[Maternal mortality. Hospital Profesor Alejandro Posadas, Buenos Aires. Evolution 2003-2015]. / Mortalidad materna. Hospital Profesor Alejandro Posadas, Buenos Aires. Evolución 2003-2015.

We reviewed the medical records of women with maternal death reported from August 2003 to December 2015 in the Posadas Hospital (Buenos Aires Province, Argentina), and calculated indexes, trends and years of potential life lost. A total of 52 cases fulfilled the criteria of maternal death. The information provided by death certificates was meager. Two deaths were incidental: one occurred post-caesarean section and was caused by fat embolism following liquid silicone breast injection, and the other was the consequence of femicide which involved also the 24-week fetus. Of the remaining 50 cases, 11 were late deaths (> 42 days postpartum). In 39 women, death occurred during pregnancy, childbirth, or puerperium up to 42 days: 20 were due to direct obstetric causes, and 18 to indirect, non-obstetric causes, the cause of the remaining death was not determined. The most frequent cause was septic abortion. Direct maternal deaths had had more than twice pregnancies, thrice caesarean sections, and orphaned twice as children as indirect deaths. Death caused by placenta accreta was directly related to the number of previous caesarean sections. Throughout the period, maternal mortality index varied between 25 y 150 (mean: 72) per 100 000 live births with ascending trend and 1576 years of potential life were lost. The study exposes the need to improve the death registration system and, most importantly, strengthen prevention and assistance measures to reduce maternal mortality in the area of influence of our hospital.

Revisamos las historias clínicas de las mujeres cuyo fallecimiento fue notificado como muerte materna entre agosto de 2003 y diciembre de 2015 en nuestro hospital y calculamos índices, tendencias y años de vida potencialmente perdidos. La información aportada por los certificados de defunción fue exigua. Un total de 52 casos cumplía con los criterios de muerte materna. Dos fueron muertes "incidentales" y dejaron siete huérfanos: una fue causada por embolia grasa por inyección de siliconas en mamas post-cesárea y la otra fue consecuencia de un femicidio que incluyó al feto de 24 semanas. De las 50 muertes maternas restantes, 11 fueron tardías (> 42 días post-parto). Las otras 39 ocurrieron durante el embarazo, parto y puerperio (= 42 días): 20 tuvieron causas obstétricas directas, 18 causas indirectas, y la causa de la restante fue indeterminada. La causa más frecuente de muerte fue el aborto séptico. Las muertes maternas directas presentaron como antecedentes más del triple de cesáreas y el doble de gestas que las indirectas, y dejaron el doble de huérfanos. La muerte por placenta accreta tuvo relación directa significativa con el número de cesáreas. El índice de mortalidad materna total varió entre 25 y 150 (media: 72) por 100 000 recién nacidos vivos en el período, con tendencia ascendente. Los años de vida potencialmente perdidos fueron 1576. Se destaca la necesidad de mejorar el sistema de registro de defunción y reforzar las medidas de prevención y asistencia a fin de disminuir la mortalidad materna en el área de influencia del hospital.

Mortalidad materna: Hospital Profesor Alejandro Posadas, Buenos Aires. Evolución 2003-2015 / Maternal mortality. Hospital Profesor Alejandro Posadas, Buenos Aires. Evolution 2003-2015

Revisamos las historias clínicas de las mujeres cuyo fallecimiento fue notificado como muerte materna entre agosto de 2003 y diciembre de 2015 en nuestro hospital y calculamos índices, tendencias y años de vida potencialmente perdidos. La información aportada por los certificados de defunción fue exigua. Un total de 52 casos cumplía con los criterios de muerte materna. Dos fueron muertes "incidentales" y dejaron siete huérfanos: una fue causada por embolia grasa por inyección de siliconas en mamas post-cesárea y la otra fue consecuencia de un femicidio que incluyó al feto de 24 semanas. De las 50 muertes maternas restantes, 11 fueron tardías (> 42 días post-parto). Las otras 39 ocurrieron durante el embarazo, parto y puerperio (≤ 42 días): 20 tuvieron causas obstétricas directas, 18 causas indirectas, y la causa de la restante fue indeterminada. La causa más frecuente de muerte fue el aborto séptico. Las muertes maternas directas presentaron como antecedentes más del triple de cesáreas y el doble de gestas que las indirectas, y dejaron el doble de huérfanos. La muerte por placenta accreta tuvo relación directa significativa con el número de cesáreas. El índice de mortalidad materna total varió entre 25 y 150 (media: 72) por 100 000 recién nacidos vivos en el período, con tendencia ascendente. Los años de vida potencialmente perdidos fueron 1576. Se destaca la necesidad de mejorar el sistema de registro de defunción y reforzar las medidas de prevención y asistencia a fin de disminuir la mortalidad materna en el área de influencia del hospital.

We reviewed the medical records of women with maternal death reported from August 2003 to December 2015 in the Posadas Hospital (Buenos Aires Province, Argentina), and calculated indexes, trends and years of potential life lost. A total of 52 cases fulfilled the criteria of maternal death. The information provided by death certificates was meager. Two deaths were incidental: one occurred post-caesarean section and was caused by fat embolism following liquid silicone breast injection, and the other was the consequence of femicide which involved also the 24-week fetus. Of the remaining 50 cases, 11 were late deaths (> 42 days postpartum). In 39 women, death occurred during pregnancy, childbirth, or puerperium up to 42 days: 20 were due to direct obstetric causes, and 18 to indirect, non-obstetric causes, the cause of the remaining death was not determined. The most frequent cause was septic abortion. Direct maternal deaths had had more than twice pregnancies, thrice caesarean sections, and orphaned twice as children as indirect deaths. Death caused by placenta accreta was directly related to the number of previous caesarean sections. Throughout the period, maternal mortality index varied between 25 y 150 (mean: 72) per 100 000 live births with ascending trend and 1576 years of potential life were lost. The study exposes the need to improve the death registration system and, most importantly, strengthen prevention and assistance measures to reduce maternal mortality in the area of influence of our hospital.

[Influenza: a four-year evolution of the pandemic. Prof. Alejandro Posadas National Hospital, Argentina]. / Influenza: evolución a cuatro años de la pandemia. Hospital Nacional Profesor Alejandro Posadas, Argentina.

As from January to August 2013, epidemiological weeks 1-35 (EW), Influenza incidence, case characteristics, types and subtypes of circulating influenza virus in the Nacional Profesor Alejandro Posadas Hospital were studied, and were compared to incidences during 2009-2012. From late May to the end of August 2013 (EW18-35), an increase was observed in the proportion of patients' visits for respiratory disease, influenza-like illness and hospitalizations due to pneumonia; of 207 cases diagnosed with influenza A virus, 153 were infected by H1N1pdm09, 46 by H3, and eight without subtype. The highest proportion of cases was found in children under five years of age, followed by the group 60-64. The chances of having the illness were three times greater among the group 40-64 years old compared to 15-39 or those older than 64. Mortality, which increased with age, was 7.2%, and the odds of death were six times higher among those older than 64. Vaccination rate among the cases was 11.6%. None of the fatal cases had received the vaccine. After the 2009 pandemic, the proportions of annual patients' visits decreased until 2012; in 2013, an increase of 52.0% during the winter period compared to 2012. The viral circulation started earlier in 2013 compared to previous years. FLU-A(H1N1pdm) was the predominant circulating virus in 2009 and 2013, FLU-A(H3) in 2011, FLU-A(H3) and FLU-B in both 2010 and 2012.

Influenza: evolución a cuatro años de la pandemia: Hospital Nacional Profesor Alejandro Posadas, Argentina / Influenza: A four-year evolution of the pandemic: Prof. Alejandro Posadas National Hospital, Argentina

En el Hospital Nacional Profesor Alejandro Posadas se estudiaron la incidencia de influenza, las características de casos y tipos y subtipos de virus circulantes de enero a agosto de 2013 inclusive, semanas epidemiológicas (SE) 1-35, y se compararon con los años 2009-2012. De fin de mayo a agosto inclusive de 2013 (SE 18 a 35) se observó un aumento del porcentaje de consulta por enfermedades respiratorias, enfermedad tipo influenza e internación por neumonía y se diagnosticaron 207 casos: 153 influenza A (FLU-A)(H1N1pdm09), 46 A(H3), ocho A(sin subtipificar). La mayor frecuencia fue en menores de 5 años, seguida por el grupo de 60 a 64.La chance de tener la enfermedad fue tres veces mayor en el grupo de 40-64 años versus 15-39 o > 64 años. La letalidad, que aumentó con la edad, fue de 7.2% y la chance de morir fue seis veces mayor en los > 64 años. El porcentaje de vacunación entre los casos fue11.6%. Ninguno de los fallecidos estaba vacunado. Luego de la pandemia de 2009 el porcentaje de consultas anuales disminuyó hasta 2012, con un aumento en el período invernal de 2013 de 52.0% con respecto a 2012. La circulación viral en 2013 fue más temprana que en los años anteriores. En 2009 y 2013 la mayor circulación fue FLU-A (H1N1pdm), en 2011 FLU-A(H3) y en 2010 y 2012 FLU-A(H3) y FLU-B.

As from January to August 2013, epidemiological weeks 1-35 (EW), Influenza incidence, case characteristics, types and subtypes of circulating influenza virus in the Nacional Profesor Alejandro Posadas Hospital were studied, and were compared to incidences during 2009-2012. From late May to the end of August 2013 (EW18-35), an increase was observed in the proportion of patients' visits for respiratory disease, influenza-like illness and hospitalizations due to pneumonia; of 207 cases diagnosed with influenza A virus, 153 were infected by H1N1pdm09, 46 by H3, and eight without subtype. The highest proportion of cases was found in children under five years of age, followed by the group 60-64.The chances of having the illness were three times greater among the group 40-64 years old compared to 15-39 or those older than 64. Mortality, which increased with age, was 7.2%, and the odds of death were six times higher among those older than 64. Vaccination rate among the cases was 11.6%. None of the fatal cases had received the vaccine. After the 2009 pandemic, the proportions of annual patients´ visits decreased until 2012; in 2013, an increase of 52.0% during the winter period compared to 2012. The viral circulation started earlier in 2013 compared to previous years. FLU-A(H1N1pdm) was the predominant circulating virus in 2009 and 2013, FLU-A(H3) in 2011, FLU-A(H3) and FLU-B in both 2010 and 2012.

Influenza: evolución a cuatro años de la pandemia: Hospital Nacional Profesor Alejandro Posadas, Argentina / Influenza: A four-year evolution of the pandemic: Prof. Alejandro Posadas National Hospital, Argentina

En el Hospital Nacional Profesor Alejandro Posadas se estudiaron la incidencia de influenza, las características de casos y tipos y subtipos de virus circulantes de enero a agosto de 2013 inclusive, semanas epidemiológicas (SE) 1-35, y se compararon con los años 2009-2012. De fin de mayo a agosto inclusive de 2013 (SE 18 a 35) se observó un aumento del porcentaje de consulta por enfermedades respiratorias, enfermedad tipo influenza e internación por neumonía y se diagnosticaron 207 casos: 153 influenza A (FLU-A)(H1N1pdm09), 46 A(H3), ocho A(sin subtipificar). La mayor frecuencia fue en menores de 5 años, seguida por el grupo de 60 a 64.La chance de tener la enfermedad fue tres veces mayor en el grupo de 40-64 años versus 15-39 o > 64 años. La letalidad, que aumentó con la edad, fue de 7.2% y la chance de morir fue seis veces mayor en los > 64 años. El porcentaje de vacunación entre los casos fue11.6%. Ninguno de los fallecidos estaba vacunado. Luego de la pandemia de 2009 el porcentaje de consultas anuales disminuyó hasta 2012, con un aumento en el período invernal de 2013 de 52.0% con respecto a 2012. La circulación viral en 2013 fue más temprana que en los años anteriores. En 2009 y 2013 la mayor circulación fue FLU-A (H1N1pdm), en 2011 FLU-A(H3) y en 2010 y 2012 FLU-A(H3) y FLU-B.(AU)

As from January to August 2013, epidemiological weeks 1-35 (EW), Influenza incidence, case characteristics, types and subtypes of circulating influenza virus in the Nacional Profesor Alejandro Posadas Hospital were studied, and were compared to incidences during 2009-2012. From late May to the end of August 2013 (EW18-35), an increase was observed in the proportion of patients visits for respiratory disease, influenza-like illness and hospitalizations due to pneumonia; of 207 cases diagnosed with influenza A virus, 153 were infected by H1N1pdm09, 46 by H3, and eight without subtype. The highest proportion of cases was found in children under five years of age, followed by the group 60-64.The chances of having the illness were three times greater among the group 40-64 years old compared to 15-39 or those older than 64. Mortality, which increased with age, was 7.2%, and the odds of death were six times higher among those older than 64. Vaccination rate among the cases was 11.6%. None of the fatal cases had received the vaccine. After the 2009 pandemic, the proportions of annual patients´ visits decreased until 2012; in 2013, an increase of 52.0% during the winter period compared to 2012. The viral circulation started earlier in 2013 compared to previous years. FLU-A(H1N1pdm) was the predominant circulating virus in 2009 and 2013, FLU-A(H3) in 2011, FLU-A(H3) and FLU-B in both 2010 and 2012.(AU)

Influenza: evolución a cuatro años de la pandemia. Hospital Nacional Profesor Alejandro Posadas, Argentina. / [Influenza: a four-year evolution of the pandemic. Prof. Alejandro Posadas National Hospital, Argentina].

As from January to August 2013, epidemiological weeks 1-35 (EW), Influenza incidence, case characteristics, types and subtypes of circulating influenza virus in the Nacional Profesor Alejandro Posadas Hospital were studied, and were compared to incidences during 2009-2012. From late May to the end of August 2013 (EW18-35), an increase was observed in the proportion of patients visits for respiratory disease, influenza-like illness and hospitalizations due to pneumonia; of 207 cases diagnosed with influenza A virus, 153 were infected by H1N1pdm09, 46 by H3, and eight without subtype. The highest proportion of cases was found in children under five years of age, followed by the group 60-64. The chances of having the illness were three times greater among the group 40-64 years old compared to 15-39 or those older than 64. Mortality, which increased with age, was 7.2

, and the odds of death were six times higher among those older than 64. Vaccination rate among the cases was 11.6

. None of the fatal cases had received the vaccine. After the 2009 pandemic, the proportions of annual patients visits decreased until 2012; in 2013, an increase of 52.0

during the winter period compared to 2012. The viral circulation started earlier in 2013 compared to previous years. FLU-A(H1N1pdm) was the predominant circulating virus in 2009 and 2013, FLU-A(H3) in 2011, FLU-A(H3) and FLU-B in both 2010 and 2012.

[Pertussis: its evolution in Argentina at the end of the twentieth century]. / Evolución de la coqueluche en la Argentina a finales del siglo XX.

The objective of this study was to analize data of pertussis morbidity and mortality in Argentina and vaccination coverage with combined pertussis vaccine (DwPT), which was available from 1969 until 2000 inclusive, and to investigate their interrelation. A retrospective study was performed based on National Registers. Notification and mortality annual mean variation rates and geometric mean rates, by periods, were analyzed, and correlation coefficients between each one of them and with vaccination coverage were calculated. Notification annual mean variation rates for 1969-2000 were -14.34 and for 1980-2000 -17.26; mortality annual mean variation rates for 1980-2000 was -10.41. Vaccination coverage in infants up to one year of age (3 doses) was 44.4% in 1980; less than 60% until 1982 and higher than 80% after 1990. A highly significant inverse correlation was observed, between (a) vaccine implementation, increase in its coverage, introduction of a fifth vaccine dose, and (b) notification and mortality rates. It was observed during the study, that in our country there is a relatively little knowledge about disease occurrence in adults, and an apparent absence of population-based studies performed on the efficacy of erythromycin chemo prophylaxis in epidemics outbreaks. Based on these data, strategies for a better surveillance and control of pertussis, are exposed.

Evolución de la coqueluche en la Argentina a finales del siglo XX. / [Pertussis: its evolution in Argentina at the end of the twentieth century]

The objective of this study was to analize data of pertussis morbidity and mortality in Argentina and vaccination coverage with combined pertussis vaccine (DwPT), which was available from 1969 until 2000 inclusive, and to investigate their interrelation. A retrospective study was performed based on National Registers. Notification and mortality annual mean variation rates and geometric mean rates, by periods, were analyzed, and correlation coefficients between each one of them and with vaccination coverage were calculated. Notification annual mean variation rates for 1969-2000 were -14.34 and for 1980-2000 -17.26; mortality annual mean variation rates for 1980-2000 was -10.41. Vaccination coverage in infants up to one year of age (3 doses) was 44.4

in 1980; less than 60

until 1982 and higher than 80

after 1990. A highly significant inverse correlation was observed, between (a) vaccine implementation, increase in its coverage, introduction of a fifth vaccine dose, and (b) notification and mortality rates. It was observed during the study, that in our country there is a relatively little knowledge about disease occurrence in adults, and an apparent absence of population-based studies performed on the efficacy of erythromycin chemo prophylaxis in epidemics outbreaks. Based on these data, strategies for a better surveillance and control of pertussis, are exposed.