Effectiveness and safety of measures to prevent infections and other complications associated with peripheral intravenous catheters: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs) contribute substantially to the global burden of infections. This systematic review assessed 24 infection prevention and control (IPC) interventions to prevent PIVC-associated infections and other complications. METHODS: We searched Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, WHO Global Index Medicus, CINAHL and reference lists for controlled studies, from January 1, 1980-March 16, 2023. We dually selected studies, assessed risk of bias, extracted data, and rated the certainty of evidence (COE). For outcomes with three or more trials, we conducted Bayesian random-effects meta-analyses. RESULTS: 105 studies met our prespecified eligibility criteria, addressing 16 of the 24 research questions; no studies were identified for eight research questions.Based on findings of low to high COE, wearing gloves reduced the risk for overall adverse events related to insertion compared to no gloves (one non-randomised controlled trial [RCT]; adjusted risk ratio [RR]: 0.52, 95% confidence interval 0.33-0.85), and catheter removal based on defined schedules potentially resulted in a lower phlebitis/thrombophlebitis incidence (10 RCTs; RR: 0.74, 95% credible interval 0.49-1.01) compared to clinically indicated removal in adults. In neonates, chlorhexidine reduced the phlebitis score compared to non-chlorhexidine-containing disinfection (one RCT; 0.14 versus 0.68, p = 0.003). No statistically significant differences were found for other measures. CONCLUSIONS: Despite their frequent use and concern about PIVC-associated complications, this review underscores the urgent need for more high-quality studies on effective IPC methods regarding safe PIVC management. In the absence of valid evidence, adherence to standard precaution measures and documentation remain the most important principles to curb PIVC complications.

In-Series Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement-in-Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: ACURATE neo Transcatheter Heart Valve Degeneration Successfully Managed with Myval, Avoiding Coronary Flow Obstruction-A Case Report.

•Durability is vital for transcatheter aortic valve replacement in younger patients.•Aortic insufficiency is one of the features of structural valve degeneration.•Degenerated ACURATE neo can be treated with low implantation of an oversized Myval.

Oclusão percutânea da comunicação interatrial do tipo seio venoso com stent coberto: a importância dos métodos de imagem para impressão de modelos tridimensionais e a melhor tomada de decisão clínica / Percutaneous occlusion of sinus venosus atrial septal defect using a covered stent: the importance of imaging methods for printing three-dimensional models and better clinical decision-making

A comunicação interatrial do tipo seio venoso superior geralmente acompanha-se de uma conexão venosa anômala de veia ou veias pulmonares superiores ou médias direitas, que drenam diretamente na veia cava superior ou, ainda, na junção cavoatrial. Relatamos o caso de uma paciente do sexo feminino, de 62 anos, com diagnóstico de comunicação interatrial do tipo seio venoso, com sobrecarga das câmaras direitas, para quem foi planejado o procedimento de oclusão percutânea do defeito por meio da realização prévia de tomografia cardiovascular e, sequencialmente, estudo anatômico tridimensional, com o software de acesso público 3D Slicer. Além disso, foi realizada a impressão do modelo em resina para inspeção e simulação de implante de um stent. A paciente foi tratada de maneira percutânea com um stent Chetham-Platinum coberto de 60mm de extensão, com oclusão total do defeito, ausência de shunts residuais e direcionamento do fluxo da veia pulmonar superior direita para o átrio esquerdo por comunicação posterior entre os átrios, condição essencial para a realização desse tipo de procedimento. O planejamento do procedimento de oclusão percutânea da comunicação interatrial do tipo seio venoso passa por avaliação criteriosa dos exames de imagem. A impressão de modelos virtuais ou físicos, derivados da angiotomografia cardíaca, é fundamental para estudo detalhado do defeito e das estruturas anatômicas associadas, minimizando a ocorrência de complicações.

A superior sinus venosus atrial septal defect is usually accompanied by an anomalous venous connection to a right superior or middle pulmonary vein or veins, draining directly into the superior vena cava or even into the cavoatrial junction. This is a case report of a 62-year-old female patient, diagnosed with a sinus venosus atrial septal defect, with overload of the right chambers, for whom a percutaneous occlusion procedure was planned, using a previous cardiovascular tomography and, sequentially, a three-dimensional anatomical study, with the publicly available software 3D Slicer. In addition, a resin model was printed for inspection and simulation of a stent implantation. The patient was treated percutaneously with a 60-mm covered Chetham-Platinum stent, with total occlusion of the defect, absence of residual shunts, and draining flow from the right superior pulmonary vein to the left atrium, through a posterior communication between the atria, a sine qua non prerequisite to perform this type of procedure. Planning of the percutaneous occlusion procedure of the sinus venosus atrial septal defect involves careful evaluation of imaging tests. The printing of virtual or physical models, derived from computed tomography angiography of the heart, is essential for a detailed study of the defect and associated anatomical structures, minimizing the occurrence of complications.

Hospital readmissions and emergency department re-presentation of COVID-19 patients: a systematic review.

Objective: To characterize the frequency, causes, and predictors of readmissions of COVID-19 patients after discharge from heath facilities or emergency departments, interventions used to reduce readmissions, and outcomes of COVID-19 patients discharged from such settings. Methods: We performed a systematic review for case series and observational studies published between January 2020 and April 2021 in PubMed, Embase, LILACS, and MedRxiv, reporting the frequency, causes, or risk factors for readmission of COVID-19 survivors/patients. We conducted a narrative synthesis and assessed the methodological quality using the JBI critical appraisal checklist. Results: We identified 44 studies including data from 10 countries. The overall 30-day median readmission rate was 7.1%. Readmissions varied with the length of follow-up, occurring <10.5%, <14.5%, <21.5%, and <30%, respectively, for 10, 30, 60, and 253 days following discharge. Among those followed up for 30 and 60 days, the median time from discharge to readmission was 3 days and 8-11 days, respectively. The significant risk factor associated with readmission was having shorter length of stay, and the important causes included respiratory or thromboembolic events and chronic illnesses. Emergency department re-presentation was >20% in four studies. Risk factors associated with mortality were male gender, advanced age, and comorbidities. Conclusions: Readmission of COVID-19 survivors is frequent, and post-discharge mortality is significant in specific populations. There is an urgent need to further examine underlying reasons for early readmission and to prevent additional readmissions and adverse outcomes in COVID-19 survivors.

Hospital readmissions and emergency department re-presentation of COVID-19 patients: a systematic review

[ABSTRACT]. Objective. To characterize the frequency, causes, and predictors of readmissions of COVID-19 patients after discharge from heath facilities or emergency departments, interventions used to reduce readmissions, and outcomes of COVID-19 patients discharged from such settings. Methods. We performed a systematic review for case series and observational studies published between January 2020 and April 2021 in PubMed, Embase, LILACS, and MedRxiv, reporting the frequency, causes, or risk factors for readmission of COVID-19 survivors/patients. We conducted a narrative synthesis and assessed the methodological quality using the JBI critical appraisal checklist. Results. We identified 44 studies including data from 10 countries. The overall 30-day median readmission rate was 7.1%. Readmissions varied with the length of follow-up, occurring <10.5%, <14.5%, <21.5%, and <30%, respectively, for 10, 30, 60, and 253 days following discharge. Among those followed up for 30 and 60 days, the median time from discharge to readmission was 3 days and 8–11 days, respectively. The sig- nificant risk factor associated with readmission was having shorter length of stay, and the important causes included respiratory or thromboembolic events and chronic illnesses. Emergency department re-presenta- tion was >20% in four studies. Risk factors associated with mortality were male gender, advanced age, and comorbidities. Conclusions. Readmission of COVID-19 survivors is frequent, and post-discharge mortality is significant in specific populations. There is an urgent need to further examine underlying reasons for early readmission and to prevent additional readmissions and adverse outcomes in COVID-19 survivors.

[RESUMEN]. Objetivo. Caracterizar la frecuencia, las causas y los factores predictores del reingreso de pacientes con COVID–19 tras haber recibido el alta de un centro de salud o un servicio de urgencias, las intervenciones utilizadas para reducir los reingresos y los resultados de los pacientes con COVID-19 dados de alta de dichos entornos. Métodos. Se realizó una revisión sistemática de estudios de serie de casos y estudios observacionales publi- cados entre enero del 2020 y abril del 2021 en PubMed, Embase, LILACS y MedRxiv en los cuales se informó sobre la frecuencia, las causas o los factores de riesgo relativos al reingreso de pacientes y sobrevivientes de COVID-19. Se realizó una síntesis narrativa y se evaluó la calidad metodológica utilizando la lista de verifi- cación de evaluación crítica de JBI. Resultados. Se encontraron 44 estudios con datos de 10 países. La tasa media general de reingreso a los 30 días fue de 7,1%. Los reingresos variaron con la duración del seguimiento, y tuvieron lugar en <10,5%, <14,5%, <21,5% y <30%, respectivamente, a los 10, 30, 60 y 253 días después del alta. Entre los que reci- bieron seguimiento por 30 y 60 días, el tiempo medio entre el alta y la readmisión fue de 3 y de 8 a 11 días, respectivamente. El factor de riesgo significativo asociado al reingreso fue una estancia más corta, y entre las causas importantes se encontraron episodios respiratorios o tromboembólicos y enfermedades crónicas. El reingreso en el servicio de urgencias fue de >20% en cuatro estudios. Los factores de riesgo asociados con la mortalidad fueron sexo masculino, edad avanzada y comorbilidades. Conclusión. El reingreso de sobrevivientes de COVID-19 es frecuente, y la mortalidad después del alta es significativa en grupos poblacionales específicos. Existe una necesidad urgente de seguir examinando las razones subyacentes del reingreso temprano, así como de prevenir reingresos adicionales y resultados adversos en los sobrevivientes de COVID–19.

[RESUMO]. Objetivo. Caracterizar a frequência, as causas e os preditores de reinternação de pacientes com COVID-19 após a alta do estabelecimento de saúde ou do pronto-socorro, intervenções usadas para reduzir reinter- nações e desfechos de pacientes com COVID-19 que receberam alta de tais instalações. Métodos. Revisão sistemática de séries de casos e estudos observacionais publicados entre janeiro de 2020 e abril de 2021, indexados nos bancos de dados PubMed, Embase, LILACS e MedRxiv, que relatassem a fre- quência, as causas ou os fatores de risco para a reinternação de sobreviventes da COVID-19/pacientes com COVID-19. Realizamos uma síntese narrativa das evidências e avaliamos a qualidade metodológica utilizando a checklist de avaliação crítica do Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). Resultados. Foram identificados 44 estudos, incluindo dados de 10 países. O índice médio geral de reinter- nação em 30 dias foi de 7,1%. A frequência das reinternações variou com o tempo de acompanhamento, com <10,5%, <14,5%, <21,5% e <30%, respectivamente, ocorrendo nos primeiros 10, 30, 60 e 253 dias após a alta. Dentre aqueles seguidos por 30 e 60 dias, o tempo médio da alta até a reinternação foi de 3 dias e 8 a 11 dias, respectivamente. O único fator de risco significativamente associado à reinternação foi ter um tempo de permanência hospitalar mais curto, e as causas importantes incluíram eventos respiratórios ou tromboembóli- cos e doenças crônicas. Em quatro estudos, >20% dos pacientes retornaram ao pronto-socorro. Os fatores de risco associados à mortalidade foram sexo masculino, idade avançada e comorbidades. Conclusões. A reinternação hospitalar é frequente em sobreviventes da COVID-19 e a mortalidade pós-alta é significativa em populações específicas. Há uma necessidade urgente de examinar melhor as razões que levam à reinternação precoce e de evitar reinternações adicionais e desfechos adversos em sobreviventes da COVID-19.

Evidence in decision-making in the context of COVID-19 in Latin America.

Background: The pace of the COVID-19 pandemic poses an unprecedented challenge to the evidence-to-decision process. Latin American countries have responded to COVID-19 by introducing interventions to both mitigate the risk of infection and to treat cases. Understanding how evidence is used to inform government-level decision-making at a national scale is crucial for informing country and regional actors in ongoing response efforts. Objectives: This study was undertaken between February-May 2021 and aims to characterise the best available evidence (BAE) and assess the extent to which it was used to inform decision-making in 21 Latin American countries, in relation to pharmaceutical (PI) and non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPI) related to COVID-19, including the use of therapeutics (corticosteroids, hydroxychloroquine/chloroquine and ivermectin), facemask use in the community setting and the use of diagnostic tests as a requirement for international travel. Method: A three-phase methodology was used to; (i) characterise the BAE for each intervention using an umbrella review, (ii) identify government-level decisions for each intervention through a document review and (iii) assess the use of evidence to inform decisions using a novel adapted framework analysis. Findings: The BAE is characterized by 17 living and non-living systematic reviews as evolving, and particularly uncertain for NPIs. 107 country-level documents show variation in both content and timing of decision outcomes across intervention types, with the majority of decisions taken at a time of evidence uncertainty, with only 5 documents including BAE. Seven out of eight key indicators of an evidence-to-decision process were identified more frequently among PIs than either NPI of facemask use or testing prior to travel. Overall evidence use was reported more frequently among PIs than either NPI of facemask use or travel testing (92%, 28% and 29%, respectively). Interpretation: There are limitations in the extent to which evidence use in decision-making is reported across the Latin America region. Institutionalising this process and grounding it in existing and emerging methodologies can facilitate the rapid response in an emergency setting. Funding: No funding was sourced for this work.

Cardiac Manifestations in Patients with COVID-19: A Scoping Review.

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), commonly affects the lungs, but the involvement of other organs, particularly the heart, is highly prevalent as has been reported in several studies. The overall aim of this review was to provide an in-depth description of the available literature related to the cardiac system and COVID-19 infection. It focuses on type and the frequency of cardiac manifestations, clinical parameters and cardiac biomarkers that support the prognosis of COVID-19 patients, and the cardiac adverse events and outcomes related to pharmacotherapy. Methods: A scoping review was conducted searching Embase, PubMed, Epistomonikos, Medrxiv, BioRxiv databases, up to November 2020, for systematic reviews relevant to cardiac manifestations in adult COVID-19 patients. Relevant articles were screened and extracted to summarize key outcomes and findings. Results: A total of 63 systematic reviews met the inclusion criteria. The overall frequency of acute cardiac injury ranged from 15% to 33% in the reporting studies. The main cardiac complications were arrhythmias (3.1% to 6.9% in non-severe patients, 33.0% to 48.0% in severe disease), acute coronary syndromes (6% to 33% in severe disease), and myocarditis. Most studies found no association with the use of Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors (RAASI) with COVID-19 outcomes such as susceptibility to infection, hospitalization, severity, and mortality. Conclusion: This study provided an overview of the several cardiac complications associated with Covid-19. Cardiac injury, arrhythmias, myocarditis, cardiac failure, and acute coronary syndrome, are prevalent and clinically significant and associated with COVID-19 disease severity and mortality. Other studies are needed to clearly identify what is the part of viral heart infection and what is the part of cardiac injury secondary to acute respiratory failure and inflammation. In the therapeutic field, these systematic reviews gave heterogenous results. This underlines the importance of randomized trials to determine the right therapeutic approach.

The first WHO global survey on infection prevention and control in health-care facilities.

BACKGROUND: WHO core components for infection prevention and control (IPC) are important building blocks for effective IPC programmes. To our knowledge, we did the first WHO global survey to assess implementation of these programmes in health-care facilities. METHODS: In this cross-sectional survey, IPC professionals were invited through global outreach and national coordinated efforts to complete the online WHO IPC assessment framework (IPCAF). The survey was created in English and was then translated into ten languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Spanish, and Thai. Post-stratification weighting was applied and countries with low response rates were excluded to improve representativeness. Weighted median scores and IQRs as well as weighted proportions (Nw) meeting defined IPCAF minimum requirements were reported. Indicators associated with the IPCAF score were assessed using a generalised estimating equation. FINDINGS: From Jan 16 to Dec 31, 2019, 4440 responses were received from 81 countries. The overall weighted IPCAF median score indicated an advanced level of implementation (605, IQR 450·4-705·0), but significantly lower scores were found in low-income (385, 279·7-442·9) and lower-middle-income countries (500·4, 345·0-657·5), and public facilities (515, 385-637·8). Core component 8 (built environment; 90·0, IQR 75·0-100·0) and core component 2 (guidelines; 87·5, 70·0-97·5) scored the highest, and core component 7 (workload, staffing, and bed occupancy; 70·0, 50-90) and core component 3 (education and training; 70 ·0, 50·0-85·0) scored the lowest. Overall, only 15·2% (Nw: 588 of 3873) of facilities met all IPCAF minimum requirements, ranging from 0% (0 of 417) in low-income countries to 25·6% (278 of 1087) in primary facilities, 9% (24 of 268) in secondary facilities, and 19% (18 of 95) in tertiary facilities in high-income countries. INTERPRETATION: Despite an overall high IPCAF score globally, important gaps in IPC facility implementation and core components across income levels hinder IPC progress. Increased support for more effective and sustainable IPC programmes is crucial to reduce risks posed by outbreaks to global health security and to ensure patient and health worker safety. FUNDING: WHO and the Infection Control Programme, University of Geneva Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine. TRANSLATIONS: For the French and Spanish translations of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

Evidence for Human-to-Human Transmission of Hantavirus: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Hantavirus is known to be transmitted from rodents to humans. However, some reports from Argentina and Chile have claimed that the hantavirus strain Andes virus (ANDV) can cause human-to-human transmission of the disease. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the evidence for human-to-human transmission of hantavirus. METHODS: We searched PubMed (inception to 28 February 2021), Cochrane Central, Embase, LILACS and SciELO (inception to 3 July 2020), and other sources. We included studies that assessed whether interpersonal contact with a person with laboratory-confirmed hantavirus infection led to human-to-human transmission. Two reviewers conducted screening, selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment. RESULTS: Twenty-two studies met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis was not possible due to heterogeneity. With the exception of 1 prospective cohort study of ANDV in Chile with serious risk of bias, evidence from comparative studies (strongest level of evidence available) does not support human-to-human transmission of hantavirus infection. Noncomparative studies with a critical risk of bias suggest that human-to-human transmission of ANDV may be possible. CONCLUSIONS: The balance of the evidence does not support the claim of human-to-human transmission of ANDV. Well-designed cohort and case-control studies that control for co-exposure to rodents are needed to inform public health recommendations.

Hospital readmissions and emergency department re-presentation of COVID-19 patients: a systematic review / Reingreso de pacientes con COVID-19 a salas de hospitalización y servicios de urgencias: una revisión sistemática / Reinternação hospitalar e retorno ao pronto-socorro de pacientes com COVID-19: revisão sistemática

ABSTRACT Objective. To characterize the frequency, causes, and predictors of readmissions of COVID-19 patients after discharge from heath facilities or emergency departments, interventions used to reduce readmissions, and outcomes of COVID-19 patients discharged from such settings. Methods. We performed a systematic review for case series and observational studies published between January 2020 and April 2021 in PubMed, Embase, LILACS, and MedRxiv, reporting the frequency, causes, or risk factors for readmission of COVID-19 survivors/patients. We conducted a narrative synthesis and assessed the methodological quality using the JBI critical appraisal checklist. Results. We identified 44 studies including data from 10 countries. The overall 30-day median readmission rate was 7.1%. Readmissions varied with the length of follow-up, occurring <10.5%, <14.5%, <21.5%, and <30%, respectively, for 10, 30, 60, and 253 days following discharge. Among those followed up for 30 and 60 days, the median time from discharge to readmission was 3 days and 8-11 days, respectively. The significant risk factor associated with readmission was having shorter length of stay, and the important causes included respiratory or thromboembolic events and chronic illnesses. Emergency department re-presentation was >20% in four studies. Risk factors associated with mortality were male gender, advanced age, and comorbidities. Conclusions. Readmission of COVID-19 survivors is frequent, and post-discharge mortality is significant in specific populations. There is an urgent need to further examine underlying reasons for early readmission and to prevent additional readmissions and adverse outcomes in COVID-19 survivors.

RESUMEN Objetivo. Caracterizar la frecuencia, las causas y los factores predictores del reingreso de pacientes con COVID-19 tras haber recibido el alta de un centro de salud o un servicio de urgencias, las intervenciones utilizadas para reducir los reingresos y los resultados de los pacientes con COVID-19 dados de alta de dichos entornos. Métodos. Se realizó una revisión sistemática de estudios de serie de casos y estudios observacionales publicados entre enero del 2020 y abril del 2021 en PubMed, Embase, LILACS y MedRxiv en los cuales se informó sobre la frecuencia, las causas o los factores de riesgo relativos al reingreso de pacientes y sobrevivientes de COVID-19. Se realizó una síntesis narrativa y se evaluó la calidad metodológica utilizando la lista de verificación de evaluación crítica de JBI. Resultados. Se encontraron 44 estudios con datos de 10 países. La tasa media general de reingreso a los 30 días fue de 7,1%. Los reingresos variaron con la duración del seguimiento, y tuvieron lugar en <10,5%, <14,5%, <21,5% y <30%, respectivamente, a los 10, 30, 60 y 253 días después del alta. Entre los que recibieron seguimiento por 30 y 60 días, el tiempo medio entre el alta y la readmisión fue de 3 y de 8 a 11 días, respectivamente. El factor de riesgo significativo asociado al reingreso fue una estancia más corta, y entre las causas importantes se encontraron episodios respiratorios o tromboembólicos y enfermedades crónicas. El reingreso en el servicio de urgencias fue de >20% en cuatro estudios. Los factores de riesgo asociados con la mortalidad fueron sexo masculino, edad avanzada y comorbilidades. Conclusión. El reingreso de sobrevivientes de COVID-19 es frecuente, y la mortalidad después del alta es significativa en grupos poblacionales específicos. Existe una necesidad urgente de seguir examinando las razones subyacentes del reingreso temprano, así como de prevenir reingresos adicionales y resultados adversos en los sobrevivientes de COVID-19.

RESUMO Objetivo. Caracterizar a frequência, as causas e os preditores de reinternação de pacientes com COVID-19 após a alta do estabelecimento de saúde ou do pronto-socorro, intervenções usadas para reduzir reinternações e desfechos de pacientes com COVID-19 que receberam alta de tais instalações. Métodos. Revisão sistemática de séries de casos e estudos observacionais publicados entre janeiro de 2020 e abril de 2021, indexados nos bancos de dados PubMed, Embase, LILACS e MedRxiv, que relatassem a frequência, as causas ou os fatores de risco para a reinternação de sobreviventes da COVID-19/pacientes com COVID-19. Realizamos uma síntese narrativa das evidências e avaliamos a qualidade metodológica utilizando a checklist de avaliação crítica do Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). Resultados. Foram identificados 44 estudos, incluindo dados de 10 países. O índice médio geral de reinternação em 30 dias foi de 7,1%. A frequência das reinternações variou com o tempo de acompanhamento, com <10,5%, <14,5%, <21,5% e <30%, respectivamente, ocorrendo nos primeiros 10, 30, 60 e 253 dias após a alta. Dentre aqueles seguidos por 30 e 60 dias, o tempo médio da alta até a reinternação foi de 3 dias e 8 a 11 dias, respectivamente. O único fator de risco significativamente associado à reinternação foi ter um tempo de permanência hospitalar mais curto, e as causas importantes incluíram eventos respiratórios ou tromboembólicos e doenças crônicas. Em quatro estudos, >20% dos pacientes retornaram ao pronto-socorro. Os fatores de risco associados à mortalidade foram sexo masculino, idade avançada e comorbidades. Conclusões. A reinternação hospitalar é frequente em sobreviventes da COVID-19 e a mortalidade pós-alta é significativa em populações específicas. Há uma necessidade urgente de examinar melhor as razões que levam à reinternação precoce e de evitar reinternações adicionais e desfechos adversos em sobreviventes da COVID-19.

Pathological findings in organs and tissues of patients with COVID-19: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is the pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 that has caused more than 2.2 million deaths worldwide. We summarize the reported pathologic findings on biopsy and autopsy in patients with severe/fatal COVID-19 and documented the presence and/or effect of SARS-CoV-2 in all organs. METHODS AND FINDINGS: A systematic search of the PubMed, Embase, MedRxiv, Lilacs and Epistemonikos databases from January to August 2020 for all case reports and case series that reported histopathologic findings of COVID-19 infection at autopsy or tissue biopsy was performed. 603 COVID-19 cases from 75 of 451 screened studies met inclusion criteria. The most common pathologic findings were lungs: diffuse alveolar damage (DAD) (92%) and superimposed acute bronchopneumonia (27%); liver: hepatitis (21%), heart: myocarditis (11.4%). Vasculitis was common only in skin biopsies (25%). Microthrombi were described in the placenta (57.9%), lung (38%), kidney (20%), Central Nervous System (CNS) (18%), and gastrointestinal (GI) tract (2%). Injury of endothelial cells was common in the lung (18%) and heart (4%). Hemodynamic changes such as necrosis due to hypoxia/hypoperfusion, edema and congestion were common in kidney (53%), liver (48%), CNS (31%) and GI tract (18%). SARS-CoV-2 viral particles were demonstrated within organ-specific cells in the trachea, lung, liver, large intestine, kidney, CNS either by electron microscopy, immunofluorescence, or immunohistochemistry. Additional tissues were positive by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests only. The included studies were from numerous countries, some were not peer reviewed, and some studies were performed by subspecialists, resulting in variable and inconsistent reporting or over statement of the reported findings. CONCLUSIONS: The main pathologic findings of severe/fatal COVID-19 infection are DAD, changes related to coagulopathy and/or hemodynamic compromise. In addition, according to the observed organ damage myocarditis may be associated with sequelae.

INNERVATION OF THE MEDIAN NERVE MOTOR BRANCHES IN THE FOREARM AND ITS CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the anatomical variations of the median nerve motor branches in the elbow region. METHODS: Twenty upper limbs of 10 adult male cadavers were prepared by intra-arterial injection of a solution of 10% glycerol and formaldehyde. All cadavers belonged to the institution anatomy laboratory. RESULTS: We found a great variability within the distribution of median nerve branches leading to forearm muscles. Only three limbs (14%) presented the normal standard of innervation described in anatomy treatises. The pronator teres muscle (PTM), flexor carpi radialis (FCR), palmaris longus (PL), and the flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) received exclusive innervation from the median nerve in all forearms. The anterior interosseous nerve (AIN) also originated from the median nerve in all dissected limbs. CONCLUSION: A thorough understanding of the anatomy of the median nerve branches is important for performing surgeries such as: approach to the proximal third of the forearm, alleviation of pronator teres and anterior interosseous nerve compression syndromes, and distal nerve transfers. It also enables a better understanding the recovery of muscle function after a nerve injury. Level of Evidence IV, Case series.

OBJETIVO: Analisar as variações anatômicas dos ramos motores do nervo mediano na região do cotovelo. Avaliamos origem, curso, comprimento, terminações nervosas dos ramos e suas relações com estruturas vizinhas. MÉTODOS: Selecionamos 20 membros de 10 cadáveres adultos dissecados, preparados por injeção intra-arterial com solução de glicerina e formol a 10%. Todos do sexo masculino, pertencentes ao laboratório de anatomia da instituição. RESULTADOS: O primeiro ramo do nervo mediano no antebraço foi o músculo pronador redondo. A distribuição dos ramos do nervo mediano para os músculos do antebraço mostrou grande variabilidade. Apenas 3 membros (14%) apresentaram padrão normal de inervação descrito nos tratados de anatomia. Os músculos pronador redondo, flexor radial do carpo, palmar longo e flexor superficial dos dedos receberam inervação exclusiva do nervo mediano em todos os antebraços. O nervo interósseo anterior originou-se do nervo mediano nos membros dissecados. CONCLUSÃO: Conhecer a anatomia dos ramos motores do nervo mediano é importante para realizar procedimentos cirúrgicos na região como a abordagem do terço proximal do antebraço, por exemplo a liberação das síndromes compressivas do pronador redondo e do nervo interósseo anterior; as transferências nervosas distais; também entender a ordem de recuperação da função muscular após uma lesão nervosa. Nível de Evidência IV, Série de casos.

Tuberculosis associated with diabetes mellitus by age group in Brazil: a retrospective cohort study, 2007-2014.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) has important implications for tuberculosis (TB), as it increases the risk for disease activation and is associated with unfavorable TB treatment outcomes. This study analyzed the association between TB and DM (TBDM) in Brazil from 2007 to 2014. This was a retrospective cohort study carried out in 709,429 new cases of TB reported to the national disease notification system of the Brazilian Ministry of Health. Sociodemographic and clinical data, test results, and treatment outcomes were analyzed. TBDM was found in 6.0% of TB cases, mostly in men aged 18-59 years. The lethality rate was 5.1% higher in all age groups with diabetes, except in those older than 60 years of age. The frequency of multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in patients with DM was higher in those without DM, with a 1.6- to 3.8-fold increase in the odds of MDR-TB. The elderly showed an increase in the prevalence of TBDM from 14.3% to 18.2%. Women were more likely to have DM, and elderly women had 41.0% greater chance of having DM. Relapse was significant among patients younger than 17 years of age. TBDM was high in Brazil, affected all age groups, and was associated with unfavorable TB treatment outcomes. We emphasize the need for strategies for the clinical management of diabetic tuberculosis patients in Brazil aiming at minimizing relapses, deaths, and MDR-TB.

Tuberculosis associated with diabetes mellitus by age group in Brazil: a retrospective cohort study, 2007-2014

ABSTRACT Diabetes mellitus (DM) has important implications for tuberculosis (TB), as it increases the risk for disease activation and is associated with unfavorable TB treatment outcomes. This study analyzed the association between TB and DM (TBDM) in Brazil from 2007 to 2014. This was a retrospective cohort study carried out in 709,429 new cases of TB reported to the national disease notification system of the Brazilian Ministry of Health. Sociodemographic and clinical data, test results, and treatment outcomes were analyzed. TBDM was found in 6.0% of TB cases, mostly in men aged 18-59 years. The lethality rate was 5.1% higher in all age groups with diabetes, except in those older than 60 years of age. The frequency of multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in patients with DM was higher in those without DM, with a 1.6- to 3.8-fold increase in the odds of MDR-TB. The elderly showed an increase in the prevalence of TBDM from 14.3% to 18.2%. Women were more likely to have DM, and elderly women had 41.0% greater chance of having DM. Relapse was significant among patients younger than 17 years of age. TBDM was high in Brazil, affected all age groups, and was associated with unfavorable TB treatment outcomes. We emphasize the need for strategies for the clinical management of diabetic tuberculosis patients in Brazil aiming at minimizing relapses, deaths, and MDR-TB.

[Infectious and parasitic diseases in Brazil, 2010 to 2017: considerations for surveillanceEnfermedades infecciosas y parasitarias en Brasil de 2010 a 2017: aspectos para la vigilancia sanitaria]. / Doenças infecciosas e parasitárias no Brasil de 2010 a 2017: aspectos para vigilância em saúde.

OBJECTIVE: To present a method to identify critical areas for selected infectious and parasitic diseases for the purpose of health surveillance and to analyze the association between these critical areas and poverty indicators in Brazil. METHOD: The following incidence rates were mapped: dengue, acute Chagas disease, schistosomiasis, Hansen's disease, hepatitis A, cutaneous leishmaniasis, visceral leishmaniasis, leptospirosis, malaria, and tuberculosis. The analyses were performed for the period from 2010 to 2017 based on a synthetic indicator calculated as the mean of mean incidence coefficients for each disorder, normalized by the mean and standard deviation during the period of analysis. A 2014 population estimate was used. The calculated coefficients were stratified for classification of municipalities into very high, high, medium, low, or very low criticality according to each disorder. Indicators expressing several socioeconomic dimensions and space segregation in Brazilian municipalities were also selected and tested regarding their association with the transmission of the diseases under study. RESULTS: The indicator showed that 40.5% of Brazilian municipalities had high criticality for the diseases of interest, especially in the North, parts of the Northeast, and Midwest. Indicators "proportion of poverty," "garbage in surroundings," and "families headed by women" increased the chance of higher criticality for the diseases. The indicator "adequate sewer system" was a potential protection factor. CONCLUSIONS: The technique used was adequate to guide surveillance actions in the country and allows articulation between local surveillance efforts and other sectors to resolve health problems caused by infectious and parasitic diseases and associated factors.

OBJETIVO: Presentar un método para identificar áreas críticas relacionadas con ciertas enfermedades infecciosas y parasitarias con fines de vigilancia sanitaria y analizar su asociación con los indicadores de pobreza en Brasil. MÉTODOS: Se cartografiaron las tasas de incidencia de dengue, enfermedad de Chagas aguda, esquistosomiasis, lepra, hepatitis A, leishmaniasis cutánea, leishmaniasis visceral, leptospirosis, malaria y tuberculosis. Se efectuaron análisis para los años 2010 a 2017 a partir de un indicador de síntesis, calculado como el promedio de los coeficientes de incidencia promedio para cada enfermedad, normalizado por la media y la desviación estándar durante el período analizado. La base de población estimada fue la de 2014. Los coeficientes calculados se estratificaron para clasificar los municipios según presentaran una situación crítica muy alta, alta, media, baja o muy baja para cada enfermedad. Se seleccionaron también indicadores de diferentes dimensiones que expresaran las desigualdades socioeconómicas y la segregación espacial en los municipios brasileños, y se evaluó su asociación con las enfermedades estudiadas. RESULTADOS: El indicador demostró que el 40,5% de los municipios brasileños presentan una situación crítica alta, en especial en las regiones Norte y Centro-oeste y parte del Nordeste. Los indicadores "proporción de pobreza", "basura en los alrededores", "aguas servidas en los alrededores" y "familias encabezadas por mujeres" pueden aumentar la posibilidad de que la localidad presente una situación más crítica para las enfermedades. El indicador "red cloacal adecuada" puede considerarse un potencial factor de protección. CONCLUSIONES: La técnica utilizada fue adecuada para orientar las acciones de vigilancia sanitaria en el país y permite la articulación entre la vigilancia local y otros sectores para evitar los problemas de salud causados por las enfermedades infecciosas y parasitarias y los factores relacionados.

Doenças infecciosas e parasitárias no Brasil de 2010 a 2017: aspectos para vigilância em saúde

[RESUMO]. Objetivo. Apresentar um método para identificar áreas críticas relativas a doenças infecciosas e parasitárias selecionadas para fins de vigilância em saúde, analisando a sua associação a indicadores de pobreza no Brasil. Métodos. Foram mapeadas as taxas de incidência de dengue, doença de Chagas aguda, esquistossomose, hanseníase, hepatite A, leishmaniose tegumentar, leishmaniose visceral, leptospirose, malária e tuberculose. Foram realizadas análises para os anos de 2010 a 2017 a partir de um indicador síntese, calculado como a média dos coeficientes médios de incidência para cada agravo normalizada pela média e desvio padrão durante o período analisado. A estimativa da base populacional foi de 2014. Os coeficientes calculados foram estratificados para classificação dos municípios em criticidade muito alta, alta, média, baixa ou muito baixa conforme cada doença. Também foram selecionados indicadores de diferentes dimensões que expressassem desigualdades socioeconômicas e segregação espacial nos municípios brasileiros, sendo testada a sua associação às doenças em estudo. Resultados. O indicador mostrou que 40,5% dos municípios brasileiros apresentam alta criticidade, sobretudo nas regiões Norte, parte do Nordeste e Centro-Oeste. Os indicadores “proporção de pobreza”, “lixo no entorno”, “esgoto no entorno” e “famílias chefiadas por mulheres” podem aumentar a chance de a localidade apresentar maior criticidade para as doenças. O indicador “esgoto adequado” pode ser considerado potencial fator de proteção. Conclusões. A técnica utilizada foi adequada para orientar ações de vigilância no país e permite a articulação entre vigilâncias locais e demais setores para contornar os problemas de saúde causados por doenças infecciosas e parasitárias e fatores relacionados.

[ABSTRACT]. Objective. To present a method to identify critical areas for selected infectious and parasitic diseases for the purpose of health surveillance and to analyze the association between these critical areas and poverty indicators in Brazil. Method. The following incidence rates were mapped: dengue, acute Chagas disease, schistosomiasis, Hansen’s disease, hepatitis A, cutaneous leishmaniasis, visceral leishmaniasis, leptospirosis, malaria, and tuberculosis. The analyses were performed for the period from 2010 to 2017 based on a synthetic indicator calculated as the mean of mean incidence coefficients for each disorder, normalized by the mean and standard deviation during the period of analysis. A 2014 population estimate was used. The calculated coefficients were stratified for classification of municipalities into very high, high, medium, low, or very low criticality according to each disorder. Indicators expressing several socioeconomic dimensions and space segregation in Brazilian municipalities were also selected and tested regarding their association with the transmission of the diseases under study. Results. The indicator showed that 40.5% of Brazilian municipalities had high criticality for the diseases of interest, especially in the North, parts of the Northeast, and Midwest. Indicators “proportion of poverty,” “garbage in surroundings,” and “families headed by women” increased the chance of higher criticality for the diseases. The indicator “adequate sewer system” was a potential protection factor. Conclusions. The technique used was adequate to guide surveillance actions in the country and allows articulation between local surveillance efforts and other sectors to resolve health problems caused by infectious and parasitic diseases and associated factors.

[RESUMEN]. Objetivo. Presentar un método para identificar áreas críticas relacionadas con ciertas enfermedades infecciosas y parasitarias con fines de vigilancia sanitaria y analizar su asociación con los indicadores de pobreza en Brasil. Métodos. Se cartografiaron las tasas de incidencia de dengue, enfermedad de Chagas aguda, esquistosomiasis, lepra, hepatitis A, leishmaniasis cutánea, leishmaniasis visceral, leptospirosis, malaria y tuberculosis. Se efectuaron análisis para los años 2010 a 2017 a partir de un indicador de síntesis, calculado como el promedio de los coeficientes de incidencia promedio para cada enfermedad, normalizado por la media y la desviación estándar durante el período analizado. La base de población estimada fue la de 2014. Los coeficientes calculados se estratificaron para clasificar los municipios según presentaran una situación crítica muy alta, alta, media, baja o muy baja para cada enfermedad. Se seleccionaron también indicadores de diferentes dimensiones que expresaran las desigualdades socioeconómicas y la segregación espacial en los municipios brasileños, y se evaluó su asociación con las enfermedades estudiadas. Resultados. El indicador demostró que el 40,5% de los municipios brasileños presentan una situación crítica alta, en especial en las regiones Norte y Centro-oeste y parte del Nordeste. Los indicadores "proporción de pobreza", "basura en los alrededores", "aguas servidas en los alrededores" y "familias encabezadas por mujeres" pueden aumentar la posibilidad de que la localidad presente una situación más crítica para las enfermedades. El indicador "red cloacal adecuada" puede considerarse un potencial factor de protección. Conclusiones. La técnica utilizada fue adecuada para orientar las acciones de vigilancia sanitaria en el país y permite la articulación entre la vigilancia local y otros sectores para evitar los problemas de salud causados por las enfermedades infecciosas y parasitarias y los factores relacionados.

Doenças infecciosas e parasitárias no Brasil de 2010 a 2017: aspectos para vigilância em saúde / Infectious and parasitic diseases in Brazil, 2010 to 2017: considerations for surveillance / Enfermedades infecciosas y parasitarias en Brasil de 2010 a 2017: aspectos para la vigilancia sanitaria

RESUMO Objetivo. Apresentar um método para identificar áreas críticas relativas a doenças infecciosas e parasitárias selecionadas para fins de vigilância em saúde, analisando a sua associação a indicadores de pobreza no Brasil. Métodos. Foram mapeadas as taxas de incidência de dengue, doença de Chagas aguda, esquistossomose, hanseníase, hepatite A, leishmaniose tegumentar, leishmaniose visceral, leptospirose, malária e tuberculose. Foram realizadas análises para os anos de 2010 a 2017 a partir de um indicador síntese, calculado como a média dos coeficientes médios de incidência para cada agravo normalizada pela média e desvio padrão durante o período analisado. A estimativa da base populacional foi de 2014. Os coeficientes calculados foram estratificados para classificação dos municípios em criticidade muito alta, alta, média, baixa ou muito baixa conforme cada doença. Também foram selecionados indicadores de diferentes dimensões que expressassem desigualdades socioeconômicas e segregação espacial nos municípios brasileiros, sendo testada a sua associação às doenças em estudo. Resultados. O indicador mostrou que 40,5% dos municípios brasileiros apresentam alta criticidade, sobretudo nas regiões Norte, parte do Nordeste e Centro-Oeste. Os indicadores "proporção de pobreza", "lixo no entorno", "esgoto no entorno" e "famílias chefiadas por mulheres" podem aumentar a chance de a localidade apresentar maior criticidade para as doenças. O indicador "esgoto adequado" pode ser considerado potencial fator de proteção. Conclusões. A técnica utilizada foi adequada para orientar ações de vigilância no país e permite a articulação entre vigilâncias locais e demais setores para contornar os problemas de saúde causados por doenças infecciosas e parasitárias e fatores relacionados.(AU)

ABSTRACT Objective. To present a method to identify critical areas for selected infectious and parasitic diseases for the purpose of health surveillance and to analyze the association between these critical areas and poverty indicators in Brazil. Method. The following incidence rates were mapped: dengue, acute Chagas disease, schistosomiasis, Hansen's disease, hepatitis A, cutaneous leishmaniasis, visceral leishmaniasis, leptospirosis, malaria, and tuberculosis. The analyses were performed for the period from 2010 to 2017 based on a synthetic indicator calculated as the mean of mean incidence coefficients for each disorder, normalized by the mean and standard deviation during the period of analysis. A 2014 population estimate was used. The calculated coefficients were stratified for classification of municipalities into very high, high, medium, low, or very low criticality according to each disorder. Indicators expressing several socioeconomic dimensions and space segregation in Brazilian municipalities were also selected and tested regarding their association with the transmission of the diseases under study. Results. The indicator showed that 40.5% of Brazilian municipalities had high criticality for the diseases of interest, especially in the North, parts of the Northeast, and Midwest. Indicators "proportion of poverty," "garbage in surroundings," and "families headed by women" increased the chance of higher criticality for the diseases. The indicator "adequate sewer system" was a potential protection factor. Conclusions. The technique used was adequate to guide surveillance actions in the country and allows articulation between local surveillance efforts and other sectors to resolve health problems caused by infectious and parasitic diseases and associated factors.(AU)

RESUMEN Objetivo. Presentar un método para identificar áreas críticas relacionadas con ciertas enfermedades infecciosas y parasitarias con fines de vigilancia sanitaria y analizar su asociación con los indicadores de pobreza en Brasil. Métodos. Se cartografiaron las tasas de incidencia de dengue, enfermedad de Chagas aguda, esquistosomiasis, lepra, hepatitis A, leishmaniasis cutánea, leishmaniasis visceral, leptospirosis, malaria y tuberculosis. Se efectuaron análisis para los años 2010 a 2017 a partir de un indicador de síntesis, calculado como el promedio de los coeficientes de incidencia promedio para cada enfermedad, normalizado por la media y la desviación estándar durante el período analizado. La base de población estimada fue la de 2014. Los coeficientes calculados se estratificaron para clasificar los municipios según presentaran una situación crítica muy alta, alta, media, baja o muy baja para cada enfermedad. Se seleccionaron también indicadores de diferentes dimensiones que expresaran las desigualdades socioeconómicas y la segregación espacial en los municipios brasileños, y se evaluó su asociación con las enfermedades estudiadas. Resultados. El indicador demostró que el 40,5% de los municipios brasileños presentan una situación crítica alta, en especial en las regiones Norte y Centro-oeste y parte del Nordeste. Los indicadores "proporción de pobreza", "basura en los alrededores", "aguas servidas en los alrededores" y "familias encabezadas por mujeres" pueden aumentar la posibilidad de que la localidad presente una situación más crítica para las enfermedades. El indicador "red cloacal adecuada" puede considerarse un potencial factor de protección. Conclusiones. La técnica utilizada fue adecuada para orientar las acciones de vigilancia sanitaria en el país y permite la articulación entre la vigilancia local y otros sectores para evitar los problemas de salud causados por las enfermedades infecciosas y parasitarias y los factores relacionados.(AU)