Impacto de la edad, las comorbilidades y las complicaciones en pacientes con COVID-19 con síndrome de dificultad respiratoria aguda en la ventilación mecánica invasiva. Estudio multicéntrico observacional / Impact of Age, Comorbidities and Complications in COVID-19 Patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome on Invasive Mechanical Ventilation. An Observational Multicenter Study

Objetivos: Millones de pacientes con COVID-19 fueron internados en terapia intensiva en el mundo, la mitad desarrollaron síndrome de dificultad respiratoria aguda (SDRA) y recibieron ventilación mecánica invasiva (VMI), con una mortalidad del 50%. Analiza-mos cómo edad, comorbilidades y complicaciones, en pacientes con COVID-19 y SDRA que recibieron VMI, se asociaron con el riesgo de morir durante su hospitalización.Métodos: Estudio de cohorte observacional, retrospectivo y multicéntrico realizado en 5 hospitales (tres privados y dos públicos universitarios) de Argentina y Chile, durante el segundo semestre de 2020.Se incluyeron pacientes >18 años con infección por SARS-CoV-2 confirmada RT-PCR, que desarrollaron SDRA y fueron asistidos con VMI durante >48 horas, durante el se-gundo semestre de 2020. Se analizaron los antecedentes, las comorbilidades más fre-cuentes (obesidad, diabetes e hipertensión), y las complicaciones shock, insuficiencia renal aguda (IRA) y neumonía asociada a la ventilación mecánica (NAV), por un lado, y las alteraciones de parámetros clínicos y de laboratorio registrados.Resultados: El 69% era varón. La incidencia de comorbilidades difirió para los diferentes grupos de edad. La mortalidad aumentó significativamente con la edad (p<0,00001). Las comorbilidades, hipertensión y diabetes, y las complicaciones de IRA y shock se asociaron significativamente con la mortalidad. En el análisis multivariado, sólo la edad mayor de 60 años, la IRA y el shock permanecieron asociados con la mortalidad. Conclusiones: El SDRA en COVID-19 es más común entre los mayores. Solo la edad >60 años, el shock y la IRA se asociaron a la mortalidad en el análisis multivariado.

Objectives: Millions of patients with COVID-19 were admitted to intensive care world-wide, half developed acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and received invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), with a mortality of 50%. We analyzed how age, comor-bidities and complications in patients with COVID-19 and ARDS who received IMV were associated with the risk of dying during their hospitalization.Methods: Observational, retrospective and multicenter cohort study carried out in 5 hospitals (three private and two public university hospitals) in Argentina and Chile, during the second half of 2020.Patients >18 years of age with SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed by RT-PCR, who devel-oped ARDS and were assisted with IMV for >48 hours, during the second half of 2020, were included. History, the most frequent comorbidities (obesity, diabetes and hyper-tension) and the complications of shock, acute renal failure (AKI) and pneumonia as-sociated with mechanical ventilation (VAP), on the one hand, and the alterations of re-corded clinical and laboratory parameters, were analyzed.Results: 69% were men. The incidence of comorbidities differed for different age groups. Mortality increased significantly with age (p<0.00001). Comorbidities, hyper-tension and diabetes, and complications of ARF and shock were significantly associat-ed with mortality. In the multivariate analysis, only age over 60 years, ARF and shock remained associated with mortality.Conclusions: ARDS in COVID-19 is more common among the elderly. Only age >60 years, shock and ARF were associated with mortality in the multivariate analysis

Understanding the Burden of Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Older Adults in Latin America: An Expert Perspective on Knowledge Gaps.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a significant global health concern and major cause of hospitalization, particularly among infants and older adults. The clinical impact of RSV is well characterized in infants; however, in many countries, the burden and risk of RSV in older populations are overlooked. In Latin America, there are limited data on RSV epidemiology and disease management in older adults. Therefore, the impact of RSV in this region needs to be addressed. Here, current insights on RSV infections in older populations in Latin America, including those with underlying health conditions, are discussed. We also outline the key challenges limiting our understanding of the burden of RSV in Latin America in a worldwide context and propose an expert consensus to improve our understanding of the burden of RSV in the region. By so doing, we aim to ultimately improve disease management and outcomes of those at risk and to alleviate the impact on healthcare systems.A graphical plain language summary is available with this article.

Evaluación e impacto de la educación de la técnica inhalatoria en pacientes adultos que usan inhalador de dosis medida / Evaluation and Impact of Education on the Inhalation Technique in Adults who Use a Metered Dose Inhaler

Introducción: los inhaladores de dosis medida (MDI) ocupan un lugar fundamental en el tratamiento de las enfermedades obstructivas. Sin embargo, existe evidencia de su in-correcta utilización y, por consiguiente, limitados beneficios. El objetivo de este traba-jo es evaluar el uso de los MDI y conocer el impacto que tiene la educación en la técnica inhalatoria. Método: estudio prospectivo, antes-después realizado en pacientes hos-pitalizados y ambulatorios. Se registraron datos demográficos y sobre el uso del MDI. Posteriormente, se pidió al paciente que realizara dos inhalaciones con su MDI y aero-cámara, se otorgó un puntaje según la escala ESTI y se educó en forma oral, visual y con folleto explicativo. Los pacientes fueron reevaluados antes de cumplir un mes de la primera evaluación. Resultados: se incluyeron 119 pacientes, 53,8% masculinos, con edad media de 60,6 (± 16) años. El 60,5% utilizaba aerocámara siempre y el 19,3% casi siempre. El 65% tenía la percepción de que su técnica inhalatoria era buena o muy bue-na. El 32% no sabía identificar su inhalador de rescate. El puntaje en la escala ESTI ba-sal fue de 6,8 (± 2,3) ptos. el que mejoró en la reevaluación, 8,7 (± 1,5) ptos.; p<0,0001. La técnica inhalatoria calificada de muy buena o buena mejoró de un 24,4% a un 63%; p<0.0001. Conclusión: nuestros resultados muestran que la técnica de inhalación con MDI es deficiente y una educación activa evidencia un impacto significativo en el co-rrecto uso de estos dispositivos. (AU)

Introduction: metered dose inhalers (MDI) are fundamental in treating obstructive dis-eases. However, there is evidence of its incorrect use and therefore limited benefits. This work aims to evaluate the use of MDIs and to know the impact of education on the cor-rect inhalation technique. Method: prospective, before-after study, carried out in hospitalized and outpatients. Demographic data and data on the use of the MDI are re-corded. Subsequently, the patient was asked to take 2 inhalations with his MDI and valved-holding chamber, a score was given according to the ESTI score and he was ed-ucated orally, visually, and with an explanatory brochure. The patients were reassessed within 1 month of the first evaluation. Results: 119 patients were included, 53.8% male, with a mean age of 60.6 (±16) years. 60.5% always used an aero chamber and 19.3% almost always. 65% had the perception that their inhalation technique was good or very good. 32% did not know how to identify their rescue inhaler. The score on the base-line ESTI scale was 6.8 (± 2.3) points, which improved in the reassessment, 8.7 (± 1.5) points; p<0.0001. The inhalation technique rated as very good or good improved from 24.4% to 63%; p<0.0001. Conclusion: our results show that the inhalation technique with MDI is deficient and active education demonstrates a significant impact on the cor-rect use of these devices. (AU)

Treatment of Community-Acquired Pneumonia in Immunocompromised Adults: A Consensus Statement Regarding Initial Strategies.

BACKGROUND: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) guidelines have improved the treatment and outcomes of patients with CAP, primarily by standardization of initial empirical therapy. But current society-published guidelines exclude immunocompromised patients. RESEARCH QUESTION: There is no consensus regarding the initial treatment of immunocompromised patients with suspected CAP. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This consensus document was created by a multidisciplinary panel of 45 physicians with experience in the treatment of CAP in immunocompromised patients. The Delphi survey methodology was used to reach consensus. RESULTS: The panel focused on 21 questions addressing initial management strategies. The panel achieved consensus in defining the population, site of care, likely pathogens, microbiologic workup, general principles of empirical therapy, and empirical therapy for specific pathogens. INTERPRETATION: This document offers general suggestions for the initial treatment of the immunocompromised patient who arrives at the hospital with pneumonia.

Prognostic Value of Frequent Exacerbations in Bronchiectasis: The Relationship With Disease Severity / Valor pronóstico de las exacerbaciones en las bronquiectasias: relación con la gravedad de la enfermedad

Introduction: Bronchiectasis is a very heterogeneous disease but some homogeneous groups with similar clinical characteristics and prognosis have been identified. Exacerbations have been shown to have a negative impact on the natural history of bronchiectasis. The objective of this study was to identify the definition and characteristics of the "frequent exacerbator patient" with the best prognostic value and its relationship with the severity of bronchiectasis.Methods : A historical cohort of 651 patients diagnosed with bronchiectasis was included. They had all received 5 years of follow-up since their radiological diagnosis. Exacerbation was defined as a worsening of the symptoms derived from bronchiectasis that required antibiotic treatment. The main outcome was all-cause mortality at the end of follow-up. Results: The mean age was 48.2 (16) years (32.9% males). 39.8% had chronic infection by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Mean BSI, FACED, and E-FACED were 7 (4.12), 2.36 (1.68), and 2.89 (2.03), respectively. There were 95 deaths during follow-up. The definition of the "frequent exacerbator patient" that presented the greatest predictive power for mortality was based on at least two exacerbations/year or one hospitalization/year (23.3% of patients; AUC-ROC: 0.75 [95% CI: 0.69-0.81]). Its predictive power was independent of the patient's initial severity. The clinical characteristics of the frequent exacerbator patient according to this definition varied according to the initial severity of bronchiectasis, presence of systemic inflammation, and treatment. Conclusions: The combination of two exacerbations or one hospitalization per year is the definition of frequent exacerbator patient that has the best predictive value of mortality independent of the initial severi

Las bronquiectasias son una enfermedad muy heterogénea en la que se han identificado algunos grupos homogéneos con características clínicas y pronóstico similares. El objetivo de este estudio fue establecer la definición y características del "paciente exacerbador frecuente" que presenta mejor valor pronóstico y su relación con la gravedad de las bronquiectasias. Métodos: Se analizó una cohorte histórica de 651 pacientes diagnosticados de bronquiectasias. Se siguió a todos ellos durante cinco años desde su diagnóstico radiológico. La exacerbación se definió como un empeoramiento de los síntomas de las bronquiectasias para el que se requiera tratamiento antibiótico. El principal resultado analizado fue la mortalidad por todas las causas al final del seguimiento. Resultados: La edad media fue 48,2 (16) años (39,2% de hombres). El 38,9% tuvo infección por Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Los valores medios de BSI, FACED y E-FACED fueron 7 (4,12), 2,36 (1,68) y 2,89 (2,03), respectivamente. Hubo 96 muertes durante el seguimiento. La definición de "paciente exacerbador frecuente" que presentó el mayor valor predictivo para la mortalidad incluía la aparición de al menos dos exacerbaciones/año o un ingreso hospitalario/año (23.3% de los pacientes; AUC-ROC:0.75 [IC 95%: 0.69-0.81]). Su valor predictivo fue independiente de la gravedad inicial del paciente. Las características clínicas del "paciente exacerbador frecuente", de acuerdo con esta definición, variaron según la gravedad inicial de la bronquiectasia, la presencia de inflamación sistémica y el tratamiento. Conclusiones: La combinación de dos exacerbaciones o un ingreso hospitalario al año constituye la mejor definición de "paciente exacerbador frecuente" con mayor valor predictivo para la mortalidad, independientemente de la gravedad inicial de las bronquiectasias

Prognostic Value of Frequent Exacerbations in Bronchiectasis: The Relationship With Disease Severity.

INTRODUCTION: Bronchiectasis is a very heterogeneous disease but some homogeneous groups with similar clinical characteristics and prognosis have been identified. Exacerbations have been shown to have a negative impact on the natural history of bronchiectasis. The objective of this study was to identify the definition and characteristics of the "frequent exacerbator patient" with the best prognostic value and its relationship with the severity of bronchiectasis. METHODS: A historical cohort of 651 patients diagnosed with bronchiectasis was included. They had all received 5 years of follow-up since their radiological diagnosis. Exacerbation was defined as a worsening of the symptoms derived from bronchiectasis that required antibiotic treatment. The main outcome was all-cause mortality at the end of follow-up. RESULTS: The mean age was 48.2 (16) years (32.9% males). 39.8% had chronic infection by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Mean BSI, FACED, and E-FACED were 7 (4.12), 2.36 (1.68), and 2.89 (2.03), respectively. There were 95 deaths during follow-up. The definition of the "frequent exacerbator patient" that presented the greatest predictive power for mortality was based on at least two exacerbations/year or one hospitalization/year (23.3% of patients; AUC-ROC: 0.75 [95% CI: 0.69-0.81]). Its predictive power was independent of the patient's initial severity. The clinical characteristics of the frequent exacerbator patient according to this definition varied according to the initial severity of bronchiectasis, presence of systemic inflammation, and treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of two exacerbations or one hospitalization per year is the definition of frequent exacerbator patient that has the best predictive value of mortality independent of the initial severity of bronchiectasis.

The annual prognostic ability of FACED and E-FACED scores to predict mortality in patients with bronchiectasis.

Both FACED and E-FACED scores have shown good short-term prognostic value for predicting mortality in bronchiectasis http://ow.ly/albl30i11bv.

Latin America validation of FACED score in patients with bronchiectasis: an analysis of six cohorts.

BACKGROUND: The FACED score is an easy-to-use multidimensional grading system that has demonstrated an excellent prognostic value for mortality in patients with bronchiectasis. A Spanish group developed the score but no multicenter international validation has yet been published. METHODS: Retrospective and multicenter study conducted in six historical cohorts of patients from Latin America including 651 patients with bronchiectasis. Clinical, microbiological, functional, and radiological variables were collected, following the same criteria used in the original FACED score study. The vital status of all patients was determined in the fifth year of follow-up. The area under ROC curve (AUC-ROC) was used to calculate the predictive power of the FACED score for all-cause and respiratory deaths and both number and severity of exacerbations. The discriminatory power to divide patients into three groups of increasing severity was also analyzed. RESULTS: Mean (SD) age of 48.2 (16), 32.9% of males. The mean FACED score was 2.35 (1.68). During the follow up, 95 patients (14.6%) died (66% from respiratory causes). The AUC ROC to predict all-cause and respiratory mortality were 0.81 (95% CI: 0.77 to 0.85) 0.84 (95% CI: 0.80 to 0.88) respectively, and 0.82 (95% CI: 078-0.87) for at least one hospitalization per year. The division into three score groups separated bronchiectasis into distinct mortality groups (mild: 3.7%; moderate: 20.7% and severe: 48.5% mortality; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The FACED score was confirmed as an excellent predictor of all-cause and respiratory mortality and severe exacerbations, as well as having excellent discriminative capacity for different degrees of severity in various bronchiectasis populations.

Risk Factors for Drug-Resistant Cap in Immunocompetent Patients.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The increase in drug-resistant community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is an important problem all over the world. This article explores the current state of antimicrobial resistance of different bacteria that cause CAP and also assesses risk factors to identify those pathogens. RECENT FINDINGS: In the last two decades, it has been documented that there is a significant increase in drug-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae and other bacteria causing CAP. The most important risk factors are overuse of antibiotics, prior hospitalization, and lung comorbidities. The direct consequences can be severe, including prolonged stays in hospital, increased costs, and morbi-mortality. However, drug-resistant CAP declined after the introduction of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. This review found an increase in resistance to the antibiotics used in CAP, and the risk factor can be used for identifying patients with drug-resistant CAP and initiate appropriate treatment. Judicious use of antibiotics and the development of effective new vaccines are needed.

Optimizando el acceso oportuno al test de ELISA para el diagnóstico del VIH: Recomendaciones desde los usuarios y profesionales de la Atención Primaria de Salud / Recommendations of health care users and professionals to achieve a timely access to HIV diagnosis

Background: Early HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) diagnosis optimizes therapies aimed at reducing viral load, increasing survival, lowering health costs and reducing the number of people infected with the virus. In Chile, despite widespread and readily available HIV testing, infected people continue to get tested in a late fashion and are usually diagnosed in advanced stages of the disease. Aim: To determine the elements that facilitate or impede a timely HIV testing and to evaluate how to improve the access to HIV testing. Material and Methods: Descriptive, in-depth interviews to 30 participants with unknown serology, 15 participants diagnosed at AIDS stage and 15 health care professionals working at a primary healthcare settings. Results: Users and professionals formulated three suggestions to improve timely access to ELISA test for HIV diagnosis. Namely, to inform users and professionals about the characteristics of the disease and diagnostic test, to offer fast and easy access to HIV testing, and to train the whole healthcare team about obtaining informed consent for testing. Conclusions: These recommendations should be implemented at healthcare centers to attain a timely HIV diagnosis.

[Recommendations of health care users and professionals to achieve a timely access to HIV diagnosis]. / Optimizando el acceso oportuno al test de ELISA para el diagnóstico del VIH: Recomendaciones desde los usuarios y profesionales de la Atención Primaria de Salud.

BACKGROUND: Early HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) diagnosis optimizes therapies aimed at reducing viral load, increasing survival, lowering health costs and reducing the number of people infected with the virus. In Chile, despite widespread and readily available HIV testing, infected people continue to get tested in a late fashion and are usually diagnosed in advanced stages of the disease. AIM: To determine the elements that facilitate or impede a timely HIV testing and to evaluate how to improve the access to HIV testing. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Descriptive, in-depth interviews to 30 participants with unknown serology, 15 participants diagnosed at AIDS stage and 15 health care professionals working at a primary healthcare settings. RESULTS: Users and professionals formulated three suggestions to improve timely access to ELISA test for HIV diagnosis. Namely, to inform users and professionals about the characteristics of the disease and diagnostic test, to offer fast and easy access to HIV testing, and to train the whole healthcare team about obtaining informed consent for testing. CONCLUSIONS: These recommendations should be implemented at healthcare centers to attain a timely HIV diagnosis.

Importance of Legionella pneumophila in the etiology of severe community-acquired pneumonia in Santiago, Chile.

BACKGROUND: In US and European literature, Legionella pneumophila is reported as an important etiologic agent of severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), but in Chile this information is lacking. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and identify predictors of severe CAP caused by L pneumophila in Santiago, Chile. METHODS: A multicenter, prospective clinical study lasting 18 months was conducted; it included all adult patients with severe CAP admitted to the ICUs of four hospitals in Santiago. We excluded patients who were immunocompromised, had been hospitalized in the previous 4 weeks, or presented with another disease during their hospitalization. All data for the diagnosis of severe CAP were registered, and urinary antigens for L pneumophila serogroup 1 were determined. RESULTS: A total of 104 patients with severe CAP were included (mean ± SD age, 58.3 ± 19.3 years; men, 64.4%; APACHE (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation) II score, 16.7 ± 6.3; Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment score, 6.1 ± 3.2; Pitt Bacteremia Score, 3.4 ± 2.5; Pao2/Fio2, 170.8 ± 87.1). An etiologic agent was identified in 62 patients (59.6%), with the most frequent being Streptococcus pneumoniae (27 patients [26%]) and L pneumophila (nine patients [8.6%]). Logistic regression analysis showed that a plasma sodium level of ≤ 130 mEq/L was an independent predictor for L pneumophila severe CAP (OR, 11.3; 95% CI, 2.5-50.5; P = .002). Global mortality was 26% and 33% for L pneumophila. The Pitt bacteremia score and pneumonia score index were the best predictors of mortality. CONCLUSIONS: We found that in Santiago, L pneumophila was second to S pneumoniae as the etiologic agent of severe CAP. Severe hyponatremia at admission appears to be an indicator for L pneumophila etiology in severe CAP.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with 2009 influenza A(H1N1) virus infection with respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of critically ill patients with 2009 influenza A(H1N1). METHODS: An observational study of patients with confirmed or probable 2009 influenza A(H1N1) and respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation was performed. RESULTS: We studied 96 patients (mean age, 45 [14] years [mean, SD]; 44% female). Shock and acute respiratory distress syndrome were diagnosed during the first 72 hours of admission in 43% and 72% of patients, respectively. Noninvasive positive pressure ventilation was used in 45% of the patients, but failed in 77% of them. Bacterial pneumonia was diagnosed in 33% of cases, 8% during the first week (due to community-acquired microorganisms) and 25% after the first week (due to gram-negative bacilli and resistant gram-positive cocci). Intensive care unit mortality was 50%. Nonsurvivors differed from survivors in the prevalence of cardiovascular, respiratory, and hematologic failure on admission and late pneumonia. Reported causes of death were refractory hypoxia, multiorgan failure, and shock (50%, 38%, and 12% of all causes of death, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with 2009 influenza A(H1N1) and respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation often present with clinical criteria of acute respiratory distress syndrome and shock. Bacterial pneumonia is a frequent complication. Mortality is high and is primarily due to refractory hypoxia.

Impacto de la obesidad en pacientes con neumonía grave por virus influenza A/H1N1: estudio multicéntrico chileno / Impact of obesity with severe pneumonia by influenza A/H1N1 virus: a Chilean multicenter study

En la primera pandemia del siglo XXI por virus influenza A/H1N1, una importante proporción de paciente que desarrollaron neumonía y Falla Respiratoria Aguda (FRA) eran obesos. La obesidad ha sido propuesta como un factor de riesgo que aumenta la morbimortalidad; sin embargo, hay controversia al respecto. Objetivo: evaluar el impacto de la obesidad en complicaciones, estadía y/o mortalidad en pacientes adultos graves por virus influenza A/H1N1. Estudio observacional y multicéntrico realizado en 17 UCIs de Chile durante el periodo mayo-agosto 2009. Fueron incluidos en el estudio solo paciente con infección por virus Influenza A/H1N1 confirmada o probable. Los paciente obesos (IMC>30) fueron comparados con pacientes no obesos. Resultados: De un total de 136 pacientes incluidos en el estudio, 64 (47 por ciento) fueron obesos y de estos 13 obesos mórbidos (BMI >40). Los pacientes obesos tienen mayor frecuencia de: comorbilidades, ventilación mecánica y complicaciones. La estadía en UCI y en el hospital fue más prolongada en pacientes obesos (18,1+/-15 vs. 10,9+/-10,2, p=0,002 y 27,2+/-24,7 vs17,7 +/- 14,6, p=0,01 respectivamente). La mortalidad fue mayor en pacientes obesos (36 por ciento vs. 19,4 por ciento; OR 2,32; IC95 por ciento 1,07-5,05, p=0.035). El estudio de regresión logística encuentra que la FOM es un factor pronóstico independiente de mortalidad en pacientes obesos. Conclusiones: Los pacientes obesos con neumonía grave por virus influenza A/H1N1 tienen una mayor morbi-mortalidad y prolongación de su estadía en UCI y en el hospital. El desarrollo de FOM en pacientes obesos es un factor de mal pronóstico.

In the first pandemic of the 21st century due to influenza A/H1N1 virus, a significant proportion of patients who developed pneumonia and acute respiratory failure (ARF) were obese. Obesity has been proposed as a risk factor that increases morbidity and mortality, however, there is controversy about it. Objective: To determine the impact of obesity on complications, stay and / or mortality in adult patients with severe influenza A/H1N1 virus. Multicenter observational study conducted in 17 ICUs of Chile during the period May to August 2009. Were included only patients with influenza A/H1N1 virus infection confirmed or probable. Obese patients (BMI> 30) were compared with non obese patients. The results: Of a total of 136 patients included in the study, 64 (47 percent) were obese and of these 13 morbidly obese (BMI> 40). Obese patients have a higher frequency of: comorbidities, mechanical ventilation and complications. The stay in ICU and hospital was longer in obese patients (18.1 +/- 15 vs. 10.9 +/- 10.2, p = 0.002 and 27.2 +/- 24.7 vs17, 7 +/- 14.6, p = 0.01 respectively). Mortality was higher in obese patients (36 percent vs. 19.4 percent, OR 2.32, 95 percent CI 1.07 to 5.05, p = 0,035). The logistic regression analysis found that the MOF is an independent predictor of mortality in obese patients. Conclusions: Obese patients with severe pneumonia due to the influenza A/H1N1 virus have a high morbidity and mortality and prolonged stay in ICU and hospital. MOF development in obese patients is a poor prognostic factor.

Influenza A pandemics: clinical and organizational aspects: the experience in Chile.

Recently, the World Health Organization declared a pandemic mediated by the novel A H1N1 influenza virus. Soon after the first report from Mexico, the disease arrived in Chile, where it spread quickly from south to north, mimicking cold weather progression through the country. Between May and September 2009, 366,624 cases of H1N1 were reported; 12,248 were confirmed by real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and 1562 were hospitalized. One hundred thirty-two deaths were attributable to the infection, creating a death rate of 0.78 per 100,000 inhabitants. Common comorbidities were present in 59%, including obesity, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, type II diabetes, and congestive heart failure. Nine percent were pregnant. Severe disease developed early; the median time to admittance was 5 days, and the most common clinical manifestations were cough, fever, dyspnea, and myalgia. Mean acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II and sequential organ failure assessment scores were 14 and 5, respectively. Highlighted laboratory data were lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase elevation, leukocytosis in 50%, elevated creatinine in a 25%, and thrombocytopenia in 20%. Severe respiratory failure requiring high-frequency oscillatory ventilation and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as sophisticated modes of respiratory support was seen in 17%. Acute renal failure occurred in 25% of the intensive care unit patients, with death rates near 50%. Health systems reinforced outpatient guards with extra staff and extension of the duty schedules. Antivirals were supplied free for medically diagnosed cases. Admissions for severe cases were prioritized, reconverting hospital beds into advanced care ones; a central coordination station rationed their assignment. Recommendations for small hospitals include adding ventilators, using videoconferences, providing tutorial activity from experts, developing guidelines for disease management, and outlining criteria for transport.