Epidemiological characterisation of asymptomatic carriers of COVID-19 in Colombia: a cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Asymptomatic carriers (AC) of the new SARS-CoV-2 represent an important source of spread for COVID-19. Early diagnosis of these cases is a powerful tool to control the pandemic. Our objective was to characterise patients with AC status and identify associated sociodemographic factors. METHODS: Using a cross-sectional design and the national database of daily occurrence of COVID-19, we characterised both socially and demographically all ACs. Additional correspondence analysis and logistic regression model were performed to identify characteristics associated with AC state (OR, 95% CI). RESULTS: 76.162 ACs (12.1%; 95% CI 12.0% to 12.2%) were identified, mainly before epidemiological week 35. Age≤26 years (1.18; 1.09 to 1.28), male sex (1.51; 1.40 to 1.62), cases imported from Venezuela, Argentina, Brazil, Germany, Puerto Rico, Spain, USA or Mexico (12.6; 3.03 to 52.5) and autochthonous cases (22.6; 5.62 to 91.4) increased the risk of identifying ACs. We also identified groups of departments with moderate (1.23; 1.13 to 1.34) and strong (19.8; 18.6 to 21.0) association with ACs. CONCLUSION: Sociodemographic characteristics strongly associated with AC were identified, which may explain its epidemiological relevance and usefulness to optimise mass screening strategies and prevent person-to-person transmission.

Effects on Humidification and Ventilatory Parameters of Three Single-limb Heated-wired Circuits for Non-invasive Ventilation: A Bench Study / Efectos sobre la humidificación y los parámetros de ventilación de 3 circuitos de ramal único con cable calefactado para la ventilación mecánica no invasiva: estudio experimental

Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of three single-limb heated wired circuits (SLHWC) for NIV, on ventilatory parameters and humidification performance in a simulation lung model. Methods: Three SLHWC compatible with the MR-850 Heated Humidifier (HH) (Fisher & Paykel, Auckland, New Zealand) were tested: RT-319 (FP) (Fisher & Paykel, Auckland, New Zealand), Respironics 1045770 (RP) (DEAS, Castel Bolognese, Italy) and Intersurgical B/SYS 5809001 (IT) (Intersurgical, Wokingham, UK). A Bipap Vision ventilator (Philips Respironics, Murrysville, PA, USA) in pressure control ventilation (PCV) connected to a test lung was used for simulation. Each SHWC performance was evaluated in four ventilatory conditions: IPAP of 15 cm H2O with FiO2 0.3 and 1, respectively; and, IPAP of 25 cm H2O with FiO2 0.3 and 1, respectively. EPAP was set at 5 cm H2O. Hygrometric and ventilatory measurements including: relative humidity (RH), temperature (T), Pplat, PIP, PEEP, peak inspiratory flow (PIF), and tidal volume (Vt) were measured. Results: In each FiO2 group absolute humidity (AH) was similar with FP regardless of the IPAP level employed compared to IT and RP (P<.001). Except for RP at FiO2 0.3, AH increased significantly in IT and RP groups as IPAP increased (P < .001). PIP, Pplat, PEEP, PIF, and Vt values were significantly higher with FP and RP in each FiO2 group compared to IT (P < .001). Conclusions: Humidification performance varied significantly among the three circuits, being FP the only one able to maintain stable AH values during the study with no influence on ventilatory parameters

Introducción: El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar los efectos de 3 circuitos de ramal único (SLHWC) para la ventilación mecánica no invasiva (VNI) en los parámetros de ventilación y la humidificación en un modelo de simulación pulmonar. Métodos: Se evaluaron 3 SLHWC compatibles con el humidificador calefactado MR-850 (HH) (Fisher & Paykel, Auckland, Nueva Zelanda): RT-319 (FP) (Fisher & Paykel, Auckland, Nueva Zelanda), Respironics 1045770 (RP) (DEAS, Castel Bolognese, Italia) y Intersurgical B/SYS 5809001 (IT) (Intersurgical, Wokingham, Reino Unido). Para la simulación se empleó un ventilador Bipap Vision (Philips Respironics, Murrysville, PA, EE. UU.) con ventilación controlada por presión (PCV) conectado a un simulador pulmonar. El rendimiento de cada SHWC se evaluó en 4 condiciones ventilatorias: IPAP de 15 cm H2O con FiO2 igual a 0,3 o igual a 1; IPAP de 25 cm H2O con FiO2 igual a 0,3 o igual a 1. La EPAP se estableció en 5 cm H2O. Las medidas ventilatorias e higrométricas incluyeron: humedad relativa (HR) humedad absoluta (AH), temperature (T), Pplat, PIP, PEEP, pico de flujo inspiratorio (PIF) y volumen tidal (Vt). Resultados: Para cada grupo de FiO2 FP detectó valores similares de humedad absoluta (HA) en comparación con IT y RP (p<0,001), independientemente del nivel IPAP utilizado. Se registró un incremento significativo de la HA en todos los grupos medidos con IT y RP conforme aumentaron los valores de IPAP (p<0,001), excepto en el grupo de FiO2, igual a 0,3 medido con RP. Los valores de PIP, Pplat, PEEP, PIF y Vt resultaron significativamente más elevados con FP y RP en cada grupo FiO2 en comparación con IT (p < 0 ,001). Conclusiones: La evaluación de la humidificación varió significativamente entre los 3 circuitos, siendo FP el único capaz de mantener estables los valores de HA durante el estudio sin influencia alguna de los parámetros ventilatorios

Effects on Humidification and Ventilatory Parameters of Three Single-limb Heated-wired Circuits for Non-invasive Ventilation: A Bench Study.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of three single-limb heated wired circuits (SLHWC) for NIV, on ventilatory parameters and humidification performance in a simulation lung model. METHODS: Three SLHWC compatible with the MR-850 Heated Humidifier (HH) (Fisher & Paykel, Auckland, New Zealand) were tested: RT-319 (FP) (Fisher & Paykel, Auckland, New Zealand), Respironics 1045770 (RP) (DEAS, Castel Bolognese, Italy) and Intersurgical B/SYS 5809001 (IT) (Intersurgical, Wokingham, UK). A Bipap Vision ventilator (Philips Respironics, Murrysville, PA, USA) in pressure control ventilation (PCV) connected to a test lung was used for simulation. Each SHWC performance was evaluated in four ventilatory conditions: IPAP of 15cmH2O with FiO2 0.3 and 1, respectively; and, IPAP of 25cmH2O with FiO2 0.3 and 1, respectively. EPAP was set at 5cmH2O. Hygrometric and ventilatory measurements including: relative humidity (RH), temperature (T), Pplat, PIP, PEEP, peak inspiratory flow (PIF), and tidal volume (Vt) were measured. RESULTS: In each FiO2 group absolute humidity (AH) was similar with FP regardless of the IPAP level employed compared to IT and RP (P<.001). Except for RP at FiO2 0.3, AH increased significantly in IT and RP groups as IPAP increased (P<.001). PIP, Pplat, PEEP, PIF, and Vt values were significantly higher with FP and RP in each FiO2 group compared to IT (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Humidification performance varied significantly among the three circuits, being FP the only one able to maintain stable AH values during the study with no influence on ventilatory parameters.

Paradoxical Embolism due to Persistent Foramen Ovale; a Case Report.

The mean percentage of cryptogenic strokes among ischemic strokes is 31%, of which one-third may be associated with patent foramen ovale. The foramen ovale is required for blood flow through the fetal atrial septum. It is formed as of the fourth week of gestation, and this leads to right-left interatrial shunt that allows the passage of oxygenated blood to systemic circulation. In 75% of cases, its closure is complete by 2 years of age, but it may persist in 25% of patients. We present the case of a patient with paradoxical embolism in the lower extremities and ischemic stroke in the clinical context of a patent foramen ovale.

Gastric Perforation and Phlegmon Formation by Foreign BodyIngestion.

This is a case report of foreign body ingestion in a suicide attempt resulting in gastric perforation and phlegmon formation during a subsequent 6 month period that eventually required surgical intervention. The patient had a prolonged course because she did not report a history of foreign body ingestion and the initial evaluating physicians had no suspicion about possible foreign body ingestion and may have missed important findings on physical examination. Gastric perforation by a foreign object may have a slow course rather than presenting acute abdomen. The realization of a proper physical examination in the emergency department is key to an accurate diagnosis.

Encefalitis rábica humana secundaria a mordedura por gato infectado por un virus rábico de origen silvestre / Encephalitis Due to Rabies Secondary to the Bite of a Cat Infected With a Rabies Virus of Silvester Origen

La rabia es una enfermedad viral zoonótica, producida por un virus del genero Lyssavirus de la Familia Rhabdoviridae, cuya principal fuente de transmisión es la mordedura de animales a humanos. Es una enfermedad fatal y se han descrito casos por ciclos urbanos y rurales. El caso que reportamos es el de una joven de 22 años, quien ingresa por un cuadro de dolor de características neuropáticas en el miembro superior derecho, con antecedente de mordedura por un gato de varios meses atrás, hospitalizada por el servicio de Neurología por sospecha de lesión de plejo braquial, con resonancia de columna cervical y líquido cefalorraquídeo (LCR) normales, quien posteriormente presenta deterioro clínico tórpido a un proceso encefalopático que en pocos días la llevó a la muerte. Se confirmó que la paciente presentó una encefalitis por un virus de rabia. Expondremos cómo fue el manejo de la paciente y todos los nexos epidemiológicos.

Rabies is a zoonotic viral disease, caused by a virus of the genus Lyssavirus of the Rhabdoviridae family. Its main source is transmission from animals to humans bite. The disease is fatal and has been reported to occur in rural and urban cycles. This reported case is a 22-year old, who was admitted with symptoms of neuropathic pain in the right arm, with a history of being bitten by a cat a few months earlier. The patient was hospitalized in the Neurology Department for suspected brachial plexopathy, and normal spinal MRI and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were found. The patient subsequently presented encephalopathic decline that resulted in death within a few days. It was confirmed that the patient had encephalitis due to the rabies virus. We present the management of the patient and all epidemiological links.

Accidente lonómico / Lonomiasis

Se trata de un caso clínico de un adolescente masculino de 15 años de edad remitido del municipio de Arauca, Arauca Colombia por un cuadro clínico de hematuria macroscópica, equimosis y gingivorragia con antecedente de contacto previo con orugas de la familia Saturniidae. Presentaba prolongación de los tiempos de coagulación y disminución del fibrinógeno. El diagnóstico fue establecido por la anamnesis, las manifestaciones clínicas y los reportes de laboratorio. Las medidas terapéuticas tuvieron éxito. Las características fisiopatológicas y clínicas del accidente lonómico serán revisadas.

This is a case report of a 15 years old male teenager referred from the municipality of Arauca, Arauca Colombia by a clinical picture of macroscopic hematuria, bruising and gingivorrhagia with a history of previous contact with caterpillars of the family saturniidae. clotting times were prolonged and fibrinogen was decreased. The diagnosis was established by history, clinical manifestations and laboratory reports. Therapeutic measures were successful. Pathophysiological and clinical characteristics of the lonimia accident have been reviewed.

Active humidification with Boussignac CPAP: in vitro study of a new method.

OBJECTIVE: To carry out an in vitro study of Boussignac CPAP valve performance with a new humidification method, using a heated humidifier. METHODS: Two heated humidifiers were evaluated: Fisher & Paykel MR850, and Covidien Kendall Aerodyne 2000. Baseline measurements were taken in all experimental conditions without humidification. The Boussignac valve was adapted to the input of the humidification chamber. The system was connected to a test lung to assess the degree of pressurization. Hygrometric and pressure measurements were performed with the following gas flows: 10, 20, 30 and 40 L/min. RESULTS: The mean values of pressure generated by the Boussignac valve were 1.99 ± 0.02, 6.97 ± 0.05, 16.61 ± 0.08 and 21.24 ± 0.08 cm H2O, 10, 20, 30 and 40 L/min, respectively, no differences being detected between study groups. Overall absolute humidity was significantly greater with a heated humidifier than without humidification (range 40.01 ± 0.57-25.46 ± 0.49 compared to 0.16 ± 0.13 mgH2O/L, P < .001). Absolute humidity was significantly higher in Kendall Aerodyne 2000 compared to MR850, regardless of the selected temperature and flow (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: This new method of Boussignac CPAP humidification yielded humidity values above 25 mg H2O/L regardless of the heated humidifier and flow used. Pressurization values remained constant in each experimental situation and were not influenced by adding humidification. These data open up the possibility of using Boussignac CPAP on different types of patients, with different interfaces and for long periods of time.

Medidas generales en el servicio de urgencias para el paciente pediátrico intoxicado / General Measures in the Emergency Department for Pediatric Patients Poisoned

Introducción: La exposición a sustancias tóxicas es frecuente en pediatría. En Colombia, entre 2006 y 2008 se presentaron 40061 casos de intoxicaciones, de las cuales 19 723 correspondieron a menores de 14 años de edad. En 2009 se presentaron187 muertes, lo que corresponde a una tasa de mortalidad de 0,6 casos por cada 100 000 habitantes y una tasa de letalidad de 9,48 por cada 100 000 casos de pacientes intoxicados.Objetivo: Evaluar en la literatura el papel de las medidas generales como tratamiento en el paciente pediátrico intoxicado y determinar cuáles han demostrado ser seguras y eficaces.Método: Selección de artículos (búsqueda en inglés y español en Medline, PubMed, Academic Search Complete, Science Direct y SciELO) y extracción de datos, según la aplicación de las medidas generales en el manejo de los pacientes intoxicados en el servicio de urgencias.Conclusiones: Es importante conocer el mecanismo de acción de las técnicaspara disminuir la absorción o aumentar la eliminación de sustancias tóxicas y las indicaciones y contraindicaciones para su aplicación, y brindar un adecuado y efectivo tratamiento en los servicios de urgencias...

Introduction: Exposure to toxic substances is common in pediatrics. In Colombia in between the 2006 and 2008 there were 40 061 cases ofpoisoning, of which 19 723 were in younger than 14 years old. In 2009 there were a total of 187 deaths which corresponds to a mortality rate of0.6 cases per 100000 inhabitants, and a fatality rate of 9.48 per 100 000 cases of poisoned patients. Objective: Evaluate in the literature the role ofgeneral measures for treatment in pediatric patients intoxicated and determine which are the measures that have proven safe and effective. Method: Selection articles (in English and Spanish, from Medline, PubMed, Academic Search Complete, Science Direct, and SciELO) and data extraction (focused on the implementation of general measures in the management of poisoned patients in the emergency department). Conclusions: Knowledge of the mechanism of action of different techniques to decrease absorptionor enhance elimination of toxic substances, the indications and contraindications for use are important to provide adequate and effectivetreatment in the emergency department...