA-1). Therefore, two methods were explored to find a solution with a better fit. The sequence of the classical exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis methods was carried out (CFA-2). In contrast, a Gaussian graphical model and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA-3) were performed. Three models were compared on the basis of several goodness-of-fit indicators. Results: CFA-1 results (χ2 = 161616; P < .001; RMSEA = .183) indicated a poor fit between the model and the data. Exploratory factor analysis provided a model with two dimensions that explained 86% of the variance and improved the goodness-of-fit in CFA-2 (χ2 = 846; P < .001; RMSEA = .133). The Gaussian graphical model, by removing the item ‘Bladder’, offered a solution with three dimensions that improved the goodness-of-fit compared to the previous models (χ2 = 492; P < .001; RMSEA = .09). Conclusions: The Barthel Index is not a unidimensional measure of functional capacity when applied to adult inpatient units. The best-fitting model has a three-dimensional structure (Hygiene; Feeding and disposal; Mobility) that relates to the domains of care needs.

Hospital Tatuapé

Hospital Tatuapé é referência em tratamento aos pacientes politraumatizados, queimados, neurocirurgia, cirurgia geral e especialidades, cirurgia de mão, ortopedia e traumatologia, Cirurgia Buco-maxilo-facial. O Hospital do Tatuapé também possui serviços de pronto socorro adulto e infantil, neuro clínica, oftalmologia, ortopedia traumatologia, clínica médica, cirurgia geral, tocoginecologia, radiologia, laboratório de análises clínicas, anatomia patológica, Centro de Tratamento aos Queimados, cirurgia vascular, Agência transfusional, UTI adulto, UTI pediátrica, UTI neonatal e Unidade de cuidados especiais na clínica de queimados. Conta também com uma Assistência Médica Ambulatorial (AMA) Hospitalar para os casos de baixa e média complexidade.

Hospital Campo Limpo

Hospital Municipal “Dr Fernando Mauro Pires”, fundado em 1990, atende a moradores da região Sul da capital e de municípios vizinhos, como Itapecerica da Serra, Juquitiba, São Lourenço da Serra e Taboão da Serra. A unidade, com 30 mil m2 de área, possui aparelhos de tomografia computadorizada, mamógrafo, ultrassom e raio-X, além de serviço de banco de leite para os recém-nascidos, principalmente os prematuros da UTI Neonatal.

Estimating the burden of severe malarial anaemia and access to hospital care in East Africa.

Severe malarial anaemia can be fatal if not promptly treated. Hospital studies may under-represent the true burden because cases often occur in settings with poor access to healthcare. We estimate the relationship of community prevalence of malaria infection and severe malarial anaemia with the incidence of severe malarial anaemia cases in hospital, using survey data from 21 countries and hospital data from Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. The estimated percentage of severe malarial anaemia cases that were hospitalised is low and consistent for Kenya (21% (95% CrI: 7%, 47%)), Tanzania (18% (95% CrI: 5%, 52%)) and Uganda (23% (95% CrI: 9%, 48%)). The majority of severe malarial anaemia cases remain in the community, with the consequent public health burden being contingent upon the severity of these cases. Alongside health system strengthening, research to better understand the spectrum of disease associated with severe malarial anaemia cases in the community is a priority.

Envisioning Indigenous and biomedical healthcare collaboration at Stanton Territorial Hospital, Northwest Territories.

Background: To improve the quality of care for Indigenous patients, local Indigenous leaders in the Northwest Territories, Canada have called for more culturally responsive models for Indigenous and biomedical healthcare collaboration at Stanton Territorial Hospital.Objective: This study examined how Indigenous patients and biomedical healthcare providers envision Indigenous healing practices working successfully with biomedical hospital care at Stanton Territorial Hospital.Methods: We carried out a qualitative study from May 2018 - June 2022. The study was overseen by an Indigenous Community Advisory Committee and was made up of two methods: (1) interviews (n = 41) with Indigenous Elders, patient advocates, and healthcare providers, and (2) sharing circles with four Indigenous Elders.Results: Participants' responses revealed three conceptual models for Indigenous and biomedical healthcare collaboration: the (1) integration; (2) independence; and (2) revisioning relationship models. In this article, we describe participants' proposed models and examine the extent to which each model is likely to improve care for Indigenous patients at Stanton Territorial Hospital. By surfacing new models for Indigenous and biomedical healthcare collaboration, the study findings deepen and extend understandings of hospital-based Indigenous wellness services and illuminate directions for future research.

Population attributable fractions of fatty liver disease for type 2 diabetes Mellitus.

PURPOSE: To determine the population attributable fraction (PAF) of fatty liver disease (FLD) for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and compare it to the PAFs of other metabolic abnormalities. METHODS: We conducted a 10-year retrospective cohort study of 33,346 individuals in Karamay Central Hospital of Xinjiang. Individuals were followed up for T2DM occurrence based on FBS. The PAFs of FLD were calculated generally and respectively in different sex and age groups. A comparison of the PAF of FLD and that of other metabolic abnormalities, as well as the PAFs of FLD in different groups classified based on age and sex, was performed using Cox regression. RESULTS: During an average follow-up period of 3.71 years, 1486 T2DM were diagnosed. The incidence density of T2DM was 1.2/100 person-years, and cumulative incidence rate was 4456.31/100,000 person-years. Partial PAF (PAFp) of FLD in the entire population was 23.11%. In the male population, PAFp was higher at 30-40 years old. In the female population, it was higher when age ≥ 60 years old. In multivariable Cox regression model, FLD, male sex, age ≥ 45 years old, overweight, hypertriglyceridaemia, and systolic hypertension were independent risk factors for T2DM, with corresponding PAFp of 25.00%, 24.99%, 36.47%, 24.96%, 5.71%, and 6.76%, respectively. Age ≥ 45 years old showed the highest PAFp and adjusted hazard ratio, followed by FLD. CONCLUSIONS: FLD contributes more to T2DM incidence than other metabolic disorders. Particular attention should be given to male populations of 30-40 and female populations above 60 for FLD prevention and treatment.

Risk selection reduces efficiency of value-based healthcare.

Value-based healthcare aims to improve efficiency and value for patients. Value-based payment models are a form of provider reimbursement to achieve this. Studies on these models have found positive results, but may be biased by unintended consequences, such as risk selection. Risk selection is a multi-dimensional phenomenon that occurs at the patient, hospital, and system level, and is a source of inefficiency and inequality in healthcare. Risk selection may occur because of selection bias in the outcomes that are evaluated and rewarded, or due to the selection of lower cost patients. Risk selection may also stem from professional reputation. The motivation to engage in risk selection may also arise from differences in the meaning of value. To mitigate these unintended consequences, several strategies can be adopted. These include making value-based payment models attractive, but not mandatory, as well as incentivising transparent reporting of best practices, using adequate risk adjustment, expanding performance metrics, and including patient-reported experience measures. Other mitigation strategies could include adopting a mixture of performance measures, using mixed methods of paying physicians, and implementing monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. However, such approaches are not flawless, and the problem may never be fully solved. This perspective serves as a warning for the constant presence of risk selection, as well as informing policy makers, politicians, and organisations implementing VBP models on ways to minimise the possibility of risk selection.

[Pudov Surgical care in a multi-field hospital during the new coronavirus infection pandemic (SARS-COVID-19): a 5-year experience]. / Okazanie khirurgicheskoi pomoshchi v mnogoprofil'nom «nekovidnom¼ statsionare v period pandemii novoi koronavirusnoi infektsii (SARS-COVID-19). Pyatiletnii opyt.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the 5-year experience of surgical care in a multi-field hospital during the coronavirus pandemic and before infection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We assessed «non-traumatic¼ surgery and the main indicators in a multi-field hospital during the coronavirus pandemic and surgical work in the «pre-COVID¼ period. RESULTS: The number of discharged patients was the same between 2018 and 2021. In 2020-2021, mortality increased by 2.8 times, the number of deceased patients - by 2.5 times, hospitalizations for emergency surgical indications - by 2.1 times. Elective care decreased by 2.5 times. The number of adverse vascular events increased by 3 times. CONCLUSION: Acute increase in emergency surgery and decrease in elective care create the prerequisites for growth of «neglect¼ with subsequent postoperative complications. We observed significant increase in mortality. It is advisable to create a backup emergency surgical service in infectious disease hospitals to provide care in obviously infected patients.

Clinical efficacy of Buzhong Yiqi decoction in the treatment of hospital-acquired pneumonia with multi-drug resistant bacteria: a prospective, randomized, multicenter controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Buzhong Yiqi decoction (, BZYQ) in the treatment of hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) with multi-drug-resistant bacteria (MDRB). METHODS: This 28-day study was conducted at 5 clinical centers in Shanghai. The eligible patients were randomly assigned (1:1) into the intervention group (BZYQ plus conventional Western Medicine therapy) and control group (conventional Western Medicine therapy). The primary outcomes were the clinical response, clinical pulmonary infection score (CPIS), and microbiologic response. The secondary outcomes were the 28-day all-cause mortality (ACM), Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation Ⅱ (APACHE Ⅱ) score, ventilator weaning rate, length of mechanical ventilation (MV), length of hospital stay, and changes of infection indicators. RESULTS: Altogether 83 subjects in the intervention group and 85 subjects in the control group were analyzed. The clinical success rate (48.2%) and the pathogen eradication rate (59.0%) of the intervention group were all better than those of the control group (32.9% and 38.9%, respectively) with statistically significant differences (<0.05). The CPIS score of the intervention group (8.9 ± 1.7) was lower than that of the control group (9.6 ± 2.5) (<0.05). The length of MV in the intervention group [(13.7 ± 6.4) d] was significantly shorter than that of the control group [ (17.2 ± 7.2) d] (<0.05). The 28-day ACM of the intervention group (13.33%) was lower than that of the control group (21.2%) with no statistically significant difference (>0.05). The differences between two groups in ventilator weaning rate, length of hospital stay, and APACHE Ⅱ score were not statistically significant (> 0.05). The intervention group displayed decreases in white blood cell count, C-reactive protein, neutrophil percentage, and procalcitonin at day 28 compared with baseline (<0.05). No serious adverse events occurred in either group during the 28-day follow-up. CONCLUSION: BZYQ may be an effective therapeutic option for the management of HAP with MDRB.

Caregivers' use of herbal and conventional medicine to treat children with sickle cell disease at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital, Eastern Uganda: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests use of herbal and conventional medicines in the treatment of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). We examined factors associated with caregivers' use of combined herbal and conventional medicine to treat children with SCD. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital between January and March 2022. Caregivers of children with SCD aged 1 to 18 years attending the Sickle Cell Clinic were interviewed using structured questionnaires. We collected data on caregivers' socio-demographic characteristics, perceptions of and intentions to use either or both therapies, self-reported use of either or both therapies and community and health-related factors. A multivariable logistic regression model was computed to assess the factors independently associated with caregivers' use of combined therapy, using Stata version 15.0. RESULTS: 372 caregivers were interviewed. On average, respondents were aged 34.3 years (Standard Deviation [SD]: ±9.8 years). 37% (n = 138) of the caregivers reported the use of both herbal and conventional medicine, 58.3% (n = 217) reported use of only conventional medicine, while 4.6% (n = 17) reported use of herbal medicine only. Higher odds of using combination therapy were found in caregivers aged 60+ years (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 11.8; 95% CI: 1.2, 115.2), those with lower secondary education (AOR = 6.2; 95% CI: 1.5, 26.0), those who believed in the safety of herbal medicine (AOR = 3.3; 95% CI: 1.5, 7.6) and those who thought that use of both therapies were safe (AOR = 7.7; 95% CI: 3.5, 17.0). CONCLUSION: More than one-third of the caregivers reported use of combined herbal and conventional medicine, most of whom were older (>60%) and had lower secondary education. There is need for targeted health promotion to educate caregivers about the dangers of using both herbal and conventional medicines in treating children with SCD.

Serum High-Mobility Group Box 1 and Heme Oxygenase-1 as Biomarkers in COVID-19 Patients at Hospital Admission.

The careful monitoring of patients with mild/moderate COVID-19 is of particular importance because of the rapid progression of complications associated with COVID-19. For prognostic reasons and for the economic management of health care resources, additional biomarkers need to be identified, and their monitoring can conceivably be performed in the early stages of the disease. In this retrospective cross-sectional study, we found that serum concentrations of high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), at the time of hospital admission, could be useful biomarkers for COVID-19 management. The study included 160 randomly selected recovered patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 on admission. Compared with healthy controls, serum HMGB1 and HO-1 levels increased by 487.6 pg/mL versus 43.1 pg/mL and 1497.7 pg/mL versus 756.1 pg/mL, respectively. Serum HO-1 correlated significantly with serum HMGB1, oxidative stress parameters (malondialdehyde (MDA), the phosphatidylcholine/lysophosphatidylcholine ratio (PC/LPC), the ratio of reduced and oxidative glutathione (GSH/GSSG)), and anti-inflammatory acute phase proteins (ferritin, haptoglobin). Increased heme catabolism/hemolysis were not detected. We hypothesize that the increase in HO-1 in the early phase of COVID-19 disease is likely to have a survival benefit by providing protection against oxidative stress and inflammation, whereas the level of HMGB1 increase reflects the activity of the innate immune system and represents levels within which the disease can be kept under control.

Trends in hospital admissions for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease over 16 years in Canada.

BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an ambulatory care-sensitive condition, and the rate of hospital admissions for COPD is an indicator of the quality of outpatient care. We sought to determine long-term trends in hospital admissions for COPD in Canada. METHODS: Using a comprehensive national database of hospital admissions in Canada, we identified those with a main discharge diagnosis of COPD for patients aged 40 years and older between 2002 and 2017. We calculated sex-specific, age-standardized trends in annual rates of hospital admissions for COPD separately for younger (40-64 yr) and older adults (≥ 65 yr). We used spline regression to examine changes in the admissions trends for each sex and age group. RESULTS: Over 16 years, 1 134 359 hospital admissions were for COPD. Between 2002 and 2017, the total number of admissions increased by 68.8%, from 52 937 to 89 384. The overall crude admission rate increased by 30.0%, from 368 to 479 per 100 000 population, and the sex-and age-standardized admission rate increased by 9.6%, from 437 to 479 per 100 000 population. Age-standardized rates increased by 12.2% among younger females, by 24.4% among younger males and by 29.8% among older females, but decreased by 9.0% among older males. Over the same period, the all-cause sex-and age-standardized admission rate declined by 23.0%. INTERPRETATION: Hospital admissions for COPD have increased since 2010, even after adjusting for population growth and aging, and despite declining rates of all-cause hospital admissions. The secular increase in COPD admissions indicates that the burden of COPD on Canadian health care systems is increasing.

HOMEFOOD Randomised Trial - Six-Month Nutrition Therapy in Discharged Older Adults Reduces Hospital Readmissions and Length of Stay at Hospital Up to 18 Months of Follow-Up.

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition is frequently observed in older adults and is associated with hospital readmissions, length of stay (LOS), and mortality in discharged patients. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate effects of six-month nutrition therapy on hospital readmissions, LOS, mortality and need for long-term care residence 1-, 6-, 12- and 18-months post-discharge in older Icelandic adults. DESIGN: Secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial. PARTICIPANTS: Participants (>65 years) were randomised into intervention (n=53) and control (n=53) before discharge from a geriatric unit. INTERVENTION: The intervention group received nutrition therapy based on the Nutrition Care Process, including home visits, phone calls, freely delivered energy- and protein-rich foods and supplements for six months after hospital discharge. MEASUREMENTS: The Icelandic electronic hospital registry was accessed to gain information on emergency room visits (ER), hospital readmissions, LOS, mortality and need for long-term care residence. RESULTS: The intervention group had a lower proportion of participants with at least one readmission compared to control (1 month: 1.9% vs 15.8%, P=0.033; 6 months: 25.0% vs 46.2%, P=0.021; 12 months: 38.5% vs 55.8%, P=0.051; and 18 months: 51.9% vs 65.4%, P=0.107). There was also a lower total number of readmissions per participant (1 month: 0.02 vs 0.19, P=0.015; 6 month: 0.33 vs 0.77, P=0.014; 0.62 vs 1.12, P=0.044) and a shorter LOS (1 month: 0.02 vs 0.92, P=0.013; 6 months: 2.44 vs 13.21; P=0.006; 12 months: 5.83 vs 19.40, P=0.034; 18 months: 10.42 vs 26.00, P=0.033) in the intervention group. However, there were no differences between groups in ER visits, mortality and need for long-term care residence. CONCLUSION: A six-month nutrition therapy in older Icelandic adults discharged from hospital reduced hospital readmissions and shortens LOS at the hospital up to 18-months post-discharge. However, it did neither affect mortality, ER, nor need of long-term care residence in this group.

[In-hospital withdrawal of benzodiazepines in long term users : a bad idea with good intentions]. / 5 minutes pour apprendre. Less is more: sevrage d'un traitement chronique de benzodiazépine à l'hôpital ­ Mauvaise bonne idée.

Benzodiazepines are among the most frequently prescribed medications in Switzerland, particularly in the elderly. Due to their unfavourable side effect profile, especially in the elderly population, this class of medication should not be prescribed for the treatment of insomnia or non-refractory anxiety disorders. A gradual withdrawal procedure, which is safe and effective according to the literature, should be offered to the patient taking such medication, with adequate monitoring of withdrawal symptoms. This procedure should, in principle, be performed in an outpatient setting but may be initiated in the hospital after discussion with the patient and the primary care physician.

Diagnostic Accuracy of SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Testing in a Pediatric Population: Children are Not Little Adults.

BACKGROUND: Information on the use of antigen-based SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen tests (RAT) in children is limited. RATs have been used more frequently, because they are easily applicable, inexpensive, and can be easily performed at home without the need for special equipment. This study was designed to assign the diagnostic test accuracy of the SARS-CoV-2 RAT in daily clinical practice in children. METHODS: One thousand forty-two pediatric patients (aged 1 month - 18 years) who presented to the pediatric COVID-19 outpatient clinic of our hospital between January 2021 and June 2022 and met the inclusion criteria were included in this study. Nasopharyngeal samples were taken from the patients at the same visit, first for reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and then for RAT. RESULTS: The data of all patients with RT-PCR positivity (n = 314) and additionally 14 patients with RAT positivity were analyzed in depth. The overall sensitivity and specificity were 62.1% (95% CI: 56.4 - 67.4) and 98% (95% CI: 96.7 - 98.9), respectively. The positive predictive value (PPV) and the negative predictive value (NPV) in this pediatric study were 93.3% and 85.7% (95% CI: 88.7 - 96.1 and 83.1 - 87.9), respectively. Considering the Ct values, which are indirect indicators of viral load, it was observed that the sensitivity of the rapid antigen test increased at low Ct values. The sensitivity increased to 75.1% (95% CI: 67.9 - 81.1) in patients with a Ct value of < 25. The specificity was 92.7% (95% CI: 90.7 - 94.3), PPV was 67.8% (95% CI: 60.7 - 67.8) and the NPV was 94.7% (95% CI: 93.0 - 96.1) in patients with a Ct value < 25. When the patients were evaluated according to their symptomatic/asymptomatic status, the difference between the diagnostic performance of the RAT test was found to be statistically significant (p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: In our study, it was found that the sensitivity of RATs in pediatric patients was lower than in adults. Our results also showed that children are not small adults, and the sensitivity of the test was higher, especially in symptomatic patients and patients with high viral load. To obtain more accurate results, we believe that performing the test in the first 3 days of symptoms will give more accurate results.