Mortalidad por COVID-19 y diagnóstico tardío en las primeras etapas de la pandemia en Bolívar-Colombia / Mortality from COVID-19 and late diagnosis in the early stages of the pandemic in Bolívar-Colombia

Introducción: Los pacientes fallecidos por COVID-19 al inicio de la pandemia evidencian características clínico-epidemiológicas particulares y su identificación, lo mismo que los aspectos asociados a su diagnóstico son fundamentales para la implementación de estrategias en salud pública que permitan la protección sanitaria de los grupos más vulnerables. Objetivo: Determinar las características clínico epidemiológicas de los pacientes fallecidos por COVID-19 y su asociación con el diagnóstico tardío en las primeras etapas de la pandemia en el departamento de Bolívar-Colombia. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio descriptivo de corte transversal con una muestra de 51 pacientes fallecidos por COVID-19; se calculó la frecuencia relativa de los factores de riesgo clínico epidemiológicos de estos pacientes y se realizó un análisis bivariado para evidenciar la asociación con la posibilidad de ser diagnosticado después de la muerte, usando la razón de disparidad (OR) con su intervalo de confianza Resultados: El 47,2 por ciento de los diagnósticos se hicieron después de la muerte; el promedio entre el inicio de los síntomas y la muerte fue aproximadamente 13 días, en los que se evidencia como comorbilidades importantes las enfermedades cardíacas (58,5 por ciento) y la hipertensión (35,8 por ciento). La asociación con el diagnóstico después de la muerte se relaciona con los casos notificados en abril y mayo (p=0,03), ser mayor de 80 años (p=0,03) y tener malnutrición (p=0,04). Conclusión: En el contexto del departamento de Bolívar se observan fallas en el diagnóstico oportuno de algunos grupos poblacionales vulnerables y a los pacientes con enfermedades cardíacas se debe prestar atención para evitar la alta mortalidad(AU)

Introduction: Patients who died from COVID-19 at the beginning of the pandemic show particular clinical-epidemiological characteristics and their identification as well as the aspects associated with the diagnosis are fundamental for the implementation of public health strategies that allow the sanitary protection of the most vulnerable groups. Objective: To determine the clinical-epidemiological characteristics of patients who died from COVID-19 and its association with late diagnosis in the early stages of the pandemic in the department of Bolívar-Colombia. Material and Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study with a sample of 51 patients who died from COVID-19; the relative frequency of the clinical-epidemiological risk factors of these patients was calculated and a bivariate analysis was performed to show the association with the possibility of being diagnosed after death, using the disparity ratio (OR) with its confidence interval. Results: The 47,2 percent of the diagnoses were made after death; the average between the onset of symptoms and death was approximately 13 days, in which heart disease (58,5 percent) and hypertension (35,8 percent) were evidenced as important comorbidities. The association with diagnosis after death is related to the cases reported in April and May (p = 0.03), being older than 80 years (p = 0.03) and having malnutrition (p = 0.04). Conclusion: In the context of the department of Bolívar, failures are observed in the timely diagnosis of some vulnerable population groups, thus special attention should be paid to patients with heart disease to avoid high mortality(AU)

Duración de la anticoagulación tras una tromboembolia de pulmón: una decisión no siempre sencilla / Duration of anticoagulant therapy after pulmonary embolism can be a tough decision

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Outcomes after Vena Cava Filter Use in Patients with Cancer-Associated Venous Thromboembolism and Contraindications to Anticoagulation.

BACKGROUND: The association between the use of inferior vena cava filters (IVCFs) and outcomes among patients with cancer-associated thromboembolism (CT) and contraindications to anticoagulation remains unclear. METHODS: In this prospective cohort study of patients with CT from the Registro Informatizado de la Enfermedad TromboEmbólica Registry, we assessed the association between IVCF insertion due to contraindication to anticoagulation and the outcomes of all-cause mortality, pulmonary embolism (PE)-related mortality, recurrent thromboembolism, and major bleeding rates through 30 days after initiation of treatment. We used propensity score matching to adjust for the likelihood of receiving a filter. For outcomes assessment, we implemented generalized estimating equation methods to incorporate the matched-pairs design, and adjusted for covariates that remained unbalanced after matching. RESULTS: Of the 17,005 patients with CT, 270 underwent IVCF placement because of contraindication to anticoagulation. Of those, 247 were successfully matched with 247 patients treated without a filter. Propensity score-matched pairs showed a nonsignificantly lower risk of all-cause death (12.2% vs. 17.0%; p = 0.13), and a significantly lower risk of PE-related mortality (0.8% vs. 4.0%; p = 0.04) for patients receiving IVCFs compared with those who did not. While there was no significant difference in the rate of major bleeding (6.1% vs. 5.7%; p = 0.85), risk-adjusted recurrent rates were higher for patients who received IVCFs compared with those who did not (7.3% vs. 3.2%; p = 0.05). CONCLUSION: In patients with CT and a contraindication to anticoagulation, IVCF insertion was associated with a lower risk of PE-related death, and a higher risk of recurrences.

Systolic blood pressure and mortality in acute symptomatic pulmonary embolism.

BACKGROUND: The optimal cutoff for systolic blood pressure (SBP) level to define high-risk pulmonary embolism (PE) remains to be defined. METHODS: To evaluate the relationship between SBP levels on admission and mortality in patients with acute symptomatic PE, the current study included 39,257 consecutive patients with acute symptomatic PE from the RIETE registry between 2001 and 2018. Primary outcomes included all-cause and PE-specific 30-day mortality. Secondary outcomes included major bleeding and recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE). RESULTS: There was a linear inverse relationship between admission SBP and 30-day all-cause and PE-related mortality that persisted after multivariable adjustment. Patients in the lower SBP strata had higher rates of all-cause death (reference: SBP 110-129 mmHg) (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 2.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.0-4.2 for SBP <70 mmHg; and OR 1.7; 95% CI, 1.4-2.1 for SBP 70-89 mmHg). The findings for 30-day PE-related mortality were similar (adjusted OR 4.4; 95% CI, 2.7-7.2 for SBP <70 mmHg; and OR 2.6; 95% CI, 1.9-3.4 for SBP 70-89 mmHg). Patients in the higher strata of SBP had significantly lower rates of 30-day all-cause mortality compared with the same reference group (adjusted OR 0.7; 95% CI, 0.5-0.9 for SBP 170-190 mmHg; and OR 0.6; 95% CI, 0.4-0.9 for SBP >190 mmHg). Consistent findings were also observed for 30-day PE-related death. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with acute symptomatic PE, a low SBP portends an increased risk of all-cause and PE-related mortality. The highest mortality was observed in patients with SBP <70 mmHg.

Prevalencia del síndrome metabólico en niños de Comodoro Rivadavia / Prevalence of metabolic syndrome in children of Comodoro Rivadavia

INTRODUCCIÓN: la salud es esencial para el crecimiento social. En los últimos años, el énfasis está focalizado en la prevención primaria. En este contexto, el síndrome metabólico (SM) no es ajeno a esta situación, si se tienen en cuenta las consecuencias cardiovasculares, circulatorias o metabólicas que se pueden originar. La infancia constituye el momento oportuno para poder intervenir, ya que se pueden establecer pautas y medidas correctivas. OBJETIVO: el objetivo del presente trabajo fue obtener la prevalencia de SM en niños de Comodoro Rivadavia (Argentina), de tal manera que se pueda aportar información que sirva para establecer estrategias preventivas. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: se estudiaron 317 niños (174 mujeres y 143 varones), de edades entre 6 y 11 años, que concurrían habitualmente a centros barriales y a tres escuelas de Comodoro Rivadavia. Con consentimiento informado de los padres, fueron pesados y medidos, se recabaron datos de tensión arterial y circunferencia de cintura y se les extrajo una muestra de sangre para evaluar, triglicéridos, colesterol-HDL y glucemia. RESULTADOS: teniendo en cuenta los criterios del Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) modificados por Cook, la prevalencia de SM en la muestra estudiada fue del 3,50% para los varones y del 3,40% para las mujeres, no encontrándose una diferencia estadísticamente significativa de acuerdo con el sexo. Se encontraron valores de circunferencia de cintura aumentada, hipertrigliceridemia e hipertensión arterial y valores disminuidos de HDL. CONCLUSIONES: estos resultados preliminares indican la necesidad de profundizar los estudios para detectar precozmente este síndrome en la edad pediátrica y así evitar el desarrollo de enfermedades crónicas en el futuro

INTRODUCTION: health is essential for social growth. In recent years, there has been an emphasis on primary prevention. In this context, metabolic syndrome (MS) is a relevant issue, given its potential impact on cardiovascular, circulatory and metabolic health. Childhood is the most appropriate time for intervention, as corrective measures and strategies can be implemented in this period. OBJECTIVE: the aim of our study was to establish the prevalence of MS in the children of Comodoro Rivadavia (Argentina) to contribute information that may be useful in the development of preventive strategies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: the study included 317 children (174 girls and 143 boys) aged 6 to 11 years that regularly attended neighbourhood centres and the 3 schools of Comodoro Rivadavia. Having obtained parental informed consent, we measured their weight, height, waist circumference collected and blood pressure and obtained a blood sample to measure serum levels of triglycerides, HDL cholesterol and glucose. RESULTS: applying the Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) criteria modified by Cook, we found a prevalence of MS of 3.50% in boys and 3.40% in girls, without a statistically significant difference between the sexes. We found waist circumference values above normal, elevation of triglycerides in blood, raised blood pressure and low levels of HDL cholesterol. CONCLUSIONS: these preliminary results highlight the need of performing more thorough investigations for the early detection of MB in the paediatric age group with the aim of preventing the development of chronic diseases in the future

Hospital volume and outcomes for acute pulmonary embolism: multinational population based cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the association between experience in the management of acute pulmonary embolism, reflected by hospital case volume, and mortality. DESIGN: Multinational population based cohort study using data from the Registro Informatizado de la Enfermedad TromboEmbólica (RIETE) registry between 1 January 2001 and 31 August 2018. SETTING: 353 hospitals in 16 countries. PARTICIPANTS: 39 257 consecutive patients with confirmed diagnosis of acute symptomatic pulmonary embolism. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Pulmonary embolism related mortality within 30 days after diagnosis of the condition. RESULTS: Patients with acute symptomatic pulmonary embolism admitted to high volume hospitals (>40 pulmonary embolisms per year) had a higher burden of comorbidities. A significant inverse association was seen between annual hospital volume and pulmonary embolism related mortality. Admission to hospitals in the highest quarter (that is, >40 pulmonary embolisms per year) was associated with a 44% reduction in the adjusted odds of pulmonary embolism related mortality at 30 days compared with admission to hospitals in the lowest quarter (<15 pulmonary embolisms per year; adjusted risk 1.3% v 2.3%; adjusted odds ratio 0.56 (95% confidence interval 0.33 to 0.95); P=0.03). Results were consistent in all sensitivity analyses. All cause mortality at 30 days was not significantly reduced between the two quarters (adjusted odds ratio 0.78 (0.50 to 1.22); P=0.28). Survivors showed little change in the odds of recurrent venous thromboembolism (odds ratio 0.76 (0.49 to 1.19)) or major bleeding (1.07 (0.77 to 1.47)) between the low and high volume hospitals. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with acute symptomatic pulmonary embolism, admission to high volume hospitals was associated with significant reductions in adjusted pulmonary embolism related mortality at 30 days. These findings could have implications for management strategies.

The rationale, design, and methods of a randomized, controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of an active strategy for the diagnosis and treatment of acute pulmonary embolism during exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

INTRODUCTION: Some previous studies have suggested a high prevalence of pulmonary embolism (PE) during exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (ECOPD). The SLICE trial aims to assess the efficacy and safety of an active strategy for the diagnosis and treatment of PE (vs usual care) in patients hospitalized because of ECOPD. METHODS: SLICE is a phase III, prospective, international, multicenter, randomized, open-label, and parallel-group trial. A total of 746 patients hospitalized because of ECOPD will be randomized in a 1:1 fashion to receive either an active strategy for the diagnosis and anticoagulant treatment of PE or usual care (ie, standard care without any diagnostic test for diagnosing PE). The primary outcome is a composite of all-cause death, non-fatal (recurrent) venous thromboembolism (VTE), or readmission for ECOPD within 90 days after enrollment. Secondary outcomes are (a) death from any cause within 90 days after enrollment, (b) non-fatal (recurrent) VTE within 90 days after enrollment, (c) readmission within 90 days after enrollment, and (d) length of hospital stay. RESULTS: Enrollment started in September 2014 and is expected to proceed until 2020. Median age of the first 443 patients was 71 years (interquartile range, 64-78), and 26% were female. CONCLUSIONS: This multicenter trial will determine the value of detecting PEs in patients with ECOPD. This has implications for COPD patient morbidity and mortality. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02238639.

Perfil microbiológico de neumonías asociadas a ventilación mecánica en el Hospital de Talca / Microbiological profile of ventilator-associated pneumonia at Hospital de Talca

INTRODUCTION: Ventilator-associated pneumonia is the sixth nosocomial infection most frequent in Chile. Considering the high mortality associated in this infection, it is important to know the local agents and their respective resistances and susceptibilities to choose and appropriate management. OBJECTIVE: Describe the resistance and susceptibilities to antibiotics of the most frequent microorganism in ventilator-associated pneumonia in the Intensive Care Unit at Hospital Regional de Talca. METHODS: We studied the resistance and susceptibility to antibiotics to each organism isolated in patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia in the Intensive Care Unit at Hospital Regional de Talca since 2013 to 2016, according to the reports of the Cross Infection Unit at this establishment. OUTCOMES: We collected 59 cases and there were 29 cases of them with one microorganism. The highest incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia was in 2014, while the lowest was in 2015. The most frequent agents isolated were A. baumannii (32,2%), S. aureus (30,1%), P. aeruginosa (10,75%) and K. pneumoniae (10,75%). In general, we found that the highest resistence to antibiotic was to Ceftriaxone, while the highest susceptibility to antibiotic were to Vancomicine and Tigecicline.

Epidemiology, patterns of care and mortality for patients with hemodynamically unstable acute symptomatic pulmonary embolism.

BACKGROUND: Limited information exists about the epidemiology, management and outcomes of hemodynamically unstable patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE). We aimed to evaluate the prevalence and outcomes of unstable PE, and to assess the acute management in routine clinical practice. METHODS: This study included 34,380 patients from the RIETE registry with PE between 2001 and 2016. Primary outcomes included all-cause and PE-specific 30-day mortality. We used multivariable adjustments to calculate hazard ratios among unstable patients who did and did not receive reperfusion. RESULTS: Overall, 1207 patients (3.5%) presented with hemodynamic instability. All-cause 30-day mortality was 14% and 5.4% in those with versus those without hemodynamic instability (P < 0.001). Two hundred and thirty eight (20%) unstable patients received reperfusion therapy. After multivariable adjustment, reperfusion therapy was associated with non-significantly reduced 30-day all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 0.71; 95% CI, 0.45 to 1.10; P = 0.12), and significantly reduced 30-day PE-related mortality (HR 0.56; 95% CI, 0.31 to 0.99; P = 0.04). When limiting the adjusted analyses to unstable patients with right ventricular dysfunction, the difference was significant for both all-cause (HR 0.65; 95% CI, 0.42 to 1.00; P = 0.05) and PE-related mortality (HR 0.52; 95% CI, 0.30 to 0.92; P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: In a multinational registry of patients with PE, prevalence of hemodynamic instability was 3.5%, with high associated 30-day mortality rates. Although use of reperfusion was associated with lower mortality rates, particularly in patients with right ventricular dysfunction, it was used in only a fifth of patients.

Perfil microbiológico de infecciones urinarias asociadas a cateterismo permanente en el Hospital de Talca / Microbiological profile of urinary infections associated to permanent catheterization at Hospital de Talca

Urinary tract infection associated to permanent catheterization is the most frequent infection associated to health care. Antibiotic resistance is an increasing problem, thus it is important to know the local pathogenic agents, their resistance and sensibility profiles to use an optimal treatment. OBJECTIVES: Describe the resistance and sensibility profiles in the most frequent microorganisms in urinary tract infections associated to permanent catheterization at the Internal Medicine Service of Hospital Regional de Talca. METHODS: We studied the antibiotic resistance and sensitivity of each microorganism isolated from urinary samples from patients with the antecedent of permanent urinary catheterization at the Internal Medicine Service of Hospital Regional de Talca since January 2013 to December 2016, according to the records at the Cross Infection Unit of this center. OUTCOMES: We collected 69 cases, there were 14 of them with two agents. The highest incidence of urinary tract infections associated to permanent urinary catheterization was at 2014, while the lowest at 2015. The most frequent agents detected were K. pneumoniae (34%), E. coli (20%), P. aeruginosa (20%) and A. baumannii (5%), holding a similar tendency in each year. We found 23 strains of Enterobacteriaceae producing Extended-spectrum ß- Lactamases. In general we found that Carbapenems and Amikacin had the best sensitivity while Nitrofurantoin and Ciprofloxacin had the highest resistance

Safety and clinical activity of the combination of 5-azacytidine, valproic acid, and all-trans retinoic acid in acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome.

The combination of a DNA hypomethylating agent with a histone deacetylase inhibitor has synergistic antileukemia activity and may restore sensitivity to all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA). We conducted a phase 1/2 study of the combination of 5-azacitidine (5-AZA), valproic acid (VPA), and ATRA in patients with acute myeloid leukemia or high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome. 5-AZA was administered subcutaneously at a fixed dose of 75 mg/m(2) daily for 7 days. VPA was dose-escalated and given orally daily for 7 days concomitantly with 5-AZA. ATRA was given at 45 mg/m(2) orally daily for 5 days, starting on day 3. A total of 53 patients were treated. Their median age was 69 years (range, 5-84 years). The maximum tolerated dose of VPA in this combination was 50 mg/kg daily for 7 days. Dose-limiting toxicity was reversible neurotoxicity. The overall response rate was 42%. In previously untreated older patients, the response rate was 52%. Median number of courses to response was 1 (range, 1-3 courses). Median remission duration was 26 weeks, and median survival has not been reached. A significant decrease in global DNA methylation and induction of histone acetylation were achieved. VPA blood levels were higher in responders (P < .005). In conclusion, the combination studied is safe and has significant clinical activity. This clinical trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as no. NCT00326170.