Salud mental: cuando la necesidad queda por fuera de la agenda sanitaria / Mental health: when the need is out of the health agenda

Introducción: Pos-pandemia COVID-19 los centros de salud vieron incrementados el número de consultas en salud mental (SM). Objetivos: -Evidenciar el aumento de la demanda en SM pos-pandemia. Pre y pos-pandemia: -Comparar las características de demanda en SM -Relevar las demandas del área judicial (DAJ) -Evaluar la dispensa de psicofármacos (PF) Material y Métodos: Trabajo descriptivo, retrospectivo, poblacional. Pacientes atendidos en SM del Área Programática del Hospital Penna. Se obtuvieron consultas de psicología (PSI) psiquiatría y psicopedagogía, motivo de consulta, edad, sexo, dispensa de psicofármacos (PF) desde el 1/01 al 31/12/2019 y mismo período 2022. Los datos se analizaron en frecuencia, porcentaje. Resultados: Las consultas pos-pandemia aumentaron un 8%, los pacientes atendidos aumentaron 37.91%. Las consultas PSI pediatría/adolescencia descendieron 6.5% en 2022 predominando niños en 2019 y niñas en 2022. En adultos aumentó 20.10%, predominando mujeres ambos períodos. Si bien consumo, violencia y angustia fueron nombrados en ambos periodos, pobreza apareció en 2022. Las DAJ aumentaron más del 1000%. La dispensa PF aumentó más del 100%. Conclusiones: En pos-pandemia aumentaron las consultas de PSI y los DAJ. El aumento en dispensa PF evidencia el deterioro y la complejidad de la SM pos-pandemia. Estos datos, plantea la necesidad de incorporar nuevos profesionales

Introduction: Post- COVID-19 pandemic, health care centers increased the number of mental health (MH) consultations. Objectives: - Evidence the increase in demand for SM post-pandemic. Pre and post-pandemic: -Compare the characteristics of demand in SM -Review the demands of the judicial area (DAJ) -Evaluate the dispensation of psychotropic drugs (PF) Material and Methods: Descriptive, retrospective, population-based study. Patients treated in SM at the Programmatic Area of the Penna Hospital. Consultations from psychology (PSI), psychiatry and psychopedagogy, reason for consultation, age, sex, dispensation of psychotropic drugs (PF) were obtained from 01/01 to 12/31/2019 and the same period 2022. The data was analized in frequency and percentage. Results: Post-pandemic consultations increased by 8%, patients treated increased by 37.91%. Pediatric/adolescent PSI consultations decreased 6.5% in 2022, with boys predominating in 2019 and girls in 2022. In adults it increased 20.10%, with women predominating in both periods. Although consumption, violence and distress were mentioned in both periods, poverty appeared in 2022. The DAJ increased more than 1000%. The PF dispensation increased more than 100%. Conclusions: In the post-pandemic, PSI and DAJ consultations increased. The increase in FP dispensation shows the deterioration and complexity of post-pandemic SM. These data raise the need to incorporate new professionals

Atenção psicossocial ao idoso em isolamento social/covid-19 / Cuidados psicosociales para los ancianos en aislamiento social/covid-19 / Psychosocial care for the elderly in social isolation/covid-19

RESUMO. A pandemia da Covid-19 levou ao isolamento social grande contingente populacional no Brasil e no mundo. Conforme as mais altas autoridades de saúde internacionais, entre elas a Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS), os idosos fazem parte do denominado 'grupo de risco' para a doença. Portanto, foram exigidos mais rigor e cuidado entre as pessoas com idade mais avançada, incluindo o isolamento social. Apesar da indiscutível importância dessa medida, os idosos em situação de isolamento social ficaram mais vulneráveis a uma série de agravos, principalmente os de ordem psíquica. O objetivo do presente trabalho é apresentar propostas de atenção psicossocial ao idoso em situação de sofrimento ou vulnerabilidade decorrente do isolamento social. As propostas buscam estimular a memória, a cognição e a psicomotricidade por meio de narrativas, recursos artísticos, Tecnologias da Informação e Comunicação e objetos autobiográficos como, por exemplo, realizar videochamadas, ler, ouvir músicas, contar e relembrar histórias. Em geral, as atividades propostas podem ser coordenadas por profissionais e familiares e adaptadas conforme as características de cada idoso.

RESUMEN. La pandemia de COVID-19 llevó a un gran número de personas en Brasil y en todo el mundo al aislamiento social. Según las principales autoridades sanitarias internacionales, entre ellas la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS), las personas mayores forman parte del denominado 'grupo de riesgo' de la enfermedad. De esta forma, se requería más rigor y cuidado entre las personas mayores, incluyendo el aislamiento social. Como es sabido, a pesar de la indiscutible importancia de esta acción, las personas mayores aisladas socialmente fueron más expuestas a una serie de enfermedades, principalmente relacionadas con problemas psíquicos. El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar las propuestas de atención psicosocial para los ancianos en situación de sufrimiento o discapacidad debido al aislamiento social. Las propuestas buscan estimular la memoria, la cognición y la psicomotricidad a través de narraciones, recursos artísticos, tecnologías de la información y comunicación y objetos autobiográficos, como videoconferencias, lectura, escucha de música, narración y recordación de historias. En general, las actividades propuestas pueden ser coordinadas por profesionales y miembros de la familia y adaptadas según las características de cada persona mayor.

ABSTRACT. The COVID-19 pandemic drove a large population contingent in Brazil and worldwide into social isolation. As reported by the highest international health authorities, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the elderly people are part of the so-called 'risk group' for the disease. Thus, more rigor and care were required among elderly people, including social isolation. It is well known that, despite the undeniable importance of this action, elderly people in social isolation were more exposed to a series of illnesses, mainly related to psychic problems. The goal of this paper is to propose psychosocial care for the elderly in a situation of distress, or vulnerability due to social isolation. The ideas seek to induce memory, cognition and psychomotricity through narratives, artistic resources, Information, Communication Technologies and autobiographical objects, such as video calls, reading, listening to music, storytelling and recalling. In general, the proposed activities can be coordinated by professionals and family members and adapted according to the characteristics of each elderly person.

Estudio de sobrevida a largo plazo en pacientes adultos con enfermedades respiratorias crónicas atendidos por infección respiratoria aguda por coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 / Study of long-term survival in adult patients with chronic respiratory diseases treated for acute respiratory infection by coronavirus SARS-CoV-2

La enfermedad respiratoria aguda por coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) se ha convertido en un grave problema de salud pública a nivel mundial. Objetivos: Examinar el uso de recursos sanitarios, riesgo de complicaciones y muerte en pacientes adultos con enfermedades respiratorias crónicas atendidos por COVID-19. Métodos: Estudio clínico descriptivo prospectivo realizado en pacientes adultos atendidos por COVID-19 en la Red de Salud UC Christus entre el 1 de abril y 31 de diciembre de 2020. Resultados: Se evaluaron 2.160 pacientes adultos, edad: 47 ± 17 años (rango: 18-100), 51,3% sexo masculino, 43,8% tenía comorbilidades, especialmente hipertensión (23,2%), diabetes (11,7%) y enfermedades respiratorias crónicas: asma (5%), EPOC (1,4%) y enfermedad pulmonar difusa (EPD: 0,8%). Los pacientes adultos con enfermedades respiratorias crónicas tuvieron mayor riesgo de hospitalización y uso de oxígeno suplementario; sin embargo, la evolución de los pacientes asmáticos y la sobrevida a los doce meses fue similar a los pacientes sin comorbilidades atendidos por COVID-19, mientras que en los pacientes con EPOC y EPD la admisión a la unidad de paciente crítico y riesgo de muerte fueron más elevados. En el análisis multivariado, los principales predictores clínicos asociados al riesgo de muerte en el seguimiento a doce meses en pacientes adultos con COVID-19 fueron la edad y admisión al hospital, mientras que el asma fue un factor protector. Conclusión: Los pacientes asmáticos tuvieron bajo riesgo de complicaciones y muerte asociados a COVID-19; mientras que los pacientes con EPOC y EPD tuvieron mayor riesgo de complicaciones y muerte en el seguimiento a largo plazo.

The acute respiratory disease associated to coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) has become a serious public health problem worldwide. Objectives: To examine the use of healthcare resources, risk of complications and death in adult patients with chronic respiratory diseases treated for COVID-19. Methods: Prospective descriptive clinical study conducted in adult patients treated for COVID-19 in the UC Christus Healthcare Network between April 1 and December 31, 2020. Results: 2,160 adult patients were evaluated, age: 47 ± 17 years-old (range: 18-100), 51.3% male, 43.8% had comorbidities, especially hypertension (23.2%), diabetes (11.7%), and chronic respiratory diseases: asthma (5%), COPD (1,4%) and interstitial lung disease (ILD: 0.8%). Adult patients with chronic respiratory diseases were at higher risk for hospitalization and use of supplemental oxygen; however, the evolution of asthmatic patients and survival at twelve months was similar to that of adult patients without comorbidities treated for COVID-19, while in patients with COPD and ILD admission to the critical care unit and risk of death were higher. In the multivariate analysis, the main clinical predictors associated to 12-month mortality risk in adult patients with COVID-19 were age and hospital admission, while asthma was a protective factor. Conclusion: Asthmatic patients had minor risk of complications and mortality associated with COVID-19; while patients with COPD and ILD had a significant higher risk of complications and 12-month mortality.

Perfil clínico e fatores associados ao óbito de pacientes COVID-19 nos primeiros meses da pandemia / Perfil clínico y factores asociados a la muerte de pacientes COVID-19 en los primeros meses de la pandemia / Clinical profile and factors associated with the death of COVID-19 patients in the first months of the pandemic

RESUMO Objetivo analisar as características individuais, clínicas e os fatores associados à mortalidade de pacientes com COVID-19, em hospital público do estado do Paraná, Brasil. Métodos estudo seccional, retrospectivo, documental (n= 86), com pacientes adultos internados, de março a junho de 2020. Resultados a mortalidade foi de 12,8%, o grupo de maior risco foi de idosos com comorbidades, especialmente, cardiovasculares. A chance de óbito foi 58 vezes maior em idosos, comparada aos adultos, e oito vezes maior naqueles com comorbidades, comparadas aos hígidos. A maioria dos pacientes apresentou sintomatologia respiratória, febre e mialgia. Tratamento à base de antibióticos, anticoagulantes e antivirais, associado ao suporte ventilatório. As principais complicações foram hipóxia, insuficiência renal aguda e infecção secundária. Conclusão e implicações para a prática idosos com comorbidades cardiovasculares que necessitaram de cuidados intensivos apresentaram maior chance de óbito. Os resultados de um dos centros de referência na pandemia possibilitam discutir medidas epidemiológicas adotadas, com ênfase em conceitos restritivos nos primeiros meses.

RESUMEN Objetivo analizar las características individuales, clínicas y los factores asociados a la mortalidad en pacientes con COVID-19 en un hospital público del estado de Paraná. Métodos estudio transversal, retrospectivo, documental (n = 86), con pacientes adultos hospitalizados, de marzo a junio de 2020. Resultados la mortalidad fue del 12,8%, grupo de mayor riesgo para los ancianos con comorbilidades, especialmente enfermedades cardiovasculares. La probabilidad de muerte fue 58 veces mayor en los ancianos en comparación con los adultos y ocho veces mayor en aquellos con comorbilidades en comparación con los sanos. La mayoría de los pacientes presentaban síntomas respiratorios, fiebre y mialgia. Tratamiento a base de antibióticos, anticoagulantes y antivirales, asociado al soporte ventilatorio. Las principales complicaciones fueron hipoxia, insuficiencia renal aguda e infección secundaria. Conclusión e implicaciones para la práctica los ancianos con comorbilidades cardiovasculares que requirieron cuidados intensivos tenían una mayor probabilidad de muerte. Los resultados de uno de los centros de referencia pandémica permiten discutir las medidas epidemiológicas adoptadas, con énfasis en conceptos restrictivos en los primeros meses.

ABSTRACT Objective to analyze the individual and clinical characteristics and the factors associated with mortality in patients with COVID-19, in a public hospital in the state of Paraná, Brazil. Methods a cross-sectional, retrospective, documentary study (n= 86), with adult inpatients, from March to June 2020. Results mortality was 12.8%, the highest risk group was the elderly with comorbidities, especially cardiovascular ones. The chance of death was 58 times higher in the elderly compared to adults, and eight times higher in those with comorbidities compared to the healthy ones. Most patients presented with respiratory symptoms, fever, and myalgia. Treatment was based on antibiotics, anticoagulants and antivirals, associated with ventilatory support. The main complications were hypoxia, acute renal failure, and secondary infection. Conclusion and implications for practice elderly people with cardiovascular comorbidities who required intensive care had a higher chance of death. The results from one of the reference centers in the pandemic make it possible to discuss epidemiological measures adopted, with emphasis on restrictive concepts in the first months.

Adesão aos cuidados domésticos de casos suspeitos de Covid-19 em isolamento domiciliar / Adherence to home care of suspected COVID -19 cases in home isolation / Adherence to home care of suspected COVID -19 cases in home isolation

Objetivo: Analisar a associação entre as características sociodemográficas e a adesão aos cuidados domésticos de casos suspeitos de Covid-19 em isolamento domiciliar. Método: Estudo transversal, analítico. A coleta de dados ocorreu em unidade mista de saúde do Ceará, com 50 participantes suspeitos de Covid-19. Aplicou-se formulário de caracterização sociodemográfica, clínica e de avaliação dos cuidados em relação ao isolamento domiciliar. Para análise estatística, foram utilizados os testes Mann-Whitney e a razão de verossimilhança. Os princípios éticos das pesquisas com seres humanos foram seguidos. Resultados: A maioria dos homens (57,9%; p = 0,010) e das pessoas que conheciam alguém, pessoalmente, que teve/tem diagnóstico de Covid-19 (92,1%; p = 0,040) evitou aglomerações; 65,4% dos participantes com companheiro (a) descartaram o lixo adequadamente (p = 0,047); e 81,6% das pessoas com menor escolaridade aderiram à lavagem de roupas pessoais, de cama e toalhas com sabão comum e água (p = 0,043). Conclusão e implicações para a prática: As características sociodemográficas influenciaram a adesão a cuidados específicos, como evitamento de aglomerações, tratamento de lixo contaminado e lavagem de roupas pessoais, de cama e toalhas. Os cuidados domiciliares precisam ser mais enfatizados em consultas e pelos veículos de divulgação

Objective: To analyze the association between sociodemographic characteristics and adherence to home care of suspected COVID-19 cases in home isolation. Method: This is a cross-sectional, analytical study, and data collection took place in a health unit in Ceará, with 50 suspected COVID-19 participants. A sociodemographic, clinical characterization, and care evaluation form regarding home isolation was applied. For statistical analysis, the Mann-Whitney and likelihood ratio tests were used. The ethical principles of research with human beings were followed. Results: Most men (57.9%; p = 0.010) and people who personally knew someone diagnosed with COVID-19 (92.1%; p = 0.040) avoided crowded places, 65.4% of the participants with a partner discarded the garbage properly (p = 0.047), and 81.6% of people with less education adhered to washing personal clothes, bedding, and towels with common soap and water (p = 0.043). Conclusions and implications for practice: Sociodemographic characteristics influenced adherence to specific care, such as avoiding crowded places, treating contaminated waste, and washing personal clothes, bedding, and towels. Home care needs to be more emphasized in consultations and by means of dissemination

Objetivo: Analizar la asociación entre características sociodemográficas y adhesión a la atención domiciliaria de casos sospechosos de Covid-19 en aislamiento domiciliario. Método: Estudio transversal, analítico. La recolección de datos se llevó a cabo en una unidad de salud mixta en Ceará, con 50 participantes sospechosos de Covid-19. Se aplicó una forma de caracterización y evaluación sociodemográfica y clínica de los cuidados en relación al aislamiento domiciliario. Para el análisis estadístico se utilizaron pruebas de Mann-Whitney y de razón de verosimilitud. Se siguieron los principios éticos de la investigación con seres humanos. Resultados: La mayoría de los hombres (57,9%; p=0,010) y las personas que conocían a alguien personalmente que tenía/tiene un diagnóstico de Covid-19 (92,1%; p=0,040) evitaron los clusters; el 65,4% de los participantes con pareja (a) descartó la basura correctamente (p=0,047); el 81,6% de las personas con menor nivel educativo se adhirió a lavar la ropa personal, la ropa de cama y las toallas con agua y jabón común (p=0,043). Conclusión e implicaciones para la práctica: Las características sociodemográficas influyeron en la adhesión a cuidados específicos, como evitar aglomeraciones, tratar residuos contaminados y lavar ropa, sábanas y toallas personales. Es necesario hacer más hincapié en la atención domiciliaria en las consultas y mediante la difusión de información

Resultados terapêuticos da homeopatia em pacientes suspeitos ou confirmados de Covid-19 / Outcomes research of homeopathic treatment in suspected or confirmed patients with Covid-19

A infecção humana causada pelo vírus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), diagnosticada como pneumonia de causa desconhecida originalmente na cidade de Wuhan (China), foi considerada como pandemia pela Organização Mundial da Saúde. Sua transmissibilidade parece ser bastante elevada, tendo afetado quase dois milhões de pessoas em todo o mundo e provocado mais de 130 mil mortes. Surgiu no Brasil em fevereiro de 2020, inicialmente na cidade de São Paulo. Afeta de forma mais grave os idosos e portadores de algumas comorbidades (tais como doenças cardiovasculares, hipertensão arterial, diabetes, câncer, DPOC e doenças cerebrovasculares, entre outras), tendo uma sintomatologia variável e tratamentos empíricos que estão sendo testados de forma mais rigorosa desde o seu aparecimento. Na ausência de vacina para proteção dos sadios, tem sido adotada a estratégia de isolamento social e tratamento com medidas de suporte geral e/ou avançado. Neste contexto, cabe investigar a contribuição da terapêutica homeopática no enfrentamento da doença, notadamente no alívio dos sintomas desconfortáveis por ela provocados em sua fase inicial, com acompanhamento e registro dos resultados obtidos pelos médicos homeopatas. Este estudo nacional pretende coletar, durante o período em que durar a pandemia da COVID-19 no Brasil, informações de pacientes diagnosticados com a doença, tratados com medicamentos homeopáticos escolhidos de acordo com a sintomatologia apresentada pelo paciente, por experientes médicos homeopatas. Todos os medicamentos homeopáticos estão descritos na Farmacopéia Homeopática Brasileira, não envolvendo qualquer medicamento que não tenha sido anteriormente aprovado para uso homeopático. Serão avaliados os efeitos no estado de saúde do paciente, por meio de escores e escalas clínicas, bem como aspectos relacionados à segurança do medicamento, variação na duração da doença e medicamentos mais associados a eventuais sucessos terapêuticos. Questionário padronizado e específico para a COVID-19 foi elaborado e disponibilizado em formulários google para preenchimento dos médicos colaboradores do estudo durante o acompanhamento dos pacientes. Os dados serão armazenados em planilhas eletrônicas e serão analisados com técnicas estatísticas descritivas e inferenciais. Todos os dados dos pacientes serão coletados de forma totalmente anonimizada para proteger a privacidade dos pacientes, que serão identificados no formulário eletrônico, única e exclusivamente, por um código alfanumérico, escolhido pelo seu médico homeopata e registrado no seu prontuário médico. Dada a situação pandêmica, nos casos em que não for possível o atendimento presencial será enviado uma folha de informações sobre o estudo e TCLE para preenchimento pelo paciente, bem como feitas as teleconsultas de seguimento para acompanhamento do caso. Além de gerar o desenvolvimento de novas aplicações da telemedicina na área homeopática, o projeto visa também a coleta de informações úteis que poderão ser utilizadas em futuros estudos multicêntricos randomizados e controlados para tratamento com medicamentos homeopáticos de quadros epidêmicos, podendo servir também de modelo para novos estudos clínicos de avaliação dos benefícios do tratamento homeopático em outras doenças ou agravos à saúde.

La infección en humanos causada por el virus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), diagnosticada como neumonía de causa desconocida originalmente en la ciudad de Wuhan (China) en diciembre de 2019, fue considerada una pandemia por la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Su transmisibilidad parece ser bastante alta, afectando a casi dos millones de personas en todo el mundo y causando más de 130 mil muertes. Apareció en Brasil en febrero de 2020, inicialmente en la ciudad de São Paulo. Afecta más severamente a los ancianos y personas con algunas comorbilidades (como enfermedades cardiovasculares, presión arterial alta, diabetes, malignidad, enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica y enfermedad cerebrovascular, entre otros), con una rica sintomatología clínica. Los tratamientos empíricos se están probando en ensayos clínicos más rigurosos. En ausencia de una vacuna para proteger a los sanos, se ha adoptado la estrategia de aislamiento social y tratamiento con medidas de apoyo generales y / o avanzadas. En este contexto, se puede investigar la contribución potencial de la homeopatía para aliviar los síntomas causados por el coronavirus en su fase inicial, junto con el monitoreo y registro de los resultados recopilados por los médicos homeópatas. Este estudio nacional tiene la intención de recopilar información de casos sospechosos o confirmados de pacientes con COVID-19, durante la pandemia actual en Brasil. Los pacientes serán atendidos por médicos homeópatas experimentados con la prescripción de remedios de acuerdo con los síntomas presentados por el paciente en la pandemia. Todos los medicamentos homeopáticos se describen en la Farmacopea Homeopática Brasileña. Los efectos sobre el estado de salud de los pacientes se evaluarán mediante puntajes de síntomas y escalas clínicas, junto con medidas de seguridad, duración de la enfermedad y revelación de medicamentos más asociados con buenas respuestas clínicas. Se diseñó un cuestionario estandarizado y específico para COVID-19, que estará disponible en los formularios de Google para que los médicos lo completen durante el estudio. Los datos se almacenarán en hojas de cálculo electrónicas y se analizarán mediante técnicas estadísticas descriptivas e inferenciales. Todos los datos del paciente se recopilarán de forma completamente anónima para proteger la privacidad de los pacientes. Los pacientes serán identificados exclusivamente por un código alfanumérico, que se registrará en los registros médicos de los médicos. Dada la situación de pandemia, en los casos en que la atención médica presencial no es obligatoria, se enviará una hoja de información sobre el estudio al paciente para obtener el consentimiento informado. Se realizarán teleconsultas en algunos casos para el seguimiento de los pacientes. Además de ampliar las aplicaciones de telemedicina para la homeopatía, este protocolo también tiene como objetivo recopilar información útil que podría utilizarse en futuros ensayos multicéntricos controlados y aleatorizados para evaluar el papel de la homeopatía en enfermedades epidémicas o transmisibles. También podría ser útil para diseñar estudios clínicos con medicamentos homeopáticos en otras enfermedades o problemas de salud.

Infection in humans caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19), diagnosed as pneumonia of unknown cause originally in the city of Wuhan (China) in December 2019, was considered a pandemic by the World Health Organization. Its transmissibility seems to be quite high, affecting almost two million people worldwide and causing more than 130 thousand deaths. It appeared in Brazil in February 2020, initially in the city of São Paulo. It affects more severely the elderly and people with some comorbidities (such as cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, malignancy, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cerebrovascular disease, among others), with a rich clinical symptomatology. Empirical treatments are being tested in more rigorous clinical trials. In the absence of a vaccine to protect the healthy, the strategy of social isolation and treatment with general and / or advanced support measures has been adopted. In this context, it is worth investigating the potential contribution of homeopathy for relieving the distressing symptoms caused by coronavirus in its initial phase, together with monitoring and recording outcomes collected by homeopathic doctors. This national study intends to collect information from suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 patients, during the current pandemic in Brazil. The patients will be attended by experienced homeopathic doctors with the prescription of remedies according to the symptoms presented by the patient in the pandemic. All homeopathic medicines are described in the Brazilian Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia. The effects on patients' health status will be evaluated by means of scores and clinical scales, together with measures on safety, duration of the disease and medicines better related with good results. A standardized and specific questionnaire for COVID-19 had been designed and will be available on google forms to be filled out by doctors during the study. The data will be stored in electronic spreadsheets and will be analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. All patient data will be collected in a completely anonymous way to protect patients' privacy. Patients will be identified exclusively by an alphanumeric code, to be registered in doctors' medical records. Given the pandemic situation, in cases in which face-to-face health care is not obligatory, an information sheet about the study will be sent to the patient in order to get the informed consent. Teleconsultations will take place in some cases for follow-up of patients. In addition to enlarge telemedicine applications for homeopathy, this project also aims to collect useful information that could be used in future randomized and controlled multicenter trials to evaluate the role of homeopathy in epidemic or transmissible diseases. It could also be helpful for designing clinical studies using homeopathic medicines in other diseases or health problems

Covid-19 en pacientes privados de libertad en una Unidad de Internación Penitenciaria / COVID-19 in patients deprived of liberty in a prision intation unit

El sistema carcelario debió incorporar medidas destinadas a la prevención, detección temprana, aislamiento y tratamiento de los pacientes con COVID-19. Se dispuso el Centro Penitenciario de Enfermedades Infecciosas-Unidad 21 como sitio de derivación. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, observacional, transversal donde se describieron las características, tratamiento y evolución de los pacientes internados en dicha Unidad por COVID-19, en contexto de detención. En el período estudiado (01 de mayo-15 de octubre de 2020) se registraron 427 casos de COVID-19 en el Servicio Penitenciario Federal, de los cuales 193 fueron derivados a la Unidad 21. De ellos, 191 (98.9%) fueron de género masculino, con una mediana de edad de 51.5 (RI 32.5). Presentaron formas leves de la enfermedad 74 pacientes (38.3%), moderadas 110 (56.9%), graves 7 (3.6%). Requirieron Unidad de Terapia Intensiva 6 pacientes (3.1%) de los cuales 2 60 LA PRENSA MÉDICA ARGENTINA Covid-19 en pacientes privados de libertad en una Unidad de Internación Penitenciaria V.107/Nº 2 ingresaron en estado crítico a la Unidad y recibieron menos de 48hs de tratamiento en nuestro centro. Se produjeron 4 muertes, 2 por distrés respiratorio, 1 por accidente cerebrovascular de tronco encefálico y 1 muerte súbita. Según criterio de gravedad los pacientes recibieron tratamiento con ivermectina, corticosteroides, antibióticos, antiagregante y/o profilaxis antitrombótica. El 66.6% de los pacientes presentaron al menos una comorbilidad y el 22.8%, 2 o más. La letalidad por COVID-19 documentada fue del 2.07% en nuestro centro. Esto es relevante teniendo en cuenta los datos reportados de otras poblaciones penales, por ejemplo, de las cárceles estadounidenses donde la mortalidad era 5.5 veces más alta que en el resto de la población

The prison system had to incorporate measures aimed at the prevention, early detection, isolation and treatment of patients with COVID-19. The Penitentiary Center for Infectious Diseases-Unit 21 was set up as a referral site. A descriptive, observational, cross-sectional study was carried out in which the characteristics, treatment and evolution of patients admitted to the Unit for COVID-19, in the context of detention, were described. In the period studied (May 1-October 15, 2020), 427 cases of COVID-19 were registered in the Federal Penitentiary Service, of which 193 were referred to Unit 21. Of these, 191 (98.9%) were of Male gender, with a median age of 51.5 (RI 32.5). 74 patients (38.3%) had mild forms of the disease, 110 (56.9%) were moderate, 7 (3.6%) were severe. 6 patients (3.1%) required the Intensive Care Unit, of which 2 were admitted to the Unit in critical condition and received less than 48 hours of treatment in our center. There were 4 deaths, 2 from respiratory distress, 1 from brain stem stroke, and 1 sudden death. According to severity criteria, the patients received treatment with ivermectin, corticosteroids, antibiotics, antiaggregant and / or antithrombotic prophylaxis. 66.6% had at least one comorbidity and 22.8%, 2 or more. The documented COVID-19 fatality was 2.07% in our center. This is relevant considering the data reported from other prison populations, for example from American prisons where mortality was 5.5 times higher than in the rest of the population

Subfenótipos baseados em dados clínicos de beira-leito de pacientes críticos com COVID-19: um estudo de coorte / Bedside clinical data subphenotypes of critically ill COVID-19 patients: a cohort study

RESUMO Objetivo: Identificar apresentações mais graves de COVID-19. Métodos: Pacientes consecutivamente admitidos à unidade de terapia intensiva foram submetidos à análise de clusters por meio de método de explorações sequenciais Resultados: Analisamos os dados de 147 pacientes, com média de idade de 56 ± 16 anos e Simplified Acute Physiological Score 3 de 72 ± 18, dos quais 103 (70%) demandaram ventilação mecânica e 46 (31%) morreram na unidade de terapia intensiva. A partir do algoritmo de análise de clusters, identificaram-se dois grupos bem definidos, com base na frequência cardíaca máxima [Grupo A: 104 (IC95% 99 - 109) batimentos por minuto versus Grupo B: 159 (IC95% 155 - 163) batimentos por minuto], frequência respiratória máxima [Grupo A: 33 (IC95% 31 - 35) respirações por minuto versus Grupo B: 50 (IC95% 47 - 53) respirações por minuto] e na temperatura corpórea máxima [Grupo A: 37,4 (IC95% 37,1 - 37,7)ºC versus Grupo B: 39,3 (IC95% 39,1 - 39,5)ºC] durante o tempo de permanência na unidade de terapia intensiva, assim como a proporção entre a pressão parcial de oxigênio no sangue e a fração inspirada de oxigênio quando da admissão à unidade de terapia intensiva [Grupo A: 116 (IC95% 99 - 133) mmHg versus Grupo B: 78 (IC95% 63 - 93) mmHg]. Os subfenótipos foram distintos em termos de perfis inflamatórios, disfunções orgânicas, terapias de suporte, tempo de permanência na unidade de terapia intensiva e mortalidade na unidade de terapia intensiva (com proporção de 4,2 entre os grupos). Conclusão: Nossos achados, baseados em dados clínicos universalmente disponíveis, revelaram dois subfenótipos distintos, com diferentes evoluções de doença. Estes resultados podem ajudar os profissionais de saúde na alocação de recursos e seleção de pacientes para teste de novas terapias.

Abstract Objective: To identify more severe COVID-19 presentations. Methods: Consecutive intensive care unit-admitted patients were subjected to a stepwise clustering method. Results: Data from 147 patients who were on average 56 ± 16 years old with a Simplified Acute Physiological Score 3 of 72 ± 18, of which 103 (70%) needed mechanical ventilation and 46 (31%) died in the intensive care unit, were analyzed. From the clustering algorithm, two well-defined groups were found based on maximal heart rate [Cluster A: 104 (95%CI 99 - 109) beats per minute versus Cluster B: 159 (95%CI 155 - 163) beats per minute], maximal respiratory rate [Cluster A: 33 (95%CI 31 - 35) breaths per minute versus Cluster B: 50 (95%CI 47 - 53) breaths per minute], and maximal body temperature [Cluster A: 37.4 (95%CI 37.1 - 37.7)°C versus Cluster B: 39.3 (95%CI 39.1 - 39.5)°C] during the intensive care unit stay, as well as the oxygen partial pressure in the blood over the oxygen inspiratory fraction at intensive care unit admission [Cluster A: 116 (95%CI 99 - 133) mmHg versus Cluster B: 78 (95%CI 63 - 93) mmHg]. Subphenotypes were distinct in inflammation profiles, organ dysfunction, organ support, intensive care unit length of stay, and intensive care unit mortality (with a ratio of 4.2 between the groups). Conclusion: Our findings, based on common clinical data, revealed two distinct subphenotypes with different disease courses. These results could help health professionals allocate resources and select patients for testing novel therapies.

Performance of the Pandemic Medical Early Warning Score (PMEWS), Simple Triage Scoring System (STSS) and Confusion, Uremia, Respiratory rate, Blood pressure and age ≥ 65 (CURB-65) score among patients with COVID-19 pneumonia in an emergency department triage setting: a retrospective study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Healthcare institutions are confronted with large numbers of patient admissions during large-scale or long-term public health emergencies like pandemics. Appropriate and effective triage is needed for effective resource use. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of the Pandemic Medical Early Warning Score (PMEWS), Simple Triage Scoring System (STSS) and Confusion, Uremia, Respiratory rate, Blood pressure and age ≥ 65 years (CURB-65) score in an emergency department (ED) triage setting. DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective study in the ED of a tertiary-care university hospital in Düzce, Turkey. METHODS: PMEWS, STSS and CURB-65 scores of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonia were calculated. Thirty-day mortality, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, mechanical ventilation (MV) need and outcomes were recorded. The predictive accuracy of the scores was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. RESULTS: One hundred patients with COVID-19 pneumonia were included. The 30-day mortality was 6%. PMEWS, STSS and CURB-65 showed high performance for predicting 30-day mortality (area under the curve: 0.968, 0.962 and 0.942, respectively). Age > 65 years, respiratory rate > 20/minute, oxygen saturation (SpO2) < 90% and ED length of stay > 4 hours showed associations with 30-day mortality (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: CURB-65, STSS and PMEWS scores are useful for predicting mortality, ICU admission and MV need among patients diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonia. Advanced age, increased respiratory rate, low SpO2 and prolonged ED length of stay may increase mortality. Further studies are needed for developing the triage scoring systems, to ensure effective long-term use of healthcare service capacity during pandemics.

Características epidemiológicas y clínicas de pacientes internados con COVID-19 en la Ciudad de Buenos Aires / Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in Buenos Aires cityEsta obra está bajo una licencia de CreativeCommons Reconocimiento-NoComercial 4.0Internacionalhttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/i

Introducción: La pandemia de COVID-19 representa un desafío para la salud mundial y continúa en investigación. Objetivo: Describir las características epidemiológicas, demográficas, clínicas y la mortalidad por todas las causas de pacientes internados con COVID-19 en un establecimiento de salud privado de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo, de corte transversal y descriptivo entre el 3 de marzo y el 8 de julio de 2020. Se incluyeron pacientes adultos con diagnóstico confirmado de COVID-19 por RT-PCR de hisopado nasofaríngeo internados en sala general y unidad de terapia intensiva (UTI) del Sanatorio San José. Se analizaron las características epidemiológicas, demográficas (edad, sexo, ocupación, procedencia, residencia), clínicas y mortalidad por todas las causas. Las variables continuas fueron descriptas con mediana y rango intercuartilo (RIC) y las variables categóricas con número y porcentaje. Se utilizó el programa STATA v 13.0.Resultados: Se incluyeron 118 pacientes. La mediana de edad fue de 50 años, 51% varones. Las comorbilidades más prevalentes fueron hipertensión arterial 31,4%, enfermedad neurológica crónica 27,1%, enfermedad cardiovascular 14,4% y diabetes 13,6%. Los signos y síntomas más frecuentes: fiebre 68,6% y tos 51,7%. Según la severidad inicial: 33,9% neumonía moderada y 27,1% grave. El 75% de las tomografías de tórax reveló vidrio esmerilado; linfopenia presentó el 30%. No se detectó coinfección viral. La mortalidad por todas las causas fue del 20%, y del 57% en UTI con ventilación mecánica. Conclusiones: Nuestro trabajo describe las características y mortalidad de pacientes internados con COVID-19. Es necesario aumentar la evidencia para desarrollar modelos de predicción clínica relacionados con COVID-19.Palabras clave: infecciones por coronavirus, pandemias, epidemiología, COVID-19.

ntroduction: The COVID-19 pandemic represents a global health challenge and continues to be investigated.Objective: To describe the epidemiological, demographic, clinical characteristics and all-cause mortality of patients hospitalized with COVID-19, in a private health care facility in Buenos Aires city.Materials and methods: A retrospective, cross-sectional, and descriptive study was conducted between March 3 and July 8, 2020. Adult patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 by nasopharyngeal swab RT-PCR, admitted to the general ward and intensive care unit (ICU) at the San José Sanatorium were included. Epidemiological, demographic (age, sex, occupation, origin, residence), clinical characteristics, and all-cause mortality were analyzed. Continuous variables were described with median and interquartile range (IQR) and categorical variables with number and percentage. The STATA v 13.0 program was used. Results: 118 patients were included. The median age was 50 years, 51% were men. The most prevalent comorbidities: arterial hypertension 31.4%, chronic neurological disease 27.1%, cardiovascular disease 14.4% and diabetes 13.6%. The most frequent signs and symptoms: fever 68.6% and cough 51.7%. According to the initial severity: 33.9% moderate pneumonia and 27.1% severe. Ground glass was reported in 75% of chest scans; lymphopenia presented 30%. Viral coinfection was not detected. Mortality from all causes was 20%, and 57% in ICU with mechanical ventilation.Conclusions: Our work describes the characteristics and mortality of hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Increased evidence is needed to develop clinical predictive models related to COVID-19

COVID-19 en terapia intensiva: ¿qué pacientes tienen más riesgo de requerir ventilación mecánica? / COVID-19 in intensive care: which patients are most at risk of requiring mechanical ventilation?

Introducción: En COVID-19 grave, identificar pacientes con mayor riesgo de ventilación mecánica (VM) ayuda a optimizar el manejo. Materiales y métodos: Análisis retrospectivo de características clínico-epidemiológicas de pacientes con COVID-19 ingresados a UTI entre marzo/septiembre 2020. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva, análisis univariado (p significativa <0.05) y multivariado (variables significativas en el univariado).Resultados: Ingresaron 114 pacientes, 91 (79,8%) hombres, edad promedio 54,6 ±14,8 años. 66 (57,9%) eran obesos, 44 (38,6%) ≥ 60 años, 38 (33,3%) hipertensos (33,3%) y 28 (24,6%) diabéticos. 39 (23%) tenían ferritina elevada, 62 (76,5%) linfopenia y 33 (41,3%) LDH aumentada. Mortalidad global 34%. 72 pacientes (63,1%) requirieron VM. Los predictores independientes de requerimiento de VM en el análisis multivariado fueron sexo masculino, edad ≥60 años, diabetes, linfopenia y ferritina y LDH aumentadas. Conclusiones: En pacientes con COVID-19 grave, los predictores independientes de necesidad de VM fueron sexo masculino, edad ≥ 60 años, diabetes, niveles elevados de ferritina y LDH y linfopenia

Introduction: In severe COVID-19, identifying patients with a higher risk of mechanical ventilation (MV) helps to optimize management.Materials and methods: Retrospective analysis of clinical-epidemiological characteristics of patients with COVID-19 admitted to ICU between March / September 2020. Descriptive statistics, univariate and multivariate analysis were used. Results: 114 patients were admitted, 91 (79.8%) were men, mean age 54.6 ± 14.8 years. 66 (57.9%) were obese, 44 (38.6%) ≥60 years, 38 (33.3%) were hypertensive (33.3%) and 28 (24.6 %) diabetics. 39 (23%) had elevated ferritin, 62 (76.5%) had lymphopenia, and 33 (41.3%) had increased LDH. Overall mortality 34%. 72 patients (63.1%) required MV. The independent predictors of MV requirement in the multivariate analysis were male sex, age ≥60 years, diabetes, lymphopenia, and increased ferritin and LDH.Conclusions: In patients with severe COVID-19, the independent predictors of the need for MV were male sex, age ≥ 60 years, diabetes, elevated levels of ferritin and LDH, and lymphopenia

Caracterización clínica y tomográfica de pacientes hospitalizados con COVID-19 / Clinical and tomographic characterization of patients hospitalized with COVID-19

OBJETIVO: Realizar una caracterización clínica y por imágenes a pacientes hospitalizados por COVID-19 y analizar si existen predictores de riesgo asociados con una mayor gravedad. MÉTODO: Estudio observacional, retrospectivo. Se incluyeron pacientes hospitalizados con COVID-19, entre abril y julio de 2020. Se registraron datos demográficos, comorbilidades, exámenes de laboratorio, tipo de compromiso en tomografía computada (TC) de tórax, terapias recibidas y tipo de soporte respiratorio. En el análisis estadístico para identificar factores de riesgo se utilizó test χ2 de Pearson o test de Fisher para comparar variables categóricas y test de Mann-Whitney para comparar variables continuas. RESULTADOS: Se analizaron 164 pacientes. La mediana de edad fue de 57 años (rango 21 a 89). 111 pacientes (68%) de género masculino y mediana de 7 días de síntomas previo al ingreso (rango 1 a 23). 68 pacientes (41%) tienen obesidad (significativamente mayor en pacientes < 60 años, p = 0,026), 56 (34%) hipertensión arterial (HTA) y 43 (26%) diabetes. El patrón predominante en la TC de ingreso fue de vidrio esmerilado (VE) con "crazy paving" (35%) y luego VE puro (28%). Como indicador de gravedad se tomó en cuenta el tipo de soporte ventilatorio requerido: 51 pacientes (31%) requieren soporte ventilatorio no invasivo (cánula nasal de alto flujo o VMNI) y 19 (11%) ventilación invasiva (VMI). Las variables predictoras de gravedad, estadísticamente significativas, fueron: HTA (p = 0,001), Diabetes Mellitus (p = 0,001) y Obesidad. (p = 0,002). CONCLUSIONES: Los pacientes hospitalizados por COVID 19 con mayor riesgo de evolución tórpida, del punto de vista respiratorio, fueron los pacientes obesos, hipertensos y diabéticos.

OBJECTIVE: To perform a clinical and imaging characterization in patients hospitalized for COVID-19 and to analyze whether there are risk predictors associated with greater severity of the condition. METHOD: Observational, retrospective study. Patients hospitalized with COVID-19 were included between April and July 2020. Demographic data, comorbidities, laboratory tests, tomographic pattern in thorax tomography (TC), therapies received, and type of respiratory support were recorded. In the statistical analysis to identify risk factors, we used Pearson's χ2 test or Fisher's test to compare categorical variables and Mann-Whitney test to compare continuous variables. RESULTS: 164 patients were analyzed. Median age was 57 years (21 to 89). 111 patients (68%) were male and a median of 7 days of symptoms prior to admission (1 to 23). 68 patients (41%) have obesity (significantly higher in patients < 60 years, p = 0.026), 56 (34%) arterial hypertension (HT) and 43 (26%) with diabetes mellitus. The predominant pattern in the admission CT scan was ground glass opacity (GGO) with "crazy paving" (35%) and then pure GGO (28%). Type of ventilatory support required was considered as an indicator of severity. 51 patients (31%) require non-invasive ventilatory support (high-flow nasal cannula or NIMV) and 19 (11%) invasive ventilation (IMV). The statistically significant predictor variables of severity were HT (p = 0.001), Diabetes Mellitus (p = 0.001) and Obesity. (p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Patients hospitalized for COVID 19 with the highest risk of respiratory torpid evolution were obese, hypertensive and diabetic patients

Características y mortalidad en pacientes mexicanos con COVID-19 y ventilación mecánica / Characteristics and mortality of Mexican patients with COVID-19 and mechanical ventilation

Resumen Introducción: La mortalidad por COVID-19 en quienes requieren ventilación mecánica se desconoce en la población mexicana. Objetivo: Describir las características de pacientes mexicanos con COVID-19 que requirieron ventilación mecánica. Métodos: Estudio de cohorte observacional en una unidad de terapia intensiva, del 25 de marzo al 17 de julio de 2020. Los datos se obtuvieron de una base de datos prospectiva y de registros clínicos electrónicos; fueron analizados con c2, prueba exacta de Fisher o prueba U de Mann-Whitney. Resultados: Cien pacientes recibieron ventilación mecánica, la edad media fue de 56 años, 31 % era del sexo femenino y 97 %, latinoamericano. Las comorbilidades más comunes fueron obesidad (36 %), diabetes (26 %), hipertensión (20 %) y enfermedad renal crónica o renal terminal (10 %). Al término del análisis, 11 pacientes permanecían en la UCI, 31 egresaron vivos y 58 (65.2 %) fallecieron; los sobrevivientes fueron más jóvenes, con menor puntuación en las escalas de gravedad y disfunción orgánica, menores niveles de proteína C reactiva al ingreso a la UCI, menor propensión a hemodiálisis y necesidad de vasopresores y con mayor estancia hospitalaria y en la UCI. Conclusiones: Este estudio agrega información sobre la presentación y resultados de pacientes con ventilación mecánica infectados con SARS-CoV-2.

Abstract Introduction: COVID-19 associated mortality in patients who require mechanical ventilation is unknown in the Mexican population. Objective: To describe the characteristics of Mexican patients with COVID-19 who required mechanical ventilation. Methods: Observational cohort study carried out in an intensive care unit from March 25 to July 17, 2020. Data were obtained from a prospective database and electronic medical records, and were analyzed with the chi-square test, Fisher's exact test or Mann-Whitney's U-test. Results: One hundred patients required mechanical ventilation; median age was 56 years, 31 % were females and 97 % were Latin American. Most common comorbidities were obesity (36 %), diabetes (26 %), hypertension (20 %), and chronic or end-stage kidney disease (10 %). At the end of the analysis, 11 patients remained in the ICU, 31 had been discharged alive and 58 (65.2 %) died; survivors were younger, had lower scores on severity and organ dysfunction scales, lower levels of C-reactive protein at ICU admission, were less likely to receive hemodialysis and vasopressors, and had longer hospital and ICU stays. Conclusions: This study adds information on the presentation and results of SARS-CoV-2-infected patients who require mechanical ventilation.

SARS-CoV-2 infection in a pediatric patient with cystic fibrosis / Infección por SARS-CoV-2 en un paciente pediátrico con fibrosis quística

Abstract Background: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a potentially mortal disease characterized by a chronic pulmonary disease with persistent airway infection. Children with this disease are more susceptible to respiratory infections due to the limitation in mucociliary transport and anatomical disruption of the bronchial tree. SARS-CoV-2 causes COVID-19, a respiratory illness related to exacerbations of chronic pulmonary pathologies in children, such as CF and asthma. There are not enough case reports on pediatric patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection and CF, for which we share our experience. Case report: A 22-month-old male patient diagnosed with CF presented in the hospital with cough, fever, and increased respiratory work. The patient received supplemental oxygen and antibiotic and antiviral therapy. Positive results for type B influenza and RT-PCR (reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction) for SARS-CoV-2 were obtained. Due to the persistence of respiratory difficulty, high-flow therapy was initiated, with a good response. After an episode of hypoxemia, bradycardia, and increased respiratory work secondary to accumulated secretions, orotracheal intubation and invasive mechanical ventilation were performed. The patient evolved with clinical and gasometric improvement. After 10 days of in-hospital antibiotic management with adequate clinical evolution, the patient was discharged to complete oral treatment and home isolation. Conclusions: We present a case of chronic respiratory disease and SARS-CoV-2 infection with severity criteria in a pediatric patient. The evolution was favorable with timely support management and antibiotic therapy in a third-level hospital.

Resumen Introducción: La fibrosis quística es una afección potencialmente mortal caracterizada por enfermedad pulmonar crónica con infección persistente de las vías aéreas. Los niños con esta enfermedad son más susceptibles a infecciones respiratorias debido a la limitación en el transporte mucociliar y la distorsión anatómica del árbol bronquial. El SARS-CoV-2 (coronavirus tipo 2 del síndrome agudo respiratorio grave) es el virus causante de la COVID-19, enfermedad respiratoria que puede estar relacionada con exacerbaciones de patologías pulmonares crónicas en niños, como la fibrosis quística y el asma. No hay suficientes reportes de casos de pacientes pediátricos con infección por SARS-CoV-2 y fibrosis quística, por lo cual se comparte la presente experiencia. Caso clínico: Paciente de sexo masculino de 22 meses de edad con diagnóstico de fibrosis quística que presentó tos, fiebre y aumento en el trabajo respiratorio. A su ingreso se inició manejo con oxígeno suplementario y tratamiento antibiótico y antiviral. Se obtuvo prueba positiva para influenza tipo B y para SARS-CoV-2 por RT-PCR (reacción en cadena de la polimerasa de transcriptasa inversa). Ante un episodio de hipoxemia, bradicardia y mayor trabajo respiratorio, requirió intubación orotraqueal y ventilación mecánica invasiva. El paciente evolucionó con mejoría clínica y gasométrica. Después de 10 días de manejo antibiótico intrahospitalario, con adecuada evolución clínica, egresó para completar tratamiento por vía oral y aislamiento en casa. Conclusiones: Se presenta el caso de un paciente pediátrico con enfermedad respiratoria crónica de base e infección por SARS-CoV-2 con criterios de gravedad. El paciente evolucionó favorablemente con el manejo de soporte oportuno y terapia de antibióticos en un hospital de tercer nivel.

Trabajo y subjetividad: reflexiones a partir de la experiencia de enfrentar el COVID-19 en el Sistema Único de Salud de Brasil / Work and subjectivity: reflections on experiences dealing with COVID-19 in the Brazilian Unified Health System

RESUMEN Este artículo busca problematizar la relación trabajo y subjetividad a partir de una reflexión sobre experiencias y modos de enfrentar la epidemia de SARS-Cov 2 (COVID-19) en el Sistema Único de Salud (SUS) de San Pablo, Brasil. Para eso se realiza una contextualización de la política brasileña y del SUS, rescatando los modos de hacer política en salud. Luego, se presentan los modos de enfrentar la pandemia en el SUS sobre la base de diversas rondas de conversaciones con las y los trabajadores de la salud acerca de lo vivido en la pandemia y su enfrentamiento político, sobre vivencias en el primer nivel de atención, en salud mental, y con los movimientos sociales, cuyo registro está disponible en Youtube. Sobre estos registros, se analizan elementos conceptuales que procuran ampliar las nociones en torno al trabajo en salud, las políticas, las prácticas en salud y los procesos de subjetivación, destacando aprendizajes y retos hacia el futuro.

ABSTRACT This article presents a critical analysis of the relationship between work and subjectivity, based on reflections regarding experiences of dealing with the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) epidemic in the Unified Health System (SUS) in Sao Paulo, Brazil. In order to do so, context is first provided regarding Brazilian policy and the SUS, drawing attention to different modes of health policy formulation. The ways in which the challenges of the pandemic were dealt with in the SUS are then presented, through an examination of material from panel discussions held with healthcare workers - which are publicly available on Youtube - regarding what they have lived through during the pandemic and the political conflicts they have encountered, as well as their lived experiences with the primary level of care, with mental health, and with social movements. This material is analyzed vis-à-vis conceptual elements that seek to expand upon notions of healthcare work, policies and practices in health care, and subjectification processes, shedding light on lessons that have emerged and on future challenges.

Caso clínico: Síndrome de distrés respiratorio del adulto en paciente COVID-19 en ventilación mecánica con aspergilosis pulmonar invasiva / Clinical case: Adult respiratory distress syndrome in COVID-19 patient on mechanical ventilation with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis

The bibliography on the management of the COVID-19 patient in intensive care units is increasing. Research and publication of results help to optimize the management of these patients and the consequent improvement of results. We present the case of a patient admitted to intensive care due to adult respiratory distress syndrome secondary to COVID-19 pneumonia and personal history of liver transplantation the previous year and pulmonary hypertension under treatment. During admission, the patient requires pronation, neuromuscular blockers, and nitric oxide. Invasive aspergillosis is diagnosed and requires percutaneous tracheostomy.

La bibliografía sobre el manejo del paciente COVID-19 en las unidades de cuidados intensivos va en aumento. La investigación y publicación de resultados ayudan a la optimización del manejo de estos pacientes y la mejora consecuente de resultados. Presentamos el caso de un paciente que ingresa en cuidados intensivos (UCI) por síndrome de distrés respiratorio del adulto secundario a neumonía COVID-19 y antecedentes de trasplante hepático el año previo e hipertensión pulmonar en tratamiento. Durante el ingreso, el paciente precisa pronación, relajación neuromuscular y óxido nítrico. Se diagnostica de aspergilosis invasiva y precisa traqueostomía percutánea.

Características clínicas e preditores de ventilação mecânica em pacientes com COVID-19 hospitalizados no sul do país / Clinical characteristics and predictors of mechanical ventilation in patients with COVID-19 hospitalized in Southern Brazil

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever as características clínicas e os preditores de ventilação mecânica em pacientes adultos internados com COVID-19. Métodos: Conduziu-se um estudo de coorte retrospectiva com inclusão de pacientes hospitalizados entre 17 de março e 3 de maio de 2020, que tiveram o diagnóstico de infecção pelo SARS-CoV-2. As características clínicas e demográficas foram extraídas de registros em prontuário eletrônico. Resultados: Incluíram-se no estudo 88 pacientes consecutivos. A mediana da idade dos pacientes foi de 63 anos (IQR: 49 - 71); 59 (67%) pacientes eram do sexo masculino, 65 (86%) tinham educação universitária e 67 (76%) tinham, no mínimo, uma comorbidade. Dentre eles, 29 (33%) pacientes foram admitidos à unidade de terapia intensiva, 18 (20%) necessitaram de ventilação mecânica e nove (10,2%) morreram durante a hospitalização. O tempo mediano de permanência na unidade de terapia intensiva e o tempo mediano de ventilação mecânica foram, respectivamente, de 23 e 29,5 dias. Idade acima ou igual a 65 anos foi fator de risco independente para ventilação mecânica (RC: 8,4; IC95% de 1,3 - 55,6; valor de p = 0,02). Conclusão: Nossos achados descrevem a primeira onda de pacientes brasileiros hospitalizados por COVID-19. Em nossa população, idade foi o maior preditor de insuficiência respiratória e necessidade de ventilação mecânica.

Abstract Objective: This study aims to describe the clinical characteristics and predictors of mechanical ventilation of adult inpatients with COVID-19 in a single center. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed and included adult inpatients hospitalized from March 17th to May 3rd, 2020, who were diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Clinical and demographic characteristics were extracted from electronic medical records. Results: Overall, 88 consecutive patients were included in this study. The median age of the patients was 63 years (IQR 49 - 71); 59 (67%) were male, 65 (86%) had a college degree and 67 (76%) had at least one comorbidity. Twenty-nine (33%) patients were admitted to the intensive care unit, 18 (20%) patients needed mechanical ventilation, and 9 (10.2%) died during hospitalization. The median length of stay in the intensive care unit and the median duration of mechanical ventilation was 23 and 29.5 days, respectively. An age ≥ 65 years was an independent risk factor for mechanical ventilation (OR 8.4 95%CI 1.3 - 55.6 p = 0.02). Conclusion: Our findings describe the first wave of Brazilian patients hospitalized for COVID-19. Age was the strongest predictor of respiratory insufficiency and the need for mechanical ventilation in our population.

Afectación respiratoria por coronavirus (COVID-19) / Respiratory involvement by coronavirus (COVID-19)

In December 2019, an epidemic of cases with unexplained lower respiratory infections detected in Wuhan, China was first reported to the WHO China Office. The respiratory picture presents in various ways, from asymptomatic or paucisymptomatic forms, to clinical conditions characterized by respiratory failure that require mechanical ventilation and support in the ICU, with multi-organ and systemic manifestations in terms of sepsis, septic shock and multiple organ dysfunction syndromes. The etiological agent was identified as a virus belonging to the coronavirus family (CoV) with a high contagion capacity that determined its rapid spread, triggering a pandemic with high morbidity and mortality. This review attempts to address the basics of this disease.

COVID-19: Adaptation of a model to predicting healthcare resources needs in Valle del Cauca, Colombia / COVID-19: Predicción de las necesidades de recursos sanitarios en el Valle del Cauca, Colombia

Abstract Background: Valle del Cauca is the region with the fourth-highest number of COVID-19 cases in Colombia (>50,000 on September 7, 2020). Due to the lack of anti-COVID-19 therapies, decision-makers require timely and accurate data to estimate the incidence of disease and the availability of hospital resources to contain the pandemic. Methods: We adapted an existing model to the local context to forecast COVID-19 incidence and hospital resource use assuming different scenarios: (1) the implementation of quarantine from September 1st to October 15th (average daily growth rate of 2%); (2-3) partial restrictions (at 4% and 8% growth rates); and (4) no restrictions, assuming a 10% growth rate. Previous scenarios with predictions from June to August were also presented. We estimated the number of new cases, diagnostic tests required, and the number of available hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) beds (with and without ventilators) for each scenario. Results: We estimated 67,700 cases by October 15th when assuming the implementation of a quarantine, 80,400 and 101,500 cases when assuming partial restrictions at 4% and 8% infection rates, respectively, and 208,500 with no restrictions. According to different scenarios, the estimated demand for reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction tests ranged from 202,000 to 1,610,600 between September 1st and October 15th. The model predicted depletion of hospital and ICU beds by September 20th if all restrictions were to be lifted and the infection growth rate increased to 10%. Conclusion: Slowly lifting social distancing restrictions and reopening the economy is not expected to result in full resource depletion by October if the daily growth rate is maintained below 8%. Increasing the number of available beds provides a safeguard against slightly higher infection rates. Predictive models can be iteratively used to obtain nuanced predictions to aid decision-making

Resumen Introducción: Valle del Cauca es el departamento con el cuarto mayor número de casos de COVID-19 en Colombia (>50,000 en septiembre 7, 2020). Debido a la ausencia de tratamientos efectivos para COVID-19, los tomadores de decisiones requieren de acceso a información actualizada para estimar la incidencia de la enfermedad, y la disponibilidad de recursos hospitalarios para contener la pandemia. Métodos: Adaptamos un modelo existente al contexto local para estimar la incidencia de COVID-19, y la demanda de recursos hospitalarios en los próximos meses. Para ello, modelamos cuatro escenarios hipotéticos: (1) el gobierno local implementa una cuarentena desde el primero de septiembre hasta el 15 de octubre (asumiendo una tasa promedio de infecciones diarias del 2%); (2-3) se implementan restricciones parciales (tasas de infección del 4% y 8%); (4) se levantan todas las restricciones (tasa del 10%). Los mismos escenarios fueron previamente evaluados entre julio y agosto, y los resultados fueron resumidos. Estimamos el número de casos nuevos, el número de pruebas diagnósticas requeridas, y el numero de camas de hospital y de unidad de cuidados intensivos (con y sin ventilación) disponibles, para cada escenario. Resultados: El modelo estimó 67,700 casos a octubre 15 al asumir la implementación de una nueva cuarentena, 80,400 y 101,500 al asumir restricciones parciales al 4 y 8% de infecciones diarias, respectivamente, y 208,500 al asumir ninguna restricción. La demanda por pruebas diagnósticas (de reacción en cadena de la polimerasa) fue estimada entre 202,000 y 1,610,600 entre septiembre 1 y octubre 15, a través de los diferentes escenarios evaluados. El modelo estimó un agotamiento de camas de cuidados intensivos para septiembre 20 al asumir una tasa de infecciones del 10%. Conclusión: Se estima que el levantamiento paulatino de las restricciones de distanciamiento social y la reapertura de la economía no debería causar el agotamiento de recursos hospitalarios si la tasa de infección diaria se mantiene por debajo del 8%. Sin embargo, incrementar la disponibilidad de camas permitiría al sistema de salud ajustarse rápidamente a potenciales picos inesperados de infecciones nuevas. Los modelos de predicción deben ser utilizados de manera iterativa para depurar las predicciones epidemiológicas y para proveer a los tomadores de decisiones con información actualizada.