Comprehensive treatment in severe dengue during preterm and term labor: could tocolysis be useful?

Objective: There is lack of data on the management of severe dengue infection during labor. The objective of this study was to describe our experience in the management of preterm and term labor of pregnant patients with severe dengue infection and thrombocytopenia.Materials and methods: We describe patients with dengue infection confirmed by dengue serology or NS1 antigen in Cali, Colombia. All of the patients had warning or severity signs for dengue and initiated labor, either term or preterm, during their hospital stay. All had thrombocytopenia at the moment labor started. Therefore, we treated them with support management, including intravenous fluids and a tocolytic agent (either atosiban, magnesium sulfate or nifedipine). Tocolytics aimed to stop contractions until platelets were in a safe range previous to delivery. Platelets transfusions were performed if the count was less than 10,000 cells/ml and active bleeding was present. The primary outcome we evaluated was postpartum hemorrhage (defined as a loss of >500 ml following a vaginal delivery or >1000 ml after cesarean section) or maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality.Results: We present a total of six pregnant women. The median platelet count 24 h previous to delivery was 94,000 cells/ml and after tocolysis was 132,500 cells/ml. Two patients suffered postpartum hemorrhage despite the management. Only one woman required platelet transfusion. No maternal or newborn mortality were present. Three patients were diagnosed with preeclampsia. Four patients had delivery via cesarean section. Five out of six newborns required hospitalization, three of them due to neonatal respiratory distress syndrome.Conclusion: Comprehensive treatment including fluids resuscitation and uterine inhibition in pregnant women with severe dengue in preterm or term labor could be useful. More clinical studies are required to evaluate the benefit of this intervention in tropical countries.Brief rationale: We present an original research article and literature review entitled "Comprehensive treatment in severe dengue during preterm and term labor: could tocolysis be useful?". Our article describes the clinical manifestation, laboratory findings, complications and management provided to a group of six patients that presented to the hospital with acute dengue virus infection and initiated labor while viremic and thrombocytopenic in this study.In the present study, we found that most of our patients (5 out of 6), presented with signs of severe dengue fever and all of the patients had warning signs. In this population, we decided to provide support treatment and tocolytic agents to these patients with the aim of delaying labor to allow platelet count to rise, thus reducing the odds of hemorrhagic complications. We concluded that although tocolysis is not regularly used in patients with dengue fever, our results suggest that our protocol could benefit pregnant patients with thrombocytopenia due to dengue; however, prospective studies which determine the safety and effectiveness of our intervention are needed.

Clinical and laboratorial profiles of dengue virus infection in kidney transplant recipients: Report of a single center.

Dengue infection (DI) is the most important arboviral infection in the world. The majority of immunocompetent patients will have asymptomatic or mild infections, but the degree of dengue severity in kidney transplant recipients (KTx) is unknown. In this study, we report the clinical profile and outcomes of 39 dengue cases in KTx. From a total of 1,186 KTx outpatients in follow-up we reviewed clinical and laboratory records of 60 (5%) patients admitted with suspected DI initially screened by NS-1, IgM, and when possible, multiplex nested PCR. The prevalence of DI in KTx was 3% (39/1,118), with symptoms leading to hospital admission being fever, myalgia, malaise, and headache. Laboratory tests showed leucopenia, thrombocytopenia, and liver enzyme elevation. DI was confirmed by positivity of NS-1 (33%), IgM (69%), and/or RT-PCR (59%). Twenty-three patients (59%) had dengue with warning signs, and 15% had severe dengue, 2 of them with a fatal course. Acute graft dysfunction occurred in 59% (mean nadir serum creatinine: 2.9 ± 2.6mg/dL), 4 of them requiring dialysis. CMV coinfection diagnosed in 19% of the cases and patients was associated with worse clinical presentation. Our results suggest that KTx with DI presented initial physical and laboratorial profile similar to the general population. However, DI in KTx seems to have a higher risk for graft dysfunction, severe dengue, and death. Because CMV coinfection aggravates the DI clinical presentation and recovery, it must be evaluated in all cases.

Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever: A State-of-the-Art Review Focused in Pulmonary Involvement.

Dengue fever is an arboviral disease transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female Aedes mosquitoes. Dengue virus is a member of the Flaviviridae family, and human infection can be caused by any of the four antigenically distinct serotypes (DENV 1-4). The infection has become recognized as the most important and prevalent arboviral disease in humans, endemic in almost 100 countries worldwide. Nearly 3 billion people live in areas with transmission risk. Autochthonous transmission of the virus in previously disease-free areas, increased incidence in endemic areas, and epidemic resurgence in controlled regions could increase the risk of contracting more severe forms of the disease, such as dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF)/dengue shock syndrome (DSS). Symptomatic dengue virus infection can present with a wide range of clinical manifestations, from mild fever to life-threatening DSS. Thoracic complications may manifest as pleural effusion, pneumonitis, non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema, and hemorrhage/hemoptysis. No vaccine is currently available and no specific treatment for dengue fever exists, but prevention and prompt management of complications in patients with DHF can help reduce mortality. This review describes the main clinical, pathological, and imaging findings of thoracic involvement in DHF.

Nephrotic-range proteinuria in an eight-year-old traveler with severe dengue: Case report and review of the literature.

We report a case of an eight-year-old male, native of the Dominican Republic, who visited the U.S. and was admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit with severe dengue. He needed aggressive fluid management for dengue shock syndrome and developed proteinuria on the sixth day of his illness, shortly after his nadir thrombocytopenia. His proteinuria peaked on the eight day, and reduced to trace levels by the tenth day of his illness, coinciding with normalization of his platelet count. His highest random urine protein/creatinine ratio was in the nephrotic range, at 3.9 g/g. Dengue fever can cause a wide spectrum of acute kidney injury (AKI), ranging in incidence from 0.9 to 36%. Review of the literature shows that nephrotic-range proteinuria is an uncommon complication of AKI caused by dengue, reported thus far only in Southeast Asia. Immune-mediated mechanisms may explain the observed association between dengue-induced thrombocytopenia and severe proteinuria, in this case, and previously reported cases. Dengue virus infection is the commonest mosquito-borne disease in the world with substantial morbidity and mortality. Well-designed prospective studies are needed to further characterize the extent and mechanisms of AKI in populations living in countries with ongoing transmission, as well as in those with travel-associated disease.

Intervenciones de enfermería para la atención del paciente con dengue grave en el segundo y tercer nivel de atención / Nursing interventions for the care of the patient with dengre grave in the second and third level

Introducción. El dengue es una enfermedad infecciosa sistémica, viral transmitida por el mosquito “Aedes”. La OMS calcula que cada año se producen entre 50 y 100 millones de infecciones por este virus en el mundo. En México en el transcurso de la última década ha habido un incremento de casos, especialmente de tipo hemorrágico.Métodos. Se realizó una búsqueda sistemática de artículos en cuatro etapas, retrospectiva a 10 años relacionada a dengue grave en PubMed, BVS, Tripdatabase y sitios Web; obteniendo 149 resultados, siendo útiles 40 para el desarrollo de esta guía: revisiones sistemáticas, meta análisis, ensayos clínicos aleatorizados, estudios observacionales y Guías de Práctica Clínica.Resultados. Revisiones sistemáticas mencionan que la desnutrición grado 2 o 3 proteico calórica severa protege contra la vasculopatía del dengue y que la fase crítica comienza alrededor del período de desaparición de fiebre, la leucopenia avanza y hay una rápida disminución de plaquetas, esto precede a la manifestación más específica y potencialmente mortal de esta fase: incrementa la permeabilidad capilar conduciendo a la pérdida de plasma y aumento en él hematocrito; un estudio transversal prospectivo encontró que infecciones sucesivas del virus del dengue aumentan el riesgo de dengue grave y un estudio multicéntrico refiere que las fallas orgánicas más desarrolladas fueron respiratorias, cardiovasculares, neurológicas y hepáticas.Conclusiones. La implementación de las recomendaciones están dirigidas principalmente a las intervenciones de enfermería que contribuyen a la prevención, recuperación, disminución de complicaciones y limitación de daños para el paciente con dengue grave.

Introduction. Dengue fever is a systemic, viral infectious disease transmitted by the ""Aedes"" mosquito. WHO estimates that each year occur between 50 and 100 million infections by this virus in the world. In Mexico over the course of the last decade, there has been an increase in cases, especially of hemorrhagic type. Methods. A systematic search of articles was carried out in four stages, back at 10 years related to severe dengue in PubMed, VHL, Tripdatabase and Web sites; 149 results, being useful 40 for the development of this guide: systematic reviews, meta analysis, clinical trials randomized, observational studies and clinical practice guidelines. Results. Systematic reviews mentioned malnutrition grade 2 or severe caloric protein 3 protects against vascular disease of dengue and the critical phase begins around the time of the disappearance of fever, leukopenia advances and there is a rapid decrease in platelets, this precedes the manifestation more specific and potentially deadly this phase: increases capillary permeability, leading to the loss of plasma and increase the hematocrit; a prospective cross-sectional study found that successive infections of the dengue virus increases the risk of serious dengue and a multicenter study concerns that more developed organic failures were respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological and hepatic.Conclusions. The implementation of the recommendations are directed mainly to the nursing interventions that contribute to the prevention, recovery, reduction of complications and limitation of patient with severe dengue.

Introdução. Dengue é uma doença infecciosa sistêmica, viral transmitida pelo mosquito ""Aedes"". O que estima-se que cada ano produzirá entre 50 e 100 milhões de infecções por este vírus no mundo. No México, durante a última década tem sido um aumento de casos, especialmente do tipo hemorrágico. Métodos. Uma busca sistemática dos artigos foi realizada em quatro etapas, em 10 anos relacionados com graves da dengue no PubMed, BVS, Tripdatabase e Web sites; 149 resultados, sendo 40 útil para o desenvolvimento deste guia: revisões sistemáticas, meta análise, ensaios clínicos randomizados, estudos observacionais e diretrizes de prática clínica.Resultados. Revisões sistemáticas mencionado o grau de desnutrição 2 ou proteína calórica grave 3 protege contra doença vascular de dengue e a fase crítica começa na época do desaparecimento da febre, leucopenia avança e há uma rápida diminuição de plaquetas, isto precede a manifestação mais específica e potencialmente mortal nesta fase: aumenta a permeabilidade capilar, levando à perda de plasma e aumento do hematócrito; um estudo transversal prospectivo descobriu que infecções sucessivas do vírus da dengue a aumentam o risco de dengue grave e um estudo multicêntrico refere-se que os defeitos orgânicos mais específica e potencialmente mortal nesta fase: aumenta a permeabilidade capilar, levando à perda de plasma e aumento do hematócrito; um estudo transversal prospectivo descobriu que infecções sucessivas do vírus da dengue a aumentam o risco de dengue grave e um estudo multicêntrico refere-se que os defeitos orgânicos mais desenvolvidos eram respiratórias, cardiovasculares, neurológicas e hepáticas. Conclusões. A implementação das recomendações são direcionados principalmente para eles, as intervenções de enfermagem que contribuem para a prevenção, recuperação, redução de complicações e a limitação de danos para o paciente com dengue grave.

Memorias de la atención a enfermos durante la epidemia de dengue de 1981 / Report of the care provided to patients during the dengue epidemic of 1981

A escasos dos años de su inauguración el Hospital Dr. Gustavo Aldereguía Lima tuvo que enfrentar en 1981 la epidemia más dramática de su historia hasta la actualidad: la fiebre hemorrágica dengue. A partir de las vivencias durante la atención de los enfermos, se rememoran hechos y lecciones aprendidas que caracterizaron este memorable episodio, el cual constituyó una de las victorias más importantes alcanzadas por el hospital en su afán de ser símbolo de la salud, la vida y la felicidad de los cienfuegueros(AU)

A dramatic epidemic of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever in 1981 was faced by the Dr. Gustavo Aldereguía Lima Hospital, only two years after its opening. Medical care remembering facts and learned lessons during this remarkable episode are exposed in this article, which has been one of the most important victories fulfilled by the hospital in the way to be symbol of the health, the life and the happiness of Cienfuegos citizens(AU)

Dengue hemorrhagic fever in Trinidad and Tobago: a case for a conservative approach to platelet transfusion.

Dengue fever is endemic to Trinidad and Tobago. A retrospective analysis of all adult admissions at a tertiary hospital in Trinidad treated for dengue during January 1-December 31, 2008 was performed. A total of 186 patients were treated during this period: 98.9% (184) of the patients were thrombocytopenic; 45.2% were severely thrombocytopenic; 13 patients showed development of minor hemorrhage and only one case of major hemorrhage; platelet transfusion was given for 7% (13) of the cases; and 6 cases for which platelet transfusion was given did not show evidence of plasma leakage (12 of these cases did not show evidence of hemorrhage). There was a strong association between the lowest platelet value and hemoconcentration (χ(2) = 13.16, P < 0.025). No association was found between giving a platelet transfusion and hemoconcentration or hemorrhage. Thrombocytopenia seen in dengue resolves spontaneously and independent of any transfusion used.

Revisión sistemática sobre la eficacia de los fluidos coloides y cristaloides en la reposición inicial del volumen intravascular en el tratamiento del dengue hemorrágico con shock / Systematic review: efficacy of colloids versus crystalloids for initial fluid resuscitation in dengue haemorrhagic shock

OBJETIVO: comparar la efectividad de las soluciones coloides versus las cristaloides en el tratamiento inicial del shock por dengue hemorrágico. MÉTODO: La búsqueda bibliográfica fue realizada en las bases Medline, Lilacs, Biblioteca Cochrane y en texto libre con el motor Google. Solamente tres de los 14 estudios identificados y potencialmente elegibles cumplían con los criterios de selección preestablecidos. En total, incluyeron 792 pacientes menores de 15 años de edad con shock por dengue hemorrágico. La mortalidad en las primeras 24 horas, la recurrencia del shock y el tiempo insumido para la recuperación de la presión de pulso, fueron considerados los resultados principales para la evaluación. RESULTADOS: Sólo un estudio refiere una muerte sobre 512 pacientes. La recurrencia del shock ocurrió en el 23,7 por ciento de aquellos inicialmente tratados con coloides y en el 25,5 por ciento de los tratados con cristaloides (RR 0,93; IC95 por ciento 0,63 a 1,38). El tiempo de la recuperación del pulso fue medido en un solo estudio, mostrando un beneficio marginal para los tratados con coloides (RR 0,40;IC95 por ciento 0,16 a 0,99). Las reacciones alérgicas severas fueron más frecuentes en los tratados con coloides (RR 5,43; IC95 por ciento 0,33 a89,13). El precio de las soluciones coloides disponibles en plaza fue hasta 90 veces mayor que el de las soluciones cristaloides. CONCLUSIONES: En la presente revisión sistemática no se identificaron razones clínicamente relevantes y sustentadas por evidencia que aconsejen recomendar el uso de soluciones coloides en el tratamiento inicial del shock por dengue hemorrágico.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this systematic review was to compare the effectiveness of colloids and crystalloids solutions as initial treatment of dengue hemorrhagic shock. METHOD: A comprehensive bibliographic search was carried out through Medline, Lilacs, Cochrane Library andusing search motor Google. Only three out of the 14 studies initially identified fulfilled the inclusion criteria. In total, they included 792 patients less than 15 years old with dengue hemorrhagic shock. Mortality during first 24 hours, shock recurrence and time to recovery of hemodynamic variables were used as main outcomes to assess effectiveness among solutions. RESULTS: Only one patient death out of 512 during the first 24 hours was reported by a single study. Shock recurrence occurred in 23.7 percent of those initially treated with colloids and in 25.5 percent in those treated with crystalloids (RR0.93, CI95 percent 0.63 to 1.38). Pulse pressure recovery after 1 hour was measured in only one study, showing a marginal benefit from colloids solutions (RR 0.40; CI95 percent 0.16 to 0.99).Severe allergic reactions were more frequent in colloids group (RR 5.43; CI95 percent 0.33 to 89.13). Otherwise, colloids solutions price is up to 90 times higher than crystalloids. CONCLUSIONS: This review did not identify any clinically relevant and evidence supported reason to prescribe colloids solutions instead crystalloids solutions in the initial treatment of dengue hemorrhagic shock.

Prioridades para la formulación de políticas informadas en la evidencia para el control del dengue

El objetivo de este resumen es presentar las mejores evidencias científicas disponibles para la prevención y control del dengue con base comunitaria. Fue preparado siguiendo rigurosos criterios de búsqueda, selección e inclusión de los resultados de investigaciones relevantes con el fin de informar posibles medidas y políticas en esta área. Este resumen se elaboró en base a una pregunta general: ¿Cuáles son las intervenciones más efectivas, según las evidencias, para la prevención y control de Dengue en Paraguay? Y tres preguntas específicas: 1. ¿Qué medidas/estrategias pueden estimular la participación de la comunidad en el control integrado del vector del Dengue? 2. ¿Cuáles pueden ser las medidas más efectivas para apoyar el diseño y la implementación de estrategias de comunicación poblacional para un efectivo control del Dengue? 3. ¿Cuáles pueden ser las políticas públicas más efectivas que generen cambios de conducta en la población que facilíten el control del dengue?

Dengue, dengue hemorrágico / Dengue, dengue haemorrhagic fever

El Dengue o Fiebre por Dengue, es una enfermedad febril producida por uno de los cuatro serotipos del virus Dengue, que pertenecen al grupo de virus transmitidos por artrópodos, arthropod-borne-virus ó arbovirus. La transmisión se hace por medio de la hembra del mosquito Aedes aegypti, que pertenece al género flavivirus de la familia flaviridae. El Dengue es la enfermedad transmitida por vectores más frecuente en todo el mundo. Desde 1993 en Costa Rica el Dengue es una enfermedad endémica en las costas del océano Pacífico y del mar Caribe. Durante estos años y hasta el 8 de septiembre del 2007 la prevalencia de Dengue Clásico es de 4.087 casos por 100000 habitantes, de Dengue Hemorrágico 14 casos por 100000 habitantes para una tasa de letalidad por dengue hemorrágico de 0.02 por ciento. Entre la inoculación del virus por la mosquita Aedes y la aparición de los síntomas hay un lapso de 3 a 14 días, en promedio 7 días. Es el período de incubación de la enfermedad. Existen 4 grupos antigénicos o serotipos de virus del Dengue: DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3 y DEN-4. El DEN-1 tiene sólo 7 biotipos, y el DEN-2, 34 biotipos. Las hemorragias que se producen en el Dengue son el producto de las lesiones en el endotelio vascular, de la trombocitopenia, de la disfunción de las plaquetas y de la alteración de los factores de coagulación. La lesión de las esclusas de la Zonula Occludens provoca un escape de líquidos del espacio intra-vascular al espacio extra-vascular. La hipovolemia desencadena una serie de respuestas homeostáticas que tiene como fin mantener una mejor perfusión de los órganos más nobles de la economía en detrimento de otros órganos como son la piel y los músculos. El periodo febril dura de 3 a 7 días, y el día de la defervescencia, día cero, el paciente evolucionará hacia la convalecencia o hacia el Dengue Hemorrágico. En los primeros días suele aparecer exantema generalizado, con palidez de la piel al hacer presión sobre ella. Las manos y pies se tornan hiper...

[Indication for haemoderivatives in dengue]. / Indicación de hemoderivados en dengue.

Management of patients with dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS) requires especial care. It is based on physiological replacement therapy and fluid control. The use of blood products has its own criteria, especially during the disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) in the hemorrhagic phase. Monitoring bleeding manifestations and laboratory tests are needed. It has been shown that preventive transfusion does not have advantages in the treatment of this disease; on the contrary it increases the length of hospitalization and the development of pulmonary edema, among other transfusion-related risks.

Fisiopatología y tratamiento de la Fiebre Hemorrágica del Dengue / Pathophysiology and management of dengue hemorrhagic fever

La infección por dengue es causada por uno de los cuatro serotipos del virus. Las manifestaciones clínicas varían de infección asintomática a fiebre no diferenciada, fiebre del dengue y fiebre hemorrágica del dengue (FHD). La FHD se caracteriza por la presencia de fiebre elevada constante durante dos a siete días; diátesis hemorrágica, como prueba de torniquete positiva, petequias, epistaxis y hematemesis; trombocitopenia con recuento de plaquetas =< 100 x 10 9/L; y pérdida de plasma debido al aumento de la permeabilidad vascular que se evidencia por hemoconcentración. derrame pleural y ascitis. La diátesis hemorrágica se debe a vasculopatía, trombocitopenia. disfunción plaquetaria y coagulopatía. Las tres etapas de la presentación clínica se denominan febril, tóxica y de convalecencia. La etapa tóxica, que dura entre 24 y 48 horas, es el período más crítico en el que se produce una rápida pérdida de plasma, que ocasiona trastornos circulatorios. La gravedad de la FHD varía de manifestaciones leves (grados I y II, según la Organización Mundial de la Salud OMS), con cambios mínimos y temporarios de los signos vitales, a episodios graves (grados III y IV, según la OMS), con choque inminente (por ejemplo, con presión sanguínea de 100/90 mmHg) o choque profundo. No existe ningún tratamiento específico para la FHD. Los tratamientos complementarios intensivos son el aspecto más importante para el control de la infección. Es fundamental detectar la enfermedad en una primera instancia y controlar atentamente los trastornos circulatorios. El tratamiento óptimo con fluido para mantener la función de los órganos vitales durante el período crítico y el control eficaz de los episodios hemorrágicos permiten obtener resultados favorables. Se recomienda el suministro de factor VII recombinante activado en los casos en que la hemorragia masiva no pueda controlarse mediante la restitución de hemocomponentes.

Dengue and dengue hemorrhagic fever: management issues in an intensive care unit.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the epidemiology, clinical features and treatment of dengue fever and dengue shock syndrome. SOURCES: To prepare this review, a literature search was made on PubMed and on the World Health Organization (WHO) and PAHO websites using the terms dengue and dengue shock syndrome. This information was complemented with personal practice. SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS: Dengue is the most important arthropod-borne viral disease of humans. Its presentation is protean and varies from an undifferentiated viral syndrome to hemorrhagic fever and severe shock. Dengue fever is a self-limiting, nonspecific illness characterized by fever, headache, myalgia, and constitutional symptoms. Its severe forms (hemorrhagic fever and shock syndrome) may lead to multisystem involvement and death. Early diagnosis, close monitoring for deterioration and response to treatment are necessary in all cases. WHO has provided a stepwise approach to management that is useful for milder forms and early shock. In the more severe forms aggressive fluid resuscitation and support for failing organs is necessary for the critically ill patient. Research addressing pathophysiological differences between dengue shock and septic shock, choice of fluids, inotropes and techniques of organ support are likely to yield benefits for the critically ill. CONCLUSIONS: There is no specific therapy for dengue infections. Good supportive care may be lifesaving, but ultimately initiatives aimed at vector control and prevention of mosquito bites may provide the greatest benefits.

Dengue e dengue hemorrágico: aspectos do manejo na unidade de terapia intensiva / Dengue and dengue hemorrhagic fever: management issues in an intensive care unit

OBJETIVOS: Descrever a epidemiologia, as características clínicas e o tratamento do dengue e das síndromes do choque associadas ao dengue. FONTES DOS DADOS: Para esta revisão de literatura, foi feita uma pesquisa no Pubmed e nos websites da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) e OPAS usando os termos dengue e síndrome do choque associada ao dengue. A informação foi complementada com a experiência pessoal dos autores. SíNTESE DOS DADOS: O dengue é a mais importante doença viral transmitida por artrópodos em seres humanos. A doença se manifesta de diversas formas, variando desde uma síndrome viral não-diferenciada até febre hemorrágica e choque grave. O dengue é uma enfermidade autolimitada, não específica, caracterizada por febre, cefaléia, mialgia, e sintomas constitucionais. As formas mais graves (febre hemorrágica e síndrome do choque) podem levar a um comprometimento multissistêmico e ao óbito. O diagnóstico precoce e um acompanhamento contínuo do agravamento e da resposta ao tratamento são necessários em todos os casos. A OMS recomenda uma abordagem escalonada para o manejo, adequada para as formas mais leves e para o choque precoce. Nas formas mais graves, é preciso uma abordagem agressiva de reanimação com fluidos e de suporte à falência de órgãos em pacientes em estado crítico. As pesquisas sobre as diferenças fisiopatológicas entre o choque do dengue e o choque séptico, seleção de fluidos, agentes inotrópicos e técnicas de suporte a órgãos podem beneficiar os pacientes em estado crítico. CONCLUSÕES: Não há uma terapia específica para infecções causadas pelo dengue. Um bom tratamento de suporte pode salvar vidas mas, em última análise, as iniciativas de controle do vetor e de prevenção contra picadas do mosquito podem trazer os maiores benefícios.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the epidemiology, clinical features and treatment of dengue fever and dengue shock syndrome. SOURCES: To prepare this review, a literature search was made on Pubmed and on the World Health Organization (WHO) and PAHO websites using the terms dengue and dengue shock syndrome. This information was complemented with personal practice. SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS: Dengue is the most important arthropod-borne viral disease of humans. Its presentation is protean and varies from an undifferentiated viral syndrome to hemorrhagic fever and severe shock. Dengue fever is a self-limiting, nonspecific illness characterized by fever, headache, myalgia, and constitutional symptoms. Its severe forms (hemorrhagic fever and shock syndrome) may lead to multisystem involvement and death. Early diagnosis, close monitoring for deterioration and response to treatment are necessary in all cases. WHO has provided a stepwise approach to management that is useful for milder forms and early shock. In the more severe forms aggressive fluid resuscitation and support for failing organs is necessary for the critically ill patient. Research addressing pathophysiological differences between dengue shock and septic shock, choice of fluids, inotropes and techniques of organ support are likely to yield benefits for the critically ill. CONCLUSIONS: There is no specific therapy for dengue infections. Good supportive care may be lifesaving, but ultimately initiatives aimed at vector control and prevention of mosquito bites may provide the greatest benefits.

Organización de la atención médica en la epidemia de dengue hemorrágico en el Hospital Dr. Enrique Baltodano de Liberia, 2003 / Organization of the medical attention in the epidemic of opportunistic hemorragic dengue in Costa Rica

Justificación y objetivos: El dengue es una enfermedad endémica, lo que implica que todos los años se presentan brotes en el país que justifican establecer una organización especial de los servicios de salud para garantizar una atención oportuna a la población. Método: Se realizó un estudio transversal descriptivo en 1153 casos internados en el Hospital "Dr. Enrique Baltodano" de la ciudad de Liberia, durante 2003. Se efectuó un análisis descriptivo de sexo, edad, estancia hospitalaria y diagnóstico de egreso. Se describió la organización de la atención y el manejo médico de los pacientes en una epidemia de dengue. En ese año el laboratorio de referencia de dengue de Instituto Costarricense de Investigación en Nutrición y Salud (INCIENSA) detectó la circulación del virus dengue serotipo 2. No se reportaron defunciones en el país por dengue hemorrágico. Resultados: Se estudiaron 1153 pacientes hospitalizados por dengue, 549 (47.6 por ciento) del sexo masculino y 604 (52.4 por ciento) del sexo femenino. La edad promedio fue de 33 años, con un rango de 2 a 94, de los cuales 52 (5 por ciento) cumplieron criterios para dengue hemorrágico; del resto, 949 (82 por ciento) tenía conteo de plaquetas menores de 100.00mm3, y 152 (13 por ciento) presentaron manifestaciones hemorrágicas; no se detectó en estos dos grupos datos de extravasación de plasma por ultrasonido. No se presentaron complicaciones ni fallecidos durante la hospitalización. La estancia hospitalaria promedio fue de 2.26 días (IC 95 por ciento = 2.32-2.19). Conclusión: Los resultados obtenidos evidencian la necesidad de contar con una estrategia para organizar la atención en epidemias de dengue. Esto garantiza una tasa de letalidad del 0 por ciento y estancias hospitalarias bajas. Lo anterior se logra mediante la identificación temprana de criterios de ingreso, utilizando datos clínicos y de laboratorio. Esta metodología disminuye los costos económicos y está al alcance de todos los servicios de salud. De...